scholarly journals Mesoscale structures in amorphous silks from a spider’s orb-web

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Riekel ◽  
Manfred Burghammer ◽  
Martin Rosenthal
Keyword(s):  
Composite Structure ◽  
Structural Organization ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Skin Layer ◽  
The Other ◽  
Silk Fibers ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Mesoscale Structures ◽  
Orb Web ◽  
Egg Case

Abstract Of the 7–8 silk fibers making up an orb-web only the hierarchical structural organization of semicrystalline radial fibers -composed of major ampullate silk- has been studied in detail, given its fascinating mechanical features. While major ampullate silk’s nanofibrillar morphology is well established, knowhow on mesoscale (> 50–100 nm) assembly and its contribution to mechanical performance is limited. Much less is known on the hierarchical structural organization of other, generally less crystalline fibers contributing to an orb-webs’ function. Here we show by scanning X-ray micro&nanodiffraction that two fully amorphous, fine silk fibers from the center of an orb-web have different mesoscale features. One of the fibers has a fibrillar composite structure resembling stiff egg case silk. The other fiber has a skin–core structure based on a nanofibrillar ribbon wound around a disordered core. A fraction of nanofibrils appears to have assembled into mesoscale fibrils. This fiber becomes readily attached to the coat of major ampullate silk fibers. We observe that a detached fiber has ripped out the glycoprotein skin-layer containing polyglycine II nanocrystallites. The anchoring of the fiber in the coat suggests that it could serve for strengthening the tension and cohesion of major ampullate silk fibers.

Ribosome Structural Organization

1974 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 332-333
Author(s):  
James A. Lake
Keyword(s):  
Ribosomal Proteins ◽  
Structural Organization ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Small Subunit ◽  
Structural Studies ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
X Ray ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Complete Sequences

The understanding of ribosome structure has advanced considerably in the last several years. Biochemists have characterized the constituent proteins and rRNA's of ribosomes. Complete sequences have been determined for some ribosomal proteins and specific antibodies have been prepared against all E. coli small subunit proteins. In addition, a number of naturally occuring systems of three dimensional ribosome crystals which are suitable for structural studies have been observed in eukaryotes. Although the crystals are, in general, too small for X-ray diffraction, their size is ideal for electron microscopy.

Microchemical imaging in biomedical research

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 1118-1119
Author(s):  
P. Ingram
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Electron Probe ◽  
The Other ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Cell Element ◽  
Physiological Information ◽  
Functional States ◽  
Elemental Maps ◽  
Electron Energy Loss ◽  
Secondary Ion

It is well established that unique physiological information can be obtained by rapidly freezing cells in various functional states and analyzing the cell element content and distribution by electron probe x-ray microanalysis. (The other techniques of microanalysis that are amenable to imaging, such as electron energy loss spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, particle induced x-ray emission etc., are not addressed in this tutorial.) However, the usual processes of data acquisition are labor intensive and lengthy, requiring that x-ray counts be collected from individually selected regions of each cell in question and that data analysis be performed subsequent to data collection. A judicious combination of quantitative elemental maps and static raster probes adds not only an additional overall perception of what is occurring during a particular biological manipulation or event, but substantially increases data productivity. Recent advances in microcomputer instrumentation and software have made readily feasible the acquisition and processing of digital quantitative x-ray maps of one to several cells.

The Electron Effect of Aromatic Group: Control Conformation of 2-Aromatic Cyclododecanone Derivatives

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 1139-1147
Author(s):  
Yang Mingyan ◽  
Wang Daoquan ◽  
Wang Mingan
Keyword(s):  
1H Nmr ◽  
13C Nmr ◽  
Nmr Spectra ◽  
Coupling Constants ◽  
The Other ◽  
Repulsive Interaction ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Electron Effect ◽  
Group Control

2-Phenylcyclododecanone and 2-cyclohexylcyclododecanone derivatives were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HR-ESI-MS and X-ray diffraction. Their preferred conformations were analyzed by the coupling constants in the 1H NMR spectra and X-ray diffraction, which showed the skeleton ring of these derivatives containing [3333]-2-one conformation, and the phenyl groups were located at the side-exo position of [3333]-2-one conformation due to the strong π-π repulsive interaction between the π- electron of benzene ring and π-electron of carbonyl group. The cyclohexyl groups were located at the corner-syn or the side-exo position of [3333]-2-one conformation depending on the hindrance of the other substituted groups. The π-π electron effect played a crucial role in efficiently controlling the preferred conformation of 2-aromatic cyclododecanone and the other 2-aromatic macrocyclic derivatives with the similar preferred square and rectangular conformations.

scholarly journals Is Micro X-ray Computer Tomography a Suitable Non-Destructive Method for the Characterisation of Dental Materials?

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1271
Author(s):  
Andreas Koenig ◽  
Leonie Schmohl ◽  
Johannes Scheffler ◽  
Florian Fuchs ◽  
Michaela Schulz-Siegmund ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flexural Strength ◽  
Computer Tomography ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Dental Materials ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Multiple Measurements ◽  
High Doses

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of X-rays used in micro X-ray computer tomography (µXCT) on the mechanical performance and microstructure of a variety of dental materials. Standardised bending beams (2 × 2 × 25 mm3) were forwarded to irradiation with an industrial tomograph. Using three-dimensional datasets, the porosity of the materials was quantified and flexural strength was investigated prior to and after irradiation. The thermal properties of irradiated and unirradiated materials were analysed and compared by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Single µXCT measurements led to a significant decrease in flexural strength of polycarbonate with acrylnitril-butadien-styrol (PC-ABS). No significant influence in flexural strength was identified for resin-based composites (RBCs), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and zinc phosphate cement (HAR) after a single irradiation by measurement. However, DSC results suggest that changes in the microstructure of PMMA are possible with increasing radiation doses (multiple measurements, longer measurements, higher output power from the X-ray tube). In summary, it must be assumed that X-ray radiation during µXCT measurement at high doses can lead to changes in the structure and properties of certain polymers.

scholarly journals Functional Bionanocomposite Fibers of Chitosan Filled with Cellulose Nanofibers Obtained by Gel Spinning

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1563
Author(s):  
Sofia Marquez-Bravo ◽  
Ingo Doench ◽  
Pamela Molina ◽  
Flor Estefany Bentley ◽  
Arnaud Kamdem Tamo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Cellulose Nanofibers ◽  
Microstructural Characterization ◽  
Fiber Formation ◽  
Fiber Direction ◽  
Composite Fibers ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Gel Spinning ◽  
X Ray

Extremely high mechanical performance spun bionanocomposite fibers of chitosan (CHI), and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were successfully achieved by gel spinning of CHI aqueous viscous formulations filled with CNFs. The microstructural characterization of the fibers by X-ray diffraction revealed the crystallization of the CHI polymer chains into anhydrous chitosan allomorph. The spinning process combining acidic–basic–neutralization–stretching–drying steps allowed obtaining CHI/CNF composite fibers of high crystallinity, with enhanced effect at incorporating the CNFs. Chitosan crystallization seems to be promoted by the presence of cellulose nanofibers, serving as nucleation sites for the growing of CHI crystals. Moreover, the preferential orientation of both CNFs and CHI crystals along the spun fiber direction was revealed in the two-dimensional X-ray diffraction patterns. By increasing the CNF amount up to the optimum concentration of 0.4 wt % in the viscous CHI/CNF collodion, Young’s modulus of the spun fibers significantly increased up to 8 GPa. Similarly, the stress at break and the yield stress drastically increased from 115 to 163 MPa, and from 67 to 119 MPa, respectively, by adding only 0.4 wt % of CNFs into a collodion solution containing 4 wt % of chitosan. The toughness of the CHI-based fibers thereby increased from 5 to 9 MJ.m−3. For higher CNFs contents like 0.5 wt %, the high mechanical performance of the CHI/CNF composite fibers was still observed, but with a slight worsening of the mechanical parameters, which may be related to a minor disruption of the CHI matrix hydrogel network constituting the collodion and gel fiber, as precursor state for the dry fiber formation. Finally, the rheological behavior observed for the different CHI/CNF viscous collodions and the obtained structural, thermal and mechanical properties results revealed an optimum matrix/filler compatibility and interface when adding 0.4 wt % of nanofibrillated cellulose (CNF) into 4 wt % CHI formulations, yielding functional bionanocomposite fibers of outstanding mechanical properties.

scholarly journals Adhesion of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells under Fluorescent and Soft X-ray Contact Microscopy

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7279
Author(s):  
Paulina Natalia Osuchowska ◽  
Przemysław Wachulak ◽  
Wiktoria Kasprzycka ◽  
Agata Nowak-Stępniowska ◽  
Maciej Wakuła ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Breast Cancer Cells ◽  
Cell Imaging ◽  
Triple Negative ◽  
The Other ◽  
Promising Technique ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Microscopy Technique ◽  
Cancer Cell Adhesion

Understanding cancer cell adhesion could help to diminish tumor progression and metastasis. Adhesion mechanisms are currently the main therapeutic target of TNBC-resistant cells. This work shows the distribution and size of adhesive complexes determined with a common fluorescence microscopy technique and soft X-ray contact microscopy (SXCM). The results presented here demonstrate the potential of applying SXCM for imaging cell protrusions with high resolution when the cells are still alive in a physiological buffer. The possibility to observe the internal components of cells at a pristine and hydrated state with nanometer resolution distinguishes SXCM from the other more commonly used techniques for cell imaging. Thus, SXCM can be a promising technique for investigating the adhesion and organization of the actin cytoskeleton in cancer cells.

scholarly journals X-ray variability of the HMXB Cen X-3: evidence for inhomogeneous accretion flows.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Sanjurjo-Ferrín ◽  
J M Torrejón ◽  
K Postnov ◽  
L Oskinova ◽  
J J Rodes-Roca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Equivalent Width ◽  
Compact Star ◽  
Timing Analysis ◽  
Roche Lobe ◽  
The Other ◽  
Emission Lines ◽  
High Mass ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Accretion Flows ◽  
Inner Radius

Abstract Cen X-3 is a compact high mass X-ray binary likely powered by Roche lobe overflow. We present a phase-resolved X-ray spectral and timing analysis of two pointed XMM-Newton observations. The first one took place during a normal state of the source, when it has a luminosity LX ∼ 1036 erg s−1. This observation covered orbital phases φ = 0.00 − 0.37, i.e. the egress from the eclipse. The egress lightcurve is highly structured, showing distinctive intervals. We argue that different intervals correspond to the emergence of different emitting structures. The lightcurve analysis enables us to estimate the size of such structures around the compact star, the most conspicuous of which has a size ∼0.3R*, of the order of the Roche lobe radius. During the egress, the equivalent width of Fe emission lines, from highly ionized species, decreases as the X-ray continuum grows. On the other hand, the equivalent width of the Fe Kα line, from near neutral Fe, strengthens. This line is likely formed due to the X-ray illumination of the accretion stream. The second observation was taken when the source was 10 times X-ray brighter and covered the orbital phases φ = 0.36 − 0.80. The X-ray lightcurve in the high state shows dips. These dips are not caused by absorption but can be due to instabilities in the accretion stream. The typical dip duration, of about 1000 s, is much longer than the timescale attributed to the accretion of the clumpy stellar wind of the massive donor star, but is similar to the viscous timescale at the inner radius of the accretion disk.

scholarly journals Determination of the Height of Hard X-Ray Sources in the Solar Atmosphere by Measurement of Photospheric Albedo Photons

1975 ◽  
Vol 68 ◽  
pp. 239-241
Author(s):  
John C. Brown ◽  
H. F. Van Beek
Keyword(s):  
Solar Atmosphere ◽  
The Other ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
Source Models ◽  
The One

SummaryThe importance and difficulties of determining the height of hard X-ray sources in the solar atmosphere, in order to distinguish source models, have been discussed by Brown and McClymont (1974) and also in this Symposium (Brown, 1975; Datlowe, 1975). Theoretical predictions of this height, h, range between and 105 km above the photosphere for different models (Brown and McClymont, 1974; McClymont and Brown, 1974). Equally diverse values have been inferred from observations of synchronous chromospheric EUV bursts (Kane and Donnelly, 1971) on the one hand and from apparently behind-the-limb events (e.g. Datlowe, 1975) on the other.

scholarly journals White Dwarf Masses and Accretion Rates of Recurrent Novae: an X-ray Perspective

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (S281) ◽  
pp. 186-189
Author(s):  
Koji Mukai ◽  
Jennifer L. Sokoloski ◽  
Thomas Nelson ◽  
Gerardo J. M. Luna
Keyword(s):  
White Dwarf ◽  
Cataclysmic Variables ◽  
The Other ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Accretion Rates

AbstractWe present recent results of quiescent X-ray observations of recurrent novae (RNe) and related objects. Several RNe are luminous hard X-ray sources in quiescence, consistent with accretion onto a near Chandrasekhar mass white dwarf. Detection of similar hard X-ray emissions in old novae and other cataclysmic variables may lead to identification of additional RNe candidates. On the other hand, other RNe are found to be comparatively hard X-ray faint. We present several scenarios that may explain this dichotomy, which should be explored further.

Research on Properties of Low Grade Cement-Based Composite Materials Modified by Silica Fume

2012 ◽  
Vol 174-177 ◽  
pp. 751-756
Author(s):  
Zi Fang Xu ◽  
Ming Xu Zhang ◽  
Jin Hua Li
Keyword(s):  
Silica Fume ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Cement Matrix ◽  
Hardened Cement ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Matrix Microstructure ◽  
Nano Powder ◽  
Strength And Durability

In order to notably improve the mechanical properties and durability of low-grade cement-based material, superfine silica fume was used to modify the cement-based composite based on special perfomance and effects of nano powder. The mechanical performance and durability were investigated.Then the phase compositions,microstructure and morphologies of as-received cement-based composite were studied by X-ray Diffractometer、TGA-DTA and SEM. The results show that： the best formula of raw materials is 1:1:0.025:0.015, and hydration can be accelerated and increasing of hydration products is observed after modification. In the hardened cement matrix, microstructure is very compacted and C-S-H gel forms densed structure, so the structure defect is notably reduced. This means that both strength and durability of cement-based composite are notably improved by the addition of superfine silica fume.

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