Individual Compartments Research Articles

Modified human respiratory tract model to describe the retention of plutonium in scar tissues.

The Human Respiratory Tract Model described in Publication 130 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection provides some mechanisms to account for retention of material that can be subject to little to no mechanical transport or absorption into the blood. One of these mechanisms is 'binding', which refers to a process by which a fraction ('bound fraction') of the dissolved material chemically binds to the tissue of the airway wall. The value of the bound fraction can have a significant impact on the radiation doses imparted to different parts of the respiratory tract. To properly evaluate-and quantify-bound fraction for an element, one would need information on long-term retention of the element in individual compartments of the respiratory tract. Such data on regional retention of plutonium in the respiratory tract of four workers-who had inhaled materials with solubility ranging from soluble nitrate to very insoluble high-fired oxides-were obtained at the United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries. An assumption of bound fraction alone was found to be inconsistent with this dataset and also with a review of the literature. Several studies show evidence of retention of a large amount of Pu activity in the scar tissues of humans and experimental animals, and accordingly, a model structure with scar-tissue compartments was proposed. The transfer rates to these compartments were determined using Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis of the bioassay and post-mortem data, considering the uncertainties associated with deposition, dissolution and particle clearance parameters. The models predicted that a significant amount-between 20 and 100% for the cases analyzed-of plutonium retained in the respiratory tract was sequestered in the scar tissues. Unlike chemically-bound Pu that irradiates sensitive epithelial cells, Pu in scar tissues may not be dosimetrically significant because the scar tissues absorb most, if not all, of the energy from alpha emissions.

Compartment-specific 129Xe HyperCEST z spectroscopy and chemical shift imaging of cucurbit[6]uril in spontaneously breathing rats

129Xe hyperpolarized gas chemical exchange saturation transfer (HyperCEST) MRI has been suggested as molecular imaging modality but translation to in vivo imaging has been slow, likely due to difficulties of synthesizing suitable molecules. Cucurbit[6]uril–either in readily available non-functionalized or potentially in functionalized form–may, combined with 129Xe HyperCEST MRI, prove useful as a switchable 129Xe MR contrast agent but the likely differential properties of contrast generation in individual chemical compartments as well as the influence of 129Xe signal drifts encountered in vivo on HyperCEST MRI are unknown. Here, HyperCEST z spectroscopy and chemical shift imaging with compartment-specific analysis are performed in a total of 10 rats using cucurbit[6]uril injected i.v. and under a protocol employing spontaneous respiration. Differences in intensity of the HyperCEST effect between chemical compartments and anatomical regions are investigated. Strategies to mitigate influence of signal instabilities associated with drifts in physiological parameters are developed. It is shown that presence of cucurbit[6]uril can be readily detected under spontaneous 129Xe inhalation mostly in aqueous tissues further away from the lung. Differences of effect intensity in individual regions and compartments must be considered in HyperCEST data interpretation. In particular, there seems to be almost no effect in lipids. 129Xe HyperCEST MR measurements utilizing spontaneous respiration protocols and extended measurement times are feasible. HyperCEST MRI of non-functionalized cucurbit[6]uril may create contrast between anatomical structures in vivo.

Crayfish-Tracking Motion Vision to analyze the locomotor activity induced by changes in environmental lighting

Crayfish show locomotor activity modulated by environmental lighting. Yet, little is known about different light spectra stimulation effects on the locomotor activity of crayfish, and laboratory instruments are generally limited to the study of a single animal. As such, this research describes the development and implementation of the Crayfish-Tracking Motion Vision (CTMV) system. Based on artificial vision, this system allowed for the observation and recording of locomotor activity in one to four Procambarus clarkii crayfish that were placed in individual compartments. The effect of blue or green monochromatic light stimulation was explored in two groups of dark-adapted crayfish (with a total of 15 adult crayfish). Light-emitting-diodes of blue or green spectra were applied for 5 min while locomotor activity in crayfish was monitored in a large container. Both light pulses caused similar reaction times of locomotor activity (2.9 ± 3.5 s). Meanwhile, the displacement score of “blue light” animals (2.1 ± 0.9 m) was lower than that of “green light” animals (2.8 ± 0.6 m). In contrast, velocity (1.1 ± 1 cm/s) and acceleration data (0 ± 0.8 cm/s2) of the two groups were similar. Finally, the locomotor activity decreased significantly when container size was decreased. These results showed that the CTMV system is appropriate for measuring the locomotor activities of multiple crayfish and suggested that both monochromatic lights induced different locomotor behavior in the crayfish. It has been postulated that this light-induced reflex activity, is caused by an interplay of the photoreceptor system output with a circadian system modulating light sensitivity and locomotor behavior in the crayfish,. It can be inferred that the CTMV system will benefit subsequent studies focused on light-induced reflex activity in crustaceans.

Expression of visfatin in the ovarian follicles of prepubertal and mature gilts and in vitro effect of gonadotropins, insulin, steroids, and prostaglandins on visfatin levels

Recent studies have demonstrated that visfatin participates in the regulation of female reproduction. Due to the lack of data concerning the level of visfatin in the ovarian follicles of pigs, one of the most economically important livestock species, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression and localisation of visfatin and the follicular fluid concentration in the ovarian follicles of prepubertal and mature gilts. We also aimed to examine the in vitro effects of gonadotropins (LH, FSH), insulin, progesterone (P4), oestradiol (E2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and F2α (PGF2α) on visfatin levels. In the present study, we have demonstrated that visfatin expression is dependent on the maturity of the animals and the stage of ovarian follicle development. Visfatin signal was detected in individual follicular compartments from primordial to antral follicles and even in atretic follicles. We have shown that the expression of visfatin in granulosa cells was higher than in theca cells. The level of visfatin is upregulated by LH, FSH, E2, and P4 and downregulated by insulin, while prostaglandins have modulatory effects, dependent on the dose and type of ovarian follicular cells. To summarise, our research has shown that visfatin is widely expressed in the ovarian follicles of prepubertal and mature pigs, and its expression is regulated by gonadotropins, insulin, steroids, and prostaglandins, suggesting that visfatin appears to be an important intra‐ovarian factor that could regulate porcine ovarian follicular function.

Effective governing equations for dual porosity Darcy–Brinkman systems subjected to inhomogeneous body forces and their application to the lymph node

We derive the homogenized governing equations for a double porosity system where the fluid flow within the individual compartments is governed by the coupling between the Darcy and the Darcy–Brinkman equations at the microscale , and are subjected to inhomogeneous body forces. The homogenized macroscale results are obtained by means of the asymptotic homogenization technique and read as a double Darcy differential model with mass exchange between phases. The role of the microstructure is encoded in the effective hydraulic conductivities which are obtained by solving periodic cell problems whose properties are illustrated and compared. We conclude by solving the new model by means of a semi-analytical approach under the assumption of azimuthal axisymmetry to model the movement of fluid within a lymph node.

Increase in Deltoid Compartment Pressures Immediately After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Does Not Significantly Affect Postoperative Opioid Consumption

To investigate the association between changes in individual (anterior, lateral, and posterior) and overall deltoid compartment pressures and postoperative opioid consumption up to 14 days after primary double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). In 113 consecutive patients undergoing primary double-row ARCR, anterior, lateral, and posterior deltoid compartment pressures were measured prior to incision and immediately after closure with a manometer. Postoperatively, all patients were provided with an identical rehabilitation protocol, quantity and dose of opioid tablets, and pain journal in which to record daily opioid consumption and visual analog scale pain scores for 14 days after surgery. The pain journals were collected at the first postoperative visit, and opioid consumption was calculated based on morphine equivalents. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the association between deltoid compartment pressures and opioid consumption postoperatively. Sixty-nine percent of patients who met the inclusion criteria (74 of 107) returned the pain journals. The mean age at the time of surgery was 57.4 ± 8.8 years (range, 30-75 years), with female patients being significantly older (P= .03). The mean length of surgery was 71.7 ± 16.3 minutes. No significant association between increase in individual (anterior, lateral, or posterior) or mean overall compartment pressures and morphine equivalents of opioid consumption was appreciated on any postoperative day. No significant correlation between increase in individual or overall deltoid compartment pressures after ARCR and postoperative opioid consumption in the immediate postoperative period was found in this study. Level II, prospective cohort study.

A multifaceted approach to reveal the very-fine root's response of Fagus sylvatica seedlings to different drought intensities.

How temperate trees respond to drier summers strongly depends on the drought susceptibility and the starch reserve of the very-fine roots (<0.5 mm in diameter). We performed morphological, physiological, chemical, and proteomic analyses on very-fine roots of Fagus sylvatica seedlings grown under moderate- and severe drought conditions. Moreover, to reveal the role of the starch reserves, a girdling approach was adopted to interrupt the flux of photosynthates toward the downstream sinks. Results show a seasonal sigmoidal growth pattern without evident mortality under moderate drought. After the severe-drought period, intact plants showed lower starch concentration and higher growth than those subjected to moderate drought, highlighting that very-fine roots rely on their starch reserves to resume growth. This behavior caused them to die with the onset of autumn, which was not observed under moderate drought. These findings indicated that extreme dry soil conditions are needed for significant root death in beech seedlings and that mortality mechanisms are defined within individual compartments. The girdling treatment showed that the physiological responses of very-fine roots to severe drought stress are critically related to the altered load or the reduced transport velocity of the phloem and that the changes in starch allocation critically alter the distribution of biomass. Proteomic evidence revealed that the phloem flux-dependent response was characterized by the decrease of carbon enzymes and the establishment of mechanisms to avoid the reduction of the osmotic potential. The response independent from the aboveground mainly involved the alteration of primary metabolic processes and cell wall-related enzymes.

Redclaw, Cherax quadricarinatus sex-separated rearing strategy enhances reproduction in females

Redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus, a tropical freshwater species, native to Northern Australia and is regarded as a promising species for global expansion of aquaculture. However, poor female fertility is a hindrance towards the commercial production of redclaw. The present study investigated if dissociated; pre-exposure of female redclaw to males can stimulate spawning and increase reproductive efficiency. The study was conducted in dissociated (111 days) and associated (34 days) phases. Redclaw were held in vertical recirculating aquaculture systems with each system consisting of 42 individual compartments (45 cm length x 33 cm width x 25 cm height) arranged as six compartments horizontally and seven compartments vertically. The average body weight of females was 66 ± 2.2 g. In the dissociated phase, females were either kept alone (0M, n = 36) or were exposed to either 1 (1M, n = 36) or 2 (2M, n = 36) males suspended in the uppermost row of the system. During the associated phase, females (n = 108) were maintained at a sex ratio of 1M:1F. During the dissociated phase, the spawning rate was less in the control compared to the male exposed groups (2.8%, 1/36, 18.1%, 13/72 respectively; p = 0.026). However, the moulting rate was greater in the control compared to the male exposed groups (22.2%, 8/36; 5.6%, 4/72 respectively; p = 0.009). During the associated phase, there were no significant differences in spawning rate (22.2%, 8/36 and 33.3%, 24/72), mean days to spawning (21.88 ± 3.06 and 16.38 ± 2.35), moulting rate (11.1%, 4/36 and 6.9%, 5/72) and mean days to moulting (24.50 ± 3.97 and 22.40 ± 3.93) in the control and male exposed groups, respectively (p > 0.05). However, the mean total number of eggs (670.9 ± 26.0 and 507.0 ± 29.36), fecundity (11.00 ± 0.59 and 6.14 ± 0.47), the hatching rate (89.70 ± 1.31% and 77.50 ± 9.24%) and the total number of juveniles produced (545.70 ± 42.50 and 343.30 ± 37.47) during the associated phase were greater in the male exposed groups compared to the control group respectively; p < 0.05). It was concluded that pre-exposure of redclaw females to males in a dissociated recirculation system, increases spawning rate during a dissociated phase, and after exposure to males improves egg and juvenile production during an associated phase. Such a breeding strategy has potential to increase hatchery productivity.

Morphology of proximal and distal human semitendinosus compartments and the effects of distal tendon harvesting for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

The human semitendinosus muscle is characterized by a tendinous inscription separating proximal and distal neuromuscular compartments. As each compartment is innervated by separate nerve branches, potential exists for independent operation and control of compartments. However, the morphology and function of each compartment have not been thoroughly examined in an adult human population. Further, the distal semitendinosus tendon is typically harvested for use in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery, which induces long-term morphological changes to the semitendinosus muscle-tendon unit. It remains unknown if muscle morphological alterations following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are uniform between proximal and distal semitendinosus compartments. Here, we performed magnetic resonance imaging on 10 individuals who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction involving an ipsilateral distal semitendinosus tendon graft 14 ± 4 months prior, extracting morphological parameters of the whole semitendinosus muscle and each individual compartment from both the (non-injured) contralateral and surgical legs. In the contralateral leg, volume and length of the proximal compartment were smaller than the distal compartment. No between-compartment differences in volume or length were found for anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed legs, likely due to greater shortening of the distal compared to the proximal compartment after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The maximal anatomical cross-sectional area of both compartments was substantially smaller on the anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed leg but did not differ between compartments on either leg. The absolute and relative between-leg differences in proximal compartment morphology on the anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed leg were strongly correlated with the corresponding between-leg differences in distal compartment morphological parameters. Specifically, greater between-leg morphological differences in one compartment were highly correlated with large between-leg differences in the other compartment, and vice versa for smaller differences. These relationships indicate that despite the heterogeneity in compartment length and volume, compartment atrophy is not independent or random. Further, the tendinous inscription endpoints were generally positioned at the same proximodistal level as the compartment maximal anatomical cross-sectional areas, providing a wide area over which the tendinous inscription could mechanically interact with compartments. Overall, results suggest the two human semitendinosus compartments are not mechanically independent.

208 Pharmacy Students Explore Use of an Electronic Medication Adherence Device

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To examine pharmacy students’ and patients’ perspectives on use of an automatic pill dispenser (APD) and adherence device, and secondly, to identify patient characteristics impacting selection of an APD. This knowledge will assist pharmacists in making appropriate device recommendations that improve medication adherence and effectiveness. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: One hundred fifty-three pharmacy students participated in a personal APD simulation, living the life as a person taking medication. Students then each identified an actual patient exhibiting medication nonadherence from pharmacy records at their work setting, provided them with an APD free of charge and instructed them on its use. The students later interviewed their patients and reported on their patients’ ability to use the APD, as well as their perspectives (likes and dislikes) on the features of the device. Students identified individual patient characteristics associated with successful use of the APD. This new knowledge will aid these future pharmacists in making recommendations for medication adherence devices for their patients. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: In general, patients perceived more difficulty with use of the 10 APD features than did students. Over half of the patients indicated that the following features were a distinct advantage in adherence: individual medication compartment size, method of loading medications, alarm, flashing light, ability to lock the dispenser, and method of retrieving the medication from the device. Patients felt that the biggest disadvantage was its bulky size and lack of portability. In spite of individual difficulties with use, the research findings showed that persons who are elderly, homebound, have memory problems, take multiple medications and/or have complex regimens are most likely to benefit from the device features and exhibit improved adherence to their prescribed medication regimen. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Medication adherence rates in the U.S are agreed upon to be about 50% - highly relevant to healthcare practitioners since several studies suggest a correlation between adherence and improved health outcomes. Pharmacists must be knowledgeable about non-adherence tools and consider patient characteristics when recommending an adherence aid.

Can Classifications Adequately Represent Genital Malformations?: EVA Study ( E SHRE/ESGE | V CUAM | A FS) - A Prospective Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Current Female Genital Malformation Classifications.

Introduction Genital malformations are a common clinical occurrence that can be represented using different classifications. Reproducibility is an essential quality characteristic for a classification, and it plays an important role, especially in consultations and the treatment of infertile patients and in obstetric management. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the reproducibility and clinical practicality of three commonly used classifications: the ESHRE/ESGE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology/ European Society for Gynecological Endoscopy), VCUAM (Vagina Cervix Uterus Adnex-associated Malformation), and AFS (American Fertility Society) classifications. Materials and Methods Sixty-five patients with female genital malformations were included in this prospective, multicenter, exploratory, observational study. All participants underwent a clinical examination and a medical interview. The investigators were instructed to classify the presenting malformations according to the ESHRE/ESGE, VCUAM, and AFS classifications using a structured questionnaire. Investigators were asked whether the malformation could be reproducibly classified (yes/no) and about the grade (grade 1-5 from "very good" to "deficient") they would assign to each classification. Classification assessment was queried for vagina, cervix, uterus, adnexa, and associated malformations and was scored from 1 to 5. Results Reproducibility was rated as 80% (n=52/65), 92.3% (n=60/65), and 56.9% (n=37/65) for the ESHRE/ESGE, VCUAM, and AFS classification, respectively. ESHRE/ESGE, VCUAM and AFS were rated as "very good" or "good" for 83.3%, 89.2%, and 10.8% of vaginal malformations; for 75.8%, 87.5%, and 24.2% of cervical malformations; and for 89.7%, 89.5%, and 86.2% of uterine malformations, respectively. VCUAM was rated as "very good" or "good" for 77.8% and 69.6% of adnexal malformations and associated malformations, respectively. ESHRE/ESGE and AFS were rated as "sufficient" or "deficient" for 100% and 75% of adnexal malformations and for 77.3% and 69.6% of associated malformations, respectively. Conclusion The prospective multicenter EVA ( E SHRE/ESGE | V CUAM | A FS) study revealed that the organ-based ESHRE/ESGE and VCUAM classifications of female genital malformations perform better in terms of reproducibility as well as in the assessment of individual compartments than the non-organ-based AFS classification.

Effect of diaper waste on composting of household wet biodegradable waste in a decentralized system.

Due to changes in lifestyle and improved economic status, the use of diapers is also increasing in developing nations. Hence, there is a need to develop an eco-friendly system for the disposal of discarded diapers which is termed diaper waste (DW). In the present study, the co-composting of DW with household wet biodegradable waste (HWBW) was performed in a compartmentalized rotary drum (CRD) (total capacity = 160 L, number of compartments = 4) under passive aeration conditions. For the co-composting runs, 1kg of HWBW and DW mixture (mass ratio = 100:0, 90:10, 85:15, and 80:20) was added in four individual compartments daily for 10days. During the process, the highest temperature of ~ 50-56°C could be achieved in different compartments for a duration of 2-8days. The compost yield (i.e., below 4mm size material) was ranged 10.4-13% after 55days of composting and the mass of DW was reduced by ~ 61-68%. A mixture of 15% DW and 85% HWBW can be suggested as the best combination for the co-composting process. Based on the "Dewar test" results, the samples recovered after composting could be categorized as "stable". The pot results showed an improvement in the growth of Vigna Radiata when 10% compost sample was mixed with soil whereas with 20% compost in the soil-compost mixture, the plant growth was adversely affected. Hence, co-composting of DW with HWBW can be a feasible proposition which can produce a good quality compost.

Loss in CO2 assimilation by forest stands relative to its emissions generated by the economic sector as an indicator of ecological consequences of a windstorm in the municipality of Brusy, NW Poland

The extent of damage to state and private forests as well as roadside and field buffer strips of trees in the urban-rural municipality of Brusy in the Pomerania Province, Poland, following the powerful windstorm on 11–12 August 2017, was calculated based on different data. The size of losses was expressed in m3 of large (merchantable) timber harvested from windsnap or windthrow. The biomass of the destroyed assimilation apparatus was estimated using expansion factors and ratios of individual compartments of damaged trees representing 20 species. By applying conversion factors expressing the amount of carbon dioxide fixed during the year per unit of dry leaf biomass of each tree species, the total loss in net and gross photosynthesis, corresponding to the biomass of the destroyed assimilation apparatus, was estimated. The obtained values were compared with CO2 emissions generated by the commune in 2006, 2013 and 2020. It has been found that the sum of losses in photosynthesis and CO2 emissions generated by economic activity is a good indicator of environmental threats, and the percentage of losses accounted for by photosynthesis is a good indicator of ecological losses caused by the windstorm in the forest stands.

Assisted annotation in Deep LOGISMOS: Simultaneous multi-compartment 3D MRI segmentation of calf muscles.

Automated segmentation of individual calf muscle compartments in 3D MR images is gaining importance in diagnosing muscle disease, monitoring its progression, and prediction of the disease course. Although deep convolutional neural networks have ushered in a revolution in medical image segmentation, achieving clinically acceptable results is a challenging task and the availability of sufficiently large annotated datasets still limits their applicability. In this paper, we present a novel approach combing deep learning and graph optimization in the paradigm of assisted annotation for solving general segmentation problems in 3D, 4D, and generally n-D with limited annotationcost. Deep LOGISMOS combines deep-learning-based pre-segmentation of objects of interest provided by our convolutional neural network, FilterNet+, and our 3D multi-objects LOGISMOS framework (layered optimal graph image segmentation of multiple objects and surfaces) that uses newly designed trainable machine-learned cost functions. In the paradigm of assisted annotation, multi-object JEI for efficient editing of automated Deep LOGISMOS segmentation was employed to form a new larger training set with significant decrease of manual tracingeffort. We have evaluated our method on 350 lower leg (left/right) T1-weighted MR images from 93 subjects (47 healthy, 46 patients with muscular morbidity) by fourfold cross-validation. Compared with the fully manual annotation approach, the annotation cost with assisted annotation is reduced by 95%, from 8 h to 25 min in this study. The experimental results showed average Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of and average absolute surface positioning error of 0.63 pixels (0.44mm) for the five 3D muscle compartments for each leg. These results significantly improve our previously reported method and outperform the state-of-the-art nnUNetmethod. Our proposed approach can not only dramatically reduce the expert's annotation efforts but also significantly improve the segmentation performance compared to the state-of-the-art nnUNet method. The notable performance improvements suggest the clinical-use potential of our new fully automated simultaneous segmentation of calf musclecompartments.

Author Response: Association of Sleep, Neuropsychological Performance, and Gray Matter Volume With Glymphatic Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

We appreciate the insightful comments on our study.1 Contrast-based imaging allows direct visualization of the glymphatic system and assessment of its function based on the pharmacokinetics of contrast agents. However, quantifications of glymphatic activity in individual fluid compartments may require other techniques.

Enhancing Tissue Impedance Measurements Through Modeling of Fluid Flow During Viscoelastic Relaxation.

Bladder cancer recurrence is an important issue after endoscopic urological surgeries. Additional sensor information such as electrical impedance measurements aim to support surgeons to ensure that the entirety of the tumor is removed. The foundation for differentiating lies in the altered sodium contents and cell structures within tumors that change their conductivity and permittivity. Mechanical deformations in the tissue expel fluid from the compressed area and pose a great difficulty, as they also lead to impedance changes. It is crucial to determine if this effect outweighs the alterations due to the tumorous tissue properties. Impedance measurements under ongoing viscoelastic relaxation are taken on healthy and tumorous tissue samples from human bladders and breasts. A fluid model to account for extra- and intracellular fluid flow under compression is derived. It is based on the fluid content within the individual tissue compartments and their outflow via diffusion. After an initial deformation, the tissue relaxes and the impedance increases. The proposed model accurately represents these effects and validates the link between fluid flow under mechanical deformation and its impact on tissue impedance. A method to compensate for these undesired effects of fluid flow is proposed and the measurements are assessed in terms of differentiability between tumorous and healthy tissue samples. The electrical parameters are found to be promising for differentiation even under varying mechanical deformation, and the distinction is additionally improved by the proposed compensation approach. Electrical impedance measurements show great potential to support urologist during endoscopic surgeries.

Variability in Tree-ring Width and NDVI Responses to Climate at a Landscape Level

Inter-annual climatically driven growth variability of above-ground biomass compartments (for example, tree stems and foliage) controls the intensity of carbon sequestration into forest ecosystems. However, understanding the differences between the climatic response of stem and foliage at the landscape level is limited. In this study, we examined the climate-growth response of stem and leaf biomass and their relationship for Pinus sylvestris (PISY) and Picea abies (PCAB) in topographically complex landscapes. We used tree-ring width chronologies and time series of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from high-resolution Landsat scenes as proxies for stem and leaf biomass, respectively. We then compared growth variability and climate-growth relationships of both biomass proxies between topographical categories. Our results show that the responses of tree rings to climate differ significantly from those found in NDVI, with the stronger climatic signal observed in tree rings. Topography had distinct but species-specific effects: At moisture-limited PISY stands, stem biomass (tree rings) was strongly topographically driven, and leaf biomass (NDVI) was relatively insensitive to topographic variability. In landscapes close to the climatic optimum of PCAB, the relationship between stem and leaf biomass was weak, and their correlations with climate were often inverse, with no significant effects of topography. Different climatic signals from NDVI and tree rings suggest that the response of canopy and stem growth to climate change might be decoupled. Furthermore, our results hint toward different prioritizations of biomass allocation in trees under stressful conditions which might change allometric relationships between individual tree compartments in the long term.

Process and System Clearances in Pharmacokinetic Models: Our Basic Clearance Concepts Are Correct.

Clearances are important parameters in pharmacokinetic (PK) models. All clearances in PK models are either process clearances that include diffusion, transport, and metabolism clearances or system clearances that include organ and systemic clearance. Clearance and volume of distribution are two independent parameters that characterize drug disposition in both individual compartments and systems of compartments. In this minireview, we show that systemic and organ clearances are net clearances that can be easily derived by partition analysis. When drugs are eliminated from the central compartment by first-order processes, systemic clearance is constant. When drugs are eliminated from a peripheral compartment, instantaneous systemic clearance will vary with time. However, average clearance and clearance at steady state will be constant and will equal dose divided by area under the curve. We show that peripheral elimination will not have a large impact on most pharmacokinetic analyses and that standard models of organ and systemic clearance are useful and appropriate. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: There are two basic kinds of clearances used in pharmacokinetic models, process and system clearances. We show that organ and systemic clearances are net clearances with blood or plasma as the driving concentration. For linear pharmacokinetics, clearance is constant for elimination from the central compartment but varies with time for peripheral elimination. Despite the different kinds of clearance parameters and models, standard clearance models and concepts remain valid.

THAI experiments on iodine behavior in a room chain representing flow conditions in large containments

Iodine which can be released into the containment during a severe accident, is considered one of the most important nuclides with potential for public dose. Significantly different iodine concentrations can be expected in the individual compartments and rooms of large containments, due to geometrical constraints and the strong dependence of many iodine reactions on local thermohydraulic conditions. Such inhomogeneity may be relevant for organic iodide formation which depends on the concentration of deposited I2 and the dose rate.The objective of the two tests Iod-33 and Iod-35 was to measure the distribution of iodine along a convective flown-through room chain. This arrangement shall simulate the pathway of iodine from the locations of release (primary loop rupture) or formation (sump) along the plant rooms up to the dome of the containment and back. With respect to iodine, the aims were to measure the distribution and mixing of gaseous iodine in different rooms, the decrease of gaseous iodine by its deposition on painted surfaces, and the distribution of deposited iodine on the different painted surfaces.The two tests were performed in the two vessel THAI+ facility with additionally installed painted surfaces (painted with Gehopon epoxy paint) under superheated and condensing conditions. The main part of the painted surface area was provided in the form of painted steel sheets and arranged to form two intermediate floors within the THAI test vessel including small flow openings. Gaseous iodine was injected over several hours into the room chain in which a slow convection was established by means of differential wall heating.The gaseous I2 concentration inside the THAI+ facility increased continuously until the I2 injection was terminated. Simultaneously, the iodine deposition onto the painted surface increased. The gaseous I2 concentration decreased rapidly after stopping the I2 injection, in favor of a continuation of the I2 deposition on painted surfaces. The multi-compartment effect along the room chain has been demonstrated by the test results and the data allows for further development and validation of the I2/paint reaction model of severe accident codes.

Communication and technological solutions regarding the construction of shelter objects at underground railway stations in fractured and water-logged rocks

The purpose of the work is to substantiate the choice of locations of underground shelter objects for the people protection during the warlike situation and methods and facilities for ensuring their stability and isolation, and to develop a combined supporting scheme taking into account mining and geological conditions. It is proposed to arrange the shelter objects in the vicinity of the boarding platforms of the underground railway stations connecting them with the passages, means for walking downstairs and upstairs and a transport network and providing areas for the long-term stay of people, areas for sleeping and eating, shower room, medical, shopping and other necessary blocks. The shelter should be connected to the networks of the underground railway station - electricity supply, water supply and drainage, ventilation and air conditioning. Sleeping areas should be built in the form of individual compartments and arranged in several tiers along the walls of the shelter object. This arrangement of underground objects will make it possible to create a single complex (the shelter object and subway station), reduce the total cost of the shelter construction, speed up the evacuation of people in the event of natural or man-made disasters or air strikes, and ensure a long-term comfortable stay for people. Load on supporting and parameters of roof-bolting systems were calculated for three categories of stability, which correspond to the conditions of the construction of underground railways in the Ukrainian crystalline shield. An algorithm for calculating parameters of the strengthened insulating-reinforcing protection system was built, which takes into account three types of support - rock-bolt structure, insulating-reinforcing rock-polymer layer and tubing. The developed technological solutions for the construction of underground objects assumes pre-bolting of their vaulted part according to a scheme which strengthens the interaction between the rows of bolts, improves the condition of the roof of the object, and ensures protection of the roadway and unsecured part near it during construction of the roadway. The rock-polymer layer protects the tubing against metal corrosion and leaching of concrete under the influence of groundwater, and, due to the high adhesiveness of the polymer resin, also binds the rock-bolt structure, the insulating-reinforcing rock-polymer layer and the tubing into a single reinforced system, which distributes the load around the object's perimeter. The use of modern elastic polymer resins in the protection system will contribute to resisting the alternating loads that spread in the soil during surface explosions, and ensures long-term stability and waterproofing of shelter object. The results of the research can be used in the development of scientific prerequisites for the improvement of methods and means of construction of underground shelter objects in order to ensure the safety of their operation in case of emergency situations. Keywords: underground structures, underground railway station, support, bolts, polymer resins.