scholarly journals Study on Microstructure Characteristics of Clay Rock of Xigeda Formation in Xichang City Based on Softening Test and Image Recognition

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Yang ◽  
Ning Guo ◽  
Heng Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Image Recognition ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Water Saturation ◽  
Clay Rock ◽  
Water Softening ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Fine Clay ◽  
Size Of Particles ◽  
Average Size ◽  
Aggregate Particles

Based on the Xigeda clay rock exposed in the back mountain of Nanshan Villa in Xichang City, the microstructure changes of Xigeda clay rock before and after water softening were studied by scanning electron microscope and image recognition of PCAS software. The results show that: (1) the clay rock of Xigeda group has flake and layered micro structural characteristics, and the surface of aggregates in natural state has honeycomb characteristics. After water softening, the aggregate particles decompose, the average size of particles becomes smaller, the honeycomb characteristics disappear, and the surface contours of particles become smooth and round. (2) With the increase of water saturation time, the number of aggregate particles and pores increases, the porosity decreases in advance and increases in the later stage. (3) Micro structural changes of the clay rock in Xigeda formation have two stages, in the first stage, the aggregates decompose and the produced fine granular clays fill the original pores, resulting in the decrease of porosity.In the second stage, the fine clay particles further soften, decompose and lose in the water, the porosity increases suddenly.

scholarly journals Mechanistic Approach to Thermal Production of New Materials from Asphaltenes of Castilla Crude Oil

Processes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1644
Author(s):  
Natalia Afanasjeva ◽  
Andrea González-Córdoba ◽  
Manuel Palencia
Keyword(s):  
Crude Oil ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
New Materials ◽  
Gaseous Products ◽  
Chemical Structures ◽  
Mechanistic Approach ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Liquid Products ◽  
Average Size

Asphaltenes are compounds present in crude oils that influence their rheology, raising problems related to the extraction, transport, and refining. This work centered on the chemical and structural changes of the asphaltenes from the heavy Colombian Castilla crude oil during pyrolysis between 330 and 450 °C. Also, the development of new strategies to apply these macromolecules, and the possible use of the cracking products as a source of new materials were analyzed. The obtained products (coke, liquid, and gas) were collected and evaluated through the techniques of proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR), elemental composition, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA) analysis, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A comparison of the applied methods showed that the asphaltene molecules increased the average size of their aromatic sheets, lost their aliphatic chains, condensed their aromatic groups, and increased their degree of unsaturation during pyrolysis. In the liquid products were identified alkylbenzenes, n-alkanes C9–C30, and n-alkenes. Moreover, the gaseous products included methane, ethane, propane, and pentane. An approach of the structural chain reaction was used to define the possible asphaltenes chemical structures before and after pyrolysis. In conclusion, this type of thermal process can be used as an easy route to attain new materials associated with specific structural units from the asphaltenes.

A pilot study on the effect of ulipristal acetate on myoma angiogenesis, measured by 2D ultrasound and VEGF serum levels

2020 ◽  
pp. 19-29
Author(s):  
Patricia Diaz Ortega ◽  
Manuel García Manero
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Power Doppler ◽  
Uterine Fibroids ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Ulipristal Acetate ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Angiogenesis Process ◽  
2D Ultrasound ◽  
Average Size

Introduction: Symptomatic uterine fibroids can cause symptoms that can be disabling. There are many treatments, including ulipristal acetate, whose role in reducing symptoms and decreasing the size of the fibroid is well known. With this preliminary study, we also try to evaluate the correlation between myoma vascularization measured by ultrasound (Power Doppler 2D) and serum VEGF levels, before and after treatment with ulipristal acetate; in patients diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids. Materials and Methods: A preliminary, prospective observational pilot study was designed. Twenty-four premenopausal women, diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids, were included and all of them completed the study. Four cycles of ulipristal acetate were administered according to the dose and indications specified in the data sheet. In order to assess the influence of this treatment on the angiogenesis process of the fibroids, measurements of VEGF serum levels were made and their vascularization was assessed by means of 2D power doppler ultrasound; at the beginning and the end of treatment. In addition, several determinations of the same parameters were made throughout the successive visits. Endpoints were defined as the decrease in VEGF levels from previous levels, the decrease in myoma vascularization on ultrasound, and the reduction in myoma size. Result: 24 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled (n=24). The average size of myomas was reduced from 45,08 ? 24,02mm to 29?16,96mm after treatment. The average VEGF serum level significantly decreased after the first treatment cycle (from 147,17 ? 153,51 pg/ml to 102,04 ? 186,08pg/ml). Vascularization of myomas after treatment with ulipristal acetate was analyzed, and a significantly decrease was achieved in 83,3% of cases. Conclusion: There is a correlation between myoma vascularization and treatment with Ulipristal acetate. SPRMs may provide effective treatment for women with symptomatic fibroids by two ways: supports selective progesterone receptor modulators and reduced angiogenesis. Keywords: Angiogenesis; Ulipristal Acetate; Uterine fibroids; VEGF

scholarly journals Investigation of Hydrothermally Stressed Silicone Rubber/Silica Micro and Nanocomposite for the Coating High Voltage Insulation Applications

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 3567
Author(s):  
Faiza Faiza ◽  
Abraiz Khattak ◽  
Safi Ullah Butt ◽  
Kashif Imran ◽  
Abasin Ulasyar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silicone Rubber ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Polymer Chains ◽  
Hydrothermal Conditions ◽  
Silica Filler ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Aging Conditions ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Micro Silica ◽  
Applied Stresses

Silicone rubber is a promising insulating material that has been performing well for different insulating and dielectric applications. However, in outdoor applications, environmental stresses cause structural and surface degradations that diminish its insulating properties. This effect of degradation can be reduced with the addition of a suitable filler to the polymer chains. For the investigation of structural changes and hydrophobicity four different systems were fabricated, including neat silicone rubber, a micro composite (with 15% micro-silica filler), and nanocomposites (with 2.5% and 5% nanosilica filler) by subjecting them to various hydrothermal conditions. In general, remarkable results were obtained by the addition of fillers. However, nanocomposites showed the best resistance against the applied stresses. In comparison to neat silicone rubber, the stability of the structure and hydrophobic behavior was better for micro-silica, which was further enhanced in the case of nanocomposites. The inclusion of 5% nanosilica showed the best results before and after applying aging conditions.

scholarly journals Redox Mechanism of Azathioprine and Its Interaction with DNA

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (13) ◽  
pp. 6805
Author(s):  
Mihaela-Cristina Bunea ◽  
Victor-Constantin Diculescu ◽  
Monica Enculescu ◽  
Horia Iovu ◽  
Teodor Adrian Enache
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Differential Pulse ◽  
Immunosuppressive Drug ◽  
Redox Mechanism ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Dna Film ◽  
Scanning Electron

The electrochemical behavior and the interaction of the immunosuppressive drug azathioprine (AZA) with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were investigated using voltammetric techniques, mass spectrometry (MS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The redox mechanism of AZA on glassy carbon (GC) was investigated using cyclic and differential pulse (DP) voltammetry. It was proven that the electroactive center of AZA is the nitro group and its reduction mechanism is a diffusion-controlled process, which occurs in consecutive steps with formation of electroactive products and involves the transfer of electrons and protons. A redox mechanism was proposed and the interaction of AZA with DNA was also investigated. Morphological characterization of the DNA film on the electrode surface before and after interaction with AZA was performed using scanning electron microscopy. An electrochemical DNA biosensor was employed to study the interactions between AZA and DNA with different concentrations, incubation times, and applied potential values. It was shown that the reduction of AZA molecules bound to the DNA layer induces structural changes of the DNA double strands and oxidative damage, which were recognized through the occurrence of the 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine oxidation peak. Mass spectrometry investigation of the DNA film before and after interaction with AZA also demonstrated the formation of AZA adducts with purine bases.

scholarly journals Upconversion Luminescence of Silica–Calcia Nanoparticles Co-doped with Tm3+ and Yb3+ Ions

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 937
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Halubek-Gluchowska ◽  
Damian Szymański ◽  
Thi Ngoc Lam Tran ◽  
Maurizio Ferrari ◽  
Anna Lukowiak
Keyword(s):  
Energy Transfer ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Upconversion Luminescence ◽  
Sol Gel ◽  
Emission Spectra ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Characteristic Emission ◽  
Diffraction Patterns ◽  
Size Of Particles ◽  
Average Size

Looking for upconverting biocompatible nanoparticles, we have prepared by the sol–gel method, silica–calcia glass nanopowders doped with different concentration of Tm3+ and Yb3+ ions (Tm3+ from 0.15 mol% up to 0.5 mol% and Yb3+ from 1 mol% up to 4 mol%) and characterized their structure, morphology, and optical properties. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated an amorphous phase of the silica-based glass with partial crystallization of samples with a higher content of lanthanides ions. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that the average size of particles decreased with increasing lanthanides content. The upconversion (UC) emission spectra and fluorescence lifetimes were registered under near infrared excitation (980 nm) at room temperature to study the energy transfer between Yb3+ and Tm3+ at various active ions concentrations. Characteristic emission bands of Tm3+ ions in the range of 350 nm to 850 nm were observed. To understand the mechanism of Yb3+–Tm3+ UC energy transfer in the SiO2–CaO powders, the kinetics of luminescence decays were studied.

scholarly journals A Vibration-Based Structural Health Monitoring System for Transmission Line Towers

Electronics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Long Zhao ◽  
Xinbo Huang ◽  
Ye Zhang ◽  
Yi Tian ◽  
Yu Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Structural Health Monitoring ◽  
Transmission Line ◽  
Natural Frequency ◽  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Natural Frequencies ◽  
Transmission Tower ◽  
Health Monitoring System ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Before And After

In this paper, we present a vibration-based transmission tower structural health monitoring system consisting of two parts that identifies structural changes in towers. An accelerometer group realizes vibration response acquisition at different positions and reduces the risk of data loss by data compression technology. A solar cell provides the power supply. An analyser receives the data from the acceleration sensor group and calculates the transmission tower natural frequencies, and the change in the structure is determined based on natural frequencies. Then, the data are sent to the monitoring center. Furthermore, analysis of the vibration signal and the calculation method of natural frequencies are proposed. The response and natural frequencies of vibration at different wind speeds are analysed by time-domain signal, power spectral density (PSD), root mean square (RMS) and short-time Fouier transform (STFT). The natural frequency identification of the overall structure by the stochastic subspace identification (SSI) method reveals that the number of natural frequencies that can be calculated at different wind speeds is different, but the 2nd, 3rd and 4th natural frequencies can be excited. Finally, the system was tested on a 110 kV experimental transmission line. After 18 h of experimentation, the natural frequency of the overall structure of the transmission tower was determined before and after the tower leg was lifted. The results show that before and after the tower leg is lifted, the natural frequencies of each order exhibit obvious changes, and the differences in the average values can be used as the basis for judging the structural changes of the tower.

FREE VOLUME RELATED STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE EPOXY POLYMER TGDDM

1994 ◽  
Vol 08 (13) ◽  
pp. 1699-1711 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. RAVINDRACHARY ◽  
R. RAMANI ◽  
C. RANGANATHAIAH ◽  
S. GOPAL
Keyword(s):  
Free Volume ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Annealing Temperature ◽  
Epoxy Polymer ◽  
Slow Increase ◽  
Treatment Variation ◽  
Kinetic Relations ◽  
Long Lifetime ◽  
Average Size ◽  
Free Volume Hole

Positron lifetime measurements have been carried out in an amine-cured epoxy polymer TGDDM/DDS/BFE as a function of annealing temperature. The measured spectra are best fitted to three component analysis. From the measured long lifetime component the average size of the free volume holes has been calculated following Nakanishi et al.’s treatment. Variation of lifetime parameters with temperature indicates the preferential trapping of positronium atoms in the regions of increased free volume hole sizes. On the other hand, positrons are being trapped at micro-voids in the ordered regions. The slow increase of free volume upto 170°C may be due to the thermal expansion and we measure 170° C as the Tg for this epoxy. Lifetime data are also used to calculate the trapping rates in the ordered and disordered regions of the epoxy based on Goldanskii’s kinetic relations.

Degradation of Great Tit (Parus Major) Song Before And After Foliation: Implications for Vocal Communication in a Deciduous Forest

Behaviour ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 141 (8) ◽  
pp. 935-958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Blumenrath ◽  
Torben Dabelsteen
Keyword(s):  
Information Transfer ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Vocal Communication ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Parus Major ◽  
Great Tit ◽  
Transmission Experiment ◽  
Distance Information ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

AbstractSongbirds living in temperate forests experience great seasonal changes in habitat acoustics during the part of the breeding season when singing activity is high. These changes, which are brought about by accelerated vegetation growth and leaf burst in spring, affect sound propagation and potentially render vocal communication more difficult as the total number of scattering and absorbing obstacles increases. We investigated this in a sound transmission experiment in which representative great tit (Parus major) songs were broadcast in a typical forest habitat before and after foliation. Speaker and microphone were placed at natural separation distances and in typical sender and receiver positions. For each song note we quantified several aspects of sound degradation and found that they all increased considerably when leaves were present. Before foliation the same amount of degradation would only be obtained by doubling the transmission distance, i.e. foliage shortens the active space of great tit song. This inevitably alters distance information, provided that distance-dependent, structural changes of received songs are used as ranging cues. Moreover, sender and receiver positions within the canopy become unfavourable compared to heights just below the canopy when the aim is to maximise song propagation distances. Altogether, the presence of foliage greatly affects the potential for vocal information transfer in great tits and requires behavioural and/or perceptual adjustment of the communicating individuals to counteract or reduce the impact of foliage on signal degradation.

scholarly journals Structural changes in clays subjected to heat treatment: an analysis by structural refinement using the Rietveld method

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (6 Nov-Dec) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Quiroga Agurto ◽  
Elvira Leticia Zeballos Velásquez ◽  
Felipe Americo Reyes Navarro
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Rietveld Method ◽  
Mineralogical Composition ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Expansive Clay ◽  
Structural Refinement ◽  
Weight Percentage ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Cerro De Pasco

Structural factors in clays influence their physical properties. Therefore, it is particularly important to understand the effects of heat treatment on the structure of the material during the ceramic process. In this work, we have analyzed clays from quarries in the Cerro de Pasco region, Peru, to evaluate their characteristics and the structural changes produced by heating, particularly in the interlaminar region. The samples were thermally treated between 150 oC and 800 oC with intervals of 50 oC. To evaluate the structural changes produced by temperature, X-ray diffraction were carried out before and after each heat treatment. The qualitative analysis of the measurements allowed to identify the mineralogical composition of the samples, finding phases of calcium montmorillonite, kaolinite, illite and quartz. The quantitative analysis by the Rietveld method found structural changes, particularly in the Ca-montmorillonite expansive clay. It was also possible to determine the decrease in the weight percentage of the kaolinite until the collapse of its structure between 450 °C and 500 °C. The illite presented greater thermal stability, with slight variations in its weight percentage during heat treatment, without compromising its structure. Although the quartz phase did not show relevant structure changes, it slightly increased its weight percentage with increasing temperature.

scholarly journals Impact of freeze-thaw cytoablation on aqueous outflow patterns in ex vivo anterior chamber perfusion cultures and whole eyes

F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 525
Author(s):  
Raoul Verma-Fuehring ◽  
Mohamad Dakroub ◽  
Alicja Strzalkowska ◽  
Piotr Strzalkowski ◽  
Hong Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trabecular Meshwork ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Anterior Segment ◽  
Large Change ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Freeze Thaw ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Human Eyes ◽  
Porcine Eyes

Background: Porcine eyes have been widely used as ex vivo models in glaucoma research, as they share similar features with human eyes. Freeze-thawing is a non-invasive technique that has been used to obliterate living cells in anterior segment ex vivo cultures, to prepare them for further research such as cellular repopulation. This technique has previously been shown to reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) in porcine eyes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether freeze-thaw cytoablation causes corresponding canalogram outflow changes in perfused anterior segment cultures (AFT) and whole porcine eyes (WFT). We hypothesized that the known IOP drop in AFT after trabecular meshwork ablation by freeze-thaw would be accompanied by a similarly large change in the distal outflow pattern. Methods: Two-dye (fluorescein and Texas red) reperfusion canalograms were used to compare the outflow time before and after two -80°C cycles of freeze-thaw. We assigned 28 freshly enucleated porcine eyes to four groups: perfused anterior segment dye controls (ACO, n = 6), perfused whole eye dye controls (WCO, n = 6), freeze-thaw treated anterior segment cultures (AFT, n = 10), and freeze-thaw treated whole eyes (WFT, n = 6). Results: In control groups ACO and WCO, the two different dyes had similar filling times. In AFT, the outflow pattern and filling times were unchanged. In WFT, the temporal superior quadrant filled more slowly (p = 0.042) while all others remained unchanged. The qualitative appearance of distal outflow spaces was altered only in some eyes. Conclusions: Freeze-thaw cytoablation caused neither loss nor leakage of distal outflow structures. Surprisingly, the loss of an intact trabecular meshwork over the entire circumference did not result in a general acceleration of quadrant outflow times. The results validate freeze-thawing as a method to generate an extracellular matrix without major structural changes.

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