Increase In Volume Research Articles

Enhancing structural strength and microwave dielectric properties of the Ba4(Sm1-xCex)9.33Ti18O54 ceramics

Herein, microwave dielectric ceramics of the Ba4Sm9.33Ti18O54 ceramics are substituted at A sites by partially replacing Sm at A1 sites with Ce, and the effects of ionic substitution at A sites on ceramic crystal structure and microwave dielectric properties are investigated. The Ba4(Sm1-xCex)9.33Ti18O54 (BSCT) ceramics prepared through the solid phase method has a typical tungsten–bronze structure, and its lattice spacing increases gradually with the increase in Ce content x. This increase is reflected in the increase in the cell volume and growth of ceramic grains. However, the excess Ce after Ce content exceeds 0.25 leads to the growth of ceramic grains and increase in porosity between grains, which in turn increases the dielectric loss of the ceramic. Under optimal sintering conditions, the ceramic crystal has a maximum atomic packing density of x = 0.25, which corresponds to its most stable structural properties, and the highest Q × f value of 9013 GHz. Raman spectroscopy results indicate that in titanium oxygen octahedrons, an increase in Ce substitution can effectively weaken the bending and tensile vibration intensities of titanium oxygen bonds, further enhancing structural strength.

Features of organic agriculture development in Asian countries

Abstract The implementation of Sustainable Development Goals stimulates the use of new innovative technologies in production processes of the most resource-intensive types of economic activity in most countries of the world. The modern agricultural sector, which uses land and water resources to ensure food security in countries, aims to preserve soil fertility, the quality of water resources, air and biodiversity. That is why organic agriculture is gaining popularity not only in developed, but also in lower-income countries, including Asian countries. In recent years, countries such as China and India have increased the production of various types of products several times; moreover, their consumption is constantly increasing, which is the basis for achieving the goal of preserving the health of the nation. The study is aimed at identifying natural and economic factors in the development of production, consumption and export of organic products; existing risks. The choice of the object of study is due to the fact that China, India and Indonesia are the leading countries, among the top ten countries in terms of population, these countries are large in extent, in other words, the size of their territory allows them to produce various types of agricultural products; Vietnam and Thailand were chosen due to the fact that the countries are quite unique in terms of climatic conditions, which is why they produce unique types of products and have been actively increasing the production of organic products in recent years. Based on the methods of structural and comparative analysis, aligning time series, stable trends towards an increase in export volumes were identified, and the reasons for the increase in the production of organic products were substantiated.

Impact of left ventricular rehabilitation on surgical outcomes in patients with borderline left heart hypoplasia

ObjectiveClinical significance of left ventricular (LV) rehabilitation for borderline left ventricular (LV) hypoplasia is controversial. This study aimed to review the surgical results of patients with borderline LV hypoplasia, and to evaluate the impact of the LV rehabilitation on outcomes. MethodsPatients diagnosed with borderline LV hypoplasia and surgically treated from 2018 to 2022 were included. Overall surgical outcomes were evaluated and the changes in LV volumes calculated using angiography and zlog-NT-proBNP levels were analyzed in patients who underwent LV rehabilitation. ResultsThirty-three patients were included. Sixteen patients underwent primary biventricular repair, three patients underwent primary single ventricle palliation, and the remaining 14 patients underwent LV rehabilitation, including nine bilateral pulmonary artery banding (PAB) and ductal stenting, four central PAB, and one ductal stenting. Among fourteen patients who received LV rehabilitation, one died, one underwent single ventricle palliation, one was waiting for further procedure, and 11 underwent biventricular repair. After biventricular repair, 2 patients died, and 1 patient developed hemodynamic failure. As a result, only 8 patients were alive and in good condition. In patients who underwent LV rehabilitation, LV end-diastolic/end-systolic volume index, and LV stroke volume index increased over time after LV rehabilitation (p=0.001, p=0.007, and p=0.009, respectively). The zlog-NT-proBNP levels were stable until biventricular repair, but significantly higher in patients who presented with hemodynamic failure following biventricular repair compared to patients who did not exhibit hemodynamic failure. ConclusionsIn patients with borderline left heart hypoplasia, LV rehabilitation procedure promoted an increase in LV volume and contributed to establishing a biventricular circulation. The short-term results of this strategy are satisfactory, but further studies are essential to determine the long-term outcomes.

Die Effekte einer Lohnnebenkostensenkung für die Volkswirtschaft und die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit

Abstract The tax and social contribution ratio in Austria is very high by European standards, taxes on income in particular. This is reflected in a very wide tax wedge between labour costs and net income. The particularly high inflation in Austria in recent years has led to high wage increases and a loss of competitiveness. Based on a model analysis, it is shown that a reduction of taxes on the wage-sum by 1.4 % of GDP dampens the development of wage costs and increases employment by around 0.9 % or 40,000 persons. In addition, the reform reduces the GDP deflator by 0.9 to 0.7 percentage points and implies an increase in the real export volume by 1.4 % in the first three years.

BMP3b regulates bone mass by inhibiting BMP signaling

Bone morphogenetic protein 3b (BMP3b), also known as growth differentiation factor 10 (GDF10), is a non-osteogenic BMP highly expressed in the skeleton. Although in vitro studies have shown that BMP3b suppresses osteoblast differentiation, the physiological role of BMP3b in regulating bone mass in vivo remains unknown. Here, we show that BMP3b deletion in mice leads to a high bone mass phenotype via an unexpected novel mechanism involving de-repression of canonical BMP/Smad signaling. BMP3b null mice were viable, and exhibited no significant difference in body size compared to wildtype control. Trabecular bone parameters assessed by histomorphometry and μCT, revealed a significant increase in bone volume and bone mineral density. Expression of osteoblast-differentiation genes were elevated in bone tissue of BMP3b null mice, whereas expression of osteoclast-related genes remained unchanged. Consistent with this, Bmp3b was highly expressed in osteoblasts relative to osteoclast cells. Ex-vivo culture of primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and primary bone marrow-derived osteoclasts revealed that inactivation of BMP3b enhances osteogenesis without affecting osteoclastogenesis. Mechanistically, we found that BMP3b suppressed BMP4-induced Smad1/5 phosphorylation and inhibited the activity of a BMP4-driven Id-1 luciferase reporter. Protein-protein interaction assays revealed that BMP3b competitively interfered with the association of BMP4 and BMP type I receptors. These findings suggest that BMP3b regulates bone mass by acting as a BMP receptor antagonist. Thus, maintenance of bone mass involves antagonism of canonical BMP/Smad signaling by a member of the BMP family.

Analysis of vertebrotomy treatment in children with congenital scoliosis with unsegmented rod and rib synostosis

BACKGROUND: Congenital anomalies of vertebral development account for 2%–11% of cases in the general structure of nosologies that cause spinal deformity. An unsegmented rod (unilateral violation of vertebral segmentation) is attributed to a prognostically unfavorable malformation. Rib synostosis causes the development of thoracic insufficiency syndrome. AIM: To analyze the results of treatment of children with congenital scoliosis caused by an unsegmented rod and rib synostosis by vertebrotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cohort, retrospective, monocenter study evaluated the treatment results of 55 patients. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1, children aged 2–8 years, the scope of intervention was wedge-shaped osteotomy of a non-segmented rod at the apex of the deformity, and group 2, children aged 8–18 years, the scope of intervention was wedge-shaped osteotomy at the apex of the deformity and two linear osteotomies of a non-segmented rod in the cranial and caudal directions. Clinical, radiological, and statistical research methods were used. RESULTS: Significant correction of scoliosis was achieved in 65.5% of patients aged 2–7 years (group 1) and 56.3% in children aged 8–18 years (group 2). Hypokyphosis of the thoracic spine was observed in the patients. The percentage of correction of kyphosis was 21.1% in group 1 and 19.1% in group 2. Lung volume increased by 27.9% (p = 0.01776) in group 1, and lung volume on the concave side increased by 23.5% (p = 0.04975) and on the convex side by 29.6% (p = 0.01073). Improvement in the overall respiratory impedance reached 47.3% (p 0.05). In group 2, a insignificant increase was found in VVC by 12.6% (p = 0.3509) and FEV1 by 8.7% of the initial (p = 0.1534), as well as an increase in total lung volume of 13.3% (p = 0.1527) and the contribution of the lung along the concave side of 18.8% (p = 0.1535), and the lung along the convex side was 8.4% (p = 0.169), indicating no significant impact on lung development and function. CONCLUSIONS: In children with spinal deformity caused by a non-segmented rod with normal respiratory function, vertebrotomy at the apex of the deformity with subsequent correction and stabilization of the spinal deformity is recommended. Performing simultaneous multilevel osteotomies of a non-segmented rod allows for significant correction of rigid spinal deformity.

Training for Elite Team-Pursuit Track Cyclists-Part II: A Comparison of Preparation Phases in Consecutive World-Record-Breaking Seasons.

To compare the training characteristics of an elite team pursuit cycling squad in the 3-month preparation phases prior to 2 successive world-record (WR) performances. Training data of 5 male track endurance cyclists (mean [SD]; age 23.4 [3.46]y; body mass 80.2 [2.74]kg; 4.5 [0.17]W·kg-1 at LT2; maximal aerobic power6.2 [0.27]W·kg-1; maximal oxygen uptake 65.9 [2.89]mL·kg-1·min-1) were analyzed with weekly total training volume by training type and heart rate, power output, and torque intensity distributions calculated with reference to the respective WRs' performance requirements. Athletes completed 805 (82.81) and 725 (68.40)min·wk-1 of training, respectively, in each season. In the second season, there was a 32% increase in total track volume, although track sessions were shorter (ie,greater frequency) in the second season. A pyramidal intensity distribution was consistent across both seasons, with 81% of training, on average, performed below LT1 power output each week, whereas 6% of training was performed above LT2. Athletes accumulated greater volume above WR team pursuit lead power (2.4% vs 0.9%) and torque (6.2% vs 3.2%) in 2019. In one athlete, mean single-leg-press peak rate of force development was 71% and 46% higher at mid- and late-phases, respectively, during the preparation period. These findings provide novel insights into the common and contrasting methods contributing to successive WR team pursuit performances. Greater accumulation of volume above race-specific power and torque (eg,team pursuit lead), as well as improved neuromuscular force-generating capacities, may be worthy of investigation for implementation in training programs.

Association of systolic blood pressure variability with cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes: A post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

We aimed to explore the association between visit-to-visit systolic blood pressure variability (BPV) and cognitive function in individuals with type 2 diabetes. We performed a post hoc analysis of the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Memory in Diabetes (ACCORD-MIND) substudy. A total of 2867 diabetes patients with ≥3 BP measurements between the 4- and 20-month visits were included. Visit-to-visit systolic BPV was calculated. Cognitive decline was defined as a Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), or Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) score greater than 1 standard deviation (SD) below the baseline mean, or a Stroop test score more than 1 SD above the baseline mean. The associations of systolic BPV with risks of cognitive decline were examined using Cox proportional hazards models, and with changes in brain magnetic resonance imaging parameters were evaluated using mixed models. The risk of cognitive decline defined by the DSST score (but not by other scores) increased significantly with systolic BPV quartiles (p for trend = 0.008), and there was a 55% increased risk for BPV quartile 4 versus quartile 1 (hazard ratio = 1.55, 95% confidence interval 1.10-2.19). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between systolic BPV and change in white matter lesion volume (β = 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.13). A greater visit-to-visit systolic BPV was significantly associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline measured by DSST and an increase in white matter lesion volume in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Experimental investigation on the frost resistance of RCC layers with various interface treatments

This research investigates the influence of various interface treatment methods on the frost resistance performance of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) layers. Freeze-thaw cycle tests were conducted on RCC with interfaces treated using cement mortar, expansion agent mortar, and nano-SiO2 mortar. The study evaluated shear failure modes, shear strength, crack expansion, pore structure, and liquid uptake of the RCC interface after freeze-thaw cycles under different treatment methods. Results reveal that expansion agent mortar and nano-SiO2 mortar improve the shear strength of RCC after freeze-thaw cycles more effectively than cement mortar. The freeze-thaw cycles increase the width and expansion rate of cracks at the RCC interface during the shear process, while mortar treatments help delay crack development. Additionally, the pore volume at the RCC interface gradually increases, and the uniformity of pore distribution decreases under freeze-thaw cycles. During liquid uptake, mortar treatments slow down the upward migration of liquids by improving the pore structure at the interface. The liquid uptake of RCC exhibits a distinct linear relationship with its shear strength and pore structure. As liquid uptake time increases, water first fills larger pores before gradually entering smaller ones. Freeze-thaw cycles cause an increase in pore volume and enlargement, which leads to greater liquid uptake. Based on the damage mechanism of the RCC interface under freeze-thaw conditions, a model of shear strength degradation due to freeze-thaw cycles was established, aligning well with experimental results. Mechanism analysis indicates that nano-SiO2 and expansion agents enhance frost resistance by filling interface pores and cracks through reactions with certain compounds, thereby improving the microstructure.

Implementation and Evaluation of a 10-Week Kettlebell Training Load Distribution on Strength and Aerobic Capacity in Recreationally Trained Women

Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the dynamic distribution of training loads in a kettlebell program and evaluate its effects on muscle strength and aerobic capacity. MethodsFourteen recreationally active women with no kettlebell training experience (age: 25.86 ± 5.35 years; V̇O2max = 35.14 ± 5.58 mL/kg/min; body mass = 62.13 ± 13.40 kg; height = 164.75 ± 5.77 cm; body mass index = 22.68 ± 3.99 kg/m²) completed a 10-week kettlebell training program. The kettlebell training program was divided into three phases: Phase I (2 weeks), phase II (4 weeks), and Phase III (4 weeks). Maximum muscle strength (1RM) and aerobic fitness (V̇O2max) measurements were performed before (Pre) and after (Post) training. The external and internal loads were represented by the session's total volume and perceived exertion method. ResultsAn increase in maximum strength (P < .001; ∆% = 23.73; effect size = 0.87) and V̇O2max (P = .004; ∆% = 9.63; effect size = 0.57) was observed when comparing Pre and Post measurements. There was an increase in total volume when phases I and II (P < .001), phases I and III (P < .001), and phases II and III (P < .001) of the training were compared. The internal load values increased significantly between phases I and II (P < .001). However, there was no difference when comparing phases II and III (P = .796). ConclusionThe total volume increases during the training phases, and the training load was similar in phases II and III. Furthermore, were observed higher V̇O2max and strength (1 RM load) values.

Comparison of pulse pressure and stroke volume variations measured by three monitors in high-risk surgical patients

IntroductionDynamic indices of fluid responsiveness (FR) such as pulse pressure variation (PPV) and stroke volume variation (SVV) differ among hemodynamic monitors, which use proprietary algorithms, and vary even over a short period of time. We aimed to compare the baseline values, fluctuation and predictive value for FR of PPV and SVV measured by three minimally invasive monitors. Patients and methodsTwenty patients undergoing high-risk abdominal surgery were included and 45 fluid challenges were analysed. The patients were simultaneously monitored using Carescape B650, LiDCO Rapid and FloTrac/Vigileo system. Cardiac output (CO), PPV and SVV were recorded before and after the fluid challenge of 500ml of balanced crystalloid solution. An increase in CO ≥ 15 % defined fluid responders. Concurrently recorded arterial waveform was used for offline calculation of PPV. ResultsMean baseline values of the indices ranged between 8.6% and 13.4%. LiDCO showed higher fluctuation of indices compared to the other monitors. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) ranged from 0.71 to 0.76 with optimal cut-off value between 7.5% and 13.9%. AUROC increased for all indices when FR was defined as an increase in stroke volume. Furthermore, a decrease in PPV or SVV after fluid challenge (ΔPPV, ΔSVV) proved a better marker of FR (AUROC 0.82 – 0.93) than baseline values with a uniform threshold of approximately -3%. ConclusionsAlthough a significant range of baselines variations and optimal cut-off values was observed, the predictive value of PPV and SVV from all the monitors was only moderate and comparable. Nevertheless, ΔPPV and ΔSVV appear to be a reliable and device-independent markers of FR.

Improving the foaming performance of foamed ceramics using Fe2O3 as an oxygen donor

A solution is proposed to reduce the cost of preparing foamed ceramics (FCs) by adding Fe2O3 to the material system. As the Si3N4 in the Fe2O3–free material system increases, the molten ceramic matrix allows a slight increase in gas generation at elevated temperatures, resulting in a slight increase in the foaming volume of FCs. The addition of Fe2O3 increases the oxygen supply capacity of the molten ceramic matrix at elevated temperatures, thereby accelerating the oxidation of Si3N4 and consequently increasing the foaming volume of the FCs. The FCs sintered from the 5 wt% Fe2O3 and 2 wt% Si3N4 material system at 1160–1180 °C have satisfactory overall performance with total/closed porosity of (73.6–79.5)%/(71.4–75.7)% and compressive strength of 10.2–15.4 MPa. The addition of Fe2O3 to the material system can reduce the dosage of Si3N4 for FCs preparation, thereby decreasing the cost of FCs preparation.

Neural Influences on Tumor Progression Within the Central Nervous System.

For decades, researchers have studied how brain tumors, the immune system, and drugs interact. With the advances in cancer neuroscience, which centers on defining and therapeutically targeting nervous system-cancer interactions, both within the local tumor microenvironment (TME) and on a systemic level, the subtle relationship between neurons and tumors in the central nervous system (CNS) has been deeply studied. Neurons, as the executors of brain functional activities, have been shown to significantly influence the emergence and development of brain tumors, including both primary and metastatic tumors. They engage with tumor cells via chemical or electrical synapses, directly regulating tumors or via intricate coupling networks, and also contribute to the TME through paracrine signaling, secreting proteins that exert regulatory effects. For instance, in a study involving a mouse model of glioblastoma, the authors observed a 42% increase in tumor volume when neuronal activity was stimulated, compared to controls (p < 0.01), indicating a direct correlation between neural activity and tumor growth. These thought-provoking results offer promising new strategies for brain tumor therapies, highlighting the potential of neuronal modulation to curb tumor progression. Future strategies may focus on developing drugs to inhibit or neutralize proteins and other bioactive substances secreted by neurons, break synaptic connections and interactions between infiltrating cells and tumor cells, as well as disrupt electrical coupling within glioma cell networks. By harnessing the insights gained from this research, we aspire to usher in a new era of brain tumor therapies that are both more potent and precise.

Optimizing Underground Natural Gas Storage Capacity through Numerical Modeling and Strategic Well Placement

This study focuses on optimizing the storage capacity of an underground natural gas storage facility through numerical modeling and simulation techniques. The reservoir, characterized by an elongated dome structure, was discretized into approximately 16,000 cells. Simulations were conducted using key parameters such as permeability (10–70 mD) and porosity (12–26%) to assess the dynamics of gas injection and pressure distribution. The model incorporated core and petrophysical data to accurately represent the reservoir’s behavior. By integrating new wells in areas with storage deficits, the model demonstrated improvements in storage efficiency and pressure uniformity. The introduction of additional wells led to a significant increase in storage volume from 380 to 512 million Sm³ and optimized the injection process by reducing the storage period by 25%. The study concludes that reservoir performance can be enhanced with targeted well placement and customized flow rates, resulting in both increased storage capacity and economic benefits.

Structural modification of mesoporous lanthanum oxide into 3D coral-like and nano needle-like structure for effective broadband microwave absorbing materials☆

Structural modification of three dimensional (3D) materials for the application of dielectric loss-based microwave absorbing materials (MAMs) usually relies on intricate synthesis process and can pose challenges in terms of scalability and mass production for practical application. In this work, we reported a successful attempt in modifying the 3D structure of mesoporous lanthanum oxide (La2O3) for effective broadband MAMs candidate via simple co-precipitation process. The inclusion of cetyl-trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and hydrothermal aging treatment result in a significant transformation of La2O3 particles from their original polygonal form to a 3D coral-like and nano needle-like structure. The utilization of CTAB and hydrothermal aging results in the increase of surface area and a two-fold increase in pore volume of the resulting La2O3. Due to its unique 3D structure, the 3D coral-like and nano needle-like La2O3 materials possess a broadband electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption characteristic with the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) covering the C-band frequency range. Specifically, in the La2O3 C-H sample (with CTAB – with hydrothermal), it exhibits strong EM wave absorption with a reflection loss (RL) value of –33.07 dB which equals to 99.95% EM wave absorption at a thickness of only 1.50 mm. The detailed analysis of EM wave absorption properties reveals that the improvement of La2O3 materials to attenuate EM wave energy arises from the dielectric loss phenomenon, the enhanced interfacial polarization, multiple reflections mechanism, and conduction loss mechanism induced by the 3D structural formation of the La2O3 structure. This work proposes a novel and efficient approach in synthesizing and modifying 3D materials for effective broadband EM wave absorption.

Characterization and Structural Analysis of Alcohol-Fractionated Lignin Biofuels Processed at Ambient Temperature

This study introduces Cold-processed Lignin in (M)ethanol Oil (CLEO/CLiMO), a novel biofuel technology derived from the alcohol-fractionation of lignin at ambient temperatures, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional marine fuels. The production process achieved solid loadings of up to 60 wt% lignin and a volumetric energy density 39% higher than pure alcohols. Lignin concentrations above 30 wt% promoted colloidal stability through the proposed formation of a spanning network of lignin aggregates, associated with a 100-fold increase of viscosity. Additionally, we observed a decrease in the radius of gyration of lignin particles from 2.5-2.7 nm at 30 wt% to 1.1-1.3 nm at 60 wt% following a transition from globular to elongated random coil shaped particles. This was accompanied by a twofold increase in the partial specific volume of lignin, suggesting a reduction in packing efficiency. The study highlights CLEO's potential as a sustainable shipping fuel alternative, combining favorable fuel properties with a simple and scalable production method.

Transformation of Biochar from Plant Biomass in Gray Forest Soil: Evaluation by Isotopic Labeling Method

Pyrolysis is considered to be one of promising methods for processing agricultural waste and for producing fertilizers. The efficiency of the resulting biochar as a fertilizer has been proven, but the preferential way of decomposition of organic substances in it—biotic or abiotic—is still open to argument. The ways of transformation of biochar obtained from corn (a plant of the C4 type of photosynthesis with an increased 13C content) were assessed in this work, using the solid-phase CP/MAS 13C NMR spectroscopy. Biochar was placed into the top layer of a monolith of gray forest soil, and the precipitation regime characteristic of Central Russia was simulated for 90 days. The peak at 129 ppm typical for aromatic compounds increased during the experiment in the obtained NMR spectra of soil samples with biochar in the upper soil layer, but not in other layers. This testifies that biochar particles do not migrate down the soil profile during one season. The intensity of cumulative microbial respiration in the presence of biochar increases from 85.0 g CO2 kg–1 in the control sample to 201.4 g CO2 kg–1 in the sample with biochar (the topsoil). According to the NMR spectra of the salt formed during mineralization of carbon dioxide released from the soil, it contains labeled carbon: there is a peak at 169 ppm characteristic of carbonates. The cumulative volume of CO2 released from the soil with biochar is 1.9 times greater as compared to the control soil. The addition of microorganisms-decomposers caused an additional increase in the CO2 volume: 2.4 times relative to the control, which indicates the role of microorganisms in the destruction of soil organic matter and of biochar. However, based on the stability of the total carbon content in the soil, it can be concluded that only a small proportion of biochar components is susceptible to biotic decomposition.

Unravelling the bread-making functionality of gluten-rich sub-aleurone flour obtained by dry fractionation of wheat miller’s bran

The residual endosperm of wheat miller’s bran is rich in gluten proteins due to the presence of protein-rich sub-aleurone cells. Here, the goal was to gain insight into the bread-making functionality of sub-aleurone gluten-enriched fractions obtained through dry fractionation of miller’s bran and the inherent bread-making functionality of sub-aleurone gluten. Therefore, two sub-aleurone gluten-enriched fractions (Sub-alF and Sub-alC), differing in particle size distribution and chemical composition, were prepared from miller’s bran using impact milling, sieving, and air classification. Substituting 22.5 % of white flour with Sub-alF, Sub-alC, commercial gluten A (GluA) and B (GluB), all standardised to a protein content of 20.6 % with wheat starch, led to an increase in specific loaf volume of 14.8 %, 14.0 %, 14.3 %, and 21.8 %, respectively. Despite their higher level of bran contamination and lower relative gluten content, Sub-alF and Sub-alC were equally functional as commercial gluten (GluA). This could be due to wet fractionation, which is used in commercial gluten production, reducing the functionality of gluten, as indicated by comparing the functionality of gluten in Sub-alC and gluten isolated via wet fractionation from Sub-alC with GluA. Substituting 6 % of white flour with gluten isolated via wet fractionation from Sub-alC and from the corresponding flour increased the specific volume by 27.2 % and 29.4 %, respectively. Sub-aleurone gluten and flour gluten were, hence, functionally comparable. In conclusion, the sub-aleurone’s high content of functional gluten enables the production of functional gluten-enriched ingredients from miller’s bran.

Impacts of the sea-rail intermodal transport policy on carbon emission reduction: The China case study

China introduced the Intermodal Transport Demonstration Project Policy in 2015, spurring the rapid expansion of sea-rail intermodal transport (SRT) at coastal ports. This policy is of crucial importance as SRT is pivotal in supporting the transport sector's achievement of the “double carbon target”. Despite strong policy backing and notable growth of SRT, the impact of these SRT demonstration projects on curbing transport carbon emissions has not been comprehensively evaluated. This study addresses this gap by using panel data from hub seaports across nine provinces and applying a multi-period-continuous difference-in-differences model. The research quantifies SRT's contribution to reducing transport carbon emission reductions as a result of the policy. Key findings indicate: (1) Each 10,000 TEU increase in containerized SRT volume results in a 0.162% reduction in transport carbon emissions, with projected growth by 2025 leading to a 9.02% decrease in emissions. (2) SRT lowers transport energy consumption and carbon emission intensity, fostering a green transformation in energy use. (3) Geographical analysis indicates that policy implementation in the southern region requires further strengthening. This study enhances empirical understanding of low-carbon SRT development in hub ports, emphasizing its critical role in China's transition to decarbonized transport. It also highlights the importance of regional policy effectiveness, offering valuable insights for policymakers striving to promote sustainable transport modes.

The Influence of Preablation Embolization Particle Size on the Size of the Microwave Ablation Zone in a Porcine Orthotopic Renal Tumor Model

PurposeTo combine arterial embolization with different embolic agents, followed by microwave ablation (MWA) in a porcine renal tumor (RT), to evaluate the ideal setting to produce the largest change in the size of the ablation zones (AZs). Materials and MethodsIn a transgenic porcine kidney, 32 sites were inoculation with 28 orthotopic RT produced. Experimental groups (23 tumors) underwent angiography with intra-arterial embolization using various embolic materials (calibrated particles from 40 to 1,200 μm and ethiodized oil) to achieve vascular stasis of the RT. MWA using a standard protocol (3 minutes at 65 W) was subsequently performed for all tumors. Next, a gross and histologic ex vivo analysis of the AZ was performed. ResultsControl group AZ volume without prior embolization was 5.24 cm3 (SD ± 0.55). AZs after embolization with 40 μm, 100 μm, 300–500 μm, 900–1,200 μm particles were significantly larger than those with MWA alone (mean, 15.39 cm3 [SD ± 4.54]; P = .002; 11.07 cm3 [SD ± 1.39]; P = .001; 8.68 cm3 [SD ± 0.77]; P = .001; and 9.90 cm3 [SD ± 1.62]; P = .002, respectively). Liquid embolic ethiodized oil emulsion did not create a significant increase in the AZ (5.92 cm3 [SD ± 1.43 cm3]; P = .492). ConclusionsPre-MWA arterial embolization in a porcine RT model produced a statistically significant increase in the AZ when compared with MWA alone. Using smaller particle size embolic material with distal embolization at the tumor arterioles (50–150 μm) produced the largest, almost 3-fold increase in AZ volume.