Colonization Pattern of Azospirillum brasilense Yu62 on Maize Roots

Plasmid pVK1001 which carried the gfp gene of GFPmut2, a mutant of GFP, was introduced into Azospirillum brasilense Yu62 by electroporation. Maize seedlings were inoculated with the GFP-labelled baeteria and grown gnotobiotically in flask with semi-solid agar medium. Observations were performed with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and electron microscopy, respectively, at 8 d and 12 d after inoculation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that A. brasilense Yu62 could penetrate into the cortex tissue, colonizing in the intercellular spaces of the parenchyma cells of the cortex tissue. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the majority of the bacteria colonized on the root surface and only a minority of them resided in the root interior.

ZnO Nanobelts and Hollow Microspheres Grown on Cu Foil

ZnO nanobelts, hollow microspheres, and urchins have been prepared on copper foil via a simply low temperature evaporation route. The microstructure, morphologies, and photolu-minescence of the ZnO nanostructures were studied with X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectra. The width of the nanobelts was about 500 nm and the length was longer than 10μm. The diameter of the hollow microspheres was between 5 and 10μm. A possible growth mechanism of the nanobelts, microspheres and urchins was proposed. The photoluminescence spectrum exhibited strong deep level energy emissions and a weak near band edge emission. These ZnO nanostructures on a copper substrate have the advantages of naturally good adhesion and electrical connection between the ZnO nanostructures and the conductive substrate.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Rhombus-like SmCO3OH Microplates and Its Photoluminescence Property Doped with Eu^3＋

Rhombus-like SmCO3OH microplates with the edge lengths ranging from 5 μm to 10 μm and the thickness about 1.5 μm were synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method using urea as the precipitance. The structure and properties of the rhombus-like SmCO3OH microplates were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The optical property of the rhombus-like SmCO3OH microplates doped with Eu^3＋ was investigated by photoluminescence. A broad and strong emission band at 677 nm was obtained, which can be contributed to producing light conversion film.

On Cuticular Compressions of Glyptostrobus europaeus (Taxodiaceae) from Kaydagul Formation (Lower Miocene) of the Central Kazakhstan$V. L. Komarov Botanical Institute! Russian Academy of Sciences,St Petersburg 19737

Numerous leaf compressions of Glyptostrobus europaeus (Brongn.) Ung. (Taxodiaceae) are found in Aquitanian (Lower Miocene) lignified clay localities Bolattam and Akzhar in the Southern Turgay, on the right bank of the Dulygaly-Zhilanshik river (Central Kazakhstan). The finely preserved lignified compression remains of leafy shoots make micro-morphological investigation feasible. Comparative studies of the epidermal features both living G. pensilis C. Koch and a new finding of G. europaeus from Early Miocene of Kazakhstan and illustrate their certain difference. The cuticular organization and epidermal features of fossil leaves, which have been compared with these of 'the nearest living relative', G. pensilis, were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM). The fossil leaves of G. europaeus from Kazakhstan are distinguished by stronger, than in living species, G. pensilis, developed 'micro-papillae' ('Kristallucken'), visible in SEM as ring-like structures left on the outer surface of cuticle in both nonstomatal and stomatal zones.

Spectral Differences of the Molecule-ion Adducts of β-Cyclodextrin and Lithium Carbonate

A small shielding effect on the hydrogen atoms of chiral carbons of β-cyclodextrin （β-CD） was detected by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, but a large environmental change of the chiral carbon atoms at high concentration ratios of lithium carbonate （Li2CO3） to β-CD was observed by polarimetry in aqueous solution. These findings urged us to investigate whether different formation conditions of the molecule-ion system between Li2CO3 and β-CD in solid state were involved in different spectral performances. To answer the question, we prepared three adducts of Li2CO3 to β-CD, i.e., samples 1, 2, and 3, by magnetic stirring, solvothermal and grinding conditions, respectively. Powder X-ray diffraction and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy provided the information of formation of the three molecule-ion adducts. Besides, scanning electron microscope images provided different surface information of the three adducts. Further, significant spectral differences in thermal behavior of these adducts were found by thermogravimetry and derivative thermogravimetry.

Healing of Stoma After Magnetic Biliary-Enteric Anastomosis in Canine Peritonitis Models

Objective To assese the healing of stoma after magnetic anastomosis for the reconstruction of biliary-enteric continuity under severe inflammation. Methods Acute bile duct injury was constructed as a bile peritonitis model in mongrel dogs(n=32). Magnetic anastomosis(group A, n=16) and traditional suture anastomosis(group B, n=16) were performed to reconstruct the biliary-enteric continuity in one stage. Half of the dogs in each group were euthanized on the 30 th postoperative day, and the other half on the 90 th postoperative day to harvest the stoma region. The healing conditions of the stoma after the 2 anastomotic approaches were observed with naked eyes, under light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Results The stoma leakage rate(50% versus 0% on the 30 th postoperative day, 37.5% versus 12.5% on the 90 th postoperative day, both P<0.05) and stenosis degree(13.9%±0.3% versus 7.1%±0.3% on the 30 th postoperative day, 17.2%±0.4% versus 9.4%±0.4% on the 90 th postoperative day, both P<0.01) were significantly higher in group B than in group A. Compared with traditional manual anastomoses, the histological analysis under light and electron microscope showed a more continuous stoma with more regular epithelium proliferation and collagen arrangement, less inflammation in group A. Conclusions Magnetic anastomosis stent ensures better healing of the stoma even under the circumstance of severe inflammation.

Microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of CaO-B_2O_3-SiO_2 glass ceramics with various B_2O_3 contents

The effects of B2O3 addition on both the sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties of CaO-B2O3-SiO2 （CBS） glass ceramics were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR）, X-ray diffractometry （XRD） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. The results show that the increasing amount of B203 causes the increase of the contents of [BO3], [BO4] and [SiO4], which deduces the increase of CaB204 and a-SiO2 and the decrease of CaSiO3 correspondingly. No new phase is observed throughout the entire experiments. A bulk density of 2.54 g/cm3, a thermal expansion coefficient value of 11.95× 10-6 ℃-1 （20-500℃）, a dielectric constant er value of 6.42 and a dielectric loss tanδ value of 0.000 9 （measured at 9.7 GHz） are obtained for CBS glass ceramics containing 35%-B203 （mass fraction） sintered at 850 ℃ for 15 min.

Characterization and recycling of nickel- and chromium-contained pickling sludge generated in production of stainless steel

Pickling sludge generated during the neutralization of pickling wastewater with calcium hydroxide in stainless steel pickling process was characterized using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry, etc. The major compositions of pickling sludge are CaF2, CaSO4, Me（OH）, （M： Fe, Cr, Ni）, and the content of CaF2 is high in the sludge. The melting point of pickling sludge is about 1350℃ and the viscosity is about 0.14 Pa.s at 1450 ℃, which are comparatively lower than those of normal refining slag. After heat treatment, the contents of sulfur and fluorine in the pickling sludge were reduced, confirming the thermal decomposition of sulfate in the sludge. Fluorine in the sludge is reduced by the gaseous SiF4 and A1F3 generated through the reactions of CaF2 with SiO2 and Al2O3. The preliminary results from the reduction test indicate that the sulfur content in the steel is not affected by the presence of sulfur in the sludge. The recovery of nickel is about 40%, and the chromium content changes marginally due to the protective atmosphere under the reduction condition of chromic oxide. The pickling sludge is a potential auxiliary material for the production of stainless steel.

Polyhydroxyl-aluminum pillaring improved adsorption capacities of Pb^(2+) and Cd^(2+) onto diatomite

In order to greatly improve adsorption capacity, the diatomite was pillared by polyhydroxyl-aluminum.A series of adsorption tests were conducted to obtain the optimum condition for pillared diatomite synthesis. The scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR）, surface area and porosity analyzer and micro-electrophoresis were used to determine pore structure and surface property.The pillared diatomite attaining the optimal adsorption densities （qe） of Pb^2＋ and Cd^2＋ was synthesized with the following conditions： Addition of pillaring solution containing Al3＋-oligomers with a concentration range of 0.1-0.2 mol/L to a suspension containing Na＋-diatomite to obtain the required Al/diatomite ratio of 10 mmol/g; synthesis temperature of 80 ℃ for 120 min; aging at a temperature of 105 ℃ for 16 h. The adsorption capacities of Pb^2＋ and Cd^2＋ on pillared diatomite increase by 23.79% and 27.36% compared with natural diatomite, respectively. The surface property of pillared diatomite is more favorable for ion adsorption than natural diatomite. The result suggests that diatomite can be modified by pillaring with polyhydroxyl-aluminum to improve its adsorption properties greatly.

Corrosion behaviors and mechanism of electroless Ni-Cu-P/n-TiN composite coating

In the present investigation, electroless Ni-Cu-P/n-TiN composite coating was prepared using alkaline citrate-based bath. X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, energy-dispersive spectroscopy（EDS）, electrochemical measurements, weight loss tests and Raman spectrometer were used to character the properties of the coating. As the Cu content increased from 7.3 wt% to 24.8 wt%, the corrosion current density of the Ni-Cu-P/n-TiN coating decreased from 10.80 to 4.34 ~tA. And the inclusion of Cu in NiP alloy resulted in refinement and less porosity in microstructure. The addition of TiN resulted in a slight decline in anti-corrosion property of the coating. As the mass loss test showed, Ni-24.8%Cu-P exhibited perfect corrosion resistance. Studies by Raman spectroscopy on coatings proved that Cu（II）3（PO4）（OH）3, Cu（OH）2 and CuO were examined while no compound of nickel was found, and Cu exhibited preferred corrosion in saline solution, providing cathodic protection to Ni alloy.

Characteristics of coal re-oxidation based on microstructural and spectral observation

In order to investigate the characteristics of re-oxidation of residual coal in goafs in close coal seam mining,scanning electron microscope and infrared spectrometer are used to study the changes of coal microstructure and chemical reaction of functional groups of eight coal samples at different ranks.Result shows that after initial oxidation,the surface morphology of pore are different,and the porosity of coal is increased and the oxygen adsorption capacity of coal is improved.The change of coal molecular structure and presence of a large amount of active oxygen-containing functional groups lead to increasing tendency of coal to further oxidation.In addition,the higher lever of the initial oxidation is,the easier the re-oxidation occurs.

A novel synthesis of LiFePO_4/C from Fe_2O_3 without extra carbon or carbon-containing reductant

A novel synthesis of LiFePO4/C from Fe2O3 with no extra carbon or carbon-containing reductant was introduced： Fe2O3 （＋NH4H2PO4）→Fe2P2O7（＋Li2CO3＋glucose）→LiFePO4/C. X-ray diffractometry （XRD）, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM） were utilized to characterize relevant products obtained in the synthetic procedure. The reaction of Fe2P2O7 and Li2CO3 was investigated by thermo-gravimetric and differential thermal analysis （TGA-DTA）. Fe2O3 is completely reduced to Fe2P2O7 by NH4H2PO4 at 700 ℃ and Fe2P2O7 fully reacts with Li2CO3 to form LiFePO4 in the temperature range of 663.4-890 ℃. The primary particles of LiFePO4/C samples prepared at 670, 700 and 750 ℃ respectively exhibit uniform morphology and narrow size distribution, 0.5-3 μm for those obtained at 670 and 700 ℃ and 0.5-5 μm for those obtained at 750 ℃. LiFePO4/C （carbon content of 5.49%, mass fraction） made at 670 ℃ shows an appreciable average capacity of 153.2 mA·h/g at 0.1C in the first 50 cycles.

In-situ Synthesis of ZSM-5 Zeolite from Metakaolin/Spinel and Its Catalytic Performance on Methanol Conversion

ZSM-5 zeolite was in-situ synthesized from metakaolin or s alumina sources, respectively. The ZSM-5 zeolite was characterized pinel by incorporating additional silica and by X-ray diffractometry （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, Fourier transform infrared （FT-IR） spectroscopy and N2 adsorption measurement. This supported zeolite was tested on the methanol to propylene （MTP） processes. Experimental results showed that the ZSM-5 zeolite exhibited high selectivity for propylene. The yield of propylene on ZSM-5 zeolite made from metakaolin was increased by 17.73%, while that on ZSM-5 zeolite made from spinel was raised by 9.90%, compared to that achieved with the commercial ZSM-5 zeolite. The significant increase in propylene production is probably due to the distinctive morphology of the ZSM-5 zeolite, which possessed a rough external surface covered with sphere-like particles and distribution of small crystals sized at around 400--500 nm. This morphology could help to generate more crystal defects so that more active centers could be exposed to the reaction mixture. In addition, the zeolite product had a gradient pore distribution and many medium Brǒnsted acid sites, both of which might also contribute to the increased propylene production.

Effects of ultrasonic dispersion on structure of electrodeposited Ni coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy

To obtain the refined electrodeposited nickel layer on AZ91D magnesium alloy,ultrasonic technology was applied in the processes of pre-treatment and electrodeposition.The phases of pre-treatment layer and the nickel coating were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry(XRD)and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),and the microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Then,the effects of ultrasonic dispersion on the microstructure of pre-treatment layer and the grain refinement of electrodeposited nickel layer were discussed.The results showed that the pre-treatment electrodeposited Cu-Sn layer with compact microstructure could be synthesized in alkaline copper-tin liquid with ultrasonic agitation,as a result,smooth and refined nickel coating formed on AZ91D magnesium alloy.On the other hand,preferred orientation in the coating decreased because of the refined grains.

Carbonaceous Adsorbents Prepared from Sewage Sludge and Its Application for Hg^0 Adsorption in Simulated Flue Gas

The carbonaceous adsorbent was prepared from mixtures of dewatered sludge and sawdust with enhanced ZnCl2 chemical activation.Characteristics of the adsorbent were studied using scanning electron microscope(SEM) ,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) ,and adsorption of nitrogen.The surface analysis showed that the carbonaceous adsorbent had good specific surface and porosity(394 m 2 ·g-1of BET surface,0.12 and 0.10 ml·g-1of microporous and mesoporous volume,respectively) .The oxygen functional groups such as OH,C O and C O were found on the surface by FTIR and XPS(X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) .The adsorption of elemental mercury(Hg0) on the carbonaceous adsorbent was studied in a fixed bed reactor.The dynamic adsorption capacity of carbonaceous adsorbent increased with influent mercury concentration,from 23.6μg·g-1at 12.58μg·m-3to 87.9μg·g-1at 72.50μg·m-3,and decreased as the adsorption temperature increased,from 246 μg·g-1 at 25°C to 61.3μg·g-1 at 140°C,when dry nitrogen was used as the carrier gas.The carbonaceous adsorbent presented higher dynamic adsorption capacity than activated carbon,which was 81.2μg·g-1and 53.8μg·g-1respectively.The adsorption data were fitted to the Langmuir adsorption model.The physical and chemical adsorption were identified on the adsorbent.

Adsorption of residual amine collector HAY from aqueous solution by refined carbon from coal fly ash and activated carbon

Refined carbon(RC) derived from coal fly ash(CFA) as well as powdered activated carbon(PAC) was investigated as adsorbent to remove residual amine collector HAY from aqueous solution.The RC and PAC were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),surface area measurement,Zeta potential measurement and Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy.The effect factors and mechanisms of HAY adsorption onto RC and PAC were studied in detail.The results show that the experimental kinetic data agree well with the pseudo second-order equation,and the Langmuir isotherm model is found to be more appropriate to explicate the experimental equilibrium isotherm results than the Freundlich model.The adsorption capacities of PAC and RC increase with pH.It is found that alkaline condition is conducive to the adsorption of HAY onto PAC and RC and the adsorption efficiency of RC is close to PAC at pH near 11.Zeta potential variation of adsorbents suggests that HAY generates electrostatic adsorption onto RC and PAC.FTIR analysis shows that the adsorption is dominantly of a physical process.The Box-Behnken design optimization conditions of process are RC 1 g/L,pH 11,temperature 302 K and initial HAY concentration 100 mg/L.Under these conditions,the measured adsorption ratio and adsorption capacity are 87.91%and 87.91 mg/g,respectively.Thus,the RC is considered to be a potential adsorbent for the removal of residual amine from aqueous solution.

Microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of lead borosilicate glass ceramics with Al_2O_3

The effects of Al2O3 addition on both the sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties of PbO-B203-SiO2 glass ceramics were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscope （FTIR）, differential thermal analysis （DTA）, X-ray diffraction （XRD） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. The results show that with the increase of Al2O3 content the bands assigned to [SiO4] nearly disappear. Aluminum replaces silicon in the glass network, which is helpful for the formation of boron-oxygen rings. The increase of the transition temperature Tg and softening temperature Tf of PbO-B2O3-SiO2 glass ceramics leads to the increase of liquid phase precipitation temperature and promotes the structure stability in the glasses, and consequently contributes to the decreasing trend of crystallization. Densification and dielectric constants increase with the increase of Al2O3 content, but the dielectric loss is worsened. By contrast, the 3% （mass fraction） Al2O3-doped glass ceramics sintered at 725℃ have better properties of density p=2.72 g/cm3, dielectric constant Er=6.78, dielectric loss tan8=2.6×10^-3 （measured at 9.8 GHz）, which suggest that the glass ceramics can be applied in multilayer microwave devices requiring low sintering temperatures.

Large scale synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles via homogeneous precipitation

In order to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles economically, industrial-grade zinc sulfate and urea were utilized to synthesize ZnO precursors in a stirred-tank reactor or a Teflon-lined autoclave at 100-180 ℃ under complete sealing condition. The ZnO precursors were calcined at 450 ℃ for 3 h to, synthesize ZnO nanoparticles. The composition of the precursors and the formation mechanism of ZnO were studied by thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the ZnO powders demonstrate that high-purity zincite ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized. Orthogonal experiments were performed to find out the optimal conditions for the maximum yield and the minimum size. The ettect of temperature on the size ofZnO nanoparticles was investigated. The results show that a higher temperature is propitious to obtain smaller nanoparticles.

Controlled release and enhanced antibacterial activity of salicylic acid by hydrogen bonding with chitosan

Microcapsules of salicylic acid （SA） with chitosan were prepared by spray drying method. Various analytical methods were used to characterize the nature of microcapsules. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR） confirmed the presence of intermolecular interactions between chitosan and SA. Particle size analysis showed that the average size ofmicrocapsules ranged from 2 to 20 pro, Scanning electron microscopy （SEM） studies indicated that the microspheres were spherical and had a relatively smooth surface. Microbiological assay of antibacterial activity for SA and its microcapsules was measured using different bacterial strains. It was found that the antibacterial activity of SA was improved after the formation of microcapsules. The in vitro release profile showed that the microcapsules could control SA release from I h to 4 h. Kinetic studies revealed that the release pattern follows Korsmeyer-Peppas mechanism. Enhanced antibacterial activity of the SA micro- capsules was attributed to the synergistic effects of intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions N-H...O and O-H...O=C between SA and chitosan. It was also confirmed by quantum chemical calculation.

Rapid biosorption and reduction removal of Cr(Ⅵ) from aqueous solution by dried seaweeds

Four types of common seaweeds(Laminaria japonica,Undaria pinnatifida,Porphyra haitanensis,and Gracilaria lemaneiformis) were examined to remove Cr(Ⅵ) ions from aqueous solution.The experimental parameters that affected the biosorption process including pH,biomass dosage,contact time and temperature were investigated via batch experiments.The surface characteristics of seaweeds before and after Cr(Ⅵ) adsorption were studied with scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.The results show that an initial solution with the pH of 1.0 is most favorable for Cr(Ⅵ) adsorption.Rapid adsorption is observed in the initial stage and adsorption equilibrium state is reached within 1 h.The adsorption efficiency by Porphyra haitanensis is the maximum among four types of seaweed powders,followed by Laminaria japonica and Undaria pinnatifida with biosorption efficiency up to 90%.The removal rate of Gracilaria lemaneiformis is less than 60%.The kinetic data obtained using the seaweeds are found to follow pseudo-second order kinetic model.Experimental sorption data adequately correlate with the Langmuir model.FTIR indicates that amino and carboxyl groups play an important role in the process of Cr(Ⅵ) adsorption and a large percentage of Cr(Ⅵ) ions are reduced by reductive groups on the surface of seaweeds.