Free Water Research Articles

Functional Breads with Encapsulated Vitamin C and Fish Oil: Nutritional, Technological, and Sensory Attributes

The fortification of bread is considered an effective approach for improving its nutritional properties. However, the incorporation of free bioactive components into bread formulations may affect the overall quality of breads in different ways, depending on the sensitivity of bioactive components to baking factors. In this study, the incorporation of encapsulated vitamin C (ascorbic acid and its salts) and fish oil in breads was investigated for their stability and effect on bread quality. The combination of fish oil emulsions increased the retention of encapsulated ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, or sodium ascorbate in breads compared to that of the free non-combined vitamin. At the same time, the combination of vitamin gels increased the retention of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and decreased the lipid oxidation in breads compared to the non-combined encapsulated forms. The highest retention values of ascorbic groups, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and DHA were about 70%, 88%, and 95% in breads after baking, respectively. There was the negative correlation between the ABTS radical scavenging capacity and peroxide value in breads. The specific volume of breads was improved by vitamin gels but reduced by fish oil emulsions. Their combination resisted individual impact on the specific volume of breads. The breads with combined ascorbic acid gels and fish oil emulsions showed similar textural properties to the control one. The functional bread with calcium ascorbate gel and fish oil emulsion had the highest moisture content of 45.87%. The inclusion of vitamin gels plus fish oil emulsion decreased free water but increased the bound water. Combining ascorbic acid gels with fish oil emulsions effectively reduced and masked the fishy flavor. The integration of encapsulation techniques and multi-nutrient fortification is proposed as an effective way to enhance the nutritional value and quality of functional bread through synergistic effects.

Giant polygonal anhydrite ridges in the Southern Permian Basin

Giant polygonal anhydrite ridges with diameters of 2−4 km have been identified in the NE margin of the Southern Permian Basin in Poland. The primary ridges reach heights of 80−120 m, and secondary ridges, <40 m in height, subdivide them into smaller cells ∼1 km in diameter. The ridges were up to ∼40% higher before the alteration of gypsum to anhydrite. Both seismic and gravity surveys indicate the presence of similar structures over an area of thousands of square kilometers. Two alternative hypotheses, gypsum diapirism and free water convection, are proposed to explain their formation.

Saturation transfer (CEST and MT) MRI for characterization of U-87 MG glioma in the rat.

The focus of this work was to identify the optimal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast between orthotopic U-87 MG tumours and normal appearing brain with the eventual goal of treatment response monitoring. U-87 MG human glioblastoma cells were injected into the brain of RNU nude rats (n= 9). The rats were imaged at 7T at three timepoints for all animals: 3-5, 7-9, and 11-13 days after implantation. Whole-brain T1-weighted (before and after gadolinium contrast agent injection), diffusion, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery scans were performed. In addition, single-slice saturation-transfer-weighted chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST), magnetization transfer (MT), and water saturation shift referencing (WASSR) contrast Z-spectra and T1 and T2 maps were also acquired. The MT and WASSR Z-spectra and T1 map were fitted to a two-pool quantitative MT model to estimate the T2 of the free and macromolecular-bound water molecules, the relative macromolecular pool size (M0, MT), and the magnetization exchange rate from the macromolecular pool to the free pool (RMT). The T1-corrected apparent exchange-dependent relaxation (AREX) metric to isolate the CEST contributions was also calculated. The lesion on M0, MT and AREX maps with a B1 of 2μT best matched the hyperintensity on the post-contrast T1-weighted image. There was also good separation in Z-spectra between the lesion and contralateral cortex in the 2-μT CEST and 3- and 5-μT MT Z-spectra at all time points. A pairwise Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with Holm-Bonferroni adjustment on MRI parameters was performed and the differences between enhancing lesion and contralateral cortex for the MT ratio with 2μT saturation at 3.6ppm frequency offset (corresponding to the amide chemical group) and M0, MT were both strongly significant (p< 0.001) at all time points. This work has identified that differences between enhancing lesion and contralateral cortex are strongest in MTR with B1=2μT at 3.6ppm and relative macromolecular pool size (M0, MT) images over entire period of 3-13 days after cancer cell implantation.

Numerical Simulation of Resistance and Flow Field for Submarines near Ice Surface

When a submarine operates in polar regions, the polar environment inevitably impacts its resistance and flow field characteristics, especially when the submarine navigates near the ice surface. This paper investigates the hydrodynamic characteristics of a submarine sailing near the free water surface and the ice surface using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. In order to quantify the impact of ice on the resistance and flow field characteristics of the submarine, the resistance coefficients are calculated for both near ice surface and free surface. The resistance, velocity field, and pressure distribution around the submarine at different depths and speeds are analyzed. The results indicate that the total resistance of the submarine sailing near the ice surface is lower than the free water surface. When the submarine is sailing near the ice surface, its total resistance coefficient decreases with increased submergence depth at a constant Froude number. At a fixed depth, the resistance coefficient also decreases as the Froude number increases. Additionally, when the dimensionless depth relative to the maximum hull diameter (D) exceeds 3.5, it has little effect on the resistance coefficient.

Integrity of central nervous autonomous tracts is associated with cardiac function, cardiovascular risk factors, organ damage and major adverse cardiovascular events

Abstract Background Alterations in the central autonomic nervous system have been linked to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular (CV) risk and disease. Moreover, these conditions are treatable by pharmacological or interventional modification of the activity of the autonomic nervous system. Purpose The UK Biobank enables the investigation of the relationship between changes in the CAN and CV function or disease within a large population. Microstructural integrity of the CAN was assessed for associations with cardiac function, CV risk and damage representations, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Method Microstructural diffusion metrics for 7 CAN tracts were estimated using a Bayesian approach, which determines the three components of a standard white matter-based tissue model: 1. the free water fraction (CSF); 2. the fraction within neuronal processes, i.e. axons and dendrites (INTRA); and 3. the fraction outside of axons or dendrites (EXTRA), representing the cellular compartment and the extracellular matrix. Volume fractions of the three microstructural components were analysed for associations with cardiac index, blood pressure, CV target organ damage (arterial stiffness, left ventricular mass, and wall thickness), and MACE, using covariate-adjusted regression models that corrected for multiple comparisons. Results Analysis of cardiac function in 26,302 participants revealed significant associations between cardiac index and CAN regions in the cortical and subcortical networks. Arterial stiffness was significantly associated with markers of microstructural integrity in the cortical networks only (n=22,491), while systolic (n=34,114) and diastolic blood pressure (n=34,130), left ventricular mass (n=22,491) and wall thickness (n=22,491) showed extensive associations with the cortical and subcortical CAN. MACE (n=33,444) was associated with cortical markers of microstructural integrity of the CAN in limbic pathways (significant CANs all p&amp;lt;0.002) and the CAN pathways connecting cortical areas (significant CANs left all &amp;lt;0.001, right=0.001). The observed pattern of microstructural metrics suggests that the integrity of neural connections (intra-fraction) positively correlates with adverse outcomes, while an increase in free fluid (CSF) volume was typically associated with a negative impact. Conclusion In this analysis, markers of CAN integrity and degradation showed extensive associations with indicators of CV function, risk factors, damage parameters, and outcomes. This evidence supports the crucial role of autonomic regulation in cardiovascular disease. Future research is needed to determine whether these associations indicate harmful processes, such as neuroinflammation, contributing to cardiovascular (CV) risk and disease development, or if they are consequences of pre-existing elevated risk factors or events.CANs associated with MACEAssociations of CAN with CV organ damage

From Literature to Action: Analyzing How Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal Responds to Different Design Factors in Free Water Surface Constructed Wetlands

From Literature to Action: Analyzing How Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal Responds to Different Design Factors in Free Water Surface Constructed Wetlands

PERFORMANCE OF FREE WATER SURFACE FLOW CONSTRUCTED WETLAND FOR LEAD AND CADMIUM IONS REMOVAL USING AZOLLA PINNATA PLANT

Phytoremediation is the ability of some plants to bio accumulate, decompose, or transformation of pollutants in soils, water, or air. In the current study, an effort is made to study the effectiveness of free-floating plants to treat simulated industrial wastewater polluted with Lead and Cadmium ions using Azolla Pinnata plant in a lab condition. Free water surface flow constructed wetland were fed with simulated Cd and Pb ions in different concentrations (5, 10 and 20) mgl-1. Different operating conditions were studied such as; pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, temperature, and sodium adsorption ratio to find out the possibility of using treated wastewater for irrigation. Results showed that, Azolla plant had a higher removal efficiency to extract Lead ions (90.1%, 86.67%, and 81.3%) than Cadmium (79.3%, 78.4%, and 69.7%) when the initial concentration is (5, 10, 20) mgl-1 respectively, during 5 days. A slight reducing in pH (8.3 to 7.4) and dissolved oxygen (8.7 to 7.2) mgl-1 observed, all these values mentioned satisfied with the Iraqi standards and World Health Organization. From values of electrical conductivities (250- 750) (µScm-1) and the sodium adsorption ratios (0- 10) it was found that treated wastewater falls into class C2S1 which mean that water has good quality and can be used to irrigate moderately salt-tolerant crops on soils with good permeability.

Defining and Mitigating Flow Instabilities in Open Channels Subjected to Hydropower Operation: Formulations and Experiments

A thorough literature review was conducted on the effects of free surface oscillation in open channels, highlighting the risks of the occurrence of positive and negative surge waves that can lead to overtopping. Experimental analyses were developed to focus on the instability of the flow due to constrictions, gate blockages, and the start-up and shutdown of hydropower plants. A forebay at the downstream end of a tunnel or canal provides the right conditions for the penstock inlet and regulates the temporary demand of the turbines. In tests with a flow of 60 to 100 m3/h, the effects of a gradually and rapidly varying flow in the free surface profile were analyzed. The specific energy and total momentum are used in the mathematical characterization of the boundaries along the free surface water profile. A sudden turbine stoppage or a sudden gate or valve closure can lead to hydraulic drilling and overtopping of the infrastructure wall. At the same time, a PID controller, if programmed appropriately, can reduce flooding by 20–40%. Flooding is limited to 0.8 m from an initial amplitude of 2 m, with a dissipation wave time of between 25 and 5 s, depending on the flow conditions and the parameters of the PID characteristics.

Evaluation of filtration characteristics of bentonite-free water-based mud utilizing carboxymethylated tapioca starch

Optimizing filtercake thickness is crucial to prevent fluid losses during well drilling and avoid borehole instability and complex operations. This research develops a non-damaging water-based mud with chemically modified carboxymethylated tapioca starch and investigating its filtration control properties. Fluid loss volume and filtercake thickness were determined both at API, HPHT (500 psi and 212 °F), and hot roll temperatures (200, 230, and 260 °F) using filterpress. The mud’s properties were compared to the existing fluid loss control agent-PAC-LV. The results indicated that optimum samples exhibited 17.33% reduction before hot rolling and 46.76%, 31.67%, and 70.51% reductions at 200, 230, and 260 °F, respectively. At ambient and after hot rolling at 200 °F and 230 °F, 8 ppb CMTS concentration achieved the lowest cake thickness. At 260 °F, the 10-ppb concentration had the lowest thickness. Optimized values resulted in permeability reductions of 49.73%, 58.74%, 57.04%, and 60.10% for BHR and AHR at 200, 230, and 260 °F, respectively. Morphological study showed the fingerlike structure effectively bound free water and plugged channels, reducing permeability and fluid loss volume.

Hydroxyl-Binding Induced Hydrogen Bond Network Connectivity on Ru-based Catalysts for Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Electrocatalysis.

Understanding the role of adsorbed intermediates at the polarized catalyst-electrolyte interface on the structure of electrical double layer (EDL) is essential for developing highly efficient electrocatalysts. Here, we prepared a series of unconventional face-centered-cubic (fcc) phase Ru-based catalysts (i.e. fcc-Ru, fcc-RuCr, and fcc-RuCrW) by rational tuning the binding energetics of hydroxyl intermediate to engineer the electrochemical interface and boost the performance of alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). The introduction of oxyphilic metals Cr and W can regulate the orbital occupation of Ru, promote the adsorption of hydroxyl species, resulting in an anomalous behavior that HOR performance under alkaline media exceeds acidic media. Experimental results and theoretical calculations unravel that the modulated adsorption of hydroxyl species on the electrode surface are responsible for the reconstruction of interfacial water structure and dynamic evolution of free water molecules from nearest to the electrode surface to above the gap region in the EDL, thereby leading to significantly increased water connectivity and hydrogen bond network. Our work reveals a new understanding of the surface intermediates in controlling the dynamic process of interfacial water and hydrogen bonding network in HOR electrocatalysis, and will guide rational design of advanced electrocatalysts through electrochemical interfacial engineering.

Hydroxyl‐Binding Induced Hydrogen Bond Network Connectivity on Ru‐based Catalysts for Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Electrocatalysis

Understanding the role of adsorbed intermediates at the polarized catalyst‐electrolyte interface on the structure of electrical double layer (EDL) is essential for developing highly efficient electrocatalysts. Here, we prepared a series of unconventional face‐centered‐cubic (fcc) phase Ru‐based catalysts (i.e. fcc‐Ru, fcc‐RuCr, and fcc‐RuCrW) by rational tuning the binding energetics of hydroxyl intermediate to engineer the electrochemical interface and boost the performance of alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). The introduction of oxyphilic metals Cr and W can regulate the orbital occupation of Ru, promote the adsorption of hydroxyl species, resulting in an anomalous behavior that HOR performance under alkaline media exceeds acidic media. Experimental results and theoretical calculations unravel that the modulated adsorption of hydroxyl species on the electrode surface are responsible for the reconstruction of interfacial water structure and dynamic evolution of free water molecules from nearest to the electrode surface to above the gap region in the EDL, thereby leading to significantly increased water connectivity and hydrogen bond network. Our work reveals a new understanding of the surface intermediates in controlling the dynamic process of interfacial water and hydrogen bonding network in HOR electrocatalysis, and will guide rational design of advanced electrocatalysts through electrochemical interfacial engineering.

Electrostatically-enhanced two-stage low-temperature tempering: Effects on the quality of frozen tan mutton

The two-stage low-temperature tempering (TLT) and TLT assisted by electrostatic fields (TLT-1500/2000/2500/3000) were developed to investigate their effects on the quality of frozen Tan mutton. The results demonstrated that both TLT and TLT-1500/2000/2500/3000 significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the tempering rate compared to refrigerator tempering (4 °C, RT). The analysis of tempering, cooking, and centrifugal losses, along with the evaluation of electrical conductivity, pH, and TVB-N, showed that the water retention capacity and freshness of Tan mutton treated with TLT-2500 were closest to those of fresh Tan mutton. Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that TLT-2500 best maintained the tissue integrity of Tan mutton, while low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed it contained the highest immobile water and least free water. Furthermore, Tan mutton treated with TLT-2000 and TLT-2500 exhibited minimal lipid oxidation and color change. In contrast, the most significant changes in all indicators were observed after RT.

Computational Analysis of Sarin, Soman, and Their Water Mixtures in NU-1000: Interaction Mechanisms, Distribution Patterns, and Pairing Effects.

Due to their extraordinary structural stability under humid conditions, zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) have been widely investigated for the hydrolytic degradation of nerve agents. That said, mechanisms of hydrolysis in the solid state and the participation of environmental water are not well understood. This work utilizes computational techniques to evaluate the behavior of water and two organophosphorus nerve agents (sarin and soman) in NU-1000, a Zr-MOF with the characteristic attributes for hydrolytic efficiency under humid conditions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that soman binds more favorably to NU-1000 active sites than sarin, resulting in different preferential locations of each nerve agent within the framework. The strength of nerve agent binding is also found to vary depending on the site environment, with more favorable binding of both nerve agents occurring in the c-pores of NU-1000 than in the mesopores. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results further illustrate that free water molecules in NU-1000 prioritize interactions with nerve agents. Given the variation in their affinity for active site interactions, the introduction of different nerve agents to the framework results in substantial differences in water distribution and behavior. The results give insight into potential variances in the functionality of NU-1000 toward the hydrolysis of each nerve agent. More importantly, they emphasize the significance of considering the role of environmental water in hydrolysis and the possibility of diverse reaction variables based on the type of nerve agent and the properties of the MOF.

Impact of Shelf life on the Quality of Cocoa Butter Extracted by Screw Press

Aims: To evaluate the changes in the quality of cocoa butter during storage extracted using the developed screw press-type cocoa butter extractor. Study Design: Statistical analysis was done using t-test. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Processing and Food Engineering lab, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Food Technology, Tavanur under ICAR-AICRP on Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology Scheme for 3 months. Methodology: Shelf life study of the cocoa butter extracted at optimized condition (100ºC barrel temperature, 50 rpm screw speed, 2 kg/hr feed rate) was done in polyethylene pouch of 80 micron thickness and stored under ambient temperature (25±5°C) for a period of 3 months. Various quality parameters viz., free fatty acid, iodine number, peroxide number, moisture content and water activity of stored butter were determined at regular intervals of 30 days for 3 months. Results: Statistical analysis (t-test) showed that, there was no significant changes in the quality of cocoa butter during storage. The quality parameters of cocoa butter viz.,free fatty acid (1.28%), iodine number (34.74), peroxide value (1.685), moisture content (0.15%) and water activity (0.645) were within the allowable limits recommended by CODEX standards even after 3 months of storage. Conclusion: During the course of storage, all quality parameters viz., free fatty acid, peroxide value, iodine number, moisture content and water activity were found to be increased. However, all the quality parameters of cocoa butter stored under ambient temperature were within the acceptable limit prescribed by CODEX standards till 90 days with constant quality attributes.

Effect of ultrasound power on moisture status change of apple by contact ultrasound reinforced far-infrared radiation drying

To explore the effect of ultrasound power on internal water change of apple dried by contact ultrasound enhanced far-infrared radiation drying (CUFRD), the drying characteristics, microstructure, moisture migration, and molecular vibration patterns of apple slices subjected to this process at different ultrasound powers were investigated using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), Near-infrared (NIR) and two-dimensional(2D) correlation analysis. With the increase of contact ultrasound (CU) power, the drying times of apple were shortened by 8.69% to 17.39%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation indicated that higher CU power resulted in an increase in the number of microporous channels and pore diameter within apple’s internal tissue. The findings of LF-NMR clarified that free water content kept decreasing, while the content of semi-bound water initially increased and then reduced. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images illustrated that higher CU power corresponded to a faster decrease in the redness value of the H+ density map of apple during drying. 2D correlation analysis revealed that the changes in the O-H bonds of apple were prioritized over the C-H bonds during drying process. NIR spectroscopy and LF-NMR heterogeneous correlation spectrograms demonstrated that at wavelengths of 950, 1450, and 1680 nm, the order of changes in water-related functional groups was quadruple-frequency O-H > combination of the first overtone of O-H stretching and OH-bending band > double-frequency C-H. Moreover, with increasing CU power, the vibration of hydrogen-containing functional groups intensified, leading to increased water activity. Thus, CU application could significantly enhance the CUFRD process of apple slices.

Durability of epoxy and vinyl ester polymers in wet, seawater, and seawater sea sand concrete environments: Molecular dynamics simulations

Epoxy and vinyl ester (VE) deteriorate under harsh environmental conditions typical of marine and offshore applications. Enhancing their performance requires a deeper understanding of their molecular-level interactions with these environments. This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the behavior of epoxy and VE under dry, wet, Na2SO4, NaCl, NaOH, KOH, and simulated seawater sea sand concrete (SWSSC) pore solution environments. The effect of temperatures ranging from 300 K to 368 K was also explored. Key parameters, such as radial distribution function, hydrogen bond dynamics, diffusion coefficients of water molecules and ions, swelling ratio, and glass transition temperature (Tg), were analyzed. Results show that epoxy is more sensitive to environmental effects than VE. In the dry state, three types of hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) were identified, with 64 % of the hydroxyl (OH) group involved in epoxy and 34 % in VE. As temperature increases, polymer chain interactions weaken, leading to a decrease in H-bonds, with epoxy showing a faster decline. Absorbed water molecules accumulate near the polymer polar sites, particularly at the OH groups, breaking some polymer-polymer H-bonds and forming new ones with the polymer polar sites. The hydrogen atoms of most absorbed water molecules orient away from the OH group, creating binding sites for water clustering through water-water H-bonds, leading to plasticization and potential hydrolytic degradation. Ions increase the number of polymer-water H-bonds, significantly decreasing polymer-polymer H-bonds (by 59.22 % for epoxy and 51.52 % for VE in SWSSC), thus accelerating material deterioration. Free volume distribution and dynamics, the transition between bound and free water, hydrogen bond dynamics, as well as ion hydration and dehydration collectively influence the water diffusion process in the polymer networks. Ion species diffuse much slower than water molecules, with epoxy showing higher permeability to Cl- and OH- compared to VE. Glass transition temperature (Tg) of both polymers is sensitive to environmental exposure, with epoxy being more affected. The detrimental effect on Tg is ranked as SWSSC > KOH > NaOH > NaCl > Na2SO4 > Wet. These findings provide new nanoscale insights into the interactions between polymers and SWSSC environments, offering a foundation for accurately predicting the durability of polymer-reinforced SWSSC.

Ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting - impact on body weight and various diseases

Introduction and purpose: Obesity affects every age group and is associated with many negative health effects. Various diets are used to remove excess body weight. Recently, popular became two diets - intermittent fasting and ketogenic diet. Material and Method: This paper reviews various types of research documents published since 2018. Its main aim is to summarize the latest knowledge of ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting, including contraindications, side effects, impact on body weight and many diseases. It is also aimed to highlight the need for future research of the effects of both diets on various diseases and body weight reduction. Results: Both diets may be effective in weight loss and show other health benefits. Both ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting have proven to be effective in weight reduction. In the case of intermittent fasting the biggest impact on weight loss is calorie restriction. Ketogenic diet is effective as a result of calorie restriction, increased gluconeogenesis and loss of free water through increased diuresis. They can be used in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders or potentially cancer. However, they cannot be administered by everyone and may cause dangerous side effects. Conclusion: Ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting are successful strategies for body weight reduction. Moreover, both of them may be used as an additional therapy for various diseases. However, patients should be under supervision.

Impact of multi-frequency ultrasound processing with different treatment times on the structural quality of frozen wheat dough

This study investigates the effects of multi-frequency ultrasound treatment on the quality of frozen dough. We analyzed frozen wheat dough comprehensively for texture, viscosity, rheology, and structural quality characteristics under multi-frequency ultrasound (20 kHz, 20/40 kHz, and 20/40/60 kHz) with different treatment times (10, 20, and 30 mins). The dough treated with multi-frequency ultrasound increased elasticity and reduced hardness. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that 20/40/60 kHz for 30 min minimized freezing-induced morphological damage, decreased the tan δ in rheological analysis, and led to higher pasting and gelatinization enthalpy in starch granules, resulting in a more cohesive structure and lower free water content. Frozen dough hardness decreased by 52.1 %, which is associated with the control frozen dough with ultrasound frequency and duration changes. The spectral peaks in wheat flour frozen dough treated with single, dual, and tri-frequency ultrasound had the same forms and positions as the control samples but were arranged in an orderly manner. This study demonstrates the potential of multi-frequency ultrasound to enhance the quality of wheat frozen dough by mitigating freezing-induced deteriorations, offering a promising approach to improving the processing of frozen dough.

Deep medullary vein abnormalities impact white matter hyperintensity volume through increases in interstitial free water

BackgroundOur intent was to explore the mediating role of interstitial free water (FW) linking deep medullary vein (DMV) score to white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume.MethodsOur research team conducted a forward-looking analysis of initial clinical and imaging information gathered from 125 patients with cerebral small vessel disease. We identified six anatomic DMV regions on susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) studies. Each region earned a score of 0–3, determined by the visual conditions of vessels, summing all six to generate a DMV score. We utilized fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences to measure the volume of WMH. Additionally, we employed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess FW value.ResultsDMV score significantly positively correlated with FW value and with WMH volume (p < 0.05), and value of FW positively correlated with WMH volume (p < 0.05). The indirect effect of DMV score on WMH volume was mediated by FW (β = 0.281, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.178–0.388), whether adjusted for age and gender (β = 0.142, 95% CI: 0.058–0.240) or for age, gender and vascular risk factors (β = 0.141, 95% CI: 0.054–0.249).ConclusionDMV score correlate with WMH volume by virtue of FW increases in white matter.

Sulphate influence on strength development of cemented paste backfill with superplasticizer under field-like curing conditions

This study investigates the impact of sulphate on the strength development of cemented paste backfill (CPB) with polycarboxylate ether-based superplasticizers (PES) under curing conditions mimicking real field environments. These conditions include thermal (T, non-isothermal field temperature), hydraulic (H, drainage), mechanical (M, overburden stress), and chemical (C, PES, sulphate ions) factors. CPB samples with varying sulphate and PES contents were examined through mechanical and microstructural tests under these THMC conditions. The findings reveal that traditional methods for assessing sulphate influence on CPB strength, typically under standard lab conditions, do not adequately capture the mechanical response of CPB structures to sulphate in field scenarios. Real field curing conditions such as temperature, drainage, and stress significantly affect CPB’s mechanical response to sulphate. CPB samples incorporating PES and sulphate show notable improvements in early-age strength, emphasizing the beneficial role of elevated temperatures and the complex relationship between drainage, sulphate, and strength development. Elevated curing temperatures counterbalance sulphate's negative effects, boosting initial strength, while drainage conditions play a critical role in strength development by facilitating the removal of sulphate ions and reducing capillary water. Additionally, stress application at the start of curing aids solid particle rearrangement, promoting the release of free water and enhancing mechanical strength. The competitive adsorption between sulphate ions and PES on the cementitious matrix influences the dispersion of particles and strength development. This research offers crucial technical insights for designing durable CPB mixes suited to various on-site curing conditions, particularly enhancing initial strength across diverse field curing scenarios.