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The Martini model, a coarse-grained forcefield for biomolecular simulations, has experienced a vast increase in popularity in the past decade. Its building-block approach balances computational efficiency with high chemical specificity, enabling the simulation of organic and inorganic molecules. The modeling of coarse-grained beads as Lennard-Jones particles poses challenges for the accurate reproduction of liquid–vapor interfacial properties, which are crucial in various applications, especially in the case of water. The latest version of the forcefield introduces refined interaction parameters for water beads, tackling the well-known artifact of Martini water freezing at room temperature. In addition, multiple sizes of water beads are available for simulating the solvation of small cavities, including the smallest pockets of proteins. This work focuses on studying the interfacial properties of Martini water, including surface tension and surface thickness. Employing the test-area method, we systematically compute the liquid–vapor surface tension across various combinations of water bead sizes and for temperatures from 300 to 350 K. These findings are of interest to the Martini community as they allow users to account for the low interfacial tension of Martini water by properly adjusting observables computed via coarse-grained simulations to allow for accurate matching against all-atom or experimental results. Surface tension data are also interpreted in terms of local enrichment of the various mixture components at the liquid–vapor interface by means of Gibbs' adsorption formalism. Finally, the critical scaling of the Martini surface tension with temperature is reported to be consistent with the critical exponent of the 3D Ising universality class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe current study aimed to the preparation of graphene oxide impregnated chitosan– polyvinyl alcohol hybrid beads (GO/CS-PVA) for the removal of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dye from wastewater solutions, presenting them as a cost-effective alternative for wastewater treatment. These hybrid beads were fabricated using a dripping technique in an aqueous solution. The surface and structure of the material before and after adsorption process were studied by analyzing FTIR spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) as well as adsorption capacity was also evaluated. The results proved the successful synthesis of GO/CS-PVA beads and elucidated the physical adsorption mechanism of RB5. SEM images revealed uniform spherical beads with a rough surface, approximately 752 μm in diameter. Additionally, the evaluation of adsorption capacity showed that the optimum condition for RB5 adsorption is at pH = 3 while the kinetic investigations revealed that the adsorption process adhered to the pseudo-second-order model, indicating a chemisorption reaction. Furthermore, an increase in temperature from 25 to 65 °C enhanced the maximum adsorption capacity of GO/CS-PVA beads by 34%. The cytotoxic effect of the hybrid as measured on adipose derived stem cells via the MTT assay was negligible. In conclusion, it was proved that the eco-friendly GO/CS-PVA beads adsorbents can efficiently remove RB5 from wastewater in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is the gold standard for migration tracking, computed tomography‐based RSA (CT‐RSA) does not require marker beads and is available for clinical adoption. This study investigated CT‐RSA in comparison to RSA for assessing hip implant stability with inducible displacement (ID) examinations. Patients (n = 48) from a previous study returned to be re‐examined for femoral stem stability with CT‐RSA and RSA imaging. Implant migration since patients last follow‐up was calculated as a measure of stability. ID was assessed between alternated leg rotation scans for CT‐RSA and between supine and weight‐bearing scans for RSA. Measurements from ID and double examinations were compared between CT‐RSA and RSA. All stems were well‐fixed with migration <0.2 mm/year. ID measurements were lower with CT‐RSA than RSA for distal translation (mean difference = 0.122 mm, p < 0.0001), total translation (mean difference = 0.158 mm, p < 0.0001), and total rotation (mean difference = 0.449°, p < 0.0001). The ID and double exam were significantly different for total translation and total rotation for CT‐RSA, and significantly different for medial, distal, and total translation, and total rotation for RSA. Precision ranged from 0.049 to 0.130 mm in translation and 0.061° to 0.220° in rotation for CT‐RSA, and from 0.108 to 0.269 mm in translation and 0.151° to 0.670° in rotation for RSA. ID measurements from both CT‐RSA and RSA were minimal, consistent for a cohort with well‐fixed stems. CT‐RSA demonstrated superior precision in all axes compared to RSA. Clinical Significance: Future work should explore the use of CT‐RSA in patients with suspected loosening as a potential diagnostic tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass beads first appear in the archaeological record of southern Africa around the mid-first millennium CE, marking the earliest signatures of extensive connections between the southern African region, the East African coast, and the broader Indian Ocean rim. Key research focused on glass beads, particularly from notable southern African polities, like the renowned Mapungubwe and Great Zimbabwe sites, has laid the groundwork for a regional taxonomic series of these beads, emphasizing their role as indicators of wealth and social status. This paper introduces new data on 59 glass beads from a recently excavated and lesser-known Zimbabwe culture site in the Mberengwa region of south-central Zimbabwe. The analysis employs non-invasive techniques, including typological classification and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The investigation identifies six glass bead series from Chumnungwa, composed of plant ash-lime (v-Na-Ca), vegetable soda-high alumina (v-Na-Al), and soda-based glasses with high-alumina concentrations (m-Na-Al). These beads, widely distributed in Asia and Africa between the eight and seventeenth centuries, shed new light on the geochemistry, provenance, and circulation patterns of glass beads in southern Africa, particularly within a community situated beyond the well-known Iron Age polities. Notably, Chumnungwa emerges as the first known Zimbabwe culture site in southern Africa to yield m-Na-Al 6 glass beads. However, as recently demonstrated at the Toutswe sites in Botswana, it is probable that other Zimbabwe culture sites in the region also possessed m-Na-Al 6 glass beads. These beads may have been misclassified as m-Na-Al 2 glass since this group was only recently unveiled on the East African coast, after the bulk of the currently available literature had been published. Insights drawn from contextual recovery data and Shona anthropology form the basis for an extended discussion on the consumption and sociality of glass beads in Iron Age southern Africa. Ultimately, the study underscores the challenge of typologically categorizing beads into established series without the application of LA-ICP-MS and other scientific approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Arqueologia is the property of Revista de Arqueologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Starch and chitosan, polysaccharides derived from natural sources, have significant potential across various domains. Starch is extracted from starch‐bearing plants, such as potatoes, whereas chitosan is obtained from the exoskeletons of marine animals, fungi and insects. However, the original forms of starch and chitosan have several limitations, such as low solubility and weak mechanical strength. Interestingly, the combined effects of starch and chitosan resulted in the development of starch‐chitosan blends with markedly improved functional properties. These blends demonstrated high tensile strength, improved hydrophilicity and increased adsorption capacity. Furthermore, modification of starch‐chitosan blends by techniques such as crosslinking and incorporation of other functional materials contributes to diverse characteristics and functionalities. This review addresses a crucial gap in the literature by providing an overview and up‐to‐date analysis of starch‐chitosan blends. The preparation methods and functional properties of these blends in various forms, such as films, beads and hydrogels, have been extensively discussed. Emphasis is placed on the versatile applications of these blends in research, development and industries such as pharmaceuticals, wastewater treatment, agriculture and food technology. This review aims to provide an insightful overview of starch‐chitosan blends and stimulate broader interdisciplinary research interests. By providing concluding insights and prospects, this review highlights the potential for further exploration of the impact of starch‐chitosan blends on consumers and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floodplains are essential ecosystems that provide a variety of economic, hydrologic, and ecologic services. Within floodplains, surface water‐groundwater exchange plays an important role in facilitating biogeochemical processes and can have a strong influence on stream hydrology through infiltration or discharge of water. These functions can be difficult to assess due to the heterogeneity of floodplains and monitoring constraints, so numerical models are useful tools to estimate fluxes, especially at large spatial extents. In this study, we use the SWAT+ (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) ecohydrological model to quantify magnitudes and spatiotemporal patterns of floodplain surface water‐groundwater exchange in a mountainous watershed using an updated version of the gwflow module that directly calculates floodplain‐aquifer exchange rates during periods of floodplain inundation. The gwflow module is a spatially distributed groundwater modelling subroutine within the SWAT+ code that uses a gridded network and physically based equations to predict groundwater storage, groundwater head, and groundwater fluxes. We used SWAT+ to model the 7516 km2 Colorado River headwaters watershed and streamflow data from USGS gages for calibration and testing. Models that included floodplain‐groundwater interactions outperformed those without such interactions and provided valuable information about floodplain exchange rates and volumes. Our analyses on the location of floodplain fluxes in the watershed also show that wider areas of floodplains, "beads" (e.g., like beads on a necklace), exchanged a higher net and per area volume of water, as well as higher rates of exchange, compared to narrower areas, "strings." Study results show that floodplain channel‐groundwater exchange is a valuable process to include in hydrologic models, and model outputs could inform land conservation practises by indicating priority locations, such as beads, where substantial hydrologic exchange occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedimentation is an undesirable phenomenon that complicates the design of microsystems that exploit dense microparticles as delivery tools, especially in biotechnological applications. It often informs the integration of continuous mixing modules, consequently impacting the system footprint, cost, and complexity. The impact of sedimentation is significantly worse in systems designed with the intent of particle metering or binary encapsulation in droplets. Circumventing this problem involves the unsatisfactory adoption of gel microparticles as an alternative. This paper presents two solutions—a hydrodynamic solution that changes the particle sedimentation trajectory relative to a flow-rate dependent resultant force, and induced hindered settling (i-HS), which exploits Richardson–Zaki (RZ) corrections of Stokes' law. The hydrodynamic solution was validated using a multi-well fluidic multiplexing and particle metering manifold. Computational image analysis of multiplex metering efficiency using this method showed an average reduction in well-to-well variation in particle concentration from 45% (Q = 1 mL/min, n = 32 total wells) to 17% (Q = 10 mL/min, n = 48 total wells). By exploiting a physical property (cloud point) of surfactants in the bead suspension in vials, the i-HS achieved a 58% reduction in the sedimentation rate. This effect results from the surfactant phase change, which increases the turbidity (transient increase in particle concentration), thereby exploiting the RZ theories. Both methods can be used independently or synergistically to eliminate bead settling in microsystems or to minimize particle sedimentation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use of implantable antibiotic beads has become a frequent treatment modality for the management of surgical site infections in human and veterinary medicine. The objective of this study is to describe the elution kinetics of five antibiotics from a commercially available calcium sulfate antibiotic delivery kit. A secondary goal was to compare elution concentrations with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for commonly encountered bacteria from the University of Florida's veterinary microbiology laboratory database. Methods: Calcium sulfate powder was combined with amikacin, cefazolin, gentamicin, ampicillin/sulbactam, and meropenem. Triplicates of three antibiotic-loaded beads were immersed in 5 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and kept at 37°C under constant agitation. Antibiotic-conditioned PBS was sampled at 14 time points from 1-h to 30 days and analyzed by liquid chromatography to determine the antibiotic concentration. Results: All beads eluted concentrations of antibiotics for the 30-day sampling period, except for ampicillin/sulbactam, with the most antibiotics being eluted within the first week. The concentration of antibiotics within the eluent within the first 3-9 days (3- and 5-mm beads, respectively) was greater than the MIC of common isolates. The 5 mm bead samples were superior in maintaining higher concentrations for a longer period, compared to the 3-mm beads. Discussion: CSH beads eluted antibiotics over the 30-day course of the study. Most of the antibiotic elution occurred within the first week and was maintained above the MIC of commonly encountered isolates. This information may be useful for clinical decision making for treatment of local infections encountered in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple manual flow injection method was used to formulate chitosan-lignin composite beads in a ratio of 1:1. The beads were then characterized using FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis), and XRD (X-ray Diffraction). The FT-IR results indicate the chemical composition, revealing the presence of C-O, NH, C-H, and OH on chitosan, as well as OH, C-O-C, C = C, -O-CH3, and C-H, showing the presence and dispersion of lignin within chitosan molecules. SEM was useful for looking at the surface shape and showed structural differences between pure chitosan (which had a smooth surface with few holes) and composite beads (which had sharp edges and a rough, wrinkled shape). The TGA sheds light on the thermal stability and degradation properties of the beads. The thermograms show a similar pattern; however, the degradation temperature improved with the addition of lignin. An XRD investigation revealed the crystalline nature of the beads. Chitosan beads showed a sharp peak at 2θ = 21.8°, whereas in composites, the first peak was observed at 2θ = 9.9° second at 2θ = 20.130° and the third at 2θ = 28°. These findings allowed for the possibility that chitosan/lignin composite beads may be a good adsorbent for use in wastewater treatment systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the potential benefits of utilizing oil palm trees as reinforcement in polymeric substances. Extracting microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) fibers from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) waste, prevalent in Malaysia's extensive plantation fields as the world's second-largest oil palm producer, presents an opportunity to utilize abundant waste resources. To produce cellulose beads from these natural fibers, it was imperative to analyze their chemical composition, microstructural behavior, and adsorption rate. Initially, MCC was dissolved in ionic liquid to extract cellulose beads from OPEFB. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to characterize molecular bonds, adsorption properties, and their correlations within the fiber structure. X-ray diffraction analysis was tested to see the crystallographic structure and chemical composition of the beads. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to examine the surface morphology of the fibers. Adsorption properties was evaluated using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, water absorption test and moisture content were used to investigate the adsorptibility rate of cellulose beads. The results demonstrate that dissolving MCC into ionic liquid from OPEFB yields high-quality cellulose beads at 9% of MCC loading, presenting a promising avenue for the development of novel polymeric materials for wastewater filtration applications due to the highest pore size obtained with 15.35 nm and 15.35% of water absorption rate, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tianshanbeilu cemetery is the largest Bronze Age cemetery in eastern Xinjiang, China, and plays important roles in connecting the Eurasian interior to the Hexi Corridor, and further to the Central Plains region. Utilizing micro-XRF and Raman spectroscopy techniques, we identified a fluorite bead at this cemetery. This barrel bead is the earliest record of such a fluorite bead in China, dating back to approximately 1385–1256 BCE. Comparing the unearthed records of fluorite beads in eastern China spanning from the Neolithic Age to the Western Zhou dynasty, we notice that in the early Western Zhou period, fluorite beads found in élite burials are only in barrel or biconical shapes, both of which first appeared in the eastern region of Xinjiang, such as the Tianshanbeilu cemetery in Hami and the Yanghai cemetery in the Turpan Basin. We proposed that the barrel fluorite bead drilled by metal tubular drill first appearing in the Tianshanbeilu cemetery might have spread eastward to the Central Plains region and finally constituted a component of the ritual revolutions during the Western Zhou dynasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microencapsulation has received increasing attention across various industries, including pharmaceutics, cosmetics, foods, and biotechnology because of its many benefits. One method to prepare microparticles is an ionic gelation technique because of its simplicity and mild processing conditions. In this study, alginate beads encapsulating rice bran oil (RBO) for cosmetic applications were prepared using ionic gelation through vibration-nozzle coextrusion technology. Objective: The research aimed to investigate the effect of process parameters on the physical properties of alginate beads. Methods: Alginate beads encapsulating RBO were produced using Encapsulator B-390 with a concentric nozzle system. The shell material comprised 2% w/w sodium alginate, while 1.5% w/v calcium chloride served as the cross-linking agent. The study focused on the effects of various process parameters, including frequency, amplitude, electrode tension, and inner-outer flow rates on physical appearance, encapsulation of RBO in alginate beads, particle size, and size distribution. An experimental design was implemented to achieve alginate beads with optimal morphological characteristics. Results: The findings demonstrated that all investigated process parameters significantly influenced the physical properties of the alginate beads. The optimum process parameters were a frequency of 40 Hz, an amplitude of 6, an electrode tension of 0 V, an inner flow rate of 4 mL/min, and an outer flow rate of 14 mL/min. The resulting alginate beads exhibited an average size of 2.07 ± 0.27 mm, a spherical shape, and RBO encapsulation in the core, surrounded by a uniformly thick shell. Conclusion: These process parameters can be applied to develop alginate beads encapsulating cosmetic oils within a core-shell structure for application in cosmetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Radical Stitch: Art Gallery of Hamilton, February 11–August 27, 2023" is an exhibition at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Canada, celebrating 37 artists across Turtle Island through beadwork. The show explores the relational network of artists and the sharing of cultural knowledge through beadwork as a form of storytelling. The exhibition, currently at the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, showcases diverse perspectives and histories, confronting difficult pasts while highlighting the generosity and reciprocity embedded in beadwork as a language of shared experiences." [Extracted from the article]

Written sources indicate that Alexandria in Egypt was a leading producer of Roman glass. Furthermore, archaeological finds have provided evidence for the local production of drawn glass and gold‐in‐glass beads, which were distributed throughout the world. In this study, we present an analysis of the chemical composition of more than two hundred glass objects from the Roman (2nd–3rd/4th century ce) and Late Antique (4th/5th–7th century ce) glass bead workshops located at Kom el‐Dikka in Alexandria. This study is based on the results of portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) analyses carried out on raw glass, bead semi‐products, products and waste from both periods. Additionally, the glass chemistry of some Islamic (8th–12th century ce) beads found at the site has been analysed.Despite the limitations of the method, the vast majority of samples exhibited compositions confirming their general dating and Egyptian origin. Remarkably, a single bead was made of high‐alumina glass and appeared to be an import from India, possibly a remnant of the Indo‐Pacific glass bead route that connected Red Sea ports and Europe in Late Antiquity. In addition, we offer a new analytical approach to the method that has potential to enhance the value of pXRF in the analysis of archaeological glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid beads are core–shell particles with a liquid core and a solid shell. Calcium alginate liquid beads have been emerging as a promising platform for cell encapsulation. These beads have demonstrated their capability of encapsulating and culturing a wide range of human cells for tissue engineering. However, a significant research gap remains in the application of alginate liquid beads for encapsulating photosynthetic microorganisms. Herein, fast‐growing microalgae strain Chlorella vulgaris is encapsulated into calcium alginate liquid beads to facilitate the removal of nutrients from wastewater, minimizing the risk of eutrophication. Liquid bead‐microalgae systems are prepared, using different calcium ion concentrations as crosslinking ions. It has been thoroughly characterized for their morphologies, cell growth patterns, nutrient removal capabilities, and overall stability throughout the wastewater treatment process, with upflow anaerobic sludge blanket effluent as the wastewater model. The results indicate that the liquid bead‐microalgae system with the highest calcium ion concentration (5%) performs more efficiently, exhibiting a well‐formed crosslinking structure, leading to rapid cell growth with the highest cell density and the most effective removal of nutrients. The findings from this study provide valuable insights for future optimization and upscaling efforts in wastewater treatment systems based on calcium alginate liquid beads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unleashing the potential of lipid mesophase-based beads as a long-acting platform to deliver hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs: our study investigates their physico-chemical properties using four model drugs, revealing the ability to customize bead topology and their properties by adjusting the lipid mixture composition. This may be a promising landscape for an innovative drug delivery approach. [Display omitted] In this study, we explored the use of lipid mesophases (LMPs) as a biocompatible and biodegradable material for sustained drug delivery. Our hypothesis centered on leveraging the high surface-to-volume ratio of LMP-based beads to enhance strength, stability, and surface interaction compared to the LMP bulk gel. To modulate drug release, we introduced antioxidant vitamin E into the beads, influencing mesophase topologies and controlling drug diffusion coefficients. Four drugs with distinct chemical properties and intended for three different pathologies and administration routes were successfully loaded into the beads with a drug entrapment efficiency exceeding 80 %. Notably, our findings revealed sustained drug release, irrespective of the drugs' chemical properties, culminating in the development of an injectable formulation. This formulation allows direct administration into the target site, minimizing systemic exposure, and thereby mitigating adverse effects. Our approach demonstrates the potential of LMP-based beads for tailored drug delivery systems with broad applications in diverse therapeutic scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the western scarp of the Tausret temple site in Egypt, which was likely carved out during Amenhotep III's clearing for his memorial temple and later modified during the building of Tausret's temple. The scarp was reused during the Third Intermediate Period and the Late Period for tomb cutting, and excavations have uncovered rock-cut tombs, mud-brick walls, faience beads, and an offering table. The study focuses on the ceramic assemblage in the western scarp region, which contains a mix of ceramics from different time periods due to it being used as a dump for items removed from surrounding tombs. The article also discusses the findings from the inner and outer courtyards of the tomb site, including human remains, animal remains, linen fragments, cartonnage and coffin fragments, faience beads, and ceramics. Two tombs, Feature 6 and the Swiss Tomb, are described, with limited cultural material found in both. The western scarp contains more Late Period material, while the northern scarp contains more Third Intermediate Period material. The document is a list of references and sources related to the excavation and study of Pharaoh-Queen Tausret's Temple of Millions of Years, providing a comprehensive list of sources for further research. [Extracted from the article]

Next to pottery, items of adornment comprise the most abundant material excavated in Northeast Africa, often being the only evidence for long-distance interactions. Interdisciplinary research has been developed to demonstrate that beads, particularly those of Indian origin from port sites on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, may attest to intense relations between North Africa and Asia. Parallels and provenance examination of recent bead and jewellery finds (four silver and coral earrings, eight silver rings and about eleven ivory bangles) from two Late Antiquity tombs of the fourth/fifth centuries AD at Berenike also suggest links between the Red Sea coast and the Nubian Nile Valley. Additionally, these ornaments raise questions as to their function in multiple burials. It is not possible to determine whether they were used as part of the funerary ritual or as offerings to the individuals buried, but several observations can be offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shijia Yucun site is a northwestern settlement from the Zhou period (1046–221 BCE). Faience beads used as a personal ornament and coffin decoration are notable among plenty of funerary objects. Thirteen faience objects are determined using analytical electron probe micro‐analysis (EPMA) and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). The information on their provenance indicates that the types of faience beads around bodies include the mixed‐alkali faience from Europe or the Eurasian Steppe, the soda‐enriched faience from West Asia, and the local products rich in potash. However, faience samples adorning coffins are all local products, and the quality is rougher compared to the faience decorating the body. This unique feature is hardly found in other tombs of Zhou elites. As faience was a precious personal ornament in other stronger polities, it was already available as a general coffin decoration in such a small‐economy feudal state, so faience samples decorating coffins were not likely to be precious gifts from other elites. It is reasonable to assume that faience beads adorning coffins might have been made near the ruins. This investigation is significant to reveal the cultural exchange in the western frontier of the Zhou realm that dates back to the power decline of the Western Zhou period and highlight a possible high‐potash faience production area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we present a novel and straightforward process for fabricating highly porous three-dimensional cellulose microspheres. This technique relies on the mechanical agitation of bleached natural fibers in a rotating vessel at low speed, without the need for additional chemicals. The notable advantage of this process is its ease of implementation, allowing for control of various operating conditions such as the shape of the rotator, rotation speed, fiber/reagent ratio, and reaction time. As a result, the process enables the production of cellulose microspheres with high porosity, sphericity, and narrow size distribution. To enhance the durability and stability of the cellulosic beads, and to expand their potential for large-scale applications, the cellulose microspheres were encapsulated with sodium alginate, serving as a core structure. We successfully developed five different kinds of microspheres with diverse appearances by varying the drying conditions. We thoroughly investigated the effects of the operating and drying conditions on various aspects; morphology, stability, and physicochemical characteristics of the resulting microspheres. The results demonstrated that all beads exhibited fascinating characteristics with high porosity. Furthermore, the encapsulation of the cellulose beads had advantageous effects on their thermal, mechanical, and adsorption performances for methylene blue adsorption as an initial gauge of the adsorption capacity for molecules/dyes of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Much information about the early periods of south‐western Anatolia consists of data obtained from graves and finds therefrom. The amulet of meteoric iron that is the subject of this article was found in the Kesikservi cemetery, on the Bodrum peninsula, and dates to Early Bronze Age I. It was unearthed in the pithos grave of a male aged between twenty and twenty‐five years that is one of the richest such burials in Western Anatolia: it also contained five vessels, lids, a golden spiral, silver bracelets, a necklace of electrum and agate beads, and pieces of arsenical copper, all of which indicate his elite status. The amulet is the earliest dated find of meteoric iron from Anatolia, and demonstrates the existence of advanced metallurgy in the region during the period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Stratum Plus Journal is the property of P.P. Stratum plus and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Stratum Plus Journal is the property of P.P. Stratum plus and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

PPG-CNTs-nZVI bead was synthesized by polyvinyl alcohol, pumice, carbon nanotube, and guar gum-nanoscale zero-valent iron to be applied on simultaneously removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; phenanthrene) and heavy metals (Pb2+) via adsorption. The individual and simultaneous removal efficiency of phenanthrene and Pb2+ using the PPG-CNTs-nZVI beads was evaluated with a range of initial concentrations of these two pollutants. The kinetics and isotherms of phenanthrene and Pb2+ adsorption by the PPG-CNTs-nZVI beads were also determined. The PPG-CNTs-nZVI beads show reasonably high phenanthrene adsorption capacities (up to 0.16 mg/g), and they absorbed 85% of the phenanthrene (initial concentration 0.5 mg/L) in 30 min. High Pb2+ adsorption capabilities were also demonstrated by the PPG-CNTs-nZVI beads (up to 11.6 mg/g). The adsorption fits the Langmuir model better than the Freundlich model. The adsorption still remained stable with various ionic strength circumstances and a wide pH range (2–5). Additionally, the co-adsorption of phenanthrene and Pb2+ by the PPG-CNTs-nZVI beads resulted in synergistic effects. Particularly, phenanthrene-Pb2+ complex formation via π–cation interactions demonstrated a greater affinity than phenanthrene or Pb2+ alone. The present findings suggest that PPG-CNTs-nZVI beads may be effective sorbents for the simultaneous removal of PAHs and heavy metals from contaminated waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To efficiently deliver erlotinib HCl (ERL) to triple-negative breast cancer cells, dual crosslinked interpenetrating polymer network beads composed of carboxymethyl tamarind xyloglucan-grafted poly-N-isopropylacrylamide/montmorillonite nanocomposites and low-methoxyl pectin (LMP) were formulated. Incrementing the reinforcing clay in the matrices increased the size of the beads (1.29 ± 0.10 – 1.55 ± 0.28 mm) and improved their drug entrapment efficiency (DEE, 60.62 ± 1.02 – 86.73 ± 0.25%). The results of SEM analyses displayed spherical morphology of the fabricated beads. The compatibility of their constituents with ERL was ensured by infrared, thermal, and X-ray diffraction studies. Moreover, these beads exhibited temperature-sensitive swelling behavior and their molar masses between crosslinks ( M ¯ c), estimated adopting Flory–Rehner equation, were declined with temperature. Various matrices also showed sustained drug release patterns, which were best fitted with the Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic model and the drug release was driven by Fickian diffusion- mechanism. Furthermore, the beads with the highest MMT content (F-3, 20% MMT) demonstrated pH-sensitive swelling and drug release patterns. These also conferred a faster biodegradability relative to the control scaffolds (F-1, 0% MMT) and enhanced sensitivity on MDA-MB-231 cells as compared to pure ERL. Therefore, CTX/LMP-based IPN beads could be exploited as promising drug-carriers for TNCB therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe use of implantable antibiotic beads has become a frequent treatment modality for the management of surgical site infections in human and veterinary medicine. The objective of this study is to describe the elution kinetics of five antibiotics from a commercially available calcium sulfate antibiotic delivery kit. A secondary goal was to compare elution concentrations with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for commonly encountered bacteria from the University of Florida’s veterinary microbiology laboratory database.MethodsCalcium sulfate powder was combined with amikacin, cefazolin, gentamicin, ampicillin/sulbactam, and meropenem. Triplicates of three antibiotic-loaded beads were immersed in 5 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and kept at 37°C under constant agitation. Antibiotic-conditioned PBS was sampled at 14 time points from 1-h to 30 days and analyzed by liquid chromatography to determine the antibiotic concentration.ResultsAll beads eluted concentrations of antibiotics for the 30-day sampling period, except for ampicillin/sulbactam, with the most antibiotics being eluted within the first week. The concentration of antibiotics within the eluent within the first 3–9 days (3- and 5-mm beads, respectively) was greater than the MIC of common isolates. The 5 mm bead samples were superior in maintaining higher concentrations for a longer period, compared to the 3-mm beads.DiscussionCSH beads eluted antibiotics over the 30-day course of the study. Most of the antibiotic elution occurred within the first week and was maintained above the MIC of commonly encountered isolates. This information may be useful for clinical decision making for treatment of local infections encountered in practice.

It is known that any open necklace with beads of t types, in which the number of beads of each type is divisible by k, can be partitioned by at most (k -- 1)t cuts into intervals that can be distributed into k collections, each containing the same number of beads of each type. This is tight for all values of k and t. Here, we consider the case of random necklaces, where the number of beads of each type is km. Then the minimum number of cuts required for a "fair" partition with the above property is a random variable X(k,t,m). We prove that for fixed k,t and large m, this random variable is at least (k -- 1)(t + 1)/2 with high probability. For k = 2, fixed t, and large m, we determine the asymptotic behavior of the probability that X(2,t,m) = s for all values of s ≤ t. We show that this probability is polynomially small when s < (t + 1)/2, is bounded away from zero when s > (t + 1)/2, and decays like ɵ(1/logm) when s = (t + 1)/2. We also show that for large t, X(2,t,1) is at most (0.4 + o(1))t with high probability and that for large t and large ratio k/logt, X(k,t,1) is o(kt) with high probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Al-Mustansiriyah Journal for Pharmaceutical Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cellulose-based hierarchical porous beads exhibit significant application potential in adsorption and separation systems due to their degradation and biocompatibility. However, the current fabrications of cellulose beads show poor mechanical properties and a difficult-to-regulate hierarchical porous structure, reducing their lifespan of use and limiting their application in fine separation. Here, we reported the facile creep–drop method to prepare cellulose beads that enabled systemic regulation of the macro-size, micropore structures, and mechanical properties by optimizing injection nozzle diameter, the composition of the coagulation bath, the temperature of the coagulation bath, and cellulose concentration. Notably, during the molding process, the H2SO4-Na2SO4 composite solidification bath endowed cellulose beads with a dense shell layer and a loose core layer, which achieved the integration of mechanical properties and high porosity. The cellulose beads exhibited high porosity (93.38–96.18%) and high sphericity (86.78–94.44%) by modulating the shell thickness of the cellulose beads. In particular, the cellulose beads exhibited excellent mechanical properties with a high compressive strength of 544.24 kPa at a 5% cellulose concentration. It is expected that these cellulose beads with tunable microstructures can realize their potential for applications in the fields of wastewater treatment, chemical engineering, bioengineering, medicine, and pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the impact of lipid nanoparticle size on immunogenicity represents an important step for enabling the rapid development of novel vaccines against known or emergent diseases. Dynamic light scattering, also known as quasi-elastic light scattering or photon correlation spectroscopy, has established itself as an optimal analytical method to determine particle size due to its in-situ approach and fast measurements. However, its application to many systems of industrial relevance has been hindered due to artifacts arising from multiple scattering. Result interpretation becomes severely compromised depending on the concentration of the system and the size of the particles. In this context, strong sample dilution is often required, bringing additional uncertainties to the formulation development process. Here, we show how advanced dynamic light scattering technology can filter out multiple scattering from the signal and yield fully accurate sizing measurements regardless of the sample concentration. We illustrate this in a comparative study with standard dynamic light scattering using polystyrene beads as model suspension as well as a concentrated commercial lipid nanoparticle adjuvant (AddaVax™). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phoenician colonisation of the Iberian Peninsula in the 1st millennium BCE introduced many novel and luxurious goods to the local populations of the Western Mediterranean. Among them, black-appearing glass beads are characteristic of indigenous female burials in Southern Portugal during the 6th century BCE. This study presents the results of the first comprehensive archaeometric investigation of black-appearing glass from Vinha das Caliças 4 (Portugal), and of black-appearing glass from the Iberian Peninsula in general. A multi-analytical approach employing Stereomicroscopic observation of manufacture and use traces, VP-SEM-EDS, μ-XRD, and LA-ICP-MS was used to cover a wide range of questions regarding technology and provenance. All analysed samples are natron glass. All samples of black and white beads are characterized by high Zr and low Sr values typically ascribed to the use of Egyptian sands. A comparison of the results of previous studies from the same site clearly demonstrates at least two geochemical provenances for Phoenician-traded glass beads, located in the Levantine region and Egypt, respectively. Furthermore, different colours of glass in individual polychrome beads exhibit similar trace element patterns, which might suggest these beads could have been produced close to glassmaking sites/regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyes containing waste streams are the most common pollutants found in wastewater, posing a severe threat to both the ecosystem and the environment. Adsorption emerges as one of the most effective and widely applied treatments for removing dyes due to its simple operation, high efficiency, and low cost. Sodium alginate, as a biopolymer, is one of the alternative adsorbents used in the adsorption process. However, the lack of active sites and low rigidity limits the adsorption capacity performance of this biopolymer. This study aims to introduce biopolymer-based composite adsorbent beads for removing methylene blue (MB) dye from an aqueous solution. Herein, TA/PANI/SA composite adsorbent beads consisting of tannic acid (TA) and polyaniline (PANI) were prepared by the cross-linking method of sodium alginate (SA) with the presence of divalent cations in calcium chloride. Characterization was performed using FTIR analysis to determine the changes in surface-modified composite beads. The results indicated that the removal efficiency of MB dye exhibited a significant enhancement of up to 72% when compared to untreated alginate beads, which only achieved approximately 30% removal. It was also found that the interactions occurred during the cross-linking process as well as during the adsorption process of MB dye onto the composite adsorbent beads. The adsorption mechanisms of MB dye by composite adsorbent beads include electrostatic interaction, π-π interactions, and hydrogen bonding. The improvement in the removal efficiency and the possibility of interactions during the cross-linking process suggested that the biopolymer-based composite beads have great potential to be used as adsorbents for removing dye in an aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With this study we expand the glass data available for northeast Thailand through the analysis of elemental and isotopic (Sr-Nd-Pb) compositions of glass beads from Non Ban Jak. This site, located in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Northeast Thailand, yielded more than 3000 glass artifacts dating from the mid-late Iron Age (CE 200-850). A representative selection of sixty-five glass beads was analyzed for elemental compositions, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data were obtained for 10 of these beads. Most of the beads belong to the mineral soda – high alumina (m-Na-Al) 1 glass group, which originated from either Sri Lanka or southern India. Three color-specific sub-groups were identified: m-Na-Al 1.1, m-Na-Al 1.2 and m-Na-Al 1.3. Two glass samples with an orange color have a mixed-alkali composition also associated with India. Two glass beads have a potash composition usually associated with the Early Iron Age period and the South China Sea exchange network. Translucent dark blue beads have a soda-lime composition suggesting import from the west (the Mediterranean area or the Middle East). Results for Non Ban Jak show strong similarities with results from the neighboring sites of Ban Non Wat and Noen-U Loke and seem to share a strong connection during the Late Iron Age with South India/Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work represents the propyl modification and characterization of Moringa gum for sustained drug delivery applications. The propylation of Moringa gum was performed using n-propyl bromide by alkyl etherification process. The propylated Moringa gum was further evaluated as a diclofenac sodium-loaded matrix tablet and composite beads for sustained drug delivery. The modification of Moringa gum was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. The degree of propyl substitution was determined to be 0.407. The characterization studies revealed the increase in the degree of crystallinity, thermal stability, surface roughness, and the decrease in viscosity on propyl modification. The native and modified gum had a molecular weight of 1.02 × 104 and 4.84 × 104 KDa, respectively. The diclofenac-loaded matrix tablets of Moringa gum disintegrated in simulated gastric fluid, while tablets of propyl Moringa gum provided sustained release of diclofenac by super case 2 transport following Higuchi release kinetics. The ionically gelled beads of propyl Moringa gum were able to control the burst release of diclofenac in simulated gastric fluid releasing 84% of the drug in 24 h following Higuchi kinetics. It can be concluded that the propyl-modified Moringa gum can be used as a pharmaceutical excipient for sustained drug delivery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most common loadable chemotherapeutic drugs in drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) include doxorubicin, epirubicin, etc. CalliSpheres® beads have exhibited efficient loadability and eluting characteristics for raltitrexed as well as in vitro and animal experiments. However, the efficacy and safety of raltitrexed-loaded DEB-TACE in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of raltitrexed-loaded DEB-TACE in patients with intermediate-stage HCC. Design: The study was conducted as a single-arm prospective study. Methods: This study was a prospective, single-arm trial conducted between June 2019 and June 2022. CalliSpheres® beads loaded with raltitrexed were used in the DEB-TACE procedure. The follow-up lasted for at least 1 year or until death. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoints were time to progression (TTP), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs). Results: The 6-month ORR and disease control rates were 90.1% and 93.8%, respectively. The median OS was 33.0 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 95.1%, 82.1%, and 43.6%, respectively. Child–Pugh class and bilobar disease occurrence were identified as independent OS predictors. The median TTP and PFS were 22.7 and 19.8 months, respectively. Eleven (11.5%) patients experienced at least one grade 3 AE, and serious AEs were reported in five participants (5.2%). No patient experienced grade 4 or 5 AEs. Conclusion: Raltitrexed-loaded DEB-TACE is feasible, safe, and effective in patients with intermediate-stage HCC. Trial registration: This trial was registered at www.chictr.org.cn under the identifier: 1900024097 on 25 June 2019. Plain language summary: Efficacy and safety of raltitrexed-loaded DEB-TACE in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma The utility of raltitrexed-loaded CalliSphere® beads in drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) has been demonstrated in in vitro and animal experiments. However, its efficacy and safety in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Hence, this study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety profiles of DEB-TACE for such patients. We discovered that raltitrexed-loaded DEB-TACE led to a 6-month ORR of 90.1%, a median OS of 33.0 months, a median TTP of 22.7 months, and a median PFS of 19.8 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 95.1%, 82.1%, and 43.6%, respectively. Factors such as Child-Pugh class and bilobar disease occurrence were identified as independent predictors of OS. The study also showed acceptable safety profiles, with a low incidence of grade 3 adverse events and no grade 4 or 5 adverse events. The results indicated that raltitrexed-eluting CalliSpheres® beads for TACE can be a viable option for treating patients with intermediate-stage HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium dioxide was coated by hydrothermal reaction on the surface of CaAl2O4:Eu2+,Nd3+ long-lasting phosphor beads on which a silver noble metal was impregnated to enhance photocatalytic reactivity. The phosphor composite as a TiO2 supporter was fabricated in the form of beads for convenient applications. Silver was impregnated on the CaAl2O4:Eu2+,Nd3+ long-lasting phosphor using a silver nitrate aqueous solution prior to TiO2 coating process. The morphological and compositional characteristics of the TiO2 coated phosphor composite materials were measured using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). The photocatalytic properties of the TiO2 coated phosphor composite materials were analyzed through decompositions of both methylene blue dye solution and toluene gas under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation. Through measuring the variation of photocatalytic reaction with different Ag concentrations, 0.035 M Ag-impregnated TiO2/CaAl2O4:Eu2+,Nd3+ phosphor composite showed the best photocatalysis efficiency under UV and visible light illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale and objectives: A new microcatheter was recently developed claiming to reduce beads reflux in drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE). The aim of this study was to compare the reflux control microcatheter ability versus a standard microcatheter for TACE treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Material and methods: Patients were prospectively included between November 2017 and February 2022. They received a DEB-TACE treatment with charged radiopaque beads using standard microcatheters or the SeQure reflux control microcatheter (Guerbet, France) and were assigned respectively to a control and a test group. Beads distribution mismatch was evaluated between the targeted territory on treatment planning CBCT and beads’ spontaneous opacities on the post-intervention CBCT and the 1-month CT scanner. Results: Twenty-three patients (21 men, median age 64 years [12.5 years]) with 37 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules were treated. The control group consisted of 13 patients – 19 nodules, while the test group included ten patients - 18 nodules. Non target embolization (NTE) was found in 20 % (2/10) of patients in the test group and 85 % (11/13) in the control group. NTE involved only an adjacent segment in the test group while it affected the adjacent biliary sector or even the contralateral liver lobe in the control group. No complication linked to NTE was found in the test group, while it led to one case of ischemic cholangitis and another case of biloma in the control group. Conclusion: The reflux control microcatheter may be efficient in reducing NTE and thus eventual adverse events in comparison to standard of care end-hole microcatheters.

The objective of this study was to create a new material utilizing a biopolymer (sodium alginate) and the powder of brown algae for the elimination of organic pollutants like dyes by adsorption from a water-based solution. The alginate/algae composite beads used in this study as an adsorbent were created by inotropic gelation of sodium alginate utilizing calcium ions as cross-linking agent. The beads thus synthetized had been characterized by different techniques in order to assess their characteristics. The adsorption procedure was studied in a batch mode at room temperature using methyl violet, a cationic dye chosen as an organic pollutant. The influence of beading parameters like contact time, methyl violet concentration, pH, sorbent amount and speed agitation was studied. It was found that the adsorption capacities were notably influenced by the initial dye concentration, pH and beads dose. Indeed, the results found indicated that the equilibrium sorption of methyl violet by this adsorbent was reached in around 3 hours for the different concentrations studied (10 mg/L, 40 mg/L and 70 mg/L) with percentage dye removal of around 80% at the optimum bead amount of 2 g. The kinetic modeling had shown that the model of the pseudo-second-order kinetic governed the adsorption rate of methyl violet on alginate/brown algae composite beads.