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At least 307 records · Page 17

Improving the bioaccessibility of lipophilic ingredient in its oral intestinal delivery by ultrasound and biological cross‐linker

Abstract BACKGROUND Great efforts have been made to improve the oral bioaccessibility of lipophilic ingredients with multi‐functionalities. Achieving intestinal delivery of lipophilic ingredients and their encapsulation in micelles composed of bile salts and lipid hydrolysates (i.e. fatty acids) is critical for improving oral bioaccessibility. Therefore, oil‐core microcapsules are considered ideal carriers of lipophilic ingredients. Previous studies have reported oil‐core/zein‐shell microcapsules constructed by a one‐step anti‐solvent process. Still, its efficacy as an intestinal delivery system was limited because if the porous shell structure. RESULTS Zein solution was pretreated with ultrasound and tannic acid (TA) cross‐linking. Composite oil‐core microcapsule (COM) with a compact shell structure was successfully prepared by using modified zein solution in the anti‐solvent process. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and circular dichroism analyses indicated that ultrasound and TA synergistically promote the conformational transition of zein from α‐helix to β‐sheet and enhance the hydrophobic interactions among protein chains. The above changes contribute to the strengthen of shell zein network. Correspondingly, COM presents superior encapsulation efficiency and environmental stability over the simple oil‐core microcapsule (SOM) prepared without the use of ultrasound and TA. Furthermore, antioxidant activity of β‐carotene was well retained during the encapsulation process. In vitro studies indicated that COM was more resistant to digestibility and acid‐induced swelling. More than 87% of β‐carotene could be released in the intestine in a sustainable way. The controllable release behavior thus promoted a significant increase in bioaccessibility of β‐carotene encapsulated in COM compared to SOM (85.9% versus 48.5%). CONCLUSION The COM generated here shows potential for bioaccessibility improvement of lipophilic ingredients. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Wei, Yun‐Shan↗

Investigating the impacts of solid phase extraction on dissolved organic matter optical signatures and the pairing with high‐resolution mass spectrometry data across a freshwater stream network

Abstract Advancing our understanding of dissolved organic matter (DOM) chemistry in aquatic systems necessitates the integration of data streams from multiple analytical platforms. Some measurements require pretreatment with solid phase extraction (SPE), while others are performed directly on whole water samples. Evidence has suggested that SPE will be biased against select DOM fractions, leading to concerns over the ability to establish data linkages across platforms with variable needs for SPE pretreatment, such as those from optical measurements and those that provide high‐resolution molecular information. Here, we directly addressed this concern by assessing the impact of SPE on DOM optical properties through excitation–emission matrices with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) for 47 samples across a stream network within a single watershed reflective of variable DOM sources. PARAFAC data was further paired with molecular information obtained by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR‐MS). A comparison of PARAFAC models first revealed no systematic qualitative differences in major components between whole water DOM and DOM isolated by SPE (SPE‐DOM); however, quantitative biases against select components were observed. Further linkages with FTICR‐MS data revealed that the molecular fingerprint associated with each PARAFAC component was consistent between the whole water DOM and SPE‐DOM. Our results suggest that bulk scale linkages across these analytical platforms could be inferred irrespective of the observed quantitative biases resulting from SPE for samples within this example watershed. This work represents a key step toward the systematic evaluation of linkages between optical and high‐resolution mass spectrometry datasets in freshwater lotic environments.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Observation of Quadratic (Charge-2) Weyl Point Splitting in Near-Infrared Photonic Crystals

Weyl points are point degeneracies that occur in momentum space of 3D periodic materials and are associated with a quantized topological charge. Here, the splitting of a quadratic (charge-2) Weyl point into two linear (charge-1) Weyl points in a 3D micro-printed photonic crystal is observed experimentally via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Using a theoretical analysis rooted in symmetry arguments, it is shown that this splitting occurs along high-symmetry directions in the Brillouin zone. This micro-scale observation and control of Weyl points is important for realizing robust topological devices in the near-infrared.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Design of High Efficient Mid-Wavelength Infrared Polarizer on ORMOCHALC Polymer

While an organically modified chalcogenide (ORMOCHALC) can be used to fabricate a polymeric mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) polarizer with competitive extinction ratio compared to the commercial wire-grid polarizers, which are composed of fragile inorganic materials, there is still a knowledge gap regarding the systematic design process to obtain high transmission efficiency and extinction ratio. As such, a computational parameter study for design optimization is conducted with the geometric parameters of the bilayer grating ORMOCHALC polarizer. The computational study shows that the Fabry–Pérot cavity is the primary mechanism that determines the transmission behaviors and the extinction ratio. A bilayer grating design, guided by the parameter study, is realized through the thermal nanoimprint and metal deposition processes. The extinction ratios measured with the Fourier-transform infrared are 245, 304, and 351 at the wavelength of 3, 4, and 5 μm, respectively. Compared to the state-of-the-art of the polymeric MWIR linear polarizers, the extinction ratio is improved by 1.4 times, and the transmission efficiency is increased by 2.5 times. Theoretical analysis with the multiple-layer model based on the transfer matrix method predicts a matched transmission behavior with the experiment and a full-wave electromagnetic simulation.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Impact of carbamate formation on the surface tension of epoxy‐amine curing systems

Abstract Epoxy‐amine reactive systems, including their surface tension, have been studied due to their use and importance in composites and adhesives in laboratory and industrial applications. Understanding how the system's surface tension changes during curing could help target applications for tailored composites. Using the Wilhelmy plate method, surface tensions for epoxy‐curing agent systems were investigated under different environments. While the epoxy exhibited an expected negative temperature coefficient of −0.096 mN/m/°C, the curing agent exhibited a positive temperature coefficient of 0.073 mN/m/°C, which is due to the curing agent reacting with atmospheric CO 2 to form carbamate through a zwitterion pathway and functional groups accumulating at the surface of the reacting systems. Carbamate formation results in a surface tension below that of the individual constituents in the epoxy‐amine curing agent system. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to verify in situ formation of carbamate, and by reducing the system's temperature, it was demonstrated that the system surface tension profiles displayed micellar surfactant‐like characteristics. FTIR was used to explore the difference in composition between the surface and the bulk, in particular carbamate formation at the surface, resulting in a lowering of the surface tension of reacting systems.

Shenk, Timothy M.↗

Synthesis and characterization of biobased copolyesters based on pentanediol: (1) Poly(pentylene dodecanoate–co–furandicarboxylate)

A series of biobased aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters, poly(pentylene dodecanoate-co-furandicarboxylates) (PPeDFs) were synthesized via an esterification and polycondensation melt process. The copolyesters were characterized using gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1 H NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, wide angle x-ray scattering, and tensile testing. The thermal transition behavior was strongly dependent on composition, with the melting and glass transition temperatures reaching a minimum at approximately equimolar ratio of D to F. All copolyesters were stable below 300°C with their R 600 (the weight of material remaining at 600°C) values increasing with F fraction. PPeD to PPeDF30 (e.g., mole ratio D/F = 7:3) show sharp PPeD crystalline reflections only while broad PPeF reflections are shown in PPeF and PPeDF90. PPeDF40 to PPeDF80 showed both crystal structures. The fractional crystallinity for the PPeD was much higher than PPeF and the fractional crystallinity of the copolymers showed a minimum at D/F ratios closer to the latter. Here, the stress at break and modulus both exhibited maxima at D/F ratios that were either high or low, but somewhat surprisingly a strong maximum in percent elongation at break of over 600% occurs at PPeDF40. For this composition, a typical plastic behavior curve was found including a yield point, high elongation at break, and strain hardening.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Microstructure changes during failure of PVDF-based photovoltaic backsheets

The backsheet layer of a solar module provides a safety and environmental barrier to the high voltages running through the photovoltaic (PV) cells and electrical contacts within the core of the module. However, in the past decade, backsheet cracking has become one of the most observed failure modes in PV module field surveys. In this work, the degradation of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based backsheets is explored. Backsheet samples are either exposed to accelerated laboratory aging (UV light, heat, and moisture) or collected from the field. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, fragmentation testing, atomic force and scanning electron microscopy, and small-angle neutron scattering are combined to develop an understanding of how chemistry and microstructure evolve during aging. Chemical degradation, surface pitting, polymer phase changes, and anisotropic polymer domains are all observed in aged backsheet samples. The results provide insight into the degradation mechanisms that lead to cracking and field failure of PVDF-based backsheets. The comparison of aged PVDF-based backsheets helps to lay the groundwork for limiting polymer-based failure modes in PV modules.

PVDF↗

The melt memory effects in polymer crystallization

This paper presents a systematic review of the literature on the melt memory effects observed in polymers, an area that has engendered considerable debate for over 50 years. Recent advances in experimental techniques have provided fresh insights into how a polymer's thermal history influences its recrystallization behavior. It has been observed that given other conditions unchanged, the crystallization temperature during recrystallization decreases with an increase in the melt temperature T s above the melting point T m until a critical melt temperature is attained. This phenomenon also extends to the half-time of crystallization and the secondary structures, such as lamellar thickness, of semi-crystalline polymers. Despite these findings, a comprehensive constitutive model that encapsulates polymer melt memory effects remains elusive. Cutting-edge instrumentation, including in situ small and wide-angle X-ray scattering, temperature-controlled Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and flash differential scanning calorimetry, have posed significant challenges to the traditional nucleation and growth models established in the 1970s. These models are foundational to our understanding of polymer crystallization, which is an integral part of polymer processing and production. In this review, the historical contours of this discourse are traced, with an examination of both the recent experimental breakthroughs and theoretical advancements pertinent to polymer melt memory effects. In conclusion, this paper delves into the prevailing theories of polymer nucleation and crystallization and engages with theoretical discussions and numerical simulations that attempt to elucidate and rationalize these melt memory phenomena.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Energetic Copolymers From LLM-105 and Aliphatic Isocyanates

Energetic polymers typically feature fuel-rich backbones with pendant oxidizing explosophores, which are used to modify pressure and temperature characteristics in energetic formulations. However, these pendant explosophores generally increase sensitivity and decrease the thermal stability of the polymer in the condensed phase. Direct polymerization of insensitive high explosives (IHEs) bearing polymerizable functionalities, such as amines, provides a synthetic platform for deriving tunable energetic materials. Here, this work demonstrates the first direct polymerization of the IHE 2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide (LLM-105) with aliphatic isocyanate comonomers to yield an energetic copolyurea (PUa1) and an energetic copolyurea network (PUa2). 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirm copolyurea synthesis. PUa1 exhibited branching reactions commonly found in polyurea syntheses, and these side reactions were suppressed in PUa2 through use of a polyfunctional isocyanate. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrate the energetic IHE based polyurea preserves the energetic decomposition of the parent monomer LLM-105 in PUa1 (1203 J g −1 ) and PUa2 (687 J g −1 ), albeit with reduced thermal stability with peak decomposition temperatures of 235°C and 233°C, respectively. This work presents a new approach for generating energetic polymers from IHE cores with tunable energetic, thermal, and structural characteristics.

Chemistry↗

Depyrogenation using plasmas: A novel approach for endotoxin deactivation using a dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure

Developing a low-cost depyrogenation process is vital in extending the medical applicability of polymers that can be used in medicine. We present an overview of the plasma-based depyrogenation literature and address the need to develop a nonthermal plasma-based depyrogenation process for delicate materials such as chitosan. We present a low-cost plasma apparatus to treat chitosan powder in hermetically sealed bags. We decouple the experiments into two parts: depyrogenation experiments for dried standard endotoxin on glass slides and analysis of chitosan modifications through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. We demonstrate depyrogenation efficacy with up to a 4-log reduction in endotoxin levels and discuss minor changes observed in plasma-treated chitosan.

atmospheric pressure plasmas↗

Evidence of plasma‐driven decomposition of common plastics exposed to an atmospheric nonthermal discharge

Abstract A nonthermal, pulsed spark discharge is applied to three polymer powders in Ar and Ar– gas mixtures. Hydrogen is introduced to assess plasma‐driven decomposition. Gaseous decomposition products, including methane, acetylene, and ethylene, are observed with Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR). Surface modifications are observed on the residual polymer via attenuated total internal reflection‐FTIR. Time‐averaged rotational, vibrational, and excitation temperatures are characterized in the discharge. The plasma density is found to be around , with rotational and vibrational temperatures ranging from 1500 to 2200 K and an excitation temperature of 1–2 eV. While spark properties did not change with either gas composition or polymer composition, it was determined that the addition of hydrogen promoted higher concentrations of gaseous phase products (promoting hydrogenolysis).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Topography and canopy cover influence soil organic carbon composition and distribution across a forested hillslope in the discontinuous permafrost zone

Abstract Topography and canopy cover influence ground temperature in warming permafrost landscapes, yet soil temperature heterogeneity introduced by mesotopographic slope positions, microtopographic differences in vegetation cover, and the subsequent impact of contrasting temperature conditions on soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics are understudied. Buffering of permafrost‐affected soils against warming air temperatures in boreal forests can reflect surface soil characteristics (e.g., thickness of organic material) as well as the degree and type of canopy cover (e.g., open cover vs. closed cover). Both landscape and soil properties interact to determine meso‐ and microscale heterogeneity of ground warming. We sampled a hillslope catena transect in a discontinuous permafrost zone near Fairbanks, Alaska, to test the small‐scale (1 to 3 m) impacts of slope position and cover type on soil organic matter composition. Mineral active layer samples were collected from backslope, low backslope, and footslope positions at depths spanning 19 to 60 cm. We examined soil mineralogical composition, soil moisture, total carbon and nitrogen content, and organic mat thickness in conjunction with an assessment of SOC composition using Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR‐MS). Soils in the footslope position had a higher relative contribution of lignin‐like compounds, whereas backslope soils had more aliphatic and condensed aromatic compounds as determined using FT‐ICR‐MS. The effect of open versus closed tree canopy cover varied with the slope position. On the backslope, we found higher oxidation of molecules under open cover than closed cover, indicating an effect of warmer soil temperature on decomposition. Little to no effect of the canopy was observed in soils at the footslope position, which we attributed, in part, to the strong impact of soil moisture content in SOC dynamics in the water‐gathering footslope position. The thin organic mat under open cover on the backslope position may have contributed to differences in soil temperature and thus SOC oxidation under open and closed canopies. Here, the thinner organic mat did not appear to buffer the underlying soil against warm season air temperatures and thus increased SOC decomposition as indicated by the higher oxidation of SOC molecules and a lower contribution of simple molecules under open cover than the closed canopy sites. Our findings suggest that the role of canopy cover in SOC dynamics varies as a function of landscape position and soil properties, namely, organic mat thickness and soil moisture. Condition‐specific heterogeneity of SOC composition under open and closed canopy cover highlights the protective effect of canopy cover for soils on backslope positions.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Thermal Stability of a Eutectic Mixture of Bis(2,2-dinitropropyl) Acetal and Formal: Part C. Kinetic Compensation Effect

Here, the aging behavior of a eutectic mixture of bis(2,2-dinitropropyl) acetal and formal [called NP here] has been studied in various atmospheres [dry (air or nitrogen) versus wet] at temperatures 70 °C and below. The properties of aged samples were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Karl Fischer (KF) titration, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) over a period of three years. The results indicate that at aging temperatures up to 55 °C, the initial rates of water production from nitrous acid (HONO) formation and decomposition into the water, NO, and NO 2 follows a 1st order rate law and the rate constants follow an Arrhenius law as a function of temperature. The activation energies and pre-factors for water and volatiles production yield a single linear kinetic compensation plot, suggesting a common degradation pathway between NP and the various combinations of its constituents. Within a narrow temperature range, around 55 °C, a trace amount of water in NP stabilizes its properties by preventing HONO elimination. When the aging temperature is substantially higher than 55 °C, the nature of the degradation mechanism changes. It is suspected that the degradation products of NO x , water, and HNO 3 serve as catalysts to auto-catalyze (kinetics beyond the 1st order) and further degrade NP. The effect of headspace volume on this auto-catalytic process will be discussed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Towards a heat- and mass-balanced kinetic model of TATB decomposition

We report TATB (1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene) was thermally degraded by two small-scale analytical methods – simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (SDT) and a hot-stage microscope with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis capabilities. SDT used ramped heating, isothermal soaking, and thermal pretreatment at various conditions. The heat flow and mass loss were monitored during various treatment conditions to derive chemical decomposition kinetics and Arrhenius parameters. FTIR experiments used isothermal heating, and changes were monitored spectroscopically. Solid samples generated at specific conditions were collected from both methods and were analyzed by DMSO extraction followed by chemical speciation by optical and mass spectrometric methods. Characterization provided the following reaction insights: TATB decreases in a sigmoidal pattern in isothermally heated samples. Other soluble products gradually increase in concentration and then abruptly decline in concentration during the second exotherm, such as diamino-dinitro-benzofurazan and amino-nitro-benzodifurazan. FTIR showed gradual changes in the amino and nitro functionality, shifting positions and decreasing intensity for the first 40 min. Then the solid gradually appeared more like an amorphous C with N incorporated, similar to previous studies on thermally degraded TATB-type materials. Extracted residues (DMSO-soluble components removed) examined by FTIR showed an abrupt change in chemical composition between 40- and 45-min isothermal treatment, indicating early forming solids are different than later forming residues. A reliable mass- and energy-balanced global reaction network must include at least two autocatalytic reactions, either in parallel or series, and at least one must have an explicit initiation reaction having a low activation energy.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Evaluation of Neutron-Radiation Tolerance of Lithium Indium Diselenide Semiconductors

Herein we discuss lithium indium diselenide (LISe) as a semiconductor that holds promise for neutron imaging sensor technologies because of its high neutron absorption efficiency and its corresponding ability to discriminate between gamma rays and neutrons. However, being a semiconductor, LISe may not be sufficiently radiation hard for practical application in radiation hard environments. Therefore, a systematic evaluation of the changes in material and electronic properties of LISe after high neutron fluence exposures is investigated. Herein, the characterization methods are utilized which included UV–vis, X-ray diffraction, radioluminescence, Raman, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), current–voltage, and neutron sensing. Characteristics of LISe material that appeared in the literature are identified herein along with several that are expected to appear based on theoretical analyses. The results obtained show clear changes in the material properties of LISe after neutron exposure up to a fluence of 10 16 n cm -2 . However, LISe is still able to sense neutrons above the background at 10 16 n cm -2 , suggesting that LISe may be suitable for use in neutron imaging sensors at neutron imaging facilities.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Lattice Dynamics of Sb 2 Se 3 from Inelastic Neutron and X-Ray Scattering

The lattice dynamics of orthorhombic Sb 2 Se 3 is studied by a combination of inelastic neutron and 121 Sb nuclear inelastic scattering giving access to the total and Sb partial density of phonon states (DPS). The Se partial DPS is determined from the difference between the total and Sb partial DPS. The total DPS is determined at 39, 150, and 300 K, and an analysis of the temperature-induced mode shifts in combination with low-temperature powder diffraction data is provided. Using an earlier reported theoretical approach, the corresponding total and partial DPS of Sb 2 Se 3 are calculated by first-principles calculations. Herein, a detailed analysis of the Grüneisen parameter, element-specific and bulk Debye temperatures, and the mean force constants as derived from the experimental data and discrete Fourier transform calculations is provided. In general, the calculations underestimate the strength of the covalent Sb-Se bonds.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Moisture ingress in commercial steel drums: Water content determination, diffusion modelling and predicted permeation rates

Commercial steel drums underpin the global economy, playing a pivotal role in the storage and transportation of critical materials. Transported and stored materials, such as food, chemical and nuclear waste, can be sensitive to ambient conditions, particularly moisture that can enhance negative effects such as corrosion and material degradation. Although international standards and regulations are in place for the qualification of steel drums, there are no current testing requirements, established limits or boundaries for the permeation of moisture into the drums during transportation or storage. This work aims to provide insights into the moisture ingress over time into properly sealed steel drums and provides estimated moisture ingress rates over time through extrapolation. Water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) measurements through the gasket material at 10–40°C were 0.11–2.1 g/m 2 /day resulting in a permeation activation energy of 30.2 kJ/mol. Water sorption measurements and Karl Fischer titration (KFT) on ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) gasket material revealed a decrease in equilibrium moisture saturation with increasing temperature. KFT measurements also revealed the presence of moisture within the adhesive and drum wall after exposure to ambient conditions. KFT and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) show that moisture will desorb from the EPDM and drum wall after exposure to desiccating conditions, although a minimal amount of moisture will remain present. When sealed to the manufacturer's recommendations, the steel drums are effective in minimizing moisture ingress. In conclusion, in sealed empty drums, moisture ingress rates for 19-L drums were 0.4–1.5 mg/day at 25°C 15% relative humidity (RH) and increased to 7.1–8.8 mg/day at 40°C 90% RH, and moisture ingress rates for 210-L drums were 2.5 and 3.5 mg/day at field deployment conditions of 15.5°C 51.5% RH and 23°C 40% RH, respectively.

42 ENGINEERING↗

The Quantum Condition Space

Abstract The fundamental properties of quantum physics are exploited to evaluate event probabilities with projection measurements. Next, to study what events can be specified by quantum methods, the concept of the condition space is introduced, which is found to be the dual space of the classical outcome space of bit strings. Like the classical outcome space generates the quantum state space, the condition space generates the quantum condition space being the central idea of this work. The quantum condition space permits the existence of entangled conditions having no classical equivalent. In addition, the quantum condition space is related to the quantum state space by a Fourier transform guaranteed by the Pontryagin duality, and therefore an entropic uncertainty principle can be defined. The quantum condition space offers a novel perspective of understanding quantum states with the duality picture. Furthermore, the quantum conditions have physical meanings and realizations of their own and thus may be studied for purposes beyond the original motivation of characterizing events for probability evaluation. Finally, the relation between the condition space and quantum circuits provides insights into how quantum states are collectively modified by quantum gates, which may lead to deeper understanding of the complexity of quantum circuits.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗