Solid Samples Research Articles

Abstract 6396: Ex vivo 3D micro tumor testing to assess chemotherapy and immunotherapy responses for NSCLC patients

Abstract Background: Systemic treatment options for NSCLC patients consists of chemo-, targeted or immunotherapy. Although predictive biomarkers can guide treatment decisions, response prediction for chemo- and immunotherapy is still a challenge. Recent studies showed the potential of functional testing to assess patient sensitivity to drugs in various cancers, but NSCLC is lacking. This study reports the feasibility of ex vivo 3D micro lung tumor testing with native tumor microenvironment (TME) to enable treatment sensitivity profiling for all drug classes in parallel. Methods: Fresh NSCLC tumor tissue was collected from pleural fluid stage IVa/b (N=24) or resected primary tumor for stage I-III disease (N=11). Tumor clusters were isolated and exposed to drugs, while preserving the TME. Thirteen therapies were included, including cisplatin, pembrolizumab, osimertinib, and positive control for immune sensitivity (SEA). Morphological features were extracted from high-throughput 3D imaging data. Chemo- and targeted therapy sensitivity was based on AUC comparison of fitted dose-response curves. Immunotherapy sensitivity was classified on percentage and statistical significance of tumor killing, immune cell proliferation and cytokine profiling. Results: The overall assay success rate for solid samples was 64% (7/11), with 100% (4/4) success after protocol optimization. For pleural fluids, the overall success rate was 33% (8/24), caused by many samples arriving without tumor content (13/24, 54%). Excluding these samples, a technical success rate of 73% (8/11) was obtained. The assay was robust and reproducible (mean Z’ = 0.38, CV = 16.1%). Results were delivered in two weeks and on average, eight treatments were tested in parallel per sample. Patient-specific response profiles were observed for chemo-, targeted and immunotherapy. General immunotherapy sensitivity (SEA) was measured in 50% (6/12) of the tissues. Distinct responses were observed for the different immunotherapies: 33% (4/12), 17% (2/12) and 8% (1/12) of the patients responded to pembrolizumab, atezolizumab and/or ipilimumab, respectively. Strong response to osimertinib was observed in a patient with EGFR exon 19 mutation (AUC = 0.26) versus resistance in a WT patient (AUC=0.92). Conclusion: Ex vivo 3D micro tumor testing using liquid and solid tissues is feasible for NSCLC patients with resected primary tumor or pleuritis carcinomatosa. Distinct patient sensitivity profiles for chemo-, targeted and immunotherapies were measured. A preliminary correlation of targeted therapy response with mutation status was found. Discussion: The ex vivo 3D micro tumor testing platform is proven predictive for platinum-based therapy. The current study established the methods to accurately measure ex vivo NSCLC responses to all drug classes to correlate with clinical measures and further validate the platform for guiding treatment decisions. Citation Format: Esmee Koedoot, Timothy J. Sijsenaar, Lieke J. Ceton, Dieudonné J. van der Meer, Thomas J. van Brakel, Peter van Zwam, Erica Geraedts, Willemijn Vader, Egbert F. Smit, Laurie C. Steinbusch, Christi M. Steendam. Ex vivo 3D micro tumor testing to assess chemotherapy and immunotherapy responses for NSCLC patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6396.

Abstract 1618: Highly populated phylogenetic reconstruction in patients with hormone receptor positive - HER2 non-amplified metastatic breast cancer

Abstract Background: Tumor progression still needs to be further elucidated in hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer, the most common subtype of breast cancer. Here, leveraging the extensive sampling approach of our postmortem rapid tissue donation program UPTIDER (NCT04531696), we used phylogenic reconstruction to analyze disease progression. Patients and Methods: Thirteen patients with HR+/HER2 non-amplified primary breast cancer, recruited in UPTIDER between 12/2020 and 05/2022, were considered. Shallow whole-genome sequencing was performed on 495 solid samples including a matched germline DNA and archived primary tumor sample for each patient. Log2 coverage ratios were computed with CNVkit and profiles with median absolute pairwise deviation < 0.35 were co-segmented per patient using the copynumber R package. Purity and ploidy were assessed by ABSOLUTE and manually reviewed. Samples with purity > 30% were kept for downstream analysis. Phylogenetic reconstruction was performed using MEDICC2 for each patient. Metrics derived from the trees were: (i) tree length, (ii) trunk length, (iii) trunk ratio as trunk length/tree length*100. Overall survival (OS) was defined as time between primary diagnosis and death. Comparison was done using Wilcoxon test, time to event analysis using cox regression. Endocrine resistance was defined as per the ESMO guidelines (PMID:34678411). Results: 81% (399/495) of the samples passed QC. Phylogenies included a median of 28 samples per patient (range: 9-59) and 10/13 phylogenies included primary samples at diagnosis. Multi-seeding from the primary tumor was observed in 7 patients, suspected in 1, and a single seeding was observed in 2 patients. Median OS was 8.0 years. Higher trunk ratios tended to associate with poorer OS (Hazard ratio: 1.08 per 1% increase, 95% confidence interval: 0.99-1.16, p=0.06). In organs where multiple metastatic lesions were sampled (n= 73 organs, median of 3 samples/organ, range: 2-18 and median of 5 organs per patient, range: 1-10) seeding from at least 2 organs was detected in 48% (35/73) of the organs. Phylogenies from patients with secondary endocrine resistance (7 patients) tended to have a shorter trunk compared to patients with primary endocrine resistance (5 patients, median of 18 and 48 alterations respectively, p=0.15). Conclusion: Branching evolution from the primary tumor was more frequently observed than linear evolution. Phylogenies revealed extensive tumor heterogeneity, questioning treatment decisions based on a single biopsy. Additionally, evaluation of multiple metastatic samples per organ showed seeding from multiple organs in 48% of organs evaluated, indicating greater disease heterogeneity than previously thought. Phylogenetic differences were also noted according to the type of endocrine resistance (primary versus secondary). Citation Format: Francois Richard, Tatjana Geukens, Maxim De Schepper, Amena Mahdami, Karen Van Baelen, Marion Maetens, Gitte Zels, Ha-Linh Nguyen, Anirudh Pabba, Sophoa Leduc, Edoardo Isnaldi, Josephine Van Cauwenberge, Kristien Borremans, Hava Izci, Imane Bachir, Sigrid Hatse, Peter Vermeulen, Evy Vanderheyden, Bram Boeckx, Diether Lambrechts, Ann Smeets, Ines Nevelsteen, Kevin Punie, Patrick Neven, Hans Wildiers, Wouter Van Den Bogaert, Jonas Demeulemeester, Elia Biganzoli, Giuseppe Floris, Christine Desmedt. Highly populated phylogenetic reconstruction in patients with hormone receptor positive - HER2 non-amplified metastatic breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1618.

Synthesis, studies on properties of Eu3+/Dy3+ co–doped BaMoO4 nanophosphors via hydrothermal method

AbstractThe article shows the outstanding properties and luminescence ability of Eu3+/Dy3+ co–doped BaMoO4 (BMED) materials, which have been successfully fabricated by the hydrothermal method. The crystalline structure analysis of BMED nanophosphor by X–ray diffraction (XRD) shows that it has a structure single–phase structure, with tetragonal BaMoO4 (JCPDS 029–0193), consist of spherical nanoparticles with a size diameter of 31.79–52.99 nm. The characteristic vibrational modes of molybdate lattice in the Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful Eu3+/Dy3+ co–doped into the host matrix. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE–SEM) image shows that the BMED consists of quite uniform nanoparticle with sizes less than 50 nm. The energy dispersive spectra (EDS) confirm the purity and uniform distribution of elements Eu, Dy, Mo, O, Ba throughout in the solid sample. The BMED nanophosphor has is small bandgap from 2.83 to 3.00 eV. The photoluminescence spectra show that BMED have strong red emission at 616 nm of the transition (5D0 → 7F2) with luminescence lifetime from 0.330 to 1.429 ms. The BMED nanophosphor have potential application for the production of warm wLEDs, agricultural lighting and biomedical marking.

Enhancing room temperature performance of solid-state lithium cell via a facile solid electrolyte-cathode interface design

Herein, we report the enhanced electrochemical performance of a solid-state cell realized through an engineered solid electrolyte-cathode interface via a simple casting technique. The ceramic-in-polymer solid electrolyte sample with 15 wt% NASICON-type Li1·2Sn0·9Zr0·9Al0·2(PO4)3 ceramic filler in a P(VDF-HFP) matrix (CPSE15) showed the highest room temperature conductivity of ∼1.1 × 10−4 S cm−1 and lithium-ion transference number of ∼0.60. The symmetric Li|CPSE15|Li cell showed a consistent voltage profile with an over-potential of ∼45 mV for 750 h at a current density of 0.1 mA cm−2. CPSE15 slurry was directly cast onto the LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode layer using a doctor-blade coating method to obtain a cathode-electrolyte assembly. Subsequently, a full cell fabricated using this assembly and lithium metal delivered an initial discharge capacity of ∼157 mAh g−1 at 0.2C. Further, the cell exhibited ∼90 mAh g−1 discharge capacity at 1C and sustained 500 charge-discharge cycles at room temperature. The engineered interface in cathode-electrolyte assembly enabled this cell to outperform its conventionally fabricated counterpart with a stacked LFP cathode sheet and freestanding CPSE15 electrolyte membrane, which was attributed to a lower interfacial resistance (∼51%) of the former.

Characterization of solid carbon from hydrocarbon pyrolysis in molten aluminum

This study analyzed the synthesized solid carbon from the pyrolysis of methane, ethane, propane, and natural gas using molten aluminum at 1000 °C. Microscopic examination revealed the formation of spherical structures and capped-carbon nanotubes with average primary particle sizes of 0.18–1.29 μm for the spheres and 0.31–0.39 μm for the capped-carbon nanotubes. Methane and ethane pyrolysis generated spherical carbon exclusively, while propane and natural gas pyrolysis produced spheres and capped-carbon nanotubes. The analysis of interlayer spacing indicated the presence of nanocrystalline properties in all carbon samples. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated broad graphitic phases in methane, ethane, and natural gas-derived carbon, and a broad and sharp graphitic carbon peak in propane-derived carbon. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of graphitic structures and disorder, with capped-carbon nanotubes demonstrating more ordered structures than spheres. The thermogravimetric analysis uncovered differences in oxidation behavior, with the mixture of spherical carbon and capped-carbon nanotubes resulting from propane pyrolysis displaying superior thermal stability compared to samples composed solely of spherical carbon. Additionally, the solid carbon samples from the pyrolysis of methane, ethane, and natural gas displayed a final decomposition curve corresponding with commercial carbon black N991. The surface area analysis unveiled that carbon samples derived from ethane and natural gas exhibited surface areas that were 2.4–5.2 times larger than those of commercial carbon black N991 and graphite flakes. These findings underscore the adaptability of tailoring solid carbon materials by selecting the appropriate feed gas to suit specific applications.

Crystal Structure, Luminescence and Electrical Conductivity of Pure and Mg2+-Doped β-Ga2O3-In2O3 Solid Solutions Synthesized in Oxygen or Argon Atmospheres.

Undoped and Mg2+-doped β-Ga2O3-20% In2O3 solid solution microcrystalline samples were synthesized using the high-temperature solid-state chemical reaction method to investigate the influence of native defects on structural, luminescent, and electrical properties. The synthesis process involved varying the oxygen partial pressure by synthesizing samples in either an oxygen or argon atmosphere. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the monoclinic structure of the samples with the lattice parameters and unit cell volume fitting well to the general trends of the (Ga1-xInx)2O3 solid solution series. Broad emission spectra ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 eV were registered for all samples. Luminescence spectra showed violet, blue, and green emission elementary bands. The luminescence intensity was found to vary depending on the synthesis atmosphere. An argon synthesis atmosphere leads to increasing violet luminescence and decreasing green luminescence. Intense bands at about 4.5 and 5.0 eV and a low-intensity band at 3.3 eV are presented in the excitation spectra. The electrical conductivity of the samples was also determined depending on the synthesis atmosphere. The high-resistance samples obtained in an oxygen atmosphere exhibited activation energy of around 0.98 eV. Samples synthesized in an argon atmosphere demonstrated several orders of magnitude higher conductivity with an activation energy of 0.15 eV. The results suggest that the synthesis atmosphere is crucial in determining the luminescent and electrical properties of undoped β-Ga2O3-In2O3 solid solution samples, offering the potential for various optoelectronic applications.

Photothermal spectroscopy on-chip sensor for the measurement of a PMMA film using a silicon nitride micro-ring resonator and an external cavity quantum cascade laser

Abstract Laser-based mid-infrared (mid-IR) photothermal spectroscopy (PTS) represents a selective, fast, and sensitive analytical technique. Recent developments in laser design permits the coverage of wider spectral regions in combination with higher power, enabling for qualitative reconstruction of broadband absorption features, typical of liquid or solid samples. In this work, we use an external cavity quantum cascade laser (EC-QCL) that emits in pulsed mode in the region between 5.7 and 6.4 µm (1770–1560 cm−1), to measure the absorption spectrum of a thin film of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) spin-coated on top of a silicon nitride (Si3N4) micro-ring resonator (MRR). Being the PTS signal inversely proportional to the volume of interaction, in the classical probe–pump dual beam detection scheme, we exploit a Si3N4 transducer coated with PMMA, as a proof-of-principle for an on-chip photothermal sensor. By tuning the probe laser at the inflection point of one resonance, aiming for highest sensitivity, we align the mid-IR beam on top of the ring’s area, in a transversal configuration. To maximize the amplitude of the photoinduced thermal change, we focus the mid-IR light on top of the ring using a Cassegrain reflector enabling for an optimal match between ring size and beam waist of the excitation source. We briefly describe the transducer design and fabrication process, present the experimental setup, and perform an analysis for optimal operational parameters. We comment on the obtained results showing that PTS allows for miniaturized robust sensors opening the path for on-line/in-line monitoring in several industrial processes.

Rational engineering of S-scheme CeO2/g-C3N4 heterojunctions for effective photocatalytic destruction of rhodamine B dye under natural solar radiations

Constructing heterojunction to achieve efficient charge separation and transportation is a significant way to enhance the photocatalytic activity to solve many water crisis. In this novel research, rational sonochemical engineering of S-scheme CeO2/g-C3N4 heterojunctions was carried out by hybridizing CeO2 as oxidative photocatalyst (EVB = +2.37 eV) with g-C3N4 nanosheets as reductive photocatalyst (ECB= −1.2 eV) for removal of rhodamine B dye under natural solar radiations. The morphology, nanostructure, textural properties and optical characteristics of the solid samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction [XRD], N2-adsorption isotherms, diffuse reflectance spectrum [DRS], X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy [XPS], photoluminescence [PL], scanning electron microscope [SEM], mapping, selected area electron diffraction [SAED] and high resolution transmission electron microscope [HRTEM] analysis. The co-existence of CeO2 and g-C3N4 diffraction peaks and the depression in the surface area to half its value implied the strong interfacial interaction between the two semiconductors due to the remarkable difference in the point of zero charge of both semiconductors. CeO2 nanoparticles transported the heterojunction absorbability to deep visible region compared with pristine g-C3N4. With sonochemical incorporation of various proportions of CeO2 on g-C3N4 sheets, the photocatalytic performance was enhanced and optimized for the heterojunction containing 15 wt% CeO2 that mitigated 98.9% of RhB dye during three hours under natural solar radiations. RhB dye decomposed over heterojunction surface containing 15 wt% CeO2 with pseudo-first-order rate of 0.0312 min−1 which is 16.4 and 34.7 times higher than that of g-C3N4 and CeO2 nanoparticles, respectively. The exceptional enhancement of the photocatalytic performance of CeO2/g-C3N4 heterojunctions was ascribed to the strong absorbability of natural solar radiations, limiting the electron-hole recombination rate and production of S-scheme heterojunction with auspicious redox power. Scavenger experimental results and PL analysis of terephthalic acid directed the mechanism of the photocatalytic charge transportation to S-scheme route. The results emerged from this research work revealed that novel S-scheme CeO2/g-C3N4 heterojunctions with robust oxidative-reductive efficiency are capable for destructing various organic pollutants exist in wastewater.

Grinding-Induced Water Solubility Exhibited by Mechanochromic Luminescent Supramolecular Fibers.

Most mechanochromic luminescent compounds are crystalline and highly hydrophobic; however, mechanochromic luminescent molecular assemblies comprising amphiphilic molecules have rarely been explored. This study investigated mechanochromic luminescent supramolecular fibers composed of dumbbell-shaped 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene-based amphiphiles without any tetraethylene glycol (TEG) substituents or with two TEG substituents. Both amphiphiles formed water-insoluble supramolecular fibers via linear hydrogen bond formation. Both compounds acquired water solubility when solid samples composed of supramolecular fibers are ground. Grinding induces the conversion of 1D supramolecular fibers into micellar assemblies where fluorophores can form excimers, thereby resulting in a large redshift in the fluorescence spectra. Excimer emission from the ground amphiphile without TEG chains is retained after dissolution in water. The micelles are stable in water because hydrophilic dendrons surround the hydrophobic luminophores. By contrast, when water is added to a ground amphiphile having TEG substituents, fragmented supramolecular fibers with the same molecular arrangement as the initial supramolecular fibers are observed, because fragmented fibers are thermodynamically preferable to micelles as the hydrophobic arrays of fluorophores are covered with hydrophilic TEG chains. This leads to the recovery of the initial fluorescent properties for the latter amphiphile. These supramolecular fibers can be used as practical mechanosensors to detect forces at the mesoscale.

Advanced suspect screening of tiamulin and its transformation products in waters: Assessing their persistence, mobility and toxicity

Persistent, Mobile, Organic Compounds (PMOCs) exhibit a propensity to disseminate within the water cycle and as a result, pose a significant threat to the quality of drinking water. To this point of view, considerable research has been initiated to explore the environmental behavior of the omnipresent tiamulin (TIA), being potential PMOC. In contrast to the parent compound (TIA), its transformation products (TPs) have received relatively limited attention, particularly in the context of their PM (persistent-mobile) characteristics. To address this research gap, an investigation into the phototransformation of TIA was conducted, through solar-simulated experiments in combination with Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). To this end, an innovative suspect-screening methodology, involved comparison of the results obtained for the identified photo-TPs with existing literature data. This enabled us to construct an enhanced high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) database for the purpose of environmental assessments of TIA and its TPs in the environment. In total, 32 TPs were identified, with 18 of them being pioneeringly reported. The principal transformation pathways appeared to involve hydroxylation, oxidation, dealkylation, and the cleavage of the C-O bond. Additionally, a comprehensive monitoring of TIA and its TPs in various environmental compartments, including samples from livestock units, leachates, surface water, and groundwater was accomplished. The highest concentration was observed in solid samples from the livestock unit at 2847 ng/g. Furthermore, both the in silico and in vitro methods to assess the toxicity of TIA and its TPs were performed. The results indicated that TIA and many TPs exhibit an alarming toxicity. Consequently, TIA can be classified as a potential PMOC, with a heightened potential for occurrence in different environmental matrices compared to ascertained PM chemicals.

Calibration of MAJIS (Moons And Jupiter Imaging Spectrometer). III. Spectral calibration.

The Moons And Jupiter Imaging Spectrometer (MAJIS) is the visible and near-infrared imaging spectrometer onboard the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer mission. Before its integration into the spacecraft, the instrument undergoes an extensive ground calibration to establish its baseline performances. This process prepares the imaging spectrometer for flight operations by characterizing the behavior of the instrument under various operative conditions and uncovering instrumental distortions that may depend on instrumental commands. Two steps of the on-ground calibration campaigns were held at the instrument level to produce the data. Additional in-flight measurements have recently been obtained after launch during the Near-Earth Commissioning Phase. In this article, we present the analyses of these datasets, focusing on the characterization of the spectral performances. First, we describe and analyze the spectral calibration datasets obtained using both monochromatic sources and polychromatic sources coupled with solid and gas samples. Then, we derive the spectral sampling and the spectral response function over the entire field of view. These spectral characteristics are quantified for various operational parameters of MAJIS, such as temperature and spectral binning. The derived on-ground performances are then compared with in-flight measurements obtained after launch and presented in the framework of the MAJIS performance requirements.

Characterisation and agronomic evaluation of acidified food waste anaerobic digestate products

Raw liquid anaerobic digestate was synthesised into nutrient-dense solid digestates via acidification and evaporation. Acidification retained ammonium in the digestate whilst also donating the anion to free ammonium to form an ammonium salt. Digestate was treated with the addition of sulphuric, nitric, and phosphoric acid resulting in the formation of ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate and ammonium phosphate, respectively then evaporated into a solid fertiliser product. FTIR, XRD and SEM-EDS collectively confirm that the addition of acids completely converted the free ammonium in the raw digestate into their respective ammonium salt counterparts. Compounds of potassium chloride, silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium ammonium phosphate, sodium nitrate, and sodium chloride were identified in all solid digestate samples. Plant growth and grain yield was higher in urea ammonium nitrate, raw liquid digestate and acidified digestate products compared to control and unacidified solid digestate. Urea ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate solid digestate had the highest dry shoot, likely due to the high available nitrogen found in both fertilisers. Overall, acidification and evaporation of liquid digestate can efficiently transform it into a valuable solid fertiliser with a high nutrient density. This process not only has the potential to mitigate handling and storage constraints of low nutrient density digestate in anaerobic digestion facilities but also offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilisers.

BTN1A1 is a novel immune checkpoint mutually exclusive to PD-L1

BackgroundWhile Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade is a potent antitumor treatment strategy, it is effective in only limited subsets of patients with cancer, emphasizing...

A novel 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-(triazol-1-yl)phenyl)porphyridine compound: Crystal structure, photophysical properties and TDDFT calculations

A novel 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-(triazol-1-yl)phenyl)porphyridine compound, namely, Zn[5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-(triazol-1-yl)phenyl)porphyridine] (hereafter tagged as 1) was synthesized through a solvothermal reaction with mixed solvents at 413 K. The X-ray single-crystal structure of compound 1 is featured as a two-dimensional (2D) layer-like structure with the zinc ion located at the center of the 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-(triazol-1-yl)phenyl)porphyridine. The macrocycle of the 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-(triazol-1-yl)phenyl)porphyridine is coplanar. The zinc ion has six coordination and coordinates with three porphyridines. The photoluminescence spectra of compound 1 with DMF solution reveal that it shows upconversion red photoluminescence. The time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculation confirms that this upconversion red photoluminescence originated from the MLCT process (metal to ligand charge transfer). The CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) is 2200 K and the CIE (Commission Internationale de I’Éclairage) chromaticity coordinate is (0.6311, 0.3595) for compound 1. The UV-vis diffuse reflectance curve measured with a solid state sample reveals that compound 1 possesses a 2.75 eV band gap.

Heat 'n Beat: A Universal High-Throughput End-to-End Proteomics Sample Processing Platform in under an Hour.

Proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry of small (≤2 mg) solid tissue samples from diverse formats requires high throughput and comprehensive proteome coverage. We developed a nearly universal, rapid, and robust protocol for sample preparation, suitable for high-throughput projects that encompass most cell or tissue types. This end-to-end workflow extends from original sample to loading the mass spectrometer and is centered on a one-tube homogenization and digestion method called Heat 'n Beat (HnB). It is applicable to most tissues, regardless of how they were fixed or embedded. Sample preparation was divided into separate challenges. The initial sample washing and final peptide cleanup steps were adapted to three tissue sources: fresh frozen (FF), optimal cutting temperature (OCT) compound embedded (FF-OCT), and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE). Third, for core processing, tissue disruption and lysis were decreased to a 7 min heat and homogenization treatment, and reduction, alkylation, and proteolysis were optimized into a single step. The refinements produced near doubled peptide yield when compared to our earlier method ABLE delivered a consistently high digestion efficiency of 85-90%, reported by ProteinPilot, and required only 38 min for core processing in a single tube, with the total processing time being 53-63 min. The robustness of HnB was demonstrated on six organ types, a cell line, and a cancer biopsy. Its suitability for high-throughput applications was demonstrated on a set of 1171 FF-OCT human cancer biopsies, which were processed for end-to-end completion in 92 h, producing highly consistent peptide yield and quality for over 3513 MS runs.

Ultrasonic evaluation of additively manufactured components with embedded structures

In recent years, the use of ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) for in situ and ex situ assessment of Additive Manufacturing (AM) parts has garnered interest due to its proficiency in defect detection and material characterization. This study focuses on evaluating the ability to resolve internal structures created by AM and hybrid AM using ultrasonic NDE as well as assessing the impact of microstructure heterogeneity. For this purpose, first the parameter space for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of SS316L is mapped in a Lumex Avance 25 system. Based on this parameter mapping, optimal process parameters are identified and sets of process parameters are selected to vary the thermal history of the samples, while minimizing the influence of porosity. Two groups of samples are printed with these parameter sets: a solid group of samples, and a group with internal structures, such that each internal structure sample has an equivalent solid sample. Measurements of ultrasonic velocity, attenuation, and backscatter amplitude are collected and compared against the intended geometry to assess the impact of non-optimal processing on the ability to resolve internal structures with ultrasound. The viability and limitations of using ultrasound to assess internal features created with AM are discussed.

Failure mechanics of fused filament fabricated nylon/carbon-reinforced composites

This work focuses on understanding the failure mechanisms of nylon-reinforced chopped carbon fiber (Onyx) composite and its reinforcement with carbon fiber printed using different infill patterns, i.e., solid fill, honeycomb, and triangular via fused filament fabrication (FFF) to enhance the sustainable manufacturing processes. The solid fill with carbon fiber reinforcement showcased a maximum tensile strength and flexural strength of ~ 300 MPa and ~ 22 MPa which were more than twice that of non-reinforced composites with fiber pull-out and layer debonding as predominant failure mechanisms. On the other hand, non-reinforced samples indicated matrix debonding as predominant failure behavior. The solid fill samples illustrated a lower failure mechanism owing to their higher bonding between each layer with limited voids whereas honeycomb and triangular samples failed faster due to the high number of voids limiting their bonding behavior. Furthermore, the load transfer capacity of honeycomb and triangular infill composites was limited due to reduced adhesion between the layers. Although the mechanical properties of onyx-based composites do not make them suitable for structural applications, the fused filament fabrication approach makes onyx a potential material for internal non-loading structures with complex geometries.

Determination of Lead in Bee Products by Solid Surface Fluorescence Using Complexation and Coacervation at Room Temperature Processes. An Environmental Friendly Methodology.

An accurate, economic and green methodology for Pb(II) monitoring in bee products is proposed. Complexed metal traces were preconcentrated on Nylon membranes using the coacervation phenomenon based on room temperature reaction between the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide and the bile salt sodium cholate. The increase in solid surface fluorescence signal of dyes 8-hydroxyquinoleine and o-phenanthroline due to Pb(II) presence was used for the metal quantification. Experimental variables that influence on preconcentration step and fluorimetric sensitivity were optimized using uni-varied assays. Pb(II) concentration was determined on membranes by solid surface fluorescence at λem = 470nm (λexc = 445nm), using a solid sample holder. The calibration at optimal experimental conditions showed a LOD of 4.2 × 10-4mg Kg-1 with a linear range of 1.28 × 10-3mg Kg-1 to 8.73mg Kg-1 and was successfully applied to Pb(II) quantification in different bee products produced in central west region of Argentina. The proposed methodology was applied to all samples after appropriate dilution. Accuracy methodology was evaluated by comparison of the obtained results with those found by ICP-MS, with percentage relative error under 8%. The precision was better than 0.0344 CV for Pb(II) determination.

Evaluation of the Fertilizing Power of Sludge from Physicochemical Water Purification Stations: Case of the Yato Station, Littoral-Cameroon

The Yato physicochemical water purification station is located in the commune of Dibombari in the Littoral-Cameroon region. It is one of the largest drinking water production stations in the Central African sub-region. This work aims to evaluate the agronomic power of the sludge from this drinking water production station. To achieve this objective, mixed samples of sludge from sludge treatment basins (taken according to the technique described in GIDS-A003 point 6 as explained in the Solid and pasty waste sampling strategy of the Code of Good Practice No. 2). and primary settling basins (collected in transparent 1.5L polyethylene terephthalate bottles) were analyzed. Likewise, three soil samples (marsh, Point 1 and Point 2) were taken and then sent to the laboratory where physicochemical analyzes were carried out. The characteristics of the samples that were analyzed are: particle size, texture (sand, silt, clay) and physicochemistry (organic matter, CEC, sum of exchangeable bases, calcium, nitrogen, potassium and magnesium). The results obtained show that the soils exposed to contamination from the sludge of the station have better agronomic properties both on a physical level with a stable structure favorable to plant growth and good aeration unlike the soils far from the station which presented a high risk. degradation; that on the chemical level with an optimal cationic balance, a high reserve of exchangeable bases, a strong CEC but average limitations in assimilable phosphorus and pH unlike the soil far from the station which presented an insufficiency of potassium which did not facilitate a balance cationic, a low CEC but a pH above 5.5 which is the value recommended in agronomy. Biochemically, organic matter is above 2% in all soils, a mineralization rate less than 20 favoring the rapid mineralization of carbon and a release of nitrogen available to the plant. These results obtained allow us to conclude that the sludge from the Yato station can be used in agronomy as an organic fertilizer in order to correct the soil structure, the CEC, the cationic balances and also provide the soil with a good base reserve. However, treating this sludge with lime could regulate the pH of the soil and reduce the mobility of heavy metals in the soil.

Assessment of the Polluting Status of Sludge from a Physicochemical Water Purification Unit and Their Impacts on the Soil: Case of the Yato Station (Littoral-Cameroon)

The Yato physicochemical water purification station is located in Dibombari District Council in the Littoral-Cameroon region. It is one of the largest drinking water production stations in the Central African sub-region. This work aims to evaluate, through the quantification of the concentrations of Trace Metal Elements (TMEs), the polluting status of the sludge from this drinking water production station and their impacts on the soil. To achieve this objective, mixed samples of sludge from sludge treatment ponds (taken according to the technique described in GIDS-A003 point 6 as explained in the Solid and pasty waste sampling strategy of Code of Good Practice No. 2) and samples of sludge from primary settling basins (taken in transparent bottles in polyethylene terephthalate of 1.5L) were analysed. Likewise, three soil wells were carried out and soil samples were taken on two levels of alteration then sent to the laboratory where physicochemical and TME analyses were carried out. The characteristics of the samples that were analysed are: particle size, texture (sand, silt, clay), physiochemistry (pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, phosphorus, nitrogen) and TME (chromium, copper, zinc, manganese). The results obtained show that the polluting status of the sludge from the Yato station is proven because their pollution index by heavy metals is greater than 1. The pollution index greater than 1 in the sludge from the treatment basins is due to the strong concentrations of TME originating from the accumulation of waste of all kinds in this location. Overall, TME concentrations in soils decrease for the most part from the surface towards depth. All the TMEs studied (Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr) are present in all horizons. There is multiple contamination of sludge by TMEs because their pollution index is greater than 1 (IP>1). Although the sludge pollution indices are greater than 1, those of the different horizons are much lower than 1. Thus, since the TMEs decrease with depth, the subsurface horizons would be less affected by the pollutants contained in the station sludge. marking a real pollution of the surface layers.