Adjacent Surface Research Articles

Bond-slip model of corroded plain round bars in low-strength concrete under cyclic and monotonic loading

The effect of corrosion on the overall behavior of beam-type bond-slip samples constructed from low-strength concrete and plain round bars was examined in this study. First, a set of nominally identical specimens underwent testing under both monotonic and cyclic loading, and subsequently, the bond-slip interaction was assessed for each individual sample. The observed failure mode for plain round bars was direct pullout without concrete splitting apart, characterized by the loss of cohesion between the rebar and the adjacent concrete surface. Then, an analytical relationship was established by fitting a curve to the average experimental data using the method of least squares. Corrosion-degradation in the bond stress was considered by incorporating an exponential component into the equation of the reference bond-slip curve (i.e., null corrosion). Besides, the degradation in bond strength was predicted as a function of corrosion level, which is in the form of an exponential curve. The maximum surface crack width, an easily quantified variable on-site, was correlated with the bond strength of corroded bars. The regression analysis successfully established the optimal relationship between the maximum surface crack width and the corrosion level in an exponential form as well. Notably, the majority of the data in all cases fell within the 95% confidence interval.

Spatial windowing for finite-size incident sound transmission coefficient of multi-component surfaces

Spatial windowing was introduced for alleviating problems related to the infinite behaviour of rectangular surfaces. For finite rectangular surfaces, the radiation efficiency can be computed very efficiently. Considering multi-component surfaces such as a building façade, which include both rectangular and non-rectangular surfaces (e.g., wall and window), an adjusted version of the spatial windowing is here applied, using a divide-and-conquer approach of rectangular surfaces and applying the correlation between two adjacent surfaces. Hence, the transmission coefficient and sound reduction index (SRI) of multi-component finite surfaces can be calculated. For a glass surface, the adjusted radiation efficiency presents good agreement with the non-adjusted one. Applying a convergence study to the adjusted radiation efficiency with respect to the glass surface, it was found that a coarsely divided surface approximates the relative undivided surface very well, under far-field conditions. Similar results were obtained with respect to the SRI of a single-component (glass) and a multi-component (glass and wall) surface. Applying both far-field and near-field conditions in a multi-component surface, the glass typically dominates the total SRI, especially with increasing its area. However, in the coincidence region of the wall, the SRI of the wall can be decisive for the total SRI.

Cs‐Promoted Co Particles on Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia as Coke‐Tolerance Methane Dry Reforming Catalyst under Elevated Pressure

Methane reforming with CO2 (dry reforming) co‐converts the two green‐house gases into synthesis gas and offers a promising way to integrate CO2 utilization into the current chemical infrastructure. One major obstacle for its industrial deployment is coke deposition on catalyst surface, in particular, under industrially relevant, pressurized operation conditions. Most catalytic investigations are conducted at atmospheric pressure, but the elevation in pressure poses a grand challenge for catalyst design. In this study, we demonstrate that Cs can promote carbon‐tolerance of Co catalyst supported on Yttria‐stabilized Zirconia under 20 bar, 850 oC with stochiometric feed flow for up to 100 h, which is often regarded as accelerated deactivation testing condition. Lowered amount and mostly CO2 gasifiable residue carbons are determined in Cs‐promoted spent Co‐catalyst, with respect to pristine Co catalyst. Kinetic studies reveal that Cs slows down coke deposition, while the essential reaction mechanism on pristine Co catalyst remains unaltered. Cs+ moieties absorb CO2 to afford Cs2CO3 that can release O* on adjacent Co surface to facilitate surface C* oxidation and simultaneously suppress carbon nucleation. The disclosure of the promoting effect of Cs on Co catalyst may have implications to other reforming catalyst and process design.

Characterizing the soil microbial community associated with the fungal pathogen Coccidioides immitis.

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease affecting humans and other mammals, caused by environmental pathogens of the genus Coccidioides . Understanding the ecological factors that shape the distribution of Coccidioides in soils is important for minimizing the risk of human exposure, though this remains challenging due to the pathogen's highly variable spatial distribution. Here, we examined associations between the soil microbial community and Coccidioides immitis presence within the Carrizo Plain National Monument-a minimally disturbed grassland ecosystem, and the site of a longitudinal study examining the effects of rodents and their burrows on C. immitis presence in soils. Using internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 16S sequencing to characterize the soil fungal and bacterial communities, we found over 30 fungal species, including several other members of the Onygenales order, that co-occurred with Coccidioides more frequently than expected by chance. Coccidioides -positive samples were significantly higher in microbial diversity than negative samples, an association partly driven by higher Coccidioides presence within rodent burrows compared to surface soils. Soil source ( i.e., rodent burrow versus surface soil) explained the largest amount of variation in bacterial and fungal community diversity and composition, with soils collected from rodent burrows having higher microbial diversity than those collected from adjacent surface soils. While prior evidence is mixed regarding associations between Coccidioides and microbial diversity, our study suggests that favorable microhabitats such as rodent burrows can lead to a positive association between soil diversity and Coccidioides presence, particularly in otherwise resource-limited natural environments.

Oscillation spectra of surface resistance of low-dimensional organic conductors in a tilted magnetic field

The resonance spectrum of the surface resistance derivative in organic conductors has been calculated numerically for the out-of-plane and in-plane magnetic field orientation. Not all but some of the resonances in a given series of transitions are present in the spectra. They are observed as maxima in the surface resistance derivative curve. For tilted magnetic fields, apart from the resonances for transitions between the adjacent surface states, there also appear resonances corresponding to the transitions between more distant surface states. The calculations allow for the obtain of additional information on the surface properties for fabrication of devices based on organic molecular conductors.

Soils in Understanding Land Surface Construction: An Example from Campania Plain, Southern Italy

The contribution of sediment transport and accumulation to soil formation was investigated in an area characterized by continental sedimentary activity since the Late Pleistocene. The area was the north-eastern portion of the large Quaternary graben represented by the Campania Plain, which is rimmed to the north–east–south by the Mesozoic carbonate Apennine nappes. The plain was filled mainly by products generated by eruptions from the Phlegrean Fields, which were also distributed on the slopes bordering the plain and remobilized toward the adjacent surfaces. Five sites were selected in the area in question. They were studied using morphological features and pertinent characteristics of the mineral soil fraction >2.0 mm, such as their volume and lithological description. Soils were compared to selected lithostratigraphic sequences characterizing the studied area, which were collected from literature and reinterpreted in pedological keys. The results showed that soils derived from the emplacement of Phlegrean primary volcanic materials, such as Campania Ignimbrite (~39–40 ky B.P.) and Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (~15 ky B.P.), with the related weathering products, and from volcanic materials reworked and transported by alluvial/colluvial episodes. The latter formed contrasting soil horizons which, differing in both rock fragment content and lithological composition, testified to the presence of lithological discontinuities. The formation of the horizons in question interrupted the genetic sequence derived from the in situ alteration of the volcanic substrata, suggesting that processes of transport and redistribution of sediments from the adjacent mountain slopes contributed to soil formation. The comparison of the pedostratigraphies with the lithostratigraphic sequences indicated a strong relation between geomorphic and pedogenetic events.

Coanda Effect Displayed in a Giant Intracranial Aneurysm.

The Coanda effect is a fluid dynamics phenomenon in which a fluid jet adheres to a convex or flat surface. This effect occurs when a liquid or gas jet emerging from an orifice clings to an adjacent surface and entrains the surrounding fluid, creating a lower-pressure region along its path that maintains its attachment to the surface. The Coanda effect accounts for the behavior of blood flow in the fetal right atrium and the dispersion of eccentric mitral regurgitation jets along atrial walls. This series of interesting images depicting a large 4 × 3.75 cm saccular intracranial aneurysm suggests that the Coanda effect may play a role in the pathophysiology of intracranial aneurysms and could be an underlying factor in their formation, progression, or rupture.

Improved Liver Intravital Microscopic Imaging Using a Film-Assisted Stabilization Method.

Intravital microscopy (IVM) is a valuable method for biomedical characterization of dynamic processes, which has been applied to many fields such as neuroscience, oncology, and immunology. During IVM, vibration suppression is a major challenge due to the inevitable respiration and heartbeat from live animals. In this study, taking liver IVM as an example, we have unraveled the vibration inhibition effect of liquid bridges by studying the friction characteristics of a moist surface on the mouse liver. We confirmed the presence of liquid bridges on the liver through fluorescence imaging, which can provide microscale and nondestructive liquid connections between adjacent surfaces. Liquid bridges were constructed to sufficiently stabilize the liver after abdominal dissection by covering it with a polymer film, taking advantage of the high adhesion properties of liquid bridges. We further prototyped a microscope-integrated vibration-damping device with adjustable film tension to simplify the sample preparation procedure, which remarkably decreased the liver vibration. In practical application scenarios, we observed the process of liposome phagocytosis by liver Kupffer cells with significantly improved image and video quality. Collectively, our method not only provided a feasible solution to vibration suppression in the field of IVM, but also has the potential to be applied to vibration damping of precision instruments or other fields that require nondestructive ″soft″ vibration damping.

Catalytic activity of MoO3:V2O5 mixed oxides towards oxidation reactions: the nature of catalytic centers

Singlet oxygen emission and peroxide generation at the surface of molybdenum–vanadium oxides evidenced that the catalytic activity of a MoO3:V2O5 mixed oxide at 70–175 °C was governed by the formation of peroxo groups in the interaction of molecular oxygen with adjacent Viv surface centers; the thermolysis of these groups yielded singlet oxygen capable of oxidizing selectively alcohols to aldehydes.

599. ASSESSMENT OF BREATHING MECHANICS IN OESOPHAGEAL CANCER SURVIVORS USING A 3D-MOTION CAPTURE SYSTEM

Abstract Background Traditional open surgery is characterised by an intercostal incision. The associated ribcage injury may precipitate the development of post-thoracotomy-related pain, with impaired respiratory muscle contraction, leading to compromised coughing and decreased lung volumes. These changes in breathing mechanics may precipitate pulmonary complications, occurring in up to 40% of the patients. There is however no data available on the long-term breathing function and its implications on the health-related quality of life following oesophagectomy. This proof-of-concept study aimed to objectively measure breathing movements using a 3D-motion capture system and to understand the impact of surgery on breathing patterns in oesophageal cancer survivors. Methods Oesophageal cancer survivors who were disease-free for at least 1 year postoperatively and healthy controls were included. Participants completed quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaires, including EORTC QLQ-C30, -OG25 and LASORS. Eighty-nine retroreflective markers were affixed to the participants' trunks to measure respiratory movements via the Vicon motion capture system during handheld spirometry performance. The highest spirometry value was recorded for the slow inspiratory (SIVC) and forced expiratory vital capacity (FEVC). Concurrent movement data was obtained from adjacent surface markers connected to the midpoint, allowing evaluation of the total volumetric movement of the trunk, and thoracic and abdominal contributions. Results Eighteen patients (median age 68) and 22 controls (median age 29) were included. Patients exhibited a significantly reduced SIVC alongside decreased chest movement contribution (median 2.4519 litres IQR 0.9270) compared to controls (median 3.1492 litres, IQR 1.8381) (p=0.013). Meanwhile, patients also had significantly lower FEVC with lower abdominal movement (median 1.5134 litres, IQR 0.7852) compared to controls (median 2.1263 litres, IQR 0.8740) (p=0.039). The QoL amongst patients was significantly worse for half of the EORTC domains, including physical functioning, fatigue, dyspnoea, pain and discomfort, and coughing (p<0.05). Additionally, the QoL of patients was consistently lower across all LASOR domains (p<0.05). Conclusion Current data showed lower spirometry parameters and breathing movements amongst oesophageal cancer survivors, suggestive of impaired breathing mechanics. Specifically, chest expansion was compromised during slow inhalation, while abdominal contraction was reduced during forced exhalation. These findings suggest restrictive changes in breathing mechanics

PERFORMANCE OF WATER COOLING FOR RADIATION HEAT FLUX FUEL STORAGE TANK

Full-surface fire on fuel storage tank emits high radiation heat transfer. As a fire protection strategy, the water curtain cooling system is activated to reduce the temperature on the adjacent tank surface. Therefore, the present work predicts and analyses the radiation heat flux and the maximum flame temperature of different types of fuels. Further, this analyses the effect of fuel total mass on radiation heat flux and maximum flame temperature and observes the effect of distance between two tanks on radiation heat flux distribution. The relationship between water cooling flow rate and outlet water temperature that absorbed radiation heat flux has been studied. The study has been conducted by using the Consequence modeling software trial version. The modeling setup of the tank is 17 m in height with 65 m inner diameter, and the meteorological data used are 5.4 m/s wind speed with north wind direction at atmospheric pressure in order to imitate the worst-case fire scenario. The results reveal that the gasoline fuel emitted the highest heat flux value of 11.03 kW/m2 and the raw gasoline sample emits the lowest heat flux value of 9.14 kW/m2. Furthermore, the total mass of the fuel shows no effect on the maximum flame temperature of 958.51°C. According to the findings, the critical tank distancing is 36 m and thus the appropriate tank distancing of 40 m is highly recommended by the standard. The result shows that the water cooling rate of 4.1 lpm/m2 is an excellent practice of water cooling to cool down the temperature of the fuel tank which is exposed to radiation heat flux.

Biomechanical Effects of Different Prosthesis Types and Fixation Ranges in Multisegmental Total En Bloc Spondylectomy: A Finite Element Study.

Multi-segmental total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) gradually became more commonly used by clinicians. However, the choice of surgical strategy is unclear. This study aims to investigate the biomechanical performance of different prosthesis types and fixation ranges in multisegmental TES. In this study, a validated finite element model of T12-L2 post-spondylectomy operations were carried out. The prostheses of these models used either 3D-printed artificial vertebrae or titanium mesh cages. The fixed range was two or three segment levels. Range of motion, stress distribution of the endplate and internal fixation system, intervertebral disc pressure, and facet joint surface force of four postoperative models and intact model in flexion and extension, as well as lateral bending and rotation were analyzed and compared. The type of prosthesis used in the anterior column reconstruction mainly affected the stress of the adjacent endplate and the prosthesis itself. The posterior fixation range had a greater influence on the overall range of motion (ROM), the ROM of the adjacent segment, the stress of the screw-rod system, and adjacent facet joint surface force. For the model of the same prosthesis, the increase of fixed length resulted in an obvious reduction of ROM. The maximal decrease was 70.23% during extension, and the minimal decrease was 30.19% during rotation. In three-segment TES, the surgical strategy of using 3D-printed artificial prosthesis for anterior column support and pedicle screws for posterior fixation at both two upper and lower levels respectively can reduce the stress on internal fixation system, endplates, and adjacent intervertebral discs, resulting in a reduced risk of internal fixation failure, and ASD development.

Understanding protein adsorption on silica mesoporous materials through thermodynamic simulations

This work presents a molecular thermodynamic theory to study protein interactions within a charge-regulating silica-like nanopore structure. The theory accounts for electrostatic interactions, steric repulsions, finite-size entropic effects, and protonation equilibrium of silanol groups on silica and protein residue side-chains. Coarse-grained representations of proteins based on their 3D crystallographic structures are employed. We evaluate the influence of pH, salt concentration, and pore size on the adsorption of selected proteins (cytochrome c, lysozyme, and myoglobin) in both single- and binary-protein solutions. The surface charge density on the nanopore walls is less negative than on the adjacent planar surface, primarily influenced by pH and salt concentration. Adsorption within the nanopore from single protein solutions exhibits a non-monotonic behavior with pH, increasing with decreasing salt concentration and diminishing pore size. Analysis of the effective interactions between proteins and silica surfaces indicates that adsorption is enhanced when the protein size matches that of the nanopore. Evaluation of various adsorption pathways indicates minimized free energy when the protein enters the nanopore through its edge and contacts its cylindrical walls. In binary solutions, the presence of another protein significantly alters the affinity of a protein for the silica surfaces, potentially preventing its adsorption, and affects its organization on these surfaces upon adsorption.

Dosimetric benefits of customised mouth-bite for head neck cancer patients undergoing modern proton therapy – An audit

Background and aimsProton therapy (PRT) for Head Neck Cancer (HNC), in view of the Bragg peak, spares critical structures like oral mucosa better than IMRT. In PRT, mouth-bites, besides immobilising and separating mucosal surfaces, may also negate the end-of-range effect. We retrospectively analysed the details and dosimetric impact of mouth-bites in PRT for HNC. Materials and methodsThe data of consecutive HNC patients treated with IMPT from May 2020 to August 2022 were studied retrospectively. Details of the mouth-bite used, compliance and resultant mucosal separation were noted. Further analysis, restricted to previously unirradiated patients, comprised volumetric dosimetric data pertaining to the mouth-bite and distal mucosal surfaces. High LET zones, corresponding to 6–12 keV/micron, for mouth-bite doses above 30 Gy, were recalculated from existing plans. ResultsA mouth-bite was used in 69 of 80 consecutively treated patients, ranging from 8 to 42 mm in thickness, and 12 to 52 mm in the resultant mucosal sparing. In 42 patients in whom the mouth-bite V 32 Gy was > 0, median Dmean, absolute V32, V39, V50 and V60 GyE (Gray Equivalent) of the mouth bite was 35.65 GyE (Range: 2.65 – 60 GyE), 10 cc (Range: 0.1 – 32 cc), 7.6 cc (Range: 0.1 – 30.8 cc), 5.7 cc (Range: 0.2 – 29.2 cc) and 1.45 cc (Range: 0.2 – 18.1 cc) respectively, all significantly more than the spared adjacent mucosal surface. In absence of a mouth-bite, the spared mucosa would have at least partially received the high dose received by the mouth-bite. High LET zones were noted in 12 of 48 mouth-bites. ConclusionIn PRT for HNC, mouth-bites play a vital role in improving the sparing of mucosa outside the target.

Investigations on cleavage fracture mechanism and surface damage of indium phosphide by molecular dynamics simulation

The quality and undamaged size in the resonant cavity surface directly affect the operational stability and output power of semiconductor lasers. To meet the demand for large-size and high-quality mirror facets, a deep understanding of fracture mechanisms of mechanical cleavage is essential. Nevertheless, 3D models of cleavage fracture are rarely investigated. In this work, a molecular dynamics study on the cleavage mechanisms of indium phosphide is reported through examining the effects of the cleavage gap, scratch depth, and cleavage rate on the cleavage damage morphology. The proposed molecular dynamics approach provides insights into the details of cleavage fracture at the atomic level. The simulation results reveal that the cleavage fracture mechanism includes the deviation of cracks between adjacent cleavage surfaces. The predominant damage manifestations on the cleavage surfaces are mainly characterized by cleavage terraces that begin at the bottom of the scratched groove. The cleavage terraces propagate along the [001] crystal direction on the (110) cleavage surface and deviate from their path. This phenomenon is essentially related to the stress released during the crack propagation process. Compared with the cleavage gap and scratch depth, the cleavage rate significantly affects the critical cleavage load. Additionally, a good correlation between the density of the cleavage terraces and the maximum undamaged length is achieved and reasonably explained. Mastering the correlation between various cleavage conditions and cleavage surface damage will facilitate and guide the fabrication of nanoscale resonant cavity mirrors and advance the development of mechanical cleaving processes.

In silico monitoring of non-reactive gas blistering on crystalline substrates

Blistering from gas aggregation occurs very rarely on solid substrates; however, it is commonly observed under high-pressure gas or plasma environments. This is due to the repeated aggregation process of gas molecules penetrating beneath the surface, but it has been difficult to find cases that demonstrate the dynamic mechanism on the atomic level. In this study, the dynamics of physical bombardment of argon atoms on the flat monocrystalline silicon substrate are simulated to propose an initiation principle for gas-aggregate formation. Simulations of extremely large numbers of argon atoms bombarding a limited area of single crystal silicon revealed inhomogeneous aggregation properties consistent with the experimental observations. Particularly, the results suggest that momentum transfer formed by collisions between argon trapped in the surface grooves and the argon used for bombardment is the governing factor for the aggregation behavior. The aggregated argon clusters grow in the in-plane direction while generating stress propagation in the thickness direction, ultimately causing an expansion pressure that lifts the adjacent silicon surface upwards. Our work provides a deterministic understanding of the initiation process of blister formation, which rarely occurs in physical sputtering on defect-free substrates.

Ultrasonography of the suspensory ligament branches in yearling and 2-year-old Thoroughbred sales horses: Prevalence, progression of findings and associations with racing performance.

Equine suspensory ligament branch (branch) ultrasonography is becoming increasingly commonplace presale. No ultrasonographical branch reference data exists for Thoroughbred sales horses. To define the prevalence of ultrasonographical findings in the forelimb suspensory branches of yearling and 2-year-old sales Thoroughbreds and to analyse associations with racing performance. To track changes in branch findings between 1 and 2 years of age in horses that present for sale at both ages. Prospective cohort study using an enrolled sample. Horses were enrolled from a 2016 yearling sale and five 2017 2-year-old sales with consignor permission. Ultrasonography was performed immediately prior to the sales. Ultrasonographical findings relating to branch size, fibrillar pattern, the presence of hyperechoic foci, periligamentar tissue thickness and the adjacent proximal sesamoid bone surface were examined. Associations with racing performance from 2 to 4 years of age were investigated using multivariate regression analyses. Clinical follow-up was sought to ascertain why horses that did not race never started. A total of 593 sales yearlings and 367 2-year-olds had forelimb branch ultrasonography performed. Grade ≥2 fibrillar branch change was present in 8.9% of yearlings and 14.4% of 2-year-olds. A 0.25 cm increase in branch width was associated with a 49-day delayed start to racing careers (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 21-77 days). The presence of grade 2 hyperechoic foci was associated with significantly lower total earnings (P = 0.01, 95% CI: $2000-$16 022) and lower earnings per start (P = 0.003, 95% CI: $349-$1718) in United States Dollars. Grade 3 fibrillar branch change had clinically important reductions in the probability of racing, the calibre of racing performance and earnings. Grade 1 fibrillar pattern was associated with significantly higher earnings per start (P = 0.004, 95% CI: $2641-$5759). The findings are applicable to horses prepared for public auction and deemed fit to be entered for sale. The results may underestimate the proportion of severe lesions in horses not entered for sale. Reference values specific to young Thoroughbreds have been established. Grade 1 fibrillar branch change should be regarded as an acceptable appearance in sales yearlings and 2-year-olds. Approximately one-third of grade 2 yearling branches progressed to a grade 3 lesion. Evidence of enlarged branch width and grade 2 hyperechoic foci at 2-year-old sales constitute a risk to racing performance.

Flow Measurements Above A DBD Plasma Actuator Array By Means Of Defocusing PTV

Lagrangian defocusing particle tracking velocimetry (DPTV) measurements are conducted in a thin, wall-parallel volume above a plasma actuator array that is applied to mimic the effect of wall oscillations by inducing alternating, wall-parallel forcing in opposite directions into the air above the actuator surface. The aim of the experiments is to capture the plasma-induced flow structures in otherwise quiescent air in order to increase the understanding of different actuation parameters. For this purpose, high-speed particle image velocimetry equipment with one camera is used in a DPTV setup, where the out-of-plane particle coordinate is obtained through the diameter of a defocused particle image. On this basis, an approach for continuous particle tracking in several consecutive frames is presented, allowing to derive three component, three dimensional velocity and acceleration data. Light reflections that occur on the adjacent actuator surface give raise to particular challenges concerning the measurement uncertainty estimation as well as the calibration procedure for the evaluation of the wall-normal coordinate of tracer particles. To overcome the latter, a calibration approach is presented for which solid particles are applied to the actuator surface and their particle image diameter is captured at different camera positions in a separate measurement. The estimation of in-plane and out-of-plane displacement measurement uncertainties is conducted following a newly-developed procedure where the deviation of particle displacements from a straight track is evaluated for measurements in quasi-quiescent air. The obtained results show the suitability of DPTV measurement technique for the practical application of the characterization of flow structures above a plasma actuator array. The measurement accuracy is found to be limited due to the available illumination, which depends on the used components. The measured flow fields together with optical and electrical measurement data allow for a further analysis of the present forcing strategy. Particularly, by recording phase-resolved, three-dimensional flow velocity and acceleration fields in the vicinity of the wall, the spatio-temporal occurrence and homogeneity of the near-wall forcing effects can be analyzed in future investigations.

Characterization of Adverse Outcomes from Legacy-Contaminated Groundwater Exposure to Early Life Stages of Fathead Minnow.

Complex mixtures of chemicals present in groundwater at legacy-contaminated industrial sites can pose significant risks to adjacent surface waters. The combination of short-term molecular and chronic apical effect assessments is a promising approach to characterize the potential hazard of such complex mixtures. The objectives of this study were to: (1) assess the apical effects (survival, growth, development, and liver histopathology) after chronic exposure of early life stages (ELSs) of fathead minnows (FHM; Pimephales promelas) to contaminated groundwater from a legacy-contaminated pesticide manufacturing and packaging plant, and (2) identify possible molecular mechanisms responsible for these effects by comparing results to mechanistic outcomes previously determined by a short-term reduced transcriptome assay (EcoToxChips). This study revealed a significant increase in mortality and prevalence of spinal curvatures, as well as a significant reduction in the length of FHMs exposed to the groundwater mixtures in a concentration-dependent manner. There was an increasing trend in the prevalence of edema in FHMs, though not significantly different from controls. Additionally, no histopathological effects were observed in the liver of FHMs exposed to the groundwater mixtures. Short-term molecular outcomes determined in a parallel study were found to be informative of chronic apical outcomes, including cardiotoxicity, spinal deformities, and liver toxicity. Overall, the results observed in this study demonstrated that short-term transcriptomics analyses could support the hazard assessment of complex contaminated sites.

Theoretical substantiation of the parameters of roller and flattening modes

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND. The proposed design of the flattening device will ensure an increase in the quality of harvested grass feeds, since the time for drying it is reduced, and the adhesive introduced increases the feed value, in addition, the loss of leaf and small-stemmed parts of plants is reduced by gluing them with stems in the total mass of the roll. AIMS. The complex of technological techniques used for the preparation of a particular feed from plants should ensure the maximum possible preservation of their nutritious, physiologically useful qualities. The purpose of this study is to improve the quality of harvested grass feeds by increasing the feed value and reducing mechanical losses. METHODS. The object of research is a mower with devices for flattening and processing grass with an adhesive-nutrient, a centrifugal-type cutting mechanism, a flattening machine with two ribbed rollers. The main condition for the stable operation of the roller apparatus is to ensure the capture of stems by rollers without unloading and clogging. RESULTS. The principle of operation of the mower differs from the prototype in that the mown grass is flattened not by rolling between two rollers, which is effective with low grass yields and low throughput of the device, but by dragging the plants between adjacent surfaces of the protrusion of one roller and the groove of another roller, and the adhesive is applied by spraying onto the grass not before mowing, and after flattening and forming a loose roll forming device. CONCLUSIONS. The analysis of the work was carried out and the theoretical justification of the parameters of the rollers and their modes during the flattening of grass was carried out. The main parameters of the flattening apparatus must satisfy both the condition of capturing the mown grass and its rolling between the rollers at a certain compression force.