Uptake Characteristics Research Articles

Preparation and characterization of drug-loaded, electrospun nanofiber mats formulated with zein or zein-based mixtures for wound healing applications.

Electrospun zein mats are known to have poor mechanical and water uptake properties limiting their usefulness as wound dressings.
 In this study, the effects of the solvent system used, the incorporation of the polymeric additives; polyethylene glycol 20000 (PEG20K) and polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVPK30); and the crosslinking agent Tannic Acid (TA) on the mechanical and water uptake characteristics of zein – based nanofiber mats were investigated.
 The incorporation of either PEG20K or PVPK30 resulted in an improvement in water vapor sorption and a reduction in water contact-angle of the nanofiber mats. In addition, the incorporation of PEG20K and PVPK30 reduced the ultimate tensile strength, and Young’s modulus while increasing the percent elongation of the nanofiber mats. The use of tannic acid as a crosslinking agent led to an increase in the water vapor sorption, ultimate tensile strength, and Young’s modulus of the nanofiber mats.
 Mats with smaller average fiber diameter, greater ultimate tensile strength, higher Young's modulus, and greater water vapor sorption were obtained when using 80% (v/v) aqueous ethanol as a solvent system during the preparation of the nanofiber mats when compared to those produced using 60% (v/v) aqueous ethanol. In addition, using solutions with lower zein concentration resulted in mats with lower average fiber diameter, lower ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus, and higher percent elongation.
 Selected formulations were loaded with tetracycline hydrochloride and drug release was evaluated in bulk liquid and using Franz diffusion cells. The use of Franz diffusion cells allowed the discrimination between formulation performance as a function of composition and water uptake properties. Drug release from nanofiber mats was also confirmed by observing the formation of an inhibition zone in cultures of E. coli and S. aureus using the agar diffusion assay.
 Improved performance of zein nanofiber mats was achieved using polymeric modifiers and crosslinking with tannic acid improving their suitability for wound dressing applications.

Uptake, accumulation and translocation of traditional and novel organophosphate esters by rice seedlings in the presence of micro(nano)-polystyrene plastics: Effects of concentration and size of particles

Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs) are becoming ubiquitous as emerging pollutants. To data, the effects of MNPs on the uptake, accumulation and translocation of OPEs by rice plant are still unclear, especially for novel OPE species. In this study, the impacts of polystyrene MNPs of different sizes and concentrations on the uptake of eight OPEs (six traditional organophosphate triesters and two novel discovered aryl organophosphate triesters) by rice seedlings were investigated in hydroponic exposure experiments. The results showed that OPEs accumulated in a concentration-dependent manner in both the roots and shoots of rice seedlings. The impacts of MNPs on uptake by rice seedlings were concentration- and size-dependent by influencing the transpiration rate or activities of antioxidant enzymes. Especially, significant effects were usually found in exposure group of medium-size and high-concentration MNPs. MNPs had more obvious effects on OPE species with lower logKow in roots, whereas, more obvious effects on OPE species with higher logKow in shoots were observed. There was a significantly positive linear relationship between logTF and logKow (p < 0.001), and a significantly negative linear relationship between logRCF and logKow (p < 0.001), indicating that OPEs with higher hydrophobicity seemed to be more liable to be absorbed from solutions to roots, but difficult to further translocate to shoots. Without novel OPEs (bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-phenyl phosphate and tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate), better fits for a linear model for logKow and logRCF (or logTF) were exhibited, indicating differences between novel and traditional OPEs. This work highlights that the presence of MNPs could altered the characteristics of uptake, translocation and accumulation of OPEs in rice seedlings, and provides an important evidence for comprehensive control strategy of new pollutants.

Optimizing Sustainable Phytoextraction of Lead from Contaminated Soil Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN)

Lead (Pb) is well known for the containment of soil surfaces. In the last few decades, phytoremediation has been the most ideal technology to extract Pb from soil, involving numerous chemical reactions and cost analysis. The aim of this study is to model and to optimize Pb extraction from the contaminated soil via Pelargonium hortorum by comparing two modeling approaches: response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) with the genetic algorithm (GA). To determine the significance of the proposed solution, in vitro essays were performed to check the Pb tolerance of bacterial strains (NCCP 1844, 1848, 1857, and 1862), followed by the co-application of bacteria and citric acid on a Pb hyperaccumulator (Pelargonium hortorum L.) on Murashige and Skoog (MS) agar medium. Afterwards, a pot culture experiment was performed to optimize Pb extraction competency from Pb-spiked (0 mg kg−1, 500 mg kg−1, 1000 mg kg−1, and 1500 mg kg−1) soil by Pelargonium hortorum L., to which citric acid (5 and 10 mmol L−1) and Microbacterium paraoxydance (1 and 1.5 OD) were applied. Plants were harvested at 30, 60, and 90 day intervals, and they were analyzed for dry biomass and Pb uptake characteristics. The maximum Pb extraction efficiency of 86.0% was achieved with 500 mg kg−1 soil Pb for 60 days. Furthermore, RSM, based on the Box–Behnken design (BBD) and the ANN-based Levenberg–Marquardt Algorithm (LMA), were applied to model Pb extraction from the soil. The significance of the predicted values from RSM and LMA were close to 36.0% and 86.05%, respectively, compared to the laboratory values. The comprehensive evaluation of these findings encouraged the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of the ANN for the optimization process. Therefore, experimental results showed that ANN is an accurate technique to optimize an integrated phytoremediation system for sustainable Pb removal, besides being environmentally friendly and potentially cost-effective.

Different pharmacokinetics of lithium orotate inform why it is more potent, effective, and less toxic than lithium carbonate in a mouse model of mania

Lithium carbonate (LiCO) is a mainstay therapeutic for the prevention of mood-episode recurrences in bipolar disorder (BD). Unfortunately, its narrow therapeutic index is associated with complications that may lead to treatment non-compliance. Intriguingly, lithium orotate (LiOr) is suggested to possess unique uptake characteristics that would allow for reduced dosing and mitigation of toxicity concerns. We hypothesized that due to differences in pharmacokinetics, LiOr is more potent with reduced adverse effects. Dose responses were established for LiOr and LiCO in male and female mice using an amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion (AIH) model; AIH captures manic elements of BD and is sensitive to a dose-dependent lithium blockade. LiCO induced a partial block of AIH at doses of 15 mg/kg in males and 20 mg/kg in females. In contrast, LiOr elicited a near complete blockade at concentrations of just 1.5 mg/kg in both sexes, indicating improved efficacy and potency. Prior application of organic anion transport inhibitors, or inhibition of orotate uptake into the pentose pathway, completely blocked the effects of LiOr on AIH while sparing LiCO effects, confirming differences in transport and compartmentalization between the two compounds. Next, the relative toxicities of LiOr and LiCO were contrasted after 14 consecutive daily administrations. LiCO, but not LiOr, elicited polydipsia in both sexes, elevated serum creatinine levels in males, and increased serum TSH expression in females. LiOr demonstrates superior efficacy, potency, and tolerability to LiCO in both male and female mice because of select transport-mediated uptake and pentose pathway incorporation.

Prediction of Cadmium Uptake Factor in Wheat Based on Machine Learning

Applying machine learning methods to resolve the cadmium (Cd) uptake characteristics of regional soil-wheat systems can contribute to the accuracy and rationality of risk decisions. Based on a regional survey, we constructed a Freundlich-type transfer equation, random forest (RF) model, and neural network (BPNN) model to predict wheat Cd enrichment factor (BCF-Cd); verified the prediction accuracy; and assessed the uncertainty of different models. The results showed that both RF (R2=0.583) and BPNN (R2=0.490) were better than the Freundlich transfer equation (R2=0.410). The RF and BPNN were further trained repeatedly, and the results showed that the mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) of RF and BPNN were close to each other. Additionally, the accuracy and stability of RF (R2=0.527-0.601) was higher than that of BPNN (R2=0.432-0.661). Feature importance analysis showed that multiple factors led to the heterogeneity of wheat BCF-Cd, in which soil phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) were the key variables affecting the change in wheat BCF-Cd. Parameter optimization can further improve the accuracy, stability, and generalization ability of the model.

The F word revisited

Dental UpdateVol. 50, No. 6 CommentThe F word revisitedFJ Trevor BurkeFJ Trevor BurkeSearch for more papers by this authorFJ Trevor BurkePublished Online:13 Jun 2023https://doi.org/10.12968/denu.2023.50.6.473AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The story of fluoridation. Available at: https://tinyurl.com/uw36c6v5 (accessed May 2023). Google ScholarRandall RC, Wilson NH. Glass-ionomer restoratives: a systematic review of a secondary caries treatment effect. J Dent Res 1999; 78: 628–637. https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345990780020101 Medline, Google ScholarWiegand A, Buchalla W, Attin T. Review on fluoride-releasing restorative materials – fluoride release and uptake characteristics, antibacterial activity and influence on caries formation. Dent Mater 2007; 23: 343–362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2006.01.022 Medline, Google ScholarYengopal V, Mickenautsch S, Bezerra AC, Leal SC. Caries-preventive effect of glass ionomer and resin-based fissure sealants on permanent teeth: a meta analysis. J Oral Sci 2009; 51: 373–382. https://doi.org/10.2334/josnusd.51.373 Medline, Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 June 2023Volume 50Issue 6ISSN (print): 0305-5000ISSN (online): 2515-589X Metrics History Published online 13 June 2023 Published in print 2 June 2023 Information© MA Dentistry Media LimitedPDF download

Delaying sowing of cover crops decreases the ability to reduce nitrate leaching

Under favorable growth conditions cover crops are efficient tools to scavenge available nitrogen in the soil after the main crop and reduce nitrate leaching. However, their ability to reduce nitrate leaching is influenced by the available growth conditions after sowing and their characteristics to assimilate biomass and nitrogen (N). A flexible sowing time of cover crops without compromising their benefits to the environment implies knowledge of how the growth conditions after sowing of the cover crop affect leaching. Fodder radish, phacelia, and oats have different growth and N uptake characteristics, and their ability to reduce nitrate leaching depending on growth conditions after sowing may therefore differ. In this study, these three cover crops were evaluated, and their ability for taking up soil N and reducing nitrate leaching was quantified based on four sowing times from early August to early September with intervals of 7–11 days in 2019, 2020, and 2021 in Denmark. N uptake was measured in autumn each year and nitrate leaching measurements took place during the drainage period until the following spring. The N uptake decreased with subsequent sowing times across the cover crops and years. However, the decrease was different in different cover crops and different years. Nitrate leaching reduction also decreased with subsequent sowing times. On average, fodder radish reduced nitrate leaching by 64 kg N ha-1, significantly more than phacelia and oats with 47 and 44 kg N ha-1, respectively, across all sowing times and drainage periods. With an average reduction of nitrate leaching of 0.8 kg N ha-1 per day and no interaction of N uptake and cover crops, the ability of fodder radish, phacelia, and oats to reduce nitrate leaching was not significantly different. Fodder radish and early sowing was the most effective combination to obtain the maximum benefits of nitrate leaching reduction by a cover crop.

Evaluation of isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation in 2021 world health organization classification grade 3 and 4 glioma adult-type diffuse gliomas with 18F-fluoromisonidazole PET.

This study aimed to investigate the uptake characteristics of 18F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO), in mutant-type isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH-mutant, grade 3 and 4) and wild-type IDH (IDH-wildtype, grade 4) 2021 WHO classification adult-type diffuse gliomas. Patients with grade 3 and 4 adult-type diffuse gliomas (n = 35) were included in this prospective study. After registering 18F-FMISO PET and MR images, standardized uptake value (SUV) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were evaluated in hyperintense areas on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging (HIA), and in contrast-enhanced tumors (CET) by manually placing 3D volumes of interest. Relative SUVmax (rSUVmax) and SUVmean (rSUVmean), 10th percentile of ADC (ADC10pct), mean ADC (ADCmean) were measured in HIA and CET, respectively. rSUVmean in HIA and rSUVmean in CET were significantly higher in IDH-wildtype than in IDH-mutant (P = 0.0496 and 0.03, respectively). The combination of FMISO rSUVmean in HIA and ADC10pct in CET, that of rSUVmax and ADC10pct in CET, that of rSUVmean in HIA and ADCmean in CET, were able to differentiate IDH-mutant from IDH-wildtype (AUC 0.80). When confined to astrocytic tumors except for oligodendroglioma, rSUVmax, rSUVmean in HIA and rSUVmean in CET were higher for IDH-wildtype than for IDH-mutant, but not significantly (P = 0.23, 0.13 and 0.14, respectively). The combination of FMISO rSUVmean in HIA and ADC10pct in CET was able to differentiate IDH-mutant (AUC 0.81). PET using 18F-FMISO and ADC might provide a valuable tool for differentiating between IDH mutation status of 2021 WHO classification grade 3 and 4 adult-type diffuse gliomas.

Characteristics of Cd Uptake by the Roots of Bidens tripartita L. Under Salinity and pH Variations Assessed by Applying Non-invasive Micro-test Technology

Characteristics of Cd Uptake by the Roots of Bidens tripartita L. Under Salinity and pH Variations Assessed by Applying Non-invasive Micro-test Technology

Hydrogen embrittlement characteristics in cold-drawn high-strength stainless steel wires

Hydrogen uptake and embrittlement characteristics of a cold-drawn austenitic stainless steel wire were investigated. Slow strain rate testing and fracture surface analysis were applied to determine the hydrogen embrittlement resistance, providing an apparent decrease in resistance to hydrogen embrittlement for a 50% degree of cold deformation. The hydrogen content was assessed by thermal desorption and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy establishing a correlation between the total absorbed hydrogen and the intensity of near-surface hydrogen. The sub-surface hydrogen content of the hot-rolled specimen was determined to be 791 wt.ppm.

Seawater Effects on Thermally Aged Ambient Cured Carbon/Epoxy Composites: Moisture Kinetics and Uptake Characteristics.

Carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composites using ambient- and moderate-temperature curing non-autoclave processes have broad applicability in marine, offshore, and naval applications. This research focuses on the characterization of moisture kinetics of ambient cured carbon/epoxy composites subject to immersion in seawater for up to 72 weeks after prior periods of extended thermal aging. A two-stage model is shown to best describe the overall kinetics and response. The level of maximum moisture uptake shows an increasing trend with the temperature and time of prior thermal aging, reaching asymptotic levels at the highest levels. The transition point is seen to represent a shift between the diffusion and relaxation-/deterioration-based dominant regimes, and the ratio of uptake at the transition point to the maximum uptake can be correlated to the relaxation coefficient. Diffusivity, as expected, generally increases with the temperature of prior aging and shows changes based on the level of post-curing and network changes with time. Moisture uptake kinetics and characteristics developed through the sequence of exposures provide a better understanding of phenomena towards the development of a future comprehensive model capable of long-term prediction based on the sequential prior history of exposure to elevated temperatures and immersion in seawater.

Synthesis of a composite Fe–CaO-based sorbent/catalyst by mechanical mixing for CO2 capture and H2 production: An examination on CaO carbonation and tar reforming performance

A composite CaO-based sorbent/catalyst (Fe/CaO-CA, CA stands for Ca12Al14O33) with good cyclic CO2 uptake characteristics, mechanical stability and tar reforming performance for the carbon-negative biomass calcium looping gasification (CLG) technology is prepared by mechanical mixing method. Different synthesis parameters regarding cyclic CO2 capture and Fe/CaO-CA's mechanical strength have been investigated. Different reaction conditions, such as low carbonation temperature, high calcination temperature, long cycles, and large particle size, were also investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer. Results showed Fe/CaO-CA performed better in mechanical strength and carbonation when it was prepared by calcination at 750 °C for 4 h. In the carbonation temperature range from 650 °C to 850 °C, 750 °C was more favourable to promote CO2 capture during cyclic reactions. Fe/CaO-CA still exhibited promising CO2 uptake characteristics under severe calcination conditions, including high CO2 partial pressure, high temperature and long-term response up to 40 cycles. Additionally, the effect of Fe/CaO-CA on tar removal enhancement was also studied via the reforming of 1-methyl naphthalene (1-MN) by using a self-designed fixed-bed reactor. Fe/CaO-CA presented the maximum 1-MN conversion and the highest H2 yield (0.15 mol h−1 g−1) compared to the other three candidate samples (CaO, CaO-CA and Fe/CaO). Furthermore, Fe/CaO-CA showed the largest CO2 uptake capacity and the least amount of coke deposition during tar reforming.

Synthesis of poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid/ 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)/TiO2/ZnO hydrogel nanocomposite by γ-irradiation for remediation of dyes in wastewater

ABSTRACT This study aimed to synthesise a novel adsorbent of poly(AMPS/HEMA)/TiO2/ZnO hydrogel nanocomposite by γ-irradiation polymerisation of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid (AMPS) solution and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomer incorporated with TiO2/ZnO nanoparticles for potential use in the uptake of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) dyes from wastewater. The effect of irradiation dose and AMPS/HEMA composition ratio on gel content (%) and swelling (%) were studied. From the results of the gel content (%) and swelling (%), the composition ratio AMPS/HEMA (80/20) and the dose of 15 kGy were selected for the preparation of the hydrogel nanocomposite. The properties of prepared materials were characterised by different analytical techniques. FTIR results proved the successful interaction of TiO2/ZnO nanoparticles within AMPS and HEMA chains. The SEM/EDS results proved the peaks corresponding to C, O, S, Zn, and Ti. XRD of nanocomposite indicated the peaks of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles. The factors affecting the uptake of MB and CV dyes were evaluated according to the impact of reaction time, pH, dye concentration, dosage, and temperature. The adsorption amount of MB and CV onto poly(AMPS/HEMA)/TiO2/ZnO hydrogel nanocomposite was fast time and effective for highly concentrated dye-bearing effluents. The uptake characteristics of the two dyes were similar. The ideal adsorption capacity of nanocomposite towards MB and CV dyes were 257.6 and 215.9 (mg/g) with a removal rate of 89.7% and 81.8%, respectively. The optimal conditions were pH 9 and 7, a reaction time of 70 min, dye concentration of 300 mg/L, and 0.3 g nanocomposite dosage. The adsorption process was chemisorption, endothermic and spontaneous. It is fitted with Langmuir isotherm and Pseudo-second-order models. Furthermore, the poly(AMPS/HEMA)/TiO2/ZnO nanocomposite supports the high capability for adsorption of binary MB/CV dyes mixture. The prepared hydrogel nanocomposite is a novel adsorbent for the uptake of dyes from wastewater with good recyclability.

Vegetation Greening Enhanced the Regional Terrestrial Carbon Uptake in the Dongting Lake Basin of China

Terrestrial ecosystem carbon uptake is essential to achieving a regional carbon neutrality strategy, particularly in subtropical humid areas with dense vegetation. Due to the complex spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the carbon uptake of ecosystems, it is difficult to quantify the influence and contribution of different factors. With the aid of multisource remote sensing data, the spatiotemporal characteristics of carbon uptake and the impact of vegetation change were explored in the Dongting Lake Basin from 2001 to 2020. Based on the Conversion of Land Use and its Effects at Small regional extent (CLUE-S) model, we simulated the land use of the basin under different development scenarios in 2030. Our results showed that the basin has demonstrated a significant greening trend in the last 20 years, with a multiyear average NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) of 0.60 and an increasing trend (y = 0.0048x − 9.069, R2 = 0.89, p &lt; 0.01). In this context, the multiyear mean of net ecosystem productivity (NEP) was 314.95 g C·m−2·a−1 and also showed a significant increasing trend (y = 1.8915x + 295.09, R2 = 0.23, p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, though the future carbon uptake might decrease because of the enhanced anthropogenic activities, the ecological conservation scenario might mitigate the reduction by 0.05 × 107 t. In conclusion, the greening trend enhanced the ecosystem carbon uptake in the Dongting lake basin. Considering the representativeness of the Dongting Lake Basin, the results of our study would provide useful clues for understanding the trend and pattern of terrestrial carbon uptake and for guiding the carbon neutrality strategy in the subtropical humid area.

A feasibility study for quantitative assessment of cerebrovascular malformations using flutriciclamide ([18F]GE-180) PET/MRI.

Neuroinflammation plays a key role in both the pathogenesis and the progression of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM). Flutriciclamide ([18F]GE-180) is a translocator protein (TSPO) targeting positron emission tomography (PET) tracer, developed for imaging neuroinflammation. The objectives of this study were to describe characteristics of flutriciclamide uptake in different brain tissue regions in CCM patients compared to controls, and to evaluate flutriciclamide uptake and iron deposition within CCM lesions. Five patients with CCM and six controls underwent a 60 or 90 min continuous PET/MRI scan following 315 ± 68.9 MBq flutriciclamide administration. Standardized uptake value (SUV) and standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr) were obtained using the striatum as a pseudo-reference. Quantitative susceptibility maps (QSM) were used to define the location of the vascular malformation and calculate the amount of iron deposition in each lesion. Increased flutriciclamide uptake was observed in all CCM lesions. The temporal pole demonstrated the highest radiotracer uptake; the paracentral lobule, cuneus and hippocampus exhibited moderate uptake; while the striatum had the lowest uptake, with average SUVs of 0.66, 0.55, 0.63, 0.55, and 0.33 for patient with CCM and 0.57, 0.50, 0.48, 0.42, and 0.32 for controls, respectively. Regional SUVr showed similar trends. The average SUV and QSM values in CCM lesions were 0.58 ± 0.23 g/ml and 0.30 ± 0.10 ppm. SUVs and QSM were positively correlated in CCM lesions (r = 0.53, p = 0.03). The distribution of flutriciclamide ([18F]GE-180) in the human brain and CCM lesions demonstrated the potential of this TSPO PET tracer as a marker of neuroinflammation that may be relevant for characterizing CCM disease progression along with QSM.

Historical Ocean Heat Uptake in Two Pairs of CMIP6 Models: Global and Regional Perspectives

Abstract Ocean heat content (OHC) is one of the most relevant metrics tracking the current global heating. Therefore, simulated OHC time series are a cornerstone for assessing the scientific performance of Earth system models and global climate models. Here we present a detailed analysis of OHC change in simulations of the historical climate (1850–2014) performed with two pairs of CMIP6 models: U.K. Earth System Model 1 (UKESM1.0) and HadGEM3-GC3.1-LL, and CNRM-ESM2-1 and CNRM-CM6-1. The small number of models enables us to analyze OHC change globally and for individual ocean basins, making use of a novel ensemble of observational products. For the top 700 m of the global ocean, the two CNRM models reproduce the observed OHC change since the 1960s closely. The two U.K. models (UKESM1.0-LL and HadGEM3-GC3.1-LL) compensate a lack of warming in the 0–700 m layer in the 1970s and 1980s with warming below 2000 m. The observed warming between 700 and 2000 m is substantially underestimated by all models. An increased relevance for ocean heat uptake in the Atlantic after 1991—suggested by observations—is picked up by the U.K. models but less so by the CNRM models, probably related to an AMOC strengthening in the U.K. models. The regional ocean heat uptake characteristics differ even though all four models share the same ocean component (NEMO ORCA1). Differences in the simulated global, full-depth OHC time series can be attributed to differences in the model’s total effective radiative forcing.

SIMULATION OF ANOMALOUS LIQUID WATER UPTAKE IN OPC MORTAR WITH DYNAMIC MICROSTRUCTURAL CHANGE MODEL

This study aims to develop the numerical method for the anomalous liquid water uptake on OPC mortar. The dynamic microstructural change diffusion model with the consideration of the saturation-dependent was proposed to represent the anomalous behavior. The microstructural change, an origin of anomalous behavior, was considered with the pore relaxation that reflects the rearrangement of C-S-H layers during the liquid water uptake process. An Interfacial transitional Zone （ITZ）, which represents the impact of microcracks inevitably occurring in mortar and concrete, was included in the microstructure system. The good agreement of liquid water uptake characteristics （e.g., moisture distribution, penetration depth, and absorbed water amount） with the reference experiment shows the potential of the proposed method for an application on concrete.

Effects of Nitrogen Allocation Mode on Physiological Parameters Related to Nitrogen Utilization and Yield of Winter Wheat/Summer Maize

In this study, according to the issue that the nitrogen supply response characteristics of winter wheat/summer maize across whole year in Hebei plain is needed to be further clarified, the effects of different nitrogen distribution modes on nitrogen uptake, related physiological parameters and yield traits of these crops were investigated. The results showed that compared with control (CK, the ratio of basal application to topdressing 5:5), the population leaf area index (LAI) and dry mass of wheat and maize increased in treatment 1 (T1, the ratio of basal application to topdressing 6:4) at early growth stage (jointing stage). In addition, the photosynthetic parameters (Chl content, Pn and gs), nitrogen content and nitrogen accumulation, nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthase (GS) activities were also increased. However, the above population traits, plant photosynthetic parameters, nitrogen uptake and accumulation, and nitrogen assimilation enzyme activities during the late growth stages of this treatment were worse than those of CK. In contrast to T1, the above traits of wheat and maize in treatment 2 (T2, the ratio of basal application and topdressing 4:6) were worse than CK at early growth stage, but significantly better than CK at the late growth stages (flowering to maturity). According to the yield behavior at maturity stage, the ranking of the treatments was shown to be T2>CK>T1. Gene expression analysis showed that the expression levels of NRT genes <i>TaNRT1.1</i> and <i>TaNRT2.1</i> in wheat and NRT genes <i>ZmNRT1.2</i> and <i>ZmNRT2.1</i> in maize were involved in nitrogen uptake at flowering stage; those of wheat NR gene <i>TaNR3</i> and maize NR gene <i>ZmNR3.1 </i>were tightly associated with nitrate reductase (NR) activities; the wheat GS gene <i>TaGS2.2 </i>and the maize GS gene <i>ZmGS2</i> were related to the activities of glutamine synthetase (GS). These results indicated that the expression levels of these genes had crucial effects on the nitrogen uptake and assimilation characteristics of wheat and maize plants. Our investigation suggested that T2 treatment significantly enhanced the expression levels of specific genes associated with nitrogen uptake and assimilation. It improves the nitrogen utilization and related physiological parameters during the late growth stages by which to enhance the nitrogen efficiency and yield formation ability of the winter wheat/summer maize plants.

Metabolic patterns on [18F]FDG PET/CT in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC undergoing chemoradiotherapy ± durvalumab maintenance treatment

PurposeIn patients with unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), durvalumab maintenance treatment after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) significantly improves survival. So far, however, metabolic changes of tumoral lesions and secondary lymphoid organs under durvalumab are unknown. Hence, we assessed changes on [18F]FDG PET/CT in comparison to patients undergoing CRT alone.MethodsForty-three patients with [18F]FDG PET/CT both before and after standard CRT for unresectable stage III NSCLC were included, in 16/43 patients durvalumab maintenance treatment was initiated (CRT-IO) prior to the second PET/CT. Uptake of tumor sites and secondary lymphoid organs was compared between CRT and CRT-IO. Also, readers were blinded for durvalumab administration and reviewed scans for findings suspicious for immunotherapy-related adverse events (irAE).ResultsInitial uptake characteristics were comparable. However, under durvalumab, diverging metabolic patterns were noted: There was a significantly higher reduction of tumoral uptake intensity in CRT-IO compared to CRT, e.g. median decrease of SUVmax –70.0% vs. –24.8%, p = 0.009. In contrast, the spleen uptake increased in CRT-IO while it dropped in CRT (median + 12.5% vs. –4.4%, p = 0.029). Overall survival was significantly longer in CRT-IO compared to CRT with few events (progression/death) noted in CRT-IO. Findings suggestive of irAE were present on PET/CT more often in CRT-IO (12/16) compared to CRT (8/27 patients), p = 0.005.ConclusionDurvalumab maintenance treatment after CRT leads to diverging tumoral metabolic changes, but also increases splenic metabolism and leads to a higher proportion of findings suggestive of irAE compared to patients without durvalumab. Due to significantly prolonged survival with durvalumab, survival analysis will be substantiated in correlation to metabolic changes as soon as more clinical events are present.

Analytical population dynamics underlying harmful algal blooms triggered by prey avoidance

A modified version of the NPZD ecosystem model is used to analytically examine the effects of predation avoidance, a possible mechanism for triggering harmful algal blooms (HAB). To resolve HAB development caused by predation avoidance, an additional phytoplankton functional group is considered, one that has slower nutrient uptake and better predation avoidance characteristics than the non-harmful phytoplankton group used in traditional NPZD models. Because the two phytoplankton groups (one non-harmful and one HAB) compete for only one resource within the same system, steady state (equilibrium) conditions cannot occur without the presence of zooplankton; only the non-harmful phytoplankton group, which defeats the HAB group in the resource competition, can survive in the equilibrium. The presence of sufficient zooplankton effectively acts to replenish the nutrient pool by consuming the non-harmful phytoplankton. When this occurs, two equilibrium states are found: one with both phytoplankton groups coexisting, and one that only includes the HAB group. The condition required for equilibrium is that the total nitrogen within the system should be larger than a threshold determined by model coefficients. The threshold and feasibility of the equilibrium are sensitive to the relative HAB predation avoidance coefficient. If the coefficient is larger than the ratio of net growth rates between the HAB and non-harmful phytoplankton group, the threshold becomes infinite, and an equilibrium is not feasible. The time scale for the system to reach an equilibrium state that includes a HAB group is determined asymptotically. The dependence of a threshold condition as a controlling factor may explain the regime shift of dominant species causing HABs. The ecosystem model is fully implemented into the Regional Ocean Modeling System and applied to an idealized coastal embayment (with depths and geometry taken from San Francisco Bay) to show numerically the dominance of prey avoidance dynamics in a natural shallow water environment that includes advection and diffusion. The analytical results improve strategies for HAB modeling and provide guidance for setting model coefficients necessary to resolve a HAB event.