Retention Ability Research Articles

Effects of periodic drought with severe exhaust exposure on particle retention capacity and physiological responses of Photinia × fraseri Dress

Urban plants are regarded as an effective agent to control particulate matter (PM) pollution by absorbing PM. Repeated PM and drought stress in urban areas often cause morphological and physiological damage to plants, resulting in lower ecological benefits. Nevertheless, knowledge in PM retention capability, morphology and physiology of plants under repeated stress and cross stress has been barely available. In order to investigate changes in these aspects under repeated stress, we applied periodic drought with severe exhaust exposure on Photinia × fraseri Dress (a common urban tree species with strong PM retention ability). The study was carried out in a six-period scenario, with a duration of 10 days for each period: initial value (R0), initial stress period (S1), initial recovery period (R1) second stress period (S2), second recovery period (R2) and final stress period (S3). The results are as follows: In terms of periodic factor, PM retention of tail gas stress group (P) and cross stress group (PD) in S2 decreased by 10.00 μg/cm2 and 12.60 μg/cm2 respectively compared with those during S1 (p > 0.05). During S3, the total amount of PM on leaf surface in both P and PD demonstrated a significant decrease (p < 0.05). The retention capacity of P. fraseri may be dramatically limited under multi-period stress. In this experiment, we attribute the decrease of PM retention to the morphological changes (shedding of mature leaves, smaller leaf area and thinner wax layer) and physiological responses (an increase in gas exchange) under multi-period stress. In terms of cross-stress factor, the total retained PM on leaf surface in PD was higher than that in P, especially during S3, and the interaction between drought and PM reached a significant level (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.808), which indicated that drought reduced the loss of dust under PM stress. Changes in morphology and gas exchange indicated that the mechanisms for the high dust retention rate on the leaf surface of PD group varied in the three stress periods. In addition, except the chlorophyll relative value, the alleviated accumulation of MDA and intense production of soluble sugar with PD showed favorable responses to disturbance compared with those in P under the repeated stress. Therefore, we infer that, under multi-period stress of drought and tail gas, P. fraseri may better maintain PM retention ability and resistance than under single stress.

Fructose‐Derived Levan Nanoparticles Protect Against Osteoarthritis by Directly Blocking CD44 Activation

AbstractAlthough the development of several inflammatory diseases can be initiated in response to CD44 receptor signaling dysregulation, anti‐CD44 antibody therapy has been discontinued in clinical trials owing to its severe adverse effects. Moreover, biocompatible materials that block CD44 are unknown. Here, self‐assembled levan nanoparticles (LevNPs) through simple nanoprecipitation without chemical conjugation of biocompatible levan are developed. LevNPs are prepared through a simple nanoprecipitation without chemical conjugation; this results in particles with a consistently dispersed hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 230 nm. The physicochemical properties of LevNP are well‐maintained even after long‐term storage in a physiological buffer, suggesting that LevNPs are stable and useful for various biomedical applications. A protein array and an in silico LevNP‐CD44 interaction assay reveal that LevNPs specifically bind to CD44. Importantly, CD44 is highly expressed in the cartilage of patients with osteoarthritis (OA). LevNPs showed no cytotoxicity and reduced catabolic factor expression in an OA mimic in vitro. Furthermore, intra‐articular injection of LevNPs exhibited long‐term retention ability in the knee joint and protection against posttraumatic OA cartilage destruction in mice with medial meniscus destabilization–induced OA. These results show that LevNPs are biocompatible and exhibit potential as a nanotherapeutic for protecting against OA pathogenesis by directly blocking CD44.

Toward energy saving and food safety in Central Mozambique: the role of improved cook stoves and heat retention boxes

BackgroundAlmost 80% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa relies on traditional biomass for cooking, which is typically associated with negative environmental, health, economic, and social impacts. Thus, many stakeholders, including development agencies and national governments in the Global South are promoting the use of the improved cookstove in order to save cooking time, save financial assets, maximize fuel efficiency, and reduce indoor air pollution. However, little attention is paid to the heating practices among households, which can determine food safety levels. Specifically, cooked food should be kept at temperatures above the danger zone (from 5 to 57 °C) prior to its consumption to prevent its contamination by bacteria and other unhealthy contaminants. In general, many studies address food preparation and storage separately, despite being complementary. In this study, we attempt to understand whether, the use of improved cookstove combined with heat retention box would result in improvements with regard to fuel and time saving, and adequate food storage temperatures. Furthermore, we examine the acceptability of food prepared with these two systems based on consumers’ preference analysis. Involving 122 participants, the study was conducted in Gurué district, central Mozambique.ResultsThe use of improved cookstove resulted in energy savings of 9% and 17% for cooking maize porridge and beans curry, respectively. The overall time consumption for cooking decreased by 14% (beans curry) and 24% (maize porridge). The use of heat retention boxes shows a better heat retention ability as compared to the locally used heat retention systems (leftovers, banana leaves).ConclusionsThe study concludes that improved cookstove is a sustainable mean for saving cooking time and fuel. Heat retention box has a potential to maintain adequate food storage temperatures. Both improved cookstove and heat retention box present a superior performance compared to traditional technologies; thus, can easily be diffused for not affecting the quality of food.

Ammonium enrichment and recovery from synthetic and real industrial wastewater by amine-modified thin film composite forward osmosis membranes

In this study, we aimed to recover and enrich NH4+ from real wastewater using forward osmosis (FO). Positively-charged thin film composite (TFC) membranes were developed via chemical grafting with positively-charged polyethyleneimine (PEI). The TFC membrane surface was first activated using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carboimide (EDC) and n-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) to convert the carboxyl groups of polyamide into amine-reactive NHS esters. PEI grafting significantly increased the NH4+ retention in the feed solution. To further improve the NH4+ rejection, quaternization of the amine functional groups of PEI was conducted with iodomethane. Quaternization was found to further increase NH4+ rejection, up to over 98.5%, while maintaining similar water permeability with the PEI-grafted TFC membrane. Fouling control of the pristine and amine-modified TFC membranes were also demonstrated, and the quaternary amine-modified TFC membrane exhibited superior fouling resistance against organic and biological foulants. The amine-modified TFC membranes were evaluated for applicability for dewatering and NH4+ enrichment of real industrial wastewater. NH4+ enrichment using the PEI-grafted membranes was observed following wastewater dewatering, indicating the high NH4+ retention ability of the TFC membranes modified via amine grafting and quaternization. Wastewater dewatering of 90.3 and 92.4% were achieved using TFC-PEI-10 and TFC-qPEI, respectively.

Comparison of the efficacy of periodontal prognostic systems in predicting tooth loss

AimThe aim of this analysis was to assess how different tooth‐prognosis systems could predict tooth loss in a cohort of periodontitis patients followed up prospectively during supportive periodontal care (SPC).Materials and MethodsClinical and radiographic data of 97 patients undergoing regular SPC for 5 years were used to assign tooth prognosis using four different systems (McGuire & Nunn, 1996; Kwok & Caton, 2007; Graetz et al., 2011; Nibali et al., 2017). Three independent examiners assigned tooth prognosis using all four systems, following a calibration exercise. The association between prognostic categories and tooth loss was tested for each prognostic system separately and across prognostic systems.ResultsAll four systems showed good reproducibility and could identify teeth at higher risk of being lost during 5 years of SPC; the risk of tooth loss increased with the worsening of tooth‐prognosis category (p < .0001). Although specificity and negative predictive values were good, low sensitivity and positive predictive values were detected for all systems.ConclusionsPreviously published periodontal prognostic systems exhibited good reproducibility and predictive ability for tooth retention. However, low sensitivity was detected, with several teeth in the worst prognosis category being retained at 5 years. Some modifications in the number of categories and their definitions are suggested.

Silencing of the Prophenoloxidase Gene BtPPO1 Increased the Ability of Acquisition and Retention of Tomato chlorosis virus by Bemisia tabaci.

Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) has seriously impacted tomato production around the world. ToCV is semi-persistently transmitted by the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, which is a serious agricultural pest in the world. However, the interaction mechanism between ToCV and its whitefly vector is still poorly understood. Our previous transcriptome analysis demonstrated that the expression level of an immune-related gene, prophenoloxidase (PPO), in B. tabaci increased after ToCV acquisition, which indicates that the PPO may be involved in the interaction mechanism between the ToCV and its vector. To determine the role of the PPO in the acquisition and retention of ToCV by B. tabaci, we cloned the complete Open Reading Frames (ORF) of the BtPPOs (BtPPO1 and BtPPO2), and then structure and phylogenetic analyses were performed. BtPPOs were closely related to the PPO genes of Hemiptera insects. Spatial-temporal expression detection was qualified by using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and this revealed that BtPPOs were expressed in all tissues and developmental stages. We found that only BtPPO1 was significantly upregulated after B. tabaci acquired ToCV for 12 and 24 h. According to the paraffin-fluorescence probe-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiment, we verified that ToCV and BtPPO1 were co-located in the thorax of B. tabaci, which further revealed the location of their interaction. Finally, the effects of the BtPPOs on ToCV acquisition and retention by B. tabaci were determined using RNA interference (RNAi). The results showed that the RNAi of the responsive gene (BtPPO1) significantly increased the titer of ToCV in B. tabaci. These results demonstrate that BtPPO1 participates in ToCV acquisition and retention by B. tabaci.

A method to increase the workability retention of concrete with limestone calcined clay based cementitious system using a dispersing agent containing sodium hexametaphosphate

This study is focused on increasing the workability retention of concrete with high replacements of cement by limestone calcined clay, or LC2 (≥45% by weight of binder). The effect of three commercially available PCE-based superplasticizers (SPs) on workability retention is studied. To enhance the retention ability of the concrete with SPs, a combination of sodium hexametaphosphate and anhydrous sodium carbonate as a dispersing agent (DA) is used. The study is conducted in three phases. In phase 1, the effect of DA with different SPs is studied on a concrete and concrete equivalent mortar with LC2 content of 45%. Flow table test and slump cone test are performed on mortar and concrete to assess the workability retention for 2 h from adding water to the mix. Additionally, the cube compressive strength is measured at 3, 7, and 28 days from casting. The addition of DA increases the workability retention of the concrete significantly. A slump of more than 200 mm is achieved after 2 h for concrete with DA against less than 100 mm without DA. Further, in phase 2, the effect of change in LC2 content on workability retention and compressive strength is studied. The LC2 contents used in this phase are 25, 35, 55, and 75%. It is observed that with an increase in the LC2 content, the workability retention drastically reduces for mortar mixes with only SPs. However, the addition of DA increased the workability retention of the mixes. The slump increased from 5 mm to 205 mm for a concrete mix with 75% LC2 content with addition of 0.5% DA. The last phase of the study is focused on evaluating the effect of SP and DA on the hydration kinetics of the mix by isothermal calorimetry. The combination of SP and DA acts as a strong retarder, resulting in a lower compressive strength at 3 days from casting. However, a minor reduction in compressive strength is seen at later ages with the addition of the DA. Further, a theoretical model is proposed elaborating the interaction of DA with the binder system, resulting in increased workability retention.

Synthesis of C8F13-SiO2 stationary phase for chromatographic separation of highly polar compounds

Up to now, the chromatographic separation and analysis of highly polar compounds are still challenging because of low retention ability and selectivity of conventional stationary phases (SPs). Developing new SPs to achieve high-resolution and high-efficiency separation of polar compounds is of great importance for health and medicine, food safety, environmental protection, etc.. Herein, an influential multi-step modification strategy (modification with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane on the silica twice and end-capped with trimethylchlorosilane once) is introduced to prepare C8F13-SiO2 SP. The physical properties of C8F13-SiO2 SP, including morphologies, pore structures and carbon content were fully characterized by various instrumental techniques. The packed HPLC column with C8F13-SiO2 SP exhibited high column efficiency, good peak shape (tailing factors for most analytes are between 0.9 and 1.3), and resolution for simultaneous separation of ginsenosides, sulfonamides, nucleosides, and benzoylurea insecticides (BUs); meanwhile, the retention mechanism of typical reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) mode was observed. A column efficiency of 30,220 plates/m for separation of ginsenoside Re was obtained. Furthermore, the resulting columns benefit from the advantages of supreme reproducibility, repeatability and stability. Importantly, the chromatographic properties (e.g. column efficiencies, chromatographic peak shapes, retention ability and resolution) of the C8F13-SiO2 SP for the polar analytes were superior to those of the commercial SPs (including commercial amino-modified silica SP, diol-modified silica SP and commercial PFP-SiO2 SP). Thus, the C8F13-SiO2 SP is able to satisfy the strict requirements of highly polar compounds separation.

Phosphorus sorption capacity of various iron-organic matter associations in peat soils.

This study was carried out to evaluate the contribution of different types of iron-organic matter associations (Fe-OM) to the phosphorus sorption capacity of peatland. Humic substance (HS) and particulate organic matter (POM) were isolated from peat soils, and different types of iron-organic matter associations (Fe-HS and Fe-POM) were prepared. Then, isothermal adsorption experiments were carried out on the synthesized Fe-OM and iron-contained peat soils. The morphology structure of Fe-HS associations is amorphous like that of ferrihydrite. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of Fe-HS associations can reach 36.90mg/g, which is approximately two times higher than that of ferrihydrite (19.23mg/g) and ten times higher than that of hematite (3.26mg/g) and goethite (2.08mg/g). Both peat soils and POM can strongly complex ferric ions, resulting in improved phosphorus sorption capacity. The Qmax of original peat soil and POM is 2.83mg/g and 4.31mg/g, which increased to 7.36mg/g and 5.89mg/g, respectively, after complexing ferric ions. Compared to inorganic Fe minerals, the associations of iron and organic matter (HS and POM) contribute more to the phosphorus retention ability of peat soils. However, the formation of Fe-OM associations could not fully explain why the addition of iron increases the phosphorus sorption capacity of peat soil by so much. Iron should also participate in other phosphorus retention processes, which need further exploration and research.

Lignin-containing hydrogels with anti-freezing, excellent water retention and super-flexibility for sensor and supercapacitor applications

We developed a highly conductive and flexible, anti-freezing sulfonated lignin (SL)-containing polyacrylic acid (PAA) (SL-g-PAA-Ni) hydrogel, with a high concentration of NiCl2. Ni2+ contributes multi-functions to the preparation of the hydrogel and its final properties, such as fast polymerization reaction as a result of the presence of redox pairs of Ni3+/Ni2+ and hydroquinone/quinone, and anti-freezing properties of the hydrogel due to the salt effects of NiCl2 so that at −20 °C the hydrogel shows similar properties to those at the room temperature. Thanks to the effective coordinations of Ni2+ with catecholic groups and carboxylic groups, as well as the rich hydrogen bonding capacity, the resultant hydrogel possesses excellent mechanical properties. High ionic conductivity (6.85 S·m−1) of the hydrogel is obtained due to the supply of high concentration of Ni2+. Moreover, the ionic solvation effect of NiCl2 in the hydrogel imparts excellent water retention ability, with water retention of ~93 % after 21-day storage. The SL-g-PAA-Ni hydrogel can accurately detect various human motions at −20 °C. The supercapacitor assembled from SL-g-PAA-Al hydrogel at −20 °C manifests a high specific capacitance of 252 F·g−1, with maximum energy density of 26.97 Wh·kg−1, power density of 2667 W·kg−1, and capacitance retention of 96.7 % after 3000 consecutive charge-discharge cycles.

Influence of addition of two typical activated carbons on fertility properties and mechanical strength of vegetation concrete under freeze-thaw conditions

Under freeze-thaw conditions, the substrates used for ecological protection degrade, which involves decreases in compactness and fertiliser retention ability. As such, our purpose in this study was to use two typical types of activated carbon (AC), wood-based activated carbon (WAC) and coal-based activated carbon (CAC), to enhance the antifrost property of vegetation concrete (VC). We investigated the effects of five different proportions of planting soil weight (0.5 %, 1 %, 2 %, 4 %, and 6 %) mixed in each type of AC to determine their influence on the physical, mechanical, chemical, and biological properties of VC. The VC samples prepared without AC were used as control check (CK). The results showed that AC addition effectively enhanced the nutrient retention and microorganism capacity of VC under freeze-thaw conditions (10 and 60 freeze-thaw cycles). The leaching loss rate of ammonium nitrogen (NH4+–N) decreased to 31.98 % for WAC-6 %-60 from 46.87 % for CK-60, and the microorganism biomass carbon (MBC) increased to 138.54 mg·kg−1 for WAC-6 %-60 from 103.52 mg·kg−1 for CK-60. However, we observed some negative effects, including decreases in the cohesion and internal friction angle. In addition, the water holding capacity and matric suction first increased and then decreased as the proportion of AC mixed in the VC increased, with a turning point of approximately 2 %. By comprehensively considering previous VC eco-restoration technology study results, the recommended mixing amount of AC is 1 %–2 %, which would take full advantage of the benefits of AC and ensure that any negative effect of its use falls within an acceptable range. In addition, WAC generally performed better than CAC, but the aging rate of the former was faster than that of the latter according to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) analysis. From our results, we concluded that incorporating AC into VC improves the suitability of VC when applied in freeze-thaw conditions.

Iota-carrageenan/xyloglucan/serine powders loaded with tranexamic acid for simultaneously hemostatic, antibacterial, and antioxidant performance.

This study sought to prepare powder hemostats based on iota-carrageenan (ιC), xyloglucan (XYL), l-serine (SER), and tranexamic acid (TA). The powder form was chosen because it enables the hemostat to be used in wounds of any shape and depth. The powder hemostats showed irregular shapes and specific surface areas ranging from 34 to 46 m2/g. Increasing TA amount decreases the specific surface area, bulk density, water and blood absorption, and the antibacterial activities of the powder hemostats, but not the water retention ability. Conversely, in vitro biodegradation was positively impacted by increasing the TA content in the powder hemostats. In both the in vitro and in vivo tests, powder hemostats showed reduced bleeding time, significant adhesion of red blood cells, great hemocompatibility, moderate antioxidant activity, and high biocompatibility. These findings shed new light on designing powder hemostats with intrinsic antibacterial and antioxidant activity and excellent hemostatic performance.

The structure and property of polyacrylonitrile-based microfiltration membranes for oil-water emulsion separation

The polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based microfiltration membranes material was prepared used waste polyacrylonitrile fibers as the raw material. The PAN membranes have two different structure, the surface layer is finger pore structure, below layer is cavernous pore structure with the porosity is 85.92%. The PAN membrane shows super strong hydrophilicity (high water permeability) and ultra low adhesion of underwater oil (good oilresistance) under different pH values and different surfactants. The flux of PAN membranes is 1952.63 L•m−2• H−1 • bar−1, the oil retention ability is 99.14% when the film thickness was 100 μm, the PAN concentration was 7%, and the alkali treatment time was 1 h. The PAN membrane is an environmentally friendly material, have good application potential for oil-water emulsion separation and recycling of waste oil. Preparation of separation and filtration materials provides a good way to recycle waste PAN fibers and has potential practical value in oil-water separation field.

Study of employees soft skill with reference to colleges in hyderabad

Verbal and written communication skills are needed and is of primary importance in any workplace as they set the tone for how people perceive you. It has a vital role in building relationship with your team mates. These skills boost one’s performance as you get clear expectations from your seniors so that you can deliver excellent work output. Employers look for these skills in employees as workers are more productive when they communicate well with their team members. This study focuses on the writing and speaking skills of undergraduate students of the colleges mainly in Hyderabad, Telangana and also in other parts of the country. The method of data collection is questionnaire and discussions. It was found that the course syllabus is not sufficient enough for improvement of soft skills in presentation. This research study confirms that the curriculum does not provide any further scope for improving the writing skills of learners, instead it assesses memory retention and reproductive abilities. There is a huge gap between expectation and achievement levels of efficacy.

A comparative physio-chemical study of steel slag blended cementitious materials in presence of hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose

The applications of steel slag (SS) in the cement industry provide a sustainable solution both for construction materials and industrial solid wastes, but the problem of easily bleeding presents a threat to its later performance and utilization efficiency. This work was designed to improve the water retention of SS blended cement by using hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC) and evaluate the physio-chemical properties of the modified SS cement. The interaction mechanism between HEMC and SS blended cement was explored via calorimetry, acoustic and electroacoustic spectrometer, low-field NMR relaxometry, XRD, TG-DSC, as well as fluorescent microscopy. Results show that the water retention of SS blended cement mortar is improved both by ultra-fine grinding and incorporating HEMC, while the water retention rates are prominently increased from 84.87% to 94.35% by 0.1% HEMC. Ultra-fine grinding is able to activate SS and improve water retention ability more efficient compared with the application of HEMC. HEMC does not modify the amount of hydration heat but postpones the occurrence of the exothermic peak. A sudden increase in zeta potential demonstrates the Ca2+-adsorption on surfaces of SCM and cement particles. An additional peak commences on the 1H NMR spectrum of HEMC incorporated cement paste, which reflects the water adsorbed by HEMC, starting to submerge after 500 min via the desorption of water. HEMC affects the SS blended mortar via adsorbing on particles in the paste, capturing water and Ca2+ around it, thus improving the water retention and retarding the hydrate-polymerization.

A polyurethane foam membrane filled with double cross-linked chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose gel and decorated with ZSM-5 nano zeolite: Simultaneous dye removal

A novel bio-based polyurethane foam was fabricated using double cross-linked chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose gel, filled with ZSM-5 nano zeolite, and hot-pressed into the membrane. The prepared foam membrane was characterized using FESEM, FTIR, BET, TGA, and pHZPC analyses and then used for continuous dye removal. The results modification of polyurethane foam with chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose gel and ZSM-5 nano zeolite would increase the retention ability of positive cationic methylene blue. Also, the foam could simultaneously remove methyl orange, eriochrome black T, and methylene blue from the binary and trinary solutions but could effectively be used to selectively removal methylene blue. In addition, the dye removal ability at the breakthrough was enhanced with decreasing flow rate, and increasing bed height, pH, initial dye concentration, and nano zeolite content in the foam. To describe the breakthrough curves different models were utilized which best fits were obtained with Modified Dose-Response as compared to Thomas, Adams & Bohart, Yoon–Nelson, and Wolborska models.

Differential Occurrence of Cuticular Wax and Its Role in Leaf Physiological Mechanisms of Three Edible Aroids of Northeast India

The localization of cuticular wax (CW) on the leaf epidermis and its interaction with the physiological mechanisms of three edible aroids, Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma, were assessed. CW in the leaf tissues was visualized using scanning electron microscopy, which was higher in Colocasia (10.61 mg·dm−2) and Xanthosoma (11.36 mg·dm−2) than in Alocasia (1.36 mg·dm−2). Colocasia CW exhibited superhydrophobic properties with a higher static contact angle (CA) (&gt;150°) than Xanthosoma (99.0°) and Alocasia (128.7°). The higher CW in Colocasia and Xanthosoma resulted in better leaf chlorophyll stability, moisture retention ability, and cellular membrane integrity compared to Alocasia. CW acted as a protecting barrier against deleterious solar radiation in terms of sun protection factor (SPF). The glossy appearance of wax crystals in the Alocasia leaf cuticles resulted in higher SPF. Overall, Colocasia CW highly influenced the qualitative and protective mechanisms of the leaf. Our study sheds light on the pivotal role of CW in the physiological properties of aroid leaves, which would be useful for the selection of wax-rich plants for augmenting future breeding strategies. The information would also be useful for further exploration of the industrial potential of superhydrophobic wax crystals obtained from edible aroids.

Realizing Simultaneous X‐Ray Imaging and Dosimetry Using Phosphor‐Based Detectors with High Memory Stability and Convenient Readout Process

AbstractFlexible X‐ray storage phosphor sheets are regarded as promising alternatives to conventional electronic flat‐panel X‐ray detectors, enabling X‐ray imaging and dosimetry in less accessible situations. However, it is a challenge to develop phosphor‐based detectors with high memory stability and convenient readout processes. Here, an approach to realize this using radiation‐induced photoluminescence tuning in (Ba1‐xSrx)2SiO4:Eu phosphors is demonstrated, ascribed to the reduction of Eu3+ toward Eu2+. The associated photoluminescence spectral change and the accompanying color contrast in response to the radiation dose are exploited for simultaneous X‐ray dosimetry and imaging. The recorded image can be read out conveniently by a regular photo camera upon UV illumination and the radiation dose can be extracted during the imaging process in a ratiometric way via the green to red pixel intensity, avoiding the need for absolute intensity measurement. Moreover, the imaged information can be maintained for longer than 28 days and the plate can be reused for X‐ray detection after bleaching upon 420 nm illumination, exhibiting superior memory retention ability and good cycling resistance. These results reveal the great potential of (Ba1‐xSrx)2SiO4:Eu for X‐ray‐based microbeam radiation therapy and nondestructive inspection and are expected to stimulate research on phosphor‐based photoluminescence modulated detectors.

Photo-crosslinking ionic conductive PVA-SbQ/FeCl3 hydrogel sensors

Conductive hydrogels are attracting intensive attention as promising materials for versatile applications such as human motion sensors, sensory skin and soft robotics. However, traditional hydrogels with single-network always have poor mechanical properties, while those with double-network are difficult to be prepared and inevitable to utilize chemical crosslinking agents which are poisonous. Herein, a polyvinyl alcohol bearing styrylpyridinium group (PVA-SbQ) /FeCl3 hydrogel sensor with unique double-crosslinked single network was prepared by UV photo-crosslinking and ionic coordination interaction. The PVA-SbQ/FeCl3 hydrogel possessed remarkable stretchability (~858%), good tensile stress (~0.3 MPa), high ionic conductivity (0.29 S/m), fine sensitivity, and excellent water retention ability due to the photo-crosslinking, physical crosslinking and hydrogen bond interaction worked in tandem and the introduction of Fe3+ ions. These properties endowed the PVA-SbQ/FeCl3 hydrogel with the potential for practical applications as flexible electronic components.

Analysis of impact of desensitizing agents on the retention of crowns cemented with luting agents

The present study was undertaken for assessing the impact of desensitizing agents on the retention of crowns cemented with luting agents. 40 freshly extracted mandibular molar teeth were selected. Two study groups were made: Group C: Control group-Glass ionomer cement; and Group G: Study group-GC Tooth Mousse desensitizer. Crowns were fabricated and were subjected under universal force testing machine. All the results were recorded in Microsoft excel sheet and were analyzed by SPSS software. Mean tensile bond strength of group C specimens was 49.1 Kg while mean tensile strength of Group 2 specimens was 47.1 Kg respectively. While comparing statistically, non-significant results were obtained. Application of desensitizing agents may be designated during fabrication of crowns as it will not affect the retentive ability of the luting cements.