Web Formation Research Articles

A Topological Investigation of the Cosmic Web Formation

N-body simulations of the evolution of the large-scale structure of the universe (the Cosmic Web) were run while altering attractive gravity laws and initial conditions, in order to infer which properties of the universe are revealed by its current large-scale topology. The Cosmic Web was found to develop regardless of the gravitational alteration made. Significantly altering the initial conditions from Gaussian distribution ones was found to eliminate the Cosmic Web. Thus, we require small random perturbations in otherwise uniform initial conditions in the early universe, under an attractive gravitational force, for the Cosmic Web to develop.

Tensile behavior of needle-punched nonwoven geotextiles based on in-situ X-ray computed tomography and numerical simulation

There are situations where geotextiles are subjected to uniaxial tensile strain, which may result in noticeable variations in their filtration performance. This study accordingly investigated the behaviors of needle-punched nonwoven geotextiles during tensile testing using in-situ X-ray computed tomography. Furthermore, a numerical analysis of the variation in pore size characteristics was performed by establishing a geotextile model based on the web formation and bonding manufacturing process. The pore size and fiber orientation distributions were subsequently investigated and a model for the changes in the pore characteristics was established and validated. With increasing tension strain in the machine direction, the pore throat size distribution curve exhibited an overall shift towards larger sizes, and the characteristic pore sizes ranging from 10% to 98% either initially decreased, then increased or consistently increased. Furthermore, the fiber distribution was predominantly within the geotextile plane along the machine direction, and as the strain increased, the fibers stretched and aligned along the direction of the tensile load along the machine direction. Finally, the experimental findings of this study and relevant test results from the literature were thoroughly interpreted. The numerical model align well with the actual changes in pore size characteristics observed under tensile strain.

Dorsal arachnoid web of the thoracic spine associated with an arachnoid cyst and a presyrinx state as an unexplained cause of thoracic myelopathy: illustrative case.

Dorsal thoracic arachnoid web is a rare diagnosis and is not commonly seen in neurosurgical practice. Patients can present with symptoms and signs of thoracic myelopathy in the setting of an arachnoid cyst and a presyrinx state. A 57-year-old male with a 10-year history of worsening bilateral leg weakness and chronic back pain re-presented to the neurosurgery clinic after being seen by neurology and orthopedic spine surgery. Initial imaging was concerning for myelomalacia and syringomyelia, and repeat delayed computed tomography myelography findings were consistent with an evolving thoracic arachnoid web, now demonstrating spinal cord compression secondary to arachnoid cyst formation and consistent with the signs of thoracic myelopathy. Intraoperative ultrasound displayed the arachnoid web as the cause of the evolving arachnoid cyst, edematous spinal cord, and a presyrinx-like state. The patient underwent surgical decompression, which restored cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, resulting in clinical improvement. Dorsal thoracic arachnoid web is a dynamic condition that can occur in the setting of an arachnoid cyst. There appears to be a relationship between dorsal thoracic arachnoid web formation and the presence of an arachnoid cyst resulting from a ball-valve mechanism leading to the creation of a pressure gradient effect that alters CSF fluid dynamics. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24313.

Degradation of Biodegradable Nonwoven Mulches in the Winter Period.

An open field experiment from November 2022 to May 2023 in Croatia, which is characterized by a continental humid climate, evaluated nonwoven mulches made from viscose, jute, and hemp fibres blended with PLA fibres. The blends of viscose and jute fibres (90:10, 80:20, and 70:30 ratios) were produced using mechanical web formation on cards with needle punching for bonding webs. Additionally, hemp fibres were blended with PLA fibres in a ratio of 80:20. Winter conditions caused significant structural changes in the mulches, including shrinkage, increased mass per unit area, thickness, and reduced air permeability. The amount of PLA fibre in the nonwoven mulch blends significantly affected nonwoven fabric structure change during exposure to winter conditions. After 180 days, the breaking force of all mulches increased by 30% to 277%. The soil beneath jute and hemp mulches maintained higher temperatures and moisture levels compared to viscose mulches. Soil organic carbon content varied with fibre type and was higher under jute and hemp mulches. K2O content was significantly higher in soils covered by mulches. All mulches effectively suppressed weeds. The experiment results showed that the newly produced nonwoven mulches could replace the conventional agro foil. Results also suggest that choosing biodegradable nonwoven mulches produced from fibres obtained from natural and renewable sources can influence soil fertility and the availability of nutrients, ultimately affecting plant growth and agricultural productivity.

Leather waste as a filler of synthetic fibers: a novel approach to waste recycling

Leather finished scrap (LFS) is a footwear industrial waste that is often dumped in landfills. Due to environmental problems, there has recently been an increase in interest in using wastes as inclusion for blending materials. The micro leather fibers (MLF) were extracted from the LFS with the help of using fiber isolation machine. This study examines the possibility of using LFS waste as a blending in a polypropylene fiber (PPF). 500 wt % of MLF and different concentrations of PPF (100, 200, and 300 wt %) were used to develop the web fibrous matrix (WFM) by the method of web formation, and injection molded techniques, for their consumer application. The impact of PPF blending concentration on the mechanical characteristics of WFM was assessed. WFM containing up to 300 wt % PPF increased tensile strength (85.95+1.81 MPa), elongation at break (81.18+0.23 %), tearing strength (22.69+0.23 N/mm), flexing index (10.55+0.73 %), etc., characteristics attaining mechanical properties comparable to non-woven polypropylene composite. A biodegradation study was carried out using an enzymatic method, and the results demonstrated the biodegradable properties. The WFM demonstrated desirable applications such as house interiors, shoe lining materials, carpets, puppets, etc., as well as low-cost materials and prevention of pollution.

A Modified Approach for Preventing Anterior Glottic Web Formation Using Mitomycin C in Bilateral Vocal Fold Lesions.

Objectives: Laryngeal keel insertion, mucosal suture, application of mitomycin-C (MMC), and staged operations are approaches to prevent the anterior glottic web, but there are limitations. Our study suggests a modified approach to prevent the formation of an anterior glottic web. Methods: This retrospective single-institution tertiary center study (N = 23) involved the simultaneous removal of bilateral vocal fold lesions with topical MMC application. If exudate was identified after 4 to 6 weeks, second laryngomicroscopic surgery (LMS) was performed to remove it with topical MMC application. Extent of anterior glottic web was measured as a percentage of the total length of the membranous vocal fold. Results: After the initial surgery, 18 patients recovered without anterior web or fibrin exudate. Thick exudate was observed in 5 patients. After the second LMS, all patients showed improvement and did not develop anterior web. Conclusion: This modified method has been developed to prevent the anterior glottic web without complications.

Exploring the multifaceted impact of lanthanides on physiological pathways in human breast cancer cells

Lanthanum (La) and cerium (Ce), rare earth elements with physical properties similar to calcium (Ca), are generally considered non-toxic when used appropriately. However, their ions possess anti-tumor capabilities. This investigation explores the potential applications and mechanisms of LaCl3 or CeCl3 treatment in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines. TNBC, characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) expression, is prone to early metastasis and resistant to hormone therapy. Our results demonstrate that La/Ce treatment reduces cell growth, and when combined with cisplatin, it synergistically inhibits cell growth and the PI3K/AKT pathway. La and Ce induce oxidative stress by disrupting mitochondrial function, leading to protein oxidation. Additionally, they interfere with protein homeostasis and induce nucleolar stress. Furthermore, disturbance in F-actin web formation impairs cell migration. This study delves into the mechanism by which calcium-like elements La and Ce inhibit breast cancer cell growth, shedding light on their interference in mitochondrial function, protein homeostasis, and cytoskeleton assembly.

Plummer-Vinson syndrome: is the immune system the missing piece?

Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS) is a rare disorder characterized by a triad of iron-deficiency anemia, cervical dysphagia, and post-cricoid esophageal webs. The exact relationship between anemia and web formation remains unclear, with current hypotheses lacking strong evidence. Although treating anemia generally resolves dysphagia, some cases require endoscopic intervention. PVS is considered a precancerous condition due to its association with squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx or upper esophagus. We present the case of a 53-year-old woman with psoriatic arthritis who exhibited iron-deficiency anemia unresponsive to oral iron and persistent dysphagia. Gastroscopy revealed esophageal narrowing, and she underwent successful balloon dilation following iron therapy. The patient is now asymptomatic. While the etiopathogenesis of PVS remains unknown, autoimmune conditions may play a role. Due to its potential link to neoplastic lesions, recognizing and managing PVS is critical. Further research is required to improve understanding and identify those at risk.

Evaluation for endotoxin in intraocular materials used during phacoemulsification surgery using a recombinant factor C assay.

Cataract surgery remains the sole method to resolve blindness secondary to cataract formation. One complication includes fibrin web formation post-operatively. This study aimed to investigate the presence of endotoxin within materials used during cataract surgery as a possible cause of fibrin web phenomenon. Preservative-free epinephrine, heparin, viscoelastic devices, and intraocular lenses were collected for evaluation. Various manufacturers and manufacturing lot numbers were used when available. Viscosity of viscoelastics was reduced by incubating samples with human recombinant hyaluronidase. Intraocular product (IOL) packaging fluid was collected and stored for testing. The IOLs were then washed with a sterile balanced salt solution, incubated at 37°C for 48 h, and then fluid was collected for testing to mimic intraocular placement. Samples were tested using a commercially available rFC kit. Fluorescence was measured at time zero and after 1 h using a fluorescence microplate reader. The change in fluorescence was corrected for blank fluorescence and plotted to a standard curve. Endotoxin levels were below the limit of detection (0.05 EU/mL) in all samples. Incubation of IOLs at intraocular temperature did not increase extraction of endotoxin. Endotoxin was not identified in any tested sample, including those used in cases of fibrin web formation post-phacoemulsification. As fibrin webs are often observed episodically, it is possible that endotoxin levels may vary between batches, or that endotoxin is not related to fibrin formation.

Numerical investigation of the tensile behaviors of needle-punched nonwoven geotextiles

A numerical modeling method to reproduce the structures of needle-punched nonwoven geotextile based on the actual manufacturing process (web formation and web bonding) was developed. The geotextile model was built based on the statistical characteristics of the computed tomography (CT) observations, physical and mechanical properties of fibers, and physical parameters of the geotextile. A combination of the finite element model and pore network model method was proposed to obtain the pore size characteristics. The appearance and pore size characteristics before and under uniaxial tensile strains were investigated. It is shown that the method can simulate the geotextile manufacturing process satisfactorily. The pore size distribution (PSD) curves obtained from the model show good agreement with the CT-based results. Moreover, the method can reasonably simulate the tensile behaviors of geotextile under uniaxial tensile strain. The specimen necking phenomenon during the uniaxial tensile test was well reproduced. The PSD curves moved towards the direction of larger pore size with increasing uniaxial strain, and characteristic pore sizes (O98, O95, O50, O30, O10) all show a relatively steady increasing trend.

Hollow reversible kapok fibrous membranes with amphiphilicity, natural antibacterial properties, and biodegradability

The demand for exploring biodegradable materials that possess multiple functionalities is rapidly increasing. However, achieving a balance between multiple functional properties is a critical objective that presents a significant challenge. In this study, we have developed multifunctional fibrous membranes with a porous layered structure and high porosity fabricated using alkali-treated kapok fibers via a wet-laid web formation and hot-pressing technique. A noteworthy phenomenon has been observed wherein a fibrous membrane can recover up to 4.49 times its original thickness and restore its hollow structure after being soaked in water for 24 h. This exceptional behavior is attributed to the combined effects of hydration and structure in the kapok fibers. Additionally, the kapok fibrous membrane demonstrates amphiphilic properties, evidenced by contact angles below 42° for water and oil. Furthermore, the membrane exhibits degradation rates of 17.91 % and 74.14 % after 15 and 30 days, respectively. The presence of associated substances and the unique hollow structure inherent in kapok fiber contribute to the outstanding antibacterial efficacy of the fibrous membrane, demonstrating a remarkable inhibition rate of 94 % and 95 % against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. This innovative approach enables the production of versatile biodegradable fibrous membranes with the potential to be utilized in various environmentally-conscious applications, particularly in personal protection and human health.

Development and Characterization of Bio-Composites from the Plant Wastes of Water Hyacinth and Sugarcane Bagasse: Effect of Water Repellent and Gamma Radiation.

Plant waste is a huge source of natural fibers and has great potential in the field of reinforced polymer composites to replace the environmentally harmful synthetic composites. In this study, fibers were extracted from water hyacinth (WH) petiole and sugarcane bagasse (SB) to make nonwovens by wet-laid web formation, and reinforced on the polyester (P) and epoxy (E) resins to make four types of composites namely, water hyacinth nonwoven reinforced epoxy (WH + E), water hyacinth nonwoven reinforced polyester (WH + P), sugarcane bagasse nonwoven reinforced epoxy (SB + E) and sugarcane bagasse nonwoven reinforced polyester (SB + P) composites. Water repellent (WR) on the nonwovens and gamma radiation (GR) on the composites were applied to improve the hydrophobicity and mechanical properties, such as tensile strength (TS), elongation at break and tensile modulus (TM) of the composites. The morphological structure of the fiber surfaces and tensile fractures were analyzed by SEM. FTIR spectra showed changes in functional groups before and after treatment. XRD analysis exhibited an increase in crystallinity for gamma-irradiated composites and a decrease in crystallinity for WR-treated composites compared to untreated composites. The SB composites (SB + E, SB + P) and polyester composites (WH + P, SB + P) showed higher water absorbency and lower mechanical properties than the WH composites (WH + E, WH + P) and epoxy composites (WH + E, SB + E), respectively. Hydrophobicity improved significantly by approximately 57% (average) at a concentration of 10% WR. However, TS and TM were reduced by approximately 24% at the same concentration. Thus, 5% WR is considered an optimum concentration due to the very low deterioration of TS and TM (<10%) but significant improvement in hydrophobicity (~39%) at this dose. On the other hand, GR treatment significantly improved TS, TM and hydrophobicity by 41, 32 and 25%, respectively, and decreased Eb% by 11% at a dose of 200 krd. However, mechanical properties and hydrophobicity deteriorated with further increase in dose at 300 krd. Thus, 200 krd is considered the optimum dose of GR.

An Acquired Anterior Glottic Web Model by Heat Injury with a Laryngoscopic Approach in a Rabbit.

Acquired anterior glottic webs (AGW) can lead to abnormally elevated phonatory pitch, dysphonia, and airway obstruction requiring urgent intervention. In this study, we construct a novel AGW rabbit model using heat injury by a laryngoscopic way. A primary study was conducted to identify the injury depth in rabbits' vocal folds (VFs) by graded heat energy, and the heat energy for the incurrence of epithelial layer, lamina propria, and muscular layer (ML) injury was 25, 30 and 35 W, respectively. Then, four different models were designed based on the depth and degree of the injury to determine the optimal procedure for AGW formation. Morphological features, vibratory capacity, and histopathologic features of the AGW were correspondingly evaluated. The procedure for conferring the heat injury to the depth of ML and the extent of anterior commissure and middle part of bilateral VFs showed the highest success rate of AGW formation (95%, 19/20). For its low cost, effectiveness, and stability for AGW formation, the heat injury rabbit model with a laryngoscopic approach may provide a new platform for testing novel anti-adhesion materials and bioengineered therapies. Impact Statement Tissue engineering based on biomaterials has been a very hot research field and may be introduced to prevent the acquired anterior glottic web (AGW) formation. However, lacking a widely recognized animal model for AGW has limited the trial of anti-adhesion materials in the larynx. In this study, we have developed a novel rabbit model for AGW formation by conferring a heat injury under a laryngoscope; this model is cheap, effective, and stable for the anti-adhesion materials and bioengineered therapies. Thus, this research would arouse crucial interest and be widely employed.

Prevalence of Inferior Vena Cava Anomalies and Their Significance and Impact in Clinical Practice

To evaluate the prevalence of inferior vena cava (IVC) anomalies in an asymptomatic healthy population and symptomatic patients. This was a multicentre retrospective observational study This study was conducted by reviewing the computed tomography (CT) images of 1 000 individuals from South Korea taken for a general medical check up (group A) and 1 000 patients from the USA who visited with various symptoms for which CT was required (group B). A third group of 800 patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and CT from two US centres were used for comparison (group C). Twenty-eight patients with anatomical changes in the IVC due to intervention, extrinsic compression, trauma, other rare conditions, and poor image quality were excluded. The mean age ± standard deviation of each group was 50 ± 6, 54 ± 11, and 54 ± 15 years in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In group A, duplication was the most common anomaly (10 cases, 1.0%), followed by left sided IVC (four cases, 0.4%), hypoplasia (three cases, 0.3%), and megacava (one case, 0.1%). In group B, the most common IVC anomaly was hypoplasia in six cases (0.6%); duplication in three patients, left sided IVC in three patients, aplasia in two patients, web formation in two patients, and megacava in two patients. In group C, hypoplasia was the most common type (32 cases, 4.0%). The prevalence of hypoplasia in patients younger than 50 years of age was significantly higher compared with older patients (12.7% [14/110] vs. 5.3% [10/190]; p = .027). The risk of hypoplasia or aplasia was significantly higher in patients with DVT (odds ratio [OR] 17.032, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.243 – 55.321), especially in patients with iliofemoral DVT (OR 34.211, 95% CI 10.323 – 113.378). In the normal group, IVC duplication was the most common variation, while hypoplasia was most common in patients with iliofemoral DVT, especially in younger ones.

New Personalized Social Approach Based on Flexible Integration of Web Services

Dynamic design or coordination stays one of the significant difficulties of web administration innovation. This article gives an inventive way to deal with the robust making of web administrations given practical and non-utilitarian properties and individual inclinations. This approach utilizes long-range informal communication web administrations to help the connection between web administrations, choice, and formation of web benefits all the more firmly connected with client inclinations. We utilize the web administration local area idea of the web administration informal community to essentially lessen the inquiry space. This people group was made with the immediate interest of web specialist co-ops.

New Personalized Social Approach Based on Flexible Integration of Web Services

Dynamic design or coordination stays one of the significant difficulties of web administration innovation. This article gives an inventive way to deal with the robust making of web administrations given practical and non-utilitarian properties and individual inclinations. This approach utilizes long-range informal communication web administrations to help the connection between web administrations, choice, and formation of web benefits all the more firmly connected with client inclinations. We utilize the web administration local area idea of the web administration informal community to essentially lessen the inquiry space. This people group was made with the immediate interest of web specialist co-ops.

Current challenges faced by transgender and gender-diverse patients and providers in anesthesiology.

Current challenges faced by transgender and gender-diverse patients and providers in anesthesiology.

Preparation of lotus fibre nonwoven composite fabrics by spunlacing process

• Lotus fibre composite nonwoven fabrics are developed for the first time. • Lotus fibre bundles can be split into finer fibres by water jet with high pressure. • Lotus fibres preparation and web formation reported in this paper is a continuous process and easy to be industrialized. With the global increase in environmental awareness, the development of green and biodegradable materials has become the focus of attention. As a widely favored and planted aquatic perennials, exploration and utilization of lotus petioles is currently very limited. In order to find a feasible method to reuse lotus petioles and process lotus fibres into fabrics, in this study, chemical degumming method is used to prepare lotus fibres from lotus petioles and then lotus fibre composite nonwoven fabric with excellent wettability is obtained by the spunlacing process with viscose nonwoven fabrics as the substrate. On the other hand, it is found that lotus fibre bundles can be split further into finer fibres under high water jet pressure, suggesting that spunlacing is a promising method to process lotus fibres into fabrics for applications such as face masks and wipes.

Formation Mechanism of Fibrous Web in the Solution Blowing Process.

Solution blowing (SB) is a widely reported technology that can be used to fabricate fibers at the micro- and nanoscale. To reveal the fibrous web formation mechanism in SB, we improved our previous melt blowing (MB) model to predict fibrous web structures. Then, we fabricated two samples and simulated the same number of virtual samples in the computer to verify the model. Thereafter, we measured the structural parameters including the fiber diameter, fiber orientation, basis weight, and pore size. Our model provides a good prediction of the fiber orientation and basis weight. However, the predicted fiber diameter was slightly smaller than the measured diameter. The experimental pore size distribution was also different from that in the simulated results. The model provides a virtual fabrication process to reveal a fibrous web formation mechanism and finds a similar distribution of these structural parameters between SB and MB.

Prevalence of Inferior Vena Cava Anomalies and Their Significance and Impact in Clinical Practice

To evaluate the prevalence of inferior vena cava (IVC) anomalies in an asymptomatic healthy population and symptomatic patients. This was a multicentre retrospective observational study This study was conducted by reviewing the computed tomography (CT) images of 1 000 individuals from South Korea taken for a general medical check up (group A) and 1 000 patients from the USA who visited with various symptoms for which CT was required (group B). A third group of 800 patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and CT from two US centres were used for comparison (group C). Twenty-eight patients with anatomical changes in the IVC due to intervention, extrinsic compression, trauma, other rare conditions, and poor image quality were excluded. The mean age ± standard deviation of each group was 50 ± 6, 54 ± 11, and 54 ± 15 years in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In group A, duplication was the most common anomaly (10 cases, 1.0%), followed by left sided IVC (four cases, 0.4%), hypoplasia (three cases, 0.3%), and megacava (one case, 0.1%). In group B, the most common IVC anomaly was hypoplasia in six cases (0.6%); duplication in three patients, left sided IVC in three patients, aplasia in two patients, web formation in two patients, and megacava in two patients. In group C, hypoplasia was the most common type (32 cases, 4.0%). The prevalence of hypoplasia in patients younger than 50 years of age was significantly higher compared with older patients (12.7% [14/110] vs. 5.3% [10/190]; p= .027). The risk of hypoplasia or aplasia was significantly higher in patients with DVT (odds ratio [OR] 17.032, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.243 - 55.321), especially in patients with iliofemoral DVT (OR 34.211, 95% CI 10.323 - 113.378). In the normal group, IVC duplication was the most common variation, while hypoplasia was most common in patients with iliofemoral DVT, especially in younger ones.