Roles of viscosity, applied load and surface wettability on the lubrication behaviour of model liquid/semi-solid foods: Measurements with a bespoke tribo-cell fixture and rotational rheometer.

Thin film sliding and friction phenomena of food bolus confined between tongue-palate surfaces during oral processing can be explored using tribological measurements. However, these measurements are still limited within the food industry due to the requirement of expensive commercial instruments which are not commonly used in the food industry. This work has designed and manufactured a modular "tribological cell" (tribo-cell) that can simulate lubricated soft-hard contact interfaces and can be mounted on a rotational rheometer to perform tribological measurements.

Effect of different extrusion methods on physicochemical properties and qualities of noodles based on rice flour.

Rice noodles have been manufactured in the food industry using different extrusion methods, such as traditional and modern extrusions, which affect the noodle structure and qualities. Therefore, the effects of the extrusion process on qualities of rice noodles using the same blend of rice flour and crosslinked starch were evaluated. In this study, a capillary rheometer was used as an alternative approach to simulate the traditional extrusion method in which the noodles are obtained by continuously pressing the pregelatinized noodle dough through a die.

GaAs/GaAsPBi core-shell nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy.

We report on the growth, structural, and optical properties of GaAs/GaAsPBi core-shell nanowires (NWs) synthesized by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The structure presents advantageous optical properties, in particular, for near- and mid-infrared optical applications. Scanning electron microscopy shows that although the stems of GaAs/GaAsP and GaAs/GaAsBi core-shell NWs preserve the hexagonal prism shape, the GaAs/GaAsPBi core-shell NWs develop a quasi-three-fold orientational symmetry affected by the hexagonal prismatic core.

Enhanced Solar Reflectance and Superhydrophobic Properties of Functionalized Silica-Coated Copper Phthalocyanine Pigments by the Sol-Gel Process.

This research studies the physical, superhydrophobic, and optical properties of functionalized silica-coated copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) pigments. The silica coating was confirmed by the size increase and the atomic ratio of silicon and copper of the coated pigments. Under optimal conditions, the green and blue shades of the pigments were enhanced as indicated by the increase in solar reflectance at 450-540 nm for the CuPc green and 380-520 nm for the CuPc blue.

Design of Nanostructured Protective Coatings with a Sensing Function.

Nanostructured multilayered coatings for metals are prepared to simultaneously provide a function of corrosion mitigation and of corrosion sensing for copper substrates. Silica nanocapsules, embedded in one layer of the coating, are used as a host for a corrosion inhibitor and as a sensor, which detect changes of pH value and release inhibitors via an optical signal. Furthermore, another layer in the coating exists in a nanonetwork loaded with another corrosion inhibitor, which is impregnated with a hydrophobic polymer.

Effect of Stress Generated by Occlusal Cyclic Force on Class I Bulk-Fill Composite Restoration Microleakage.

Objective:  This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different types and restorative techniques of Class I composite restorations with a single loading force on stress distribution and cyclic loading force on microleakage formation.

Materials And Methods:  Class I cavities were prepared in premolars with 4 mm depth and divided into six groups of different restorations with: (1) Filtek Z250; (2) a 3-mm-thick layer of Filtek Bulk Fill Flowable Restoration and covered with Z250; (3) a 1.5-mm-thick layer of flowable composite and covered with Z250; (4) lining all cavity with flowable composite and restored with Z250; (5) Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restoration; and (6) lining all cavity with flowable composite and restored with bulk-fill composite.

Developing Assistive Bedside Furniture for Early Postoperative Mobilization in a Healthcare Setting With an Attentive Empathetic Design Approach.

Objectives: This work endeavored to design and develop a tool to assist surgical patients with postoperative mobilization in a hospital.

Background: Early postoperative mobilization after surgery can effectively help prevent complications, but it is difficult to achieve in practice.

Method: An attentive empathetic design approach was used to gain insights into the users' functional needs, characteristics, contexts, as well as their emotional needs, behaviors, and psychology.

Significantly Improved Colossal Dielectric Properties and Maxwell-Wagner Relaxation of TiO-Rich NaYCuTiO Ceramics.

In this work, the colossal dielectric properties and Maxwell-Wagner relaxation of TiO-rich NaYCuTiO ( = 0-0.2) ceramics prepared by a solid-state reaction method are investigated. A single phase of NaYCuTiO is achieved without the detection of any impurity phase.

Antibacterial and osteogenic activities of clindamycin-releasing mesoporous silica/carboxymethyl chitosan composite hydrogels.

Conventional treatment of jaw bone infection is often ineffective at controlling bacterial infection and enhancing bone regeneration. Biodegradable composite hydrogels comprised of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and clindamycin (CDM)-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MCM-41), possessing dual antibacterial activity and osteogenic potency, were developed in the present study. CDM was successfully loaded into both untreated and plasma-treated MCM-41 nanoparticles, denoted as (p)-MCM-41, followed by the incorporation of each of CDM-loaded (p)-MCM-41 into CMCS.

Optimization of Production Parameters for Andrographolide-Loaded Nanoemulsion Preparation by Microfluidization and Evaluations of Its Bioactivities in Skin Cancer Cells and UVB Radiation-Exposed Skin.

Andrographolide (AG) is an active compound isolated from (Family Acanthaceae). Although it possesses beneficial bioactivities to the skin, there is insufficient information of its applications for treatment of skin disorders due to low water solubility leading to complications in product development. To overcome the problem, an AG-loaded nanoemulsion (AG-NE) was formulated and prepared using a microfluidization technique.

Monomer Conversion, Dimensional Stability, Biaxial Flexural Strength, Ion Release, and Cytotoxicity of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cements Containing Methacrylate-Functionalized Polyacids and Spherical Pre-Reacted Glass Fillers.

The aim of this study was to prepare RMGICs for pulp protection that contain polyacids functionalized with methacrylate groups (CMs) to enable light-activated polymerization without the need for toxic 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomers. The effects of using CM liquids with 0 or 5 wt% HEMA on the physical/mechanical properties and cytotoxicity of the experimental RMGICs were assessed. Spherical pre-reacted glass fillers (SPG) were used as the powder phase.

Simulation of Thermal and Electric Field Distribution in Packaged Sausages Heated in a Stationary Versus a Rotating Microwave Oven.

The microwave oven has become a standard appliance to reheat or cook meals in households and convenience stores. However, the main problem of microwave heating is the non-uniform temperature distribution, which may affect food quality and health safety. A three-dimensional mathematical model was developed to simulate the temperature distribution of four ready-to-eat sausages in a plastic package in a stationary versus a rotating microwave oven, and the model was validated experimentally.

Detection of hazardous mercury ion using [5]helicene-based fluorescence probe with "TurnON" sensing response for practical applications.

A new fluorescence probe based on [5]helicene derivative (MT) was designed and synthesized. The chemical structure of the probe was fully characterized by NMR, mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography. MT which is the combination of thioamide[5]helicene with Schiff base-thiophene moiety, exhibited a high selectivity to detect Hg through irreversible desulfurization reaction with "TurnON" fluorescence response and large Stokes shift of 110 nm in aqueous methanol solution.

In vitro resorbability and granular characteristics of 3D-printed hydroxyapatite granules versus allograft, xenograft, and alloplast for alveolar cleft surgery applications.

Three-dimensionally printed hydroxyapatite (3DP HA) was investigated in regards to its functional properties supporting bone regeneration and tooth movement in alveolar cleft applications. Commercially available bovine xenograft (BXG), biphasic calcium phosphate alloplast (BCP), and two types of freeze-dried bone allograft granules (FDBA and FDBA-CMC) were employed as control samples. Degradability was studied by submerging the samples in pH 7.

Rheological Properties, Surface Microhardness, and Dentin Shear Bond Strength of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cements Containing Methacrylate-Functionalized Polyacids and Spherical Pre-Reacted Glass Fillers.

The aim of this study was to prepare experimental resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs) containing low levels of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) for pulp protection. Liquid and powder phases of the experimental RMGICs were polyacid functionalized with methacrylate groups and spherical pre-reacted glass fillers (SPG). Two types of liquid phase containing 0 wt.

Development of a microarray lateral flow strip test using a luminescent organic compound for multiplex detection of five mycotoxins.

While lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is a simple technique that offers a rapid, robust, user friendly, and point-of-care test, its capacity for multiplex detection is rather limited. This study therefore combined the multiplexity of microarray technique and the simple and rapid characteristics of LFIA to enable simultaneous and quantitative detection of five mycotoxins, namely aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin B1 (FUMB1), T-2 toxin (T-2), and zearalenone (ZON). In addition, we have synthesized a novel extra-large Stokes shift and strong fluorescence organic compound to be used as a reporter molecule which can be detected under UV light without light filter requirement.

Multiscale Modeling of Epoxy-Based Nanocomposites Reinforced with Functionalized and Non-Functionalized Graphene Nanoplatelets.

The impact on the mechanical properties of an epoxy resin reinforced with pristine graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), highly concentrated graphene oxide (GO), and functionalized graphene oxide (FGO) has been investigated in this study. Molecular dynamics (MD) using a reactive force field (ReaxFF) has been employed in predicting the effective mechanical properties of the interphase region of the three nanocomposite materials at the nanoscale level. A systematic computational approach to simulate the reinforcing nanoplatelets and probe their influence on the mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix is established.

Food polysaccharides and roles of rheology and tribology in rational design of thickened liquids for oropharyngeal dysphagia: A review.

In today's market environment, an aging society is recognized as one of the megatrends in the world. The demographic change in the world population age structure has driven a huge demand in healthcare products as well as services that include the technological innovation for the health and wellness of the elderly. Dysphagia or swallowing difficulty is a common problem in the elderly as many changes in swallowing function come with aging.

Geranylgeraniol prevents zoledronic acid-mediated reduction of viable mesenchymal stem cells via induction of Rho-dependent YAP activation.

Long-term use of zoledronic acid (ZA) increases the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This may be attributed to ZA-mediated reduction of viable mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). ZA inhibits protein geranylgeranylation, thus suppressing cell viability and proliferation.

Inhibitory Effects of Alendronate on Adhesion and Viability of Preosteoblast Cells on Titanium Discs.

Objective:  This study aimed to investigate the effects of alendronate (ALN; a bisphosphonate) on adhesion and viability of preosteoblasts using different cell passages on sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) Ti surfaces.

Materials And Methods:  Preosteoblast, MC3T3, cells (passage 42; P42 and passage 62; P62) were cultured with ALN (1 and 5 µM) on cell culture plate for 7 days. Cells were lifted, counted, and seeded on SLA Ti surfaces.

Significantly Enhanced Dielectric Properties of Ag-Deposited (InNb)TiO/PVDF Polymer Composites.

The enhanced dielectric permittivity (ε') while retaining a low loss tangent (tanδ) in silver nanoparticle-(InNb)TiO/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (Ag-INTO/PVDF) composites with different volume fractions of a filler () was investigated. The hybrid particles were fabricated by coating Ag nanoparticles onto the surface of INTO particles, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The ε' of the Ag-INTO/PVDF composites could be significantly enhanced to ~86 at 1 kHz with a low tanδ of ~0.

Chloride distribution model and corrosion map of structural steels for tropical climate in Thailand.

Tropical climate generally causes long-period of high temperature, relative humidity, and frequent monsoon rainfalls. In combination with airborne salinity, tropical countries usually experience severe corrosion of steel structure. Chloride is a major marine aerosol accelerating corrosion.

Influences of Sr Doping on Microstructure, Giant Dielectric Behavior, and Non-Ohmic Properties of CaCuTiO/CaTiO Ceramic Composites.

The microstructure, dielectric response, and nonlinear current-voltage properties of Sr-doped CaCuTiO/CaTiO (CCTO/CTO) ceramic composites, which were prepared by a solid-state reaction method using a single step from the starting nominal composition of CCTO/CTO/xSrO, were investigated. The CCTO and CTO phases were detected in the X-ray diffraction patterns. The lattice parameter increased with increasing Sr doping concentration.

Cellular responses of histatin-derived peptides immobilized titanium surface using a tresyl chloride-activated method.

Effects of histatin-derived peptides immobilization by tresyl chloride-activation technique for MC3T3-E1 cellular responses on titanium (Ti) were evaluated. MC3T3-E1 were cultured on sandblasted and acid-etched Ti disks immobilized with histatin-derived peptides, including histatin-1, JH8194, and mixed histatin-1 with JH8194. Surface topography and cellular morphology were examined using a scanning electron microscope.

Experimental Investigation of Additive Manufacturing Using a Hot-Wire Plasma Welding Process on Titanium Parts.

In this paper, we propose hot-wire plasma welding, a combination of the plasma welding (PAW) process and the hot-wire process in the additive manufacturing (AM) process. Generally, in plasma welding for AM processes, the deposit grain size increases, and the hardness decreases as the wall height increases. The coarse microstructure, along with the large grain size, corresponds to an increase in deposit temperature, which leads to poorer mechanical properties.