From Experimentation to Optimization: Surface Micro-Texturing for Low-Friction and Durable PTFE-Steel Interfaces Under Full Film Lubrication.

To enhance the sliding tribological performance between PTFE and 40#steel (AISI 1040) under full film lubrication conditions, laser surface texturing (LST) technology was employed to prepare micro-dimples on the contact surfaces of 40# steel discs. The Box-Behnken design response surface methodology (BBD-RSM) was applied to optimize the micro-dimple parameters. Coefficients of friction (COFs), wear losses and worn contact surfaces of the PTFE-40# steel tribo-pairs were researched through repeated wear tests, as lubricated with sufficient anti-wear hydraulic oil.

Increase in slow frequency and decrease in alpha and beta power during post-learning rest predict long-term memory success.

Formation of episodic memories is linked to cortico-hippocampal interactions during learning, practice, and post-learning rest, although the role of cortical activity itself in such processes remains elusive. Behaviorally, long-term retention of episodic memories has been shown to be aided by several different practice strategies involving memory reencounters, such as repeated retrieval and repeated study. In a two-session resting state electroencephalography (EEG) experiment, using data from 68 participants, we investigated the electrophysiological predictors of long-term memory success in situations where such reencounters occurred after learning.

Nutritional Knowledge and Practices of Low-Income Women During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study in Two Oaxacan Cities.

Background: Adequate dietary intake is critical for healthy pregnancies. Recent changes in social services in Mexico, coupled with high levels of food insecurity, call into question whether expecting women of the lowest socioeconomic status are able to meet their dietary and nutritional needs in this changing context. The aim of this study was to explore the nutritional practices, education and received and employed among women during their pregnancy.

Community standards and future opportunities for synthetic communities in plant-microbiota research.

Harnessing beneficial microorganisms is seen as a promising approach to enhance sustainable agriculture production. Synthetic communities (SynComs) are increasingly being used to study relevant microbial activities and interactions with the plant host. Yet, the lack of community standards limits the efficiency and progress in this important area of research.

TiCT -UHMWPE Nanocomposites-Towards an Enhanced Wear-Resistance of Biomedical Implants.

There is an urgent need to enhance the mechanical and biotribological performance of polymeric materials utilized in biomedical devices such as load-bearing artificial joints, notably ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). While two-dimensional (2D) materials like graphene, graphene oxide (GO), reduced GO, or hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) have shown promise as reinforcement phases in polymer matrix composites (PMCs), the potential of MXenes, known for their chemical inertness, mechanical robustness, and wear-resistance, remains largely unexplored in biotribology. This study aims to address this gap by fabricating TiCT -UHMWPE nanocomposites using compression molding.