Ab initio density functional theory molecular dynamics extensive calculations were used for the first time to evaluate stability conditions for relevant phases of InN. In particular, thermal decomposition of InN with formation of N2 molecules and pressure induced wurtzite – rocksalt solid-solid phase transition were established. The results consistent with available experimental data allowed a critical evaluation of potential and limitations of the proposed simulation method. The ab initio molecular dynamics as an efficient tool for simulations of phase transformations of InN including solid-solid structural transition and thermal decomposition with formation of N2 molecules has been demonstrated. It is of high interest because InN being important component of epitaxial quantum structures has still not been obtained as a bulk single crystal making difficult a determination of its basic physical properties and designing new applications.

The Eastern Kunlun Fault Zone (EKFZ) is located in a seismic blank area. This study investigates the hydrogeochemical characteristics of varied-temperature springs in the EKFZ to understand the relationship between fractures, fluids and earthquakes. It aids in establishing their induction mechanisms and assists in monitoring the earthquake precursors of the EKFZ. In this study, the main elements, trace elements, hydrogen and oxygen isotopes and strontium isotopes of 23 varied-temperature springs in the EKFZ were analyzed. The results reveal the source of groundwater recharge, hydrochemical types, mineral saturation, and for a select few springs indicative of geothermal activity, collected geothermal reservoir temperatures. The study also explores the relationship between earthquakes and springs, identifying sensitive chemical indicators. Based on continuous monitoring at Maqu Station, we found that before the occurrence of the Maerkang Ms 6.0 earthquake, the concentration of Cl− rose by 2.9 times, and 46 days before the Gande earthquake (Ms = 4.7), the concentrations of Na+ and SO42− significantly increased. Finally, a conceptual model of the hydrogeochemistry of springs is presented to describe the groundwater circulation in the study area. This research is of great significance for the analysis of fluid geochemistry in this area and for assessing the seismic hazards of the EKFZ.

Using the example of III-V nitrides crystallizing in a wurtzite structure (GaN, AlN, InN), this review presents the special role of hydrostatic pressure in studying semiconductor properties. Starting with a brief description of high pressure techniques for growing bulk crystals of nitride compounds, we focus on the use of hydrostatic pressure techniques in both experimental and theoretical investigations of special properties of nitride compounds, their alloys and quantum structures. The band gap pressure coefficient is one of the most important parameters in semiconductor physics. Trends in its behavior in nitride structures, together with trends in pressure-induced phase transitions, are discussed in the context of the behavior of other typical semiconductors. Using InN as an example, the pressure-dependent effects typical of very narrow bandgap materials, such as conduction band filling or effective mass behavior, are described. Interesting aspects of bandgap bowing in In-containing nitride alloys, including pressure and clustering effects, are discussed.Hydrostatic pressure also plays an important role in the study of native defects and impurities, as illustrated by the example of nitride compounds and their quantum structures. Experiments and theoretical studies on this topic are reviewed. Special attention is given to hydrostatic pressure and strain effects in short periods nitride superlattices. The explanation of the discrepancies between theory and experiment in the optical emission and its pressure dependence from InN/GaN superlattices led to the well-documented conclusion that InN growth on the GaN substrate is not possible. The built-in electric field present in InGaN/GaN and AlGaN/GaN heterostructures crystallizing in wurtzite lattice can reach several MV/cm, leading to drastic changes in the physical properties of these structures and related devices. It is shown how hydrostatic pressure modifies these effects and helps to understand their origin.

Based on the nonlinear failure criterion and modified tangential technique, the upper bound solutions of supporting pressure on the deep tunnel face were obtained under pore water pressure conditions. The influence of parameters on the supporting pressure and collapse range was investigated according to the unlimited block failure mechanism. It is found that the upper bound solutions of supporting pressure increase with the growth of the nonlinear coefficient and pore water pressure coefficient. The collapse range of the tunnel face scales out with the increase of the nonlinear coefficient and shrinks when increasing the pore water pressure coefficient. Moreover, with the increase of the nonlinear coefficient, the impact strength on supporting pressure and collapse range declines gradually. According to the calculating results, it is manifest that both the pore water pressure and nonlinear criterion factors have negative impacts on the stability of the tunnel face. Thus, more attention should be paid to these parameters to ensure face stability in deep tunnel construction.

It is important to distinguish between natural earthquakes and those induced by CO2 injection at carbon capture and storage sites. For example, the 2004 Mw 6.8 Chuetsu earthquake occurred close to the Nagaoka CO2 storage site during gas injection, but we could not quantify whether the earthquake was due to CO2 injection or not. Here we simulated changes of pore pressure during CO2 injection at the Nagaoka site and compared them with estimated natural seasonal fluctuations of pore pressure due to rainfall and snowmelt as well as estimated pore pressure increases related to remote earthquakes. We clearly distinguished changes of pore pressure due to CO2 injection from those due to rainfall and snowmelt. The simulated local increase in pore pressure at seismogenic fault area was much less than the seasonal fluctuations related to precipitation and increases caused by remote earthquakes, and the lateral extent of pore pressure increase was insufficient to influence seismogenic faults. We also demonstrated that pore pressure changes due to distant earthquakes are capable of triggering slip on seismogenic faults. The approach we developed could be used to distinguish natural from injection-induced earthquakes and will be useful for that purpose at other CO2 sequestration sites.

With the development of free trade port in Hainan Island, the construction of tourist roads around the island is also in full swing. Under the weather conditions of strong typhoon and rainstorm in Hainan, the highway cutting slope built on the coastal weak sandy terraces has strong sand loss and is easy to be scour by rainfall. MICP green spray irrigation solidification technology is used to strengthen the sandy cutting, and pore water pressure monitoring is carried out on the slope model during MICP solidification and rainfall scour. Combined with the model pore water pressure and flow slip failure pattern, dynamic analysis was carried out. The results show that MICP sprinkler irrigation technology can solidified the surface of the slope model in a short time, and the cementation depth of the model reaches 4cm after three sets of rotation reinforcement. The surface reinforcement effect is good, and the sand samples are closely connected. Under the erosion effect of simulated rainfall intensity, the sand loss of the slope is weakened, and no sand binding damage occurs, and the integrity is enhanced. Due to the cementation between sand grains, most of the rainfall was converted into runoff, and the slope slid after 150s. When the slope began to slip, the leading edge of the slope model lost sand and unloaded, and the failure mode was graded creep slip failure. Finally, the slope was divided into several blocks due to the continuous expansion of cracks after the slope failure. The erosion stability of the sandy slope under heavy rains is optimized and the sand loss is prevented effectively. In this study, a new method of MICP remediation techniques is proposed, which provides a new test basis for the application of MICP technology in practical engineering.

Pore fluid pressure is very important to the generation, migration and accumulation of petroleum. The previous studies indicate that the Chezhen sag region is typically characterized by pore fluid overpressure (the difference between pore fluid pressure and hydrostatic pressure). To date, the formation mechanism of pore overpressure and the accumulation regularity of “upper source-lower reservoir” type in this region remains unknown. In order to investigate these problems, a 2-D finite element model is established with regards to the fluid-solid coupling in Chegu 25 block of Chezhen depression, fully considering the existing seismic, logging data and regional tectonic stress environment. Meanwhile, we calculate the abnormal overpressure generated at the source rock during hydrocarbon generation and the process of hydrocarbon migration and accumulation along the faults, analyzing the dynamic conditions of hydrocarbon downward accumulation. The results show that overpressure can accelerate migration of hydrocarbon and improve the efficiency of hydrocarbon accumulation. However, when the overpressure is too large, tensile fractures and shear fractures may occur, resulting in hydrocarbon dissipation, and changing the results of oil and gas accumulation. The overpressure at the source rock is mainly caused by hydrocarbon generation, while the overpressure at the reservoir is primarily created by unbalanced compaction. As the dominant channel of hydrocarbon migration, overpressure will change the direction and path of hydrocarbon migration in the fault. Therefore, the “upper source-lower reservoir” hydrocarbon accumulation model is strongly explained by the high permeability of faults and the presence overpressure. In summary, the simulated overpressure results are in good agreement with the mud weight equivalent overpressure and the drill stem tests (DSTs).

Semisolid casting can provide excellent castings, but the nature of the pore-forming mechanisms has not been properly clarified. In the current communication, it was suggested that hydrogen precipitated during slurry making might have a decisive role in the formation of both gas and shrinkage porosity. Intensive stirring at the end of the slurry making process may act as a degassing step. Without the intense stirring, structures of primary slurry particles form around the hydrogen pores, strongly affecting pore formation and feeding during the intensification stage.

Interpore hydrates are the main occurrence forms of marine gas hydrates. Pore characteristics are a vital factor affecting the thermodynamic properties of hydrates and their distribution in sediments. Currently, the characterization of the pore system for hydrate-bearing reservoirs are little reported. Therefore this paper focus on the Krishna-Godavari Basin, via varies methods to characterize the hydrate-bearing sediments in the region. The results showed that X-ray Diffraction(XRD) combined with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)and Cast Thin Section (CTS) can better characterize the mineral composition in the reservoir, High Pressure Mercury Injection (HPMI) focused on the contribution of pore size to permeability, Constant Rate Mercury Injection(CRMI) had the advantage of distinguishing between pore space and pore throat, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Cryoporometry (NMRC) technique can not only obtain the pore size distribution of nanopores with a characterization range greater than Nitrogen Gas Adsorption (N2GA), but also quantitatively describe the trend of fluids in the pore system with temperature. As for pore system, Samples 58 and 68 all developed nanopores, the mineral distribution was relatively scattered, and they were rich in paleontological shells such as foraminifera, among which Sample 68 had more pyrite content, and abundant pyrite framboid was observed, which made the intergranular pore develop and provide more nanopores. Sample 58 has a high concentration of pore and throat, high pore connectivity, low pore curvature, and pores with a diameter of 10μm contributing to the main permeability, with an average pore radius of 2.495μm, whereas Sample 68 has poor pore connectivity, high curvature, and pores with a diameter of 1μm contributing to the main permeability, with an average pore diameter of 60 nm, which explains the obvious difference in permeability between the two samples.

We aimed to investigate the relationship between membrane material and development of membrane fouling in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) using membranes with different pore sizes and hydrophilicities. Batch filtration tests were performed using submerged single hollow fiber membrane ultrafiltration (UF) modules with different polymeric membrane materials including cellulose acetate (CA), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with activated sludge taken from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The three UF hollow fiber membranes were prepared by a non-solvent-induced phase separation method and had similar water permeabilities and pore sizes. The results revealed that transmembrane pressure (TMP) increased more sharply for the hydrophobic PVDF membrane than for the hydrophilic CA membrane in batch filtration tests, even when membranes with similar permeabilities and pore sizes were used. PVDF hollow fiber membranes with smaller pores had greater fouling propensity than those with larger pores. In contrast, CA hollow fiber membranes showed good mitigation of membrane fouling regardless of pore size. The results obtained in this study suggest that the surface hydrophilicity and pore size of UF membranes clearly affect the fouling properties in MBR operation when using activated sludge.

Most of the mid-high permeability sandstone oilfields in China have entered the ultra-high water cut stage, accompanied with the highly-dispersed residual oil, and the control effect of mi-cro-heterogeneity on the residual oil is increasingly prominent. Understanding the microscopic characteristics of pore structural and its evolution during the long-term waterflooding is critical for enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of oil field exploitation. While the previous insights paid more attention to the geometrical and morphological features of pore structure and ignores the relation of pore structure with the fluid flow capacity. In this study, we propose a microscopic pore structure classification method considering pore size and local permeable capacity, which realizes the physical classification and quantitative evaluation of pore structure characteristics for different permeability rocks. The micro-pore structure is classified into 6 types based on the key evaluation parameters of pore diameter and flow flux area. By taking six mid-high permea-bility sandstone core samples from Daqing oilfield in China, a series of long-term waterflooding experiments are carried out and the interior pore structure was captured using high precision CT scanning technique. The results reveals that high-permeability reservoirs exhibit concentrated pores diameters and finer throats, whereas mid-permeability reservoirs exhibit smaller pores and throats in greater quantity. With the increase of water injection volumes, the permeable ca-pacity and connectivity of the high-connectivity pore space in ultra-high- and high-permeability reservoirs are enhanced, and in mid-permeability reservoirs, the micro-heterogeneity intensifies the increase in low-connectivity small pores. These findings provide new insights for the micro-scopic heterogeneity and a solid theoretical basis for investigating the occurrence of microscopic residual oil and optimising enhanced oil recovery strategies at the late stage of ultra-high water cut.

Olivine-like NaFePO4 glasses and nanocomposites are promising materials for cathodes in sodium batteries. Our previous study concerned the influence of high pressure on DC electric conductivity of NaFePO4 glasses. This work presents the results of AC measurements of glasses and nanocomposites from pressure treatment. Depending on the temperature range, the electronic conduction mechanism changed from variable range hopping (between Fe2+/Fe3+centers) to phonon-assisted hopping. For DC electric conductivity the portrayal via the classic Mott’s Variable Range Hopping is limited to low temperatures. Spectra of AC conductivity for glasses and pressure-formed nanocomposites fulfill Jonscher’s scaling law with power exponents ranging from 0.3 to 0.9 depending on temperature and the electron hopping mechanism. Due to the decrease in distance between hopping centers, an increase of AC conductivity around 2-3 orders of magnitude was observed after high pressure-high temperature treatment. Up to 200 K temperature dependencies of AC conductivity follow the pattern suggested by Mott's theory. Above that temperature corresponds to phonon-assisted hopping with activation energies EAC≈0.40 eV (for glass: amorphous solid) and EAC≈0.18 eV (for glass + nanocrystallites nanocomposite). Notable that they are considerably lower than values of EDC for DC conductivity. Results obtained show that high-temperature compressing, just below the glass temperature, significantly leads to a stable decrease in distance between hopping centers related to nanocrystallites in a glassy matrix. Consequently, it leads to an essential rise in electric conductivity and volumetric capacity. AC spectra of electronic conductivity are disturbed by the conduction of Na+ mobile ions, which impacts polaron conductivity and can be a limiting factor for conductivity.

To clarify effects of weathered coal humic acid on water-stable aggregates and pore characteristics of reclaimed cambisol, this research analyzed the evolution characteristics of soil aggregates and pores. Effects of different humic acid dosages (0, 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight) and application period (1 year, 2 years, and 3 years) on soil aggregates and organic carbon components in soil water-stable aggregates were investigated. The results showed that water-stable macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) had the highest content in the first year; but in the third year, water-stable microaggregates (0.053–0.25 mm) had the highest content, and silt and clay (<0.053 mm) were at a maximum. In the third year of 5% treatment, mean weight and geometric mean diameters were the largest, soil structure was the most stable, and TOC and water-stable microaggregates (0.053–0.25 mm) in soil had the highest proportions. For 5% treatment, the majority of irregular pores were independent in the first year, and number of pores decreased in the second year, but average pore volume increased, forming robust connected pores. In the third year, the number of elongated and irregular pores increased. In the third year of 5% treatment, most pores were irregular and of size >100 μm, and soil structure was the most stable.

Pathogenicity of many bacteria including Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus depends on pore-forming toxins (PFTs), which cause lysis of host cells by forming pores in membranes of eukaryotic cells. Bioinformatic analysis revealed in over 600 PFTs a region homologous to the Lys171-Gly250 sequence in hemolysin II (HlyII) from B. cereus, which we designated as “homologous peptide”. Three β-barrel PFTs were used for a detailed comparative analysis. Two of them –HlyII and cytotoxin K2 (CytK2), – are synthesized in Bacillus cereus sensu lato; the third – S. aureus α-toxin (Hla) – is the most investigated representative of the family. Protein modeling showed certain amino acids of homologous peptide to be located on the surface of the monomeric forms of these β-barrel PFTs. We obtained monoclonal antibodies against both a cloned homologous peptide and a 14-membered synthetic peptide DSFNTFYGNQLFMK as part of homologous peptide. The HlyII, CytK2 and Hla regions recognized by the obtained antibodies, as well as an antibody capable of suppressing the hemolytic activity of CytK2, were identified in the course of the work. Antibodies capable of recognizing PFTs of various origins can be useful tools for both identification and suppression of the cytolytic activity of PFTs.

The human mandible's cancellous bone, which is characterized by its unique porosity and directional sensitivity to external forces, is crucial for sustaining biting stress. Traditional CAD models fail to fully represent bone's anisotropic structure and thus depend on simple isotropic assumptions. For our research, we use the latest versions of nTopology and Creo Parametric software to make biomimetic Voronoi lattice models that accurately reflect the complex geometry and mechanical properties of trabecular bone. The porosity of human cancellous bone is accurately modeled in this work using biomimetic Voronoi lattice models. The porosities range from 70% to 95%, which can be achieved by changing the pore sizes to 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, and 2.5 mm. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to examine the displacements, stresses, and strains acting on dental implants with a buttress thread, abutment, retaining screw, and biting load surface. The results show that the Voronoi model accurately depicts the complex anatomy of the trabecular bone in the human jaw, compared to standard solid block models. The ideal pore size for biomimetic Voronoi lattice trabecular bone models is 2 mm, taking into account both the von Mises stress distribution over the dental implant, screw retention, cortical bone, cancellous bone, and micromotions. This pore size displayed balanced performance by successfully matching natural bone's mechanical characteristics. Advanced finite element analysis (FEA) improves biomechanical understanding of how bones and implants interact by creating more accurate models of biological problems and dynamic loading situations. This makes biomechanical engineering better.

This paper presents a piezoresistive pressure sensor with a shield layer for improved stability. Compared with the conventional piezoresistive pressure sensors, p-type piezoresistors are covered by an n-type shield layer, which is formed by ion implantation. The proposed pressure sensors have been successfully fabricated by bulk micromachining techniques. The impact of electrical field on piezoresistors is studied by simulation. The temperature drift of the pressure sensor has been investigated by both simulation and experimental measurement. Characteristics of developed pressure sensors are tested from -40 C to 125 C. A sensitivity of 0.022 mV/V/KPa and a maximum non-linearity of 0.085% FS are measured for the fabricated sensor in a pressure range of 1 MPa. The temperature coefficients of resistance of shielded piezoresistors are found to be smaller than those of un-shielded ones. It is demonstrated that the shield layer is able to reduce the drift caused by electrical field and ambient temperature variation.

Pore structure characterization and fractal analysis have great significance for understanding and evaluating tight limestone reservoirs. In this work, the pore structure of tight limestone is characterized combined with low-temperature nitrogen adsorption (LTNA) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and the fractal dimension of tight limestone pore structure is discussed based on LTNA and NMR data. The results indicate that the pores of tight limestone have H3 and H4 types, the pore size distribution (PSD) of H3 type is a wave distribution ranging from 2 to 10 nm, and the PSD of H4 type is a unimodal distribution ranging from 2 to 10 nm. The transverse relaxation time (T2) spectrum of tight limestone shows single peak (DF), double peak (SF) and three peak (TF), and the T2 spectrums for micropores, mesopores and macropores range from 0.1 to 10 ms, from 10 to 100 ms, and greater than 100 ms, respectively. The LTNA fractal dimension of tight limestone (DL) ranges between 2.4446 and 2.7688, with an average of 2.5729, and the NMR fractal dimensions of micropores (DNMR1), mesopores (DNMR2) and macropores (DNMR3) are distributed between 0.3744 to 1.1293, 2.4263 to 2.9395 and 2.6582 to 2.9989, respectively. Moreover, there is no correlation between fractal dimension and permeability and porosity, a negative correlation between DL and average pore radius, a positive correlation between DL and specific surface area, and a positive correlation between DNMR2 and DNMR3 and micropore content, while DNMR2 and DNMR3 are negatively correlated with the content of mesopores and macropores.

Integrated crop-livestock production (ILP) is an interesting alternative for more sustainable soil use. However, more studies are needed to analyze soil pore properties under ILP at the micrometer scale. Thus, this study proposes a detailed analysis of soil pore architecture at the micrometer scale in three dimensions. For this purpose, samples of an Oxisol under ILP subjected to minimum tillage (MT) and no-tillage (NT) with ryegrass as cover crop (C) and silage (S) were investigated. The soil micromorphological properties of the soil were analyzed using X-ray microtomography. The MT(C) system showed the highest values of porosity (c. 20.4%), connectivity (c. 32.8×103), volume (c. 26%), and number of pores (c. 32%) in a rod-like shape. On the other hand, the MT(S), NT(C), and NT(S) systems showed higher tortuosities (c. 2.2, c. 2.0, and c. 2.1) and lower pore connectivities (c. 8.3×103, c. 6.9×103, and c. 6.2×103), especially in S use. Ellipsoidal and rod-shaped pores predominated over spheroidal and disc-shaped pores in all treatments. The results of this study show that the use of ryegrass as a cover crop improves soil physical properties, especially in MT. For S use, the type of soil management (MT or NT) did not show any differences.

Acidic ostreolysin A/pleurotolysin B (OlyA/PlyB, formerly known as ostreolysin (Oly), and basic 20 kDa equinatoxins (EqTs) are cytolytic proteins isolated from the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus and the sea anemone Actinia equina, respectively. Both toxins, although from different sources, share many similar biological activities: (i) colloid-osmotic shock by forming pores in cellular and artificial membranes enriched in cholesterol and sphingomyelin; (ii) increased vascular endothelial wall permeability in vivo and perivascular oedema; (iii) dose-dependent contraction of coronary vessels; (iv) haemolysis with pronounced hyperkalaemia in vivo; (v) bradycardia, myocardial ischemia and ventricular extrasystoles accompanied by progressive fall of arterial blood pressure and respiratory arrest in rodents. Both types of toxins are haemolytic within nanomolar range concentrations, and it seems that hyperkalaemia plays an important role in toxin cardiotoxicity. However, it was observed that the haemolytically more active EqT III is less toxic than EqT I, the most toxic and least haemolytic EqT. In mice, EqT II is more than 30 times more toxic than OlyA/PlyB when applied intravenously. These observations imply that haemolysis with hyperkalaemia is not the sole cause of the lethal activity of both toxins. Additional mechanisms responsible for lethal action of the two toxins are direct effects on heart, coronary vasoconstriction and related myocardial hypoxia. In this review, we appraise the pathophysiological mechanisms related to the chemical structure of OlyA/PlyB and EqTs, as well as their toxicity.

Research on early stages of corrosion of steel bars, together with the formation and development of cracks induced in the surrounding concrete and caused by chloride penetration, is relevant in improving the durability of reinforced concrete structures. This paper uses integration of the analytical models examined in the published literature, combined with experimental research in corrosion induced at the concrete/steel interface, in estimating the time-to-crack initiation of reinforced concrete subjected to corrosion. This work studies the influence of the porous network and electric current density on the cracking process at early ages. The experimental campaign was performed by using an accelerated corrosion test on a conventional concrete (CC) and a concrete with silica fume (SFC) by submitting them to a current density of 50μA/cm² and 100μA/cm². Examination performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) provided both qualitative and quantitative information on the penetration of the rust layer in the surrounding concrete porous network. Strain gauges were used to measure corrosion-induced deformations between steel and concrete matrices, as well as the formation of corrosion-induced cracks. A good correlation between the rate of penetration of the rust products in the surrounding pores and the delay of the cracking pressure in concrete was observed from the experimental results. This phenomenon is incorporated into the analytical model by using a reduction factor, which mainly depends on the pore size of the concrete. The crack width obtained exhibited a significant dependency on electric current density at the beginning of the test, depending mainly on the pore size of the concrete later.

Hemoconcentration membranes used in cardiopulmonary bypass require a pore structure design with high pure water permeability, and which does not allow protein adsorption and useful protein loss. However, studies on hemoconcentration membranes have not been conducted yet. The purpose of this study was to analyze three-dimensional pore structures and protein fouling before and after blood contact with capillary membranes using the tortuous pore diffusion model and a scanning probe microscope system. We examined two commercially available capillary membranes of similar polymer composition that are successfully used in hemoconcentration clinically. Assuming the conditions of actual use in cardiopulmonary bypass, we perfused these membranes with bovine blood. Pure water permeability before and after bovine blood perfusion was measured using the dead-end filtration. The scanning probe microscopy system was used for analysis. High-resolution three-dimensional pore structures on the inner surface of the membranes were observed before blood contact. On the other hand, pore structures after blood contact could not be observed due to protein fouling. The pore diameters calculated by the tortuous pore diffusion model and scanning probe microscopy were mostly similar and could be validated reciprocally. Achievable pure water permeabilities showed no difference despite protein fouling, leading to low values of albumin SC. This is due to the mechanism that protein fouling occurs on the membrane surface, while there is little internal pore blocking. Therefore, controlling the fouling is essential for membranes in medical use. These characteristics of the hemoconcentration membranes examined in this study are suitable for clinical use.

The initial valves of two Cymbella species are observed under the scanning electron microscope and the perizonium ultrastructure of Cymbella is revealed for the first time. The perizonium is composed of alternate nodes and internodes and lacks transverse perizonium bands. Four new species, Cymbella apiculatophora sp. nov., C. hunanensis sp. nov., C. juglandis sp. nov. and C. menyuanensis sp. nov., are described using light and scanning electron microscope from epilithon samples collected in rivers from Hunan and Qinghai Provinces, China. Cymbella menyuanensis is a typical Cymbella species that closely resembles species in the group around C. cymbiformis Agardh, the lectotype species of the genus. Cymbella apiculatophora is similar to C. sinensis Metzeltin & Krammer while Cymbella hunanensis is closer to the C. hustedtii Krasske group. The last species, C. juglandis, has a cymbelloid valve outline, obscured intermissio, internal occlusions of areolae, dorsally deflected distal raphe fissures, and a divided APF at each apex, and does not appear to belong to any group. In addition, new observations on C. cf. excisiformis Krammer and C. hustedtii are reported. The current concept of the genus Cymbella does not represent a monophyletic group as shown by molecular phylogenetic analyses. However, these analyses are still at the preliminary stage and are not yet sufficient to support a complete revision of the genus. Thus, although extremely diverse ultrastructural features are observed in the six Cymbella species investigated in this paper, we prefer to keep them within Cymbella at this moment for the sake of nomenclatural stability.

Many studies utilize sensors to measure foot plantar pressure and analyze gait patterns, often focusing on assessing weight-bearing symmetry or asymmetry compared to control groups. However, a critical question arises: does the selection of the control group significantly impact study outcomes? Does chronic low back pain affect foot plantar pressure measurements? This experimental study involved 23 participants, including healthy individuals and those without foot disorders but with chronic low back pain. Dynamic foot pressure measurements were conducted using the Ortopiezometr, and data were analyzed using the "Steps" program. Participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised completely healthy individuals, while Group 2 consisted of individuals without foot problems but with moderate chronic low back pain. The findings highlight a prevalence of energy release in the forefoot sensors compared to the hindfoot for both the right and left legs in most cases. Even among healthy volunteers, achieving perfect symmetry in the maximum values on the sensors for the right and left feet was a challenge. Results showed no statistically significant differences in energy released on specific sensors or duration of gait phases between the groups. Essentially, this suggests that foot pressure patterns are comparable between healthy individuals and those with low back pain. The use of sensor-equipped inserts for pedobarographic examinations indicates that, in cases of degenerative changes in the lumbar and sacral spine without accompanying acute pain, gait patterns resemble those of the healthy population.

Salmonella Typhimurium is a typical Gram-Negative bacterium associated with food-borne illness threatening public health. This pathogen is reported to have caused millions of infections and thousands of hospitalizations yearly in the United States alone. Salmonella Typhimurium has a sophisticated array of virulent factors, including its flagella, which contributes significantly to its pathogenicity. Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, has attracted the interest of many researchers recently because of its antimicrobial properties. With the growing interest in exploring CBD’s antimicrobial properties, we, in this study, have delved into unravelling how prolonged exposure of Salmonella Typhimurium to CBD influences the expression of the flgA gene. We hypothesized that the exposure of Salmonella Typhimurium to CBD may result in flgA upregulation, causing the bacteria to withstand various stresses and potentially enhance its survival rates and pathogenicity. We have employed several assays, such as mRNA expression, motility assays, pH induction assays, nutrient starvation interventions, and biofilm analysis, to explore the influence of CBD on the pathophysiology of Salmonella Typhimurium. Our findings reveal that CBD-resistant strains exhibit enhanced resilience to extreme pH levels and motility and survive poorly under nutrient starvation, with more robust biofilm formation compared to the susceptible strains. The results contribute to the broader comprehension of CBD resistance mechanisms in bacteria. This work provides insight into the potential therapeutic interventions for controlling CBD-resistant bacterial infections. This study also underscores the essence of exploring novel alternative antimicrobial agents to tackle the ever-persistence of bacterial antibiotic resistance.

The electronic properties of calcium intercalated graphite (CaC6) as a function of pressure are revisited using density functional theory (DFT). The electronic band structures of CaC6, like many other layered superconducting materials, display cosine-shaped bands at or near the Fermi level (FL). Such bands encompass bonding/antibonding information with a strong connection to superconducting properties. Using an hexagonal cell representation for CaC6, construction of a double supercell in the c-direction effects six-folding in reciprocal space of the full cosine function, explicitly revealing the bonding/antibonding relationship divide at the cosine midpoint. Similarly, folding of the Fermi surface (FS) reveals physical phenomena relevant to electronic topological transitions (ETT) with application of pressure. For CaC6, the peak value for the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, occurs at about 7.5 GPa, near to the observed pressure of the calculated ETT. At this pressure, the radius of the nearly spherical Ca 4s-orbital FS coincides with three times the distance from the G centre point to the Brillouin zone (BZ) boundary of the 2c supercell (which is equal to half the identically defined distance for the primitive rhombohedral BZ). In addition, the ETT coincides with alignment of the non-bonding (inflection) point of the cosine band (the point at which the sign of the cosine amplitude modulation is reversed) with the FL. At other calculated pressure conditions, the Ca 4s-orbital FS undergoes topological changes that correspond and can be correlated to experimentally determined changes in Tc. The ETT is a key mechanism that circumscribes the known significant drop in Tc for CaC6 as a function of increasing pressure.

Background: Several kinds of research say that adjuvant blood glucose and blood pressure are usual, but an efficient solution for medical application count remains. This review analyzes the pandemic blood pressure and blood glucose to identify the publications which tell about the clinical practices and research gaps in systematic research.Methods: A study guides to identify the research of Blood Pressure (BP) and Blood Glucose. In order to analyze the recent innovations and research on BP and Blood glucose, the relevant publications and literature from journals were identified.Results: Co-morbidity of BP and Blood glucose is reported as very high. The commonness of blood pressure is thrice as high in type I diabetes patients and almost two times higher in type II diabetes patients when compared to others without Diabetes. The pervasiveness of getting depression is more in the female when compared with men. A detailed study about the linkage of BP and blood glucose tells that the relationship between them is not exactly clear.Limitations: Nearly all reviews providing the linkage of BP and blood glucose are with some limitations and they are not providing any clear conclusion.Conclusions: Present research tells that people having high blood glucose will have a greater chance of getting high blood pressure. More research is needed to state the linkage between BP, blood glucose, and the growth of diabetes mellitus issues and to provide support for managing Diabetes.

In this study, literature on pore structure and chloride ion diffusivity was collected to investigate the correlation of pore structure indicators with diffusivity. Good correlation between total porosity and chloride ion diffusivity was found when the samples did not contain admixture materials and diffusion test was conducted without acceleration. Pore diameter indicators did not correlate with diffusivity. The diffusivity of cement paste was reduced by admixture materials compared to that without admixture materials even if the total porosity is the same. On the other hand, the diffusivity of concrete was not reduced by admixture materials.

Fungi inhabiting deep subseafloor sediments have been shown to possess anaerobic methane (CH₄) production capabilities under atmospheric conditions. However, their ability to produce CH₄ under in situ conditions with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) remains unclear. Here, Schizophyllum commune 20R-7-F01, isolated from ~ 2 km below the seafloor, was cultured in Seawater Medium (SM) in culture bottles fitted with sterile syringes for pressure equilibration. Subsequently, these culture bottles were transferred into 1-liter stainless steel pressure vessels at 30 °C for 5 days to simulate in situ HHP and anaerobic environments. Our comprehensive analysis of bioactivity, biomass, transcriptomics revealed that S. commune not only survived but significantly enhanced CH₄ production, reaching approximately 2.5 times higher levels under 35 MPa HHP compared to 0.1 MPa standard atmospheric pressure. Pathways associated with carbohydrate metabolism, methylation, hydrolase activity, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and oxidoreductase activity were notably activated under HHP. Specifically, key genes involved in fungal anaerobic CH₄ synthesis, including methyltransferase mct1 and dehalogenase dh3, were upregulated 7.9- and 12.5-fold, respectively, under HHP. Enhanced CH₄ production under HHP was primarily attributed to oxidative stress induced by pressure, supported by intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels and comparative treatments with cadmium chloride and hydrogen peroxide. These findings suggest that fungi persisting in deep-sea sediments over millions of years have the potential to significantly contribute to global CH₄ flux.

Correlations between the air permeability coefficient and various pore structure indicators in cementitious materials were examined to determine the pore structure indicator that best evaluated air permeability using data from previous studies of air permeabilities and pore structures. The determination coefficients of air permeability with total pore volume, critical pore diameter, and ordinary threshold pore diameter were low, although these have often been used as indicators. The median and threshold pore diameters obtained by percolation theory showed high determination coefficients. The equation using the threshold pore diameter better estimated the air permeability coefficient than the Katz–Thompson equation.

To understand the relationship between water permeability and the pore structure of cementitious materials, literature that studied both water permeability and the pore structure are reviewed, and their correlation is studied. Although the majority of this data is for cement paste, mortar, concrete, and cemented soil are also included. Based on this study, it is established the determination coefficient between water permeability and the total pore volume is very low; however, those between water permeability and the critical, threshold, and median pore diameters, respectively, are moderate. On the other hand, the threshold pore diameter, derived based on the percolation theory, exhibits a very high determination coefficient. The calculated water permeability, using the Katz and Thompson equation, agrees with the reported water permeability quantitatively to a certain level, but is overestimated.

Clarifying the distribution of temperature and pressure in the wellbore and cavern during hydrogen injection and extraction is crucial for quantitatively assessing cavern stability and wellbore integrity. This paper establishes an integrated flow and heat transfer model for the cavern and wellbore during hydrogen injection and production, analyzing the variations in temperature and pressure in both the wellbore and the cavern. The specific conclusions are as follows. (1) The temperature and pressure parameters of hydrogen and natural gas within the chamber and wellbore were compared. Under identical injection and production conditions, the temperature of hydrogen in the chamber was 10°C higher than that of natural gas, and 16°C higher in the wellbore. The pressure of hydrogen in the chamber was 2.9 MPa greater than that of natural gas, and 2.6 MPa higher in the wellbore. (2) A comparative analysis was conducted on the impact of surrounding rock’s horizontal and numerical distance on temperature during hydrogen and natural gas injection processes. As the distance from the cavity increases, from 5 to 15 meters, the temperature fluctuation in the surrounding rock diminishes progressively, with the temperature effect in the hydrogen storage chamber extending at least 10 meters. (3) The influence of rock thermal conductivity parameters on temperature during the processes of hydrogen injection and natural gas extraction is compared. The better the thermal conductivity, the deeper the thermal effects penetrate the rock layers, with the specific heat capacity having the most significant impact.

Due to environmental concerns, natural refrigerants and their use in refrigeration and air conditioning systems are receiving more attention from manufacturers, end users and the scientific community. The study of heat transfer and pressure drop is essential for accurate design and more energy efficient cycles using natural refrigerants. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of the latest outcomes related to heat transfer and pressure drop correlations for ammonia, propane, isobutane and propylene and to investigate the current state of the art in terms of operating conditions. Available data on the existing correlations of heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop for natural refrigerants have been collected through a systematic search. Whenever possible, validity intervals are given for each correlation and the error is quantified. It is the intention of the authors that this could be a valuable support for researchers and an aid to design, with particular reference to heat pumps. A procedure based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was adopted, and the Scopus database was used to query the relevant literature. A total of 135 publications qualified for inclusion in the survey; 34 articles report experimental investigations for not usual geometric conditions. Of the 101 selected papers related to usual geometric conditions, N = 50 deal only with HTC, N = 16 deal only with pressure drop and the remainder (N = 35) analyse both HTC and pressure drop. Among the 85 HTC papers (N = 53) deal with the evaporating condition, N = 30 with condensation and only N = 2 with the heat transfer correlations under both conditions. Most of the 101 articles concern propane and isobutane. The high temperatures are less widely investigated.

Background: This study stands as a pioneer in the histological evaluation of the biological behavior of a novel implant design featuring decompressive cervical blades. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the healing outcome in cortical regions at where decompressive protocols were adopted using implants equipped with blades. Materials and methods: Blades with varying diameters were integrated into the coronal portion of the implant to prepare the cortical region of rabbit tibiae. The blade diameters differed from the implant collar by the following amounts: control group (0 µm), +50 µm, and +200 µm. Results: No marginal bone loss was detected. Instead, all implants exhibited new bone formation in the coronal region. Complete closure was observed in the CG-0 group, as well as in the TG-50 and TG-200 groups, despite the presence of marginal gaps without primary bone contact at installation. In the apical region, most implants breached the cortical layer. Nevertheless, new bone formation in this region completely closed the osteotomy, effectively isolating the internal environment of the tibia from the external. Conclusions: The use of a blade attached to the implant body enabled precise preparation of the cortical layer, allowing for controlled decompression in the targeted area. This technique resulted in optimal osseointegration with no loss of marginal bone, and complete restoration of marginal gaps ranging from 0 µm to 200 µm.

Atmospheric pressure Microplasma is a simple, cost-effective, efficient, and eco-friendly procedure, which is superior to the traditional nanomaterials synthesis techniques. It generates high yields and allows for a controlled growth rate and morphology of nanomaterials. The silver (Ag) nanomaterials, with their unique physical and chemical properties, exhibit outstanding antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Similarly, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials, known for their low toxicity and relatively lower cost, find wide applications in wound repair, bone healing, and antibacterial and anticancer applications. The use of core-shell nanomaterials in certain situations where some nanoparticles can cause serious harm to host tissues or organs is a testament to their potential. A benign material is coated over the core to reduce toxicity in these cases. This review compares the numerous configurations of microplasma systems used for synthesizing nanomaterials and their use in producing Ag, ZnO, and their core-shell (Ag-ZnO) nanomaterials for biomedical applications. The summary also includes the effect of control parameters, including cathode diameter, gas flow rate, precursor concentration, voltage, and current, on the nanomaterial's characteristics and applications. In addition, it provides a research gap in the synthesis of Ag, ZnO, and core shall nanomaterials by this technique, as well as the development and limitations of this technique and the use of these nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

Flexible wearable pressure sensors offer numerous benefits, including superior sensing capabilities, a lightweight and compact design, and exceptional conformal properties, making them highly sought after in various applications including medical monitoring, human-computer interaction, and electronic skin. Because of their excellent characteristics, such as simple fabrication, low power consumption, and short response time, capacitive pressure sensors have received widespread attention. As a flexible polymer material, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used in the preparation of dielectric layers for capacitive pressure sensors. The Young's modulus of the flexible polymer can be effectively decreased through the synergistic application of sacrificial template and laser ablation techniques, thereby improving the functionality of capacitive pressure sensors. In this study, a novel sensor was developed through a series of processes including sacrificial template method using NaCl microparticles, CO₂ laser ablation, and sandwiching a porous PDMS dielectric layer between two flexible electrodes to create a capacitive pressure sensor. The sensor demonstrates a sensitivity of 0.694 kPa-1 within the pressure range of 0-1 kPa, and can effectively detect pressures ranging from 3 Pa to 200 kPa. The sensor demonstrates stability for up to 500 cycles, with a rapid response time of 96ms and a recovery time of 118ms, coupled with a low hysteresis of 6.8%. Furthermore, our testing indicates that the sensor possesses limitless potential for use in detecting human physiological activities and signaling emergencies.

Background: A Morel–Lavallée lesion (MLL) is a traumatic, internal closed degloving injury that results from shearing of subcutaneous tissue away from underlying fascia, usually associated with high-velocity trauma. Case presentation: A 52-year-old man was transported to hospital for further follow-up of a superficial femoral artery injury. Examination on admission showed bruising seen around the left thigh. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the left thigh revealed hematoma with extravasation from a branch of the left superficial femoral artery, but no apparent aneurysms or femoral fractures. The patient was treated with compression bandages and discharged on hospital day 6. He left hospital able to walk unaided. He subsequently complained of left thigh pain with swelling and visited the hospital several times. He was treated at another outpatient clinic and was diagnosed with MLL. Single-use disposable portable negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied for about 2 months, achieving a stable wound site. Conclusion: We encountered a case of MLL successfully treated with single-use portable NPWT. This report presents the case of a patient with isolated MLL without fracture in the left thigh, in which the diagnosis was missed on initial admission. Finally, the patient received minor interventions including drainage along with tissue debridement and portable NPWT. We reviewed the relevant literature and summarize the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment strategies for MLL. Emergency physicians require an increased understanding of MLL to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

This study simulated the effects of direct predatory pressure, indirect predatory pressure, and conspecific injury signals on the sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) to determine changes in the activity of immune defense enzymes (lysozyme, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase) and antioxidant stress enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde). Samples of sea cucumber juveniles were collected at 3 hours, 12 hours, 72 hours, and 96 hours post-predatory stress, and six enzymes related to immune defense and antioxidant stress were selected for activity assays, namely lysozyme (LZM), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The results indicated that under direct predatory pressure, the activity of catalase in sea cucumbers was significantly higher than that of the control group at 3 hours (P < 0.05), while the activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and catalase were significantly lower at 72 hours (P < 0.05). Under indirect predatory pressure, the activity of malondialdehyde in sea cucumbers was significantly higher than that of the control group at 12 hours (P < 0.05), the activity of alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher at 72 and 96 hours (P < 0.05), catalase was significantly lower at 72 hours, and the activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly higher at 72 hours (P < 0.05). Under the influence of conspecific injury signals, the activity of malondialdehyde in sea cucumbers was significantly higher than that of the control group at 12 hours (P < 0.05), and the activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly higher at 96 hours (P < 0.05). The sea cucumber enhanced its antioxidant capacity 3 hours after facing the predator, while its immune defense mechanism was suppressed at 72 hours. When facing indirect predatory pressure, the sea cucumber may have made immune and antioxidant preparations for the arrival of unknown risks. The experimental results show that predatory pressure has a significant impact on the immune and antioxidant functions of sea cucumbers, which may be related to the physiological state and environmental adaptability of the sea cucumber. This study provides a new perspective for understanding how sea cucumbers cope with predatory pressure in the natural environment and offers theoretical support for the cultivation management of sea cucumbers.

The permeability, heat conductivity and reaction rate will be varied with the change of natural gas hydrate saturation, when thermal fluid injected into the natural gas hydrate reservoirs. In order to characterize the variation of physical field parameters with hydrate saturation, DDF-LBM was applied to simulate the hydrate dissolving process by thermal fluid injection under pore scale modelling. Based on the forced conjugate heat transfer case, the relaxation frequency of the thermal lattice in the pores is corrected. Based on the P-T phase equilibrium relationship of hydrates and considering the heat absorbed by the hydrate reaction, the solid-liquid state of the hydrate lattice is judged in real time, and the dynamic simulation of the heat flow solidification multi-physics field is realized. The simulation results show that the dissolution rate of hydrates by thermal fluid injection was higher than that by heating the hydrate surface alone, and was positively correlated with the hydrate saturation. On the basis of the above results, this paper provided exponential fitting equations between different hydrate saturations and average permeability, effective thermal conductivity, and inherent reaction rate. The fitting results show that saturation has a negative correlation with relative permeability and effective thermal conductivity, and a positive correlation with the inherent reaction rate. The above results can provide a reference basis for accurately describing the heat and mass transfer of natural gas hydrate under macro-scale.

In current transportation hubs, it is a common phenomenon that passengers travel with necessary wheeled-luggage or suitcases. Due to the fact that most luggage occupies certain space within dense passenger crowds with giant mass inertia, its abnormal motions, such as drifting, frequently trig unavoidable local disturbances and turbulence in surrounding pedestrian flows, further increasing security risk. While, current researches primarily concentrate on examining the impact of luggage on crowd evacuation efficiency through scenario-based experiments and analyzing the spatial characteristics of crowd distribution in surveillance videos. There still lacks of the dynamic disturbance mechanisms and crowd stability associated with the combined motion of passengers and luggage. Therefore, this study considers the luggage-laden passenger as a deformable particle, the resulting disturbance on surrounding non-luggage passengers is analyzed and quantified into a nonlinear pressure term. Subsequently, the disturbance propagation model of passenger-luggage is developed by adapting the classical Aw-Rascle traffic flow model with incorporation of the pressure term. Simulation experiments of disturbances caused by luggage drifting and retrograding validate that the proposed propagation model aligns with real-world situations in transportation hubs. Quantitively, when luggage-laden passenger drifted left, the disturbing force of left side crowd can reach a peak of 238N in the passenger density of 3.0 p/m2, and the maximum difference between the left and right sides disturbing force can reach 153N. Furthermore, it is recommended that the proposed model can be applied to crowd flow analysis and risk assessment.

Reinforcement corrosion due to chloride attack is of major economic significance for reinforced concrete structures. Pozzolans are known to inhibit corrosion initiation mainly by reducing concrete permeability. However, there is evidence in the literature that changes in the chemical environment in the concrete due to the pozzolans may be creating improved corrosion resistance, by themselves. In this study, the composition of a pore solution of mature hydrated cement paste containing silica-fume at different ratios was analyzed. The electrochemical behavior of reinforcing steel was studied in simulated pore solutions with silicate concentrations ranging from 0 to 35.6 mM, which are within the concentration range found by pore solution extraction to be up to 49 mM. Polished reinforcing steel specimens were used for cyclic voltammetry in simulated pore solutions with chloride concentrations of 10-20%. Better corrosion protection was found with increasing silicate concentration up to 3.56 mM. This was indicated by lower corrosion currents both in the passive state and after anodic activation. Anodic activation of steel in a 35.6 mM silicate solution with 20% NaCl yielded a higher potential than the anterior potential.

Over the past decade, the production of biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass has steadily increased to offset the use of fuels from petroleum. To make biofuels cost-competitive, however, it is necessary to add value to the “ligno-” components (up to 30% by mass) of the biomass. The properties of lignin, in terms of molecular weight (MW), chemical functionality, and mineral impurities often vary from biomass source and biorefinery process, resulting in a challenging precursor for product development. Activated carbon (AC) is a feasible target for the lignin-rich byproduct streams because it can be made from nearly any biomass and it has a market capacity large enough to use much of the lignin generated from the biorefineries. However, it is not known how the variability in the lignin affects the key properties of AC, because until now, they could not be well controlled. In this work, various fractions of ultraclean (< 0.6 % ash) lignin are created with refined MW distributions using Aqueous Lignin Purification using Hot Agents (ALPHA) and used as precursors for AC. AC is synthesized via zinc chloride activation and characterized for pore structure and adsorption capacity. We show that AC surface area and the adsorption capacity increase when using lignin with increasing MW, and furthermore, that reducing the mineral content of lignin can significantly enhance the AC properties. The surface area of the AC from the highest MW lignin can reach ~1830 m2/g (absorption capacity). Furthermore, the single step activation carbonization using zinc chloride allows for minimal carbon burnoff (< 30%) capturing most of the lignin carbon compared to traditional burn off methods in biorefineries for heat generation.

Anaerobic digestion has the potential to convert organic waste materials into valuable energy. At the same time, using press water from biomass materials for energy generation, while taking advantage of the resulting cake for other purposes is an emerging approach. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the residual potential expected from a typical biogas feedstock in the West African context after it has been mechanically separated into liquid and solid phases. Hence, in this study, the rumen contents of ruminants (cow, goat and sheep) and their proportionate ratios were obtained from an abattoir in Ghana. Resource characterisation of the waste samples were carried out in the Central laboratory of the HFR, Germany. Anaerobic batch tests for biogas (biomethane) yield determination were set-up using the Hohenheim Biogas Yield Test (HBT). Inoculum used was obtained from an inoculum production unit at the Hohenheim University biogas laboratory. The trial involved two different forms of the sample: mixture of rumen contents, press water, and inoculum, each in four (4) replicates. The trial was carried out at a mesophilic temperature of 37°C. Results obtained over a seventy (70) day period were transformed into biogas yields. Overall, the results show that the current contents are suitable for biogas generation as an option, as opposed to the current form of disposal at a refuse dump. However, using these mixtures in their original forms is more technically viable than using press water without further treatment.

Membrane-based sensors (MePSs) exhibit remarkable precision and sensitivity in detecting pressure changes. MePSs are commonly used to monitor catalytic reactions in solution, generating gas products crucial for signal amplification in bioassays. They also allow catalyst quantification by indirectly measuring the pressure generated by the gaseous products. This is particularly interesting to detect enzymes in biofluids associated with disease onset. To enhance the performance of a MePS, various structural factors influence membrane flexibility and response time, ultimately dictating the device's pressure sensitivity. In this study, we fabricated MePSs using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and investigated how structural modifications affect the Young's modulus (E) and residual stress (σ0) of the membranes. These modifications have a direct impact on the sensors' sensitivity to pressure variations, observed as a function of the volume of the chamber (Σ) or of the mechanical properties of the membrane itself (S). MePSs exhibiting the highest sensitivities were then employed to detect catalyst quantities inducing the dismutation of hydrogen peroxide, producing dioxygen as gaseous product. As a result, catalase enzyme was successfully detected using these optimized MePSs, achieving a remarkable sensitivity of (22.7 ± 1.2) µm/nM and a limit of detection (LoD) of 396 pM.

The nozzle is the key element of the water jet generator for energy conversion. In order to explore the influence of the nozzle diameter on the pressure characteristics of the supercharged pulsed water jet plenum chamber, a supercharged pulsed water jet pressure acquisition system was established, and the Equations of motion and theoretical pressurization ratio equations of the supercharged pulsed water jet generator were established. The pressurization chamber pressure acquisition experiments under different nozzle diameters were carried out. The research results indicate that there is a critical nozzle diameter. When the nozzle diameter is less than the critical diameter, the pressure in the boost chamber is equal to the product of the driving pressure and boost ratio. As the nozzle changes, there is no significant change in the peak pressure and frequency of the boost chamber; When the nozzle diameter is greater than the critical diameter, there is a non-linear relationship between the boost chamber pressure and the driving pressure. As the nozzle diameter gradually increases, the actual boost ratio gradually decreases, and the peak pressure of the boost chamber further decreases. The nozzle diameter can no longer provide a load for the establishment of fluid pressure in the boost chamber. The research results provide a research basis for further controlling the pressure characteristics of the boost pulse water jet.

In the realm of high-pressure vessel simulation, conventional finite element method (FEM) approaches, as per ASME standards, may inadequately predict the behavior of flat surfaces under elevated temperatures. This study challenges the efficacy of shell-type mesh modeling for high-temperature flat plates, demonstrating that the thermal conditions within such high-pressure vessels can induce thermal instability and buckling, not accounted for by traditional FEM methods recommended by ASME. Through comprehensive analytical investigations, we reveal that traditional shell-type meshing techniques, while suitable for certain applications, fail to capture the intricate thermal stresses and deformation patterns inherent in high-temperature flat plate configurations. Our analysis delineates distinct stability regimes governed by key design parameters—including plate thickness, operating temperature, and geometric dimensions—profoundly impacting the structural integrity of heating plates under thermal loading. By elucidating these stability boundaries, this research provides engineers with critical insights necessary for optimizing the design and performance of high-temperature equipment. This includes the design of high-pressure vessels with flat surfaces for heating materials, flanges in high-temperature environments, and fins in heat exchangers across various industries such as oil and gas, pyrolysis, and power plants. The findings presented herein serve as a valuable reference for engineers seeking to comprehend and mitigate instability phenomena in solid mechanics, offering practical guidance for developing robust and reliable high-temperature structures in demanding industrial environments.

The influence of pore size on the toughness of Fe-Mo-Cu-C sintered and carburized components was investigated. The charpy impact value of the component made from Fe-0.4%Mo diffusion-alloyed steel powder mixed with 2%Cu powder and 0.3% graphite powder significantly increased with a decrease in pore size. The highest impact value of 17 J/cm2 was obtained at the average pore size of 12 µm. This value was 25% higher than that of the sintered and carburized component made from conventional Fe- 4%Ni-1.5%Cu-0.5%Mo alloyed steel powder called 4Ni even though the component was made from a Ni-free alloyed steel powder. The mechanism of the improvement of the impact value by pore size refinement and the influence of microstructural difference between the components made from Fe- 0.4%Mo diffusion-alloyed steel powder and 4Ni on toughness is discussed based on optical microstructural observation and crystal orientation analysis data.

This article raise a topic of critical examination of polypropylene, a key polymeric material, and its extensive application within the automotive industry, particularly focusing on the manufacturing of brake fluid reservoirs. The study aims to enhance the understanding of polypropylene's behavior under mechanical stresses through a series of laboratory destruction tests and numerical simulations, emphasizing the Finite Element Method (FEM). A novel aspect of this research is the introduction of the PEAK parameter, a groundbreaking approach designed to assess the material's resilience against varying states of strain, known as triaxiality. This parameter facilitates the identification of critical areas prone to crack initiation, thereby enabling the optimization of component design with a minimized safety margin, which is crucial for cost-effective production. The methodology involves conducting burst tests to locate crack initiation sites, followed by FEM simulations to determine the PEAK threshold value for the Sabic 83MF10 polypropylene material. The study successfully validates the predictive capability of the PEAK parameter, demonstrating a high correlation between simulated results and actual laboratory tests. This validation underscores the potential of the PEAK parameter as a predictive tool for enhancing the reliability and safety of polypropylene automotive components. The research presented in this article contributes significantly to the field of material science and engineering by providing a deeper insight into the mechanical behavior of polypropylene and introducing an effective tool for predicting crack initiation in automotive components. The findings hold promise for advancing the design and manufacturing processes in the automotive industry, with potential applications extending to other sectors.

For paramagnetic and elastic materials in the presence of quasi-static magnetic field, there is correspondingly quasi-static magnetic pressure, in contrast to the radiational electromagnetic pressure associated with electromagnetic momentum density. A thermodynamic pressure demagnetization is demonstrated. For the elastic dielectrics in the presence of quasi-static electrical field, its dual effect can be easily obtained by variable transformation.

Objectives: To assess the short-term impact of a single global stretching session on plantar pressures and lumbar range of motion (RoM) over one week in sedentary university students. Design: A randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups. Participants: Sixty-four university students were randomly assigned to a stretching group or control group. The stretching group received a single session of global stretching and the control group remained seated for the same length of time as the stretching session. Main outcome measures: Lumbar RoM and plantar pressures were assessed before, immediately after, 48 hours after, and 7 days after intervention. Results: Group-by-time interaction was significant for lumbar lateral flexion (p = 0.044), right maximal pressure (p = 0.003), left maximal pressure (p = 0.008), right mean pressure (p = 0.025), left mean pressure (p = 0.002), and maximal pressure minus mean pressure in right foot (p = 0.007). The model with plantar pressures showed a significant difference for group-by-time interaction (p = 0.010).Conclusion: Global stretching seems to counteract the ill-effects of prolonged sitting up to seven days with respect to plantar pressure in standing without improving lumbar ROM

To prevent CO2 leakage and ensure the safety of long-term CO2 storage, it is essential to investigate the flow mechanism of CO2 in complex pore structures at the pore scale. This study focuses on reviewing the experimental, theoretical, and numerical simulation studies on the microscopic flow of CO2 in complex pore structures during the last decade. For example, advanced imaging techniques, such as X-ray computed tomography (CT) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), are used to reconstruct the complex pore structures of rocks. Mathematical methods, such as Darcy's law, Young–Laplace’s law, and the Navier-Stokes equation, are used to describe the microscopic flow of CO2. Numerical methods, such as the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and pore network (PN) model, are used for numerical simulation. The application of these experimental and theoretical models and numerical simulation studies is discussed, considering the effect of complex pore structures. Finally, future research is suggested to focus on: (1) Conducting real-time CT scanning experiments of CO2 displacement combined with the developed real-time CT scanning clamping device to realize real-time visualization and provide quantitative description of the flow behavior of CO2 in complex pore structures; (2) The effect of pore structures change on the CO2 flow mechanism caused by the chemical reaction between CO2 and the pore surface, the flow theory of CO2 considering wettability and damage theory in a complex pore structures; (3) The flow mechanism of multi-phase CO2 in complex pore structures; (4) The flow mechanism of CO2 in the pore structures at multiscale and the scale upgrade from microscopic to mesoscopic to macroscopic. Generally, this study focuses on reviewing the research progress of CO2 flow mechanisms in complex pore structures at the pore scale and affords an overview of potential advanced developments to enhance the current understanding of CO2 microscopic flow mechanisms.

The study investigates the evolution of soil pore structure and shear strength deterioration in compacted clayey soil under controlled wetting and drying (wd) cycles, which are expected to become more frequent due to climate change. Thirty soil samples were compacted at optimal moisture content and 90% of maximum dry density. These samples were then subjected to 0, 1, 5, 10, and 15 controlled wd cycles from saturation to the wilting point, and volumetric changes were recorded during each cycle. After the wd treatment, the soil samples were scanned using X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) at 50 μm resolution and then sheared under unconsolidated-undrained and consolidated-undrained conditions in a triaxial test. Significant shrinkage and swelling of soil samples were observed during wd cycles, with average volumetric strain fluctuating between +12% at saturation and -5% at the wilting point. X-ray CT visualisation and analysis revealed higher porosity, more prominent pores and increased pore length in soil samples with increasing wd cycles. Both undrained and effective soil shear strength markedly decreased with increasing wd cycles. CT-derived macroporosity and pore length were significant predictors of the soil's undrained and effective shear strength when exposed to wd cycles. The findings emphasise the considerable impact of climate change, specifically wd cycles, on clayey soil, highlighting the need for consideration in the design of earth-based infrastructure.

This paper employs the Finite Element Method (FEM) to simulate and analyze the effects of corrosion defect parameters on the stress and failure pressure of pipelines. It investigates how the boundary conditions of the pipeline model influence stress and examines the sensitivity of failure pressure to corrosion defect parameters. A nonlinear regression equation has been developed from a dataset obtained through simulation experiments to predict the failure pressure of corroded pipelines. To validate the effects of corrosion defect parameters on failure pressure, a hydrostatic test platform for an API 5L X65 pipeline with corrosion defects was established to measure stress levels and failure pressures across varying corrosion defects. The study reveals that failure pressure is negatively correlated with corrosion length and depth, while positively correlated with corrosion width. Among these parameters, corrosion depth exerts a more significant influence on the pipeline's failure pressure than corrosion length and width. Within the range of corrosion defect parameters examined, the maximum deviation of the prediction equation's results from the simulation results is 8.71%, with an average deviation of 5.81%. The standard deviation of the fitted residuals is 0.01837. Additionally, the maximum deviation between the predicted results and experimental measurements is 8.39%, with an average deviation of 7.77%. The strong agreement between the predicted results from the equation and the actual measured data underscores the effectiveness of the nonlinear regression equation.

The paper will analyze the pressures and vulnerabilities of the consolidated city from two perspectives: technical and social. Some design and pragmatic experiences conducted by the author in his teaching and research experience first at the Department of Urbanism of TUDelft in the Netherlands and currently at the PDTA Department of La Sapienza University of Rome will be introduced and analyzed. In the first research activity, whose case study is Rotterdam, all urban vulnerabilities related to climate change will be analyzed while in the second one, conducted in Viterbo, the vulnerability related to the hull of social inclusion, poor accessibility and psycho-social stress that plague our established cities will be treated. The two areas of study, different in size and spatial governance tools, are comparable because they allow deciphering the city's risks through lines of intervention that could serve as best practices and serve the urban planning disciplinary update also allowing to define a reflection on morphology and fabrics and on the shape of the city itself. Both teaching and research activities in which the author is involved allow the topic of urban vulnerability to be addressed with a broad exploratory scope that, in the final stage, hypothesizes design intervention on the neighborhood scale, identified as the most appropriate to provide plausible climate and social adaptation and mitigation responses.

Pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) has received significant attention for capturing surface pressure in recent years. One major source of uncertainty in PSP measurements, temperature dependency, stems from the fundamental photophysical process that allows PSP to extract pressure information. The motion-capturing PSP method, which involves two luminophores, is introduced as a method to reduce the measurement uncertainty due to temperature dependency. A theoretical model for the pressure uncertainty due to temperature dependency is proposed and demonstrated using a static pressure measurement with an applied temperature gradient. The experimental validation of the proposed model shows that the motion-capturing PSP method reduces the temperature dependency by 37.7% compared to the conventional PSP method. The proposed model also proves that a PSP with zero temperature dependency is theoretically possible.

Heat exchangers play a vital role in numerous sectors like power generation and automotive manufacturing. Enhancing the energy efficiency of these exchangers stands as a significant hurdle. Utilizing nanofluids emerges as an optimal solution to augment heat transfer rates, leveraging their superior thermal conductivity while addressing economic constraints linked with traditional heat exchanger technologies. The motivation for this study is to consider the comprehensive synergistic features of MWCNTs, SiO₂, and hybrid MWCNTs–SiO₂ EG-based nanofluids in plate heat exchangers. This was achieved by simulating a plate heat exchanger using CFD (Fluent and Gambit softwares) considering the comparison of two SiO₂, MWCNTs, and their hybrid forms at different mass concentrations. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) method was employed to model turbulent flows, and the nanoparticles were compared in both single-phase and two-phase states, with their properties derived from experimental studies. Moreover, Nusselt number, convective heat transfer coefficient, and pressure drop variations were computed at different Reynolds numbers. The findings indicated an increase in the Nusselt number with the incorporation of the hybrid nanofluid, achieving a maximum enhancement of 11.19% in comparison to EG at a Reynolds number of 240 and a concentration of 0.86 wt.%. Noticeably, the pressure drop remained negligible at lower Reynolds numbers, exhibiting marginal variations up to 0.3% at higher Reynolds numbers. At a concentration of 0.86 wt.% and a Reynolds number of 480, the introduction of MWCNTs, hybrid, and SiO₂ nano-additives resulted in respective increases in the heat transfer coefficient by 21.02%, 10.76%, and 2.16% and corresponding alterations in pressure drop of 0.11%, 0.04%, and 0.02%.

In our previous papers, we demonstrated that inflammation and aging are the common roots of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In both diseases, there is an inhibition of the mitochondria. In cancer, the alkaline intracellular pH (pHi) is associated with cell proliferation; acidic pHi causes apoptosis in AD. This difference is because cancer feeds on chemically neutral glucose, while neurons feed on acidic lactic acid. Increased uptake of lactic acid is responsible for acidic pH and cell death. Similarly, to AD, inflammation is responsible for metabolic shifts in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In AD, there is hyperosmolarity responsible for increased lactic secretion by glial cells. Increased lactic secretion will cause neo-angiogenesis and neural cell death. Drugs increasing hyperosmolarity (Polyethylene Glycol) cause neo-angiogenesis and drusen-like structures in rodents. The link between AMD and inflammation is reinforced by the fact that treatments aiming at restoring mitochondrial activity, such as lipoic acid and/or methylene blue, have been experimentally shown to be effective in each set of diseases. The role of osmolarity has been demonstrated in the pathologies of the anterior segment of the eye, such as dry eye, corneal ulceration, cataracts, and glaucoma. The role of increased osmolarity in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been largely overlooked. We herein suggest that metabolic shift, inflammation, and hyperosmolarity are key players in the pathogenesis of AMD.

High pressure crystallization technique has been successfully used to prepare an elusive form II of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Mefenamic acid. Single crystal of form II was grown at 0.3 GPa from an 4:1 methanol/ ethanol mixture as a solvent using Diamond Anvil Cell. Comparison of crystal structures show that the efficient packing of MA molecules in Form II results from the structural flexibility of MA acid molecules. Compression studies performed on the single crystal of form I resulted in 14 % decrease of unit cell volume up to 2.5 GPa. No phase transition was observed up to this pressure. A reconstructive phase transition is required to induce conformational changes in the structure, which is confirmed by crystallization at high pressure results.

In diabetic foot injury prevention, no studies relate physical activity with the inflammatory response of the plantar tissues, evaluated by thermography and pressure distribution. These measurements are easy to be implemented in diabetic foot follow-up. The objective of this study was to analyze whether the plantar skin response, evaluated with thermography, after physical activity in healthy or diabetic patients, is a foot ulcer prognostic tool and to asses if there is a correlation between exercise intensity, plantar pressure and plantar thermographic response. A systematic review was carried out following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) format in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, with no year limit during the second quarter of 2024. A total of 14 studies have been included in this review. The use of infrared thermography for early inflammatory tissue detection, plantar pressures and the monitoring of controlled physical activity, make possible to monitor changes that allow the identification of patients at risk of developing foot ulcers.

Previous research has indicated that ultra-high pressure (UHP) technology is useful in speeding up the extraction process of cold brew (CB) coffee. However, the impact of different degrees of roasting on UHP CB coffee is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of three different degrees of roasting (light, medium, and dark) on the physicochemical and flavor characteristics of UHP CB coffee. The results of this study showed that most physicochemical characteristics of UHP coffee were similar to those of conventional CB coffee, regardless of the degree of roasting. However, the majority of physicochemical characteristics, non-volatile components, and sensory evaluation significantly increased with an increase in roasting degree. The HS-SPME-GC/MS analysis showed that most volatile components, such as pyrazines, furans (except furfural), esters, pyrrole, pyridine, and most aldehydes, increased from light to dark roasting, and this was significantly evident in CB coffee compared with UHP. The content of volatile components in UHP coffee was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that in CB coffee at the same degree of roasting, especially with dark roasting. The combination of orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the distance between coffee samples at different degrees of roasting under CB coffee was greater than that under UHP coffee. However, the distance between these two extraction methods at medium roasting was evidently closer than that at light and dark roasting. Moreover, 15 representative differential compounds, such as were Hazelnut pyrazine, linalool, butane-2,3-dione, 3- methylbutanal found by the calculation of odor-active values (OAVs) indicating the main contributing compounds to odor. Overall, the effect of roasting degrees on UHP coffee was less than that on CB coffee, which was consistent with the results of physicochemical characteristics, volatile components, and sensory evaluation.

The study focuses on a novel porous TiNi-based material for ophthalmic orbital implants which was produced by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) and, after proper surface modification, possesses a specific microstructure of its surface pores, which makes it attractive for biomedical use in implants. After preparation via SHS, the obtained porous TiNi material was etched in acidic environment, to get rid of its surface Ti2Ni secondary-phase particles. This was found to improve the material’s surface morphology, adding micro-roughness to its macro-rough pores. As a result, cell growth tests conducted on the material demonstrated improved cell adhesion and growth kinetics on such a porous material with improved roughness. Finally, the material was tested in vivo as an ophthalmic orbital implant, demonstrating good biocompatibility, good degree of biointegration with surrounding eyeball tissues, and no signs of rejection after as long as 180 days. Thus, the novel porous TiNi-based material shows promise for its use in ophthalmic implantology, for instanse for manufacturing musculoskeletal stumps of the eyeball after evisceration, as it is biocompatible, has a high tissue-implant integration potential and demonstrates reduced risks of exposure and rejection of the implant.

Tight gas, a category of Deep Green Energy Resources, rely on advanced intelligent monitoring methods for their extraction. Conventional logging for reservoir evaluation relies on logging data and the manual setting of evaluation criteria to classify reservoirs. However, the complexity and heterogeneity of tight reservoirs pose challenges in accurately identifying target layers by using traditional well-logging techniques. Machine learning may hold the key to solving this problem, as it enables computers to learn without being explicitly programmed and manually added rules. Therefore, it is possible to make reservoir evaluation via using machine learning methods. In this paper, the reservoir quality index (RQI) and porous geometric parameters obtained from the optimized inversion of the spherical-tubular model are adopted to evaluate the reservoir. Then, three different machine learning approaches, the random forest (RF) algorithm, support vector machine (SVM) algorithm, and extreme gradient boosting (XGB) algorithm, are utilized for reservoir classification. The selected dataset covers more than 7,000 samples from five wells. The data from four wells are arranged as the training dataset, and the data of the remaining one well is designed as the testing dataset to calculate the prediction accuracies of different machine learning algorithms. Among them, accuracies of RF, SVM, and XGB are all higher than 90%, and XGB owns the highest result by reaching 97%. Machine learning based approaches can greatly assist reservoir prediction by implementing the well-logging data. The research highlights the application of reservoir classification with a higher prediction accuracy by combining machine learning algorithms with NMR logging based pore structure characterization, which can provide a guideline for sweet spot identification within the tight formation. This not only optimizes resource extraction but also aligns with the global shift towards clean and renewable energy sources, promoting sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint associated with conventional energy production. In summary, the fusion of machine learning and NMR logging based reservoir evaluation plays a crucial role in advancing both energy efficiency and the transition to cleaner energy sources.

Background/Objectives: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) is a non-invasive marker of atherosclerosis. Low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake and vitamin D deficiency are potential cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with CKD. The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary intake and status of omega-3 PUFA and vitamin D in pre-dialysis and hemodialysis patients and to examine the link of dietary α-linolenic acid (ALA) and fish consumption with blood pressure and C-IMT in CKD patients. Methods: All 77 selected patients (36 pre-dialysis, 41 on hemodialysis) underwent standardized clinical, nutritional, and laboratory assessments. Repeated 24-hour recalls were performed to assess dietary intake. The fatty acid profile was determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Results: Inadequate vitamin D intake and vitamin D status were found in 95% of patients. PUFAs profiles did not differ between hemodialysis and pre-dialysis participants. Dietary intake of ALA was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=0.007), C-IMT (p=0.002), serum CRP (p=0.044), iPTH (p=0.01) and 25(OH)D3 (p=0.006). ALA intake of more than 0.23 g/daily was associated with lower SBP (p=0.001), serum 25(OH)D3 (p=0.004), and C-IMT (p=0.002). Conclusions: This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between dietary ALA intake and C-IMT in CKD. The results of this study could emphasize the significant role of the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and inadequate omega-3 PUFA intake and status considering CVD health in CKD patients.

Controlling injection parameters is paramount when it comes to producing high-quality green parts using powder injection molding. This work combines experimental and numerical approaches to study the impact of injection parameters on mold in-cavity pressure and on the overall quality of green parts produced by low-pressure powder injection molding. The properties of two low-viscosity feedstocks (formulated from a water-atomized stainless-steel powder and wax-based binder system) were measured and implemented in an Autodesk Moldflow numerical model to quantify the molding pressures, which were finally validated using experimental real-scale injections. The results confirmed that an increase in mold temperature, an increase in feedstock temperature, and a decrease in solid loading decrease the mold in-cavity pressure, which was correlated with the feedstock viscosity. As a key result, real-scale injections confirmed that a minimum flow rate was required to avoid atypical high in-cavity pressure leading in several visual defects such as weld lines, flow marks, cracks, sinks, and incomplete filling. Due to differences in its thermal transfer properties, this flow rate threshold value decreases as the feedstock solid loading increases. For injection speeds higher than this value, the injection pressure measured experimentally was linearly correlated with the injection flow rate.

Abstract: Coal bed methane (CBM) reservoirs are complex systems whose properties differ from those of conventional reservoirs. Coal seams are dual-porosity systems that comprise the porosities of the matrix and cleat system. Gas in the coal seams can be stored as free gas in the cleat system and as adsorbed gas in the porous medium. The flow mechanisms of the natural gas through the formation include desorption, diffusion, and Darcy’s flow regimes. The permeability of CBM reservoirs is more sensitive to pressure variations than conventional gas reservoirs. To study the flow behavior of CBM reservoirs it is mandatory to use a model that considers their unique characteristics. The objective of this study was to propose a physical and mathematical model of production performance for horizontal wells in CBM reservoirs whose permeability is dependent on pressure. A solution for the model was obtained by applying Pedrosa´s transformation, perturbation theory, Laplace transformation, the point source method, and Sthefest´s algorithm. The solution to this problem was validated with previous work thoroughly. The type curves of the model were built and the pressure transient behavior of the model was analyzed and discussed. The effects of several parameters on pressure behavior were also discussed.

High systolic blood pressure and increased blood pressure variability after the onset of ischemic stroke are associated with poor clinical outcomes. One of the key determinants of blood pressure is arteriolar size, determined by vascular smooth muscle tone and vasodilatory and vasoconstrictor substances that are released by the endothelium. The aim of this study is to outline alterations in vasomotor function in isolated peripheral arteries following ischemic stroke. The reactivity of thoracic aortic segments from male C57BL/6 mice to dilators and constrictors was quantified using wire myography. Acetylcholine induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation was impaired after ischemic stroke (LogIC50 Sham=-7.499, LogIC50 Stroke=-7.350, P=0.0132, n= 19, 31 respectively). Vasodilatory responses to SNP were identical in isolated aortas in sham and stroke groups. Phenylephrine induced vasoconstriction was impaired in aortas isolated from stroke animals in comparison to sham counterparts (Sham LogEC50= -6.652 vs Stroke LogEC50=-6.475, P< 0.001). Our study demonstrates that 24 hours post-ischemic stroke, peripheral vascular responses are impaired in remote arteries. Aortas from stroke animals exhibited reduced vasoconstrictor and endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses, while endothelium-independent vasodilatory responses were preserved. Since both vasodilatory and vasoconstrictor responses of peripheral arteries are impaired following ischemic stroke, our findings might explain increased blood pressure variability following ischemic stroke.

This cross-sectional study evaluated the validity of three alternative methods compared to the gold standard 24-h urine collection for estimating dietary sodium intake, a modifiable risk factor for hypertension, among middle-aged and older adults with elevated blood pressure. These included spot urine collection (using Kawasaki, Tanaka, and INTERSALT equations), 24-h dietary recall, and food frequency questionnaire responses, compared against 24-h urine collection in a subset of 65 participants (aged 50–75 years, 58.5 % women, 61.6 % hypertensive) from the DePEC-Nutrition trial. The validity of the methods was assessed using bias, Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman analysis. Among the alternative methods, spot urine collection using the Kawasaki equation showed the strongest correlation (SCC 0.238; ICC 0.119, 95 % CI -0.079 to 0.323) but it exhibited a significant bias (1414 mg/day, p-value < 0.001) relative to 24-h urine collection. Conversely, dietary surveys had a smaller bias but wider limits of agreement. These findings underscore the complexities of accurately estimating dietary sodium intake using spot urine collection or dietary surveys in this specific population, suggesting that a combination or refinement of existing methodologies might improve accuracy. Further research with larger samples is necessary to develop more reliable methods for assessing sodium intake in this high-risk group.

A recent paper demonstrates the importance of the linker region joining the two SNARE motifs of the neuronal t-SNARE SNAP25 for maintaining rates of secretion with roles for distinct segments in speeding fusion pore expansion (Shaaban et al., 2019, Elife. 8). Remarkably, lipid perturbing agents rescue a palmitoylation-deficient phenotype that includes slow fusion pore expansion, suggesting that protein-protein interactions have a role not only in bringing together the granule or vesicle membrane with the plasma membrane but also in orchestrating protein-lipid interactions leading to the fusion reaction. Furthermore, biochemical investigations demonstrate the importance of the C-terminal domain of the linker in the formation of the plasma membrane t-SNARE acceptor complex for synaptobrevin2 (Jiang, et al., 2019, FASEB J. 33:7985-7994;Shaaban et al., 2019, Elife. 8). This insight, together with biophysical and optical studies from other laboratories (Wang, et al., 2008, Molecular Biology of the Cell. 19:3944-3955; Zhao, et al., 2013, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 110:14249-14254) suggests that the plasma membrane SNARE acceptor complex between SNAP25 and syntaxin and the resulting trans SNARE complex with the v-SNARE synaptobrevin form just milliseconds before fusion.

Headache is considered to be one of the most common causes of medical treatment and evaluation worldwide in both acute and outpatient settings. It is the most common neurological symptom seen worldwide affecting all genders, ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic levels. It’s impact is noted in educational decline in school-aged children and decreased productivity through sick leave in adults. Its overall burden is well documented in well-resourced countries but limited data is seen low resourced countries. While many underlying causes bring about secondary headaches, primary headaches and more specifically migraines have been more widely explored. Migraines have a distinct criterion that is inclusive of one day duration (4 hours to 7 days, unilateral distribution, nausea and vomiting and disability as a few examples. However, migraines can vary and proper documentation through a migraine diary can help to guide treatment. Management of migraines can vary. Lifestyle modification is a key factor in the overall prevention and reduction of triggers in migraines. In addition to this, pharmacotherapy can be given in a tier-based approach based on overall severity and frequency of the migraine. Interventions have progressed from botox injection and have seen the advent of new medications such as nasal sprays to novel formulations of pre-existing drug formulations. Nonetheless, there is great room for further studies of headaches and migraines. Research specifically in low-resource countries can prove to beneficial.

The structural stability of γ-boron is investigated using Raman spectra under high pressures up to 126 GPa at ambient temperature. The pressure dependence of all the Raman-active modes of the γ-boron is reported. We also observe amusing changes within the B3g and B1g Raman-active vibrational modes, which results in the phenomenon of merging first and then separating of the Raman peaks. In addition to the Raman measurements, the changes in crystal structure and force constants are calculated to reasonably explain the discrepancy between the two Raman modes in response to pressure. The results of the continuous shifts for all Raman modes with increasing pressure indicate that γ-boron remains stable below this pressure value, with no changes in either symmetry or structure.

1) Introduction: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a frequently applied open abdomen (OA) treatment. There are only a few experimental data supporting this method and describing the optimal settings and pressure distribution in the abdominal cavity during this procedure. The aim of our study was to evaluate pressure values at different points of the abdominal cavity during NPWT in experimental abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) animal model. 2) Methods: In this study (permission Nr. 13/2014/UDCAR) 27 Hungahib pigs (15.4- 20.2 kg) were operated. ACS was generated by implanting a plastic bag in the abdomen through mini-laparotomy and filled with 2100- 3300 ml saline solution (37 C°) to an intraabdominal pressure (IAP) of 30 mmHg. After 3 hours, NPWT (Vivano Med ® Abdominal Kit, Paul Hartmann AG, Germany) or Bogota bag was applied. NPWT group was divided into -50, -100 and 150 mmHg suction group. Pressure distribution to the abdominal cavity was monitored at 6 different points of the abdomen via a multichannel pressure monitoring system. 3) Results: The absolute pressure levels were significantly higher above than below the layer. The values of the pressure were similar in the midline than laterally. Amongst the bowels, the pressure values changed periodically between 0 and -12 mmHg which might be caused by the peristaltic movements. 4) Conclusions: The porcine model of the present study seems to be well applicable for investigating ACS and NPWT. It was possible to provide valuable for clinicians. The pressure was well distributed by the protective layer to the lateral parts of the abdomen and this phenomenon did not change considerably during the therapy.

This research has developed a process for producing ZnO thin film from DEZn deposited onto a PET substrate with low-pressure, high-frequency Ar + O2 plasma using a chemical vapor deposition technique. The aim is to study the film production conditions that affect electrical properties, optical properties, and thin film surfaces. This work highlights the use of plasma energy produced from a mixture of gases between Ar + O2. Plasma production is stimulated with an RF power supply to deliver high chemical energy and push ZnO atoms from the cathode inside the reactor onto the substrate through surface chemical reactions. The results showed that increasing the RF power in plasma production affected the chemical reactions on the substrate surface of film formation. The film preparation at RF power 300 W will give the thickest films. The film has a continuous columnar formation, and the surface has a granular structure. This results in the lowest electrical resistivity of 1.8 x 10-4 Ω-cm. In addition, when fabricated into a DSSC device, the device tested the PCE value and showed the highest value at 5.68%. This is due to the very rough surface nature of the ZnO film, which increases the scattering and storage of sunlight, making cells more efficient. Therefore, the benefit of this research is that it will be a highly efficient prototype of thin film production technology using a chemical process that reduces production costs and can be used in the industrial development of solar cells.

Chronic exposure to the nephrotoxic metal pollutant, cadmium (Cd), has been associated with hypertension, but the mechanism by which it raises blood pressure is not understood. We hypothesize that exposure to Cd reduces the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which in turn, causes a rise in blood pressure. Data were collected from 447 Thai subjects with a mean age of 51.1 years, of which 48.8% had hypertension, 15.4% had diabetes and 6.9% had an estimated GFR (eGFR) below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (low eGFR). The mean blood and urinary Cd concentrations were 2.75 and 4.23 µg/L, respectively. The prevalence odds ratio (POR) for hypertension rose twofold in those with blood Cd levels of 0.61-1.69 µg/L or urinary Cd excretion levels ≥ 0.98 µg/g creatinine. In the hypertensive group, the eGFR was inversely associated with age (β =−0.517), the Cd excretion rate (β = −0.177), and diabetes (β = −0.175). Mean eGFR in the normotensive group was 7.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 higher than the hypertensive with a similar Cd body burden. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) in those with low or medium eGFR plus heavy Cd body burden was 9.5 mmHg higher than those with the same Cd body burden and a normal eGFR. By mediation analysis, a 22.7% increase in SBP and a 5% increase in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were attributable to the effect of Cd on GFR. Thus, a rise of blood pressure appears to be a consequence of GFR loss due to Cd-induced kidney damage. This finding is consistent with a well-known role of the kidney in long-term blood pressure regulation.

Formaldehyde (HCHO), an indoor volatile organic compound, is seriously harmful to human health. Therefore, green and effective decomposition of HCHO is essential. TiO₂ has been employed for the degradation of HCHO via photocatalytic generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (O^2-, ·OH), yet the low specific surface area of crystalline TiO₂ depressed the catalytic performance. Herein, we prepared TiO₂ aerogels with high specific surface area and high porosity by sol-gel method, and added PVA to introduce flexible molecular chains for pore size regulation. The photocatalytic performance test verifies that the pore size of TiO₂ aerogel is one of the important factors for HCHO decomposition. Notably, through the establishment of theoretical model and calculation, we validated that the efficiency of HCHO decomposition is related to the oxygen pressure in the pores of TiO₂ aerogel, and the oxygen pressure is inversely proportional to the pore size. Accordingly, the optimal pore size of TiO₂ aerogel for the photocatalytic HCHO decomposition is 2 nm~10 nm. This study provides a theoretical idea for TiO₂ aerogels in the decomposition reaction of HCHO, which is expected to inspire more breakthroughs in the study of TiO₂ aerogels for green chemistry.

Formaldehyde (HCHO), an indoor volatile organic compound, is seriously harmful to human health. Therefore, green and effective decomposition of HCHO is essential. TiO2 has been employed for the degradation of HCHO via photocatalytic generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (O2-, ·OH), yet the low specific surface area of crystalline TiO2 depressed the catalytic performance. Herein, we prepared TiO2 aerogels with high specific surface area and high porosity by sol-gel method, and added PVA to introduce flexible molecular chains for pore size regulation. The photocatalytic performance test verifies that the pore size of TiO2 aerogel is one of the important factors for HCHO decomposition. Notably, through the establishment of theoretical model and calculation, we validated that the efficiency of HCHO decomposition is related to the oxygen pressure in the pores of TiO2 aerogel, and the oxygen pressure is inversely proportional to the pore size. Accordingly, the optimal pore size of TiO2 aerogel for the photocatalytic HCHO decomposition is 2 nm-10 nm. This study provides a theoretical idea for TiO2 aerogels in the decomposition reaction of HCHO, which is expected to inspire more breakthroughs in the study of TiO2 aerogels for green chemistry.

Electrospun fiber scaffolds are widely used in small diameter vascular tissue engineering because they mimick organizational structure and biological function of natural extracellular matrix. However, there is still one problem of low patency rate in the long term. The main reasons are the mismatch of compliance and the easy formation of thrombus. Therefore, it is very important to promote the rapid endothelialization of small diameter tissue engineering blood vessels by regulating the topological structure and biological properties of electrospun fiber scaffolds. Firstly, crimped polylactic acid (PLA) fibers were prepared by heat treatment to mimick the crimped structure and nonlinear mechanical properties of the elastic membrane of blood vessel wall. It improved effectively the aspect ratio of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and promoted lateral alignment and growth. Then, crimped PLA fibers with three levels of pore structure were prepared by thermal induced phase separation, vapor induced phase separation and laser ablation to enhance the degree of HUVECs infiltrarion and realize patterned cell growth. Crimped PLA fibers with three levels of pore structure promote rapid endothelialization of blood vessels, which is of great significance to achieve long term patency rate of small diameter tissue engineering blood vessels.

Pressure Ulcers (PU) are a debilitating and often painful condition. They are localized lesions on the skin and/or underlying tissues and are common in the elderly, immobile people, diabetics and vascular disease or malnutrition, as well as in those requiring intensive or palliative care. Prevention and treatment of PU involve strategies to optimize hydration, circulation and nutrition. Nutrition plays a key role in pressure ulcer care because wounds require macronutrients and micronutrients to heal. Reports relating to the effectiveness of "Complementary Enzyme Therapy" also in the vulnological field led us to this study, the aim of which was to test the activity of a biodynamic nutritional supplement (Citozym®), characterized by a marked antioxidant activity, administered topically and/or systemically, in patients suffering from PU. The treatment showed a marked reduction in bedsores and in many cases their complete healing. Furthermore, it was possible to observe a lower incidence of side effects compared to conventional therapies. The results obtained, confirmed by various tests, and recognized by the scientific community, allow us to conclude that treatment with Citozym® could represent a new and effective strategy for the treatment of PU.

It has been suggested that the measured magnetic properties of hydrides under pressure claimed to be high temperature superconductors indicate that the materials are granular superconductors. Such materials will show reduced or no magnetic field expulsion under field cooling, and will trap magnetic fields when the external magnetic field is removed. They will also exhibit hysteretic behavior in magnetoresistance and other transport properties. Here we point out that hysteresis in transport properties has never been reported for hydrides under pressure. Its presence, with the expected features, would indicate that the materials trap magnetic flux, hence that they can sustain persistent currents without dissipation, something that all superconductors can do. Conversely, its absence would indicate that these materials are not superconductors.

Glucosamine is the most common nutrition supplement used in the United States. It is promoted not only as a pain reliever but also a therapy to slow osteoarthritis. Although studies with 3,800 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip found that glucosamine was no better than placebo, it continues to be used for these two indications due to its perceived safety. However, reports of an increased intraocular pressure are alarming, especially in glaucoma. Glycosaminoglycans play a key role in the physiology of the cornea, conventional outflow of aqueous humor and the retina. In theory, long-term treatment with glucosamine could reach a concentration that impacts the morphology and function of ocular tissues. We recommend ophthalmologists counsel glaucoma patients about the potential risks of glucosamine and encourage cessation in uncontrolled intraocular pressure.

Metabolic and ionic changes during ischaemia predispose the heart to the damaging effects of reperfusion. Such changes and the resulting injury differ between immature and adult heart. Therefore, cardioprotective strategies for adults need to be tested in immature heart. We have recently shown that simultaneous activation of PKA and EPAC confers marked cardioprotection in adult hearts. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of this intervention in immature hearts and determine whether the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) is involved. Isolated perfused Langendorff hearts from both adult and immature rats were exposed to global ischaemia and reperfusion injury (I/R) following control perfusion or perfusion after an equilibra-tion period with activators of PKA and/or EPAC. Functional outcome and reperfusion injury were measured and in parallel, mitochondria were isolated following 5 min reperfusion to determine whether cardioprotective interventions involved changes in MPTP opening behaviour. Perfusion for 5 minutes preceding ischaemia of injury- matched adult and immature hearts with 5 µM 8-Br (8-Br-cAMP-AM), an activator of both PKA and EPAC, led to significant reduction in post-reperfusion CK release and infarct size. Perfusion with this agent also led to a reduction in MPTP opening propensity in both adult and immature hearts. These data show that immature hearts are innately more resistant to I/R injury than adults, and that this is due to a reduced ten-dency to MPTP opening following reperfusion. Further, simultaneous stimulation of PKA & EPAC causes cardioprotection which is additive to the innate resistance.

The pressure exerted on the heart and blood vessels because of blood flow is considered as an important parameter for the cardiovascular function. It determines sufficient blood perfusion as well as transportation of nutrition, oxygen and other essential factors to every organ. Pressure in the primary arteries located near the heart and the brain, known as central blood pressure (CBP), while in peripheral arteries, known as peripheral blood pressure (PBP). Normally, CBP and PBP are correlated; however, cardiovascular disorders interfere their regulation and affect the blood flow in vital organs and accessory organs, differently. Therefore, understanding each of them in normal and disease conditions is essential for managing various cardiovascular disorders and increasing their treatment outcomes. In this review, we have described the control systems (neural, hormonal, osmotic and cellular) of the blood pressure and its regulation in hypovolemic shock using centhaquine (Lyfaquin®) as a resuscitative agent.

In the investment casting process, the pattern made of wax is obtained in a die for further formation of shell mold. This work investigates commercial pattern waxes fluidity with a newly developed injection fluidity test. A good correlation between wax fluidity and its viscosity is observed, which is different from metallic alloys, where the solidification behavior is more critical. The difference in investigated filled waxes fluidity can be associated with the type and amount of filler.

It is widely reported that the mitochondrial membrane potential, ∆Ψm, is reduced in aging animals. It was recently suggested that the lower ∆Ψm in aged animals modulate mitochondrial bioenergetics and that this effect is a major cause of aging since artificially increased ∆Ψm in C. elegans increased lifespan. Here I review, critically, studies that reported reduction of ∆Ψm in aged animals, including worms, and conclude that many of these observations are best interpreted as evidence that the fraction of depolarized mitochondria is increased in aged cells because of the enhanced activation of the mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore, mPTP. Activation of the voltage-gated mPTP depolarizes the mitochondria, inhibits oxidative phosphorylation, releases large amounts of calcium and mROS, and depletes cellular NAD+, thus accelerating degenerative diseases and aging. Since the inhibition of mPTP was shown to restore ∆Ψm and retard aging, the reported lifespan extension by artificially generated ∆Ψm in C. elegans is best explained by inhibition of the voltage-gated mPTP. Similarly, the reported activation of the mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response by reduction of ∆Ψm, and the reported preservation of ∆Ψm in dietary restriction treatment in C. elegans are best explained as a resulting from activation or inhibition of the voltage-gated mPTP, respectively.

In our previous works we have proposed design equations that can predict with reasonable accuracy the transition point from homogeneous to heterogeneous regime as well as the gas holdup and the mean Sauter diameter at the homogeneous regime. The validity of the proposed correlations was checked with data obtained using different geometrical configurations and several Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids as well as the addition of surfactants. However, in all the experiments the gas phase was atmospheric air. This work investigates the effect of gas phase properties by conducting experiments employing various gases (i.e., air, CO₂, He) that cover a wide range of physical property values. Experiments revealed that only the use of low-density gas (He) has a measurable effect on bubble column performance. More precisely, when the low-density gas (He) is employed, the transition point shifts to higher gas flow rates and the gas holdup decreases, a fact attributed to the lower momentum force exerted by the gas. In view of the new data, the proposed correlations have been slightly modified to include the effect of gas phase properties and it is found that they can predict the aforementioned quantities with an accuracy of ±15%. It has been also proved that CFD simulations are an accurate means for assessing the flow characteristics inside a bubble column.

A major obstacle faced by nanopore-based polymer sequencing and analysis is the high speed of translocation of an analyte (nucleotide, DNA, amino acid (AA), peptide) through the pore; the rate currently exceeds available detector bandwidth. Except for one method that uses an enzyme ratchet to sequence DNA, attempts to resolve the problem satisfactorily have been largely unsuccessful. Here a counterintuitive method based on reversing the pore voltage, and, with some analytes, increasing their mobility, is described. A simplified Fokker-Planck model shows a significant increase in translocation times for single nucleotides and AAs (up from ~10 ns to ~1 ms). More realistic simulations show that with a bi-level positive-negative pore voltage profile all four nucleotides in DNA (dAMP, dTMP, dCMP, and dGMP) and the 20 proteinogenic amino acids can be trapped inside the pore long enough for detection with bandwidths of ~1-10 Khz.

Diagnostics and decomposition of atmospheric disturbances in a planar flow are considered and applied to numerical modeling results with the direct possibility to use in atmosphere monitoring especially in such strong events which follow magnetic storms. The study examines a situation in which the stationary equilibrium temperature of a gas may depend on a vertical coordinate, that seriously complicates the problem solution. The relations connecting perturbations for acoustic and entropy modes are analytically established and led to the solvable diagnostic equations. These perturbation structures, found as the equation solutions specify acoustic and entropy modes in an arbitrary stratified gas under the condition of stability. These time-independent diagnostic relations link gas perturbation variables of the acoustic and the entropy modes. Hence, they provide the ability to decompose the total vector of perturbations into acoustic and non-acoustic (entropy) parts uniquely at any instant within the all accessible heights range. As a prospective model, we consider the diagnostics at the height interval [120;180] km, where the equilibrium temperature of a gas depends linearly on the vertical coordinate. For such a heights range it is possible to proceed with analytical expressions for pressure and entropy perturbations of gas variables. Individual profiles of acoustic and entropy parts for some data, obtained by numerical experiment, are illustrated by the plots for the pure numerical data against ones obtained by the model. The total energy of a flow is determined for both approaches and its height profiles are compared.

Within the research of pressure pipeline inspection methods there is an industry that is constantly growing and becoming more efficient. The purpose of inspection methods on pressure pipelines comes back to the issue of resolving leaks, corrosion, and inability of a pipeline to function (eventually). Evidently, these issues can hurt the environment, the public using the material being carried out by these pressure pipelines such as natural gas or petroleum and can hurt the pockets of pipeline companies that did not react quick enough to their pipeline solely for the reason that they may have not noticed there was an issue with their pressure pipeline. In-line inspection methods are continuously growing and have already made an impact to prevent the catastrophes that occur when a pipeline is not maintained. Technology such as smart pigs, MFLs, and ultrasounds are the future of pressure pipeline inspection. This research paper explains their pros and cons and how they’re overall more efficient and preferred as the primary inspection method for a pipeline. Older, more traditional methods such as aerial inspection, by-foot inspection, hydrostatic pressure testing, and Direct Assessment does not cover every base of inspection like in-line inspection technology does and this research explains why that is and the areas of where in-line inspection technology can be improved and deemed not as useful. This is where trenchless renewal and replacement methods come into play with inspection methods and determining the characteristics of a pipeline that matches with which inspection method and which trenchless method to use. The future of inspection methods for pressure pipelines is attainable and is somewhat already here, this research discusses the new emerging technologies and how designing in-line inspection technology to be cheaper and more versatile with pipeline characteristics can make everyone a winner in the future. A winner as far the environment being safe, neighborhoods near pressure pipelines being safe, companies being able to install in-line inspection technology at a fraction of the cost of today and the efficiency of pipelines by monitoring the characteristics with this new technology.

At present more than 9 million people die of cancer every year. Simple and broad-spectrum drugs are still an urgent need for cancer patients. Recently, we proposed a new hypothesis that intracellular osmotic pressure (IOP) is the driving force of cell division, and abnormal tumor proliferation is the result of uncontrolled IOP in cells. On the one hand, aneuploidy and abnormal function of Na⁺/K⁺ pump lead to a faster rise of IOP in tumor cell than normal cells, on the other hand, abnormality of cytoskeleton assembly leads to the decrease of tolerance limit of cell membrane (TLCM) of tumor cells for resisting IOP. This hypothesis predicts: 1)Tumor cells were more intolerant to hypotonic stress than normal cells. 2) Maligancies may be sellectively killed by a suddenn increase of IOP and combined with decrease of the TLCM of tumors. Na⁺/K⁺ pump inhibitors can promotely increase the IOP of tumor cells and cytoskeleton inhibitors can dramatically lower the TLCM of tumor cells. Therefore, Na⁺/K⁺ pump and cytoskeleton inhibitors may have a synergetic effect to kill tumor cells. 3) Molecules regulating cell osmolality may be new targets for cancer treatment.

Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM) is a non-conventional machining process that, unlike other methods, is deemed superior because of its applicability, versatility, and no heat-affected zones in the target material. The main objective of this paper was to develop a cheap, practical model for a low-pressure water jet cutting machine and provide some empirical test data for cutting delicate materials. Proper design calculations were performed and are included for both the water jet machine and the two-axis numerical control. Finite Element Analysis results validate the structural integrity of beams and columns in AWJM. Computational Fluid Dynamic analysis of the nozzle shows good agreement with the theoretical calculations regarding the pressure and velocity of the water-abrasive mixture exiting the nozzle. Modal analysis in ANSYS was done to mitigate potential failure due to resonance induced by vibrations. Limited testing on various thicknesses of polystyrene foam ranging from 1-5 mm thickness and rubber sheet of 1 mm thickness showed that even low pressure of 25-30 bar was sufficient to produce a kerf without any burr. However, extensive testing to report optimized parameters like nozzle transverse speed, standoff distance, abrasive flow rate, etc for working at low-pressure ranges is still a consideration for future investigation.

The structural, elastic, and electronic properties of orthorhombic Cd2SiO4 and Hg2GeO4 were examined under varying pressure conditions using first-principles calculations based on densi-ty-functional theory employing the projector augmented wave method. The obtained cell pa-rameters at 0 GPa were found to align well with existing experimental data. We delved into the pressure-dependence of normalized lattice parameters and elastic constants. In Cd2SiO4, all lat-tice constants decreased as pressure increased, whereas in Hg2GeO4, parameters a and b de-creased while parameter c increased under pressure. Employing the Hill average method, we calculated the elastic moduli and Poisson’s ratio up to 10 GPa, noting an increase with pressure. Evaluation of ductility/brittleness under pressure indicated both compounds remained ductile throughout. We also estimated elastic anisotropy and Debye temperature under varying pres-sures. Cd2SiO4 and Hg2GeO4 were identified as indirect band gap insulators, with estimated band gaps of 3.34 eV and 2.09 eV, respectively. Interestingly, Cd2SiO4 exhibited a significant increase in band gap with increasing pressure, whereas the band gap of Hg2GeO4 decreased under pres-sure, revealing distinct structural and electronic responses despite their similar structures.

Abstract:High-pressure water jet technology has received extensive attention and application due to its high efficiency and environmental protection characteristics. The high-pressure water jet nozzle is its core component, and the research on the high-pressure water jet nozzle is conducive to improving the jet performance and improving the jet efficiency. This paper introduces the characteristics of water jet and the working principle of pure water jet, abrasive water jet, pulsed water jet and cavitation water jet, reviews the theoretical analysis and experiment of the predecessor's nozzle, briefly explains the application of high-pressure water jet and looks forward to the development trend of this technology.

This study investigates the suitability of the timestamp approach algorithm for predicting blood pressure (BP) using wearable and comfortable devices, showcasing its accuracy even with low-frequency sampled signals. Developed within the SINTEC European project, the algorithm utilizes Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensors, demonstrating promising results in both laboratory and hospital settings. The research emphasizes the algorithm’s potential to transform continuous and non-invasive BP monitoring through wearable technology, offering frequent measurements with minimal discomfort. While the study shows promise, further exploration is needed, focusing on optimizing machine learning coefficients for long-term monitoring applications and addressing potential changes over time. Technological improvements, including the implementation of edge computing algorithms, hold the key to enhancing BP accuracy, denoising techniques, and integrating alarm systems for future wearable solutions. This study emphasizes the adaptability of the algorithm for diverse healthcare environments, paving the way for broader applications in convenient and reliable BP monitoring.

The surrounding rock during the coal mine excavation is prone to significant engineering disasters such as considerable deformation and rockbursts. Pressure release can improve the stress field of a deep rock mass and prevent the occurrence of dangers such as roadway collapse and coal and gas outbursts. This paper uses the ANSYS/LS-DYNA finite element software to simulate the crush area and fracture zone of a detonation charge with different diameters under in-situ stress. The stability of the surrounding rock was analyzed based on the impact stress and velocity, and was verified by field tests. The research results show that the blasting load primarily affects the damaged area near the borehole, while the in-situ stress affects the far-field crack propagation. The crack propagates in the direction of high surrounding rock pressure. When the uncoupling index is 1.5, the impact pressure of the 60 mm diameter cartridge is 8 times that of the 20 mm diameter cartridge. The impact speed can reach 2 times that of the 20 mm diameter cartridge. The high-energy event of the roof is transferred to the front of the working face, the distribution is no longer concentrated, and a better blasting pressure relief effect is achieved. The research results can help guide the prevention and control measures of rock bursts and other mining disasters.

Demolished concrete and plastic waste are two increasingly aggravating problems. In this study, a novel method was proposed to simultaneously recycle concrete and plastic wastes by compacting concrete and plastic powders together under pressure and temperature. The influence of compression pressure and temperature as well as the mixture proportion on the bending strength of specimens was investigated. The results showed that pressure and temperature had a positive effect on the specimen strength; however, the molding temperature should not exceed the melting temperature of plastic. The proportion of plastic had a minimal effect on the bending strength of the specimen when plastic accounted for 25%–75% of the overall mass of the test piece.

In reservoir engineering, one of the main sources of information for the characterization of reservoir and well parameters is well testing. Among the unconventional well testing methodologies, Harmonic Well Testing (HPT) is appealing from an economic standpoint because it could provide well performance and reservoir behavior monitoring without having to interrupt field production. Recorded pressure analysis is performed in the frequency domain by adopting a derivative approach similar to conventional well testing. To this end, pressure and rate data must be decomposed into harmonic components. Test interpretability can be significantly improved if pressure data are detrended prior to interpretation, filtering out non periodic events such as discontinuous production from neighboring wells and flow regime variations which did not respect the designed test periodicity. Therefore, detrending offers the possibility of overcoming the limitation of HPT applicability due to the difficulty of imposing a regularly pulsing rate for the whole test duration (typically lasting several days). This makes HPT attractive for well performance monitoring, especially in gas storage fields. In this paper, the application of different detrending methodologies to synthetic HPT pressure data generated in different reservoir and operational scenarios is presented and discussed. Moreover, a real case application is also presented.

The precipitation, flocculation, and deposition of asphaltene cause severe formation damage within a reservoir and shorten a well’s productive life. Pressure depletion is one factor that contributes to asphaltene precipitation during production; therefore, the first step in managing asphaltene is to determine the onset pressure of the precipitation. While there are numerous equation of state models that can be used to predict the onset pressure, these models are complex and heavily reliant on tuning parameters. Using multivariate linear regression, this work attempts to develop a simple and accurate thermodynamic model for predicting the upper precipitation onset pressure under pressure depletion above the bubble point pressure (Pb) at various temperatures. A total of 94 experimental data points from 37 published crude oil data sets were compiled from the literature. To develop the model, 59 experimental data points were used as training data and 35 experimental data points as testing data. According to the results of the multicollinearity test, the bubble point pressure, temperature, resins, and saturate-to-aromatic ratio were chosen as predictors. The upper onset pressure data with comparable trends were clustered, and unsupervised recognition of three distinct cluster groups was performed. For each cluster identified, a multivariate linear regression model was developed. The model was chosen based on Mallow’s coefficient of determination (Cp), adjusted R² (statistical measure of fit), and S (standard error of the regression slope). The developed model was tested using a data set, and the results showed an adjusted R² of 96.25%, with a mean absolute error of 4.1%. The model was randomly applied to 15 data points to compare it to perturbed-chain statistical associated fluid theory (PC SAFT) and the Peng-Robinson equation of state models and to the multivariate regression models of Fahim (2007) and Ameli et al. (2016). The results showed that the mean absolute error for predicting the asphaltene precipitation onset pressure was 2.82% using Peng-Robinson, 2.36% using the PC SAFT equation of state, 23.96% using the Fahim model, 24.80% using the model reported by Ameli et al., and 2.39% using the newly developed multivariate regression model. The developed multivariate model appears to be as accurate as the PC SAFT equation of state modeling with tuning parameters. The primary advantage of multivariate regression is that, unlike the PC SAFT equation of state model, it does not require saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA)-based characterization methodologies or rigorous parameter tuning. It is simple to use, quick, and it produces results in a short period of time.

Purpose: The deterioration of oral function has been getting much attention as “Oral frailty”. This study evaluated the change in tongue pressure, one of the objective items of oral frailty, to examine the relationship between body position and tongue pressure. Methods: This study was prospective, observational study in a single-center. The participants were categorized by Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Tongue pressure was measured in the following positions: dorsal, sitting, and sitting with plantar grounding. Differences in tongue pressure between CFS and between body positions were statistically analyzed. Results: A significant decrease in tongue pressure was demonstrated in CFS4 compared to CFS3. Furthermore, in CFS5 and CFS6, tongue pressure decreased in the sitting po-sition compared to that in the dorsal position and recovered to the dorsal level with plantar grounding. Conclusions: Tongue pressure decreased as the progression of frailty. It decreased by sitting, and this decrease was alleviated by plantar grounding.

Chronic exposure to the nephrotoxic metal pollutant, cadmium (Cd), has been associated with the pathogenesis of hypertension, but so far, the mechanism has not been well defined. We hypothesize that exposure to Cd causes a decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which in turn, causes a rise in blood pressure. Data were collected from 447 Thai subjects with a mean age of 51.1 years, of which 48.8% had hypertension, 15.4% had diabetes and 6.9% had an estimated GFR (eGFR) below 60 mL/min/1.73m2 (low eGFR). The mean blood Cd and mean urinary Cd concentrations were 2.75 and 4.23 µg/L, respectively. Prevalence odds ratio (POR) for hypertension rose twofold in those with a medium Cd burden and blood Cd levels of 0.61-1.69 µg/L. In the hypertensive group, the eGFR was inversely associated with age (β =−0.517), the Cd excretion rate (β = −0.177), and diabetes (β = −0.175). Mean eGFR in those with hypertension was 7.5 mL/min/1.73m2 lower than those who were normotensive with the same Cd body burden. In addition, higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) values were associated with older age (β = 0.243), higher BMI (β = 0.113), lower eGFR (β = −0.106) and diabetes (β = 0.216). Mean SBP in those who had low eGFR and medium and heavy Cd body burden was 9.5 mmHg higher than those with the same Cd body burden and a normal eGFR. Thus, chronic environmental exposure to Cd that produces urinary and blood Cd levels of 0.57-0.61 µg/L, increases the risk of hypertension, and this could be mediated by a declining GFR.

This study examined the association between pressure injuries and complexity of abdominal temperature measured in residents of a nursing facility. The temperature served as a proxy measure for skin thermoregulation. Refined multiscale sample entropy and bubble entropy were used to measure the complexity of the temperature time series measured over two days at 1-minute intervals. Robust summary measures were derived for the multiscale entropies and used in predictive models for pressure injuries that were built with adaptive lasso regression and neural networks. Both types of entropies were lower in the group of participants with pressure injuries (n=11) relative to the group of non-injured participants (n=15). This was generally true at the longer temporal scales, with the effect peaking at scale τ=23 minutes. Predictive models for pressure injury on the basis of refined multiscale sample entropy and bubble entropy yielded 92% accuracy, outperforming predictions based on any single measure of entropy. Combining entropy measures with a widely used risk assessment score led to the best prediction accuracy. Complexity of abdominal temperature series could therefore serve as an indicator of risk of pressure injury.

Background: Morphological alterations in intracranial pressure pulse waveform (ICPPW) secondary to intracranial hypertension (ICP >20 mmHg) and reduction in intracranial compliance (ICC) are well known indicators of neurological severity. To date, no studies have documented the ICPPW modifications after intracranial hypertension resolution with decompressive craniectomy (DC). The present study aimed to assess the morphological alterations in ICPPW among neurocritical care patients with and without DC, by comparing the variations of ICPPW features according to elevations in mean ICP values. Methods: Patients requiring ICP monitoring because of severe traumatic or spontaneous conditions were included. Mean ICP values were compared with ICPPW features (P2/P1 ratio, TTP and pulse amplitude). Elevation in ICP was produced by means of ultrasound-guided manual internal jugular veins compression. Results were distributed for three groups: intact skull (exclusive burr hole for ICP monitoring), craniotomy/large fractures (group 2) or DC (group 3). Results: 57 patients were analyzed. 21 (36%) presented no skull defects, whereas 15 (26%) had DC. ICP was not significantly different between groups: ±13.59 for intact and ±17.66 mmHg for DC, with ICP induced elevation also similar between groups (p= 0.56). Significant elevation was observed for P2/P1 ratio for groups 1 and 2, whereas reduction was observed in group 3 (elevation of ±0.09 for groups 1 and 2, whereas reduction of 0.03 for group 3, p=0.01). Conclusion: In the present study, intracranial pressure pulse waveform analysis indicated that intracranial compliance was significantly more impaired among decompressive craniectomy patients, although ICPPW indicated DC to be protective for further influences of ICP elevations over the brain. Analysis of ICPPW seems to be an alternative to real time ICC assessment.

We overview recent findings achieved in the field of model-driven development of additively manufactured porous materials for development of a new generation of bioactive implants for orthopedic applications. Porous structures produced of biocompatible titanium alloys by selective laser melting can present a promising material to design scaffolds with regulated mechanical properties and with capacity to be loaded with pharmaceutical products. Adjusting pore geometry, one could control elastic modulus and strength/fatigue properties of the engineered structures to be compatible with bone tissues, thus preventing the stress shield effect when replacing a diseased bone fragment. Adsorption of medicals by internal spaces would make it possible to emit the antibiotic and anti-tumor agents into surrounding tissues. We critically analyze the recent advances in the field featuring model design approaches, virtual testing of the designed structures, capabilities of additive printing of porous structures, biomedical issues of the engineered scaffolds and so on. A special attention is paid to highlight the current troubles in the field and the ways of their solutions.