Pressure-dependent Changes Research Articles

Measurement of pressure dependent variations in local pulse wave velocity within a cardiac cycle from forward travelling pulse waves

The local pulse wave velocity (PWV) from large elastic arteries and its pressure-dependent changes within a cardiac cycle are potential biomarkers for cardiovascular risk stratification. However, pulse wave reflections can impair the accuracy of local PWV measurements. We propose a method to measure pressure-dependent variations in local PWV while minimizing the influence of pulse wave reflections. The PWV is computed from the pulse transit time between two forward-traveling pulse waveforms obtained across known path length, after measured/modelled flow-based wave separation analysis (WSA). An in-vivo study of 60 participants (24 female), was conducted to compare inter- and intra-cycle variations in PWV obtained from measured and forward pulse waves. For this, proximal and distal diameter waveforms from the carotid artery, along with carotid tonometry, were recorded using a custom bi-modal arterial probe. The carotid blood flow for WSA was captured with an ultrasound imaging system. The reference PWV was derived from the Bramwell-Hill equation. After WSA, the reliability of PWV measurement improved with coefficient of variation reducing from 25% to 10% near the peak of the pulse waves and matched the reference PWV with no statistically significant difference. The average PWV at foot of the pulse wave before and after WSA were comparable to the reference PWV with no statistically significant difference. The coherence of carotid pulse pressure obtained from the mean values of PWV within a cardiac cycle after WSA with that of the carotid pulse pressure from tonometry, substantiates the results obtained for reflection-free PWV. The reliability of measuring local PWV and its pressure dependent variations within a cardiac cycle is improved by combining transit-time approach with WSA.

Impact of Pressure on Metavalent Bonding in BiTe influencing Electronic Topological Transitions

BiTe, a member of the (Bi2)m(Bi2Te3)n homologous series, possesses natural van der Waals‐like heterostructure with a Bi2 bilayer sandwiched between the two [Te‐Bi‐Te‐Bi‐Te] quintuple layers. BiTe exhibits both the quantum states of weak topological and topological crystalline insulators, making it a dual topological insulator and a suitable candidate for spintronics, quantum computing and thermoelectrics. Herein, we demonstrate that the chemical bonding in BiTe is to be metavalent, which plays a significant role in the pressure dependent change in the topology of the electronic structure Fermi surface. The enhancement of the metavalent bonding character with pressure in BiTe is evidenced from first‐principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Due to the change in the Fermi surface topology, we have visualized electronic topological transitions (ETT) at 1 and 3 GPa through pressure dependent synchrotron X‐ray diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy. The correlation between the metavalent bonding and ETT offers insights into chemical bonding influenced transitions in quantum materials.

Impact of Pressure on Metavalent Bonding in BiTe Influencing Electronic Topological Transitions.

BiTe, a member of the (Bi2)m(Bi2Te3)n homologous series, possesses natural van der Waals-like heterostructure with a Bi2 bilayer sandwiched between the two [Te-Bi-Te-Bi-Te] quintuple layers. BiTe exhibits both the quantum states of weak topological and topological crystalline insulators, making it a dual topological insulator and a suitable candidate for spintronics, quantum computing and thermoelectrics. Herein, we demonstrate that the chemical bonding in BiTe is to be metavalent, which plays a significant role in the pressure dependent change in the topology of the electronic structure Fermi surface. The enhancement of the metavalent bonding character with pressure in BiTe is evidenced from first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Due to the change in the Fermi surface topology, we have visualized electronic topological transitions (ETT) at ~1 and ~3 GPa through pressure dependent synchrotron X-ray diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy. The correlation between the metavalent bonding and ETT offers insights into chemical bonding influenced transitions in quantum materials.

Response of the nephron arterial network and its interactions to acute hypertension: a simulation.

We simulated the dynamics of a group of 10 nephrons supplied from an arterial network and subjected to acute increases in blood pressure. Arterial lengths and topology were based on measurements of a vascular cast. The model builds on a previous version exercised at a single blood pressure with 2 additional features: pressure diuresis and the effect of blood pressure on efferent arteriolar vascular resistance. The new version simulates autoregulation, and reproduces tubule pressure oscillations. Individual nephron dynamics depended on mean arterial pressure and the axial pressure gradient required to cause blood flow through the arteries. Rhythmic blood withdrawal into afferent arterioles caused blood flow fluctuations in downstream vessels. Blood pressure dependent changes in nephron dynamics affected synchronization metrics. The combination of vascular pressure gradients and oscillations created a range of arterial pressures at the origins of the 10 afferent arterioles. Because arterial blood pressure in conscious animals has 1/f dynamics, we applied an arterial pressure pattern with such dynamics to the model. Amplitude of tubule pressure oscillations were affected by the 1/f blood pressure fluctuations, but the oscillation frequencies did not change. The pressure gradients required to deliver blood to all afferent arterioles impose a complexity that affects nephrons according to their locations in the network, but other interactions compensate to ensure the stability of the system. The sensitivity of nephron response to location on the network, and the constancy of the tubular oscillation frequency provide a spatial and time context.

Mechanism of Pressure-Modulated Self-Trapped Exciton Emission in Cs2TeCl6 Double Perovskite.

Pressure-modulated self-trapped exciton (STE) emission mechanism in all-inorganic lead-free metal halide double perovskites characterized by large Stokes-shifted broadband emission, has attracted much attention across various fields such as optics, optoelectronics, and biomedical sciences. Here, by employing the all-inorganic lead-free metal halide double perovskite Cs2TeCl6 as a paradigm, the authors elucidate that the performance of STE emission can be modulated by pressure, attributable to the pressure-induced evolution of the electronic state (ES). Two ES transitions happen at pressures of 1.6 and 5.8GPa, sequentially. The electronic behaviors of Cs2TeCl6 can be jointly modulated by both pressure and ES transitions. When the pressure reaches 1.6GPa, the Huang-Rhys factor S, indicative of the strength of electron-phonon coupling, attains an optimum value of ≈12.0, correlating with the pressure-induced photoluminescence (PL) intensity of Cs2TeCl6 is 4.8-fold that of its PL intensity under ambient pressure. Through analyzing the pressure-dependent STE dynamic behavioral changes, the authors have revealed the microphysical mechanism underlying the pressure-modulated enhancement and quenching of STE emission in Cs2TeCl6.

Exploring structural and dynamic characteristics of supercooled liquid silver under varying hydrostatic pressures: A molecular dynamics investigation

This study employs molecular dynamics simulations using the embedded-atom method to investigate the structural and dynamic properties of supercooled liquid silver (Ag) metal under varying external hydrostatic pressures ranging from 0 to 70 GPa. The investigation spans various length scales, analyzing short-to-medium-range order, crystalline order, and fractal dimension to discern patterns that indicate how increased pressure affects atomic arrangements. The results suggest that increased external hydrostatic pressure triggers a shift to more ordered atomic structures characterized by relative atomic positions corresponding to the fcc lattice structure, highlighting the system's heightened sensitivity to pressure conditions. Furthermore, the study reveals pressure-dependent changes in atomic diffusion behavior and shows a reduction in atomic mobility with increasing pressure. In particular, the values of the diffusion coefficient decrease from 3.719 × 10−8 to 1.564 × 10−9 cm2 s−1 for 0 and 70 GPa, respectively, demonstrating the direct influence of pressure on the dynamics of supercooled liquid Ag metal.

Pressure-induced lead-free halide double perovskite [formula omitted] for optoelectronic applications

The structural, electronic, optical, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of the lead free double perovskites Rb2CuSbX6(X=Cl,Br) were investigated using first principles based on density functional theory (DFT) under pressure. Our calculated results are in good agreement with other experimental results. Electronic and optical features are pressure dependent, including dielectric effect, pressure-dependent refractive index changes, strong UV reflectivity, suggesting potential applications in solar heating reduction. Using the Voigt-Reuss-Hill approximation, an increase in stiffness, of Rb2CuSbX6(X=Cl,Br) is observed with increasing loads, revealing its stability, making it appropriate for shaping. By analyzing the formation energy and Born's stability criteria, we justified the stability to check the mechanical and thermodynamic stability of the material. In addition, the mechanical properties of Rb2CuSbX6(X=Cl,Br) conducted with the study of elastic constants, elastic moduli, machinibility index, Kleinmen parameter and Vickers hardness. Our investigation indicates that both the materials provide significant potential for very high-quality optical data using optoelectronic applications.

Pressure-Induced Neutral to Ionic Phase Transition in TTF-Fluoranil, DimethylTTF-Fluoranil and DimethylTTF-Chloranil: A Comparative THz Raman Study

The Neutral to Ionic phase Transition (NIT) that occurs in few mixed stack charge transfer cocrystals at high pressure or low temperature is a charge instability combined with a structural instability. The lattice contraction, which increases the 3D Coulomb interactions, favors a higher degree of charge transfer. Due to Peierls instability, this leads to the dimerization of the stack, breaking its inversion symmetry. The 3D interactions also determine the arrangement of the adjacent dimerized polar stacks, making the ionic phase ferroelectric or antiferroelectric. The role of these parameters that modulate the NIT has been widely studied in Tetrathiafulvalene-haloquinone cocrystals. Here, we compare the high-pressure behavior of three of them: the newly synthesized TTF-FA and DMTTF-FA with the known DMTTF-CA and isostructural DMTTF-FA. We followed the evolution of the lattice phonons via THz Raman spectroscopy, assessing the pressure-dependent structural changes. While the FA-based crystals undergo strong first-order NIT, DMTTF-CA shows a continuous transition. The high-pressure behavior of each crystal is also compared with the low-temperature behavior.

The use of equations of state of pure components in pore fluid and fluid inclusion research: Computer program Pures (software package FLUIDS)

Fluid inclusions and pore fluids seldomly contain pure fluids, i.e. single component, and the properties of these natural fluids must be investigated with complex equations of state for fluid mixtures. However, the properties of nearly-pure fluids can be modelled with equations of state for pure gas components, including an insignificant error. Occasionally, fluid inclusions are observed that can be modelled according to these considerations. The program “Pures” has been developed to calculate properties of pure gases: H2O, CO2, CH4, N2, C2H6, O2, NH3, CO, H2, D2O, Ar, C3H8, SO2, H2S, and He. These fluid components belong to the most abundant volatile species that are observed in fluid inclusions in quartz and other host minerals in rock. The thermodynamic properties of these fluids are calculated with highly accurate Helmholtz energy functions that cover both the liquid and vapour. Viscosity and surface tension are calculated with additional purely- and semi-empirical equations. Stand-alone applications can be operated in Macintosh-, Windows-, and Linux-based operated computer systems, and contain algorithms that are designed with BASIC language within the XOJO programming environment. A series of twelve self-instructive interfaces (modules) are leading the user through the complex calculation procedures. The modules include the calculation of pressure, temperature, molar volume, isochores, isotherms, fugacity, homogenization conditions, liquid-vapour equilibria, thermodynamic state properties, viscosity, and surface tension. Fluid densities in quartz-confined inclusions can be corrected for temperature- and pressure-dependent volume changes of the host crystal. Fluid modelling in the program “Pures” is not restricted to fluid inclusion research, and can also be applied to other research fields that involve a fluid phase. “Pures” is included in the software package FLUIDS.

Surface tension and viscosity of binary ionic liquid mixtures from high vacuum up to pressures of 10 MPa

In the present study, we investigated the surface tension and viscosity of binary ionic liquid (IL) mixtures at or close to saturation conditions from high vacuum conditions up to elevated pressures. We studied four different mixtures of 1,3-bis(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl)imida-zolium iodide ([(mPEG2)2Im]I) and 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C8C1Im][PF6]) with [C8C1Im][PF6] mole contents between (4.6 and 49.8) mol%. Argon (Ar) gas of relatively low solubility was used to vary the applied pressure between (0.1 and 10) MPa. For temperatures from (303 to 363) K, the surface tension obtained by the pendant-drop (PD) method was used to determine the saturated liquid viscosity from surface light scattering (SLS). These studies are complemented by additional PD measurements under ultraclean high vacuum (HV) conditions in a second setup. At about 0.1 MPa, the surface tension and viscosity of the IL mixtures show negative deviations from a linear mixing rule based on the molar bulk composition, which is more pronounced at lower temperatures. The surface tension values at 0.1 MPa and under HV agree with each other and lie closer to the values of [C8C1Im][PF6] that has a distinctly lower surface tension than [(mPEG2)2Im]I and is surface-active. For the equimolar IL mixture at 303 K, an increase in the pressure up to 10 MPa has a negligible influence on the viscosity, while it causes a distinct reduction in the surface tension compared to the value at 0.1 MPa. The pressure-dependent relative change for the viscosity of the ternary mixtures of the two ILs and Ar corresponds well to the mean values of the positive and negative relative changes observed for the two binary [(mPEG2)2Im]I-Ar and [C8C1Im][PF6]-Ar subsystems, respectively. For the surface tension, the absolute changes at a given pressure are very similar regardless of the IL bulk composition, suggesting a similar weak Ar enrichment at the gas–liquid interface.

Investigation on ferroelectric, dielectric and pressure sensing properties of samarium substituted lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate oxide

In the last several decades, researchers have been developing hydraulic pressure sensors suitable in harsh oil mediums with high figures of merit. A well-known columbite method is used to prepare a series of phase pure electroceramics Pb(1-1.5y)Smy[(Mg1/3Nb2/3)1-xTix]O3 (Sm(y)-PMN(x)PT) with x = 0.20, 0.30; and y = 0.010, 0.025 for possible applications as hydraulic pressure sensors. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were carried out to study the crystal structure, microstructure, and morphology of the sintered ceramics. The frequency and temperature-dependent dielectric and ac conductivity analyses were performed over a temperature range of 300–480 K to understand the phase stability and phase transition temperatures. Room temperature (297 K) polarization-electric field and PUND analysis confirmed the large polarization (∼30–40 μC/cm2) in the investigated compositions. The hydrostatic pressure-dependent relative capacitance change was examined using a lab-made setup for different compositions for the pressure varying from 0 to 50 MPa. The percentage sensitivity varies with samarium and titanium compositions that range from 0.078 MPa−1 to 0.197 MPa−1. The highest relative change in capacitance was obtained for Pb0.963Sm0.025[(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.80Ti0.20]O3 (Sm0.025-PMN0.20PT) ceramic with percentage sensitivity 0.197 MPa−1, nearly double to our earlier report on Pb[(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.7Ti0.3]O3 composition. The improvement in sensitivity may be due to inherent properties, such as slim hysteresis, low tangent loss (∼0.002–0.1), large change in phase transition temperature (∼25 K) due to dielectric dispersion and relaxor-like nature compared to other investigated systems.

Probing the pressure dependence of sound speed and attenuation in bubbly media: Experimental observations, a theoretical model and numerical calculations

The problem of attenuation and sound speed of bubbly media has remained partially unsolved. Comprehensive data regarding pressure-dependent changes of the attenuation and sound speed of a bubbly medium are not available. Our theoretical understanding of the problem is limited to linear or semi-linear theoretical models, which are not accurate in the regime of large amplitude bubble oscillations. Here, by controlling the size of the lipid coated bubbles (mean diameter of ≈5.4μm), we report the first time observation and characterization of the simultaneous pressure dependence of sound speed and attenuation in bubbly water below, at and above microbubbles resonance (frequency range between 1–3 MHz). With increasing acoustic pressure (between 12.5–100 kPa), the frequency of the peak attenuation and sound speed decreases while maximum and minimum amplitudes of the sound speed increase. We propose a nonlinear model for the estimation of the pressure dependent sound speed and attenuation with good agreement with the experiments. The model calculations are validated by comparing with the linear and semi-linear models predictions. One of the major challenges of the previously developed models is the significant overestimation of the attenuation at the bubble resonance at higher void fractions (e.g. 0.005). We addressed this problem by incorporating bubble–bubble interactions and comparing the results to experiments. Influence of the bubble–bubble interactions increases with increasing pressure. Within the examined exposure parameters, we numerically show that, even for low void fractions (e.g. 5.1×10-6) with increasing pressure the sound speed may become 4 times higher than the sound speed in the non-bubbly medium.

GW+EDMFT investigation of Pr1−xSrxNiO2 under pressure

Motivated by the recent experimental observation of a large pressure effect on ${T}_{c}$ in ${\mathrm{Pr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}{\mathrm{NiO}}_{2}$, we study the electronic properties of this compound as a function of pressure for $x=0$ and 0.2 doping using self-consistent $GW+\mathrm{EDMFT}$. Our numerical results demonstrate a nontrivial interplay between chemical doping and physical pressure, and small but systematic changes in the orbital occupations, local level energies, and interaction parameters with increasing pressure. The proper treatment of correlation effects, beyond density functional theory, is shown to play an important role in revealing these trends. While the pressure-dependent changes in the electronic structure of the undoped compound suggest a more single-band-like behavior in the high-pressure regime, a qualitatively different behavior is found in the doped system. We also point out that the fluctuations in the orbital occupations and spin states are not consistent with a single-band picture, and that at least a two-band model is necessary to reproduce the full result. This multiorbital nature manifests itself most clearly in the doped compound.

Ligand-Dependent Volumetric Characterization of Manganese Riboswitch Folding: A High-Pressure Single-Molecule Kinetic Study.

Nanoscopic differences in free volume result in pressure-dependent changes in free energies which can therefore impact folding/unfolding stability of biomolecules. Although such effects are typically insignificant under ambient pressure conditions, they are crucially important for deep ocean marine life, where the hydraulic pressure can be on the kilobar scale. In this work, single molecule FRET spectroscopy is used to study the effects of pressure on both the kinetics and overall thermodynamics for folding/unfolding of the manganese riboswitch. Detailed pressure-dependent analysis of the conformational kinetics allows one to extract precision changes (σ ≲ 4-8 Å3) in free volumes not only between the fully folded/unfolded conformations but also with respect to the folding transition state of the manganese riboswitch. This permits first extraction of a novel "reversible work" free energy (PΔV) landscape, which reveals a monotonic increase in manganese riboswitch volume along the folding coordinate. Furthermore, such a tool permits exploration of pressure-dependent effects on both Mn2+ binding and riboswitch folding, which demonstrate that ligand attachment stabilizes the riboswitch under pressure by decreasing the volume increase upon folding (ΔΔV < 0). Such competition between ligand binding and pressure-induced denaturation dynamics could be of significant evolutionary advantage, compensating for a weakening in riboswitch tertiary structure with pressure-mediated ligand binding and promotion of folding response.

Valve-Like Outflow System Behavior With Motion Slowing in Glaucoma Eyes: Findings Using a Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery-MIGS-Like Platform and Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging.

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate anatomic relationships and biomechanics of pressure-dependent trabecular meshwork and distal valve-like structure deformation in normal and glaucoma eyes using high-resolution optical coherence tomography (HR-OCT).MethodsWe controlled Schlemm’s canal (SC) pressure during imaging with HR-OCT in segments of three normal (NL) and five glaucomatous (GL) ex vivo eyes. The dissected limbal wedges were studied from 15 locations (5 NL and 10 GL). A minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)-like cannula was inserted into the SC lumen, whereas the other end was attached to a switch between two reservoirs, one at 0, the other at 30 mm Hg. A steady-state pressure of 30 mm Hg was maintained to dilate SC and collector channels (CC) during 3D volume imaging. The resulting 3D lumen surface relationships were correlated with internal structural features using an image mask that excluded tissues surrounding SC and CC. While imaging with HR-OCT, real-time motion responses in SC and CC areas were captured by switching pressure from 0 to 30 or 30 to 0 mm Hg. NL vs. GL motion differences were compared.ResultsLumen surface and internal relationships were successfully imaged. We identified SC inlet and outlet valve-like structures. In NL and GL, the mean SC areas measured at the steady-state of 0 and 30 mm Hg were each significantly different (p < 0.0001). Synchronous changes in SC and CC lumen areas occurred in <200 ms. Measured SC area differences at the steady-state 0 and 30 mmHg, respectively, were larger in NL than GL eyes (p < 0.0001). The SC motion curves rose significantly more slowly in GL than NL (p < 0.001). Pressure waves traveled from the cannula end along the SC lumen to CC and deep intrascleral channels.ConclusionHR-OCT provided simultaneous measurements of outflow pathway lumen surfaces, internal structures, and biomechanics of real-time pressure-dependent dimension changes. We identified SC inlet and outlet valve-like structures. GL tissues underwent less motion and responded more slowly than NL, consistent with increased tissue stiffness. A MIGS-like shunt to SC permitted pulse waves to travel distally along SC lumen and into CC.

Synthesis and Characterization of Pure Infinite Layer Ni+ Nickelates: LnNiO2 (Ln = La, Nd, Pr) and La3Ni2O6

A synthesis method of pure low valence nickelates using a custom built H2 circulation apparatus is described. Pure infinite layer LnNiO2 (Ln = La, Nd, Pr) and La3Ni2O6 nickelates have been successfully prepared using this method and characterized by x-ray diffraction. Resistivity of La3Ni2O6 was measured as a function of temperature and pressure up to ∼2 GPa and revealed significant pressure-induced changes in both magnitude and pressure dependence of resistivity. The existence of a hidden insulator-metal transition in La3Ni2O6 is proposed at pressures above 100 GPa.

Multi-exponential model to describe pressure-dependent P- and S-wave velocities and its use to estimate the crack aspect ratio

We present new quantitative model describing the pressure dependence of acoustic P- and S-wave velocities. Assuming that a variety of individual mechanisms or defects (such as cracks, pore collapse and grain crushing) can contribute to the pressure-dependent change of the wave velocity, we order a characteristic pressure to all of them and allow a series of exponential terms in the description of the (P- and S-waves) velocity-pressure function. We estimate the parameters of the multi-exponential rock physical model in inversion procedures using laboratory measured P- and S-wave velocity data. As is known, the conventional damped least squares method gives acceptable results only when one or two individual mechanisms are assumed. Increasing the number of exponential terms leads to highly nonlinear ill-posed inverse problem. Due to this reason, we develop the spectral inversion method (SIM) in which the velocity amplitudes (the spectral lines in the characteristic pressure spectrum) are only considered as unknowns. The characteristic pressures (belonging to the velocity amplitudes) are excluded from the set of inversion unknowns, instead, they are defined in a set of fixed positions equidistantly distributed in the actual interval of the independent variable (pressure). Through this novel linear inversion method, we estimate the parameters of the multi-exponential rock physical model using laboratory measured P- and S-wave velocity data. The characteristic pressures are related to the closing pressures of cracks which are described by well-known rock mechanical relationships depending on the aspect ratio of elliptical cracks. This gives the possibility to estimate the aspect ratios in terms of the characteristic pressures.

Rapid morphologic changes to microglial cells and upregulation of mixed microglial activation state markers induced by P2X7 receptor stimulation and increased intraocular pressure

BackgroundThe identification of endogenous signals that lead to microglial activation is a key step in understanding neuroinflammatory cascades. As ATP release accompanies mechanical strain to neural tissue, and as the P2X7 receptor for ATP is expressed on microglial cells, we examined the morphological and molecular consequences of P2X7 receptor stimulation in vivo and in vitro and investigated the contribution of the P2X7 receptor in a model of increased intraocular pressure (IOP).MethodsIn vivo experiments involved intravitreal injections and both transient and sustained elevation of IOP. In vitro experiments were performed on isolated mouse retinal and brain microglial cells. Morphological changes were quantified in vivo using Sholl analysis. Expression of mRNA for M1- and M2-like genes was determined with qPCR. The luciferin/luciferase assay quantified retinal ATP release while fura-2 indicated cytoplasmic calcium. Microglial migration was monitored with a Boyden chamber.ResultsSholl analysis of Iba1-stained cells showed retraction of microglial ramifications 1 day after injection of P2X7 receptor agonist BzATP into mouse retinae. Mean branch length of ramifications also decreased, while cell body size and expression of Nos2, Tnfa, Arg1, and Chil3 mRNA increased. BzATP induced similar morphological changes in ex vivo tissue isolated from Cx3CR1+/GFP mice, suggesting recruitment of external cells was unnecessary. Immunohistochemistry suggested primary microglial cultures expressed the P2X7 receptor, while functional expression was demonstrated with Ca2+ elevation by BzATP and block by specific antagonist A839977. BzATP induced process retraction and cell body enlargement within minutes in isolated microglial cells and increased Nos2 and Arg1. While ATP increased microglial migration, this required the P2Y12 receptor and not P2X7 receptor. Transient elevation of IOP led to microglial process retraction, cell body enlargement, and gene upregulation paralleling changes observed with BzATP injection, in addition to retinal ATP release. Pressure-dependent changes were reduced in P2X7−/− mice. Death of retinal ganglion cells accompanied increased IOP in C57Bl/6J, but not P2X7−/− mice, and neuronal loss showed some association with microglial activation.ConclusionsP2X7 receptor stimulation induced rapid morphological activation of microglial cells, including process retraction and cell body enlargement, and upregulation of markers linked to both M1- and M2-type activation. Parallel responses accompanied IOP elevation, suggesting ATP release and P2X7 receptor stimulation influence the early microglial response to increased pressure.

Identification of a novel distension-evoked motility pattern in the mouse uterus.

The dynamic changes in uterine contractility in response to distension are incompletely understood. Rhythmic, propagating contractions of nonpregnant uterine smooth muscle occur in the absence of nerve activity (i.e., myogenic), events that decline during pregnancy and reemerge at parturition. We therefore sought to determine how myogenic contractions of the nonpregnant uterus are affected by distension, which might provide mechanistic clues underlying distension-associated uterine conditions such as preterm birth. Uteri isolated from nulliparous adult female mice in proestrus were video imaged to generate spatiotemporal maps, and myoelectrical activity simultaneously recorded using extracellular suction electrodes. Motility patterns were examined under basal conditions and following ramped intraluminal distension with fluid to 5 and 10 cmH2O. Intraluminal distension caused pressure-dependent changes in the frequency, amplitude, propagation speed, and directionality of uterine contractions, which reversed upon pressure release. Altered burst durations of underlying smooth muscle myoelectric events were concurrently observed, although action potential spike intervals were unchanged. Voltage-gated sodium channel blockade [tetrodotoxin (TTX); 0.6 µM] attenuated both the amplitude of contractions and burst duration of action potentials, whereas all activity was abolished by L-type calcium channel blockade (nifedipine; 1 µM). These data suggest that myogenic motility patterns of the nonpregnant mouse uterus are sensitive to changes in intraluminal pressure and, at high pressures, may be modulated by voltage-gated sodium channel activity. Future studies may investigate whether similar distension-evoked changes occur in the pregnant uterus and the possible pathophysiological role of such activity in the development of preterm birth.

Pressure-induced atomic packing change in Pd37Ni37S26 metallic glass

Pressure-dependent atomic packing structure changes of newly designed sulfur-bearing metallic glass (MG) of Pd37Ni37S26 have been studied by in situ high energy X-ray diffraction and resistivity experiments, and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations from ambient pressure up to 40.9 GPa. Local structural transformation from a low-density amorphous state into high-density one at about 12.8~15.4 GPa has been revealed, which originates from the noticeable kinks during the electron back-donations from S atoms to more localized Ni 3d orbital at about 13~15 GPa and is confirmed by the pressure-dependent resistivity measurements. The origin for the transition is uncovered, i.e., Pd- and Ni-centered clusters first transfer from icosahedral-like structures into higher-coordinated ones, which dominates the initial densification of Pd37Ni37S26 MG during the compression below 13 GPa. In the pressure range above 15 GPa, the low-coordinated S-centered clusters transform into the tri-capped trigonal prism-like structures during the compression of Pd37Ni37S26 MG up to 40.9 GPa. All results obtained here provide insight into the local structural evolution of the sulfur-bearing MGs with pressure.