I12-JEEP: Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing
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Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[34540]
Open Access
Abstract: Fibrous plaster (FP) is a fabric-reinforced composite (FRC) comprising plaster of Paris (POP) and woven jute fabric (‘hessian’), historically used in decorative ceilings across the UK since the late 19th century. Despite its architectural significance, FP remains under-researched, limiting the development of reliable structural assessment methods. Recent ceiling failures have been linked to the tensile failure of the supporting component known as the ‘wad’. Acoustic emission (AE) provides a non-destructive means of remotely sensing and locating such failures from the underside of ceilings, yet its potential for extracting detailed information on FP wad failure processes remains unexplored. This study comprises two parts. First, an AE-based failure classification model was developed using unsupervised spherical k-means clustering to distinguish matrix cracking and fabric–matrix debonding based on the RA-AF method. Second, the first in-situ direct tensile tests on FP wad-analogue specimens conducted under synchrotron X-ray imaging were conducted at the I12 beamline of Diamond Light Source (DLS), UK, integrating AE monitoring with digital image correlation (DIC) and synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (sCT). This multi-modal dataset enabled examination of the AE model and internal failure analysis through digital volume correlation (DVC), while complementary crack analysis and the Kabsch algorithm provided new insight into the failure mechanisms of FP wads and revealed the reinforcement-bridging role of the hessian during progressive fracture. By linking remote AE monitoring with multi-scale observations, this study advances understanding of FP failure processes, offering a pathway for assessing historic ceilings and informing the design of more resilient FP components.
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Jun 2026
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I13-2-Diamond Manchester Imaging
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Karo
De Rycke
,
Marina
Horvat
,
Lisa
Caboor
,
Petra
Vermassen
,
Griet
De Smet
,
Sophie
Lobbestael
,
Marta
Santana Silva
,
Wouter
Steyaert
,
Matthias
Van Impe
,
Patrick
Segers
,
Julie
De Backer
,
Patrick
Sips
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[32919]
Open Access
Abstract: Fibrillin defects lead to severe cardiovascular complications in Marfan syndrome (MFS), including aortic dilation, dissection, and rupture. To model MFS, zebrafish mutants lacking various fibrillin genes were generated. Among these mutant lines, only fibrillin-3–deficient zebrafish exhibited cardiovascular phenotypes mimicking human disease. Multimodal imaging revealed early cardiac defects, bulbus arteriosus dilation, and valve abnormalities. Transcriptomic analysis identified altered regulation of pathways related to extracellular matrix homeostasis and immune system activation. This zebrafish model, recapitulating key cardiovascular features of MFS, provides a valuable platform to investigate disease mechanisms and identify novel treatment strategies.
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May 2026
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DIAD-Dual Imaging and Diffraction Beamline
E02-JEM ARM 300CF
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Kang
Xiang
,
Yueyuan
Wang
,
Shi
Huang
,
Hongyuan
Song
,
Alberto
Leonardi
,
Peter
Garland
,
Sharif
Ahmed
,
Michał M.
Kłosowski
,
Hongmei
Yang
,
Mengnie
Li
,
Jiawei
Mi
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[31637, 35828]
Open Access
Abstract: Using quasi-simultaneous synchrotron X-ray diffraction and tomography techniques, we have studied in-situ and in real-time the nucleation and co-growth dynamics of the peritectic structures in an Al-Mn alloy during solidification. We collected ∼30 TB 4D datasets which allow us to elucidate the phases’ co-growth dynamics and their spatial, crystallographic and compositional relationship. The primary Al4Mn hexagonal prisms nucleate and grow with high kinetic anisotropy -70 times faster in the axial direction than that in the radial direction. In all cases, a ∼5 µm Mn-rich diffusion layer forms at the liquid-solid interface, creating a sharp local solute gradient that governs subsequent phase transformation. The peritectic Al6Mn phases nucleate epitaxially within this diffusion zone, initially forming a thin shell surrounding the Al4Mn with an orientation relationship of {10
0}HCP // {110}O, [0001]HCP // [001]O. Such ∼5 µm Mn-rich diffusion layers also cause solute depletion at the liquid side of the liquid-solid interface, limiting further epitaxial phase growth, but prompting phase re-nucleation and branching at crystal edges, resulting tetragonal prism structures that no longer follow the initial orientation relationship. The anisotropic interfacial kinetics and local region latent heat release also led to the formation of liquid-filled core defects at the centre of both phases. Furthermore, increasing cooling rate from 0.17 to 20°C/s can disrupt the stability of the solute diffusion zone, effectively suppressing the formation of the core defects and forcing a transition from faceted to non-faceted morphologies. Our work provides systematic new knowledge and practical approach for tailoring and controlling the peritectic structures in metallic alloys through the solidification processes.
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May 2026
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I13-2-Diamond Manchester Imaging
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Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[23866]
Open Access
Abstract: Preservation of biological specimens over extended periods is essential for morphological research, especially in contexts where sample collection is limited or unrepeatable, such as spaceflight studies. However, the impact of long-term exposure to chemical fixatives remains underexplored. In this study, we used high-resolution X-ray microtomography and X-ray phase contrast tomography to investigate the stability of mineralized tissues subjected to prolonged chemical fixation. We examined the forelimb digits of geckos (Chondrodactylus turneri) preserved for over six years using a protocol involving formalin and ethanol, as well as the humeral bone of gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) stored in fixative for more than four years. The gecko samples originated from the delayed vivarium control group of the Bion-M No. 1 space mission, offering a valuable chance to evaluate the preservation effects on specimens of significant scientific value. Comparative analysis revealed distinct changes in bone volume and linear attenuation coefficient of bone associated with formalin storage, highlighting the need for optimized storage strategies in long-term biorepositories. These findings offer valuable guidance for maintaining morphological fidelity in chemically preserved skeletal tissues.
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Apr 2026
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I12-JEEP: Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing
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Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[22517]
Open Access
Abstract: Seismic wave speed monitoring is important for the non-destructive evaluation of material properties in response to external forcing. Coda wave interferometry (CWI) uses travel time perturbations in multiply-scattered seismic wave trains – the seismic coda – to detect subtle perturbations in bulk wave speed. However, conventional body-wave CWI cannot separate the coupled contributions of P and S waves, which are sensitive to different material properties. We introduce energy partitioning inversion which decouples these modes by combining a scattering model with CWI measurements within non-equipartitioned coda windows. We applied this methodology to repeated ultrasonic pulse surveys during two laboratory loading experiments on Clashach sandstone: a dynamic experiment (constant strain rate until brittle failure) and a quasi-static experiment (modulating stress to maintain constant acoustic emission rate and slow down the failure process). Relative travel time perturbations and their full covariance between all pairs of surveys were measured across multiple coda windows and inverted for a single perturbation profile using a least-squares method to minimise the variance of the profile. Using an isotropic point scatterer model to predict mode partitioning with respect to the coda lapse time, we invert travel time perturbations for the scattering mean free path travel time and relative P and S wave speed perturbations via Markov-chain Monte Carlo inversion to quantify uncertainty. P and S wave speed perturbations were resolved with 95 % credible intervals of 0.025 % and 0.008 %, respectively. During the quasi-static experiment the temporal resolution was sufficient to capture a quasi-linear decrease in P and S wave speeds by ~ 50 % and ~ 14%, respectively, from peak to failure. The peak P and S wave speed perturbations were ~ 33% lower and ~ 75% higher, respectively, compared to those found in the dynamic experiment. These results demonstrate that CWI and energy partitioning inversion enables the robust, uncertainty-quantified evaluation of separate relative bulk P and S wave speed perturbations in strongly-scattering media.
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Apr 2026
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I13-2-Diamond Manchester Imaging
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Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[30455]
Abstract: Tracking carbon dioxide (CO2) flow and its consequent effects in subsurface rocks has received considerable attention in geological carbon sequestration. However, existing research on CO2 flow in reservoir-caprock systems with well-developed pores and microfractures is limited, and our understanding of its mechanisms remains incomplete. Here, we present the first observation of gaseous and supercritical CO2 (scCO2) behavior within a reservoir-caprock couplet using high-resolution synchrotron X-ray imaging. We found that high-speed gaseous CO2 flow reshaped part of the fracture framework but did not induce additional secondary fractures. High-speed scCO2 caused significant fracturing, connecting natural fractures in shale with newly developed secondary branches and creating larger pore spaces in sandstone. Consequently, the simulated permeability increased by approximately 2.6-fold in shale and 8.6-fold in sandstone. The concentrated strains around the main fracture in shale and the web-like strain patterns along granular mineral boundaries in sandstone highlight the distinct modes of scCO2 action during its passage through the reservoir-caprock system. This work provides new insights into the complex reservoir-caprock system and offers practical guidelines for fluid injection and production activities.
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Apr 2026
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Krios I-Titan Krios I at Diamond
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Rooshanie N.
Ejaz
,
Kristin
Funke
,
Claudia S.
Kielkopf
,
Freddie J. O.
Martin
,
Marta
Šiborová
,
Ivo A.
Hendriks
,
Nicholas H.
Sofos
,
Tillmann
Pape
,
Eva M.
Steiner-Rebrova
,
Michael L.
Nielsen
,
Marc
Erhardt
,
Nicholas M. I.
Taylor
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[38819]
Open Access
Abstract: Extracellular contractile injection systems (eCISs) are phage-derived nanomachines used by bacteria to deliver effectors into target cells. Well-studied examples include the Photorhabdus asymbiotica virulence cassettes and the antifeeding prophage from Serratia entomophila, which have been engineered for heterologous cargo delivery. Recent genomic analyses identified eCIS gene clusters in the opportunistic human pathogen Salmonella enterica subspecies salamae, but their structure, function, and biotechnological potential remain unexplored. Here, we report a high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of the S. enterica eCIS. Our atomic models reveal a distinctive sheath architecture, an expansive cage-like shell around a central spike, and an associated integral membrane protein. We identify a putative effector encoded within the operon exhibiting mild periplasmic toxicity and provide evidence that the S. enterica eCIS deviates from canonical eCISs by interacting with the inner membrane. Guided by these structural features, we uncover, to the best of our knowledge, a previously unannotated cluster of contractile injection systems (CISs). Together, our findings expand the known diversity of CISs’ structures and functions, and lay the groundwork for engineering customisable protein delivery platforms.
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Apr 2026
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I13-2-Diamond Manchester Imaging
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Md Al Amin
Sheikh
,
Kenichi
Kimura
,
Eri
Motoyama
,
Keiichi
Asano
,
Violette
Deleeuw
,
Patrick
Sips
,
Chiho
Tokunaga
,
Hiroko
Matsunaga
,
Sachiko
Kanki
,
Shigeki
Koizumi
,
Kaori
Sugiyama
,
Julie
De Backer
,
Lynn Y.
Sakai
,
Haruko
Takeyama
,
Yuji
Hiramatsu
,
Haruka
Ozaki
,
Hiromi
Yanagisawa
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[32919]
Open Access
Abstract: Aortic dissection (AD) is characterized by separation within the medial layers of the aortic wall. Pathogenic variants in the fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1), which cause Marfan syndrome, represent a major genetic cause of AD. In a recently established Fbn1G234D/G234D mouse model, intimomedial tears develop at 3 weeks of age, and 50% of mice die by 5 weeks from aortic rupture. Despite this severe phenotype, the magnitude and expansion of AD lesions, as well as the molecular alterations within the medial layers remain incompletely understood. In this study, we used three-dimensional propagation-based X-ray phase-contrast synchrotron imaging for reconstruction of the ascending aortas, together with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis in Fbn1G234D/G234D mice. Synchrotron imaging revealed 1–2 elastic lamellar breaks evolved into widespread disruptions spanning the entire elastic lamellae, accompanied by localized adventitial thickening. scRNA-seq analysis followed by immunofluorescence staining showed upregulation of fibronectin (Fn1) in Fbn1G234D/G234D smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Consistently, increased FN1 expression was observed in human non-heritable AD samples. Furthermore, enhanced expression of fibronectin receptors and activation of focal adhesion kinase signaling suggested augmented extracellular matrix–SMC interactions during disease progression. These findings indicate that AD progression involves coordinated medial structural failure, adventitial remodeling, and fibronectin-associated SMC dysfunction.
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Apr 2026
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DIAD-Dual Imaging and Diffraction Beamline
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Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[39247]
Open Access
Abstract: This work presents the design and development of a 3D printed flow cell tailored for X-ray computed microtomography of liquid–solid systems. The flow cell is manufactured using stereolithographic printing and utilizes a novel pillarless pull-through geometry. The use of the flow cell developed for K-11 DIAD (Dual Imaging and Diffraction beamline, Diamond Light Source, UK) is demonstrated with the in situ flow and selective recovery of an Sn precipitate from solution using an organic ligand. The 3D designs and components are made freely available with this publication.
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Mar 2026
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I13-2-Diamond Manchester Imaging
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Mahendra P.
Raut
,
Andrea
Mele
,
Nicholas T. H.
Farr
,
Caroline S.
Taylor
,
David A.
Gregory
,
Jingqiong
Zhang
,
Yufeng
Lai
,
Annabelle
Fricker
,
Jon
Willmott
,
Candice
Majewski
,
Lyudmila
Mihaylova
,
Cornelia
Rodenburg
,
Ipsita
Roy
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[33034]
Open Access
Abstract: Bone tissue engineering (BTE) aims to address the challenge of repairing critical size bone defects, but effective substitutes with suitable mechanical properties and bioactivity are still needed. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P(3HB)is a sustainable polymer with promising potential but suffers from poor mechanical properties and thermal instability. In this study, P(3HB) was reinforced with various carbon-based materials (CBMs) to evaluate thermomechanical and structural properties as well as biological responses, in composites before and after aging. CBMs with P(3HB) interactions and their spatial distribution were examined using advanced imaging, including Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Secondary Electron Hyperspectral Imaging (SEHI), and Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) analysis. Biological responses were assessed using various biocompatibility assays; cytotoxicity and osteogenicity with primary human osteoblasts (ECACC, 406-05a) and MG63 cells. Aged P(3HB)/inkjet composites showed a 140 % increase in Young's modulus (1.2 GPa), matching trabecular bone stiffness, with a 3 % lower processing temperature than neat P(3HB), enhancing suitability for 3D printing. SEHI revealed elevated OH (4.8 eV) and CO (5.7 eV) functional groups, resulting in increased surface hydrophilicity and promoted cellular responses. P(3HB)/inkjet demonstrated the highest cell attachment (267.5 ± 43.3 cells) and ALP activity (6.3 ± 0.7 nmol PNP/min), outperforming composites with Starbon (150.1 ± 38.3 cells, 6.1 ± 0.8 ALP) and activated carbon (103.4 ± 24.5 cells, 5.7 ± 0.5 ALP). All aged composites showed improved performance over their fresh counterparts. In contrast, TCP and neat P(3HB) exhibited the lowest levels of mineralization. 3D printing offers further potential for enhancing P(3HB)/inkjet composites through precise and bespoke scaffold design and clinical feasibility.
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Mar 2026
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