Partial Immobilization Research Articles

Mineralogy and environmental stability of metallurgical slags from the Euronickel smelter, Vozarci, North Macedonia

The laterite Ni-smelting operations at Vozarci, Republic North Macedonia have produced large amounts of smelting wastes dumped in the close vicinity of the smelter. We examined phase composition and chemistry of the various types of slags (electric furnace slags, converter slag, magnetic slag) with the special focus on the phases containing potentially toxic elements in terms of their mineralogy, chemical composition, and responses to weathering. Electric furnace slags contain between 35 and 47 wt.% SiO2, 21–40 wt.% Fe2O3, and 13–23 wt.% MgO; converter and magnetic slags are Fe-rich (76–77 wt.% of Fe2O3) with significant amounts of Ca (7.6–8.4 wt.% CaO) and S-portion (2–2.5 wt.% SO3). All slags contain substantial amounts of the potentially toxic elements: Co (20–87 ppm), Cr (9600–17400 ppm), Ni (170–730 ppm), and Zn (150–380 ppm). Further mineralogical analyses showed that the slags consist of silicate glass, synthetic equivalents of olivines, orthopyroxenes, clinopyroxenes, and subordinate spinel-group phases, sulfides, and intermetallic compounds. Some of the slags had been subject to weathering since their dumping in 1982. The weathering results in the release of metals from primary slag phases, particularly from glass, and the partial immobilization of these metals in secondary soluble and insoluble minerals in the slag heaps (hydroxy-iron oxides, gypsum, anhydrite, syngenite, aphthitalite). The majority of slag samples exhibited increased leaching under conditions of lower pH (2.9) compared to higher pH (4.9). The contrast between leaching treatments was particularly evident for nickel (Ni), with leaching at a low pH of 2.9 reaching up to 135 times higher (MS) than at pH 4.9. At lower pH conditions, other contaminants of interest were leached out at a rate 4 to 76 times faster compared to the leaching achieved at pH 4.9, because they are the major source of potentially toxic elements.

Physicochemical and structural characteristics of hybrid nanocomposites based on branched polyimide with a low content of inorganic component

The series of organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites based on branched polyimide matrix and with different amounts of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) (5, 20, and 50 wt.% of the initial polyamic acid mass) were synthesized and studied using nitroxyl paramagnetic probe, measuring dielectric permittivity, X-ray structural analysis and optical microscopy. It was shown that in some cases the introduction of inorganic component is accompanied by a decrease in the segmental mobility of polyimide matrix as a result of the partial immobilization of organic macrochains during the formation of inorganic microregions. In the presence of inorganic component, a weak dependence of the polymer permeability on the content of the organic component in the system is observed, also the specific density changes little with an increase in TEOS content. Extreme changes in the segmental mobility and dielectric permittivity of the branched matrix formed in the presence of 5 wt% TEOS were found compared to systems of other compositions. This can be caused to a large extent by structural changes in the system. At a low content of TEOS occurs significant «loosening» of organic matrix, a sharp decrease in the dielectric constant and a significant increase in the segmental mobility of the polyimide matrix. Small angle X-ray scattering diffractograms demonstrate drastic changes in polyimide composite heterogeneity in the presence of 5 wt.% TEOS content. According to the optical microscopy data, the introduction of TEOS into polyimide is accompanied by the formation of microaggregates of inorganic nanoparticles in the system, the number and average size of which depend on the SiO2 content and looks most homogeneous at a low TEOS content.

Does wing use and disuse cause behavioural and musculoskeletal changes in domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus)?

Domestic chickens may live in environments which restrict wing muscle usage. Notably, reduced wing activity and accompanying muscle weakness are hypothesized risk factors for keel bone fractures and deviations. We used radio-frequency identification (RFID) to measure duration spent at elevated resources (feeders, nest-boxes), ultrasonography to measure muscle thickness (breast and lower leg) changes, radiography and palpation to determine fractures and deviations, respectively, following no, partial (one-sided wing sling) and full (cage) immobilization in white- and brown-feathered birds. We hypothesized partially immobilized hens would reduce elevated resource usage and that both immobilization groups would show decreased pectoralis thickness (disuse) and increased prevalence of fractures and deviations. Elevated nest-box usage was 42% lower following five weeks of partial immobilization for brown-feathered hens but no change in resource usage in white-feathered birds was observed. Fully immobilized, white-feathered hens showed a 17% reduction in pectoralis thickness, while the brown-feathered counterparts showed no change. Lastly, fractures and deviations were not affected in either strain or form of wing immobilization; however, overall low numbers of birds presented with these issues. Altogether, this study shows a profound difference between white- and brown-feathered hens in response to wing immobilization and associated muscle physiology.

Effect of Micro- and Nano-Lignin on the Thermal, Mechanical, and Antioxidant Properties of Biobased PLA-Lignin Composite Films.

Bio-based poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite films were produced using unmodified soda micro- or nano-lignin as a green filler at four different contents, between 0.5 wt% and 5 wt%. The PLA-lignin composite polymers were synthesized by solvent casting to prepare a masterbatch, followed by melt mixing. The composites were then converted into films, to evaluate the effect of lignin content and size on their physicochemical and mechanical properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), supported by polarized light microscopy (PLM), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to investigate the PLA crystallization and the interactions with Lignin (L) and Nanolignin (NL). The presence of both fillers (L and NL) had a negligible effect on the glass transition temperature (chain diffusion). However, it resulted in suppression of the corresponding change in heat capacity. This was indicative of a partial immobilization of the PLA chains on the lignin entities, due to interfacial interactions, which was slightly stronger in the case of NL. Lignin was also found to facilitate crystallization, in terms of nucleation; whereas, this was not clear in the crystalline fraction. The addition of L and NL led to systematically larger crystallites compared with neat PLA, which, combined with the higher melting temperature, provided indications of a denser crystal structure in the composites. The mechanical, optical, antioxidant, and surface properties of the composite films were also investigated. The tensile strength and Young's modulus were improved by the addition of L and especially NL. The UV-blocking and antioxidant properties of the composite films were also enhanced, especially at higher filler contents. Importantly, the PLA-NL composite films constantly outperformed their PLA-L counterparts, due to the finer dispersion of NL in the PLA matrix, as verified by the TEM micrographs. These results suggest that bio-based and biodegradable PLA films filled with L, and particularly NL, can be employed as competitive and green alternatives in the food packaging industry.

Complete Closed Rupture of the Medial Bundle of the Flexor Hallucis Brevis Tendon Off the Medial Sesamoid Insertion

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Basic Sciences/Biologics; Sports; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Flexor tendon injuries of the hallux are uncommon overall but when they happen, the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon is the most frequent one affected. The rupture of FHL usually results from open injuries and deep cuts in the sole at the base of the toe;4 complete subcutaneous ruptures are extremely rare.5 There are around 36 cases reported of complete or partial closed ruptures of the FHL tendon along its entire course6 and the majority of the partial ruptures correspond to dancers and athletes.7 As far as FHB, we found a few reports of calcific tendinitis of the medial bundle and cases of calcifying tendinitis.8 To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case report of isolated closed rupture of the FHB tendon. Methods: A 33-year-old man, amateur soccer player, presented with mild swelling, ecchymosis, and increasing pain in the left hallux triggered by movement and palpation, relieved by rest. He sustained a direct axial blow and blunt force trauma with a soccer ball plus hyperextension. Standard bilateral weightbearing feet radiographs were normal. Physical exam revealed the left hallux normally aligned but with limited painful motion of 20° each way and no obvious instability. Palpation of the left first metatarsophalangeal joint was tender but not particularly over the sesamoids. MRI revealed an avulsion of the flexor Hallucis Brevis tendon off the proximal aspect of the medial sesamoid accompanied by fluid and edema, effusion in the first MTP joint and bone contusions in the first metatarsal head and dorsal base of the first proximal phalanx. Treatment with a toe spacer and postop sandal with the toe straight with an extension block was decided. Results: Tendon's blood flow around the sesamoids is limited making it susceptible to degenerative rupture. The most common mechanism of complete tendon rupture is direct open injury. Closed rupture is very rare and complete rupture in closed injury is even more. We did not find reports on third degree type of injuries, neither for any kind of isolated rupture of FHB. In our patient's case, dorsiflexion stretched all plantar soft tissue around the first MTP but he was able to do active movement of the great toe probably due to the FHL and lateral FHB insertion integrity. We found few reports of second-degree strain injury of FHL and FHB in a chronic setting, all treated conservatively with partial immobilization and strapping of the hallux to prevent extension. After conservative treatment at 3 months follow-up, our patient presented with no subjective complains, normal motion, stability and alignment of the hallux. Conclusion: Despite an extensive literature search, we did not find a similar injury, and this is probably the first time it is described. As found in our research, the most common injury related to the flexor tendons of the hallux are in soccer players and involve the FHL or both.23 These findings made us conclude that these injuries are either under-diagnosed or exceptional.

A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY TO EVALUATE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME IN ANKLE SPRAIN INJURY GRADE I AND GRADE II WITH PARTIAL AND COMPLETE IMMOBILIZATION METHODS

Background: Acute ankle injuries are one of the most common injuries in orthopaedic department. However, there is still lack of standardized evidence-based treatment. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare and evaluate the functional outcome of Partial And Complete Immobilization Methods. Comparative evaluation of Functional outcome in ankleObjective: sprain patient treated with partial and complete immobilization and to identify factors affecting the functional outcome in patients with ankle sprain. Methodology- A prospective comparative study was designed from 1st jan 21 to 30th oct 21 49 patients fromMaterials and Methods: orthopedic OPD was selected whom were presented with the ankle sprain and ready to give consent irrespective of their gender. Lower Extremity Functional Scale(LEFS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were observed at pre-treatment and post treatment at 1st ,3rd and 6th week were compared in both category. in the present study 35 patients were treated with partial immombilization method and 14 were treatedResult- with complete immobilization. Most of patients were belong to age group of 18-25. 67.3 % patients were male and 32.7% were female. 51% having left side injury while 49% have right side a Lower Extremity Functional Scale(LEFS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were observed at pretreatment post treatment at 1st ,3rd and 6th week. - From our prospective study, we conclude that conservative management ofConclusion- ankle ligament injuries (grade I, II) is a safe and effective method of treatment. And partial immobilization is better than the complete mobilization.

ПЕРИНАТАЛЬНЫЙ ОПЫТ

Perinatal experience constitutes in and of itself a state of subjective reality, which occurs during the period of the intrauterine development of a person. Its essential elements, those, which at the later stages form the frame of human psyche and behaviour are listed below. Firstly, there is sensory information that is fully manifest during the third trimester of the fetal development in its entirety. During the perinatal period all the sensory systems of a human being without exception are being shaped and filled with incoming information; the learning process is actively functioning, attention and fetal memory are developing. Secondly, there is emotional development that can already be detected in the second trimester. Furthermore, there is the sensation of bodily wholeness, which develops after the 25th week of pregnancy and that constitutes the first mental representation of the Self ontogenetically, that is, the foundation of subjective reality that accompanies a human being throughout their life, but that is, doubtless, still very different from authentic self-awareness. Additionally, one should mention the spatio-temporal continuum of subjective reality, which is already initiating its formation starting from the eighth week of embryo development. Finally, prenatal sensations create archetypes and archetypal patterns that permeate the unconscious structures of subjective reality during its entire existence. The incoming information flows, their processing, encoding and entrenchment in memory, the emotional response to stimuli and spatio-temporal structure of subjective reality generate initially perceptive and later spatio-figurative thinking of a fetus, which occur during the oneiric state of dreamless sleep, in cases of severe sensory deprivation, partial immobilization and hypoxia of the brain.

Diffusion of dyes in polyelectrolyte-surfactant hydrogels.

In this work, hydrogels formed by interaction of biopolymeric electrolytes and oppositely charged surfactants are studied from the point of view of their ability to incorporate model hydrophobic dyes in their micelle-like structure. Two types of hydrogels were investigated. The first type was based on cationized dextran cross-linked by sodium dodecylsulphate. The second type was prepared by interactions of hyaluronan with carbethoxypendecinium bromide (septonex). Nile red and Atto488 were used as model dyes for the diffusion experiments. The dyes were dissolved in two different media: surfactant and physiological saline. The diffusion of dyes into hydrogel was monitored over time. Effective diffusion coefficients were determined. It was found that their values are strongly influenced by the hydrogel character, the types of dye used and the solvent. The obtained effective coefficients were higher in comparison with the values determined for the diffusion in the opposite direction (release from the hydrogel). The dyes are presented as free in physiological saline and in the form of micelles or micelle aggregates in surfactants. During diffusion into the hydrogel, they can be gradually incorporated in a “pearl necklace structure” which suppresses their mobility. In contrast, this partial immobilization of dyes can increase the concentration gradient which is a driving force of diffusion. Also, the gradual incorporation of dyes into hydrogel structures influences the values of the effective diffusion coefficients.

Altering sorption and diffusion coefficients of gases in 6FDA‐based membrane via addition of functionalized Ti‐based fillers

AbstractIn this work, we systematically investigate and analyze the transport properties including carbon dioxide and methane gases, as well as carbon dioxide induced‐plasticization behavior over 6FDA‐based mixed matrix filled with nonfunctionalized and amine‐functionalized MIL‐125 (Ti) particles. First, the sorption behavior and permeability of CO2 and CH4 gases across the membranes were evaluated experimentally. Then, the dual‐mode sorption model was used to determine the gas solubility coefficients of gases, whereas the partial immobilization model was used to quantify the diffusivity coefficients of gases. From the results obtained, the permeability of CO2 and the ideal selectivity of CO2/CH4 increased 86%–118% upon the addition of nonfunctionalized and amine‐functionalized MIL‐125 (Ti) fillers into 6FDA/durene polymer. Such increment was mainly attributed to the altered sorption and diffusion properties of the membrane after incorporating the fillers that promoted the transport of CO2 through the membrane. The coefficients of Langmuir sorption capacity (C′H), Henry's law (KD), and affinity constant (b) obtained for NH2‐MIL‐125 (Ti)/6FDA‐durene increased 35.5%, 179.8%, and 104.4%, respectively, compared to pure 6FDA‐durene membrane. Besides, NH2‐MIL‐125 (Ti)/6FDA‐durene mixed matrix membrane showed the highest diffusivity coefficient of 35.1 × 10−8 cm2/s, resulting in higher CO2/CH4 selectivity of 37.1. In addition, the CO2 plasticization resistance obtained for nonfunctionalized and amine‐functionalized mixed matrix membrane was also improved about 150%–200% compared to pure 6FDA‐durene membrane. Overall, this study revealed that the inclusion of fillers into the polymer matrix has resulted in higher membrane performance than the neat membrane, which associated with the increased of both diffusivity and solubility of CO2. Thus, the incorporation of fillers into polymer matrix has altered the gas transport behavior, and this study could provide basic information on gas transport properties in analyzing the gas separation performance of 6FDA‐based mixed matrix membranes.

Hypolimnion behavior of technetium in freshwater at various stages of eutrophication

The article presents a study of various mechanisms of hypolimnion technetium behavior which occur at different stages of waterbodies eutrophication. Eutrophication stage was found to be positively correlated with the rate of 99Tc removal from water phase. The study identified a complex biogeochemical mechanism of technetium behavior. Planktonic phototrophic community plays a pivotal role in such a mechanism by ensuring fast oxygen consumption in hypolimnion. This creates favorable conditions for the active development of anaerobic bottom bacteria of sulfur and iron cycles given nutrients inflow. Sulfates and nitrates were discovered to have inhibitory effect on 99Tc biosorption by bottom sediments due to oxidizing conditions. Apart from the shift of redox potential of the medium to reducing values, the 99Tc removal and partial immobilization are also promoted by the presence of inorganic mineral phases of reduced sulfur and iron. These phases form a reducing barrier in the silt, thus preventing the oxidation and migration of technetium. We suggest the ways of stimulating in situ waterbody remediation by means of various additives, which will allow irreversible immobilization of technetium in silt once several growth periods have passed.

Aggregation and mobility of membrane proteins interplay with local lipid order in the plasma membrane of T cells.

To disentangle the elusive lipid-protein interactions in T-cell activation, we investigate how externally imposed variations in mobility of key membrane proteins (T-cell receptor [TCR], kinase Lck, and phosphatase CD45) affect the local lipid order and protein colocalisation. Using spectral imaging with polarity-sensitive membrane probes in model membranes and live Jurkat T cells, we find that partial immobilisation of proteins (including TCR) by aggregation or ligand binding changes their preference towards a more ordered lipid environment, which can recruit Lck. Our data suggest that the cellular membrane is poised to modulate the frequency of protein encounters upon alterations of their mobility, for example in ligand binding, which offers new mechanistic insight into the involvement of lipid-mediated interactions in membrane-hosted signalling events.

Endogenous social distancing and its underappreciated impact on the epidemic curve

Social distancing is an effective strategy to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases. If sick or healthy, or both, predominantly socially distance, the epidemic curve flattens. Contact reductions may occur for different reasons during a pandemic including health-related mobility loss (severity of symptoms), duty of care for a member of a high-risk group, and forced quarantine. Other decisions to reduce contacts are of a more voluntary nature. In particular, sick people reduce contacts consciously to avoid infecting others, and healthy individuals reduce contacts in order to stay healthy. We use game theory to formalize the interaction of voluntary social distancing in a partially infected population. This improves the behavioral micro-foundations of epidemiological models, and predicts differential social distancing rates dependent on health status. The model’s key predictions in terms of comparative statics are derived, which concern changes and interactions between social distancing behaviors of sick and healthy. We fit the relevant parameters for endogenous social distancing to an epidemiological model with evidence from influenza waves to provide a benchmark for an epidemic curve with endogenous social distancing. Our results suggest that spreading similar in peak and case numbers to what partial immobilization of the population produces, yet quicker to pass, could occur endogenously. Going forward, eventual social distancing orders and lockdown policies should be benchmarked against more realistic epidemic models that take endogenous social distancing into account, rather than be driven by static, and therefore unrealistic, estimates for social mixing that intrinsically overestimate spreading.

Microscopic (Dis)order and Dynamics of Cations in Mixed FA/MA Lead Halide Perovskites.

Recent developments in the field of high efficiency perovskite solar cells are based on stabilization of the perovskite crystal structure of FAPbI3 while preserving its excellent optoelectronic properties. Compositional engineering of, for example, MA or Br mixed into FAPbI3 results in the desired effects, but detailed knowledge of local structural features, such as local (dis)order or cation interactions of formamidinium (FA) and methylammonium (MA), is still limited. This knowledge is, however, crucial for their further development. Here, we shed light on the microscopic distribution of MA and FA in mixed perovskites MA1–xFAxPbI3 and MA0.15FA0.85PbI2.55Br0.45 by combining high-resolution double-quantum 1H solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with state-of-the-art near-first-principles accuracy molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using machine-learning force-fields (MLFFs). We show that on a small local scale, partial MA and FA clustering takes place over the whole MA/FA compositional range. A reasonable driving force for the clustering might be an increase of the dynamical freedom of FA cations in FA-rich regions. While MA0.15FA0.85PbI2.55Br0.45 displays similar MA and FA ordering as the MA1–xFAxPbI3 systems, the average cation–cation interaction strength increased significantly in this double mixed material, indicating a restriction of the space accessible to the cations or their partial immobilization upon Br– incorporation. Our results shed light on the heterogeneities in cation composition of mixed halide perovskites, helping to exploit their full optoelectronic potential.

Identification of risk factors for treatment failure of closed reduction and abduction bracing after first-time total hip arthroplasty dislocation.

IntroductionAfter a first-time total hip arthroplasty (THA) dislocation, a closed reduction followed by partial immobilization in an abduction brace is the recommended therapy. Despite modern abduction braces the success rate of conservative therapy is limited and evidence is scarce. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for failure of conservative treatment after THA dislocation.Material and methodsEighty-seven patients, with conservative treatment of a first-time dislocation of a primary or revision THA, were included in this retrospective cohort study. Success was defined as a stable THA for a minimum of 6 months. Re-dislocation, open reduction or revision was defined as failure. The following risk factors were analyzed: gender, age, body mass index (BMI), ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) score, time of dislocation, head size, cup orientation, leg length, center of rotation and offset.ResultsSixty-seven percent of all patients experienced a re-dislocation, despite standardized conservative therapy. A BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, early THA dislocation, and low cup anteversion were associated with a statistically significantly higher risk for re-dislocation. None of the other risk-factors achieved statistical significance. A multifactorial risk-factor analysis was performed to assess whether a cup position outside of Lewinnek’s safe zone in combination with gender, BMI and time to dislocation showed statistical significance for re-dislocation. Both BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and early dislocation showed a statistically higher failure rate. Cup position and gender were not significant.ConclusionsBMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, early THA dislocation and low cup anteversion were identified as significant risk factors for failure of conservative treatment with an abduction brace for first-time THA dislocation.

Thermophilic Anaerobic Digestion of Second Cheese Whey: Microbial Community Response to H2 Addition in a Partially Immobilized Anaerobic Hybrid Reactor

In this study, we investigated thermophilic (55 °C) anaerobic digestion (AD) performance and microbial community structure, before and after hydrogen addition, in a novel hybrid gas-stirred tank reactor (GSTR) implemented with a partial immobilization of the microbial community and fed with second cheese whey (SCW). The results showed that H2 addition led to a 25% increase in the methane production rate and to a decrease of 13% in the CH4 concentration as compared with the control. The recovery of methane content (56%) was reached by decreasing the H2 flow rate. The microbial community investigations were performed on effluent (EF) and on interstitial matrix (IM) inside the immobilized area. Before H2 addition, the Anaerobaculaceae (42%) and Lachnospiraceae (27%) families dominated among bacteria in the effluent, and the Thermodesulfobiaceae (32%) and Lachnospiraceae (30%) families dominated in the interstitial matrix. After H2 addition, microbial abundance showed an increase in the bacteria and archaea communities in the interstitial matrix. The Thermodesulfobiaceae family (29%)remained dominant in the interstitial matrix, suggesting its crucial role in the immobilized community and the SHA-31 family was enriched in both the effluent (36%) and the interstitial matrix (15%). The predominance of archaea Methanothermobacter thermoautrophicus indicated that CH4 was produced almost exclusively by the hydrogenotrophic pathway.

Association-dissociation equations, distinct from Michaelis-Menten equation for the quantification of the net flux of reactants with or without immobiliser.

The formation of enzyme-substrate complex, often in connection with the adsorption of the enzyme leading to either partial immobilisation in which the enzymes are adsorbed on a colloid or total immobilisation in which the enzyme is adsorbed on a rigid immobile phase is the concern of some researchers. The interest in immobilised substrate common in biological system is not very common. The objectives of this theoretical research are the rederivation of the equations of association and dissociation of reactants in the presence of adsorbents, insoluble larger macro-or supra-molecule and elucidation of why such equations are important and generalisable. The derivations produced two different equations that describe mathematically the net flux of either the substrate where the enzyme is adsorbed or the net flux of the enzyme where the substrate is adsorbed. The derivation also produced equations of translational velocities, given the probabilities that reactions occur following complex formation or that an escape of bullet molecules or dissociation reactions occur. In conclusion two different equations need separate derivation for association and dissociation of reactants. The needs for the flux of reactants have both biological and industrial relevance, respectively due to importance of time-dependent digestive processes and for the optimisation of the production of desired products of enzymatic action. The equations describing net flux seem generalisable in that information about the physicochemical properties of both crowding agent and immobilisers may not be needed for calculations.

Plasticization Modeling in Cellulose Acetate/NaY Mixed Matrix Membranes

The plasticization of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) in the presence of solid particles differs from pure glassy polymeric membranes. This study aims to develop a mathematical model for gas permeability in the glassy polymer/nano-porous filler MMMs, considering the plasticization phenomenon in the presence of the solid particles. The diffusivity of each component is assumed to be a function of the plasticization in the presence of nano-porous fillers. The partial immobilization model with the insertion of filler contributions in gas solubility of MMMs is also applied to determine the fraction of sorbed mobile gases. In this case, the model parameters were determined by fitting the experimental data of cellulose acetate/sodium Y zeolite (CA/NaY) MMMs for CO2 /N2 separation. The results showed that the plasticization parameter (β) is reduced by increasing the zeolite content in the MMMs, both for CO2 and N2 gases. The MMM plasticization declined by a shift in the plasticization pressure towards larger values. Except for the MMM with 20 wt.% NaY content, CO2 - induced plasticization fugacities of all the MMMs were best modeled with a relative error of less than 8%. Moreover, an acceptable mean relative error of 7.57% was obtained for all the MMMs containing 0-20 wt. % NaY. Statistical analysis with calculating the Pearson correlation’s parameters showed a direct and strong relationship between the two coefficients C′HA and b. Furthermore, it revealed a close relationship between all other coefficients, while no relationships were observed between D0 and β, and also, F and D0 for both the CO2 and N2 gases, maybe because of the small sizes of these coefficients. The zeolite particles play a role of anti-plasticizer. Additionally, by increasing the zeolite loading, the gas diffusivity variations in the membranes decreased. This reduction is another sign of the plasticization reduction in the MMMs as compared to the pure glassy membranes.

Methods of surgical treatment of bilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Bilateral vocal fold paralysis presents as their complete or partial immobilisation. The median or paramedian position of vocal folds contributes to the narrowing of the airway at the level of the glottis and manifests as inspiratory dyspnoea. For many years iatrogenic injury of recurrent laryngeal nerves during thyroidectomy has been viewed as the most common underlying reason. It is very often a lifethreatening condition requiring not only corticosteroid administration and intubation, which only constitute a short-term symptomatic therapy, but also surgical intervention, including tracheostomy. The most common surgical methods implemented in bilateral vocal fold paralysis include posterior cordectomy, arytenoidectomy, and, more and more commonly, re-innervation. Other techniques used in restoring airway patency include laterofixation, botulinum toxin injection, and laryngeal stimulation, which is still under research. Stem cell and gene therapy are also being researched. Notably, the main purpose of surgical treatment is the provision of airway patency with the preservation of the phonatory and protective functions of the larynx.

Modeling water diffusion in polybenzimidazole membranes using partial immobilization and free volume theory

This study extends previous work on modeling water sorption, dilation, and diffusion in polybenzimidazoles (PBIs) by comparing water transport properties of commercial PBI (Celazole®) with three sulfone-containing PBIs. A model is developed combining free volume and partial immobilization theories to describe water diffusion coefficients across a wide range of concentrations and degrees of swelling. Water vapor sorption and dilation follow dual-mode behavior and generally correlate with the availability of strong hydrogen bonding sites on the polymer chains. At low concentrations, water diffusion coefficients are suppressed by partial immobilization of Langmuir species, while at high concentrations, water diffusion coefficients increase due to significant swelling and plasticization. To account for the influence of plasticization on free volume and water mobility, local Henry's law mobility coefficients are correlated with fractional free volume (FFV), where the volume occupied by water molecules is considered to contribute to dynamic free volume and is assumed to be as accessible for water diffusion as unoccupied free volume. Contributions to diffusion coefficients from thermodynamic and convective frame of reference effects and concentration averaging are also considered.

Deterioration of Myofibrils Affected by Experimental Partial Immobilization in a Septic Rat Model

Deterioration of Myofibrils Affected by Experimental Partial Immobilization in a Septic Rat Model