Efficient lithium-ion storage using a heterostructured porous carbon framework and its in situ transmission electron microscopy study

The unique 3D heterostructure can highly tolerate the volume expansion over repetitive charge/discharge of lithium-ion batteries, which has been demonstrated through in situ transmission electron microscopy.

A scanning electron microscopy study of projectile entry fractures in cortical bone; genesis and microarchitectural features

The present paper presents a scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of the genesis and microarchitecture of experimentally induced cortical entry fractures in porcine scapulae impacted at velocities ranging from 54 to 897 m/s. SEM observation was conducted on polyurethane replicas cast from negative silicone moulds. Analysis of the sequence of fracture processes operative during projectile impact revealed the presence of ring cracks at the site of impact, confirming that penetration in sandwich bones is achieved by cone crack propagation. Despite impulsive loading, two forms of plastic deformation were identified in the cortical bone surrounding the entry fracture up to a maximum velocity of 871 m/s. Microscopic radial and concentric cracks were associated with projectile impact, and the role of pores and pits as stress concentrators was captured. Possible underlying mechanisms for the observed plastic deformation are described, and the diagnostic utility of SEM analysis is presented.

New data on the flora of Centrophyceae (Bacillariophyta) in the Neva Bay of the Gulf of Finland (Russia)

This scanning electron microscopy study of phytoplankton from the Neva Bay and analysis of valve images from S.I. Genkal’s iconotheka have provided new data on centric diatoms of the Neva Bay. Representatives of the genera Aulacoseira scalaris and Stephanodiscus lacustris, new to the flora of the Bay, have been identified. The systematic position and distribution of 14 species and varieties of Centrophyceae from the genera Aulacoseira, Conticribra, Cyclostephanos, Ellerbeckia, Handmannia, Pantocsekiella, Stephanodiscus, Thalassiosira have been refined and specified. The species composition of the class Centrophyceae of the Neva Bay has been expanded. Now it includes 42 species and varieties from 17 genera.

New data on the morphology of Achnanthes brevipes (Bacillariophyta)

This electron microscopy study of Achnanthes brevipes from mineralized tributaries (Solyanka, Chernavka, Khara) of the hyperhaline Lake Elton (Volgograd Region) provides new data on the variability of quantitative diagnostic characteristics (valve length, number of striae and areolae in 10 μm). Based on the original and published data, a refined diagnosis of A. brevipes is proposed. It is very similar to A. longipes in valve shape and quantitative characteristics, but striae are multi-row in the latter species and single-row in A. brevipes. A short note about the nomenclature status of A. brevipes is given.