Core Matrix Research Articles

Extended higher-order modeling of a 3D nanocomposite reinforced intelligent panel for skiing tools in ice and snow athlete training

This article presents a comprehensive multi-field analysis on the analysis of hybrid sandwich curved shell composed of a metal matrix core reinforced with tunable three-dimensional origami-enabled reinforcement. The characteristics and governing equations are derived using the energy-based formulation and a minimization process. The hybrid modeling is performed with accounting the multi-loading structures as an attachment. The characterized material properties are evaluated using the experimental and statistical-based analysis in the material science works. The stress and strain analyses of the composite sandwich curved shell are presented with changes of volume fraction and foldability parameters as well as multi-filed loading along the thickness direction. These materials and structures can be used in electromechanical systems and structures.

In situ combustion performance in heavy oil carbonate reservoirs: A triple-porosity numerical model

This study aims to address the challenges of oil recovery in highly heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs by employing a novel triple-porosity numerical model approach for in-situ combustion (ISC). The primary focus is on the performance of ISC within isolated vuggy pore spaces, a characteristic feature of such reservoirs. By simulating triple-porosity through artificially induced vuggs, core matrix, and fractures, we evaluated the feasibility of the ISC technique for heavy oil recovery in a dolomite reservoir using a combustion tube setup.The numerical model, calibrated through history matching, incorporates an extended kinetic reaction scheme to better represent high-temperature oxidation processes. Experimental and simulation results show a strong correlation in temperature profiles, ignition timing, and fluid production, effectively reproducing the observed gas compositions. This integrated experimental and numerical approach demonstrates the potential for applying ISC in triple-porosity systems, offering valuable insights for field-scale implementations in similarly complex carbonate reservoirs. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive modeling of the first ISC experiment in a triple-porosity framework, providing a deeper understanding of the interactions between matrix, fracture, and vugg networks, and paving the way for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) strategies in challenging reservoir environments.

Mechanism of Water Control and Gas Augmentation by Fracturing Interface Modifier in Water-bearing Gas Reservoir

Abstract With the development of oil and gas reservoirs, water containing gas reservoirs have gradually received attention. However, problems such as water production during the production process have reduced gas permeability, leading to a decrease in gas well productivity underground. Phase permeability regulators improve productivity by changing the wettability of rocks and enhancing gas permeability. This article tests the interface performance of a phase permeability regulator and evaluates its temperature resistance, formation water salt resistance, and erosion resistance. The pore bound water saturation of the core before and after modification with the phase permeability regulator, as well as the relative permeability of gas and water phases, are tested. The experimental results show that the phase permeation regulator can reduce the surface tension of water to 22.2 mN/m, and the rock contact angle before and after soaking increases from 26.63 ° to 97.69 °, achieving the transition of rock from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The surface tension of the phase permeation regulator changes significantly before and after aging at 80-120 °C, and its high-temperature resistance is poor. After mixing with formation water with a salinity of 60000 to 100000, the surface tension increases, and at a salinity of 60000, it increases by 5.1 mN/m. The use of phase permeability regulators for matrix core displacement resulted in a slight increase in displacement pressure, while the formation water remained unchanged after approximately 140 hours of erosion. After modification with phase permeability regulators, the irreducible water saturation of the core decreases by about 25%, and the relative permeability of the gas phase increases, resulting in a significant hydrophobic and gas conducting effect. Phase permeability regulators achieve hydrophobic gas conductivity by changing the wettability of rocks, which can alleviate the problem of water production in shallow and low salinity reservoirs.

Propofol disrupts the functional core-matrix architecture of the thalamus in humans

Research into the role of thalamocortical circuits in anesthesia-induced unconsciousness is difficult due to anatomical and functional complexity. Prior neuroimaging studies have examined either the thalamus as a whole or focused on specific subregions, overlooking the distinct neuronal subtypes like core and matrix cells. We conducted a study of heathy volunteers and functional magnetic resonance imaging during conscious baseline, deep sedation, and recovery. We advanced the functional gradient mapping technique to delineate the functional geometry of thalamocortical circuits, within a framework of the unimodal-transmodal functional axis of the cortex. Here we show a significant shift in this geometry during deep sedation, marked by a transmodal-deficient geometry. This alteration is closely linked to the spatial variations in the matrix cell composition within the thalamus. This research bridges cellular and systems-level understanding, highlighting the crucial role of thalamic core–matrix functional architecture in understanding the neural mechanisms of states of consciousness.

Enhancing the performance of paraffin's phase change material through a hybrid scheme utilizing sand core matrix

Smart waste management and valorisation is presented in the current investigation. Iron is collected from mining wastewater stream and augmented with sand as a supporting material to produce sand core. The sand core pellets encapsulated in paraffin’s to enhance its feasibility as phase change material (PCM). Sand core was characterized using X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) augmented with energy dispersive X-ray spectrum analysis. Experimental test is achieved by mixing sand core/iron and paraffin that is signified as an encapsulated phase change material. The encapsulated sand core-PCM is embedded in varies mass weights of percentages of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% and labeled as 0.5%-sand core-PCM, 1.0%-sand core-PCM, 1.5%-sand core-PCM and 2.0%-sand core-PCM. The encapsulated sand core-PCM is embedded into a heat exchanger of the vertical type model that is connected with a flat plate solar collector. Such collector is heating the heat transfer carrier, which is exposed to the heat exchanger for melting the PCM. The experimental work is conducted across the solar noon where the solar intensity in the region is reached to 1162 W/m2 at the time of conducting experiments. Water is applied and supposed as the working heat transfer fluid transporter and pumped into the system at the rate of 0.0014 kg per second. The experimental result revealed that the heat gained recorded an enhancement from 7 to 48 kJ/min when the 1.5%-sand core-PCM system is applied. Thus, the results showed the system is a good candidate by increasing the system efficiency with 92% as a potential solution of solar energy storage at the off-time periods.

HYDROPHILIC MATRIX TABLETS AS ORAL CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN 20TH CENTURY: A REVIEW

Matrix systems are easy to formulate compared to other controlled release dosage forms. The manufacture of matrix tablets involves the direct compression of blend of drug, retardant material and additives to form a tablet in which drug is embedded in a matrix core of the retardant. Alternatively, retardant-drug blends may be granulated prior to compression. Of the three classes of retardant material used to formulate matrix tablets, polymers that form hydrophilic matrices are attracting the attention of pharmaceutical technologists. These polymers include Methyl cellulose (MC), Hydroxy ethyl cellulose (HEC), Hydroxy popyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (NaCMC), carbomers, chitosan, plant gums etc. The hydrophilic matrix-formers alone or in combination with other excipients form gels in situ on coming in contact with biological fluids which control the drug release. The present review gives a detailed account on the factors to be considered in the design of hydrophilic matrix systems, formulation of hydrophilic matrix tablets, in vitro and in vivo evaluation methods and advances in the design of hydrophilic matrix tablets. This review further focuses on the development of oral controlled drug delivery systems using hydrophilic matrix carriers in 20th century.

Enhanced oil recovery in tight reservoirs by ultrasonic-assisted CO2 flooding: Experimental study and molecular dynamics simulation

CO2-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) has attracted great attention due to its dual effects of geological carbon storage and economic benefits, but the clay swelling, asphaltene deposition and gas channeling induced by CO2 still restrict its field application. The employment of chemical agents for the purpose of improving CO2-EOR performance is often limited by the heterogeneity of reservoirs and the potential for formation damage. Physical methods, such as ultrasonic-assisted CO2 flooding, appear to offer a promising alternative for CO2-EOR and geological sequestration. This study has conducted oil displacement experiments to investigate the EOR potential of ultrasonic-assisted CO2 flooding in tight reservoirs and clarify the effects of different ultrasound parameters. The ultrasonic waves with 20 kHz of acoustic frequency, 30 W/cm2 of sound intensity, 30 min of sonication time and moderate intermittent working mode can yield violent cavitation effects and avoid undesirable energy dissipation. Nearly a quarter of the saturated crude oil can be recovered from the tight core through ultrasonic-assisted CO2 flooding. It can be attributed to the composition alterations of crude oil and property changes of core matrix. Coupling with ultrasonic waves, CO2 would extract and vaporize crude oil more easily, which promotes oil swelling, lowers oil density and viscosity, decreases oil–gas interfacial tension and thus improves oil recovery. Besides, the ultrasound can help to mitigate the impact of CO2 adsorption-induced clay swelling on pore sizes through fluctuating pressure. And the strong hydrodynamic shear forces generated by mechanical vibration of ultrasound may also help to connect individual small pores and extend micro-fractures. These synergistic effects result in the transformation of micropores into mesopores and macropores. Furthermore, the wettability alteration of core samples implies that the ultrasonic-assisted CO2 flooding can induce the detachment of oil films from the rock surface. Finally, the results of molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the improvement in pressure inside the core sample resulting from ultrasonic cavitation facilitates the mixing of CO2 and oil, thereby weakening gas channeling and improving the displacement efficiency.

A novel successive convexification framework with symplectic pseudospectral solutions for nonlinear optimal control problems of constrained pantograph delay systems

This paper proposes a novel symplectic pseudospectral iteration framework for the nonlinear optimal control problem (OCP) of a pantograph delay system with inequality constraints. Traditional numerical algorithms for OCPs with pantograph delay systems have predominantly focused on unconstrained scenarios, neglecting constrained problems. Therefore, we propose a novel symplectic pseudospectral iteration framework for constrained problems. First, we employ the successive convexification (SCvx) method to transform the original problem into a series of linear quadratic (LQ) problems, addressing nonlinearity. Then, leveraging time-scale transformations and parametric variational principles, we derive the first-order necessary conditions (FONCs) for these convexified problems, including a Hamiltonian two-point boundary value problem (HTBVP) with stretching terms and a linear complementarity problem. To handle pantograph time delays effectively, we employ a local Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto (LGL) pseudospectral method with proportional grid discretization. Finally, employing a symplectic indirect algorithm, we develop a symplectic pseudospectral method (SPM) for solving the transformed LQ problems, converting them into a system of sparse linear algebraic equations and a linear complementarity problem. Validation of the framework is performed using diverse illustrative examples, demonstrating strong agreement between SCvx and SPM in computational efficiency. Numerical experiments confirm the sparsity of the core matrix and robustness to initial guesses.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties Evolution of W@WC/Fe Core–Shell Bar‐Reinforced Iron Matrix Composites: Effect of In‐situ Solid Diffusion Time

To improve the strength and toughness of conventional particle‐reinforced iron matrix composites, W@WC/Fe core–shell bar‐reinforced iron matrix composites (CBIMCs) are synthesized by casting and in‐situ solid‐phase diffusion method. These composites, which have an architecture similar to concrete, consist of a core of residual W bar and a shell of gradient‐structured WC‐Fe layer. The effect of in‐situ solid diffusion time on the evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites is investigated. It is observed that for in‐situ solid diffusion times ranging from 3 to 24 h, the reinforcement in the composites remained as W@WC/Fe core–shell bars. As the solid diffusion time increased, the diameter of the W core gradually decreased, and the thickness of the WC‐Fe shell layer increased. At a solid diffusion time of 30 h, the reinforcement transitioned to the WC‐Fe composite bar. Additionally, with longer solid diffusion times, the WC particles transformed from a triangular prism shape to a truncated octahedron. The composite prepared at 18 h exhibits the highest ultimate compression strength and strain, reaching values of 1100 ± 18 MPa and 35.5 ± 1.3%, respectively. This excellent ultimate compression strength is mainly due to the WC particles, which enhanced load transfer strengthening and dislocation strengthening. Moreover, the metal W core and iron matrix effectively hinder microcrack propagation, thus contributing to the enhanced toughness of the composite.

Synthesis of ultra-high nitrogen doped hollow mesoporous carbon nanospheres via a universal solid–liquid interface self-assembly strategy

Functional mesoporous polymers, particularly their derived hollow mesoporous carbon spheres (HMCS), have introduced new opportunities in the field of energy storage. Traditional synthesis methods for HMCS typically rely on chemical etching, which often results in uniform chemical properties and structural control, thereby limiting their application in large-scale production and diverse fields. Therefore, in this study, we report a novel strategy for obtaining HMCS through the direct pyrolysis of a core matrix, melamine–formaldehyde resin (MF), to achieve hollow structures and ultra-high nitrogen doping (approximately 14.8 wt%). This new solid–liquid interfacial self-assembly approach enables the production of HMCS with remarkable electrochemical performance and practical application prospects in sodium-ion half-cells and full cells, thanks to the high nitrogen doping and unique structure. Notably, this strategy has been validated for its general applicability across 1D, 2D, and 3D solid matrices. Additionally, by adjusting the calcination temperature, this method allows for precise control over both the core size and nitrogen content of the egg yolk-shell structure mesoporous carbon spheres. In summary, the mesoporous materials developed in this study demonstrate flexibility, simplicity, versatility, and structural diversity, offering significant insights for future applications in energy storage and other fields.

PCA-constrained multi-core matrix fusion network: A novel approach for cancer subtype identification.

Cancer subtyping refers to categorizing a particular cancer type into distinct subtypes or subgroups based on a range of molecular characteristics, clinical manifestations, histological features, and other relevant factors. The identification of cancer subtypes can significantly enhance precision in clinical practice and facilitate personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies. Recent advancements in the field have witnessed the emergence of numerous network fusion methods aimed at identifying cancer subtypes. The majority of these fusion algorithms, however, solely rely on the fusion network of a single core matrix for the identification of cancer subtypes and fail to comprehensively capture similarity. To tackle this issue, in this study, we propose a novel cancer subtype recognition method, referred to as PCA-constrained multi-core matrix fusion network (PCA-MM-FN). The PCA-MM-FN algorithm initially employs three distinct methods to obtain three core matrices. Subsequently, the obtained core matrices are projected into a shared subspace using principal component analysis, followed by a weighted network fusion. Lastly, spectral clustering is conducted on the fused network. The results obtained from conducting experiments on the mRNA expression, DNA methylation, and miRNA expression of five TCGA datasets and three multi-omics benchmark datasets demonstrate that the proposed PCA-MM-FN approach exhibits superior accuracy in identifying cancer subtypes compared to the existing methods.

Application of CO2-Soluble Polymer-Based Blowing Agent to Improve Supercritical CO2 Replacement in Low-Permeability Fractured Reservoirs.

Since reservoirs with permeability less than 10 mD are characterized by high injection difficulty, high-pressure drop loss, and low pore throat mobilization during the water drive process, CO2 is often used for development in actual production to reduce the injection difficulty and carbon emission simultaneously. However, microfractures are usually developed in low-permeability reservoirs, which further reduces the injection difficulty of the driving medium. At the same time, this makes the injected gas flow very fast, while the gas utilization rate is low, resulting in a low degree of recovery. This paper conducted a series of studies on the displacement effect of CO2-soluble foaming systems in low-permeability fractured reservoirs (the permeability of the core matrix is about 0.25 mD). For the two CO2-soluble blowing agents CG-1 and CG-2, the effects of the CO2 phase state, water content, and oil content on static foaming performance were first investigated; then, a more effective blowing agent was preferred for the replacement experiments according to the foaming results; and finally, the effects of the blowing agents on sealing and improving the recovery degree of a fully open fractured core were investigated at different injection rates and concentrations, and the injection parameters were optimized. The results show that CG-1 still has good foaming performance under low water volume and various oil contents and can be used in subsequent fractured core replacement experiments. After selecting the injection rate and concentration, the blowing agent can be used in subsequent fractured cores under injection conditions of 0.6 mL/min and 2.80%. In injection conditions, the foaming agent can achieve an 83.7% blocking rate and improve the extraction degree by 12.02%. The research content of this paper can provide data support for the application effect of a CO2-soluble blowing agent in a fractured core.

Synthesis and characterization of double‐shell structure hollow SiO2 nanospheres

AbstractThe objective of this study is to synthesize hollow SiO2 nanospheres (HSNs), and to investigate the effect of varying divinylbenzene (DVB) amounts during synthesis on their morphology and pore structure. Additionally, it seeks to characterize the thermal conductivity of the synthesized HSNs and evaluate the impact of their incorporation on the thermal insulation properties of acrylic coatings. Single‐shell HSNs were synthesized using the Stöber method, which involved hydrolysis‐polycondensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate. The double‐shell HSNs were prepared using a stepwise wrapping synthesis method, with single‐shell HSNs as the core matrix and an appropriate amount of crosslinking agent added. The addition of DVB resulted in different morphologies, shell spacings, and specific surface areas for the double‐shell HSNs. The thermal conductivity of the double‐shell HSNs decreased significantly to as low as 0.0252 W·m1·K−1 with an increase in shell spacing. The shell spacing of double‐shell HSNs had doubled, resulting in a reduction of its thermal conductivity by approximately 18%. When the double‐shell HSN content reached 8%, the thermal conductivity decreased by 85% compared to that of the original acrylate coating. These results indicate that double‐shell HSNs can substantially decrease the thermal conductivity of the matrix material for thermal insulation applications.

Synthesis and performance evaluation of low‐damage variable viscosity integrated drag reducer

AbstractTo solve problems such as inadequate proppant carrying capacity, a complex viscosity changing process, and limited environmental friendliness associated with traditional slick water fracturing fluids, a variable viscosity friction reducer called Jianghan friction reducer (JHFR) with low damage, high drag reduction, and strong proppant‐carrying capacity is prepared by inverse emulsion polymerization. The properties of JHFR are investigated by viscometer, JHFR‐II high‐temperature and high‐pressure slick water drag reduction rate tester, surface tension meter, and JHCQ Core dynamic damage evaluation device. The result shows that the dissolution time of JHFR is less than 120 s. The drag reduction of 0.08 wt% JHFR (4.83 mPa s) is 80.3%. When the concentration of JHFR increases from 0.08 to 0.8 wt %, the viscosity of the JHFR increases from 4.83to 97.41 mPa s. After sheared at 90°C and 170 s−1 for 60 min, the viscosity of 0.8 wt% JHFR still maintains 51 mPa s. The damage rate of JHFR to core matrix permeability is lower than 30%. JHFR also shows the advantages of easy breakage and low residue. It provides guidance for the design and selection of fracturing fluid for unconventional oil and gas reservoir development.

Methacrylic acid grafted inulin and carboxymethyl cellulose as additives in the development of pH sensitive hydrogel matrix for colon targeting

AbstractCompression‐coated matrix tablets were developed to target budesonide (BUD) in the colonic region using methacrylic acid (MAA) grafted inulin (INU) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). INU was grafted with MAA to impart anionic characteristics to the gum, making it feasible to form a hydrogel by cross‐linking with calcium gluconate (CG). The core matrix made up of MAA‐g‐INU alone disintegrated within 30 min and the core matrix made up of CMC alone completely released BUD within 6 h. The combination of MAA‐g‐INU and CMC produced a rigid matrix, which was able to completely release BUD after 7 h. Compression coating of the core tablets with MAA‐g‐INU and CMC did not release BUD in the first 4 h, and complete BUD release took place in the next 4 h. Compression coating led to the formation of a rigid and viscous gel layer outside the core matrices, which hindered BUD release. We conclude that compression coating with CG cross‐linked CMC and MAA‐g‐INU could be used as a matrix for colonic delivery of drugs.Highlights Compression coated matrices were developed for colonic delivery of BUD. The matrix retained drug release up to 4 h in upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The matrix exhibited complete drug release in the next 4 h in the colon.

The prognostic effect of mechanical, ultrastructural, and ECM signatures in glioblastoma core and rim.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly invasive, aggressive brain cancer that carries a median survival of 15 months and is resistant to standard therapeutics. Recent studies have demonstrated that intratumoral heterogeneity plays a critical role in promoting resistance by mediating tumor adaptation through microenvironmental cues. GBM can be separated into two distinct regions-a core and a rim, which are thought to drive specific aspects of tumor evolution. These differences in tumor progression are regulated by the diverse biomolecular and biophysical signals in these regions, but the acellular biophysical characteristics remain poorly described. This study investigates the mechanical and ultrastructural characteristics of the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) in patient-matched GBM core and rim tissues. Seven patient-matched tumor core and rim samples and one non-neoplastic control were analyzed using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence imaging to quantify mechanical, ultrastructural, and ECM composition changes. The results reveal significant differences in biophysical parameters between GBM core, rim, and non-neoplastic tissues. The GBM core is stiffer, denser, and is rich in ECM proteins hyaluronic acid and tenascin-C when compared to tumor rim and non-neoplastic tissues. These alterations are intimately related and have prognostic effect with stiff, dense tissue correlating with longer progression-free survival. These findings reveal new insights into the spatial heterogeneity of biophysical parameters in the GBM tumor microenvironment and identify a set of characteristics that may correlate with patient prognosis. In the long term, these characteristics may aid in the development of strategies to combat therapeutic resistance.

A prognostic matrix gene expression signature defines functional glioblastoma phenotypes and niches.

Interactions among tumor, immune, and vascular niches play major roles in driving glioblastoma (GBM) malignancy and treatment responses. The composition, heterogeneity, and localization of extracellular core matrix proteins (CMPs) that mediate such interactions, however, are not well understood. Here, through computational genomics and proteomics approaches, we analyzed the functional and clinical relevance of CMP expression in GBM at bulk, single cell, and spatial anatomical resolution. We identified genes encoding CMPs whose expression levels categorize GBM tumors into CMP expression-high (M-H) and CMP expression-low (M-L) groups. CMP enrichment is associated with worse patient survival, specific driver oncogenic alterations, mesenchymal state, infiltration of pro-tumor immune cells, and immune checkpoint gene expression. Anatomical and single-cell transcriptome analyses indicate that matrisome gene expression is enriched in vascular and leading edge/infiltrative niches that are known to harbor glioma stem cells driving GBM progression. Finally, we identified a 17-gene CMP expression signature, termed Matrisome 17 (M17) signature that further refines the prognostic value of CMP genes. The M17 signature is a significantly stronger prognostic factor compared to MGMT promoter methylation status as well as canonical subtypes, and importantly, potentially predicts responses to PD1 blockade. The matrisome gene expression signature provides a robust stratification of GBM patients by survival and potential biomarkers of functionally relevant GBM niches that can mediate mesenchymal-immune cross talk. Patient stratification based on matrisome profiles can contribute to selection and optimization of treatment strategies.

Time-dependent gas dynamic diffusion process in shale matrix: model development and numerical analysis

Gas diffusion is a pivotal process during shale gas recovery, which is determined by diffusion coefficient to a large extent. In previous studies, the gas diffusion coefficient is generally assumed as a constant. However, increasing experiments prove that the diffusion coefficient of shale gas is strongly time-dependent. Therefore, to perfect the theory of shale gas diffusion, this paper proposes a time-dependent diffusion model for shale gas, which incorporates time-dependent gas diffusion coefficient, composing of the bulk diffusion coefficient for free gas in organic and inorganic pores, as well as the surface diffusion coefficient for adsorbed gas in organic pores. To validate the accuracy of the new theory, we calibrate the theoretical results against experimental data, and the results show that they have strong correlation, and the time-dependent diffusion model is superior to classical model. Finally, the numerical analysis of gas dynamic diffusion process in shale matrix is conducted. The results show that at the end of diffusion, a large amounts of shale gas remain trapped in the matrix core due to the attenuation of gas diffusion coefficient. In addition, neglecting the time-dependent nature of gas diffusion in shale matrix leads to a significant overestimation of gas production.

In-situ monitoring of in vitro drug release processes in tablets using optical coherence tomography

Film-coated modified-release tablets are an important dosage form amenable to targeted, controlled, or delayed drug release in the specific region of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Depending on the film composition and interaction with the GI fluid, such coated products can modulate the local bioavailability, systemic absorption, protection as an enteric barrier, etc. Although the interaction of a dosage form with the surrounding dissolution medium is vital for the resulting release behavior, the underlying physicochemical phenomena at the film and core levels occurring during the drug release process have not yet been well described. In this work, we attempted to tackle this limitation by introducing a novel in vitro test based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) that allows an in-situ investigation of the sub-surface processes occurring during the drug release. Using a commercially available tablet based on osmotic-controlled release oral delivery systems (OROS), we demonstrated the performance of the presented prototype in terms of monitoring the membrane thickness and thickness variability, the surface roughness, the core swelling behavior, and the porosity of the core matrix throughout the in vitro drug release process from OROS. The superior spatial (micron scale) and temporal (less than 10 ms between the subsequent tomograms) resolution achieved in the proposed setup provides an improved understanding of the dynamics inside the microstructure at any given time during the dissolution procedure with the previously unattainable resolution, offering new opportunities for the design and testing of patient-centric dosage forms.

What are the key factors influencing the dynamics of forest edge? An application of a new forest edge index in the southeast of China

Recent reforestation programs have led to significant increases in forest cover in China; however, they have not been able to halt the process of forest fragmentation. The dynamics of forest fragmentation are still unknown, especially the transitions among forest core (FC), forest edge (FE), and non-forest areas. Taking Fujian Province in southeast China as a case, a new FE index (FEI) was proposed to identify FE, FC, forest patch (FP), matrix edge (ME), matrix core (MC), and forest perforation (FPe) as well. Then the transitions among FC, FE, and non-forest areas was explored; a series of logistic regression models were developed to examine the internal and external, static and dynamic driving patterns of the FE dynamics. The results revealed that the FEI outperforms conventional landscape metrics in identifying FE areas. During the period from 2000 to 2020, FE constituted approximately 41% of the study area. Frequent transition dynamics were observed between FE and other landscape types, accounting for 22% and 19% of the study area during 2000–2010 and 2010–2020, respectively. The internal driving models demonstrated that various landscape types exerted a negative influence on FE expansion. Among these, FPe emerged as a dominant factor, followed by MC, FC, and ME. The external models highlighted the significant influence of elevation, average annual temperature, distance from road, and slope on the mutual transition between FC and FE, while aspect and GDP influenced greatly on the transition from matrix to FE. These findings deepen the understanding of forest fragmentation dynamics and provide valuable insights for forest management.