Analysis of physical properties of facial silicones with different pigmentations submitted to nonthermal plasma treatment and accelerated aging.

Statement Of Problem: Exposure of silicone prostheses to environmental factors can alter their properties, affecting longevity. However, whether nonthermal plasma (NTP) can prevent these alterations is unclear.

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the surface roughness (Ra), sorption, solubility, and color stability (ΔE) of the MDX4-4210 and A-120 silicones, with and without NTP treatment in accordance with an independent analysis of the use of 2 pigmentations.

Deciphering the preservation of fossil insects: a case study from the Crato Member, Early Cretaceous of Brazil.

Exceptionally well-preserved three-dimensional insects with fine details and even labile tissues are ubiquitous in the Crato Member Konservat Lagerstätte (northeastern Brazil). Here we investigate the preservational pathways which yielded such specimens. We employed high resolution techniques (EDXRF, SR-SXS, SEM, EDS, micro Raman, and PIXE) to understand their fossilisation on mineralogical and geochemical grounds.