Slow Rate Research Articles

Tensile properties of irradiated modified 316 stainless steel (PNC316) at slow strain rates

ABSTRACT The effects of strain rate on tensile properties of irradiated modified 316 stainless steel (PNC316) claddings were investigated. PNC316 claddings were irradiated at the experimental fast reactor Joyo using CRT402 control rod assembly at 400°C up to 25 dpa. Post-irradiation ring tensile tests were carried out at strain rates of 3.3 × 10−6, 3.3 × 10−7, and 3.3 × 10−8 s−1 at a test temperature of 350°C. The results showed no obvious dependence of all strain rates on tensile properties, although a slight decrease in yield stress and total elongation was observed at the slowest strain rate of 3.3 × 10−8 s−1. In addition, only a part of fracture surface at the slowest strain rate showed intergranular type region in the inner surface area, although the grain boundary separation occurred on inner surfaces near the fracture region at all strain rates. It is suggested that the presence of a high content of helium near the inner surfaces would be related to the fracture behavior.

Hydrogen Permeation Behavior of X80 Steel under Constant and Slow Strain Rate Tension Stress

Hydrogen Permeation Behavior of X80 Steel under Constant and Slow Strain Rate Tension Stress

The 2024 Fentale Diking Episode in a Slow Extending Continental Rift

AbstractDikes can contribute to rifting, but the space‐time behavior and role of magma in young and slowly extending continental rifts is unclear. We use InSAR and seismicity during the 2024 Fentale intrusion in the Main Ethiopian rift (MER) to understand magma‐assisted rifting at slow extension rates (5 mm/yr). From 2021 to mid‐2024, the Fentale Volcanic Complex (FVC) uplifted up to 6 cm. From mid‐September 2024, upper crustal diking started northwards along the rift, initially with subdued seismicity. From late‐September to early November, dike opening increased to ∼2 m and propagated a total of ∼14 km north, causing increased seismicity from normal faulting. The dike made ∼90% of the total geodetic moment, with the rest from faulting. The character of the event is similar to rifting episodes at mid‐ocean ridges and demonstrates that episodic diking can occur in young, slow extending continent rifts but must be more infrequent.

Effect of Quenching Temperature on Microstructure and Hydrogen-Induced Cracking Susceptibility in S355 Steel

S355 steels are widely used in various applications. However, they may be affected by hydrogen, which can induce hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC). The effects of the quenching temperature (Twq) on the microstructure variation and HIC susceptibility of S355 steel was investigated by microstructural characterization, hydrogen permeation (HP) test, slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) test, hydrogen microprint technique (HMT) test, and hydrogen-charged cracking test. The results indicate that the microstructure of the treated specimens consisted of predominantly lath martensite (LM) and small amounts of lath bainite (LB) for the Twq of 950 °C and 1000 °C, while the microstructure of the treated specimens mainly consisted of LM for the Twq of 1050 °C and 1100 °C. The results indicate that as the Twq increased, the sample treated at 950 °C exhibited a minimum hydrogen embrittlement index (Iz), while the sample treated at 1050 °C exhibited the maximum Iz. The hydrogen diffusion coefficient was relatively low, while the hydrogen concentration and trap density were relatively high for the Twq of 1050 °C. The lath interfaces in martensite were effective hydrogen traps with high hydrogen-trapping efficiency. Hydrogen-induced cracks were significantly affected by hydrogen trapping at martensitic lath interfaces, exhibiting a basically transgranular fracture.

Discovery and Optimization of Novel Apo-IDO1 Inhibitors by a Pharmacophore-Based Structural Simplification Strategy.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) plays a crucial role in tumor immune escape. However, the limited clinical efficacy of traditional IDO1 inhibitors has impeded their further development. Recently, apo-IDO1 inhibitors that displace the heme to target IDO1 have been discovered, which exhibits a slow dissociation rate reminiscent of irreversible inhibitors. This characteristic suggests sustained target engagement, offering a pharmacodynamic advantage. Therefore, the development of apo-IDO1 inhibitors emerges as a promising strategy in the field of IDO1-related studies. Here, we present the identification of the thienopyrimidine derivative XW-001 through structure-based virtual screening, followed by an iterative optimization process that led to the development of XW-032. XW-032 exhibited remarkable in vitro inhibitory activity against apo-IDO1 (IC50 = 21 ± 5 nM) through a pharmacophore-guided structural simplification approach. Notably, XW-032 (TGI = 63%) exhibited potent in vivo antitumor efficacy in the CT26 syngeneic mouse model, highlighting the benefits of apo-IDO1 inhibitors for tumor immunotherapy.

Novel Co-Cultivation Bioprocess with Immobilized Paenibacillus polymyxa and Scenedesmus obliquus for Lipid and Butanediol Production

Microalgal biotechnology is gaining attention due to its potential to produce pigments, lipids, biofuels, and value-added products. However, challenges persist in terms of the economic viability of microalgal lipid production in photobioreactors due to slow growth rates, expensive media, complex downstream processing, limited product yields, and contamination risks. Recent studies suggest that co-cultivating microalgae with bacteria can enhance the profitability of microalgal bioprocesses. Immobilizing bacteria offers advantages such as protection against shear forces, the prevention of overgrowth, and continuous product secretion. Previous work has shown that biopolymeric immobilization of Paenibacillus polymyxa enhances 2,3-butanediol production. In this study, a novel co-fermentation process was developed by exploiting the chemical crosstalk between a freshwater microalga Scenedesmus obliquus, also known as Tetradesmus obliquus, and an immobilized plant-growth-promoting bacterium, Paenibacillus polymyxa. This co-cultivation resulted in increased metabolite production, with a 1.5-fold increase in the bacterial 2,3-butanediol concentration and a 3-fold increase in the microalgal growth rates compared to these values in free-cell co-cultivation. Moreover, the co-culture with the immobilized bacterium exhibited a 5-fold increase in the photosynthetic pigments and a 3-fold increase in the microalgal lipid concentration compared to these values in free-cell co-cultivation. A fixed bed photobioreactor was further constructed, and the co-cultivation bioprocess was implemented to improve the bacterial 2,3-butanediol and microalgal lipid production. In conclusion, this study provides conclusive evidence for the potential of co-cultivation and biopolymeric immobilization techniques to enhance 2,3-butanediol and lipid production.

Precision Synthesis Strategies and Emerging Applications of Bioorthogonal Click Chemistry in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Precision Synthesis Strategies and Emerging Applications of Bioorthogonal Click Chemistry in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Development of Ammonia Combustion Technology for NOx Reduction

This study comprehensively reviewed the engineering theories and technologies required for using ammonia as a fuel. The slow reaction rate and high NOx emissions of ammonia remain challenging issues with existing combustion technologies. Accordingly, the causes of these problems with ammonia were analyzed and the results of research aimed at solving these issues and commercializing ammonia combustion were examined to explore future directions for the development of ammonia combustion technology. The equivalence ratio (ER) emerged as the most important factor, closely related to operational stability and NOx emissions. Various combustion technologies, such as staged combustion and flameless combustion, have been attempted, but NOx emissions remain high at overall ER < 1, necessitating post-treatment processes. The internal recirculation of combustion gases is a key technology that enhances the stability of ammonia combustion, and its extreme case, flameless combustion technology, is predicted to form stable ammonia combustion. This is related to supplying the radicals that are lacking in the pure ammonia combustion process through the recirculation of combustion gases. By utilizing this, if the stability of ammonia combustion is secured and staged ER control technology is established, it is believed that the commercialization of pure ammonia combustion technology will be possible in the future.

Genesis and migration of salts in irrigated meadow sazovs soils

The study focuses on the Central Fergana region, which is characterized by an arid climate and low natural drainage capacity. It has been observed that even the salts accumulating at a slow rate in such soils eventually reach significant concentrations. In irrigated lands, an additional 1–1.5 g of salts per liter of irrigation water is continuously introduced, leading to an increased accumulation of soluble salts both quantitatively and qualitatively. Furthermore, it has been noted that mineralized groundwater located close to the surface also contributes to this process.

New insights in cellular senescence: The pituitary model.

Pituitary tumors are characterized by slow proliferation rates and a high prevalence within the population. The pathogenesis of these tumors remains incompletely understood, although accumulating evidence suggests that the activation of the cellular senescence program, triggered by various stressors and functioning as a brake on cellular proliferation, may contribute to their typically benign nature. Multiple mediators of the senescence response are implicated in this process. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a proinflammatory cytokine, plays a dual role in pituitary tumor biology. It is involved in both physiological pituitary growth and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), where it mediates paracrine-proliferative signals. In addition to its secretory functions, IL-6 has been implicated in the regulation of pituitary senescence through non-secretory mechanisms. Other factors, such as growth hormone (GH), the pituitary tumor-transforming gene (PTTG), and interactions within the tumor microenvironment, including immune cell dynamics, also contribute to the senescence observed in these tumors. This review examines the latest evidence concerning the role of senescence in pituitary tumors, with a particular focus on the contribution of IL-6 to this process.

Liner wrinkling and buckling of a Bimaterial pipe under cyclic bending

Liner wrinkling and buckling of a Bimaterial pipe under cyclic bending

Feasibility challenges in protein supplementation research: Insights from the convalescence of functional outcomes after intensive care unit stay in a Randomised Controlled Trial.

Feasibility challenges in protein supplementation research: Insights from the convalescence of functional outcomes after intensive care unit stay in a Randomised Controlled Trial.

Corrosion behavior and slow strain rate tensile testing of Inconel 718 alloy in deaerated supercritical water at 650 °C

Corrosion behavior and slow strain rate tensile testing of Inconel 718 alloy in deaerated supercritical water at 650 °C

A dual-drive strategy for enhanced protein crystallization with sodium alginate/hyaluronic acid film: Protein adsorption and supersaturation regulation.

A dual-drive strategy for enhanced protein crystallization with sodium alginate/hyaluronic acid film: Protein adsorption and supersaturation regulation.

Fabrication of eco friendly, durable fire retardant and hydrophobic cotton via layer-by-layer assembly

Fabrication of eco friendly, durable fire retardant and hydrophobic cotton via layer-by-layer assembly

Microbial interactions elucidate the mechanisms of hydraulic retention time altering denitrification pathway in a sole pyrite-based electrochemical bioreactor (PEBR).

Microbial interactions elucidate the mechanisms of hydraulic retention time altering denitrification pathway in a sole pyrite-based electrochemical bioreactor (PEBR).

Evaluation of Side Effects and Efficacy of Ferromagnetic Alginate-Chitosan Nanoparticles Encapsulating Docetaxel on PBMCs and MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells.

Docetaxel is a vital anticancer drug that despite its effectiveness, is associated with side effects in patients. The creation of an innovative docetaxel delivery system has received a lot of attention as a means of addressing issues including uncontrolled drug release, and nonspecific drug distribution with high toxicity. Here, the probable side effects and efficacy of dual-targeted alginate/chitosan coated magnetic nanoparticles encapsulating docetaxel on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and breast cancer cells (MCF-7) were evaluated. The formulated nanoparticles were 23-56 nm in size, had a spherical shape, and a smooth surface. Drug release investigation showed a slow release rate for encapsulated docetaxel during 4 days. Cytotoxicity on the MCF-7 cell line was increased compared to the free drug and IC50 reduced about 26-fold after 72 h. The monitoring of Bax and Bcl-2 showed that the expression pattern was altered to disturb the equilibrium of anti-versus apoptotic genes. IL-1β was downregulated in the encapsulated group. The amount of Apoptosis was not significantly different in PBMCs, but the necrosis rate increased after treatment with encapsulated drug. According to the results, the newly formulated drug offers an innovative approach to enhancing therapeutic efficacy and can be considered an appropriate alternative for docetaxel in cancer treatment.

Specifics of Green Energy Development in the Russian Federation

Introduction. The issues of sustainable development, environmental protection and transition to a low-carbon economy remain relevant for countries worldwide, including the Russian Federation. In the context of global climate change and depletion of traditional energy sources, the need to develop "green" energy has become increasingly important. However, despite the presence of a certain potential, this sector in Russia is still underdeveloped, which is due to various economic, technological and legislative factors. There are numerous theoretical studies on renewable energy sources in the scientific literature, but many aspects of their functioning and development remain insufficiently explored. This scientific gap makes it difficult to fully understand the mechanisms and strategies for its further development.In connection with the above, this study aims to analyze the current features and trends in the development of green energy in the Russian Federation. The study will also identify potential obstacles and opportunities for the expansion of green energy, as well as ways to overcome negative aspects of its functioning. The objectives of the authors of the study are focused on analyzing the priorities of public policy in Russia as a signatory to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Kyoto Protocol on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, on determining the impact of public policy, technology and investment on the development of renewable energy sources, as well as on studying factors that can accelerate the country's transition to more sustainable energy models. The results of the study aim not only to fill a current gap in scientific knowledge, but also to provide the basis for developing recommendations that can help optimize energy policy in the country.Materials and Methods. The authors analyzed legislative materials related to the topic of study. Statistical data on the types of energy capacities in the country over the past decade were used. The study was conducted based on regulatory and legal acts of the Russian Federation. Results from monitoring the implementation of government programs and strategies on the issue were also studied. Content analysis, structural and functional analysis were used as main research methods. The current state of affairs in the energy industry was presented based on the analysis of hierarchies, which was a set of elements, each of which reflected a specific step in achieving the goal.Results. The clear growth of renewable energy sources (RES) use in the total global energy capacity has been explicated. It has been established that Russia is paying significant attention to the development of renewable energy sources, with a focus on introducing public-private partnerships in this area. Methods and principles of government support aimed at developing this sector, as well as competitive technologies (RES.1 and RES.2) for the commissioning of generating facilities using various forms of renewable energy, have been analyzed. It has been confirmed that the energy development roadmap in Russia corresponds to a proposed hierarchy of strategies based on a hybrid approach. Priorities in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating pollution have also been established.Discussion and Conclusion. The data obtained from the research conducted by the authors indicates that Russia has started to move towards the active implementation of renewable energy sources while not disregarding the use of traditional energy from non-renewable resources, taking steps to minimize associated costs. The development of green energy in the country is still proceeding at a slow rate. Its development is hampered, on the one hand, by the already powerful potential of energy capacities, and on the other hand, by negative factors affecting both the production and use of renewable energy sources. While advocating for a faster transition to green energy, it is important to acknowledge that this process is fraught with challenges that must be predicted and addressed. To do so, a thorough analysis of the impact of different types of renewable energy sources on the environment and human health is necessary. Therefore, the introduction of renewable energy sources should be phased and carefully thought out. In this regard, this topic requires further study.

Computational Simulation of Thermal Storage Improvement using Water Pipes and PCM in the Thermal Storage Tank of Solar Collector

This study focuses on improving the thermal storage efficiency of evacuate tube solar collectors by integrating phase change materials PCM and water tubes inside a thermal storage tank. The simulation using the software ANSYS-fluent R-22. The simulation is carried out using three values of flow rates 4, 6, 8 L/m and solar radiation rates ranging from 437-630 W/m2 for days in January 17,18,21,31 and days in February 7,12,13,17,18,19,21,22. Although solar energy is abundant, it is not continuous year-round, requiring efficient thermal storage systems to maintain a constant supply of energy. Through the simulation, the use of tubing containing PCM has been shown to enhance heat transfer between the tank and the PCM tubing, as the PCM absorbs heat, stores it as latent heat and releases large amounts of energy during phase transitions. The PCMs, despite undergoing phase transitions for heat storage and release, have an isothermal heat storage characteristic which enhances energy storage. The design also seeks to establish the effects of varying numbers of aluminium tubes in overall heat storage capacity and efficiency of the said system. Despite these shortcomings, the findings reveal that the integration of water tubes improves the system’s heat transfer capability and that higher number of tubes yields better thermal characteristics. While wax based systems have exhibited stability in both liquid and solid phases, there has been a problem of slow heat transfer rates because of low thermal conductivity of wax. This progress in PCM and water tubes makes their functioning in solar collectors of thermal energy storage more efficient, reliable and increases overall energy efficiency and application of renewable energy.

Real-time in vivo structure-function study of scalp hair cycles: an experimental approach for monitoring living hair roots with a 20-year follow-up

Aim: This study presents an experimental approach for the long-term (16 years) in vivo observation of deeper structures in human scalp hair follicles, focusing on shortened hair cycles. When hair follicles entered a prolonged dormancy stage (3 years), rapid regrowth of thinning hair was stimulated by the topical application of a drug approved for promoting hair growth. Methods: While intra-epidermal chambers were ineffective as recipient sites, the most superficial dermal implantation proved successful for heterotopic transplantation of single scalp hair follicle grafts, enabling hair growth during successive cycles. Results: The study confirms the known reduction in daily hair growth rates while maintaining hair diameter. Notably, a unique and exceptional “non-correlation” was observed between scalp hair diameter and linear growth rates. While the initial shortening of the hair cycle duration was recorded in the first 3 years post-grafting, a further reduction eventually led to a “dormancy” phase in the long term (16 years post-grafting). Pharmacodynamics revealed that reactivation of hair production, following less than 3 months of topical application of a 5% minoxidil solution, suggested very slow daily growth rates and a substantial reduction in hair diameter. Conclusion: The initial findings suggest that non-invasive methods can be used for real-time structural-functional observation of scalp hair roots, enabling the study of cellular activity and movement during successive phases of the hair cycle, including aging and drug effects.