Mixture Of Particles Research Articles

LB1636 Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of TPM203, a tolerizing topas particle mixture in pemphigus vulgaris (PV): Preliminary results from a phase 1, first in man study (TPV11)

LB1636 Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of TPM203, a tolerizing topas particle mixture in pemphigus vulgaris (PV): Preliminary results from a phase 1, first in man study (TPV11)

Reduction of nanoparticle size and promotion of cell membrane permeability by LED irradiation

To improve the efficiency of poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NP) as a gene carrier for the transfection of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), we developed a light-emitting diode (LED)-induced gene delivery system. The size of NP produced at various LED wavelengths (blue, green, red, and NIR) was controlled in the colloidal state (a mixture of single particles and agglomerates). In addition, physical stimulation of cell membranes using two LED wavelengths (blue and near infrared (NIR)) altered their structure and facilitated the penetration of cells with extracellular substances. The reduction of NP size and increase in cell membrane permeability effectively increased gene delivery to cells and protein expression by improving transfection processes (cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and PEI-gene dissociation). The effects of 10 min irradiation at each LED wavelength were compared with those of the non-irradiated sample. The reduction of NP size by LED irradiation was confirmed using DLS, SEM, and Nanosight, and cell membrane permeability was assessed by confocal laser microscopy and FACS. Transfection efficiency was measured using confocal laser microscopy, FACS, and Western blot analysis. Among the tested LED wavelengths, NIR light irradiation was the most effective in reducing NP size and increasing cell membrane permeability. Conversely, blue light irradiation significantly increased gene delivery to cells by accelerating transfection processes. Thus, the LED-irradiation mediated NP dispersion method improved the delivery efficiency of PLGA NP as gene carrier, and by enhancing cell membrane permeability, extracellular substances that normally cannot easily penetrate the cell membrane were delivered in a timely and effective manner.

Particle Network Self-Assembly of Similar Size Sub-Micron Calcium Alginate and Polystyrene Particles Atop Glass.

Particle-mediated self-assembly, such as nanocomposites, microstructure formation in materials, and core-shell coating of biological particles, offers precise control over the properties of biological materials for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensing. The assembly of similar-sized calcium alginate (CAG) and polystyrene sub-micron particles is studied in an aqueous sodium nitrate solution as a model for particle-mediated self-assembly of biological and synthetic mixed particle species. The objective is to reinforce biological matrices by incorporating synthetic particles to form hybrid particulate networks with tailored properties. By varying the ionic strength of the suspension, the authorsalter the energy barriers for particle attachment to each other and to a glass substrate that result from colloidal surface forces. The particles do not show monotonic adsorption trend to glass with ionic strength. Hence, apart from DLVO theory-van der Waals and electrostatic interactions-the authors further consider solvation and bridging interactions in the analysis of the particulate adsorption-coagulation system. CAG particles, which support lower energy barriers to attachment relative to their counterpart polystyrene particles, accumulate as dense aggregates on the glass substrate. Polystyrene particles adsorb simultaneously as detached particles. At high electrolyte concentrations, where electrostatic repulsion is largely screened, the mixture of particles covers most of the glass substrate; the CAG particles form a continuous network throughout the glass substrate with pockets of polystyrene particles. The particulate structure is correlated with the adjustable energy barriers for particle attachment in thesuspension.

Effective Utilization of Industrial and Constructional Solid Waste Materials in Foundry Mould Making to Prevent Environment Pollution and Conserve Natural Silica Sand

<p>Green sand moulding uses silica sand for metal casting. Silica sand mining and delivery to foundries destroy the ecosystem, making metal casting unsustainable. Due to increased sand-casting output and massive civil buildings in India, the silica sand supply is declining. The depletion and shortage of silica sand necessitate the search for viable replacements. Industrial solid waste from large-scale industrialization pollutes land, air, and water. In order to use industrial waste in large amounts, an attempt is made to use it as a replacement for natural resources. The main objective of this research is to reduce the consumption of silica sand in the foundry mould-making process. Silica sand is replaced with industrial solid waste, cupola slag, and construction solid waste sources like spent fire bricks and quarry dust, up to a considerable amount, to save the natural resources. Utilization of solid waste material in the mould-making process will reduce production costs and environmental pollution, like dumping solid waste materials on land. Sand tests like permeability, green compression strength, dry compression strength, and compactability were conducted to assess the moulding properties of these alternative moulding materials. The process parameters considered for this investigation were the percentage of bentonite binder and the percentage addition of alternative mould materials with silica sand. The various sand tests showed that 40%, 30%, and 20% of quarry dust, spent fire bricks, and cupola slag, respectively, will adequately replace silica sand for mould making. A bentonite binder of 8% is suitable for quarry dust mould, and a 10% bentonite binder is required for spent fire brick particles and cupola slag to yield better results. Aluminium castings were produced at the optimal mixture of these solid waste particles and silica sand. The results of mechanical tests such as hardness, tensile, and impact tests are comparable to those of silica sand castings.</p>

Light-controlled growth of DNA organelles in synthetic cells.

Living cells regulate many of their vital functions through dynamic, membraneless compartments that phase separate (condense) in response to different types of stimuli. In synthetic cells, responsive condensates could similarly play a crucial role in sustaining their operations. Here we use DNA nanotechnology to design and characterize artificial condensates that respond to light. These condensates form via the programmable interactions of star-shaped DNA subunits (nanostars), which are engineered to include photo-responsive protection domains. In the absence of UV irradiation, the nanostar interactions are not conducive to the formation of condensates. UV irradiation cleaves the protection domains, increases the nanostar valency and enables condensation. We demonstrate that this approach makes it possible to tune precisely the kinetics of condensate formation by dosing UV exposure time. Our experimental observations are complemented by a computational model that characterizes phase transitions of mixtures of particles of different valency, under changes in the mixture composition and bond interaction energy. In addition, we illustrate how UV activation is a useful tool to control the formation and size of DNA condensates in emulsion droplets, as a prototype organelle in a synthetic cell. This research expands our capacity to remotely control the dynamics of DNA-based components via physical stimuli and is particularly relevant to the development of minimal artificial cells and responsive biomaterials.

Particle-scale analysis of thermophysical behaviors of coaxial gas swirling jets with binary-size particle mixture

Understanding the multi-physics coupling of coaxial-jet gas-particle swirling flow is crucial for practical applications. In this study, computational fluid dynamics coupled with the discrete element method is utilized to investigate the flow behavior of a coaxial jet composed of powder and coal within an annular pipe. The influence of particle diameter on particle-scale information is examined. When powder diameter is 450 μm, large particles display high Reynolds and Nusselt numbers, whereas small coal particles demonstrate elevated velocities and temperature. The variation in particle diameter affects momentum and energy exchanges at specific locations, but has a negligible impact on the radial velocity distribution and Nusselt number of powder particles. Specifically, increasing the particle diameter from 50 to 450 μm leads to a reduction in swirling velocity at the outlet of the annular pipe from 15.43 m/s to 9.57 m/s for binary mixtures, and from 18.49 m/s to 7.03 m/s for powders.

Dynamic phase transition induced by active molecules in a supercooled liquid.

The purpose of this work is to use active particles to investigate the effect of facilitation on supercooled liquids. To this end we examine the behavior of a model supercooled liquid that is doped with a mixture of active particles and slowed particles. To simulate the facilitation mechanism, the activated particles are subjected to a force that follows the mobility of their most mobile neighboring molecule, while the slowed particles experience a friction force. Upon activation, we observe a fluidization of the entire medium along with a significant increase in dynamic heterogeneity. This effect is reminiscent of the fluidization observed experimentally when introducing molecular motors into soft materials. Interestingly, when the characteristic time τ_{μ}, used to define the mobility in the facilitation mechanism, matches the physical time t^{*} that characterizes the spontaneous cooperativity of the material, we observe a phase transition accompanied by structural aggregation of the active molecules. This transition is characterized by a sharp increase in fluidization and dynamic heterogeneity.

A calibration method for contact parameters of agricultural particle mixtures inspired by the Brazil nut effect (BNE): The case of tiger nut tuber-stem-soil mixture

The lack of calibration methods for the contact parameters of agricultural particle mixtures limits the numerical simulation optimization of agricultural equipment. In this study, a novel method for calibrating contact parameters in agricultural particle mixtures inspired by the Brazil nut effect was proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated using a case study of a tiger nut tuber-stem-soil mixture. The intrinsic and contact parameters of monomaterials were first determined by conventional tests to provide data for vibration simulation tests. Vibration segregation tests were then performed on binary mixtures. The determination coefficient R2 between the physical and simulation data of the target particle volume concentration in the mixture was used as a response indicator. The second-order response surface regression model between the contact parameters and R2 was fitted by response surface methodology (RSM). The significance of the effect of the contact parameters on the indicator was quantified, and the optimal values of each parameter were determined. Finally, the applicability and accuracy of the calibrated parameters were verified using the self-flow sieving test. The results showed that the distribution of the mixture on the sieving surface and in the receiving box obtained from the calibrated test best matched the physical test results; at this time, the maximum relative errors of the physical and simulated values of the mass percentages of the tuber, stem and soil in the bin were 8.2%, 7.6%, and 6.5%, respectively, indicating that the calibrated parameters have good applicability and accuracy. The calibration test method can guide the calibration of contact parameters for other agricultural particle mixtures.

Stress responses analysis of asphalt mixture particles based on average principle during the rolling compaction process of weld SBDP

To investigate the stress responses of asphalt mixture particles in the weld area of steel bridge deck pavement (SBDP) during the rolling compaction process, the stress average principle and spherical domain stress measurement method are proposed. Firstly, the weld SBDP model was established using the DEM-FEM coupling method. The rolling compaction process of asphalt mixture from loose to dense was simulated using the Fish algorithm. Then, the stress average principle of discrete element and the spherical domain measurement method were utilized to measure and calculate the average stress of asphalt mixture particles. Lastly, the average stresses of particles in the loose and dense status were collected and analyzed. Results show that the asphalt mixture particles in the load area shows a trend of moving in the opposite direction to the direction of steel wheel during the first rolling process of loose status. The average stress peak decreases with the weld height in the first rolling process, while the pattern is opposite in the last rolling process. It could be attributed to the dense structure formation of SBDP. The asphalt mixture particles at the bottom of SBDP appear downward movement trend. However, the particles can only move into the two sides of the weld due to the rigid constraints. Local stress concentration phenomenon occurs in the asphalt mixture particles around the high weld. This research can give method reference for the stresses analysis of asphalt mixture particles. The stress responses of asphalt mixture particles in the weld area is also clarified, which provides theoretical reference for the rolling compaction of weld SBDP.

Dusty Gas Flow past Bodies under Scattering of Rebounded Particles

Two-phase gas-particle flow over a flat plate of finite thickness in a channel at a high subsonic velocity and supersonic transverse flow past a cylinder are considered. The leading edge of the plate is wedge-shaped or represents a smooth bluntness of constant radius. The wedge surface and the front bluntness are specified both smooth and rough. The roughness is modeled by a two-dimensional profile based on an experiment. Spherical particles and a mixture of particles in the form of ellipsoids of revolution, rectangular prisms, prisms with flat-cut vertices, and tetrahedrons are considered. The parameters of each of the forms vary. The impact interaction model proposed earlier and consistent with the experimental data on the coefficients of restitution of the center-of-mass velocity is used to determine the translational and rotational velocities of non-spherical particles after rebound. Along with monosized particles, a dispersed phase with a spread of particles in size is considered. The role of the studied factors of random nature which affect the flow pattern and the dispersed phase parameters is found.

Effects of PET and RFCC on the dynamic modulus, phase angle, and complex viscosity of asphalt concrete

With economic and social development, the total amount of domestic and industrial solid waste discharged is considerable. In 2020, Vietnam generated about 2.2 million tons of plastic waste and 2 million tons of industrial solid waste. And most of them are landfilled and take a long time to decompose. This has dramatically affected the environment, costly land resources, and considerable transportation, burial, and management costs of those landfills. Therefore, many scientists have studied to recycle these wastes. There are two approaches to using recycled waste in hot mix asphalt (HMA). Waste plastic changes the properties of the asphalt binder, and solid waste replaces coarse particles in an asphalt mixture. During the research on using recycled waste for asphalt concrete, PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate) and RFCC (Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking) were chosen for the study. This paper presents a study on the influence of PET (with 0.2% content in HMA) and RFCC (with 5% content in HMA) on the viscoelastic property of asphalt concrete based on dynamic modulus, phase angle, and complex viscosity values. At high temperatures, HMA using PET and RFCC exhibit complete elastic behavior (φ ≈ 50) in contrast to the viscous elastic behavior of the control sample (φ ≈ 150). Compared control sample, RFCC significantly increased the stiffness of HMA at low and high temperatures; with the dynamic modulus of HMA using RFCC increased 1.1 times at low and 1.6 times at high temperatures; the viscosity of HMA using RFCC and PET decreased 10 times and 7 times at low temperatures.

Microfluidic System for Cell Mixing and Particle Focusing Using Dean Flow Fractionation

Recent developments in the field of additive manufacturing processes have led to tremendous technological progress and opened directions for the field of microfluidics. For instance, new flexible materials for 3D printing allow the substitution of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in microfluidic prototype development. Three-dimensional-printed microfluidic components open new horizons, in particular for the automated handling of biological cells (e.g., eukaryotic cells or bacteria). Here, we demonstrate how passive mixing and passive separation processes of biological cells can be realized using 3D printing concepts for rapid prototyping. This technique facilitates low-cost experimental setups that are easy to modify and adopt for specific detection and diagnostic purposes. In particular, printing technologies based on fused deposition modeling and stereolithography are used and their realization is discussed. Additive technologies enable the fabrication of multiplication mixers, which overcome shortcomings of current pillar or curve-based techniques and enable efficient mixing, also of biological cells without affecting viability. Using standard microfluidic components and state-of-the art 3D printing technologies, we realize a separation system based on Dean flow fragmentation without the use of PDMS. In particular, we describe the use of a 3D-printed helix for winding a capillary for particle flow and a new chip design for particle separation at the outlet. We demonstrate the functionality of the system by successful isolation of ~12 µm-sized particles from a particle mixture containing large (~12 µm, typical size of eukaryotic cells) and small (~2 µm, typical size of bacteria or small yeasts) particles. Using this setup to separate eukaryotic cells from bacteria, we could prove that cell viability is not affected by passage through the microfluidic systems.

Experimental study of real-time temperature-dependent nonlinear deformation of sandstone

In contrast to thermal heating, the real-time heated rock exhibits significant nonlinearity during the elastic deformation stage. Hence, an experiment assembled by a high and low-temperature test chamber and a microcomputer-controlled rock direct shear instrument is built to evaluate the effect of real-time temperature on the nonlinear deformation behavior of rock. A set of nonlinear stress–strain relationships of forty sandstone samples under moderate real-time temperature conditions are obtained from experiments and agree well with the theoretical predictions from the two-part Hooke’s model (TPHM). The soft and hard parts respond to the real-time temperature are quite different. The ratio of the soft part (γt) increases and the elastic modulus of the hard part (Ee) decreases with the temperature below 125℃. On the contrary, γt decreases and Ee increases with the temperature above 125℃ up to 200℃. Thermally-induced and expandable microcracks (thermal weakening) incur structural damage of the hard part below 125℃, while thermal expansion (thermal strengthening) can lead to tighter compaction between grains above 125℃. Therefore, there is a threshold temperature 125℃ under real-time heating condition due to the thermal cracks and expansion. The elastic modulus of the soft part (Et) decreases continuously with increasing temperature, indicating inconsistent thermal expansion effects on the soft part with mixture of impurity particles and the hard part whose mineral particles are closely contacted at higher temperature. Based on the experimental data and TPHM, empirical relationships between the real-time temperature and nonlinear deformation are proposed. This study will provide support for the safe production and disaster prevention of geological engineering under thermo-mechanical coupling working condition.

Axial segregation characteristics and size-induced flow behavior of particles in a novel rotary drum with curved sidewalls

Particle mixing and segregation are common phenomena in rotary drums, which are challenging to be controlled and driven artificially in powder technology. In this work, the discrete element method (DEM) was applied to construct the novel rotary drum composed of different shaped curved sidewalls. By varying the operation parameters of particle and sidewall shapes as well as the length-to-diameter (L/D) ratio of drums, the axial mixing and segregation processes of binary size-induced particles were investigated. The results show that the axial flow velocity of the particle mixtures is noticeably weakened once the particle angularity increases, making the non-spherical particles to mix better in rotary drums compared to the spherical particles. Besides, in the short drums with size-induced spherical particles, the axial segregation characteristics are significantly enhanced by the convex sidewalls while suppressed by the concave sidewalls. However, for size-induced non-spherical particles, the axial segregation structure can be present in rotary drums with plane and concave sidewalls while not in drums with convex sidewalls. Moreover, the axial segregation band structure of spherical particles eventually increases proportionally with the increased drum L/D ratios. In contrast, the non-spherical particles cannot form obvious multi-proportional segregation bands.

Investigating the effects of particle spatial evolutions on the vibration-induced compaction deformation of gap-graded mixtures via DEM models

The vibration-induced compaction deformation of gap-graded mixtures is caused by changes in particle spatial distributions. This study utilizes the discrete element method (DEM) to obtain spatial distribution information and verifies the accuracy of DEM models through physical tests. Spatial autocorrelation analysis and neighbor matching tests quantify spatial distributions in terms of particle aggregation. The correlations between mixture deformation and particle spatial distribution are investigated, with discussions on the influences of size ratio (SR) and fine content (FC). Results show a strong correlation between deformation and particle motions in mixtures with SR = 3, while the correlation becomes complex for mixtures with SR ≥ 4.45. Weakened aggregation facilitates pore-filling by fine particles and promotes deformation in mixtures with FC = 10%. Mixtures with 20% ≤ FC ≤ 30% exhibit the smallest deformation due to opposing particle motions and effective pore-filling by dispersed fine particles. Mixtures with FC > 40% experience deformation related to the aggregation state of coarse particles, despite being primarily composed of fine particles. This study sheds light on the vibration-induced deformation mechanism of mixtures through a mesoscopic perspective of particle spatial distributions.

Cu3Si formed by vacuum evaporation deposition enhances hydrogenation of silicon tetrachloride

The efficient conversion of SiCl4 to SiHCl3 still presents considerable challenges for the Siemens process. The enhancement of solid-solid interaction between catalyst and silicon particles in hydrogenation of SiCl4 is viewed as a top priority. In this study, CuCl catalyst and silicon particles mixture heated at the vacuumized tube bomb reactor is found to be an effective pretreatment strategy for obtaining excellent catalytic performance as much as 21.2% under the optimum conditions. The vacuum evaporation deposition is favorable for the deposition uniformly of gaseous CuCl on the surfaces of silicon particles and the formation of Cu3Si. The moderate temperature and time of the vacuum evaporation deposition pretreatment will promote the growth of copper compounds and shorten the induction period of SiCl4 hydrogenation reaction. When CuCl and free copper of the pretreated sample are dissolved by NH4OH, the SiCl4 conversion still maintains 19.8%. Cu3Si is employed as the active phase expresses good catalytic performance where the conversion of SiCl4 is positively correlated with the content of Cu3Si.

Efficacy of mixture of injectable-platelet rich fibrin and type-1 collagen particles on the closure of through-and-through periapical bone defects - A randomized controlled trial.

To determine the efficacy of a combination of injectable-platelet rich fibrin and type-1 collagen particles on the healing of through-and-through periapical bone defect and subsequent closure of bony window. The clinical trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov(NCT04391725). Thirty eight individuals with radiographic evidence of periapical radiolucency in maxillary anterior teeth and confirmed loss of palatal cortical plates in cone beam computed tomographic imaging were randomly assigned to either experimental group(n=19) or the control group(n=19). Mixture of i-PRF and collagen as a graft was applied to the defect in adjunct to periapical surgery in experimental group. No guided bone regeneration procedures were used in the control group. The healing was evaluated using Molven's(2D) and modified PENN 3D(3D) criteria. Percentage reduction of the buccal and palatal bony window area, and complete closure of through-and-through periapical bony window (tunnel defect) were assessed using Radiant Diacom viewer software(Version 4.0.2). The reduction in the periapical lesion area and volume was measured using Corel DRAW and ITK Snap software. Thirty four participants(18 and 16 in the experimental and control group, respectively) reported for follow-up at 12 months. There was 96.9% and 97.96% reduction of buccal bony window area in experimental and control groups respectively. Similarly, palatal window showed 99.03% and 100% reduction in experimental and control groups respectively. No significant difference in both buccal and palatal window reduction was noticed between the groups. A total of 14 cases(7 in experimental and 7 in control group) showed complete closure of through-and-through bony window. No significant difference in clinical, 2D and 3D radiographic healing, percentage reduction in area and volume was observed between experimental and control group(P>0.05). Neither the area nor the volume of lesion, and the size of buccal or palatal window had significant effect on healing of through-and-through defects. Endodontic microsurgery results in high success rate in large peripical lesions with through-and-through communication with more than 80% reduction in volume of lesion and size of both buccal and palatal window after one year. Mixture of type-1 collagen particles and i-PRF, adjunct to periapical micro-surgery did not improve the healing in through-and-through periapical defects.

Fluidization of variable short fiber/powder mixtures: hydrodynamic investigation

The behavior of a particle mixture composed of short fibers and silicon carbide powder in variable proportions has been experimentally investigated. The study shows that the hydrodynamic behavior of a bed initially composed of powder is affected as soon as a few percent of short fibers are added. The minimum fluidization velocity (Umf) is globally lowered and the intrinsic properties of the porous medium (equivalent particle diameter, porosity, flow coefficients…) are altered. Several hydrodynamic equations describing Umf as a function of the pressure are considered and the intrinsic properties of the bed such as the hydraulic diameter or the Darcy and Knudsen coefficients are fitted. The Darcy-Klinkenberg equation on one hand and a semi-empirical correlation based on Ergün’s equation on the other hand, are both adapted to describe the Umf behavior as a function of a limited number of initial parameters. The semi-empirical correlation leads to the best Umf prediction, with an absolute error of less than 10%, using only the temperature, pressure and percentage of fibers in the mixture as input parameters.

Setting up In2O3-ZrO2/SAPO-34 Catalyst for Improving Olefin Production via Hydrogenation of CO2/CO Mixtures

The adequate configuration and the effect of the reduction was studied for the In2O3-ZrO2/SAPO-34 catalyst with the aim of improving its performance (activity and selectivity in the pseudo-steady state) for the hydrogenation of CO, CO2 and CO2/CO (COx) mixtures into olefins. The experiments were carried out in a packed bed reactor at 400 °C; 30 bar; a H2/COx ratio of 3; CO2/COx ratios of 0, 0.5 and 1; a space time (referred to as In2O3-ZrO2 catalyst mass) of 3.35 gInZr h molC−1; and a time on stream up to 24 h. The mixture of individual catalyst particles, with an SAPO-34 to In2O3-ZrO2 mass ratio of 1/2, led to a better performance than hybrid catalysts prepared via pelletizing and better than the arrangement of individual catalysts in a dual bed. The deactivation of the catalyst using coke deposition and the remnant activity in the pseudo-steady state of the catalyst were dependent on the CO2 content in the feed since the synergy of the capabilities of the SAPO-34 catalyst to form coke and of the In2O3-ZrO2 catalyst to hydrogenate its precursors were affected. The partial reduction of the In2O3-ZrO2/SAPO-34 catalyst (corresponding to a superficial In0/In2O3 ratio of 0.04) improved its performance over the untreated and fully reduced catalyst in the hydrogenation of CO to olefins, but barely affected CO2/CO mixtures’ hydrogenation.

Settleable atmospheric particulate matter affects the swimming performance and aerobic metabolic rate of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Atmospheric particulate matter (APM) produced by the steel industry comprises a complex mixture of particles that includes a wide variety of metals and metallic nanoparticles. These particles settle out onto areas surrounding the industries. There is evidence that this ‘settleable’ APM (SePM) may cause air-to-water cross-contamination with significant effects on aquatic biota. Recent investigations have reported sublethal impacts on the gill structure and blood oxygen-carrying capacity of fishes, which raises the hypothesis that there will be consequences for gas exchange capacity and ability to support aerobic activities. Therefore, we investigated the effects of an environmentally relevant level of SePM contamination on swimming performance and associated aerobic metabolic rates in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Short-term exposure (96 h) to SePM reduced critical swimming speed, energetic efficiency of aerobic swimming, standard metabolic rate, maximum metabolic rate, and aerobic scope. The compromised swimming performance could have adverse ecological effects by limiting foraging ability, predator evasion, territorial protection, and migration. The impairments to aerobic capacity could also affect overall fish performance by influencing long-term energy balance and allocation to growth and reproduction. Thus, despite being sublethal, SePM contamination is considerably debilitating, and if its limiting effects are not compensated for in the longer term, this may reduce the survival and fitness of fish populations.