Reduced Water Permeability Research Articles

Effect of pH on the ageing of reverse osmosis membranes upon exposure to hypochlorite

The declining functionality associated with membranes ageing includes changes in physical parameters, such as, thickness, roughness and density of defects, but also in chemical structure. All these factors impact synergistically on the major performance indicators: permeability and salt rejection. In this study, three types of commercially available RO membranes were statically exposed to hypochlorite solutions and analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in conjunction with performance tests. IR data support the chemical structure alteration for samples aged at pHs 7 and 4, where hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the main oxidant. For two of the membranes, AFM results indicate increasing roughness at pH 4. Performance tests show a reduction of de-ionised (DI) water and brackish water permeability at pH 7 and pH 4, while at pH 10, where hypochlorite ion (ClO−) is abundant, permeability increases. Salt rejection results vary in a narrow interval of 5% and depend on the type of membrane. Based on these results the ppm∙h concept appears to fail to express a simple ageing kinetic over the entire range of pH, owing to the competing mechanisms of ring chlorination and surface hydrolysis of amide groups.

Neuromyelitis optica IgG does not alter aquaporin‐4 water permeability, plasma membrane M1/M23 isoform content, or supramolecular assembly

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is thought to be caused by immunoglobulin G autoantibodies (NMO-IgG) against astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4). A recent study (Hinson et al. (2012) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 109:1245-1250) reported that NMO-IgG inhibits AQP4 water permeability directly and causes rapid cellular internalization of the M1 but not M23 isoform of AQP4, resulting in AQP4 clustering, enhanced complement-dependent cytotoxicity, and tissue swelling. Here, we report evidence challenging this proposed mechanism of NMO-IgG-mediated pathology. We measured osmotic water permeability by stopped-flow light scattering on plasma membrane vesicles isolated from AQP4-expressing CHO cells, an approach that can detect changes in water permeability as small as 5% and is not confounded by internalization effects. We found similar single-molecule water permeability for M1-AQP4 tetramers and M23-AQP4 clusters (orthogonal arrays of particles, OAPs). Exposure of AQP4 to high concentrations of NMO-IgG from six seropositive NMO patients, and to high-affinity recombinant monoclonal NMO antibodies, did not reduce AQP4 water permeability. Also, NMO-IgG did not reduce water permeability in AQP4-reconstituted proteoliposomes. In transfected cells expressing M1- or M23-AQP4 individually, NMO-IgG caused more rapid internalization of M23- than M1-AQP4. In cells coexpressing both isoforms, M1- and M23-AQP4 comingled in OAPs that were internalized together in response to NMO-IgG. Super-resolution imaging and native gel electrophoresis showed that the size of AQP4 OAPs was not altered by NMO sera or recombinant NMO antibodies. We conclude that NMO-IgG does not: (i) inhibit AQP4 water permeability, (ii) cause preferential internalization of M1-AQP4, or (iii) cause intramembrane AQP4 clustering.

Population Shift between the Open and Closed States Changes the Water Permeability of an Aquaporin Z Mutant

Aquaporins are tetrameric transmembrane channels permeable to water and other small solutes. Wild-type (WT) and mutant Aquaporin Z (AqpZ) have been widely studied and multiple factors have been found to affect their water permeability. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations have been performed for the tetrameric AqpZ F43W/H174G/T183F mutant. It displayed ∼10% average water permeability compared to WT AqpZ, which had been attributed to the increased channel lumen hydrophobicity. Our simulations, however, show a ring stacking between W43 and F183 acting as a secondary steric gate in the triple mutant with R189 as the primary steric gate in both mutant and WT AqpZ. The double gates (R189 and W43-F183) result in a high population of the closed conformation in the mutant. Occasionally an open state, with diffusive water permeability very close to that of WT AqpZ, was observed. Taken together, our results show that the double-gate mechanism is sufficient to explain the reduced water permeability in the mutant without invoking effects arising from increased hydrophobicity of the channel lumen. Our findings provide insights into how aquaporin-mediated water transport can be modulated and may further point to how aquaporin function can be optimized for biomimetic membrane applications.

Application of Antifungal CFB to Increase the Durability of Cement Mortar

Antifungal cement mortar or microbiological calcium carbonate precipitation on cement surface has been investigated as functional concrete research. However, these research concepts have never been fused with each other. In this study, we introduced the antifungal calciteforming bacteria (CFB) Bacillus aryabhattai KNUC205, isolated from an urban tunnel (Daegu, South Korea). The major fungal deteriogens in urban tunnel, Cladosporium sphaerospermum KNUC253, was used as a sensitive fungal strain. B. aryabhattai KNUC205 showed CaCO3 precipitation on B4 medium. Cracked cement mortar pastes were made and neutralized by modified methods. Subsequently, the mixture of B. aryabhattai KNUC205, conidiospore of C. sphaerospermum KNUC253, and B4 agar was applied to cement cracks and incubated at 18 degrees C for 16 days. B. aryabhattai KNUC205 showed fungal growth inhibition against C. sphaerospermum. Furthermore, B. aryabhattai KNUC205 showed crack remediation ability and water permeability reduction of cement mortar pastes. Taken together, these results suggest that the CaCO3 precipitation and antifungal properties of B. aryabhattai KNUC205 could be used as an effective sealing or coating material that can also prevent deteriorative fungal growth. This study is the first application and evaluation research that incorporates calcite formation with antifungal capabilities of microorganisms for an environment-friendly and more effective protection of cement materials. In this research, the conception of microbial construction materials was expanded.

서울시 배수성 아스팔트 포장의 기능적 평가 연구

The functional evaluation of constructed permeable pavements was conducted in terms of water permeable performance and noise reduction measurements in Seoul city. The field measurements of noise was based on two methods such as pass-by and novel close proximity(NCPX). The pass-by test and NCPX method are related to noise propagation and tire/pavement interaction noise measurement, respectively. For the water permeable tests, five sections were chosen; furthermore, the measurements were conducted for both of wheel path and non-wheel path area. For the pass-by measurement, three sections were chosen; furthermore, two different locations, which were near measurement point to traffic noise and far measurement point inside park or hosing complex, were selected for each section. Finally, tire/pavement interaction noise measurements were carried out at four locations. The results show that the functional performance of water permeability and noise reduction was well remained within 2 or 3 years after permeable pavement construction.

Biocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals derived from potato peel waste

This study investigated the effectiveness of cellulose nanocrystals derived from potato peel waste as a reinforcement and vapor barrier additive. The nanocrystals were derived from cellulosic material in the potato peel by alkali treatment and subsequently acid hydrolysis. TEM images revealed the average fiber length of the nanocrystals was 410nm with an aspect ratio of 41; its aspect ratio being considerably larger than cotton-derived nanocrystals prepared using similar reaction conditions. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)-filled polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) films were prepared by solution casting method to maintain uniform dispersion of the 1–2% (w/w) filler content. An increase of 19% and 33% (starch composite) and 38% and 49% (PVA composite) in tensile modulus was observed for the 1% and 2% CNC-reinforced composites, respectively. Water vapor transmission measurements showed a marginal reduction of water permeability for the PVA composite, whereas no effect was observed for the thermoplastic starch composite.

Preparation and properties of polyethersulfone hollow fiber membranes with o-xylene as an additive used in membrane contactors for CO2 absorption

In this work, o-xylene was used as an additive of dope solutions in the preparation of polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fiber membranes by nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method to improve the hydrophobicity of membrane. The o-xylene concentration was varied from 0 to 10wt.%. Characterization of the fabricated hollow fiber membranes included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile mechanical strength and water contact angle measurement. Microscopic observation showed that the membranes were composed of macrovoids and finger like structure. Permeation performance was determined; included pure water permeability. The gas permeation method was used to estimate the surface pore size and effective surface porosity of the PES hollow fiber membrane prepared. The o-xylene was used as a pore-reducing agent. The effect of coagulation temperature on the morphology of the hollow fiber membranes was investigated for temperature range 24–60°C. The fabricated hollow fiber membranes were used to separate carbon dioxide from gas mixture using membrane contactor module. An attempt had been made to find the optimum o-xylene concentration and the effect of the coagulation temperature on membrane morphology and absorption performance. It was observed that addition of o-xylene to the cast solution reduces water permeability, reduced membrane pore size, and increases membrane strength and water contact angle and hence the hollow fiber membranes is more hydrophobic.

Zeolite-polyamide thin film nanocomposite membranes: Towards enhanced performance for forward osmosis

Zeolite-polyamide thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes were prepared on a polysulfone (PSf) porous substrate tailored for forward osmosis (thin thickness, high porosity, and straight needle-like pores). The TFN membranes were characterized and evaluated in comparison with a thin film composite (TFC) membrane. The incorporation of NaY zeolite nanoparticles in the polyamide rejection layer significantly changed its separation properties. In the range of 0.02–0.1 wt./v% zeolite loading, the incorporation of zeolite-polyamide exhibited enhanced water permeability of membrane likely due to the porous nature of zeolite. However, further increase in zeolite loading led to a reduction in water permeability, possibly as a result of the formation of a thicker polyamide layer. The most permeable TFN membrane (TFN0.1, with 0.1 wt./v% zeolite loading) had a water permeability approximately 80% higher compared to the baseline TFC membrane. The FO water flux followed a similar trend to that of the membrane water permeability. Under all cases evaluated in the current study (0.5–2.0 NaCl draw solution, DI water and 10 mM NaCl feed solution, and both membrane orientations), the membrane TFN0.1 exhibited highest water flux (up to 50% improvement over the TFC membrane). To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first report on zeolite-polyamide based TFN membranes for FO applications.

Effect of internal hydrophobation, silica fume and w/c on compressive strength of hardened cement pastes

Internal hydrophobation by adding hydrophobic agents during the mixing process is a method for reducing water permeability of cement based materials. It can be used as an alternative to other methods such as reducing water cement ratio (w/c) or using silica fume (SF). However, it may affect other properties of cement based materials such as compressive strength. In this paper the results of an experimental study on compressive strength of different hcps with main variables w/c, SF and hydrophobic agents are presented. Rapeseed oil and alkyl alkoxysilane were selected as hydrophobic agents. Although, a low dosage of hydrophobic agents can be more effective than lowering w/c or adding SF in reducing water permeability, an obvious reduction was observed in compressive strength by this way of internal hydrophobation compared to the other above mentioned methods. Different reasons such as lower hydration degree, chemical reactions of hydrophobic agents and non-uniform distribution of hydrophobic materials in the hcp could have resulted in lower compressive strength of hydrophobed samples. Using other types of hydrophobic agents or impregnation after the curing process can be other alternatives which would have less effect on compressive strength.

Neuromyelitis Optica Immunoglobulin G present in sera from neuromyelitis optica patients affects aquaporin‐4 expression and water permeability of the astrocyte plasma membrane

NMO-IgG autoantibody selectively binds to aquaporin-4 (AQP4), the most abundant water channel in the central nervous system and is now considered a useful serum biomarker of neuromyelitis optica (NMO). A series of clinical and pathological observations suggests that NMO-IgG may play a central role in NMO physiopathology. The current study evaluated, in well-differentiated astrocytes cultures, the consequences of NMO-IgG binding on the expression pattern of AQP4 and on plasma membrane water permeability. To avoid or to facilitate AQP4 down-regulation, cells were exposed to inactivated sera in two different situations (1 hr at 4°C or 12 hr at 37°C). AQP4 expression was detected by immunofluorescence studies using a polyclonal anti-AQP4 or a human anti-IgG antibody, and the water permeability coefficient was evaluated by a videomicroscopy technique. Our results showed that, at low temperatures, cell exposure to either control or NMO-IgG sera does not affect either AQP4 expression or plasma membrane water permeability, indicating that the simple binding of NMO-IgG does not affect the water channel's activity. However, at 37°C, long-term exposure to NMO-IgG induced a loss of human IgG signal from the plasma membrane along with M1-AQP4 isoform removal and a significant reduction of water permeability. These results suggest that binding of NMO-IgG to cell membranes expressing AQP4 is a specific mechanism that may account for at least part of the pathogenic process.

On permeable porosity in bio-inspired fibre reinforced cementitious composites

Permeability plays an important role in governing the durability of concrete in deleterious environments. Previous permeability tests using water as the permeating medium have indicated that the addition of cellulose fibre is effective in reducing water permeability both in the presence and absence of stress and thereby making concrete more durable. In this paper, further evidence was sought of pore-refinement in concrete reinforced with cellulose fibre using cryoporometry (CP) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) methods. Cryoporometry was carried out using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Two volume fractions – 0.1% and 0.3% – of a treated cellulose fibre were investigated. The results indicated a definite pore refinement due to cellulose fibre addition and a related improvement in durability.

Light inactivation of water transport and protein–protein interactions of aquaporin–Killer Red chimeras

Aquaporins (AQPs) have a broad range of cellular and organ functions; however, nontoxic inhibitors of AQP water transport are not available. Here, we applied chromophore-assisted light inactivation (CALI) to inhibit the water permeability of AQP1, and of two AQP4 isoforms (M1 and M23), one of which (M23) forms aggregates at the cell plasma membrane. Chimeras containing Killer Red (KR) and AQPs were generated with linkers of different lengths. Osmotic water permeability of cells expressing KR/AQP chimeras was measured from osmotic swelling–induced dilution of cytoplasmic chloride, which was detected using a genetically encoded chloride-sensing fluorescent protein. KR-AQP1 red fluorescence was bleached rapidly (∼10% per second) by wide-field epifluorescence microscopy. After KR bleaching, KR-AQP1 water permeability was reduced by up to 80% for the chimera with the shortest linker. Remarkably, CALI-induced reduction in AQP4-KR water permeability was approximately twice as efficient for the aggregate-forming M23 isoform; this suggests intermolecular CALI, which was confirmed by native gel electrophoresis on cells coexpressing M23-AQP4-KR and myc-tagged M23-AQP4. CALI also disrupted the interaction of AQP4 with a neuromyelitis optica autoantibody directed against an extracellular epitope on AQP4. CALI thus permits rapid, spatially targeted and irreversible reduction in AQP water permeability and interactions in live cells. Our data also support the utility of CALI to study protein–protein interactions as well as other membrane transporters and receptors.

Development of a novel chemical water shut-off method for fractured reservoirs: Laboratory development and verification through core flow experiments

Most of the extended reach horizontal wells and also the vertical wells with permeability heterogeneities often experience premature and excessive water production from multiple, high permeability streaks and conductive fractures. Bullhead and Relative Permeability Modifier (RPM) treatment often fails to achieve the desired result, as in most cases the situation warrants isolation and protection of the oil producing zones, from highly damaging polymeric gels. Protection of oil zones in a highly fractured reservoir is technically and economically a huge challenge because of knowledge on the complexity of fracture network. This paper describes the application of three chemical fluid compositions in sequence, as an alternate rigless water control option whose self-selectivity and effectiveness in controlling water production are verified in the laboratory in simulated fractured reservoir condition. The first fluid is designed to protect the matrix by creating an impermeable filter cake on low permeable oil saturated zones, keeping the water swept fractures open for gel treatment. The second fluid is a cross-linkable polymer gelant to shutoff the fractures and the third fluid is an enzyme breaker for cleaning the filter cakes form matrix zones. After completion of the treatments, return permeability measurement was carried out which shows 85–90% reduction of water permeability with less than 15% reduction of oil permeability. Microscopic investigations on treated core plug show very little invasion of polymer gel into the matrix area, whereas the fractures are almost completely sealed. The technology could be suitably applied without rig deployment and at a low cost. However, the fluid composition, pumping pressure and flow rate need to be customized based on the candidate well and the actual reservoir parameters.

D184E mutation in aquaporin-4 gene impairs water permeability and links to deafness

Aquaporins (AQPs) play a physiological role in several organs and tissues, and their alteration is associated with disorders of water regulation. The identification of molecular interactions, which are crucial in determining the rate of water flux through the channel, is of pivotal role for the discovery of molecules able to target those interactions and therefore to be used for pathologies ascribable to an altered AQP-dependent water balance. In the present study, a mutational screening of human aquaporin-4 (AQP4) gene was performed on subjects with variable degrees of hearing loss. One heterozygous missense mutation was identified in a Spanish sporadic case, leading to an Asp/Glu amino acid substitution at position 184 (D184E). A BLAST analysis revealed that the amino acid D184 is conserved across species, consistently with a crucial role in the structure/function of AQP4 water channels. The mutation induces a significant reduction in water permeability as measured by the Xenopus laevis oocytes swelling assay and by the use of mammalian cells by total internal reflection microscopy. By Western blot, immunofluorescence and 2D Blue Native/SDS-PAGE we show that the reduction in water permeability is not ascribable to a reduced expression of AQP4 mutant protein or to its incorrect plasma membrane targeting and aggregation into orthogonal arrays of particles. Molecular dynamics simulation provided a molecular explanation of the mechanism whereby the mutation induces a loss of function of the channel. Substituting glutamate for aspartate affects the mobility of the D loop, which acquires a higher propensity to equilibrate in a "closed conformation", thus affecting the rate of water flux. We speculate that this mutation, combined with other genetic defects or concurrently with certain environmental stimuli, could confer a higher susceptibility to deafness.

Oil Recovery by Low Salinity Water Injection into a Reservoir: A New Study of Tertiary Oil Recovery Mechanism

Low salinity water injections for oil recovery have shown seemingly promising results in the case of clay-bearing sandstones saturated with asphaltic crude oil. Reported data showed that low salinity water injection could provide up to 20% pore volume (PV) of additional oil recovery for core samples and up to 25% PV for reservoirs in near wellbore regions, compared with brine injection at the same Darcy velocity. The question remains as to whether this additional recovery is also attainable in reservoirs. The answer requires a thorough understanding of oil recovery mechanism of low salinity water injections. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain the increased oil recovery using low salinity water, including migration of detached mixed-wet clay particles with absorbed residual oil drops, wettability alteration toward increased water-wetness, and emulsion formation. However, many later reports showed that a higher oil recovery associated with low salinity water injection at the common laboratory flow velocity was neither necessarily accompanied by migration of clay particles, nor necessarily accompanied by emulsion. Moreover, increased water-wetness has been shown to cause the reduction of oil recovery. The present study is based on both experimental and theoretical analyses. Our study reveals that the increased oil recovery is only related to the reduction of water permeability due to physical plugging of the porous network by swelling clay aggregates or migrating clay particles and crystals. At a fixed apparent flow velocity, the value of negative pressure gradient along the flow path increases as the water permeability decreases. Some oil drops and blobs can be mobilized under the increased negative pressure gradient and contribute to the additional oil recovery. Based on the revealed mechanism, we conclude that low salinity water injection cannot be superior to brine injection in any clay-bearing sandstone reservoir at the maximum permitted injection pressure. Through our study of low salinity water injection, the theory of tertiary oil recovery has been notably improved.

Biocontainment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on flat concrete surfaces by microbial carbonate precipitation

In this study, a biosealant obtained from microbial carbonate precipitation (MCP) was evaluated as an alternative to an epoxy-coating system. A bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii strain ATCC 11859, which metabolizes urea and precipitates calcite in a calcium-rich environment, was used in this study to generate the biosealant on a PCB-contaminated concrete surface. Concrete cylinders measuring 3 in (76.2 mm) by 6 in (152.4 mm) were made in accordance with ASTM C33 and C192 and used for this purpose. The PCB, urea, Ca2+, and bacterial cell concentrations were set at 10 ppm, 666 mM, 250 mM, and about 2.1 × 108 cells mL−1, respectively. The results indicate that the biosealed surfaces reduced water permeability by 1–5 orders of magnitude, and had a high resistance to carbonation. Since the MCP biosealant is thermally stable under temperatures of up to 840 °C, the high temperatures that normally exist in the surrounding equipment, which may contain PCB-based fluids, have no effect on the biosealed surfaces. Consequently, there is greater potential to obtain a stronger, coherent, and durable surface by MCP. No measurable amount of PCBs was detected in the permeating water, indicating that the leaching water, if any, will have a minimum impact on the surrounding environment.

Effect of pressure gradient on the flow of oil and water in gel-filled pore

Water is injected into oil-bearing porous rock for displacement of oil. Water tends to flow through high permeablity streaks, leaving significant amount of oil in place, unless the streaks are plugged by structure-forming fluids such as, polymer–gels. Cr(III)–polyacrylamide gel finds an use even in production well, as this gel structure offers easy flow of oil, apart from restricting water flow. The resistances that water and oil encounter, while flowing through the gel structure are characterized in this paper. The permeability of Cr(III)–polyacrylamide gel, held in tubes was evaluated as function of oil and water flow rates. This was observed that immediately after the rupture, a new pore space was created by the injected fluid. Same pathways were used by the other phase, i.e., water or oil, injected subsequently. The volume of the pathway within the gel structure was also monitored during the flow experiments. After complete recovery of the new pore space, the permeability was found to increase at higher flow rates. The change in permeability was completely reversible, and a cycle of step-wise ascent and descent in flow rates did not show any significant hysteresis. A theoretical model is developed that accounts for the rupture in the gel, and the deformation of the fracture inside the gel due to imposed pressure gradient. The model explains the power-law relationship between permeability and flow rate, as observed in experiments. The model identifies a ratio of interfacial to elastic deformation, in terms of a dimensionless parameter, σ/( GL). This ratio controls the relative reduction in water permeability with respect to the reduction in oil permeability. Experiments were conducted in Berea sandstone rock, and similar trends, as described above were observed.

초속경 라텍스개질 콘크리트로 보강된 RC보의 비선형 휨해석

라텍스로 개질된 콘크리트는 높은 휨강도 뿐만아니라 부착강도 및 투수저항성이 좋은 재료특성을 제공한다. 이러한 이점을 활용한 초속경 라텍스개질 콘크리트(VES-LMC)에 관련된 연구결과는 재료에 관한 것이 대부분으로, VES-LMC로 덧씌우기 보강된 RC 보의 부착 경계면 거동특성에 대한 체계적인 연구는 미진하다. 따라서 본 논문에서는 VES-LMC로 보강된 철근콘크리트 보의 비선형 휨 거동에 대한 특성을 알아보고자 ABAQUS를 매개변수 연구를 수행한 결과 다음과 같은 결과를 얻을 수 있었다. 비선형 휨 해석을 위하여 본 논문에 적용된 모델의 적합성 여부를 확인한 결과 실험값과 비교적 유사한 경향을 보이는 것을 확인 할 수 있었다. 두께가 증가함에 따라 최대 저항강도가 증가하는 경향을 보여주었으며, 또한 강성 이 증가하여 내하력이 증진되는 결과를 확인할 수 있었다. 부착강도를 변수로 해석한 결과, 전단강도가 증가함에 따라 휨 저항능력이 향상되는 결과를 확인 하였으며, 두 이질재료의 부착능력이 구조물의 내하력에 지배적인 인자로 작용하는 것을 알 수 있었다. Latex modification of concrete provides the material with higher flexural strength, as well as high bond strength and reduced water permeability. One of the most advantages of the very early-strength latex-modified concrete (VES-LMC) could be the similar contraction and expansion behaviour to normal concrete substrate, which enable to ensure long-term performance. The purpose of this study was to parametric nonlinear flexural nonlinear analysis of RC beam rehabilitated by VES-LMC. The results were as follows; The flexural nonlinear analysis model of RC beam overlaid by VES-LMC in ABAQUS was proposed to predict the load-deflection response, interfacial stress, and ultimate strength. The proposed FE analysis model was verified by comparison of an experimental data and the FE analysis results. The FE analysis results showed that yield point as well as flexural stiffness increased as the depth increased; the stiffness of beam overall increased as the bond stiffness became larger; the bond strength between two different materials is a key factor in composite beam. A parametric study showed that an overlay thickness was a main influencing factor to the behavior of RC beam overlaid by VES-LMC.

Property Study on Novel Waterflood Conformance Control Gels

In order to improve the sweep efficiency of water flooding in matured oilfield, soft moveable gels (SMG) are developed. The new types of SMG are made of novel, expandable particulate materials. The gels are preformed, stable, size controlled, non-toxic and can reduce water permeability without affecting oil permeability significantly. In this paper, some relevant laboratory methods are carried out for the determination of their main characteristics, including the displacement mechanism, the physio-chemical properties, moblility in porous media and the adjustment of permeability. Furthermore, the properties in bottles and behavior in porous media have also been investigated. The results shows that: 1)the swelling times of SMG are approximately 10, 2)SMG can remarkably improve the efficiency of water flooding, 3)remaining oil startup in low permeability formation, multistage fluid diverting and deep profile control are the main oil displacement mechanisms, 4）the new promising gel system of SMG have extensive application prospects in deep water shutoff and conformance control.

Effects of salinity and endocrine-disrupting chemicals on expression of prolactin and prolactin receptor genes in the euryhaline hermaphroditic fish, Kryptolebias marmoratus

Prolactin plays an essential role in ion uptake as well as reduction in ion and water permeability of osmoregulatory surfaces in euryhaline fish. Kryptolebias marmoratus is a euryhaline fish with unique internal self-fertilization. In order to understand the effect of different salinities and environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on the regulation of prolactin ( PRL) and prolactin receptor ( PRLR) genes, the full-length sequences of PRL and two PRLR genes were cloned from K. marmoratus. The expression pattern of K. marmoratus PRL ( Km-PRL) and PRLR ( Km-PRLR1, Km-PRLR2) mRNAs was analyzed in different developmental stages (2 dpf to 5 h post-hatching) and tissues of hermaphrodite fish. To investigate the effects of salinity changes and EDC exposure, the mRNA expression pattern of PRL, PRLR1 and PRLR2 was analyzed in exposed fish. The Km-PRL mRNA in the hermaphrodite was predominantly expressed in the brain/pituitary, the Km-PRLR1 mRNA was highly expressed in the intestine, while the Km-PRLR2 mRNA was intensively expressed in the gills. The expression of the Km-PRL mRNA generally increased from stage 1 (2 dpf) to stage 3 (12 dpf) in a developmental, stage-dependent manner. It decreased in stage 4 (12 dpf) and the hatching stage (stage 5). Km-PRLR1 and Km-PRLR2 mRNAs showed a gradual increase in expression from stage 1 (2 dpf) to stage 4 (12 dpf) and decreased by stage 5 (5 h post-hatching). Also, both mRNAs of PRLR showed a different expression pattern after exposure to different salinity concentrations (0, 33, and 50 ppt) in juvenile fish. The expression of PRL mRNA was upregulated at 0 ppt, but was downregulated at a moderately higher salinity concentration (33 to 50 ppt). The Km-PRLR1 mRNA showed upregulation at freshwater stress (0 ppt) compared to other concentrations of salinity (33 ppt to 50 ppt). The Km-PRLR2 mRNA was marginally upregulated at freshwater stress (0 ppt), but was downregulated at a higher salinity concentration (50 ppt) and showed no significant change in expression at 33 ppt salinity. Interestingly, both mRNAs showed upregulation in the brain (e.g. Km-PRL) and intestine (e.g. Km-PRLR1) after EDC exposure. These findings suggested that Km-PRL and two Km-PRLR mRNAs would be useful in analyzing the effect of different salinities as well as the modulatory effect of EDC exposure on these gene expressions in K. marmoratus.