Entire Range Research Articles

The abundance of dark matter haloes down to Earth mass

ABSTRACT We use the voids-within-voids-within-voids (VVV) simulations, a suite of successive nested N-body simulations with extremely high resolution (denoted, from low to high resolution, by L0 to L7), to test the Press–Schechter (PS), Sheth–Tormen (ST), and extended Press–Schechter (EPS) formulae for the halo abundance over the entire mass range, from minihaloes of 10−6 M⊙, to cluster haloes of 1015 M⊙, at different redshifts, from z = 30 to the present. We find that at z = 0 and z = 2, ST best reproduces the results of L0, which has the mean cosmic density (overdensity δ = 0), at 1011−15 M⊙. The higher resolution levels (L1–L7) are biased underdense regions (δ < −0.6). The EPS formalism takes this into account since it gives the mass function of a region conditioned, in this case, on having a given underdensity. EPS provides good matches to these higher levels, with deviations ≲20 per cent, at 10−6−12.5 M⊙. At z ∼ 7−15, the ST predictions for L0 and the EPS for L1–L7 show somewhat larger deviations from the simulation results. However, at even higher redshifts, z ∼ 30, EPS fits the simulations well again. We confirm our results by picking more subvolumes from the L0 simulation, finding that our conclusions depend only weakly on the size and overdensity of the region. The good agreement of EPS with the higher level simulations implies that PS (or ST) gives an accurate description of the total halo mass function in representative regions of the universe.

A fading mountain world? Landscape change driven by the economic and socioecological fabric of the Pyrenean area around Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park (1900-2020)

Industrialization and the subsequent transition to a tourism-based economy, together with the globalization of the agri-food system, have transformed how natural resources are used, the relationship between the local population and the landscape, and the biodiversity of mountainous areas. This article analyses the agrarian and environmental history of the area surrounding Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, in the Catalan Pyrenees, from the early twentieth century to the present day, through oral testimonies, old photographs, demographic and socioeconomic data, and a GIS-based map analysis of changes in land use and the location of the resident population. The results show that economic tertiarization and the end of integrated productive land management have given rise to a forest transition towards less landscape diversity. This threatens the entire range of landscape ecosystem services that make the area appealing for a more diversified and sustainable mountain tourism model.

Food Insecurity and Premature Mortality and Life Expectancy in the US

Food insecurity has been linked to multiple causes of disease and premature mortality; however, its association with mortality by sex and across racial and ethnic groups remains unknown in the US. To investigate the associations of the entire range of food security with all-cause premature mortality and life expectancy across racial and ethnic and sex groups in US adults. This cohort study included adults (aged ≥18 years) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018, with linkage to the National Death Index through December 31, 2019. Data analysis was performed from August to November 2023. Levels of food security were assessed with the US Department of Agriculture Adult Food Security Survey Module (full, marginal, low, and very low). All-cause premature mortality (death that occurs before age 80 years) and life expectancy. The study included 57 404 adults (weighted mean [SE] age, 46.0 [0.19] years; 51.8% female; 12 281 Black individuals [21.4%]; 10 421 Mexican individuals [18.2%]; 4627 Other Hispanic individuals [8.1%]; 24 817 White individuals [43.2%]; and 5258 individuals of other races, including multiracial [9.2%]). During a median (IQR) of 9.3 (5.0-14.3) years of follow-up, 4263 premature deaths were documented. Compared with the full food security group, the adjusted hazard ratios were 1.50 (95% CI, 1.31-1.71), 1.44 (95% CI, 1.24-1.68), and 1.81 (95% CI, 1.56-2.10) across marginal, low, and very low food security groups, respectively (P < .001 for trend). The corresponding life expectancy at age 50 years in each group was 32.5 (95% CI, 32.4-32.6), 29.9 (95% CI, 28.9-30.9), 30.0 (95% CI, 28.9-31.0), and 28.0 (95% CI, 26.8-29.2) years. Equivalently, adults with marginal, low, or very low food security lived on average 2.6 (95% CI, 1.5-3.7), 2.5 (95% CI, 1.4-3.7), or 4.5 (95% CI, 3.2-5.8) fewer years at age 50 years, respectively, compared with those with full food security. The associations appeared to be stronger in women than in men (hazard ratios comparing very low food security with full food security, 2.29 [95% CI, 1.83-2.86] in women and 1.46 [95% CI, 1.19-1.78] in men; P = .009 for interaction) and stronger in White adults than in Black adults (hazard ratios comparing very low food security with full food security, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.70-2.53] in White adults and 1.33 [95% CI, 1.01-1.75] in Black adults; P < .001 for interaction) or in Hispanic adults (hazard ratios comparing very low food security with full food security, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.71-1.58]; P < .001 for interaction). In this cohort study, although the association of food security and life expectancy varied across sex and racial and ethnic groups, overall, lower levels of food security were associated with a higher risk of premature mortality and a shorter life expectancy. The findings of this study highlight the potential importance of improving food security in promoting population health and health equity.

Ab Initio Path Integral Monte Carlo Simulations of the Uniform Electron Gas on Large Length Scales.

The accurate description of non-ideal quantum many-body systems is of prime importance for a host of applications within physics, quantum chemistry, materials science, and related disciplines. At finite temperatures, the gold standard is given by ab initio path integral Monte Carlo (PIMC) simulations, which do not require any empirical input but exhibit an exponential increase in the required computation time for Fermionic systems with an increase in system size N. Very recently, computing Fermionic properties without this bottleneck based on PIMC simulations of fictitious identical particles has been suggested. In our work, we use this technique to perform very large (N ≤ 1000) PIMC simulations of the warm dense electron gas and demonstrate that it is capable of providing a highly accurate description of the investigated properties, i.e., the static structure factor, the static density response function, and the local field correction, over the entire range of length scales.

Thermodynamic Characteristics and Selectivity of the Liquid-Phase Adsorption of Aromatic Compounds on Hypercrosslinked Polystyrene Networks with Ultimate-High Crosslinking Densities by Data of Liquid Chromatography.

This study delves into the thermodynamics of liquid-phase adsorption on hypercrosslinked polystyrene networks (HPSNs), widely recognized for their distinct structure and properties. Despite the considerable progress in HPSN synthesis and characterization, gaps persist regarding the chromatographic retention mechanism, thermodynamics of adsorption, and their impact on the adsorption selectivity, especially in the case of networks with ultra-high crosslinking densities (up to 500%). Utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we have explored, for the first time, the thermodynamic intricacies of liquid-phase adsorption onto HPSNs crosslinked in the entire range of the crosslinking degree from 100 to 500%. Our findings reveal the dependences of thermodynamic characteristics and selectivity of adsorption on the crosslinking degree, textural features, and liquid-phase composition in the region of extremely low adsorbent surface coverages (Henry's range). We have detected that, in the case of HPSNs, the dependence of the thermodynamic characteristics of adsorption on the liquid-phase composition is different than for classical HPLC stationary phases. Moreover, we scrutinize the impact of the molecular structure of the studied aromatic compounds on the thermodynamic characteristics and selectivity of the liquid-phase adsorption on HPSNs. Investigating liquid-phase adsorption selectivity, we demonstrate the pivotal role of π-π interactions in separating aromatic compounds on HPSNs. Eventually, we unveil that the thermodynamic characteristics of adsorption peculiarly depend on the crosslinking degree due to the profound impact of the crosslinking on the electronic density in benzene rings in HPSNs, whereas the separation throughput peaks for the polymer with a 500% crosslinking degree, attributed to its exceptionally rigid network structure, moderate swelling and micropore volume, and minimum specific surface area.

A tough nutlet to crack: Resolving the phylogeny of Thesium (Thesiaceae), the largest genus in Santalales

AbstractWith over 350 species, Thesium is the largest genus in Santalales. It is found on all continents except Antarctica; however, its highest diversity is in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa where approximately half the species occur. Thesium samples of ca. 590 collections from throughout its entire geographic range were obtained and nuclear ribosomal ITS sequenced from 396 accessions representing 196 named taxa and 30 currently unnamed taxa for a total of ca. 230 species. In addition, two chloroplast genome spacers (trnDT, trnLF) were sequenced from 269 and 315 accessions, respectively. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods were employed to generate gene trees and infer phylogenies. The value of the morphological characters traditionally used in the taxonomy of the genus and previous infrageneric classifications are discussed. Broad scale relationships were generally congruent among the ITS and the chloroplast trees. For example, both the nuclear and chloroplast trees support the presence of Eurasian and African clades. In contrast, major incongruence was detected between nuclear and chloroplast trees for a number of taxa including the recently described T. nautimontanum that is sister to the entire African clade on the ITS tree. Although the causes of this incongruence are currently unknown, a novel form of chloroplast capture is hypothesized. A hypothesis of the biogeographical history of the genus based on our molecular phylogeny is presented.

Structural and dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 synthesized by sol–gel method

CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) nanomaterials were synthesized using the low-cost facile sol-gel technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the cubic structure of the prepared sample. Scherrer’s formula and the W-H (Williamson-Hall) plot was used to calculated the average crystallite size of the prepared sample and it was found to be 27 nm and 31.3 nm, respectively, while the strain created in the lattice is 5.008 × 10−4. Based on the absorbance plot, the band-gap (Eg ) of the sample was determined using Tauc’s plot and it was found out to be 2.74 eV. The frequency dependence of dielectric permittivity (ε) and tangent loss (tan δ) of CCTO was analyzed at different temperature range from 300 K to 663 K over a frequency range from 10 Hz to 1 MHz. ε and tan δ decrease monotonically in entire frequency range and an anomalous frequency-dependent behavior was observed at different temperatures. High ε (in the range of 104) was found out at lower frequency range. Electrical conductivity was also analyzed in range of frequencies and temperature, it was found out that in higher region of frequency conductivity slightly increases. The room temperature values of ε, tanδ and conductivity was 7.5 × 103, 1.5 and 0.4 × 10−5 Ω−1 m−1, respectively. The reduction in Eg is achieved which was the major concern in this work. Furthermore, we have extensively studied the ε along with tan δ and ac conductivity for electronic application usage. According to these observations, CCTO is particularly prepared so that it could be suitable for microelectronic applications due to its high ε and low tan δ.

Revisiting the Plasmodium sporozoite inoculum and elucidating the efficiency with which malaria parasites progress through the mosquito

Malaria is initiated when infected anopheline mosquitoes inoculate sporozoites as they probe for blood. It is thought that all infected mosquitoes are equivalent in terms of their infectious potential, with parasite burden having no role in transmission success. In this study, using mosquitoes harboring the entire range of salivary gland sporozoite loads observed in the field, we demonstrate a strong and highly significant correlation between mosquito parasite burden and inoculum size. We then link the inoculum data to oocyst counts, the most commonly-used metric to assess mosquito infection in the field, and determine the efficiency with which oocyst sporozoites enter mosquito salivary glands. Taken together our data support the conclusion that mosquitoes with higher parasite burdens are more likely to initiate infection and contribute to onward transmission. Overall these data may account for some of the unexplained heterogeneity in transmission and enable more precise benchmarks for transmission-blocking interventions.

Bathymetric origin shapes the physiological responses of Pterygophora californica (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) to deep marine heatwaves.

Kelp communities are experiencing exacerbated heat-related impacts from more intense, frequent, and deeper marine heatwaves (MHWs), imperiling the long-term survival of kelp forests in the climate change scenario. The occurrence of deep thermal anomalies is of critical importance, as elevated temperatures can impact kelp populations across their entire bathymetric range. This study evaluates the impact of MHWs on mature sporophytes of Pterygophora californica (walking kelp) from the bathymetric extremes (8-10 vs. 25-27 m) of a population situated in Baja California (Mexico). The location is near the southernmost point of the species's broad distribution (from Alaska to Mexico). The study investigated the ecophysiological responses (e.g., photobiology, nitrate uptake, oxidative stress) and growth of adult sporophytes through a two-phase experiment: warming simulating a MHW and a post-MHW phase without warming. Generally, the effects of warming differed depending on the bathymetric origin of the sporophytes. The MHW facilitated essential metabolic functions of deep-water sporophytes, including photosynthesis, and promoted their growth. In contrast, shallow-water sporophytes displayed metabolic stress, reduced growth, and oxidative damage. Upon the cessation of warming, certain responses, such as a decline in nitrate uptake and net productivity, became evident in shallow-water sporophytes, implying a delay in heat-stress response. This indicates that variation in temperatures can result in more prominent effects than warming alone. The greater heat tolerance of sporophytes in deeper waters shows convincing evidence that deep portions of P. californica populations have the potential to serve as refuges from the harmful impacts of MHWs on shallow reefs.

Magnetron Sputtering as a Versatile Tool for Precise Synthesis of Hybrid Iron Oxide–Graphite Nanomaterial for Electrochemical Applications

Iron oxide nanomaterials are promising candidates for various electrochemical applications. However, under operating conditions high electric resistance is still limiting performance and lifetime. By incorporating the electronically conductive carbon into a nanohybrid, performance may be increased and degeneration due to delamination may be prevented, eliminating major drawbacks. For future applications, performance is an important key, but also cost-effective manufacturing suitable for scale-up must be developed. A possible approach that shows good potential for up-scale is magnetron sputtering. In this study, a systematic investigation of iron oxides produced by RF magnetron sputtering was carried out, with a focus on establishing correlations between process parameters and resulting structural properties. It was observed that increasing the process pressure was favourable with regard to porosity. Over the entire pressure range investigated, the product consisted of low-crystalline Fe3O4, as well as Fe2O3 as a minor phase. During sputtering, a high degree of graphitisation of carbon was achieved, allowing for sufficient electronic conductivity. By means of a new alternating magnetron sputtering process, highly homogeneous salt-and-pepper-type arrangements of both nanodomains, iron oxide and carbon were achieved. This nano-containment of the redox-active species in a highly conductive carbon domain improves the material’s overall conductivity, while simultaneously increasing the electrochemical stability by 44%, as confirmed by cyclic voltammetry.

Development of an On-Column Trace Enrichment Method for the Determination of Sub-μg/L Bisphenol A in Bottled Water by RP-HPLC with Fluorescent Detection.

A simple extraction-free, on-column trace enrichment liquid chromatographic method for the determination of trace levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in bottled water samples has been developed. It was found possible to determine ng/L (ppt) levels of BPA by the direct introduction of 6 mL of sample water to the HPLC column utilising fluorescence detection (Exλ = 274 nm, Emλ = 314 nm). Following the loading of the sample and the chromatographic focusing of the BPA on the analytical column, a simple switch from the aqueous sample to the isocratic chromatographic elution step of 50% acetonitrile/deionised water was undertaken. Using a BPA concentration of 0.596 μg/L the effect of sample volume was investigated over the range 1.0 to 12 mL. A linear relationship with the sample volume introduced to the HPLC column and the resulting peak height for BPA was found over the entire range investigated (R2 = 0.999). Using a sample volume of 6.0 mL, a well-defined chromatographic peak was recorded for BPA over the concentration range of 0.1 μg/L to 6.25 μg/L (R2 = 0.9998). A limit of detection of 0.058 μg/L for BPA was calculated based on 3 δ. A mean recovery of 100% with an associated %CV of 7.6% (n = 5) was obtained for a bottled spring water sample fortified with 1.25 μg/L BPA. Samples can be processed in under 12 minutes, much faster than that commonly reported for conventional offline extraction and chromatographic-based methods. The results show that the optimised method holds promise for the determination of BPA in such samples.

On the thermodynamic properties of hydrolysed urine: Experimental data, predictive and correlative models for the design of concentrative urine treatment technologies

Source-separated urine contains the potential for water, nutrient and energy recovery. During the recovery of such resources, urine treatment technologies undergo temporal changes in the thermodynamic properties of urine. To inform the design of thermal, membrane and electrochemical urine treatment processes, this study experimentally measured and modelled the thermophysical properties of synthetic hydrolysed urine (vapour pressure, osmotic pressure, density, and electrical conductivity) across temperature and concentration profiles using two approaches: predictive thermodynamic equations based on an ionic speciation model and correlative modelling. The vapour pressure and osmotic pressure were accurately predicted to 14 wt% for the predictive model, within an error of 0.30% and 0.46%, respectively, while the correlative model based on the experimental data from this study demonstrated an error of <1% for both parameters across the whole range of salt concentrations and temperatures (4.5 to 32.2 wt%; 333 to 373 K). The predictive and correlative models for density and electrical conductivity showed adequate agreement with the experimental data, where error did not exceed 2.12% and 1.2%, respectively, across the entire range of concentrations and temperatures.The value of the models for the development of sustainable urine treatment technologies was demonstrated by their application to determine the optimum heating surface area of a urine evaporator and the energy requirements of a reverse osmosis process.

Prehistory of Bangladesh in the Light of Recent Discovery

Bangladesh has deep historical roots, with a significant concentration of prehistoric evidence discovered primarily at the Lalmai Hill range in Cumilla district and Chaklapunji in Habiganj district. This study focuses on the Lalmai Hill range in Cumilla, which comprises multiple sites that have garnered considerable attention due to their rich prehistoric heritage. While previous investigations focused on the southern part, covering a length of 16.53 km and a width of 1 km to 2.5 km, this study aimed to explore the entire hill range with the objective of uncovering new signs of prehistoric activities and digitally documenting them. Intrusive surface surveys were conducted in an unsystematic manner due to the challenging hilly terrain, and samples were collected without following a predetermined sampling strategy. The findings reveal the discovery of four new sites in the southern region, where sixty-one Stone Age tools were unearthed. The results show that the tool assemblages consist of two major categories with six different varieties based on their typology. Detailed examination of the physical attributes of the tools primarily reveals controlled knapping techniques applied to remove flakes and manufacture the tools. The presence of fossil wood and the absence of fossil wooden tools in the northern and middle sections of the hill range suggest that the southern part offered favorable environmental resources for shelter to prehistoric migrants. Additionally, the exposed fossil woods, which served as suitable raw material, are prominent features of the Dupi Tila formation, dating back to the Plio-Pleistocene epoch. The study underscores the importance of continued investigation and excavation to unravel the intricate signs of prehistoric culture within this archaeological landscape.

Telecentric phase imaging at extended depth of focus using digital holographic microscopy

Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) is a well-known technique utilized by researchers to precisely examine the 3D topography of microscopic objects. Until now, DHM systems have offered researchers a trade-off between either achieving telecentricity or maintaining a limited depth of focus, presenting a challenge for comprehensive 3D imaging. Here, we propose a very stable DHM system that utilizes a customized microscope objective and electrically tunable lens to enable rapid axial scanning within the extended depth of focus range, continuous field of view, and telecentricity at each image plane. An extended depth of focus up to 5.5 mm axially is obtained with consistent magnification and resolution with a minimal magnification error of 2.2 % over the entire axial range. Additionally, a thorough investigation into the temporal stability of the system was conducted, with multiple holographic recordings taken over a period of 7 s. The minimal deviation in object height, measuring just 0.31 nm (without the use of vibration isolation), underscores the good temporal stability inherent in this proposed DHM system.

Single-Frequency Ring Fiber Laser with Random Distributed Feedback Provided by Artificial Rayleigh Scattering

Femtosecond (fs) laser inscription technology allows for the production of in-fiber disordered structures with an enhanced level of Rayleigh backscattering with relatively few induced losses. These properties enable the application of these structures as reflectors in fiber lasers. In this study, a narrow-linewidth erbium fiber laser with random distributed feedback provided by a fs-induced random structure in a ring cavity configuration was developed. A single-frequency regime was observed over the entire lasing power range. At a maximum output power of 7.8 mW, the linewidth did not exceed 0.75 kHz.

Improving robustness in strategic energy planning: A novel decision support method to deal with epistemic uncertainties

This paper addresses the challenge of dealing with epistemic, i.e. non-probabilistic, uncertainties in strategic energy planning modelling. Current models have limited consideration of this type of uncertainty compared to probabilistic uncertainty, and also typically lead to overly conservative results. To address this issue, the contribution of the paper is to propose a novel decision support method which combines two decision-making methodologies into a single, internally consistent algorithm, and to show its applicability to real-size energy planning studies. Robust optimization is applied to address constraint uncertainties, while the minimax regret criterion is utilized for uncertainties in the objective function. This approach facilitates energy modelling exercises that can be more closely aligned with decision-makers' preferences for both feasibility and optimality. To demonstrate its effectiveness, the method is applied to a real-size strategic energy planning model, and the algorithm is shown to be able to provide detailed solutions in reasonable times. Ex-post evaluations confirm that this approach maintains robust optimization performance by effectively reducing the occurrence and magnitude of infeasibilities, while satisfying the minimax regret criterion across the entire range of uncertainties. Therefore, this integration preserves the distinct advantages of each methodology without any adverse effects when used together.

A thermal deformation optimization method forcryogenically cooled silicon crystal monochromators under high heat load.

A method to optimize the thermal deformation of an indirectly cryo-cooled silicon crystal monochromator exposed to intense X-rays at a low-emittance diffraction-limited synchrotron radiation source is presented. The thermal-induced slope error of the monochromator crystal has been studied as a function of heat transfer efficiency, crystal temperature distribution and beam footprint size. A partial cooling method is proposed, which flattens the crystal surface profile within the beam footprint by modifying the cooling contact area to optimize the crystal peak temperature. The optimal temperature varies with different photon energies, which is investigated, and a proper cooling strategy is obtained to fulfil the thermal distortion requirements over the entire photon energy range. At an absorbed power up to 300 W with a maximum power density of 44.8 W mm-2 normal incidence beam from an in-vacuum undulator, the crystal thermal distortion does not exceed 0.3 µrad at 8.33 keV. This method will provide references for the monochromator design on diffraction-limited synchrotron radiation or free-electron laser light sources.

Extracorporeal Methods of Hemocorrection in Patients with Abdominal Sepsis

BACKGROUND. Theoretical data convincingly support the use of extracorporeal hemocorrection (ECHC) methods in the treatment of sepsis. However, a large number of researchers have still not been able to convincingly prove the advantage of ECHC methods; there is no unanimity of opinion. We tried to analyze our own experience in using ECHC methods in the treatment of abdominal sepsis over the past 3 years. AIM OF STUDY. To analyze the use of ECHC methods in the early stages of treatment of abdominal sepsis, to determine whether their use had an advantage for survival. STUDY DESIGN. Prospective cohort. DESCRIPTION OF THE METHOD. In 50 cases (group 1), ECHC was performed early after surgery. The median time from admission to the intensive care unit after surgery to the start of ECHC was 25.3 (17.7; 36.5) hours. When determining the ECHC modality, we were guided by the individual approach and clinical experience of the ECHC specialist. Apheresis methods alone were performed in 8 % of patients (4/50), a combination of apheresis methods and renal replacement therapy was performed in 40 % (20/50), renal replacement therapy (RRT) methods were performed in 98 % (46/50), plasmapheresis/plasma exchange/selective plasma filtration were performed in 30 % (15/50), selective hemosorption of cytokines was performed in 4 % (2/50), selective hemosorption lipopolysaccharides was performed in 24 % (12/50). We analyzed outcomes, assessments of the severity of functional disorders and sepsis-associated organ dysfunction according to the APACHE scales II and SOFA and their dynamics, probabilities of outcomes depending on the scores on the indices (logistic regression); life times, cumulative survival rate (Kaplan-Meier method). SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS. There were 113 patients after emergency laparotomy due to widespread peritonitis, abdominal sepsis, aged from 23 to 90 years. 67 men, 46 women. In 50 cases of observation (group 1), ECHC was performed in the early stages ; in 63 cases, methods of active hemocorrection were not used (group 2). In group 1 there were 35 patients with septic shock and 15 patients with stable hemodynamics (subgroup 1/shock and subgroup 1/sepsis). In group 2 there were 20 patients with shock and 43 with stable hemodynamics (subgroup 2/shock and subgroup 2/sepsis). RESEARCH RESULTS ECHC. Methods allowed survival of patients with more severe APACHE scores II and SOFA: in survivors in subgroup 1/shock Me 29 (24; 31) versus 23 (14; 26) in the subgroup 2/shock and 8 (4; 10) versus 4 (2; 6) points, p=0.048 and p = 0.010; with stable hemodynamics in survivors in subgroup 1/sepsis Me 20 (17; 22) versus 15 (11; 19) in subgroup 2/sepsis, p=0.016. ECHC changed the survival threshold in favor of more severe patients from 29 to 33 points; reduced the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome 1.2-fold for each point on the APACHE scale II and 1,276 times over the entire range of estimates; prolonged survival time in hemodynamically unstable patients at a significance level of p = 0.083, shifting the first quartile of survival from 1 to 12 days, the median from 12 to 20, the third quartile from 27 to 45 days. When performing ECHC, the cumulative survival rate was higher throughout the entire hospital observation period: 0.886 (95 % CI 0.780–0.939) in 2 days versus 0.700 (95 % CI 0.499–0.802); 0.800 (95 % CI 0.667–0.868) in 10 days versus 0.545 (95 % CI 0.325–0.658); 0.653 (95 % CI 0.494–0.734) in 14 days versus 0.416 (95 % CI 1.185–0.533). Overall mortality from all causes was 35.4 % (40/113), 67.3 (37/55) with shock, 5.2 % (3/58) with stable hemodynamics. The maximum risk of an unfavorable outcome occurred in the early stages: 30 % (12/40) of all deaths occurred in the first 4 days after surgery, 20 % (8/40) in the first 24 hours. In shock patients, 10-day mortality was lower when performing ECHC: 20.0 % (7/35) versus 45.0 % (9/20), p = 0.050, 1st stage. Fisher’s test, P = 0.38 insufficient. Hospital mortality in the shock subgroups was equal, all the advantages of ECHC achieved in the early stages were lost; although in most late outcomes the peritonitis was relieved; which was confirmed during the section. CONCLUSIONS. The power of the study was sufficient to identify statistically significant advantages of extracorporeal hemocorrection in the treatment of abdominal sepsis based on APACHE index estimates II and SOFA. For the Kaplan–Meier method, differences were obtained for shock patients at a significance level of 0.083; the number of observations must be doubled to detect statistically significant differences. The final results of hospital mortality require additional in-depth analysis, since in the later stages many deaths were not associated with abdominal sepsis and occurred with already resolved peritonitis. It is necessary to understand to what extent they were associated with experienced sepsis, and to what extent with comorbid pathology; whether there was an association with methods of extracorporeal hemocorrection.

Non-stationary load measurement using six-component strain-gauge balances

A novel method using six-component strain-gauge balances has been proposed to solve an important mechanics problem in aircraft model wind tunnel testing – measuring the non-stationary force and moment vectors. A physical model is at the method’s core: the sensitive elements of each balance component are replaced by damped springs. This model measures arbitrary non-stationary loads over the entire frequency range of the balance, including the natural frequency. The problem is solved for the general case of a non-inertial balance coordinate system. The standard deviation of the proposed method for measuring non-stationary loads did not exceed 2.8%. The proposed method solves a second problem – measuring object mass and the positions of its centre of mass and moments of inertia with respect to three mutually perpendicular axes. The method is experimentally verified. An estimation of the frequency range of the strain-gauge balance for measuring non-stationary loads was made using the developed method.

Advanced thermodynamic approach to adsorption of charged adsorbates from aqueous electrolyte solutions

This study present estimation of the thermodynamic parameters and the influence of ionic activity coefficient on the thermodynamic equilibrium constant of adsorption of phosphates on fly ash. The adsorption was conducted over a wide range of initial phosphate concentrations at different pH values pH = (3; 7; 10). The adsorption results were treated using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Sips adsorption isotherms, which provide information about the maximum adsorption capacity. The Langmuir and Sips isotherms were a satisfactory fit to the adsorption data, especially at pH = 3, with an acceptable regression coefficient over the entire concentration range, Langmuir (r2 = 0.9737) and Sips (r2 = 0.9969). The estimated maximum phosphate sorption capacity of fly ash was 6.21 ± 0.68 (mmol·g−1) according to Langmuir and 4.19 ± 0.16 (mmol·g−1) according to the Sips model, at pH = 3.0. However, there is no data in the published literature for estimating the thermodynamic parameters of the phosphate adsorption process using thermodynamic models for activity coefficients. Novel approach of this paper was determination of the thermodynamic equilibrium constant and Gibbs free energy, using the Pitzer ion-interaction model to predict the nature of adsorption. The Pitzer-ion interaction model was used for the mixed ionic systems, taking into consideration the effect of other present ions besides phosphates in the equilibrium solution resulting from fly ash desorption. The procedure for comprehensive estimation of the ion activity coefficient at maximum adsorption capacity and the dimensionless thermodynamic equilibrium constant using Langmuir's and Sips’s constants was presented. The calculated value of the phosphate activity coefficient in the equilibrium solution was γH2PO4,e = 0.7003 ± 0.0027 and the converted molar activity coefficient was γH2PO4,e = 0.6903 ± 0.0027. The estimated values of Gibbs free energy were: ΔGL = −6.788 ± 0.521 kJ·mol−1 based on Langmuir equilibrium constant and ΔGa = −7.707 ± 0.527 kJ·mol−1 based on activity and thermodynamic equilibrium constant. According to Sips model, the adsorption process is even more spontaneous, with the Gibbs free energy calculated using the phosphate activity coefficient and the thermodynamic equilibrium constant, ΔGa = −9.707 ± 0.617 kJ·mol−1. Consideration of the ionic activity coefficient is particularly important for large, charged adsorbates at higher concentrations, as the absolute difference in free energy for adsorption is app. 12 %. The scientific contribution is reflected in obtaining the necessary and more accurate information for the improvement of adsorption processes and possibly for the upgrading of fly ash in overall wastewater treatment technology.