Article
Chemistry, Applied
Elisa S. Ferreira, James Drummond, Anderson T. V. Veiga, Aurelien Sibellas, Samuel Brown, Emily D. Cranston, Mark Martinez
Summary: Understanding water absorbency in paper is challenging due to the simultaneous occurrence of fibre swelling and out-of-plane deformation during liquid imbibition. In this study, we developed iron tracers to map liquid imbibition in paper by precipitating iron oxide nanoparticles during wetting. The iron tracers were found to be firmly attached to the cellulose fibers. Through X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we demonstrated the distribution of iron in 3D and 2D, and also showed that these iron tracers enhance image contrast and allow for new imaging modalities in μCT for fiber networks.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
L. Nagli, A. Prosnyakov, M. Gaft, Y. Raichlin
Summary: By investigating Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Laser-Induced Plasma Lasers (LIPL) in elongated Laser-Induced Plasma (LIP), it is found that their behavior towards ablation laser pulses is similar and they exhibit two peaks in intensity dependencies on laser pulses. The second peak observed at a large number of ablation pulses may be attributed to the thermal properties of the sample, especially thermal capacity and thermal diffusivity.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Optics
Haojie An, Jinshi Wang, Huaiyu Cui, Fengzhou Fang
Summary: This paper presents an experimental study on the laser-induced atomic and close-to-atomic scale structure of 4H-SiC using a capillary-discharged extreme ultraviolet pulse. The modification mechanism at the close-to-atomic scale is investigated through molecular dynamics simulations. The results show the formation of stripe-like structures and laser-induced periodic surface structures, demonstrating the potential of extreme ultraviolet pulses for semiconductor manufacturing at the close-to-atomic scale.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. J. Cresswell-Boyes, G. R. Davis, M. Krishnamoorthy, D. Mills, A. H. Barber
Summary: Human teeth can be mechanically replicated using 3D printing to create biomimetic typodont teeth. The mechanical performance of the biomimetic teeth depends on the ratio of material mechanical properties rather than the absolute material properties.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Hui Jia, David K. Ferguson, Bainian Sun, Xiangning Meng, Yifan Hua
Summary: Based on a detailed morphologic and tomologic investigation of a fossil endocarp, a new species of Diploclisia from the Late Miocene of Jiahu, Zhejiang Province, eastern China was described. The genus is likely originated in north-east China in the Palaeocene and have undergone various phases of expansion and contraction. The more advanced species probably expanded into south and south-east Asia in the Pleistocene.
GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Niklas Anthony, Jan Frostevarg, Heikki Suhonen, Christina Wanhainen, Mikael Granvik
Summary: The researchers conducted experiments on olivine, pyroxene, and serpentine using different power densities of laser for spallation, finding that pyroxene and serpentine could be spalled at certain power levels while olivine would melt at higher power levels. Laser-induced spallation of pyroxene and serpentine is found to be more energy-efficient and effective compared to laser-induced splattering.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maximilian Weiss, Zuzana Gajarska, Hans Lohninger, Martina Marchetti-Deschmann, Georg Ramer, Bernhard Lendl, Andreas Limbeck
Summary: The growing importance of fluoropolymers in high-tech applications and green technologies has led to an increased demand for their characterization. This study presents a novel approach for quantitative mapping of fluorine in fluoropolymer samples using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The approach is based on monitoring molecular emission bands arising from fluorine-containing molecules. The study evaluates two techniques - spray coating and sputter coating - for their effects on sensitivity and spatial resolution in elemental mapping.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tai-Jan Huang, Sridhar Niverty, Arun Sundar, Nikhilesh Chawla
Summary: Meteorite samples that land on earth provide important information about asteroids and meteors in space. This study used 3D x-ray tomography, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy to analyze the microstructure, elemental composition, and mechanical properties of the Aba Panu meteorite. The results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the formation history and characteristics of the meteorite.
MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shixiang Ma, Yachao Liu, Hongwu Tian, Lianbo Guo, Daming Dong
Summary: Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is widely used as a micro-damage detection technique, but it often leads to sample destruction due to high-energy ablation. Resonant LIBS (RLIBS) is an improved LIBS method that allows minimally destructive elemental analysis. This study investigates four different excitation modes of RLIBS using lead (Pb), indium (In), and silicon (Si) as examples. The results show that RLIBS with ground-state atom excitation (RLIBS-G) achieves better spectral intensity and higher detection sensitivity and accuracy for trace element analysis in copper alloys.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Patrick Janovszky, Albert Keri, David J. Palasti, Lukas Brunnbauer, Ferenc Domoki, Andreas Limbeck, Gabor Galbacs
Summary: The study emphasizes the importance of converting signal intensity maps of organic tissues collected by LIBS to elemental concentration maps. A machine learning methodology based on matrix-matched external calibration and linear discriminant analysis is proposed for this task. The results demonstrate the successful recognition of tissue types and conversion of intensity maps to accurate concentration maps for specific elements.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. Robledo-Martinez, A. Garcia-Villarreal, H. Sobral, N. E. Jimenez de la Vega
Summary: The study investigated the effects of target temperature on the characteristics of an ablation plasma as it was cooled from room temperature down to 20 K. It was found that the intensity of emission lines increased steadily as the target was cooled to 150-175 K and then remained stable, while electronic density decreased with decreasing temperature. Furthermore, the intensity of continuum emissions also varied with target temperature.
APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Gregory Hull, Edward D. McNaghten, Paul Coffey, Philip Martin
Summary: The combination of LIBS and LA-TDLAS is useful for isotopic analysis and calculating laser ablation plasma properties. Double-pulsed laser ablation has the potential to enable more isotopic pairs to be analysed due to the narrower absorption linewidth.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hannah Huemmelchen, Henrik Wagner, Kerstin Bruegemann, Sabine Wenisch, Sven Koenig, Axel Wehrend
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the frequency and type of tail abnormalities in undocked Merinoland sheep using radiographic studies. The results showed that anomalies of the tail bones were mainly found in the middle and caudal third of the spine, and there was a correlation between vertebral fractures and tail length and number of vertebrae. The study also emphasized the importance of breeding for short tails to prevent fractures.
Article
Plant Sciences
Else Marie Friis, Peter R. Crane, Kaj Raunsgaard Pedersen
Summary: A new microsporangiate cone, Renbernia zhoui, has been discovered in the Potomac Group in Virginia, USA. It exhibits distinct characteristics compared to similar species found previously.
REVIEW OF PALAEOBOTANY AND PALYNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Kang Cheol Kim, Hyun Cheol Cho, Tae Jun Jang, Jong Mun Choi, Jin Keun Seo
Summary: An automatic X-ray image segmentation technique combining deep-learning and level-set methods is proposed for compression fracture detection and evaluation. This structured hierarchical segmentation method utilizes pose-driven learning and M-net to accurately identify lumbar vertebrae and segment individual vertebrae. Fine tuning segmentation is achieved by combining the level-set method with the obtained segmentation results, resulting in accurate and robust identification of each lumbar vertebra.
COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Lukas Nejdl, Martina Havlikova, Filip Mravec, Tomas Vaculovic, Veronika Faltusova, Kristyna Pavelicova, Mojmir Baron, Michal Kumsta, Vit Ondrousek, Vojtech Adam, Marketa Vaculovicova
Summary: The method presented uses the fluorescence characteristics of samples after UV treatment for analysis, suitable for a variety of samples including pharmaceuticals and beverages, without requiring additional chemical reagents, only suitable diluent. By observing the changes in fluorescence, different samples can be quickly identified.
Article
Biology
Jakub Laznovsky, Adam Brinek, Tomas Zikmund, Marketa Boudova, Lucy Vojtova, Jana Dorazilova, Martin Trunec, Premysl Stastny, Milan Krticka, Ladislav Planka, Daniel Ira, Martin Faldyna, Jozef Kaiser
Summary: This paper presents an automatic approach for evaluating the spinal fusion in pigs, which is based on the determination of the fused area and quantitatively determining the fusion quality. The proposed method has the potential to establish a standard approach for evaluating fusion quality in ex-vivo samples.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thibault Bouderlique, Julian Petersen, Louis Faure, Daniel Abed-Navandi, Anass Bouchnita, Benjamin Mueller, Murtazo Nazarov, Lukas Englmaier, Marketa Tesarova, Pedro R. Frade, Tomas Zikmund, Till Koehne, Jozef Kaiser, Kaj Fried, Christian Wild, Olga Pantos, Andreas Hellander, John Bythell, Igor Adameyko
Summary: Research has revealed that corals can connect individual polyps and form a coral colony through complex liquid flow networks on the surface and branching flow systems inside the colony. These networks and systems play important roles in the growth, nutrient supply, and symbiont transfer of corals.
Article
Geography, Physical
Gabriela Calabkova, Jiri Chlachula, Martin Ivanov, Michaela Hlozkova, Jolanta Czerniawska, Michaela Vasinova-Galiova, Lubomir Prokes, Petr Gadas
Summary: This study explores the impact of past microbial activity on the preservation of fossils retrieved from permafrost. The findings reveal that the preservation of bone material is dependent on the conditions in which the bone was preserved, with some bones only experiencing superficial microbial degradation processes while others underwent progressive microbial attacks and chemical changes.
QUATERNARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Archaeology
Giacomo Vinci, Alessandro Fontana, Giorgia Musina, Lucia Mancini, Carmine Lubritto, Lucia Liccioli, Federico Bernardini
Summary: Depositional and erosional processes, subsidence and sea-level changes have significantly impacted the coastal landscape of northern Adriatic lagoons. The retrieval and analysis of six metal swords from Marano Lagoon, combined with the study of the coastal paleo-environment, revealed the historical importance of the area and the significant morphological changes that have occurred there. The data also indicate that Marano Lagoon served as a major hub in the northern Adriatic during the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern times, connecting inland Europe with the Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, the research highlights the onset of coastal erosion and its possible causes.
Article
Anthropology
Katerina Tomkova, Sarka Krizova, Veronika Faltusova, Nadine Schibille, Tomas Vaculovic
Summary: The distribution of olive and fusiform beads in Bohemia, Moravia, Bavaria and its surrounding areas in the eighth-tenth centuries suggests local glass-working in central Europe. Different regional preferences, typological details, and asynchronous occurrence point to production in multiple workshops. Analysis of bead samples shows that most were made from recycled soda-lime-silica natron glass, with some exceptions made from Islamic plant ash and western European wood ash glass.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Benedetto Bozzini, Marco Boniardi, Tommaso Caielli, Andrea Casaroli, Elisa Emanuele, Lucia Mancini, Nicola Sodini, Jacopo Strada
Summary: Secondary Zn-based batteries are a promising alternative to Li batteries for stationary storage, but their commercialization is hindered by issues such as anode shape-change and passivation. This study investigates the use of mildly acidic electrolytes to limit the unstable growth of Zn, with a focus on the impact of specific quaternary ammonium salts as electrolyte additives. The results show that TBAB is the most effective additive for low-current density operation, while additive-free electrolyte performs better at high current densities, consistent with previous findings for alkaline electrolytes.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Peter Bacik, Jana Fridrichova, Olena Rybnikova, Jan Stubna, Ludmila Illasova, Radek Skoda, Tomas Vaculovic, Zuzana Pulisova, Peter Seckar
Summary: A complex crystal-chemical investigation, using spectroscopic methods, EMPA, and LA-ICP-MS, was conducted on sphalerite samples from the Banska Stiavnica ore district. Different colors of sphalerite have different associated minerals, and Cd and Fe substitute for Zn with variable proportions. Mn, Co, and Cu are also present in significant amounts. The optical absorption spectra reveal absorption peaks attributed to crystal-field transitions of Fe2+, and the colors of sphalerite are determined by the absorption patterns.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hana Stepankova, Hana Michalkova, Zbynek Splichal, Lukas Richtera, Pavel Svec, Tomas Vaculovic, Jan Pribyl, Martin Kormunda, Simona Rex, Vojtech Adam, Zbynek Heger
Summary: Although the general concept of nanotechnology relies on exploiting the size-dependent properties of nanoscaled materials, the relationship between the size/morphology of nanoparticles and their biological activity is still not well understood. In this study, we investigated the biological activity of Se nanoparticles with different morphologies (nanorods vs. spherical particles) and aspect ratios (AR) in human cells and mice. Our findings suggest that the aspect ratio is a critical factor for the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of nanorod-shaped Se nanomaterials.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michaela Kuchynka, Hana Holcova Polanska, Jaromir Gumulec, Viktor Kanicky, Tomas Vaculovic
Summary: A new experiment involving LA-ICP-MS was designed for chemistry undergraduate students, providing them with information on the amount and distribution of elements in a sample. Using a thin section of mouse tissue as a model sample, the students determined the distribution and quantity of essential elements Zn, Cu, and Pt.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
F. Colle, M. Masotta, S. Costa, S. Mollo, P. Landi, A. Pontesilli, S. Peres, L. Mancini
Summary: This study investigates the textural and compositional evolution of clinopyroxene crystals using undercooling experiments. The results show that plagioclase is the dominant mineral phase at low undercooling, while clinopyroxene and spinel co-saturate the melt at higher undercooling. The morphological and geochemical changes in clinopyroxene are controlled by melt supersaturation and relaxation phenomena.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Simona Raneri, Lucia Mancini, Gabriele Lanzafame, Alexander Peter Kao, Konstantinos Giannoukos, Ravi Chandra Malladi, M. Shiva Kumar, Vincenzo Palleschi, Thirumalini Selvaraj
Summary: The characterisation of lime mortars is crucial for the conservation and repair of ancient buildings. The pore structure, influenced by manufacturing processes, recipes, and technical expedients, plays a significant role in the strength and durability of mortars. Fermenting organic matter in water and adding it to lime mixture has shown promising potential for improving workability and mechanical performance. The use of high-resolution synchrotron radiation computed microtomography (SR-mu-CT) proves to be an effective tool for studying the contribution of organically fermented water in lime mortars and understanding the impact on pore structure and mechanical properties.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Erik Kepes, Jakub Vrabel, Tomas Brazdil, Petr Holub, Pavel Porizka, Jozef Kaiser
Summary: Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is commonly used in high-stakes applications and is often coupled with machine learning models such as artificial neural networks (ANNs). In this study, various interpretation techniques were applied to understand the decision-making process of convolutional neural networks in LIBS. The trained networks predominantly learned spectroscopic features corresponding to the major oxides found in the calibration targets.
Meeting Abstract
Anthropology
Patrick Mahoney, Gina McFarlane, B. Holly Smith, Justyna J. Miszkiewicz, Paola Cerrito, Helen Liversidge, Lucia Mancini, Diego Dreossi, Alessio Veneziano, Federico Bernardini, Emanuela Cristiani, Alison Behie, Alfredo Coppa, Luca Bondioli, David W. Frayer, Davorka Radovcic, Alessia Nava
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Veronika Faltusova, Tomas Vaculovic, Marketa Hola, Viktor Kanicky
Summary: In this study, a python software called Ilaps is presented for easy processing of LA-ICP-MS data, allowing for bulk analysis and imaging. The software does not require data preparation and offers automatic signal selection and manual contamination exclusion. The study showcases the potential of Ilaps in the fields of archaeology and imaging.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
