Low Saturation Research Articles

Interplay between D019, L12 and D03 phases in Fe3Ga-type alloy

Analysis of the first-order transition between D03 and two close-packed phases (L12, D019) in Fe3Ga-type alloy (26.9 %Ga), is carried out at different cooling rates from the range of equilibrium D019 phase and at different cooling rates from the range of equilibrium A2 phase. The structure was controlled by neutron diffraction, SEM-EBSD and additionally characterized using VSM and ATP tests. The obtained results clarify kinetics of D019 phase growth and transition to low temperature equilibrium L12 phase. We demonstrated that D019 phase is ferromagnetic at room temperature with very low saturation magnetostriction.

Water-bearing properties of high rank coal reservoir and the effect on multiphase methane

Coal reservoirs commonly exhibit the coexistence of gas and water, wherein the distribution of water plays a crucial role in influencing methane storage and transportation. The presence of water affects methane adsorption, and models predicting adsorbed methane that do not account for water conditions can introduce errors, posing challenges in meeting practical production needs. In this study, through a series of centrifugation experiments and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) adsorption experiments, the distribution characteristics of bound water and movable water in reservoirs and their influence on multiphase methane were assessed. The results indicate that under water-bearing conditions, there exists specific methane in the adsorption space, exhibiting properties similar to free methane. In terms of the relaxation characteristics, the presence of water affects both the peak area and morphology of the T2 spectra of multiphase methane. Based on the NMR response characteristics of adsorbed methane at different water saturations, we proposed and established a theoretical model for predicting the content and density of adsorbed methane under varying water saturations. Additionally, utilizing two-dimensional NMR technology, a simple identification spectrum for multiphase methane was established. The study suggests that the presence of water delays the time of adsorption equilibrium for methane. At low water saturations, water primarily inhibits the adsorption rate of methane. However, with increasing pressure and water saturation, water predominantly suppresses the adsorption capacity of methane. At low water saturations, the bound water has a significant effect on adsorbed methane. Conversely, as water saturations increase, movable water gradually occupies adsorption sites with weaker adsorption potential. It is worth noting that with an increase in water saturation, the content of adsorbed methane decreases, but the adsorption phase density may not necessarily decrease. These research findings provide new insights into the interaction mechanisms between water and methane in water-bearing coal reservoirs.

A semi-analytical model for fractured horizontal wells production considering imbibition during shut-in periods

After hydraulic fracturing in tight oil reservoirs, part of the fracturing fluid is retained in the formation. Therefore, it’s essential to investigate the pressure and saturation distributions during and after fracturing to further understand the impact of fluid loss on productivity. Concerning the capillary pressure, fracture propagation, and fracture volume changes, a semi-analytical model was established innovatively. Comparisons between the model’s calculations and actual measurements demonstrate a high level of agreement, validating the model’s accuracy. Furthermore, the impacts of capillary pressure, shut-in time, injection rate, initial reservoir pressure, and initial water saturation on actual production performance were investigated. The results show that the effect of capillary pressure on production in the tight reservoir cannot be ignored. A reasonable shut-in operation should be carried out according to the actual situation. A smaller injection rate should be selected to achieve a larger fracture length and imbibition area. The proportion of oil produced by capillary pressure decreases with the increase of initial pressure. The initial water saturation is positively correlated with oil production and negatively correlated with water production. The imbibition effect of shut-in operation is more obvious in tight reservoirs with low initial pressure and low water saturation.

The comparison of preoxygenation methods before endotracheal intubation: a network meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Preoxygenation before endotracheal intubation (ETI) maintains asphyxiated oxygenation and reduces the risk of hypoxia-induced adverse events. Previous studies have compared various preoxygenation methods. However, network meta-analyses (NMAs) of the combined comparison of preoxygenation methods is still lacking. We searched for studies published in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Review Manager version 5.3 was used to evaluate the risk of bias. The primary outcome of this meta-analysis was low oxygen saturation (SpO2) during ETI. The secondary outcomes included SpO2 <80%, SpO2 <90%, and apnea time during ETI. NMA was performed using R 4.1.2 software gemtc packages in RStudio. A total of 15 randomized controlled trials were included in this study. Regarding the lowest SpO2, the noninvasive ventilation (NIV) with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) group performed better than the other groups. For SpO2 <80%, the NIV group (0.8603467) performed better than the HFNC (0.1373533) and conventional oxygen therapy (COT, 0.0023) groups, according to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve results. For SpO2 <90%, the NIV group (0.60932667) performed better than the HFNC (0.37888667) and COT (0.01178667) groups. With regard to apnea time, the HFNC group was superior to the COT group (mean difference: -50.05; 95% confidence interval: -90.01, -10.09; P = 0.01). Network analysis revealed that NIV for preoxygenation achieved higher SpO2 levels than HFNC and COT and offered a more significant advantage in maintaining patient oxygenation during ETI. Patients experienced a longer apnea time after HFNC preoxygenation. The combination of NIV with HFNC proved to be significantly superior to other methods. Given the scarcity of such studies, further research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness. identifier CRD42022346013.

More Frequent On-Site Dialysis May Hasten Return to Home for Nursing Home Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease.

Background: A direct outcome comparison between Skilled nursing facility (SNF) patients receiving on-site more frequent dialysis (MFD) targeting 14 hours of treatment over five sessions weekly compared to on-site conventional dialysis for death, hospitalization and speed of return home has not been reported. Methods: From Jan 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, in a retrospective prospective observational design, using an intent to treat and competing risk strategy, all new admissions to an on-site in SNF dialysis service admitted to nursing homes with on-site MFD dialysis were compared to admissions to nursing homes providing on-site conventional dialysis for the outcome goal of 90 day cumulative incidence of discharge to home, while monitoring safety issues represented by the competing risks of hospitalization and death. Results: 10,246 MFD dialytic episodes and 3,451 conventional dialytic episodes were studied in 195 nursing homes in 12 states. At baseline the MFD population was consistently sicker than CONVENTIONAL dialysis population with a first systolic blood pressure in 23% vs 7.6% (p&lt;.001), lower mean hemoglobin (9.3g/dl vs 10.4g/dl; p&lt;.001), lower iron saturation (25.7% vs 26.6%; p=0.02), higher Charlson score (3.5 vs 3.0; p&lt;.001), higher mean age (67.6 vs 66.7; p&lt;.001). ), more complicated diabetes (31% vs 24%; P&lt;.001), cerebrovascular disease ( 12.6% vs 6.8%:p&lt;.001), and congestive heart failure (24% vs 18%). At 42 days, discharge to home was 25% greater in the MFD than conventional group (17.5% vs 14%) without worsened hospitalization or death. Conclusion: Despite a handicap of sicker patients at baseline, real-world application of MFD appears to hasten return home from SNFs compared to conventional dialysis. The findings suggests that MFD allows for SNF acceptance of sicker patients, presumably permitting earlier hospital discharge, without safety compromise as measured by death or rehospitalization benefitting hospitals, patients, and payers.

A double-layer light shutter consisting of polymer dispersed liquid crystal and azo dye/quantum dot

We have developed a double-layer liquid crystal light shutter and investigated its temperature dependent morphological, electro-optical, and dielectric properties. The optical layers of the shutter are in direct contact, reducing optical losses. The shutter comprises a polymer dispersed liquid crystal film adjacent to an azo dye methyl red and CdSeS/ZnS quantum dot doped cholesteric liquid crystal layer. This novel double-layer light shutter device is switchable between opaque and transparent states at room temperature, and it exhibits low threshold and saturation voltages. Both the threshold (Vth) and saturation (Vsat) voltages are found to decrease with increasing temperature. The electrical characteristics of the shutter, namely the real part of dielectric constant (ε′) and the ac conductivity (σac) also increase with temperature in the low frequency region. Our results show that this double-layer light shutter has interesting potential for simple electro-optical devices and smart window applications.

Potential reuse of HMX separated from decommissioned propellants: crystallization and characterization of low-sensitivity HMX

ABSTRACT Herein, in order to increase the purity and improve the performance of HMX crude products (Raw HMX) isolated from decommissioned propellants, a new method to obtain submicron levels using the solvent-anti-solvent process was proposed. Two different morphologies of HMX, regular prismatic vs. spherical-like, were obtained by means of two solvents (DMSO, DMF). Polyethylene glycol-200 (PEG-200) was used to improve the morphology and dispersion of crystals at low saturation and low crystallization temperatures. Various rates of addition of anti-solvent (water) were studied to prevent HMX crystalline transition and effectively increase purity. Furthermore, the aging process was applied to further modify the crystals with controlled particle size distribution The purity of the samples was tested by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) spectroscopy, and the purity of the crystallized samples was improved from 95.53% in Raw HMX to over 99%. The thermal decomposition properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the kinetic parameters of the thermal decomposition reaction of the materials were calculated using the Kissinger and Ozawa method. The samples were also tested for impact and friction sensitivity, which was reduced compared to both Raw HMX and industrial HMX, demonstrating that this type of modified HMX recovered from decommissioned propellants is fully reusable.

Mechanistic Analysis and Process Simulation of Ethyl Acetate-Ethanol Separation by Complex Solvent Extractive Distillation.

Developing high-performance solvents for extraction and optimizing process technologies is crucial for efficient extractive distillation (ED) separation of azeotrope mixtures. In this paper, computer-aided screening was used to study the ED of azeotrope mixtures in ethyl acetate and ethanol systems using organic solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ionic liquid (IL) ([EMIM][Ac]). The structural relationship between the ILs and the azeotrope mixture was analyzed by σ-profile, molecular surface electrostatic potential, interaction energy, and separation gradient. Subsequently, process simulation was carried out using Aspen Plus software and global optimization was performed with genetic algorithm, which found that both traditional organic solvents and ILs have good separation effects. But considering the high volatility of organic solvents and low saturation vapor pressure of ILs, it is considered to combine them to further explore the cost and carbon emission advantages in extractive distillation separation. Compared with pure organic solvent and pure ILs separation processes, the TAC of the process using an IL-based mixed solvent process decreased by 5.11 and 21.98%, respectively. The carbon emissions of the mixed extractant process were slightly higher than those of the pure organic solvent process, but the addition of ILs made very little volatilization of organic solvents, saving a charge for extractant use. By improving the process, waste heat is effectively recovered, which can save most of the utility engineering costs, and compared with the previous process, the total alkali consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 9.43 and 27.17%, respectively. This exploration provides a theoretical reference for the development application and industrial research of ED processes using IL-based mixed solvents.

European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) in aquaculture – Nutritional, chemical, and physicochemical quality compared to wild stocks

European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) is among Europe's top-consumed fish species, but wild stocks fluctuate and change their habitat due to drastic changes in climate. Their potential in aquaculture is under consideration, and therefore multiple quality aspects have been evaluated in this study. The chemical composition, nutritional profile, and physicochemical properties of European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) from aquaculture and wild origin (Norwegian west-coast) and differences between female and male farmed individuals were studied. Differences between farmed and wild fish were found for the proximate composition, nutritional profile, and physicochemical attributes. Farmed fish generally had paler color (higher L*; 78.7 ± 4.2) but showed reduced water holding capacity (WHC; 80.3 ± 8.1%), but a firmer fillet texture compared to wild plaice. Farmed fish had significantly higher lipid and lower ash contents than wild individuals. Farmed fish's free amino acid (FAA) content (265.6 ± 59.0 mg/ 100 g) was significantly higher than in wild fish (89.72 ± 43.6 mg/ 100 g), especially the taste contributing FAA glutamate, glycine, alanine, and tyrosine. However, large individual varieties in FAA were observed within farmed and wild specimens. Farmed fish's fatty acid (FA) profile reflects the feed's composition. The overall quality of farmed European plaice was comparable to wild individuals with an excellent nutritional profile. Gender comparisons in farmed fish has shown that females were paler (higher L*) and showed higher hue (h) values, lower color saturation (Chroma, C), and yellowness (a*) compared to males. No apparent difference in texture was found, and no correlations between WHC and pH nor WHC and water content were detected between females and males. Farmed male individuals had higher lipid (2.35 ± 1.5%) and protein (16.97 ± 1.1%) concentrations compared to females (1.72 ± 1.1%; 15.52 ± 1.7%). The overall findings of this study are promising to further investigate this species for cultivation as a sustainable food resource.

Realization of logic operations via spin–orbit torque driven perpendicular magnetization switching in a heavy metal/ferrimagnet bilayer

Programmable and non-volatile spin-based logic devices have attracted significant interest for use in logic circuits. Realization of logic operations via spin–orbit torque (SOT) driven magnetization switching could be a crucial step in the direction of building logic-in-memory architectures. In this work, we demonstrate experimentally, the realization of four logic operations in a heavy metal/ferrimagnet bilayer structure via SOT switching. We also propose a general scheme for choosing input parameters to achieve programmable logic operations. The bulk and tunable perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and relatively lower saturation magnetization in ferrimagnets are found to make them more energy efficient in performing logic operations, as compared to conventional ferromagnets. Thus, ferrimagnets are promising candidates for use in logic-in-memory architectures, leading to the realization of user-friendly spin logic devices in the future.

Preparation of high-performance Bi-YG ferrite based on LTCC technology and theoretical analysis of its sintering mechanism

In the preparation process of Microwave Multi-Chip Module (MMCM), it is necessary to simultaneously sinter both microwave medium (ferrite) and silver electrodes. Hence, this necessitates keeping the sintering temperature below the melting point of silver (961 °C). An excessively low sintering temperature would significantly impair the electromagnetic properties of the ferrite material. To address this concern, this study synthesizes Bi-YIG (Y3-xBixFe5O12, x = 0–1.0) ferrites with optimized characteristics, including low ferromagnetic resonance line-width (ΔH) and high saturation magnetization (Ms), at 945 °C using Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) technology. The mechanism of low-temperature liquid phase sintering, facilitated by a fluxing agent, was investigated using a theoretical model. The addition of Bi2O3 fluxing agent was found to reduce the reaction activation energy, disrupt the chemical reaction equilibrium, and promote low-temperature liquid phase sintering, thus lowering the critical sintering temperature below the melting point of silver. Furthermore, optimal bismuth content was identified to regulate the dynamic balance between grain growth and boundary diffusion, suppressing abnormal grain growth and enhancing the electromagnetic properties of the ferrite. This exploration, leveraging LTCC technology, may offer valuable insights for enhancing the overall performance of MMCMs.

22‐2: Significant Improvement of a‐IGZO Source‐Gated Transistor Current over Traditional Design through Architecture Modification

We introduce a new architecture, alternative double work function (a‐DWF), device to dramatically enhance the output current of source gated transistors (SGT) while retaining low voltage saturation. The smaller output current of SGT and previous DWF devices compared to conventional thin‐film transistors (TFT) has previously limited their application range.

Analysis of Technological Development and Enhancement in Modern Film Noir

This paper explores the visual and technological evolution of film noir, particularly the transition from classic to modern film noir. Originally defined by French film critics, film noir is known for its distinctive low-key lighting and strong visual contrasts, emphasizing a mysterious and dramatic visual presentation. The article first compares low-key lighting in traditional and modern film noir, highlighting modern advancements in controlling lighting and shadows. It then examines color usage in both eras, noting modern noir’s use of low saturation and vivid colors for enhanced emotional impact. Lastly, it explores modern technology’s role in restoring classic film noir, emphasizing high-resolution scanning and digital processing for improved visual and auditory quality while preserving artistic style. These analyses underscore film noir’s adaptation to technological advancements in global cinema. Through these analyses, the paper reveals how film noir has adapted to technological advancements to maintain its significant place in global cinematic art. Nonetheless, it acknowledges limitations, primarily focusing on visual and technological aspects while neglecting potential socio-cultural, political, and economic influences on the genre. Future research could address these gaps by exploring interdisciplinary perspectives and incorporating quantitative methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of film noir’s evolution.

Myofiber-specific lipidomics unveil differential contributions to insulin sensitivity in individuals of African and European ancestry

AimsIndividuals of African ancestry (AA) present with lower insulin sensitivity compared to their European counterparts (EA). Studies show ethnic differences in skeletal muscle fiber type (lower type I fibers in AA), muscle fat oxidation capacity (lower in AA), whilst no differences in total skeletal muscle lipids. However, skeletal muscle lipid subtypes have not been examined in this context. We hypothesize that lower insulin sensitivity in AA is due to a greater proportion of type II (non-oxidative) muscle fibers, and that this would result in an ancestry-specific association between muscle lipid subtypes and peripheral insulin sensitivity. To test this hypothesis, we examined the association between insulin sensitivity and muscle lipids in AA and EA adults, and in an animal model of insulin resistance with muscle-specific fiber types. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, muscle biopsies were obtained from individuals with a BMI ranging from normal to overweight with AA (N = 24) and EA (N = 19). Ancestry was assigned via genetic admixture analysis; peripheral insulin sensitivity via hyperinsulinaemic–euglycemic clamp; and myofiber content via myosin heavy chain immunohistochemistry. Further, muscle types with high (soleus) and low (vastus lateralis) type I fiber content were obtained from high-fat diet-induced insulin resistant F1 mice and littermate controls. Insulin sensitivity in mice was assessed via intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based lipidomics was used to measure skeletal muscle lipid. ResultsCompared to EA, AA had lower peripheral insulin sensitivity and lower oxidative type 1 myofiber content, with no differences in total skeletal muscle lipid content. Muscles with lower type I fiber content (AA and vastus from mice) showed lower levels of lipids associated with fat oxidation capacity, i.e., cardiolipins, triacylglycerols with low saturation degree and phospholipids, compared to muscles with a higher type 1 fiber content (EA and soleus from mice). Further, we found that muscle diacylglycerol content was inversely associated with insulin sensitivity in EA, who have more type I fiber, whereas no association was found in AA. Similarly, we found that insulin sensitivity in mice was associated with diacylglycerol content in the soleus (high in type I fiber), not in vastus (low in type I fiber).Conclusions; Our data suggest that the lipid contribution to altered insulin sensitivity differs by ethnicity due to myofiber composition, and that this needs to be considered to increase our understanding of underlying mechanisms of altered insulin sensitivity in different ethnic populations.

Preparation of magnetic composite sorbent based on exfoliated graphite with metallic iron, cobalt and nickel using melamine as a reducing agent

Known preparation methods of the magnetic sorbents based on exfoliated graphite (EG) with metallic phase take several hours and requires the use of a large amount of reducing gas at a high temperature, which is not technologically advanced. The aim of the work is to obtain EG modified with iron, cobalt, and nickel using new simple method. This method includes the thermal treatment in nitrogen atmosphere of the mixture of expandable graphite, Mn+ nitrates (Mn+ = Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+) and melamine. The thermal decomposition of melamine leads to formation of ammonia, which reduces the products of the Mn+ nitrates decomposition (α-Fe2O3, Co3O4/CoO, NiO) to metallic iron, cobalt and nickel. The use of different amount of melamine as reducing agent leads to the formation of mixtures with different compositions containing iron oxides Fe3O4, FeO, metallic iron α-Fe, Fe-C alloy γ-(Fe,C) and iron carbide Fe3C, which were confirmed by Mossbauer spectroscopy. Metallic Co and Ni on the EG surface is formed in nitrogen atmosphere by reduction with carbon even without melamine. Obtained EG/Fe has the highest saturation magnetization of 54.7 emu/g. EG/Co and EG/Ni have lower saturation magnetization of 40.1 and 12.0 emu/g, which is due to lower saturation magnetization of the individual metals.

Synergistic effects of laser powder bed fusion and annealing on the texture-selective recrystallization of magnetostrictive Fe-Ga-NbC alloys for biomedical applications

IntroductionMagnetostrictive Fe-Ga alloys have garnered extensive attention owing to their excellent magnetic properties and acceptable biocompatibility. Nevertheless, the polycrystalline Fe-Ga alloys currently available tend to display random texture orientations, which constrain their magnetostrictive performance. ObjectivesTo regulate the texture orientation of Fe-Ga-NbC alloys and thereby enhancing magnetostriction. MethodsIn this study, a processing route comprising laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) followed by secondary recrystallization annealing (800, 1000, and 1200 °C, respectively) was developed to prepare Fe-Ga-NbC alloys. ResultsThe results showed that the LPBF-ed (Fe81Ga19)99(NbC)1 alloys exhibited a high content of high energy grain boundaries (HEGBs) due to the repeated melting and solidification. In subsequent annealing process, the migration of HEGBs induced the rearrangement and recrystallization of grains, during which NbC was found to locate at the grain boundaries and influence the migration path of HEGBs via selective pinning, thereby resulting in a strong Goss texture. With the rise in annealing temperature, the content of Goss texture gradually increased from the initial 3.9 % to 71.3 % at 1200 °C, leading to enhanced magnetostriction, lower saturation magnetization and coercivity. Furthermore, in alternating magnetic fields, the alloys annealed at 1200 °C also exhibited higher magnetostriction than the LPBF-ed alloys. And a noteworthy grain coarsening was also observed after annealing, accompanied by a discernible inclination of magnetic domains towards strip domains. Additional, cell tests demonstrated that the prepared alloys had satisfactory biocompatibility and the ability to promote osteogenic differentiation. ConclusionThese findings indicated that the LPBF-ed and annealed Fe-Ga-NbC alloys might be a promising alternative as magnetostrictive-driven materials for biomedical applications.

Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 and Seasonal Viruses Among 2 Million Adults Hospitalized for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the circulation of seasonal respiratory viruses. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal viruses in adults hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. This population-based cohort study included patients aged >18 years hospitalized for severe acute respiratory infection in Brazil between February 2020 and February 2023. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. A competing risk analysis was used to account for competing events. In total, 2 159 171 patients were included in the study. SARS-CoV-2 was the predominant virus (98.7%). Among patients testing positive, the cumulative incidence of in-hospital mortality was 33.1% for SARS-CoV-2, 31.5% for adenovirus, 21.0% for respiratory syncytial virus, 18.7% for influenza, and 18.6% for other viruses. SARS-CoV-2 accounted for 99.3% of the deaths. Older age, male sex, comorbidities, hospitalization in the northern region, and oxygen saturation <95% were the common risk factors for death among all viruses. In this large cohort study, individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 or adenovirus had the highest risk of mortality. Irrespective of the virus type, older age, male sex, comorbidities, hospitalization in vulnerable regions, and low oxygen saturation were associated with an increased risk of fatality.

Urbanization inequality: evidence from vehicle ownership in Chinese cities

Unequal outcomes resulting from urbanization can pose a significant challenge to sustainable development. Vehicles are an important urbanization dimension as a critical component of urban infrastructure by providing mobility and accessibility to social services. China’s vehicle ownership (referred to as in-use vehicle stocks) has been growing quickly since 2000, but its per capita stocks are still much lower than that in developed economies. This raises the question of whether and when China’s vehicle stocks will reach a peak level close to that in the developed countries. By analyzing vehicle stocks in 283 Chinese cities during 2001–2018, we have the following findings: (1) vehicle stocks are predominantly distributed in northern and eastern coastal cities and provincial capital cities; (2) inequality in vehicle ownership rates between cities shows a declining trend at both national and region scales; (3) the growth of vehicle ownership rates follows an S-shape curve and most cities are still at the early stage of motorization; (4) China is likely to have a lower saturation level of vehicle ownership rate. These results could help to accurately forecast future vehicle demand in China, estimate the resulting environmental impacts, and explore strategies to achieve carbon neutrality in transportation.

Stages of motor development in children with cyanotic congenital heart defects after surgical treatment

Background. The article deals with the actual problem of pediatric neurology, pediatric cardiology, and pediatric cardiac surgery, in particular, the peculiarities of neurodevelopment in children with congenital heart defects (CHD). The purpose is to conduct a study of stages of stato-motor development (SMD) in patients with cyanotic congenital heart defects after surgical treatment and to determine the influence of pathogenic factors on neurodevelopmental delay. Materials and methods. Thirty-five patients with cyanotic CHD underwent examination and surgical treatment at the Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine: 20 children — with transposition of the great vessels (TGV) and 15 children — with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The control group consisted of 35 healthy patients whose motor development corresponded to their age. Gestational age, body weight at birth, Apgar score, saturation, and duration of artificial blood circulation during surgical treatment for CHD were considered. Assessment of motor development was carried out with the help of the following scales: Munich Functional Developmental Diagnosis (G.J. Köhler, H.D. Egelkraut) and section 2 of the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination. Data were processed using the software Microsoft Excel version 16.0.12527.21236. Results. The gestational age of the studied group of patients with cyanotic CHD was 38 weeks, body weight — 3,500 g, which corresponded to the control group. Patients of the first subgroup with TGV were diagnosed with lower saturation indicators (р = 0.0001), a lower 1-minute Apgar score (p = 0.028) and a longer duration of artificial blood circulation — 146.00 ± 29.03 (р = 0.043) compared to the second subgroup with TOF. SMD delay was diagnosed in 29 % of cases, namely 12 % with TGV and 17 % with TOF. The average period of sitting with delayed SMD was 8.4 ± 2.2 months (p = 0.002), walking — 18.4 ± 6.3 months (p = 0.0001). Subsequently, children with TGV continue to develop without a significant delay compared to the TOF subgroup. Conclusions. 1. Patients with cyanotic CHD are born at 38 weeks of gestation, with sufficient body weight without a significant difference depending on the type of CHD and compared to the control group of healthy children. The predominance of the male gender is typical in cyanotic CHD. However, children with transposition of the great vessels are characterized by a lower 1-minute Apgar score and lower indicators of saturation at birth compared to those with tetralogy of Fallot. 2. Based on the conducted study, a delay of SMD was found in 29 % of patients with cyanotic CHD, namely 17 % with TOF and 12 % with TGV. The average duration of sitting with delay was 8.4 ± 2.2 months and walking was 18.4 ± 6.3 months. 3. Surgical treatment was carried out according to the detected indications, for transposition of the great vessels on the first day and for tetralogy of Fallot at 8 months of life. No pathogenic influence of the duration of artificial blood circulation and aortic clamping during cardiosurgical treatment on SMD in children was found. An increase in the duration of artificial blood circulation was noted during arterial switch operation in children with TGV, but no significant difference was found in children with SMD delay. 4. Timely early surgical treatment of critical CHD — TGV on the first day after birth, a developed route for pregnant women, techniques of performing operations — ensure a better SMD of this subgroup in the future. In patients with TOF, taking into account the long period of hypoxia before the start of surgical correction, neuropsychiatric disorders of varying degrees are more often noted. The development of an individual rehabilitation program is provided for this category of children.

Steady-state two-phase relative permeability measurements in proppant-packed rough-walled fractures

Understanding multiphase flow in fractures filled with minerals and proppants is vital in various subsurface applications. Limited experimental data have led to reliance on correlations lacking physical basis. We conducted experiments to characterize relative permeability in rough-walled fractures packed with unconsolidated porous media. We tested fractures packed with water-wet 40/70 sand (silica) and surface-coated ceramic proppants. Brine and mineral oil were used as the wetting and non-wetting fluid phases, respectively. Steady-state (SS) drainage (non-wetting-phase displacing wetting-phase) and imbibition (wetting-phase displacing non-wetting-phase) tests were performed under a wide range of saturation histories (full-cycle and scanning-curves) to study relative permeability hysteresis of the propped fractures. Every SS drainage or imbibition test consisted of several discrete points at which fluid saturations and the corresponding relative permeability were measured by varying the fractional flow rates of fluids whilst maintaining a constant total flow rate. We analyzed residual non-wetting phase saturations and relative permeability trends to understand two-phase flow behavior in each proppant pack. High-resolution x-ray microtomography was used to understand the pore-scale topology, wettability, and to provide insights about the pore-scale displacement mechanisms involved in this study. The results showed that commonly used models to estimate relative permeabilities of fractures significantly overestimated the SS brine and oil relative permeabilities (denoted as krw and kro) measured in this study. Further analysis unveiled that the kro values during imbibition exceeded their drainage counterparts in both proppants, the ceramic proppant exhibited a lower initial water saturation and a higher end-point kro permeability at the end of the drainage displacement, as well as higher krw across all flooding processes. Updated fitting parameters for a Brooks-Corey-type relative permeability correlation are introduced. This study presents improved insights, extensive experimentally generated relative permeability data, and an updated relative permeability correlation, which can be collectively utilized to reduce uncertainties associated with continuum-scale forecasts of multiphase flow behavior in fractured subsurface formations.