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The present investigation assessed the viability of utilizing a powdered clam shell in continuous adsorption to eliminate nickel ions from simulated wastewater. The breakthrough curves (BTC) were analyzed by altering the Q (inlet flow rate) in a glass column (ID 5 cm, H 35 cm) with a multi-port and filled with the powdered clamshell adsorbent (PCSA). The PCSA's nickel adsorption efficiency was maximum (87.68%) with Q = 8 mL/min at a bed length (H) of 25 cm with 1.05 mg/g adsorption capacity. Moreover, the mass transfer zone (MTZ) and idle bed length (Lu) were estimated from the corresponding BTC. The values of MTZ and Lu demonstrated fluctuations in response to changes in bed length, suggesting the presence of non-ideal circumstances. The validity of the Thomas model for predicting column dynamics was established, and the associated model parameters were assessed. Additionally, the parameters of the BDST model were assessed in order to aid in calculating the sufficient depth for a packed bed column (PBC) while scaling up. Therefore, a metal removal process from industrial effluent can be efficiently achieved by utilizing a PBC of powdered clamshell adsorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the upgrading of mechanical properties in basalt fibre composites through the incorporation of microfiller. Because of their remarkable mechanical qualities and environmentally beneficial qualities, basalt fibres are becoming more and more popular in a wide range of engineering applications. However, to further expand their utility, improvements in mechanical properties like tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance are essential. In this research, clamshell filler, an abundant waste material from seafood processing, is employed as a reinforcing agent in basalt fibre composites. Clamshells are found on the sea water and participate in marine ecosystems. They are derived from dead clams with no flesh in it. The research offers a solution to the disposal problem of clamshell waste by incorporating it into composite materials- a value-added product, offering both material performance benefits and sustainability. Dead clams are used to prepare the clamshell powder which is made into fine powder of 64-90 micron after cleaning and drying process. This size of micro-filler added in basalt fibre through hand layup fabrication techniques. A series of experiments and material characterization techniques are examined to know the effects of varying clamshell filler content (0, 5, 10 wt.%) on the mechanical performance of the composites. Mechanical test like tensile, flexural, microhardness and impact tests are done to evaluate the material's strength, stiffness, and resistance to external forces. The results show enhancements in the mechanical properties of basalt fibre composites with the addition of clamshell filler. The findings suggest that the utilization of clamshell filler can effectively improve the tensile and flexural strengths and hardness of the basalt fibre composites. Moreover, there is an increment of impact resistance which indicates the potential applications of composite in impact-prone industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the effect of filler material on the water absorption behaviour of glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites. The fillers are cenosphere and clamshell which are industrial waste and marine waste, respectively. The composite with six layers of fibre is prepared using the most common way of hand lay-up process. Different contents of filler, that is, 0, 10 and 20 wt.% of clamshell and cenosphere are added in the glass fibre-epoxy polymer. These are the wastes that have the potential to be an important filler in polymer matrix composite (PMC). The water absorption behaviour of the glass composites is studied and found that filler content plays a significant role in the water absorption property. The addition of both fillers improves the water resistance of the composites. The diffusion mechanism of water absorption of the present composites follows the non-Fickian type. Composites with cenosphere filler show better water resistance when compared to composites with clamshell filler. The effect of moisture absorption on the tensile strength of composites is also investigated which shows that the tensile strength of the composites is degraded after water immersion. The degradation of the tensile strength in the composite is lower in the case of saline water when compared to distilled water. Tensile strength of the composite is increased with the addition of filler and is highest in glass fibre-epoxy composite at 20 wt.% for both clamshell and cenosphere fillers. 20 wt.% of clamshell filler in the composite shows better tensile strength when compared to 20 wt.% of cenosphere in the composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Trauma is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide across all age groups, with traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) presenting a significant economic and societal burden due to the loss of productive life years. Despite TCA’s high mortality rate, recent evidence indicates that survival with good and moderate neurological recovery is possible. Successful resuscitation in TCA depends on the immediate and simultaneous treatment of reversible causes according to pre-established algorithms. The HOTT protocol, addressing hypovolaemia, oxygenation (hypoxia), tension pneumothorax, and cardiac tamponade, forms the foundation of TCA management. Advanced interventions, such as resuscitative thoracotomy and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), further enhance treatment. Contemporary approaches also consider metabolic factors (e.g. hyperkalaemia, calcium imbalances) and hemostatic resuscitation. This narrative review explores the advanced management of TCA and peri-arrest states, discussing the epidemiology and pathophysiology of peri-arrest and TCA. It integrates classic TCA management strategies with the latest evidence and practical applications.

The present study aims to develop a novel hybrid composite by incorporating clamshell as a secondary reinforcing filler into a bamboo-epoxy composite. The primary objective of this hybridization is to optimize the synergistic benefits of each component, harnessing the strength of bamboo fibres, the durability of epoxy, and the cost-effective repurposing of the waste clamshell. Compression moulding was employed to develop composites with varying filler content (0- 9 wt%). The effect of filler on the physical and mechanical properties of bamboo-epoxy composites was evaluated by conducting tests as per ASTM standards. Experimental results show that the addition of clamshell filler significantly improved composites' properties, but there was a limitation to the addition. Hardness, tensile, and flexural properties were increased, whereas impact strength was reduced. Composites with 6 wt% clamshell exhibited optimum properties, enhancing tensile strength by 20.5% and flexural strength by 24.4 % compared to composites without filler. SEM analysis of fractured tensile and bending specimens revealed an enhanced fibre-matrix bonding with the inclusion of filler and supported the experimental results obtained. The outcome of this study contributes to sustainable development by using natural resources like bamboo fibre and repurposing seashell waste to create cost-effective composite material with enhanced properties.

Trauma is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide across all age groups, with traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) presenting a significant economic and societal burden due to the loss of productive life years. Despite TCA's high mortality rate, recent evidence indicates that survival with good and moderate neurological recovery is possible. Successful resuscitation in TCA depends on the immediate and simultaneous treatment of reversible causes according to pre-established algorithms. The HOTT protocol, addressing hypovolaemia, oxygenation (hypoxia), tension pneumothorax, and cardiac tamponade, forms the foundation of TCA management. Advanced interventions, such as resuscitative thoracotomy and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), further enhance treatment. Contemporary approaches also consider metabolic factors (e.g. hyperkalaemia, calcium imbalances) and hemostatic resuscitation. This narrative review explores the advanced management of TCA and peri-arrest states, discussing the epidemiology and pathophysiology of peri-arrest and TCA. It integrates classic TCA management strategies with the latest evidence and practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drilling is one of the secondary machining techniques most frequently utilised when Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) materials are assembled into a structure. The present work examines the drilling GFRPs and analyses hole quality based on the different traditional parameters: feed rate, spindle speed, and drill tool diameter. However, the hybridization of glass fiber- reinforced polymers (GRPs) by incorporating fillers as secondary reinforcement in the present piece of research has introduced new challenges for hole drilling and achieving the desired surface finishes. The delamination at the hole entrance and exit, considering the drill diameter of the HSS twist drill (6, 8, 10 mm), feed rate (0.04, 0.08, 0.12 mm/rev), cutting speed (1000, 1200, 1400 rpm), and filler content (0, 10, 20 wt.%) in GFRP, are the major factors are considered. The fillers used are clamshell powder and cenosphere, which are marine waste and thermal power plant waste, respectively. The present paper aims to study the effect of these fillers on the drilling-induced damages to the holes in terms of delamination factor, surface roughness, and dimensional accuracy of the hole (taper error, circularity error) of GFRPs. The most widely preferred Taguchi experimental design has been used for optimising the process parameters to obtain minimum delamination, surface roughness, and hole error. The study also aims to develop a correlation between feed rate, cutting velocity, drill diameter, and filler content with the delamination factor, surface roughness, taper error, and circularity error in a GFRP material. The observed results show that clamshells filled GFRP shows lower delamination, surface roughness, circularity error, and taper error compared to cenosphere filled GFRP composites under the same process parameters. It indicates the positive impact of the fillers in the drilling of GFRP, where the main objective is to reduce drilling-induced defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a compilation of research articles and reviews on the mechanical behavior and applications of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The articles cover various topics, including the effect of fillers on mechanical properties, the use of natural and industrial wastes as fillers, and the characterization of different types of fiber-reinforced composites. The studies explore the potential of using natural fibers and fillers to improve the mechanical properties of composites and discuss the use of seashell waste and other unconventional fillers in composite materials. The document provides valuable insights into the field of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites and highlights recent developments and challenges in this area. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Notfall & Rettungsmedizin is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Simple Summary: Solid thoracic tumors in children are rare, with neuroblastoma being the most commonly diagnosed tumor entity. A safe and complete tumor resection is often not possible with a unilateral cervical approach, sternotomy, thoracotomy, or bilateral thoracotomy (single or staged) in certain localizations of the thorax, such as the cervicothoracic junction, the posterior mediastinum, or bilateral dorsal thoracic tumors. In adults, trap-door thoracotomy has been established and evaluated as a safe surgical approach for tumors of the cervicothoracic junction and clamshell thoracotomy as a safe surgical approach for posterior mediastinal or bilateral dorsal thoracic tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical and oncologic implications of trap-door thoracotomy and clamshell thoracotomy in children with solid tumors in these specific localizations. These findings may have a positive impact on the quality of care and patient safety for children with solid thoracic tumors. Solid tumors of the cervicothoracic junction, the posterior mediastinum, or bilateral dorsal thoracic tumors represent a challenge in pediatric surgical oncology. The aim of this study was to evaluate trap-door thoracotomy and clamshell thoracotomy as surgical approaches. A single-center retrospective study of children with solid tumors in these specific localizations was performed. From 2015 to 2023, 26 children (17 girls; 9 boys) were treated at a median age of 54 months (range 8–229). Tumor resection was performed for neuroblastoma (n = 11); metastatic disease (n = 7); malignant rhabdoid tumor (n = 4); Ewing sarcoma (n = 1); inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (n = 1); rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 1); and neurofibroma (n = 1). The surgical goal of macroscopic complete excision was achieved in all of the 14 children who underwent trap-door thoracotomy and in 11 of the 12 children who underwent clamshell thoracotomy. There were no major complications. At a median follow-up of 8 months (range 0–60), the disease was under local control or in complete remission in 66.7% of the children. In conclusion, surgical resection of solid tumors of the cervicothoracic junction in children can be performed safely and successfully with trap-door thoracotomy and with clamshell thoracotomy for posterior mediastinal or bilateral dorsal thoracic tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mature fetiform teratoma, or homunculus, is a term coined for a rare variant of teratoma with a prevalence of 0.01% of teratomas. There have been very few cases reported in the world, and its thoracic presentation is extremely unusual. We present the case of a 31-year-old female patient with a history of progressive chest pain in the left hemithorax, associated with dyspnea on moderate exertion and cough. Imaging studies revealed a large intrathoracic tumor visually compatible with a teratoma. Surgical resection by a clamshell approach was successful, and subsequent anatomopathological studies of the operative specimen concluded that the mass was a mature fetiform thoracic teratoma. The treatment of this entity is generally surgical and includes wide resection due to its large adhesive component to surrounding tissues. Thus, the cardiothoracic surgeon must know approaches that allow wide resection, making these cases true surgical challenges.

Nano-CaO can be used in various fields such as energy, health, and medicine. Clamshell (Geloina sp.) has a large enough CaCO3 content, so it has the potential as a material for making nano-CaO. The synthesis of nano-CaO from shells can be done by the top-down method using high-energy milling. One of the problems with the top-down method is the high energy requirement. The utilization of papaya latex is an effort to reduce energy requirements during the milling process. This study aims to examine the use of papaya latex as a bio-activator in the synthesis of nano-CaO from clamshell (Geloina sp.). Several aspects studied include the yield of nano-CaO obtained and the characteristics of nano-CaO. The results show the optimum conditions for the incubation process with papaya latex were at a temperature of 60 °C, the papaya latex concentration of 5%, and the time of 3 h. The content of Ca, C, and O in nano-CaO is 45.04, 35.07, and 18.36%, respectively. Nano-CaO has a very active group and has antibacterial activity. Therefore, nano-CaO from clamshell (Geloina sp.) can be used in any industrial field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatase blocker effectively promotes testosterone, which improves muscle performance and protein synthesis. Considerable muscle strength in Bangkok rooster is the outcome of testosterone activity. Clamshell contains aromatase blocker substances, while fishbone possesses a high amount of protein. This research aimed to evaluate the clamshell and fishbone combination potency towards testosterone levels and muscle performance in Bangkok roosters. This study employed 18 Bangkok roosters under 35 days of treatment. The rooster groups consisted of control (P0, n = 6); clamshell-fishbone (P1, n = 6): clamshell (6.6 gram/day) + fishbone (3.3 gram/day); fishbone (P2, n = 6): fishbone (3.3 gram/day). The blood was collected once every seven days. Enzyme immunoassay showed the highest serum and muscle testosterone levels in P1 (p<0.05). Immunohistochemistry presented the most and broadest myofiber and the highest proliferation activity in P1 (p<0.05). The texture analysis showed the topmost springiness index in P1 (p<0.05). Aromatase blockers in clamshell and protein in fishbone improve testosterone and muscle performance in Bangkok roosters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of clamshells as a substrate in constructed wetlands (CWs) for removing heavy metals from acid mine drainage (AMD). Column-type CWs (ID 12.5 cm, H 50 cm) filled with clamshells or gravel were planted with cattails. Synthesized AMD containing 20 mg/L zinc (Zn), 0.3 mg/L cadmium (Cd), 20 mg/L copper (Cu), 1.1 mg/L lead (Pb), 0.6 mg/L manganese (Mn), and other minerals (pH=4.1) was fed to CWs (1 L/column) with hydraulic retention times of 2–7 days in sequencing batch mode. Results indicated higher metal removal in clamshell-based CWs with the pH neutralization than in gravel-based CWs. The removal efficiencies were 85.3–92.6%, 84.1–98.3%, 96.5–99.7%, 98.3–99.1%, and 64.0–83.8%, respectively, for Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Mn. During 6 months of operation, 790.7 mg of Zn, 10.6 mg of Cd, 762.4 mg of Cu, 40.1 mg of Pb, and 19.9 mg of Mn were fed to each CW. Of those, retaining in the substrate was the main metal removal route, representing 49.7–82.5%, followed by plant uptake (16.1–39.0%), and other processes (0.6–3.2%). The metal contents in the clamshell were increased, although that of calcium was lowered after treatment. The clamshell-based CWs extended the cattail root and incubated sulfate-reducing bacteria in a larger population. These findings suggest a recycling way of seashells as filter media in CWs for heavy-metal-rich wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interaction of 2‐hydroxy‐9(10),16(17),23(24)‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐29H,31H‐ phthalocyanine (1) with hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (phosphonitrilic chloride trimer) produced, along with the A3B type low‐symmetry monophthalocyanine (monomer 2), a bis‐derivative 3 with spectral characteristics such as that of most clamshell‐type phthalocyanines (typically, H‐dimers). The reaction can be considered conditionally selective. DFT calculations showed the possibility of the existence of several isomers. Based on the UV‐Vis, fluorescent and NMR studies, we found that 3 was obtained as an inseparable mixture of three diastereomers‐achiral cis‐isomer and two chiral trans‐isomers. DFT analysis has also shown that cis‐isomer can exist as two rotamers‐parallel and oblique, by an analogy with the cofacial J‐type dimers that we obtained earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal of phosphate (PO 4 3 −) from an aqueous solution by clamshell treated by heat process was investigated through batch experiments. The effects of initial phosphate concentrations, pH value, and contact time on the phosphate removal were carried out. The phosphate adsorption isotherm was described by the Langmuir and Freundlich models. As the result, the adsorption process correlated well to both models, and the theoretical maximum phosphate adsorption capacity was 319.0 mg/g by the Langmuir isotherm model. The influence of pH was investigated from 5 to 10, and the value of pH had no significant effect on phosphate adsorption capacity. This finding indicated the application of calcined clamshell in the large range of pH for phosphate removal. The phosphate adsorption capacity and phosphate removal efficiency were obtained at 209.0 mg/g and 38.7% at the initial phosphate concentration of 540 ppm at 25∘C for 24 h, respectively. The clamshell modified by heat treatment exhibited its substantial potential for fast and efficient phosphate removal in water and wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically it was recommended for emergency thoracotomy in thoracic trauma as the last resort when there was cardiopulmonary arrest. Nowadays, the only indications are lung transplantation and huge mediastinal masses. We report the use of a clamshell thoracotomy in a 7-month-old boy with a large anterior mediastinal mass extending into the bilateral thoracic cavities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The most common method to emerge latent fingermarks on non-porous surfaces is powdering by applying commercial fingerprint powders. However, the chemical composition of the powder is often toxic and poses health hazards to humans. This study was endeavoured to explore the effectiveness and potential use of natural resources for the enhancement of latent fingermarks. Methods: Eggshells and clamshells were prepared in fine powder form, and latent fingermarks were developed using each powder. Five non-porous substrates were selected for fingermarks deposition; glass, aluminium can, plastic book cover, painted wood, and compact disc. Results: Both natural powders have successfully developed high-quality finger marks with high clarity of ridge characteristics in comparison to commercial fingerprint powder (positive control) and untreated fingermark (negative control) on most of the tested surfaces tested. The sebaceous fingermarks have shown the best quality fingermarks when developed with both powders. In the ageing study, it was found that most non-porous substrates bearing latent fingermarks exposed to the destructive conditions can be successfully visualised in the early period of exposure. Conclusion: Eggshell and clamshell powders are as effective as commercial white powder but preferrable to be applied because of the low cost, abundant and non-hazardous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to fabricate low-cost foam glass-ceramic using soda-lime-silica (SLS) glass waste and clamshells (CS) as foaming agent in content between 1 and 12 wt.% by conventional powder processing method. The samples were undergoing sintering process between 700 and 1000°C with holding time of 30 minutes and characterized according to the physical and structural properties. Samples containing 3 wt.% CS treated at 800°C show the greatest size of porosity. As the sintering temperature increased, the samples tend to become less dense. However, for the samples sintered at 900 and 1000°C, the trend of the density changes because of the excess CO2 gases generated during the heat treatment process promotes an increase in internal pressure, which results in the rupture of the pore walls. For linear expansion, for samples with a sintering temperature of 800°C and higher, the increment of the temperature will lead to the decrement of linear expansion (%). As the sintering temperature increases from 700 to 800°C, the water absorption (%) increases. However, the percentage of water absorption decreases with the further increment of sintering temperature. The XRD characterization showed the formation of wollastonite phase (CaSiO3) and further revealed the formation of greater peaks of CaSiO3 at the higher sintering temperatures. The results of compressive mechanical strength between 0.15 and 1.50 MPa indicate that the obtained glass-ceramic foams have potential for building material applications.

Diaphyseal malunion poses a great challenge for the orthopedic surgeon, and an inundation of morbidity for the patient. Diaphyseal malunion can cause altered gait, adjacent joint osteoarthritis and body dissatisfaction. This problem is fraught with complications without surgical intervention. There is a myriad of options for the management of a diaphyseal malunion. The clamshell osteotomy was engendered to ameliorate the difficulty in managing this issue. This technique is a viable option to correct diaphyseal malunion about the femur and tibia. Recently, the indications of a clamshell osteotomy have been expanded to function as a derotational or shortening osteotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-step encapsulation of subtilisin by fluidized bed spray-coating in a cross-linked alginate matrix shell (CLAMshell) particle is introduced. The CLAMshell process maximizes process productivity, while simultaneously improving coating quality of spray-coated enzyme. Overall, higher spray rates were achieved with improved mechanical strength of the coating, significantly limiting attrition and suppressing surface damage. Incorporating the CLAMshell formulation improved the overall coating process compared to coatings of cargo-only by achieving a 40% faster spray rate and maintaining coating efficiencies above 90%, with aggregates and fines below 2% of the final product. Process interruptions for removing excessive fines obstructing the outlet filter were eliminated and filter fouling was minimized. Increased alginate content and combination with polyvinyl alcohol in the coating yielded the greatest mechanical strength with low attrition and minor particle damage. CLAMshell particles exhibited high coating integrity through delayed dissolution of the salt core in solution, indicating potential controlled release applications. [Display omitted] • A novel in situ crosslinked alginate matrix shell (CLAMshell) particle was designed. • CLAMshell formulations improved spray rate and process conditions during coating. • CLAMshell particles displayed high mechanical strength and minimal surface damage. • CLAMshell coatings demonstrated controlled release of the core in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Southeast University / Dongnan Daxue Xuebao is the property of Journal of Southeast University Editorial Office 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.)

Capturing CO 2 using clamshell/eggshell-derived CaO adsorbent can not only reduce carbon emissions but also alleviate the impact of trash on the environment. However, organic acid was usually used, high-temperature calcination was often performed, and CO 2 was inevitably released during preparing CaO adsorbents from shell wastes. In this work, CaO-based CO 2 adsorbent was greenly prepared by calcium-induced hydrogenation of clamshell and eggshell wastes in one pot at room/moderate temperature. CO 2 adsorption experiments were performed in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The adsorption performance of the adsorbents obtained from the mechanochemical reaction (BM-C/E-CaO) was superior to that of the adsorbents obtained from the thermochemical reaction (Cal-C/E-CaO). The CO 2 adsorption capacity of BM-C-CaO at 650 °C is up to 36.82 wt%, but the adsorption decay rate of the sample after 20 carbonation/calcination cycles is only 30.17%. This study offers an alternative energy-saving method for greenly preparing CaO-based adsorbent from shell wastes. • CO 2 adsorbent was prepared by calcium-induced hydrogenation of shell wastes. • Both mechanochemical and thermochemical methods were used. • The CO 2 adsorption capacity of BM-C-CaO at 650 °C is as high as 36.82 wt%. • The adsorption decay rate after 20 carbonation/calcination cycles is only 30.17%. • This study offers a green method for preparing CO 2 adsorbent from shell wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diaphyseal malunion poses a great challenge for the orthopedic surgeon, and an inundation of morbidity for the patient. Diaphyseal malunion can cause altered gait, adjacent joint osteoarthritis and body dissatisfaction. This problem is fraught with complications without surgical intervention. There is a myriad of options for the management of a diaphyseal malunion. The clamshell osteotomy was engendered to ameliorate the difficulty in managing this issue. This technique is a viable option to correct diaphyseal malunion about the femur and tibia. Recently, the indications of a clamshell osteotomy have been expanded to function as a derotational or shortening osteotomy.

Near-ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) is a less traditional form of XPS that allows samples to be analyzed at relatively high pressures, i.e., at greater than 2500 Pa. With NAP-XPS, XPS can probe moderately volatile liquids, biological samples, porous materials, and/or polymeric materials that outgas significantly. In this submission, we show NAP-XPS survey, Ca (3p, 2p, 2s), O 1s, C 1s, and N 1s narrow, and valence band spectra from a clamshell, a material of biological origin that would be challenging to analyze by conventional XPS approaches. Like most shells of biological origin, clamshells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dielectric properties and dielectric tunability of the nacreous part of the clamshell were investigated. Microstructure characterizations reveal that the sample shows a “brick-and-mortar” structure composed of aragonitic CaCO 3 regions and bimacromolecule regions separated by transition regions consisting of crystalline particles surrounded by amorphous area. A ferroelectric-like dielectric tunability behavior was observed and an exciting dielectric tunability of 79% was achieved at 400 °C and 500 Hz within a small field increment of 34 V/cm. Such a low field scale for dielectric tunability near 80% rivals all known tunable dielectrics. Both thermally and electrically activated hopping motion of oxygen vacancies in the multilayered structures of the clamshell leads to the exciting low-field dielectric tunability. Our results dramatically expand the dielectric tunable materials and offer a facile way to achieve superior dielectric tunability in bio-multilayered materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We report methods to generate three‐dimensional maps of birefringence, its position and orientation in juvenile shells of the Atlantic hard clamshell (Mercenaria mercenaria). For measuring the retardance and optic axis orientation of curved shell surfaces in three dimensions, we developed enhanced acquisition and processing algorithms and combined results from conventional and light field imaging approaches to reconstruct the three‐dimensional shell shape and its anisotropic optical properties. Our work represents the first successful attempt to generate such maps at a spatial resolution of about 2 μm and angular steps of about 9° in terms of the inclination angles of the optic axis. The maps of clamshell birefringence provide structural insights into the early mineralization during juvenile clamshell development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Clamshell thoracotomy (CST) may be indicated and life‐saving in carefully selected cases of blunt trauma. As such, the current clinical stance of general contraindication of CST in blunt trauma should be reviewed and criteria developed to accommodate select cases, considering the diversity of injuries resulting from blunt trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mechanochemical hydrogenation of shell wastes was studied at room temperature. • Alkaline metals can selectively assist the hydrogenation of shell wastes to CH 4. • The calcium metal has a better effect and the methane yield can reach 45.04%. • By doping Ru the methane yield of shell wastes can be improved to 54.76%. • This study provides a method to eliminate shell wastes and produce CH 4 fuel. Producing clean fuel using shell wastes (eggshell and clamshell) can eliminate food waste and alleviate the energy shortage. Mechanochemical hydrogenation of eggshell/clamshell was investigated at room temperature. The results show that the alkaline earth metals can effectively assist the hydrogenation of shell wastes to CH 4. The calcium metal has a better effect, and the methane yield for the calcium-assisted hydrogenation of clamshell and eggshell reaches 45.04% and 33.30% with 100% CH 4 selectivity. At the same time, the calcium-assisted methanation of shell wastes in the presence of transition metals (Fe, Co, Ni, Ru) was investigated. By doping Ru, the methane yield of clamshell and eggshell was improved to 52.62% and 54.76%, respectively. The milling time, rotating speed, hydrogen pressure, and the species of the doped transition metals influence the calcium-assisted methanation of shell wastes. This study provides an alternative method to eliminate shell wastes and produce clean CH 4 fuel at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We evaluated the effects of tailoring the operative approach on major surgical site complications and outcomes in lung transplant recipients.Patients and Methods: Beginning in July 2013, bilateral lung transplants at a single institution were performed either through sternotomy or clamshell depending on proximity of hilar structures by computed tomography (CT), anticipated complexity, past surgical history, and surgeon experience. Patient demographics and outcomes were collected in the institution's Transplant Information Services (TIS). A major surgical site complication was defined as a sterile or infected incision requiring operative intervention.Results: One hundred six bilateral lung transplants (68 via clamshell and 38 via median sternotomy) were performed between July 2013 and June 2016. Median sternotomy patients were older (mean age 55 vs. 50 y, p = 0.04), and less likely to have cystic fibrosis (5 [13%] vs. 19 [28%], p = 0.21) or diabetes (5 [13%] vs. 26 [38%], p = 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in mean lung allocation score (LAS) (45 vs. 48, p = 0.39) and body mass index (BMI; kg/m2; 25.3 vs. 24.4, p = 0.29) between the sternotomy and clamshell group. Fifteen (14.2%) patients experienced a total of 25 surgical site complications (19 major and 6 minor). No sternotomy patient had a major surgical site complication and 11 (16.2%) clamshell patients had a major surgical site complication (p = 0.01). Of these 11 patients, 5 (45%) required multiple operative revisions related to the surgical site. Freedom from major surgical site complications at three years was 100% for sternotomy patients and 80% for clamshell patients (p = 0.017).Conclusions: Tailoring the operative approach can reduce surgical site complications in lung transplant patients by avoiding a clamshell whenever feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluates the application of Mytella falcata shells, discarded in large quantities in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, as adsorbent for methylene blue dye (MB). It was investigated how the amount of adsorbent (M), the average particle diameter (G), and the agitation speed (A) affected the adsorption. Kinetic and equilibrium studies were conducted, and the pseudo-second-order equation adequately represented the kinetic data and isotherms following Liu's model ( q = 8.81 mg g at 60 °C). The adsorption was spontaneous, favorable, and endothermic. Mytella falcata shell is a suitable adsorbent for MB and could potentially contribute to its removal from the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]