Fluid Conditions Research Articles

H2O and Cl in deep crustal melts: the message of melt inclusions in metamorphic rocks

Abstract. The use of NanoSIMS on primary melt inclusions in partially melted rocks is a powerful approach to clarify the budget of volatiles at depth during crust formation and its reworking. Anatectic melt inclusions are indeed gateways to quantify H2O, halogens and other species (e.g. CO2, N) partitioned into the deep partial melts generated during metamorphism of the continental crust. Here we present new datasets of NanoSIMS measurements of H2O and Cl in preserved melt inclusions from metamorphic rocks with different protoliths – magmatic or sedimentary – which underwent partial melting at different pressure–temperature–fluid conditions. These new datasets are then compared with similar data on natural anatectic melts available in the literature to date. Our study provides novel, precise constraints for the H2O content in natural melts formed at high pressure, a field previously investigated mostly via experiments. We also show that H2O heterogeneities in partial melts at the microscale are common, regardless of the rock protolith. Correlations between H2O contents and P–T values can be identified merging new and old data on anatectic inclusions via NanoSIMS. Overall, the data acquired so far indicate that silicate melt generation in nature always requires H2O, even for the hottest melts found so far (>1000 ∘C). Moreover, in agreement with previous work, preserved glassy inclusions always appear to be poorer in H2O than crystallized ones, regardless of their chemical system and/or P–T conditions of formation. Finally, this study reports the very first NanoSIMS data on Cl (often in amounts >1000 ppm) acquired in situ on natural anatectic melts, showing how anatectic melt inclusions – additionally to magmatic ones – may become a powerful tool to clarify the role of halogens in many geological processes, not only in crustal evolution but also in ore deposit formation.

Biological Characterization and Whole-Genome Analysis of Bacillus subtilis MG-1 Isolated from Mink Fecal Samples.

Bacillus subtilis is an important part of the gut microbiota and a commonly used probiotic. In the present study, to assess the biological characteristics and probiotic properties of B. subtilis derived from mink, we isolated B. subtilis MG-1 isolate from mink fecal samples, characterized its biological characteristics, optimized the hydrolysis of casein by its crude extract, and comprehensively analyzed its potential as a probiotic in combination with whole-genome sequencing. Biological characteristics indicate that, under low-pH conditions (pH 2), B. subtilis MG-1 can still maintain a survival rate of 64.75%; under the conditions of intestinal fluid, gastric acid, and a temperature of 70 °C, the survival rate was increased by 3, 1.15 and 1.17 times compared with the control group, respectively. This shows that it can tolerate severe environments. The results of hydrolyzed casein in vitro showed that the crude bacterial extract of isolate MG-1 exhibited casein hydrolyzing activity (21.56 U/mL); the enzyme activity increased to 32.04 U/mL under optimized reaction conditions. The complete genome sequencing of B. subtilis MG-1 was performed using the PacBio third-generation sequencing platform. Gene annotation analysis results revealed that B. subtilis MG-1 was enriched in several Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathways, and most genes were related to Brite hierarchy pathways (1485-35.31%) and metabolism pathways (1395-33.17%). The egg-NOG annotation revealed that most genes were related to energy production and conversion (185-4.10%), amino acid transport and metabolism (288-6.38%), carbohydrate transport and metabolism (269-5.96%), transcription (294-6.52%), and cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis (231-5.12%). Gene Ontology (GO) annotation elucidated that most genes were related to biological processes (8230-45.62%), cellular processes (3582-19.86%), and molecular processes (6228-34.52%). Moreover, the genome of B. subtilis MG-1 was predicted to possess 77 transporter-related genes. This study demonstrates that B. subtilis MG-1 has potential for use as a probiotic, and further studies should be performed to develop it as a probiotic additive in animal feed to promote animal health.

Stabilising and functional effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) protein isolate on encapsulated Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG during processing, storage and gastrointestinal digestion

The present study investigated Spirulina (Arthrospiraplatensis) protein isolate (SPI) for its ability to preserve the biological activity of L. rhamnosus GG (LGG) cells under diverse physicochemical stressors associated with the lyophilisation process, storage, and in vitro digestion. The lyoprotective and stabilising effects of SPI were compared to whey protein isolate (WPI) and pea protein isolate (PPI). The microstructural, physicochemical, and thermal properties of the probiotic lyophilisates were also assessed. Overall, SPI demonstrated superior lyoprotective and storage stabilising effects compared to WPI, although it was less efficient than PPI. Elevated storage temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions accelerated LGG inactivation rates, especially in the case of WPI, which was primarily attributed to increased LGG's metabolic activity. The fermentation of the probiotic freeze-drying media impaired LGG’s ability to withstand the physicochemical stressors during lyophilization and storage. However, the pre-fermentation step improved LGG’s resistance to harsh acidic conditions in simulated gastric fluids. Bile salts and pancreases did not significantly affect LGG's survivability, with WPI and PPI showing the most effectiveness. Employing an in vitro co-culture model of the gut epithelium, WPI and PPI demonstrated satisfactory adhesion of LGG cells to the mucus layer, displaying the highest cell adhesion potential. In conclusion, SPI appears to be a promising wall material for probiotic cell encapsulation, serving as an alternative to WPI.

Gravitational settling of two impermeable semi-torus particles

This research aimed to numerically investigate the dynamics of two semi-torus particles using the Immersed Boundary (IB) method. Various initial configurations were considered: vertically aligned along the centre of the fluid channel (Case A), vertically aligned in an asymmetric location (Case B), and horizontally aligned symmetrically to the channel centreline (Case C). Additionally, the impact of different starting alignments on particle dynamics was explored. When the particles were dropped along the middle of the channel, their dynamics depended on the fluid viscosity. Higher viscosities led to drafting and kissing phases, while lower viscosities resulted in multiple cycles of drafting, kissing, and tumbling (DKT). Similarly, the dynamics of particles dropped from an asymmetric location were also influenced by viscosity. For horizontally aligned particles along the centreline, the obtained results agreed well with previous studies. Notably, the initial orientation of the particles had a significant effect on their behaviour, particularly in less viscous fluid conditions.

Hydrothermal activity and metallogenic environment revealed by seismic wave tomography in Yunnan Province, China

S-wave velocity structures are revealed using double-difference tomography, which shows large-scale low-velocity anomalies around the Xiaojiang and Lijiang−Xiaojinhe fault zones at 10−25 km depth. In contrast, an obvioushigh-speed anomaly exists in the center of Emeishan area, which is consistent with the EmeishanLarge Igneousprovince. Combined with the geological and geophysical data, the low-velocity anomaly might relate to the lower crustal flowof central Tibetan Plateau. The high-velocity anomaly associated with mantle plume in Emeishan would obstruct the crustal flow and limit it around the large deep faults. Meanwhile, the results also show that many mineral resources are mainly concentrated on the major faults and low-velocity zones, indicating that the lower crustal flow and the large deep faults provide conditions for mineral fluids and minerals deposit.

Under conditions closely mimicking vaginal fluid, Lactobacillus jensenii strain 62B produces a bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance that targets and eliminates Gardnerella species.

Within the vaginal ecosystem, lactobacilli and Gardnerella spp. likely interact and influence each other's growth, yet the details of this interaction are not clearly defined. Using medium simulating vaginal fluid and a two-chamber co-culturing system to prevent cell-to-cell contact between the bacteria, we examined the possibility that Lactobacillus jensenii 62B (Lj 62B) and/or G. piotii (Gp) JCP8151B produce extracellular factors through which they influence each other's viability. By 24 h post-inoculation (hpi) in the co-culture system and under conditions similar to the vaginal environment - pH 5.0, 37 °C, and 5% CO2, Lj 62B viability was not affected but Gp JCP8151B had been eliminated. Cell-free supernatant harvested from Lj 62B cultures (Lj-CFS) at 20 hpi, but not 16 hpi, also eliminated Gp JCP8151B growth. Neither lactic acid nor H2O2 production by Lj 62B was responsible for this effect. The Lj-CFS did not affect viability of three species of lactobacilli or eight species of Gram-positive and Gram-negative uropathogens but eliminated viability of eight different strains of Gardnerella spp. Activity of the inhibitory factor within Lj-CFS was abolished by protease treatment and reduced by heat treatment suggesting it is most likely a bacteriocin-like protein; fractionation revealed that the factor has a molecular weight within the 10-30 kDa range. These results suggest that, in medium mimicking vaginal fluid and growth conditions similar to the vaginal environment, Lj 62B produces a potential bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (Lj-BLIS) that clearly targets Gardnerella spp. strains. Once fully characterized, Lj-BLIS may be a potential treatment for Gardnerella-related BV that does not alter the vaginal microflora.

The Review of the Application of the Heat Pipe on Enhancing Performance of the Air-Conditioning System in Buildings

An air-conditioning system (ACS), which consumes large amounts of high-grade energy, is essential for maintaining the indoor thermal environment of modern buildings. However, an ACS consumes almost half of the total energy of the building. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the energy consumption of the ACS to promote energy conservation and emission reduction in the building sector. In fact, there is an abundance of waste heat and low-grade energies with the potential to be utilized in ACS in nature, but many of them are not utilized efficiently or cannot be utilized at all due to the low efficiency of thermal energy conversion. Known as a passive thermal transfer device, the application of a heat pipe (HP) in the ACS has shown explosive growth in recent years. HPs have been demonstrated to be an effective method for reducing building cooling and heating demands and energy consumption in ACS with experimental and simulation methods. This paper summarizes the different HP types applied in the ACS and provides brief insight into the performance enhancement of the ACS integrated with HP. Four types of HPs, namely tubular HP (THP), loop HP (LHP), pulsating HP (PHP) and flat HP (FHP), are presented. Their working principles and scope of applications are reviewed. Then, HPs used in natural cooling system, split air conditioner (SAC), centralized ACS (CACS) and cooling terminal devices are comprehensively reviewed. Finally, the heat transfer characteristics and energy savings of the above systems are critically analyzed. The results show that the performance of the HP is greatly affected by its own structure, working fluid and external environmental conditions. The energy saving of ACS coupled with HP is 3–40.9%. The payback period of this system ranges from 1.9–10 years. It demonstrates that the HP plays a significant role in reducing ACS energy consumption and improving indoor thermal comfort.

Assessment of Live Lactobacilli Recovery from Probiotic Products for Vaginal Application

The interest in the use of probiotics to treat and prevent vaginal infections is known. The new regulation of medical devices by the European Medical Agency (EMA) introduced big changes in Europe regarding probiotic products for vaginal application, as they are no longer considered as medical devices. As the future classification will be as drugs, it will stress the need to define robust and reliable pre-clinical in vitro testing in order to assess the quality, safety and efficacy of probiotics for human use. Before discussing the efficacy in human pathology, it is mandatory to evaluate the survival and multiplication potential of probiotic strains when brought into contact with vaginal fluid. In this work, our objective was to assess the recovery and stability profile of lactobacilli from six vaginal probiotic formulations brought in contact with specific culture media or vaginal fluid simulants (VFS). Overall, the recovery of viable lactobacilli cells from a modified vaginal fluid simulant (MVFS) solution was comparable to the recovery pattern obtained in standard culture medium. Therefore, we conclude that the MVFS seems to better simulate the conditions of the human vaginal fluid, in contrast with other simulants, and may be used to predict the viability of probiotics over time in the normal vaginal milieu. We discovered that each probiotic product has a unique profile that requires stand-alone studies in conditions that mimic the in vivo status in order to assess their preclinical effectiveness and promote their differential use by the medical community.

Multi-Channel Dual-Mode Oil Multi-Pollutant Detection Sensor

In order to realize the lubricant fluid condition monitoring of ships and offshore engineering equipment, a multi-channel, dual-mode oil multi-pollution detection sensor is proposed and fabricated. The sensor has three detection channels connected via tee tubes, as well as two different detection modes, inductive and capacitive, respectively. In comparison to the traditional sensor, this sensor not only has the ability to distinguish and identify a diverse range of pollutants, but it also experiences an 11-fold increase in its volume of flow, resulting in a significant enhancement in detection efficiency. The mechanism of the inductive and capacitive modes for the differentiated detection of multiple pollutants is elucidated through theoretical analysis. The performance of the sensor is investigated using the constructed experiment platform. The experimental results show that the sensor can realize the simultaneous detection of metallic and non-metallic contaminants in lubricating oil fluids. It can detect the smallest iron particle size of 54 μm, the smallest copper particle size of 90 μm, the smallest water droplet size of 116 μm, and the smallest air bubble size of 130 μm. A novel approach for achieving ship and marine engineering equipment health monitoring and fault diagnosis is presented in this study.

High-Resolution Time-Lapse Monitoring of Mud Invasion in Spatially Complex Rocks Using In-Situ X-Ray Radiography

Borehole measurements, such as electrical resistivity, neutron porosity, or nuclear magnetic resonance, are critical for the in-situ petrophysical assessment of subsurface rocks. However, the interpretation of borehole measurements is often subject to uncertainty arising from their sensitivity to the interplay between mud filtrate, connate fluids, and the rock’s pore structure. This uncertainty remains present even in homogeneous geological formations. Mudcake deposition on the borehole wall causes additional complexity, impacting both well construction and formation evaluation. It is, therefore, essential to account for the latter effects and perform appropriate corrections when interpreting borehole measurements. Recently, new experimental procedures were introduced to quantitatively describe the process of mud invasion under realistic rock and fluid conditions, focusing on gas-bearing rocks and without considering how original saturating fluids affected the process of invasion. Both mud-filtrate invasion and filter-cake deposition must be understood and incorporated into numerical and analytical models to reliably interpret borehole measurements and maximize value. This objective can only be fulfilled via experiments. We use X-ray microfocus radiography to examine in real time the processes of mud-filtrate invasion and internal and external mudcake deposition in thin rectangular rock samples. The high-resolution experimental procedure (10 to 30 μm) mimics the borehole and near-wellbore regions and facilitates the time-lapse visualization of in-situ fluid-transport processes in spatially complex rocks. Water- and oil-based muds were injected into rock samples initially saturated with a range of different connate fluids, including viscous liquids, while being continuously scanned with X-rays. Because the injected drilling muds were the same across all experiments, the observed discrepancies between experiments originate from differences in rock properties, heterogeneity and anisotropy, or initial fluid saturation conditions. Experimental results emphasize the effect of rock heterogeneity and initial connate fluid on the spatial distribution of fluids and mudcake formation ensuing from mud-filtrate invasion. Mud-filtrate invasion rates and final average mudcake thicknesses were similar across all cases for a given drilling mud, suggesting that mudcake properties, as opposed to rock properties, were the controlling factors. By contrast, the spatial distribution of fluids in each rock sample varied significantly between cases, highlighting the impact of rock heterogeneity/anisotropy on the process of invasion. Laboratory experiments also emphasize the impact of viscous and/or capillary forces on mud-filtrate flow behavior. The experimental method is efficient and reliable, allowing for a better understanding of the uncertainty of the effects of mud-filtrate invasion on borehole geophysical measurements acquired while or after drilling.

Non-Newtonian turbulent jets at low-Reynolds number

We perform direct numerical simulations of planar jets of non-Newtonian fluids at low Reynolds number, in typical laminar conditions for a Newtonian fluid. We select three different non-Newtonian fluid models mainly characterized by shear-thinning (Carreau), viscoelasticity (Oldroyd-B) and shear-thinning and viscoelasticity together (Giesekus), and perform a thorough analysis of the resulting flow statistics. We characterize the fluids using the parameter γ, defined as the ratio of the relevant non-Newtonian time scale over a flow time scale. We observe that, as γ is increased, the jet transitions from a laminar flow at low γ, to a turbulent flow at high γ. We show that the different non-Newtonian features and their combination give rise to rather different flowing regimes, originating from the competition of viscous, elastic and inertial effects. We observe that both viscoelasticity and shear-thinning can develop the instability and the consequent transition to a turbulent flowing regime; however, the purely viscoelastic Oldroyd-B fluid exhibits the onset of disordered fluid motions at a lower value of γ than what observed for the purely shear-thinning Carreau fluid. When the two effects are both present, an intermediate condition is found, suggesting that, in this case, the shear-thinning feature is acting against the fluid elasticity. Despite the qualitative differences observed in the flowing regime, the bulk statistics, namely the centerline velocity and jet thickness, follow almost the same power-law scalings obtained for laminar and turbulent Newtonian planar jets. The simulations reported here are, to the best of our knowledge, the first direct numerical simulations showing the appearance of turbulence at low Reynolds number in jets, with the turbulent motions fully induced by the non-Newtonian properties of the fluid, since the Newtonian case at the same Reynolds number is characterized by steady, laminar flow.

Sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation process effects on tire wear particles aging and ecotoxicity

Tire wear particles (TWPs) are widely distributed in natural water and pose as major pollutants in aquatic environments. In this study, heat-activated persulfate (HPT) and ultraviolet-activated persulfate treatments (UPT) were employed to investigate the influence of sulfate radical (SO4−•)-based advanced oxidation process (SAOPs) on TWP physicochemical properties and to clarify their ecotoxic effects in laboratory-level studies. Results showed that the specific surface areas of TWPs increased after UPT but decreased after HPT. In terms of chemical properties, the increase of oxygen-containing functional groups on the surfaces of TWPs was more evident in UPT than that in HPT. The atrazine (ATZ) adsorption capacity of TWPs after HPT and UPT was increased compared with the untreated TWPs. Atrazine adsorbed by TWPs was easily resolved and released in artificial intestinal fluid (1.89–2.08 mg/g) and artificial gastric fluid (1.60–2.04 mg/g) conditions. Acute toxicity experiments of Photobacterium phosphoreum and SEM-EDS detection results suggested that various heavy metals (e.g., Zn2+, Cu2+) in the TWPs would be released into the water system in SAOPs. ATZ released from TWPs that adsorbed ATZ herbicide, rather than TWPs themselves, had a negative effect on aquatic plant growth (e.g., C. vulgaris). The leaching solution of oxidized TWPs (after HPT and UPT) showed a more significant inhibition effect on the zebrafish survival compared with that of untreated TWPs, which was possibly caused by the generation of oxidation byproducts such as N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-quinone.

Assessment on the wear failure of additively manufactured stainless steel 316L with different scan pattern in simulated body fluid condition

Because of higher contact area, the additively manufactured SS 316L (AM built 316L) generates a high frictional heat and wear in the lubricated sliding condition. So to counteract this, different scan patterns like stripe, contour and porous-chessboard were developed for AM built 316L to reduce the contact area. Importantly, the variation in scan patterns could induce different wear mechanisms when two surfaces slide against each other. Therefore, it is essential to analyse the wear failures for the different scan patterns in simulated body fluid (SBF) conditions, which was not carried out previously. In the present study, the simulated body fluid (SBF) conditions are designed to mimic the chemical and physical properties of body fluids and also, the article correlates how the tribological behaviour of AM-built 316L varies in the SBF condition. Furthermore, the porosity, elemental composition, surface roughness, density, phase structure, residual stress, hardness, friction, and wear properties of AM built 316L samples has been characterized. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of high intensity γ-Fe (111) peaks for the porous-chessboard pattern, because of high dislocation density. Compressive residual stress has been reported for all scan patterns due to the difference in the thermal expansion and contraction between the built layers. Novel cross linked porous-chessboard pattern has a higher wear resistance with low COF compared to the other scan pattern. Furthermore, the exhibition of different wear mechanisms like abrasive and adhesive wear, breaking of lubrication film, patches, and fatigue regions for the different scan patterns were detailed in this study.

Efficacy of natural circulation loop based parabolic trough collector- An analytical approach

ABSTRACT Realizing the importance of the natural circulation loop (NCL), which is a passive heat transport device, an analytical study is undertaken to demonstrate the functioning of an NCL-based parabolic trough collector (PTC). Multiple validated analytical models were incorporated to evaluate the system performance. The parametric study involved variations in loop height, loop length, and solar radiation. The loop flow rate enhances by increasing its height or the receiver length. At maximum radiation, 1.3 kg/s flow rate was observed for loop geometry of 5 m height and 7.8 m length against 0.79 kg/s for 1 m height. The flow rate predicted for a 10 m length and 1 m height loop was 0.87 kg/s. Since instability rises with height and heat loss and receiver temperature increase with receiver length, a trade-off between the two is necessary to function NCL-based PTC properly. Otherside, though the higher heat output with an increase in the receiver length is evident, a noticeable drop in thermal efficiency (≈7%) during the peak hours of solar radiation is a matter of concern. Further, the outlet temperature was not affected by the loop height for the defined flow condition of the process fluid. Like in conventional PTC systems, the process fluid’s exit temperature or flow rate can also be maintained constant during a day operation by varying the flow condition. The proposed model can deliver ≈ 1500 liters of hot water in six hours with an average 68% thermal efficiency without external power, in contrast to the necessity of notable pumping power and associated overhead charges in conventional PTC. Further, the system’s stability was predicted using linear stability analysis, and stability maps were generated for different loop heights and found that as the loop height decreases, the unstable zone diminishes. Though the steady-state data points are in the unstable flow region, stable operation is expected by incorporating pertinent instability restraining technique, that is, loop tilt.

Optimization and application of caprylic acid precipitation in the purification of monoclonal antibody

In response to the market demand for therapeutic antibodies, the upstream cell culture scale and expression titer of antibodies have been significantly improved, while the production efficiency of downstream purification process is relatively fall behind, and the downstream processing capacity has become a bottleneck limiting antibody production throughput. Using monoclonal antibody mab-X as experimental material, we optimized the caprylic acid (CA) precipitation process conditions of cell culture fluid and low pH virus inactivation pool, and studied two applications of using CA treatment to remove aggregates and to inactivate virus. Based on the lab scale study, we carried out a 500 L scale-up study, where CA was added to the low pH virus inactivation pool for precipitation, and the product quality and yield before and after precipitation were detected and compared. We found that CA precipitation significantly reduced HCP residuals and aggregates both before and after protein A affinity chromatography. In the aggregate spike study, CA precipitation removed about 15% of the aggregates. A virus reduction study showed complete clearance of a model retrovirus during CA precipitation of protein A purified antibody. In the scale-up study, the depth filtration harvesting, affinity chromatography, low pH virus inactivation, CA precipitation and depth filtration, and cation exchange chromatography successively carried out. The mixing time and stirring speed in the CA precipitation process significantly affected the CA precipitation effect. After CA precipitation, the HCP residue in the low pH virus inactivation solution decreased 895 times. After precipitation, the product purity and HCP residual meet the quality criteria of monoclonal antibodies. CA precipitation can reduce the chromatography step in the conventional purification process. In conclusion, CA precipitation in the downstream process can simplify the conventional purification process, fully meet the purification quality criterion of mab-X, and improve production efficiency and reduce production costs. The results of this study may promote the application of CA precipitation in the purification of monoclonal antibodies, and provide a reference for solving the bottleneck of the current purification process.

Multiple skull base defects in the setting of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea; a dual institution view

PurposeIdiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition of high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure that presents with CSF leak. The implications of multiple skull base defects (SBD) and associated synchronous CSF leaks have not been previously explored. Materials and methodsA dual institutional case-control study examined multiple SBD's and encephaloceles on the risk of CSF leak and postoperative failures post-repair. IIH patients with CSF leaks and IIH controls without leaks were selected retrospectively. Chi square analysis evaluated for statistically significant alterations in probability with CSF leak development. Results192 patients were selected with 108 IIH controls and 84 spontaneous CSF leak cases. Signs and symptoms for IIH controls and CSF leak cases respectively were pulsatile tinnitus (60.2 % and 29.8 %), headaches (96.3 % and 63.1 %), papilledema (74.1 % and 12.5 %), visual field defects (60.8 % and 13 %) (p < 0.001). Encephalocele formation in controls was 3.7 % compared to cases at 91.6 % (p < 0.001). Multiple SBD's in controls compared cases was 0.9 % and 46.4 % respectively (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of CSF leak cases showed 15 patients with two CSF leak repairs due to a recurrence. 27 (39.1 %) single leak cases had multiple SDB's while 12 (80 %) recurrent leaks had multiple SDB's (p = 0.004). ConclusionsPatients with radiographic evidence of multiple SBD's and encephaloceles represent a high-risk population with a propensity for CSF leaks. Secondary SBD's are common in patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea and higher in patients with a recurrence.

Functional analysis in the body environment for a circularly polarized hybrid reconfigurable textile antenna

This paper presents the functional analysis of a hybrid reconfigurable circularly polarized (CP) textile antenna in different on-body environments. The Tai-Chi sign inspires the current textile antenna design, where the primary radiator and ground elements are sickle-shaped structures. Hybrid reconfigurability was achieved by successfully operating two RF PIN-Diodes in the basal ground plane’s elliptical and rectangular structures. Thus, four switching states are attained by operating the textenna at 3.5, 4.5 and 5.4 GHz in the S1. 4.39 and 5.8 GHz in S2, 5 and 5.9 GHz in S3 and 2.4, 4.3, 5.8, and 9.4 GHz in S4 state. The reconfigurable textenna was devised to function on the human body. Its functional behavior in proximity to the human body was rigorously validated through testing involving bending at various vertical and horizontal angles. Additionally, a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) analysis was conducted using a three-layered human phantom. The results revealed that the maximum SAR value is below 1.6 W Kg−1 for 1 gram of tissue and 2 W kg−1 for 10 grams of tissue. These findings establish the safe operational parameters for the proposed model. The developed antenna functionalities were also tested in other circumstances like body sweating environment and interaction with body fluids (Blood, Plasma, SBF and DMEM). In these body fluid conditions, a peak gain of 4.88 dBi at S1, 6.97 dBi at S2, 7.99 dBi at S3, and 4.13 dBi at S4, was observed while interacting with Plasma, and the measured efficiency in the above configuration is between 77%–79%. The textenna durability analysis was measured using an electrochemical workstation while interacting with different body fluids. All these results confessed the applicability of the developed antennas for on-body wireless communication applications in different on-body conditions.

Brahma-related gene 1 acts as a profibrotic mediator and targeting it by micheliolide ameliorates peritoneal fibrosis

BackgroundProgressive peritoneal fibrosis is a worldwide public health concern impacting patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD), yet there is no effective treatment. Our previous study revealed that a novel compound, micheliolide (MCL) inhibited peritoneal fibrosis in mice. However, its mechanism remains unclear. Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1) is a key contributor to organ fibrosis, but its potential function in PD-related peritoneal fibrosis and the relationship between MCL and BRG1 remain unknown.MethodsThe effects of MCL on BRG1-induced fibrotic responses and TGF-β1-Smads pathway were examined in a mouse PD model and in vitro peritoneal mesothelial cells. To investigate the targeting mechanism of MCL on BRG1, coimmunoprecipitation, MCL-biotin pulldown, molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay were performed.ResultsBRG1 was markedly elevated in a mouse PD model and in peritoneal mesothelial cells cultured in TGF-β1 or PD fluid condition. BRG1 overexpression in vitro augmented fibrotic responses and promoted TGF-β1-increased-phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. Meanwhile, knockdown of BRG1 diminished TGF-β1-induced fibrotic responses and blocked TGF-β1-Smad2/3 pathway. MCL ameliorated BRG1 overexpression-induced peritoneal fibrosis and impeded TGF-β1-Smad2/3 signaling pathway both in a mouse PD model and in vitro. Mechanically, MCL impeded BRG1 from recognizing and attaching to histone H3 lysine 14 acetylation by binding to the asparagine (N1540) of BRG1, in thus restraining fibrotic responses and TGF-β1-Smad2/3 signaling pathway. After the mutation of N1540 to alanine (N1540A), MCL was unable to bind to BRG1 and thus, unsuccessful in suppressing BRG1-induced fibrotic responses and TGF-β1-Smad2/3 signaling pathway.ConclusionOur research indicates that BRG1 may be a crucial mediator in peritoneal fibrosis and MCL targeting N1540 residue of BRG1 may be a novel therapeutic strategy to combat PD-related peritoneal fibrosis.

Investigation of corrosion and wear performance of TiNbTaZr/Cr-Mo PVD coatings on 316L SS in Hanks's solution for improved biomedical applications

316L stainless steel is popular due to its strength, durability, and especially cost-effectiveness in biomedical implant applications. However, the primary drawback of those materials is damage by corrosion and wear over prolonged exposure to the body's physiological environment. Thus, surface modification or coatings are essential to mitigate the corrosion and wear sensitivity of 316L implant materials. In this study, the corrosion and wear performance of TiNbTaZr/Cr-Mo PVD coatings on 316L stainless steel (SS) for improved biomedical applications have been investigated comprehensively. The coatings were deposited using an RF magnetron sputtering PVD system, and their morphological, structural, and wettability properties were characterized through SEM-EDS, GI-XRD, and contact angle measurements. The coatings' hardness was compared by using the Knoop hardness method and their surface roughness was analyzed by using a profilometer. Electrochemical corrosion tests and wear studies were conducted in both dry and simulated body fluid (SBF) conditions. The results indicated that the coatings exhibited nano-sized grain structures with no instances of delamination or cracking and consisted of a stable β-phase. The hardness of the coatings was significantly higher than that of the uncoated 316L sample. Contact angle measurements showed improved hydrophilicity for both coatings compared to uncoated 316L SS. Furthermore, the TNTZ-Mo coating demonstrated superior corrosion resistance and reduced wear under SBF conditions, making it a promising material for biomedical applications.

The importance of extensional viscosity on a peculiar ear-flow front for injection molding simulations of fiber-reinforced composites

An ear-flow front is discovered in the industrial practice of injection molding, especially for fiber-reinforced composites; the advance of the flow front in the center of the cavity is obviously slower than at the edges. To date, such a peculiar flow has not yet been predicted theoretically or computationally and is beyond the predictive capabilities of existing commercial computer aid design (CAE) packages for the injection molding process. Recently, the GNF-X (Generalized Newtonian Fluid eXtended) model of weighted shear/extensional viscosity has been incorporated availably in state-of-the-art predictive engineering software of the 3D-CFD (three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics) framework to show the extension-induced vortex growth in contraction flows of polymer melts. Through 3D-CFD coupled with GNF-X in injection molding simulations, it is significant to demonstrate the importance of extensional viscosity on the ear-flow formation in relation to the weighted viscosity and extension fraction for long-branched and fiber-filled polymer materials. In addition, one can point out that the ear-flow front probably occurs in fast filling conditions for anisotropic fluids.