Reduction In Flow Rate Research Articles

ANALYSIS OF THE THERMAL-KINETIC-FLUID-DYNAMIC PROFILE OF A SLAB REHEATING FURNACE USING CFD-DYNAMIC MESH

In this work, the actual operating conditions of a walking beam and direct flame reheating furnace for conventional steel slabs in continuous motion were numerically simulated. The fluid dynamics, heat transfer, chemical species and combustion were solved in a coupled way using a continuous readaptation of the computational domain by means of a dynamic mesh. The results were validated by means of temperature measurements averaged over 24 hours of plant operation with 16 thermocouples, resulting in an average error of 2.56%. With the reduction in flow rates in the range of 70-85% and a decrease in load of ?66.5% there was an overheating in the furnace of up to 33% in excess. The use of dynamic meshes allowed the oxide growth rate to be studied showing that, the higher the temperatures and residence times in the furnace, the higher the oxidation rate of the slab. Keywords: Reheating Furnace, CFD, Slab, Dynamic Mesh.

Lumped parameter simulations of cervical lymphatic vessels: dynamics of murine cerebrospinal fluid efflux from the skull

BackgroundGrowing evidence suggests that for rodents, a substantial fraction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drains by crossing the cribriform plate into the nasopharyngeal lymphatics, eventually reaching the cervical lymphatic vessels (CLVs). Disruption of this drainage pathway is associated with various neurological disorders.MethodsWe employ a lumped parameter method to numerically model CSF drainage across the cribriform plate to CLVs. Our model uses intracranial pressure as an inlet pressure and central venous blood pressure as an outlet pressure. The model incorporates initial lymphatic vessels (modeling those in the nasal region) that absorb the CSF and collecting lymphatic vessels (modeling CLVs) to transport the CSF against an adverse pressure gradient. To determine unknown parameters such as wall stiffness and valve properties, we utilize a Monte Carlo approach and validate our simulation against recent in vivo experimental measurements.ResultsOur parameter analysis reveals the physical characteristics of CLVs. Our results suggest that the stiffness of the vessel wall and the closing state of the valve are crucial for maintaining the vessel size and volume flow rate observed in vivo. We find that a decreased contraction amplitude and frequency leads to a reduction in volume flow rate, and we test the effects of varying the different pressures acting on the CLVs. Finally, we provide evidence that branching of initial lymphatic vessels may deviate from Murray’s law to reduce sensitivity to elevated intracranial pressure.ConclusionsThis is the first numerical study of CSF drainage through CLVs. Our comprehensive parameter analysis offers guidance for future numerical modeling of CLVs. This study also provides a foundation for understanding physiology of CSF drainage, helping guide future experimental studies aimed at identifying causal mechanisms of reduction in CLV transport and potential therapeutic approaches to enhance flow.

Study on the vibration characteristics induced by rotating stall in a centrifugal pump based on improved variational mode decomposition

Rotating stall within the centrifugal pump has been found to induce enhanced unstable flow, which subsequently exacerbates pump vibration, posing serious risks to the safe and stable operation of the pump. To investigate the rotating stall and its induced vibration characteristics, numerical simulations have been employed to study the flow field of the rotating stall within the pump. Additionally, experimental measurements of the pump vibration signals under rotating stall conditions have been conducted, establishing the relationship between the internal rotating stall and external pump vibrations. The results have demonstrated that the reduction in flow rate promotes the development of rotating stall, with a similar distribution pattern of stall cells within the pump. The propagation speed of the stall cells within the impeller channels was approximately 20 % of the impeller rotational speed. Under deep stall conditions, the stall cells consistently moved from the suction side to the pressure side, accompanied by vortex structures of varying scales. These vortices extended to the pressure-side outlet, forming reverse vortices that blocked the impeller channels. Reconstructed external pump vibration signals, analyzed using the generalized S-transform, revealed persistent strong vibration signals in the 6 kHz–9kHz frequency range under stall conditions. Power spectral density analysis further indicated that the amplitude in the low-frequency range positively correlated with the development of rotating stall, with the primary frequency at 12 times the shaft frequency, which can be considered a characteristic frequency of stall conditions. These findings provide a scientific basis for ensuring the stable operation of centrifugal pumps.

Enhanced dynamic modeling of regenerative CO2 transcritical power cycles: Comparative analysis of Pham-corrected and conventional turbine models

Turbine modeling plays a critical role in assessing system power output and performance in CO₂ transcritical power cycle (CTPC) systems, particularly under dynamic operating conditions. Conventional turbine models often fail to provide accurate predictions when inlet parameters deviate from the design point, leading to discrepancies in system behavior. This paper introduces a novel methodology by integrating a Pham-based corrected turbine performance map into a regenerative CTPC dynamic system. This approach enhances turbine modeling accuracy compared to traditional models, such as the uncorrected turbine performance map, nozzle model, and empirical model. The proposed Pham-corrected model method improves system response stability, particularly in terms of inlet pressure and CO₂ mass flow rate under heat source temperature reductions, offering more reliable performance predictions. In contrast, the empirical model shows substantial deviations in net power output (32 kW or 4.0 %) and thermal efficiency (1.36 %), leading to longer system stabilization times. The Pham-corrected and uncorrected turbine performance map models exhibit similar responses under cooling water mass flow rate reductions but diverge in turbine inlet pressure trends compared to the nozzle and empirical models. Additionally, the uncorrected turbine performance map model shows significant deviations in net power (25.6 kW or 3.17 %) and thermal efficiency (0.5 %) under a 10 % reduction in pump speed. This study highlights the importance of correcting turbine inlet parameters and addressing prediction deviations in conventional models. The Pham-corrected turbine model improves reliability, performance prediction, and design optimization, especially under fluctuating heat sources. With its potential to enhance system stability and efficiency, this methodology offers significant prospects for future CTPC applications, including waste heat recovery and renewable energy integration.

Transient analysis of megawatt-level space gas-cooled reactor coupled with He-Xe Brayton cycle system

The development of the aerospace industry and advancements in aerospace technology have created an urgent need for space power supply. A self-developed thermal hydraulic system analysis program is utilized to examine the transient response safety of gas-cooled reactors and investigate the performance of the coupled Brayton cycle overall system. The typical transient accident conditions were simulated, including positive reactivity insertion, turbine-alternator-compressor shaft speed drop, and loop coolant flow rate reduction. By considering cladding integrity as the safety criterion, it is determined that the reactor studied in this work has a safety margin of 0.152$ when introducing reactivity. The introduction of positive reactivity enhances reactor power output and heat generation. As more heat is carried away by He-Xe gas into the turbine, both operating temperature and heat transfer efficiency within the thermal cycle system are further improved. With an introduction of 0.13 % positive reactivity into the core, reactor thermal power can be stabilized at 110 % of its rated value while increasing system thermoelectric conversion efficiency by 2.7 %. During a continuous turbine-alternator-compressor shaft speed drop incident (from 100 % to 80 % rated speed), the total electrical power drops to 580 kWe along with reductions in temperature ratio and pressure ratio for both turbine and compressor. System cycle efficiency shows a positive correlation with turbine-alternator-compressor shaft speed within an appropriate range. In a sudden coolant flow rate drop incident, when the loop flow rate decreases to 60 % of its rated value, both reactor power and turbine-alternator-compressor shaft power decline significantly: the total electrical power drops from 1096 kWe to 216 kWe while the system’s cycle efficiency decreases from 32.1 % to 12.13 %. This work provides valuable insights into conceptual design considerations as well as safety assessment aspects pertaining to megawatt-class space.

Analysis of the effects of combined suction on hypersonic inlet starting performance

Abstract Taking a two-dimensional inlet (Case 1) as the original inlet, the combined suction schemes are designed and their influences on the self-starting ability of the inlet are studied. The flow fields at the design point and the self-starting progress of the inlets are calculated by the numerical simulation method. The results show that the three-slot combination scheme (Case 2) leads to the reduction of the mass flow rate of the throat at the design point by 1.15% and the increase of the total pressure recovery coefficient by 6.73%. The self-starting Mach number of the inlet decreases from 4.6 to 3.2, which indicates that the self-starting ability is improved significantly by the three-slot combination scheme. In order to illustrate the role of each slot in improving the self-starting ability, three two-slot combination schemes, which are called Case 3, Case 4, and Case 5, are set up by closing Slot 1, Slot 2, and Slot 3 in turn and their self-starting processes are simulated. The results indicate that the self-starting Mach numbers of Case 3, Case 4, and Case 5 are 3.6, 4.1, and 4.5 respectively, which are 0.4, 0.9, and 1.3 higher than that of Case 2 respectively. Slot 3 has the greatest influence on the self-starting ability. When the incoming Mach number rises to 4.2, a closed separation zone is induced between Slot 2 and the throat by the reflected shock wave on the cowl side of Case 5. Due to the lack of lip overflow, which is an important flow regulation mechanism, the separation zone has a strong self-sustaining ability, and the inlet keeps unstart until the incoming Mach number rises to 4.5. In addition, in the absence of Slot 1 or Slot 2, the large-scale separation zone will not disappear until the incoming flow pressure increases to a certain value.

Analysis and Validation of Sponge City Construction in Mountainous Cities based on SWMM - Taking Nanan District of Chongqing as an Example

Sponge city construction is one of the key topics in today’s research. China’s sponge city construction has gradually entered the stage of optimization and effect evaluation. However, there are still some gaps in issues such as the verification of the effect of sponge cities. Therefore, in this paper, Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) is carried out by collecting data on surface runoff, waterlogging, peak flow, control rate, etc. in Nanan District of Chongqing City. At the same time, reasonable Low Impact Developments (LID) facilities such as rain gardens, permeable paving, bioretention tanks, rain barrels, rooftop rainwater harvesting and rooftop gardens are incorporated into the sponge city design and verified by using a typical rainfall process with a return period of 5a and a duration of 3 hours. The results of the study showed that the surface runoff drainage time in one catchment was 11.1% faster before and after the LID facilities were installed in contrast, the peak flow reduction rate of the main pipe was 71.55%, and the average runoff control rate in each catchment was around 40.57%. In conclusion, the LID facilities are not effective enough to reduce the rainfall runoff above the medium rainfall, while they are more effective below the medium rainfall.

Unsteady Flow Structure of Rotating Instability in a 1.5-Stage Axial Compressor

Abstract The unsteady flow structure of the rotating instability (RI) in a 1.5-stage axial compressor is investigated through experimental and numerical analyses. In the tested compressor, the total pressure rise of the rotor stagnates at a certain flow coefficient before it increases again toward a lower flowrate in a case involving a wide tip clearance. The RI appears beyond this stagnant point as the compressor is throttled. The RI indicates a gentle hump in the frequency spectra of wall pressure or the flow velocity near the tip in a range of approximately 20–40% of the blade-passing frequency. As the flowrate decreases, the mode order of the RI increases, in contrast to the more commonly reported tendency, while the propagation velocity remains constant. These features are well captured by detached eddy simulation (DES) of the half-annulus model, with which the unsteady flow structure is further investigated. At its onset, RI is formed by the collision of the tip leakage vortex onto the pressure surface of the adjacent blade and subsequent vortex segmentation. This vortex structure spans two blade passages and propagates in the direction opposite to the rotor rotation. As the compressor is throttled, RI becomes more dominated by the circumferential propagation of vortex breakdown of tip leakage vortices, which occur simultaneously among neighboring passages with slight phase differences. The mechanism is discussed in relation to the temporal change in the blade tip loading. The frequency of vortex shedding increases with the reduction in flowrate and thus the increase in the number of RI disturbances.

The effects of pregnancy on oral health, salivary ph and flow rate

BackgroundThe frequent occurrence of dental caries and periodontal diseases in women during pregnancy may be due to many factors, such as salivary variables. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pregnancy on salivary pH, flow rate, the DMFT index, and CPI sores.MethodsA total of 198 volunteers (pregnant in different trimesters and non- pregnant) were included for the present observational cross-sectional study. Data about sociodemographic characteristics and dental and systemic health conditions were recorded. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected for 5 min via the spitting method. The pH of the saliva was measured by a portable pH meter. The salivary flow rate was determined by the weight measurement method. The DMFT index and CPI were determined. The statistical evaluation was performed using Robust ve Poisson Regression analyses (p < 0.05).ResultsIt was determined that there was a gradually significant decrease in the Ph value from the first trimester to the third trimester during pregnancy, which was lower than the control group. (p < 0.001) The flow rate of pregnants in their third trimester was lower than that of first trimester (p = 0.017). The CPI scores of pregnant women were significantly greater than that of non-pregnants (p = 0.042), while the DMFTs were similar among all groups.ConclusionOur findings indicate that pregnancy leads to a notable reduction in unstimulated salivary pH and flow rate, which also has a detrimental impact on periodontal health.Trial registrationClinical Trials-ID: NCT06343337; Registration Date: 04.01.2024.

Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Hydrology Using an Integrated Water Quality Index

Traditional Water Quality Indices (WQIs) often fail to capture the significant impact of flow velocity on water quality, especially under varying hydrological conditions. In this study, an Integrated Water Quality Index (IWQI) was developed by combining water quality parameters and flow rate, providing a more comprehensive assessment under various flow conditions. Compared to traditional indices, the IWQI showed slightly lower correlations in individual parameter performance, but it performed well in evaluating water quality changes associated with flow variations. Parameters such as Total Phosphorus (TP), Total Coliforms (TC), and Fecal Coliforms (FC), which are prevalent pollutants in the Cheongmi River, significantly influenced IWQI scores. River water quality was evaluated using input data simulated under a climate change scenario. When precipitation was abundant, the IWQI score remained relatively stable even with reduced flow rates. However, during periods of insufficient rainfall, water quality deteriorated sharply. While general water quality parameters exhibited approximately a 10% change as flow decreased, TC and FC showed rapid deterioration, with change rates ranging from 20% to 60%. These findings underscore the importance of managing TC and FC, particularly when insufficient rainfall is predicted, as they are major sources of pollution.

Effectiveness of Women's Empowerment Series in Increasing Stunting Literacy Relating to Oral Health Maintenance

The high incidence of stunting necessitates accelerated prevention programs, which can be implemented by enhancing stunting literacy as part of women's empowerment initiative to prevent stunting, particularly in the field of oral health. Stunted children are more susceptible to dental caries due to changes in saliva characteristics, such as reduced flow rate and pH. The objective of this empowerment program is to increase women's literacy regarding stunting, specifically related to oral health and nutrition. The method includes a series of community empowerment activities through five educational programs and two training programs aimed at improving literacy in stunting, oral health, and nutrition. This is followed by demonstrations to enhance the skills of women cadres using educational units and training modules, which have been validated by public health experts. The results of the empowerment program indicate a significant increase in knowledge and skills within the community, reaching optimal levels, although the degree of improvement varies and there remains room for further development. The program, which empowers women by increase literacy on stunting and its relation to oral health and nutrition through education and training, can contribute to improving overall oral health literacy.

Coordination of energy loss and fish friendliness for a low-head tubular-pump blade based on a multi-objective optimization model

Tubular pumps and turbines are the water-to-electricity conversion devices widely used in pumped hydro storage systems for low heads and high flow rates. An ecological concern is the high proportion of fish injuries caused by the rotating blades. In this study, a tubular pump blade is retrofitted to balance the energy loss and fish friendliness through multi-objective optimization, combining computational fluid dynamics with a mathematical blade strike model. Sensitivity analysis identifies nine geometric variables out of thirteen for optimizing blade design. An approximation model is developed to implement optimization algorithm and achieve the objective function. By artificially assigning weights to targeted performance metrics, three scenarios are obtained: the optimal efficiency scheme (A), the optimal fish friendliness scheme (C) and the balanced scheme (B). Scheme C achieves a fish survival ratio of 100 % at multiple flow rates (for fish lengths of Lf/D=1/12), but results in a 6.4 % decrease in efficiency compared to scheme A. Additionally, a negative blade attack angle can improve flow pattern. Considerable reduction in fish mortality can be obtained by equipping the rotor with a larger size but lower shaft speed, while also limiting the fish size to pass through the pump running at a reduced flow rate.

Homotopic dynamic solution of hydrodynamic nonlinear natural convection containing superhydrophobicity and isothermally heated parallel plate with hybrid nanoparticles

Abstract The purpose of this work is to investigate the effect of thermal radiation on convective heat transfer for an electrically conducting hybrid nanofluid moving perpendicularly through a microchannel with parallel plates heated under isothermal conditions, while subjected to a transverse magnetic field. In this case, one surface exhibited a superhydrophobic slip and temperature jump, whereas the others did not. The objective of the study was to determine the impacts of thermal radiation, heat generation, and magnetism on the volume flow rate, velocity, and bulk temperature when either surface is heated by a constant wall temperature. Our findings reveal that the radiation parameter significantly influences both the Nusselt number and skin friction differently depending on the surface conditions, while also reducing flow rate and bulk temperature. The heat generation parameter similarly affects these variables but varies with the type of surface being heated. Additionally, both the velocity and temperature profiles increase with the porosity parameter and heat generation coefficient, regardless of the heated surface. Statistical analysis confirms the significance of magnetic and heat generation parameters in determining skin friction and the Nusselt number, and streamlines and isotherms illustrating the effects of thermal radiation and magnetism on two different hybrid nanofluids when heated on nonslip and superhydrophobic surfaces were provided. These insights provide valuable information for the design and maintenance of mini- and microdevices in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Retrofitting sustainable drainage systems in UK schools: assessing the impacts and challenges

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) mimic natural processes to manage stormwater runoff close to its source, encouraging infiltration, attenuation and passive treatment. SuDS can be used to mitigate flooding and provide increased climate resilience while simultaneously delivering amenity, biodiversity and economic benefits to local communities. Retrofitting SuDS is a complex process requiring a detailed understanding of localised and catchment-wide drainage issues, and necessitates extensive buy-in from multiple stakeholders. Mutual understanding and recognition of the benefits of SuDS retrofit opportunities is critical to their implementation and success. This paper appraises the key benefits and challenges of SuDS retrofit within schools. A qualitative and quantitative assessment using case studies from over 50 completed SuDS retrofit projects within schools across the UK, for a variety of clients, was conducted. Through implementation of these solutions, hydraulic models have demonstrated a reduction in peak flow rates of up to 87%, providing flood alleviation to the schools’ wider catchments and demonstration that SuDS can be used to provide reductions to combined sewer overflow spills. Barriers to implementation may be minimised by ensuring a client’s aims are fully understood and achievable, combined with a focus on stakeholder engagement throughout the decision-making process.

A self-regulated expiratory flow device for mechanical ventilation: a bench study

IntroductionUnregulated expiratory flow may contribute to ventilator-induced lung injury. The amount of energy dissipated into the lungs with tidal mechanical ventilation may be used to quantify potentially injurious ventilation. Previously reported devices for variable expiratory flow regulation (FLEX) require, either computer-controlled feedback, or an initial expiratory flow trigger. In this bench study we present a novel passive expiratory flow regulation device.MethodsThe device was tested using a commercially available mechanical ventilator with a range of settings (tidal volume 420 ml and 630 ml, max. inspiratory flow rate 30 L/min and 50 L/min, respiratory rate 10 min−1, positive end-expiratory pressure 5 cmH2O), and a test lung with six different combinations of compliance and resistance settings. The effectiveness of the device was evaluated for reduction in peak expiratory flow, expiratory time, mean airway pressure, and the reduction of tidal dissipated energy (measured as the area within the airway pressure–volume loop).ResultsMaximal and minimal reduction in peak expiratory flow was from 97.18 ± 0.41 L/min to 25.82 ± 0.07 L/min (p < 0.001), and from 44.11 ± 0.42 L/min to 26.30 ± 0.06 L/min, respectively. Maximal prolongation in expiratory time was recorded from 1.53 ± 0.06 s to 3.64 ± 0.21 s (p < 0.001). As a result of the extended expiration, the maximal decrease in I:E ratio was from 1:1.15 ± 0.03 to 1:2.45 ± 0.01 (p < 0.001). The greatest increase in mean airway pressure was from 10.04 ± 0.03 cmH2O to 17.33 ± 0.03 cmH2O. Dissipated energy was significantly reduced with the device under all test conditions (p < 0.001). The greatest reduction in dissipated energy was from 1.74 ± 0.00 J to 0.84 ± 0.00 J per breath. The least reduction in dissipated energy was from 0.30 ± 0.00 J to 0.16 ± 0.00 J per breath. The greatest and least percentage reduction in dissipated energy was 68% and 33%, respectively.ConclusionsThe device bench tested in this study demonstrated a significant reduction in peak expiratory flow rate and dissipated energy, compared to ventilation with unregulated expiratory flow. Application of the device warrants further experimental and clinical evaluation.

Stormwater runoff volume reduction and pollutant removal efficiency via bioretention cell using rock wool as the media

ABSTRACT Bioretention cells have been widely used in stormwater management. Media plays an important role in stormwater runoff volume reduction and pollutant removal. A novel bioretention media of rock wool has been proposed, and its effect on stormwater runoff volume reduction was investigated via a laboratory-scale experiment. The results showed that compared with the conventional bioretention (CB) using medium sand as media, the volume capture ratio of annual rainfall (VCRAR) of the rock wool bioretention (RWB) was 2.66–5.5% higher, and the peak flow reduction rate was 2.97–11.32% higher. The removal efficiency of the RWB on COD, NH4+ -N, TN, and TP were 25–30%, 10–31%, 20–40%, and 5–14% higher than the CB, respectively. The removal efficiency of the RWB on both Pb and Zn was &amp;gt;99%. The microbial high-throughput sequencing results showed that the RWB can provide a better breeding environment for Bacteroides and Actinobacteria, which is conducive for the removal of pollutants. The RWB had a better stormwater runoff volume reduction rate and pollutant removal efficiency than the CB, therefore, it could be used as a better media for bioretention cells to improve stormwater management efficiency by using rock wool, obtained from construction waste, as the media.

Relationship between Capillary Wettability, Mass, and Momentum Transfer in Nanoconfined Water: The Case of Water in Nanoslits of Graphite and Hexagonal Boron Nitride.

The flow of water confined in nanosize capillaries is subject of intense research due to its relevance in the fabrication of nanofluidic devices and in the development of theories for fluid transport in porous media. Here, using molecular dynamics simulations carried out on 2D capillaries made up of graphite, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and a mix of the two, and of sizes from subnanometer to few nanometers, we investigate the relationship between the wettability of the wall capillary, the water diffusion, and its flow rate. We find that the water diffusion is decoupled from its flow properties as the former is not affected either by the height or chemistry of the capillary (except for the subnanometer slits), while the latter is dependent on both. The capillaries containing hBN show a reduced flow rate compared to those that are purely graphitic, likely due to the high friction coefficient between water and hBN. Such resistance to the flow is, however, at its maximum in the smallest capillary and lower for larger ones. Finally, we show that the flow rate values obtained from the Hagen-Poiseuille theory are almost always smaller than those obtained from simulations, indicating that either the slip length or the viscosity of nanoconfined water could be substantially different from the bulk values.

Experimental and Numerical Investigation for Optimization of a Hybrid Battery Thermal Management System based on PCM and Air Convection

Abstract This work presents the design and optimization of a phase change material (PCM) based hybrid battery thermal management system (HBTMS). In the first stage, experiments are performed to measure the battery cell temperatures under various charge rates with and without the usage of PCM. Thereafter, a numerical model is developed to conduct a parametric study on the effect of thickness of PCM layer around the battery cell. The maximum cell temperature (36.35°) and thermal nonuniformity are within the safe range for the PCM thicknesses of 6 to 12 mm. In the second stage, a parametric study is conducted in the 6S1P battery module to optimize the spacing between the cells at constant inlet velocity. The maximum temperature is within the optimal range when the cell spacing is 10 mm. At the constant cell spacing of 10 mm, increase in inlet velocities from 0.25 m/s to 2.5 m/s gradually improves the thermal non-uniformity. The maximum temperature and thermal non-uniformity for 6S1P battery module is found to be 42.07° and 1.17° respectively. In the third stage, 6S1P battery module is optimized for PCM thickness, cell spacing and inlet air velocity. It is found that effective thermal management is possible with PCM based HBTMS at low airflow rate of up to 1.5 m/s. The optimized PCM based HBTMS shows 46.59% and 40% reductions in PCM mass and air flow rate respectively.

Aggressive and Autoaggressive Behaviors in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Correlation with Middle Cerebral Artery Flow Velocity.

Background/Objectives The purpose of this study was to see whether there is a correlation between the behavior of autism spectrum disorder patients and brain abnormalities based on the velocity of blood flow in the MCA (middle cerebral artery). Methods: The use of HAP (High Altitude Protection) suits, which are used in aviation, to treat patients with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) causes significant changes in their functioning and physiological processes. These changes are not only noted in psychological tests but are observed in cerebral blood flow using transcranial Doppler ultrasound of the MCA. Results The results of this study made it possible to distinguish two groups with different flow velocities, which can be characterized as flows of less than 80 cm/s and flows of more than 80 cm/s. In addition, it was shown that in patients with elevated blood flow velocity, aggressive behaviors account for 86.96%, while self-aggressive behaviors account for 65.2%. On the other hand, in the case of patients with reduced flow velocity, i.e., less than 80 cm/s, the rate of aggressive behavior is 20% and that of self-aggressive behavior is 50%. The experiment showed that after therapy, there is a normalization of blood flow, which increased in the case of patients with a reduced flow rate below 80 cm/s and, in the case of elevated blood velocity after therapy, decreased towards normal levels. Conclusions The observed rate of normalization of flow velocities in the MCA translated into significant changes in the behavior and functioning of patients in the neurotypical direction, which was noticeable in the psychological tests conducted.

Simulating the impact of tumor mechanical forces on glymphatic networks in the brain parenchyma

The brain glymphatic system is currently being explored in the context of many neurological disorders and diseases, including traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, and ischemic stroke. However, little is known about the impact of brain tumors on glymphatic function. Mechanical forces generated during tumor development and growth may be responsible for compromised glymphatic transport pathways, reducing waste clearance and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) transport in the brain parenchyma. One such force is solid stress, i.e., growth-induced forces from cell hyperproliferation and excess matrix deposition. Because there are no prior studies assessing the impact of tumor-derived solid stress on glymphatic system structure and performance in the brain parenchyma, this study serves to fill an important gap in the field. We adapted a previously developed Electrical Analog Model using MATLAB Simulink for glymphatic transport coupled with Finite Element Analysis for tumor mechanical stresses and strains in COMSOL. This allowed simulation of the impact of tumor mechanical force generation on fluid transport within brain parenchymal glymphatic units—which include perivascular spaces, astrocytic networks, interstitial spaces, and capillary basement membranes. We conducted a parametric analysis to compare the contributions of tumor size, tumor proximity, and ratio of glymphatic subunits to the stress and strain experienced by the glymphatic unit and corresponding reduction in flow rate of CSF. Mechanical stresses intensify with proximity to the tumor and increasing tumor size, highlighting the vulnerability of nearby glymphatic units to tumor-derived forces. Our stress and strain profiles reveal compressive deformation of these surrounding glymphatics and demonstrate that varying the relative contributions of astrocytes vs. interstitial spaces impact the resulting glymphatic structure significantly under tumor mechanical forces. Increased tumor size and proximity caused increased stress and strain across all glymphatic subunits, as does decreased astrocyte composition. Indeed, our model reveals an inverse correlation between extent of astrocyte contribution to the composition of the glymphatic unit and the resulting mechanical stress. This increased mechanical strain across the glymphatic unit decreases the venous efflux rate of CSF, dependent on the degree of strain and the specific glymphatic subunit of interest. For example, a 20% mechanical strain on capillary basement membranes does not significantly decrease venous efflux (2% decrease in flow rates), while the same magnitude of strain on astrocyte networks and interstitial spaces decreases efflux flow rates by 7% and 22%, respectively. Our simulations reveal that solid stress from growing brain tumors directly reduces glymphatic fluid transport, independently from biochemical effects from cancer cells. Understanding these pathophysiological implications is crucial for developing targeted interventions aimed at restoring effective waste clearance mechanisms in the brain. This study opens potential avenues for future experimental research in brain tumor-related glymphatic dysfunction.