Development of Magnetic Sponges Using Steel Melting on 3D Carbonized Spongin Scaffolds Under Extreme Biomimetics Conditions.

This study presents a novel approach to fabricating magnetic sponge-like composites by melting various types of steel onto three-dimensional (3D) carbonized spongin scaffolds under extreme biomimetic conditions. Spongin, a renewable marine biopolymer with high thermal stability, was carbonized at 1200 °C to form a turbostratic graphite matrix capable of withstanding the high-temperature steel melting process (1450-1600 °C). The interaction between molten steel vapors and the carbonized scaffolds resulted in the formation of nanostructured iron oxide (primarily hematite) coatings, which impart magnetic properties to the resulting composites.

Electrochemical scanning tunnelling microscopy: Concept, experiment, and application to organic layers on electrified surfaces.

In this work, we present the concept and experimental possibilities of electrochemical scanning tunnelling microscopy (EC-STM). We describe the underlying physical principles of electron tunnelling microscopy and cyclic voltammetry, our design and construction of an integrated experimental set-up of both methods, as well as the operation of this home-built instrumentation. Exemplary results for bare and iodide and/or porphyrin-covered Cu(100), Cu(111), Au(100), and Au(111) surfaces, obtained with the use of this device, demonstrate the power of real-space imaging of solid surfaces 'in situ', that is, in solution, and 'in operando' with atomic resolution.

HPV-KITE: sequence analysis software for rapid HPV genotype detection.

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are among the most diverse viral families that infect humans. Fortunately, only a small number of closely related HPV types affect human health, most notably by causing nearly all cervical cancers, as well as some oral and other anogenital cancers, particularly when infections with high-risk HPV types become persistent. Numerous viral polymerase chain reaction-based diagnostic methods as well as sequencing protocols have been developed for accurate, rapid, and efficient HPV genotyping.

3D Spongin Scaffolds as Templates for Electro-Assisted Deposition of Selected Iron Oxides.

The skeletons of marine sponges are ancient biocomposite structures in which mineral phases are formed on 3D organic matrices. In addition to calcium- and silicate-containing biominerals, iron ions play an active role in skeleton formation in some species of bath sponges in the marine environment, which is a result of the biocorrosion of the metal structures on which these sponges settle. The interaction between iron ions and biopolymer spongin has motivated the development of selected extreme biomimetics approaches with the aim of creating new functional composites to use in environmental remediation and as adsorbents for heavy metals.

Magnetically Recyclable Borane Lewis Acid Catalyst for Hydrosilylation of Imines and Reductive Amination of Carbonyls.

Fluorinated arylborane-based Lewis acid catalysts have shown remarkable activity and serve as ideal examples of transition metal-free catalysts for diverse organic transformations. However, their homogeneous nature poses challenges in terms of recyclability and separation from reaction mixtures. This work presents an efficient technique for the heterogenization of boron Lewis acid catalysts by anchoring Piers' borane to allyl-functionalized iron oxide.

Metallodendrimers Unveiled: Investigating the Formation and Features of Double-Decker Silsesquioxane-Based Silylferrocene Dendrimers.

Dendrimers exhibiting reversible redox properties have attracted extensive attention for their potential as electron transfer mediators, catalysts, and molecular sensors. In this study, we introduce intriguing G1 and G2 dendrimers featuring double-decker silsesquioxane cores and silylferrocene moieties. Through a carefully orchestrated sequence of condensation, reduction, and hydrosilylation reactions, these compounds were synthesized and comprehensively characterized spectroscopically and spectrometrically.

On the Mechanical Properties of Microfibre-Based 3D Chitinous Scaffolds from Selected Verongiida Sponges.

Skeletal constructs of diverse marine sponges remain to be a sustainable source of biocompatible porous biopolymer-based 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering and technology, especially structures isolated from cultivated demosponges, which belong to the Verongiida order, due to the renewability of their chitinous, fibre-containing architecture focused attention. These chitinous scaffolds have already shown excellent and promising results in biomimetics and tissue engineering with respect to their broad diversity of cells. However, the mechanical features of these constructs have been poorly studied before.

Precipitation of Pt, Pd, Rh, and Ru Nanoparticles with Non-Precious Metals from Model and Real Multicomponent Solutions.

This article presents studies on the precipitation of Pt, Pd, Rh, and Ru nanoparticles (NPs) from model and real multicomponent solutions using sodium borohydride, ascorbic acid, sodium formate, and formic acid as reducing agents and polyvinylpyrrolidone as a stabilizing agent. As was expected, apart from PGMs, non-precious metals were coprecipitated. The influence of the addition of non-precious metal ions into the feed solution on the precipitation yield and catalytic properties of the obtained precipitates was studied.

Scanning Electron Microscope Examination as an Alternative to Classical Microbiology in the Diagnostics of Catheter-Related Sepsis?

Central venous catheters are essential elements enabling the treatment of intensive care unit patients. However, these catheters are sometimes colonised by both bacteria and fungi, and thus, they may become a potential source of systemic infections-catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). The identification of the pathogen responsible for CRBSI is a time-consuming process.

Fluorocarbosilane-Based Protective Coatings for Concrete.

The effectiveness of protective coatings based on 3-(2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentyloxy)propyltriethoxysilane (OFTES) in protecting concrete surfaces against water was tested. For the synthesis of OFTES, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentanol, which is a by-product in the synthesis of poly(tetrafluoroethylene), was used. The proposed silane is a cheaper alternative to the fluorinated organosilicon compounds currently used.

Siloxane resins as hydrophobic self-cleaning layers for silicon and dye-sensitized solar cells: material and application aspects.

The aim of this study has been to examine in depth three siloxane resins (R1-R3) and two silanes (S1-S2) as hydrophobic self-cleaning layers for silicon and dye-sensitized solar cells. Herein, we focused on creating an active self-cleaning surface system using a combination of material and technical aspects. Siloxane resins were obtained the hydrolytic polycondensation of methyltrimethoxysilane (R1) or the hydrolytic co-polycondensation of methyltrimethoxysilane, isobutyltrimethoxysilane and 3-methacroiloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (R2) or methyltrimethoxysilane -octyltriethoxysilane and 3-methacroiloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (R3) under alkaline conditions using tetrahydrofuran.

Machine Learning Approach for Application-Tailored Nanolubricants' Design.

The fascinating tribological phenomenon of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) observed at the nanoscale was confirmed in our numerous macroscale experiments. We designed and employed CNT-containing nanolubricants strictly for polymer lubrication. In this paper, we present the experiment characterising how the CNT structure determines its lubricity on various types of polymers.

Predicting the risk of infestation in wild boar on the basis of environmental factors.

is an emerging parasite that poses a potential risk for those consuming game, pork, snails and frogs. One paratenic host of that is known to play an important role in its spread through its feeding habitats is the wild boar. However, no statistical analysis of the influence of aquatic environments and carnivores on the occurrence of in wild boars has yet been performed.

Poly(vinylbenzyl Pyridinium Salts) as Novel Sorbents for Hazardous Metals Ions Removal.

Novel efficient complexing resins-poly(vinylbenzyl pyridinium salts) fabricated through poly(vinylbenzyl halogene-co-divinylbenzene) quaternization of -decyloxy-1-(pyridin-3-yl)ethaneimine and -decyloxy-1-(pyridin-4-yl)ethaneimine-were tested as adsorbents of Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Ni(II) from aqueous solutions. The structure of these materials was established by C CP-MAS NMR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, as well as thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses. The textural properties were determined using scanning electron microscopy and low-temperature N sorption.

Novel Mesoporous Organosilicas with Task Ionic Liquids: Properties and High Adsorption Performance for Pb(II).

Removal of toxic contaminants such as Pb(II) from waste solutions is environmentally requested. Therefore, in this paper, for potential novel sorbents, mesoporous ionic liquid-functionalized silicas were synthesized and tested for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. The successful synthesis of the adsorbents was proved by nuclear magnetic resonance (Si and C NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and elemental analysis.

Trabecular bone remodelling in the femur of C57BL/6J mice treated with diclofenac in combination with treadmill exercise.

Purpose: Analgesic treatment with diclofenac deteriorates bone structure and decreases biomechanical properties. This bone loss has been though to be reversed by training. The impact of exercise on bone treated with diclofenac (DF) has reminded elusive.

Experimental Study of Single-Lap, Hybrid Joints, Made of 3D Printed Polymer and Aluminium Adherends.

This paper presents the results of an experimental study into single-lap joints. One part of the joint was made as a 3D printed polymer and had cylindrical tenons, while the other part was made of an aluminium flat bar having mortises whose diameter and distribution corresponded to the polymer tenons. In addition to the mechanical joint, a layer of double-sided VHB (Very High Bond) adhesive tape was also placed in the lap, thus creating a hybrid joint.

The Friction of Structurally Modified Isotactic Polypropylene.

The purpose of studies was to analyse an impact of heterogeneous nucleation of modified isotactic polypropylene (iPP) on its tribological properties. The iPP injection molded samples, produced by mold temperature of 20 and 70 °C, were modified with compositions of two nucleating agents (NA's), DMDBS creating α-form and mixture of pimelic acid with calcium stearate (PACS) forming β-phase of iPP, with a total content 0.2 wt.

Novel Polymer Sorbents with Imprinted Task-Specific Ionic Liquids for Metal Removal.

In this paper, the potential of novel polymer sorbents with the imprinted IL-functional group for the removal of Cu(II), Cd(II), and Zn(II) from aqueous solutions was investigated by batch mode. The sorbents were fabricated by direct reaction of the prepared polymer matrix (poly(vinylbenzyl chloride-divinylbenzene), VBC, and poly(vinylbenzyl bromide-divinylbenzene), VBBr) with 1-(3- or 4-pyridyl)undecan-1-one and oxime of 1-(3- or 4-pyridyl)undecan-1-one. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman Spectroscopy (Raman), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques were used to show functionality and stability of the sorbents.

A comparison of detection methods of mesocercariae in wild boar () meat.

(DMS), the mesocercariae of , is typically found accidently during examination of wild boar meat for spp. The aim of the study was to compare DMS detection methods. Briefly, 232 wild boar meat samples were tested by mesocercariae migration technique (AMT) as a reference method; of these, 104 were found to be positive.

Mechanisms of Fluorine-Induced Separation of Mass Interference during TOF-SIMS Analysis.

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) is one of very few analytical techniques allowing sample chemical structure to be characterized in three-dimensional (3D) with nanometer resolution. Due to the excellent sensitivity in the order of ppm-ppb and capability of detecting all ionized elements and molecules, TOF-SIMS finds many applications for analyzing nanoparticle-containing systems and thin films used in microdevices for new energy applications, microelectronics, and biomedicine. However, one of the main drawbacks of this technique is potential mass interference between ions having the same or similar masses, which can lead to data misinterpretation.

Medium-term response of the natural grassland soil biota to multiwalled carbon nanotube contamination.

Although the soil environment can potentially be exposed to contamination by carbon nanotubes (CNT), its impact on soil biology is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of the multiwalled CNT (MWCNT) contamination on different groups of soil organisms (microbial, micro- and mesofaunal communities) as well as the soil enzyme activity. The experimental mesocosms included the intact soil cores that were collected from a natural grassland.

Phosphorus-Containing Silsesquioxane Derivatives as Additive or Reactive Components of Epoxy Resins.

Two phosphorus-containing cage-like silsesquioxane derivatives were synthesized as reactive or additive flame retardants for epoxy resin. The silsesquioxanes were obtained via an epoxide ring-opening reaction using a 10-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPA). In one derivative containing in its structure 4 glycidoxypropyl and 4 phosphate groups, denoted as 4P4GS, only half of the epoxy rings was reacted with phosphate to obtain a reactive additive, while in the second derivative containing 8 phosphate groups, denoted as 8PS, all epoxy groups were converted, thus an additive modifier was obtained.

The occurrence of mesocercariae in wild boars () in north-eastern Poland.

Various species of mammals, including humans and wild boars, can serve as paratenic hosts of mesocercariae - (DMS). Cases of DMS can be reliably detected by the recent introduction of the mesocercariae migration technique (AMT). The aim of this study is to present current data on the occurrence of DMS in wild boars in north-eastern Poland, and to compare the findings with those obtained in other European countries.