Long noncoding RNAs and their possible roles in tumorigenesis and drug resistance in cancer chemotherapy.

Cancer is still one of the most important diseases that have a high mortality rate around the world. The management of cancer involves many procedures, which include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Drug resistance in cancer chemotherapy is considered one of the most important problems in clinical oncology. A good understanding of the tumorigenesis process and the mechanisms of developing chemotherapy resistance in cancer cells will help achieve significant advances in cancer treatment protocols. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). LncRNAs are no longer just a transcriptional noise, and many investigations proved their possible roles in regulating mandatory cellular functions. A lot of newly published studies confirmed the implication of lncRNAs in the tumor formation process and the multiple drug resistance in cancer chemotherapy. The main aim of this review is to focus on the lncRNAs' functions in the cell, their possible roles in the tumor formation process, and their roles in the development of chemotherapy resistance in different cancer cells.

Reversible Stacking and Delamination-Regulation of MXene via Controlled Freezing.

MXene's configuration, whether it is aggregated or dispersed in a monolayer, determines the specific application areas and even greatly influences the intrinsic properties of MXene. However, how to desirably control MXene's configuration is challenging. Here, a simple, additive-free, chemical reaction-free, and scalable strategy to optionally and reversibly regulate MXene's ordered stacking and delamination of MXene aggregates (AM) is reported. Just by controlled freezing of MXene aqueous dispersions, the aggregation percentage, delamination percentage, and interlayer spacing of AM can be finely tuned. Experimental results reveal that the freezing-induced aggregation and delamination effects can be explained by the squeezing action of growing ice grains on the MXene excluded/concentrated between ice grains and the expanding action caused by the ice formation between AM lamellae, respectively. The dominance between them depends on the freezing parameter-influenced ice nucleation sites, numbers, and ice grain sizes. This work not only contributes to the preparation, storage, and practical applications of MXene, but also opens a new and green avenue for controlling materials' assembly structures.

Construction of Nanofibrillar Networked Wood Aerogels Derived from Typical Softwood and Hardwood: A Comparative Study on the In Situ Formation Mechanism of Nanofibrillar Networks.

The construction of networks within natural wood (NW) lumens to produce porous wood aerogels (WAs) with fascinating characteristics of being lightweight, flexible, and porous is significant for the high value-added utilization of wood. Nonetheless, how wood species affect the structure and properties of WAs has not been comprehensively investigated. Herein, typical softwood of fir and hardwoods of poplar and balsa are employed to fabricate WAs with abundant nanofibrillar networks using the method of lignin removal and nanofibril's in situ regeneration. Benefiting from the avoidance of xylem ray restriction and the exposure of the cellulose framework, hardwood has a stronger tendency to form nanofibrillar networks compared to softwood. Specifically, a larger and more evenly distributed network structure is displayed in the lumens of balsa WAs (WA-3) with a low density (59 kg m-3), a high porosity (96%), and high compressive properties (strain = 40%; maximum stress = 0.42 MPa; height retention = 100%) because of the unique structure and properties of WA-3. Comparatively, the specific surface area (SSA) exhibits 25-, 27-, and 34-fold increments in the cases of fir WAs (WA-1), poplar WAs (WA-2), and WA-3. The formation of nanofibrillar networks depends on the low-density and thin cell walls of hardwood. This work offers a foundation for investigating the formation mechanisms of nanonetworks and for expanding the potential applications of WAs.

Reinforcement of Positive Electrode-Electrolyte Interface without Using Electrolyte Additives Through Thermoelectrochemical Oxidation of LiPF6 for Lithium Secondary Batteries.

Owing to the limited electrochemical stability window of carbonate electrolytes, the initial formation of a solid electrolyte interphase and surface film on the negative and positive electrode surfaces by the decomposition of the electrolyte component is inevitable for the operation of lithium secondary batteries. The deposited film on the surface of the active material is vital for reducing further electrochemical side reactions at the surface; hence, the manipulation of this formation process is necessary for the appropriate operation of the assembled battery system. In this study, the thermal decomposition of LiPF6 salt is used as a surface passivation agent, which is autocatalytically formed during high-temperature storage. The thermally formed difluorophosphoric acid is subsequently oxidized on the partially charged high-Ni positive electrode surface, which improves the cycleability of lithium metal cells via phosphorus- and fluorine-based surface film formation. Moreover, the improvement in the high-temperature cycleability is demonstrated by controlling the formation process in the lithium-ion pouch cell with a short period of high-temperature storage before battery usage.

Central Core Substitutions and Film-Formation Process Optimization Enable Approaching 19% Efficiency All-Polymer Solar Cells.

Molecular interactions and film-formation processes greatly impact the blend film morphology and device performances of all-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs). Molecular structure, such as the central cores of polymer acceptors, would significantly influence this process. Herein, the central core substitutions of polymer acceptors are adjusted and three quinoxaline (Qx)-fused-core-based materials, PQx1, PQx2, and PQx3 are synthesized. The molecular aggregation ability and intermolecular interaction are systematically regulated, which subsequently influence the film-formation process and determine the resulting blend film morphology. As a result, PQx3, with favorable aggregation ability and moderate interaction with polymer donor PM6, achieves efficient all-PSCs with a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.60%, which could be further improved to 18.06% after carefully optimizing device annealing and interface layer. This impressive PCE is one of the highest values for binary all-PSCs based on the classical polymer donor PM6. PYF-T-o is also involved in promoting light utilization, and the resulting ternary device shows an impressive PCE of 18.82%. In addition, PM6:PQx3-based devices exhibit high film-thickness tolerance, superior stability, and considerable potential for large-scale devices (16.23% in 1 cm2 device). These results highlight the importance of structure optimization of polymer acceptors and film-formation process control for obtaining efficient and stable all-PSCs.

Incidence and Performance of Spinouts and Incumbent New Establishments: Role of Selection and Redeployability within Parent Firms.

Research Summary: Using matched employer-employee data from 30 U.S. states covering a wide range of industries, we compare spinouts with new establishments formed by incumbents (INEs). We propose a selection-based framework comprising idea selection by parents to internally implement ideas as INEs, entrepreneurial selection by founders to form spinouts, and exit selection to close ventures. Consistent with parents choosing better ideas in the idea selection stage, we find that INEs perform relatively better than spinouts, and more so with larger parents. Regarding the entrepreneurial selection stage, we find evidence consistent with resource requirements being a greater entry barrier to spinouts. Parents' resource redeployment opportunities are associated with lower relative survival of INEs, consistent with their being subject to greater selection pressures in the exit selection stage. Managerial Summary: Spinouts, or new ventures started by employees leaving a parent firm, have received special attention because spinouts tend to outperform other types of new firms. This superior performance is typically attributed to the better knowledge and higher-quality ideas developed by founders at the parent firms. However, parent firms can also select and implement such ideas internally, particularly if they are good quality ideas. We compare spinouts with new establishments formed within parent firms and find that consistent with such a process of selection, the latter outperform spinouts, more so in the case of larger parents. Interestingly, new establishments of parent firms tend to close at a greater rate than spinouts, consistent with parent firms being able to redeploy resources elsewhere within their firms.

Dynamic Formation of Green Tea Cream and the Identification of Key Components Using the "Knock-Out/Knock-In" Method.

The composition of green tea cream is extremely complex, and identification of key components is a prerequisite for elucidating its microstructure formation mechanism. This study examined the dynamic changes in the content of components and properties of colloid particles during the formation process of tea cream by chemical analysis and dynamic laser scattering (DLS). A "knock-out/knock-in" method was developed and used to further explore the relationship between the interaction of these components and the microstructure formation of tea cream. The results revealed that polysaccharides, proteins, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and caffeine were the main components involved in tea cream formation. These components participated in the formation process in the form of polysaccharide-protein and EGCG-caffeine colloidal particles. Consequently, there were synchronized dynamic changes in the levels of polysaccharides, proteins, EGCG, and caffeine. The "knock-out/knock-in" experiment revealed that the interactions between EGCG or caffeine and macro-molecule components were not the key factors in tea cream microstructure formation. However, it was found that the complexation between EGCG and caffeine played a crucial role in the formation of tea cream. The findings suggested that decreasing the concentrations of EGCG and caffeine could be useful in controlling tea cream formation during tea beverage processing and storage.

Insight into the formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in hazardous waste incineration and incinerators: Formation process and reduction strategy.

Incineration technology has been widely adopted to safely dispose of hazardous waste (HW). While the incineration process causes the formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Due to its extreme toxicity, many scholars have been committed to determining the PCDD/F formation process and reducing emissions in incinerators. Previous studies ignored the impact of incineration and fluctuation of feeding materials on PCDD/F formation in hazardous waste incinerators (HWIs). In this study, differences in PCDD/F formation between HWIs and municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) were pointed out. The incineration section in HWIs should be carefully considered. Laboratory experiments, conventional analysis and thermogravimetry experiments were conducted. An obvious disparity of PCDD/F formation between 12 kinds of HWs was found. Distillation residue was found with remarkably higher PCDD/F concentrations (11.57 ng/g). Except for the Cl content, aromatic rings and C-O bond organics were also found with high correlation coefficients with PCDD/F concentrations (>0.92). And PCDD/Fs were formed through a chlorination process and structure formation process. All of these are helpful to further understand the PCDD/F formation process during HW incineration, optimize the operation conditions in HWIs and reduce the emission pressure of PCDD/Fs in the future.

Mesolithic hearth-pits and formation processes: a geoarchaeological investigation of sediments from El Arenal de la Virgen site (SE Iberia).

Hearth-pits are some of the most common archaeological features documented in open-air Mesolithic sites, especially in coversand areas of NW Europe. However, very few geoarchaeological studies have addressed their formation, function and relationship with occupation surfaces. This work introduces new interdisciplinary investigations on the sediments of the Mesolithic open-air site of El Arenal de la Virgen (SE Iberia). A selection of five hearth-pits from two different occupation phases (Phase 1: 9.3-9.1 cal ka BP and Phase 2: 8.6-8.3 cal ka BP) has been analysed using stratigraphy, texture, soil chemistry, micromorphology, petrography and OSL and TL analyses. Combustion traits of the carbonate rock assemblages preserved in the sediments of the hearth-pits have also been investigated and compared to reference and experimental data from local geogenic materials. Our results allowed us to discuss the anthropogenic origin and taphonomy of the hearth-pits studied and approach their function. The structures from Phase 1 are interpreted as a possible oven and a dumping feature linked to single/occasional use events. In contrast, for hearth-pits from Phase 2, we propose they were related to combustion and dwelling areas subject to recurrent occupation episodes and disturbance. Finally, our sedimentary and soil data revealed existing favourable paleoenvironmental conditions during the Mesolithic occupation of the site characterized by increased moisture, temperature and vegetation cover, in contrast to the Pleistocene and Middle Holocene periods pre- and post-dating the human settlement. This work highlights the potential of integrating geoarchaeological and contextual evidence to clarify the factors involved in the formation of hearth-pits and infer intra-site occupation patterns. Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12520-023-01794-5.

Protocell Self-Assembly Driven by Sodium Trimetaphosphate.

The co-evolution of peptide formation and membrane self-assembly is considered an essential step in the origin of life. However, more research is required on both processes, particularly on the interaction between prebiotic simple fatty-acid membranes and peptide synthesis. In this study, the sodium trimetaphosphate (P3 m)-activated peptide formation reaction of phenylalanine (Phe) in an alkaline decanoic acid-decanol vesicle system was systematically investigated. The experimental results showed that peptide formation could competitively occur with N-acyl amino acid (NAA) formation. NAA formation did not follow the traditional P3 m-activated peptide formation reaction involving the intermediate cyclic acylphosphoramidate (CAPA). Decanoic acid was activated by P3 m to form a mixed anhydride, which then reacted with an amino acid to form the amide NAA. As a kind of membrane-forming amphiphile, NAA can form vesicles independently and reduce the critical vesicle concentration of the fatty-acid vesicles. Moreover, 11 other representative amino acids, namely alanine (Ala), aspartic acid (Asp), glutamic acid (Glu), glycine (Gly), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), valine (Val), and arginine (Arg), were selected for investigation. All of them reacted with decanoic acid to form NAA via the activation effect of P3 m. The abovementioned mechanism involving P3 m-activated carboxylic acid has not been reported in the literature. Our experimental results indicate that the participation of decanoic acid in the P3 m activation-based peptide formation reaction system plays a significant role in the emergence of functionalized protocells. The P3 m activation effect can provide diversified raw membrane materials to form and stabilize protocell membranes; moreover, the small peptides, such as Phe-Leu, formed in the same reaction system can induce the amplification of primitive cells. This implies that synergistic symbiosis between membrane and peptide can be realized via the P3 m activation effect.

The Formation Process and Mechanism of Carbon Dots Prepared from Aromatic Compounds as Precursors: A Review.

Fluorescent carbon dots are a novel type of nanomaterial. Due to their excellent optical properties, they have extensive application prospects in many fields. Studying the formation process and fluorescence mechanism of CDs will assist scientists in understanding the synthesis of CDs and guide more profound applications. Due to their conjugated structures, aromatic compounds have been continuously used to synthesize CDs, with emissions ranging from blue to NIR. There is a lack of a systematic summary of the formation process and fluorescence mechanism of aromatic precursors to form CDs. In this review, the formation process of CDs is first categorized into three main classes according to the precursor types of aromatic compounds: amines, phenols, and polycyclics. And then, the fluorescence mechanism of CDs synthesized from aromatic compounds is summarized. The challenges and prospects are proposed in the last section.

The role of the TGF-ß/LIF signaling pathway mediated by SMADs during the cyst formation of Echinococcus in young children.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to explore the correlation of the transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein gene (SMAD) 2/3/4, and leukemia inhibitory factors (LIF) with the cyst formation of hepatic Echinococcus granulosus in young children. METHODS: A total of 40 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for children's hydatid disease in people's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region between January 2020 and June 2021 were enrolled a s the study subjects. The cystic fluid of these children was collected as the case group and the corresponding infected viscera or pericystic tissue as the control group, with 40 cases in each group. In vitro cultured protoscolice of hydatid cyst, four groups including control group, LIF siRNA group, LIF factor group and SMAD4 siRNA group were divided by inhibiting TGF-ß/SMADs signal pathway. Each assay was performed in triplicate. The expression of TGF-ß, SMAD2/3/4 and LIF were detected. RESULTS: The results of the clinical trial showed that the contents of SMAD2 and SMAD3 were increased in the case group compared with the control group; the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The expression levels of TGF-ß, Smad4, and LIF increased in the case group compared with the control group; however, the differences were not statistically significant. The results of further in vitro experiments, the expression levels of TGF-ß, SMAD 2/3/4, and LIF after adding siRNA to interfere with Smad4 decreased in the case group compared with the control group; the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of TGF-ß, SMAD2/3/4, and LIF increased after treatment with added LIF in the case group, and the expression levels of TGF-ß, SMAD2/3/4, and LIF decreased after adding siRNA to interfere with LIF in the case group; the differences were all statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SMAD2 and SMAD3 have a certain clinical relevance with hydatidosis in young children. The LIF expression level may be related to the cystic transformation of protoscoleces. It has been suggested that the TGF-ß/Smads/LIF signaling pathway may be present in the process of protoscoleces cyst formation; this provides a research basis for the prevention and treatment of post-infection parasitism of E. multilocularis eggs in young children.

Experiencia y resultados del tratamiento al proceso formativo en la Covid-19. Facultad Ciencias Médicas de Bayamo / Experience and results of the treatment of the formation process in Covid-19. Faculty of Medical Sciences of Bayamo / Experiência e resultados do tratamento para o processo de treinamento em Covid-19. Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Bayamo

RESUMEN Introducción: la pandemia de la COVID-19 implicó cambios en el quehacer universitario que orientaron a enfatizar en el tratamiento al proceso formativo, acorde con las necesidades sociales y del sector salud. Objetivo: exponer las experiencias y resultados obtenidos en el tratamiento al proceso formativo en la COVID-19 en la Facultad Ciencias Médicas de Bayamo. Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal del periodo marzo 2020-febrero 2022. Se emplearon métodos teóricos con un enfoque general sistémico, el analítico-sintético, inductivo-deductivo y la modelación, además de estadística descriptiva e inferencial que incluyó prueba de diferencias de proporciones para muestras independientes con un 5% de significación. Resultados: la reorganización del proceso formativo distinguió etapas de reordenamiento, sistematización y valoración formativa contextual. El 99% de la matrícula prevista de estudiantes se integró al enfrentamiento y control de la COVID-19 en el trabajo integral comunitario. Se desarrollaron acciones en centros de aislamiento, sitios de vacunación, puestos de mando de oxígeno y laboratorios especializados. Se obtuvo una amplia participación estudiantil en eventos científicos virtuales y foros debates, entre otras actividades. Los resultados de promoción superaron al curso precedente y la calidad resultó significativa. Conclusiones: la reorganización sistémica del proceso formativo aseguró el desarrollo de un proceso integral con amplia inserción de estudiantes en actividades curriculares, extracurriculares y sociopolíticas, se evidenció elevado compromiso y sentido de pertenencia, manifestado en la sistematicidad y diversidad de acciones desarrolladas y en resultados académicos superiores.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic implied changes in university activities that led to emphasizing treatment of the formation process, in accordance with social and health sector needs. Objective: to expose the experiences and results obtained in the treatment of the formation process in COVID-19 at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Bayamo. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2020 to February 2022. Theoretical methods were used with a general systemic approach, analytical-synthetic, inductive-deductive and modeling, in addition to descriptive and inferential statistics that included a test of differences in proportions for independent samples with 5% significance. Results: the reorganization of the formation process distinguished stages of reordering, systematization and contextual training assessment. 99% of the expected enrollment of the students was integrated into the confrontation and control of COVID-19 in comprehensive community work. Actions were carried out in isolation centers, vaccination sites, oxygen command posts and specialized laboratories. Wide participation of the students was obtained in virtual scientific events and discussion forums, among other activities. The promotion results exceeded the previous course and the quality was significant. Conclusions: the systemic reorganization of the formation process ensured the development of a comprehensive process with a wide insertion of students in curricular, extracurricular and sociopolitical activities, high commitment and sense of belonging was evidenced, manifested in the systematicity and diversity of actions developed and in academic results superiors.

RESUMO Introdução: a pandemia COVID-19 imentou mudanças no trabalho universitário que levaram à ênfase no tratamento do processo de formação, de acordo com as necessidades sociais e do setor saúde. Objetivo: apresentar as experiências e resultados obtidos no tratamento do processo de formação no COVID-19 na Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Bayamo. Métodos: estudo transversal foi realizado para o período de março de 2020 a fevereiro de 2022. Métodos teóricos foram utilizados com abordagem sistêmica geral, analítica-sintética, indutiva-dedutiva e modelagem, bem como estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais que incluíram testes de diferenças de proporções para amostras independentes com significância de 5%. Resultados: a reorganização do processo de treinamento distinguiu etapas de rearranjo, sistematização e avaliação formativa contextual. 99% das matrículas esperadas dos alunos foram integradas ao confronto e controle do COVID-19 no trabalho comunitário integral. As ações foram realizadas em centros de isolamento, postos de vacinação, postos de comando de oxigênio e laboratórios especializados. Uma ampla participação dos alunos foi obtida em eventos científicos virtuais e fóruns de discussão, entre outras atividades. Os resultados da promoção superaram o curso anterior e a qualidade foi significativa. Conclusões: a reorganização sistêmica do processo de formação garantiu o desenvolvimento de um processo integral com ampla inserção dos alunos em atividades curriculares, extracurriculares e sociopolíticas, alto comprometimento e senso de pertencimento, manifestado na sistemática e diversidade das ações desenvolvidas e em resultados acadêmicos superiores.

Distinct decision-making properties underlying the species specificity of group formation of flies.

Many animal species form groups. Group characteristics differ between species, suggesting that the decision-making of individuals for grouping varies across species. However, the actual decision-making properties that lead to interspecific differences in group characteristics remain unclear. Here, we compared the group formation processes of two Drosophilinae fly species, Colocasiomyia alocasiae and Drosophila melanogaster, which form dense and sparse groups, respectively. A high-throughput tracking system revealed that C. alocasiae flies formed groups faster than D. melanogaster flies, and the probability of C. alocasiae remaining in groups was far higher than that of D. melanogaster. C. alocasiae flies joined groups even when the group size was small, whereas D. melanogaster flies joined groups only when the group size was sufficiently large. C. alocasiae flies attenuated their walking speed when the inter-individual distance between flies became small, whereas such behavioural properties were not clearly observed in D. melanogaster. Furthermore, depriving C. alocasiae flies of visual input affected grouping behaviours, resulting in a severe reduction in group formation. These findings show that C. alocasiae decision-making regarding grouping, which greatly depends on vision, is significantly different from D. melanogaster, leading to species-specific group formation properties.

Self-Formation CoO Nanodots Catalyst in Co(TFSI)2 -Modified Electrolyte for High Efficient Li-O2 Batteries.

The major challenges for Li-O2 batteries are sluggish reaction kinetics and large overpotentials due to the cathode passivation resulting from insulative and insoluble Li2 O2 . Here, a novel nanodot (ND)-modified electrolyte is designed by employing cobalt bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Co(TFSI)2 ) as an electrolyte additive. The Co(TFSI)2 additive can react with discharge intermediate LiO2 and product Li2 O2 to form CoO NDs. The generated CoO NDs are well dispersed in electrolyte, which integrates both the high catalytic activity of solid catalyst and the good wettability of soluble catalyst. Under the catalytis of CoO NDs, Li2 O2 is produced and deposits on the cathode together with them. At the recharge process, these well dispersed CoO NDs help to decompose solid Li2 O2 at a lower overpotential. The Li-O2 cells with Co(TFSI)2 exhibit a long cycle life of 200 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g-1 under a cutoff capacity of 1000 mAh g-1 , as well as a superior reversibility associated with the Li2 O2 formation and decomposition. The study is expected to broaden the range of electrolyte additives and provide a new view to developing highly dispersed NDs-based catalysts for Li-O2 batteries.

Influence of the Web Formation of a Basic Layer of Medical Textiles on Their Functionality.

The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of the spunbond process and the meltblown process, as well as various combinations of the two processes, on the functional performance of layered nonwovens for medical purposes. In the present study, eight samples used in the medical field, mainly for medical masks, were analysed. The samples studied were laminated nonwovens produced by the spunbond and meltblown processes, and combinations of spunbond and meltblown processes. In order to determine the influence of the technological process used to produce a base layer of nonwoven fabrics on their functionality, measurements of tensile strength and extension, water vapour permeability, air permeability, porosity, and thermal conductivity were performed. In addition, the structural characteristics of selected samples were analysed, such as fibre diameter, thickness, mass, raw material composition, and surface openness. The aim of the present study was to find the optimal combination of spunbond and meltblown processes for medical textiles. Based on the research results, we can conclude that the five-layer composite in which three layers are made by spunbond (S) and two layers are made by meltblown (M) in combination as SSMMS from PP fibres has optimal air permeability, filtration of pollutants passing through a protective mask, water vapour permeability and thermal conductivity, and is optimal for use as a multilayer nonwoven fabric for medical masks. Multilayer SSMMS composites also have a lower weight, resulting in less energy and time required for recycling such textiles.

Determination of Time-Evolving interfacial tension and ionic surfactant adsorption kinetics in microfluidic droplet formation process.

Surfactant adsorption plays an important role in microfluidics, which can be investigated by the dynamic evolution of interfacial tension. A differential pressure-based method is proposed to understand the basic laws of time-evolving interfacial tension and adsorption kinetics of ionic surfactants during the microfluidic droplet formation processes. Instantaneous flow rates and flow resistances are precisely analyzed based on auto-recognized microscopic images and the waveform of differential pressure, and the interfacial tension is determined from the Young-Laplace equation with a time resolution of 1/60 s. The concentration of surfactant at the liquid-liquid interface is obtained according to the Frumkin adsorption model, leading to an in-depth understanding of the adsorption rates and the apparent mass transfer rates of surfactants. The surfactant adsorption is demonstrated to obey the kinetic-controlled adsorption mechanism and therefore a measurement method for the adsorption rate constant is created to understand the kinetic characteristics of small-molecule ionic surfactants.

The Formation Process and Strengthening Mechanism of SiC Nanowires in a Carbon-Coated Porous BN/Si3N4 Ceramic Joint.

Porous BN/Si3N4 ceramics carbon-coated by carbon coating were joined with SiCo38 (wt. %) filler. The formation process and strengthening mechanism of silicon carbide nanowires to the joint were analyzed in detail. The outcome manifests that there is no distinct phase change in the porous BN/Si3N4 ceramic without carbon-coated joint. The highest joint strength was obtained at 1320 °C (~38 MPa). However, a larger number of silicon carbide nanowires were generated in the carbon-coated joints. The highest joint strength of the carbon-coated joint was ~89 MPa at 1340 °C. Specifically, silicon carbide nanowires were formed by the reaction of the carbon coated on the porous BN/Si3N4 ceramic with the SiCo38 filler via the Vapor-Liquid-Solid (VLS) method and established a bridge in the joint. It grows on the ß-SiC (111) crystal plane and the interplanar spacing is 0.254 nm. It has a bamboo-like shape with a resemblance to alloy balls on the ends, and its surface is coated with SiO2. The improved carbon-coated porous BN/Si3N4 joint strength is possibly ascribed to the bridging of nanowires in the joint.

Multiphase CFD Modeling and Experimental Validation of Polymer and Attenuating Air Jet Interactions in Nonwoven Annular Melt Blowing.

In annular melt blowing, fiber formation is achieved by accelerating a molten polymer via drag forces imparted by high velocity air that attenuates the polymer jet diameter. The interactions at the polymer-air interface, which govern the motion of the jets and impact the resulting fiber characteristics, are important but not well understood yet. This work details the development and validation of a multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to investigate these interactions and the effects of three key melt blowing process parameters (polymer viscosity and throughput, and air velocity) on two critical fiber attributes - whipping instability and fiber diameter. Simulation results highlighted that whipping instability was driven by the polymer-air velocity differential, and the fiber diameter was primarily modulated by polymer throughput and air velocity. The CFD model was validated by modulating the polymer and air throughputs and analyzing the fiber diameter experimentally. Empirical results showed good agreement between fabricated and model-estimated fiber diameters, especially at lower air velocities. An additional CFD simulation performed using a melt blowing nozzle geometry and process parameters described in literature also confirmed good correlation between model estimates and literature empirical data.

Resource Recovery and the Sherwood Plot.

Our work analyzes the biophysical and economic foundations of the Sherwood Plot (SP). In general, the SP depicts the theoretical relationship between the cost of recovering a target material or an identified Value Added Compound (VAC) from a waste matrix and its dilution in the waste matrix; specifically suggesting that the recovery cost is reverse proportional to the VAC's dilution in it. We further utilize the SP as a scientifically consistent and economically coherent analytical framework for measuring resource recovery performance. Initially, we analyze the SP's fundamental physical properties, as well as its many potential economic extensions. Specifically, we substantiate the relation between a VAC's Entropy, Dilution and Recovery Cost. On these grounds we present the SP's remarkable and numerous economic properties that make it consistent to its physical foundations; thus integrating concisely its physical and economic aspects and postulate a generalized SP function. We further test econometrically the validity of an SP based on both deterministic and stochastic real data from a small-scale industrial unit of polyphenols' recovery from natural fruit juice production residual wastewater. In turn, based on the fusion of our theoretical argumentation and empirical findings we dive into the epistemological extensions of the SP. Specifically, we study how the recovery cost structure at the single industry level is revealed by the SP and can be useful for postulating cost structure ontologies. Cost ontologies are in turn useful as a diagnostic of the formation process of VAC recovery markets as well as their structure and concentration, defining the industrial shares when many industries operate in the recovery of the same VAC.