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The propagation characteristics of magneto-quasistatic waves, more commonly, known as magnetostatic waves in a long, metallic rectangular waveguide filled with a metamaterial slab are comprehensively investigated. The metamaterial slab consists of split-ring resonators as an anisotropic uniaxial medium with transversal negative effective permeability. Some analytical relations and numerical validations on the characteristics of these waves are presented. The results include the dispersion relations, mode patterns (field distributions) that can be supported by such media, and their corresponding cutoff frequencies, group velocities, power flows, and storage energies of magnetostatic waves. The findings from the present research study can be advantageous to advance the synthesis and development of negative permeability materials with peculiar features in guiding structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure morphology, static magnetic properties, and electromagnetic absorption characteristics of nano FexCoNi alloy particles prepared by chemical liquid deposition with five different Fe content levels are investigated in this paper. The results show that spherical FexCoNi alloy particles with an average particle size of about 100–200 nm and a face-centered cubic crystal structure were obtained. All five samples exhibited soft magnetic behavior, with the saturation magnetization intensity showing an increasing-then-decreasing trend with increasing Fe content, peaking at 141.8 emu/g for Fe content x = 1.0. The dielectric constants (real and imaginary parts) of the prepared alloy particles exhibit significant differences with respect to the variation of Fe content, while the changes in the real and imaginary parts of the magnetic permeability show less pronounced effects with increasing Fe content. As the electromagnetic wave frequency increases, the real parts of the dielectric constants for all composites show minimal fluctuations, and the real parts of the magnetic permeability exhibit a decreasing trend. Moreover, the imaginary parts of the dielectric constants and magnetic permeability show an increasing followed by a decreasing trend as the frequency rises. The material with Fe content x = 1 demonstrated optimal dielectric loss performance and relatively excellent magnetic loss performance, with a sample thickness of 1.9 mm exhibiting the highest reflection loss (RLmax) of −24.2 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of 4.48 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As biomolecules vibrate and rotate in the terahertz band, the biological effects of terahertz electromagnetic fields have drawn considerable attention from the physiological and medical communities. Ion channels are the basis of biological electrical signals, so studying the effect of terahertz electromagnetic fields on ion channels is significant. In this paper, the effect of a terahertz electromagnetic field with three different frequencies, 6, 15, and 25 THz, on the Kv1.2 potassium ion channel was investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that an electromagnetic field with a 15 THz frequency can significantly enhance the permeability of the Kv1.2 potassium ion channel, which is 1.7 times higher than without an applied electric field. By analyzing the behavior of water molecules, it is found that the electromagnetic field with the 15 THz frequency shortens the duration of frozen and relaxation processes when potassium ions pass through the channel, increases the proportion of the direct knock-on mode, and, thus, enhances the permeability of the Kv1.2 potassium ion channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Investigated permeability of MSWs of diverse food contents, DOBs, and void ratios. • Modified Kozeny-Carman equation with effective void ratio was adopted for MSWs. • Parameters required for Kozeny-Carman equation was correlated with DOBs and d 10. The permeability of municipal solid wastes (MSWs) is important for the design and operation of landfills. This study presented the experimental investigation of the permeability of low food content- (LF-) and high food content- (HF-) MSWs prepared in laboratory-scale bioreactors for up to 5 years. The permeability of MSWs with diverse degrees of decomposition (DOBs), void ratios, and permeation liquids was measured (288 tests). The measured permeability was compared to that predicted from the (modified) Kozeny-Carman (K-C) equations in four different forms. The results indicated that the permeability of both LF- and HF-MSWs decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with decomposition under a given void ratio. The predicted permeability using the original K-C equation fitted well with that of fresh MSWs. The permeability of decomposed MSWs was closer to the predicted results using the modified K-C equation with the effective void ratio. This can be attributed to the increase in the fine fractions due to degradation. The reduction in the effective voids was more significant with HF-MSWs. The parameters required in the (modified) K-C equations showed a good correlation with DOB and effective particle size (d 10). The predicted permeability based on the relationship between DOB (or d 10) and equation parameters was within 3 times the difference compared to the measured values. The above results indicated that the modified K-C equation can be adopted to predict the permeability of fresh and degraded MSWs while more field-scale experiments should be conducted to further evaluate its feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shale gas is produced by fracturing the reservoir to increase production. Quantifying the complex structure of the rock fracture network has a very important role in shale gas development. In order to quantify the complex structure of rock fracture network, in this paper, combined with the hierarchical structure of fractal figure, long tail distribution and fractal self-similarity, the current calculation method of fractal dimension is improved, and the basic fractal dimension calculation method is proposed based on the principle. By removing the limit calculation method which causes the deviation of numerical results, a reasonable and convenient calculation model for engineering application is proposed. A set of two-dimensional fracture pictures are used to test the model. In the 10 pictures, the more complex the figure is, the larger the new fractal dimension value is, which is in line with the characteristics of fractal dimension describing the complexity of graphics. Furthermore, lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is used to simulate the velocity field, and the permeability of the fracture network is calculated according to Darcy’s law. The permeability and fractal dimension of the fracture network are compared and analyzed. The conclusion that the permeability is positively related to the fractal dimension of the fracture network is obtained, which provides theoretical support for the further study of shale mining problems such as hydraulic fracturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The great development of transpiration cooling technology challenges the coolant medium seriously. In this paper, porous ZrO2–ZrO2 ceramics have been satisfactorily prepared to meet the requirements of the coolant medium in transpiration cooling. The results illustrate that porous ZrO2–ZrO2 ceramics have excellent compressive strengths; meanwhile, percentages of compressive strength difference (parallel and perpendicular to the mold‐pressing direction) have an upward trend due to the increasing fiber contents. Besides, the failure mode has a huge distinction between parallelity (45° oblique section) and perpendicularity (wedge shape). These ceramics have unimodal pore size distribution (2–10 µm), and their wettability has a substantial improvement reflected by contact angle from 118° to 0°. Permeability behavior across these ceramics has been accurately described using the Darcy–Forchheimer equation, while obtaining viscous and inertial resistance coefficients, respectively. This work can provide an essential reference for coolant medium in transpiration cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric fibers are often used as a drying additive for refractory castables because they can increase their permeability, reducing the risk of pressurization that is believed to trigger explosive spalling. Despite the potential of synthetic polymers to be engineered and obtain desired properties, the required parameters for inducing permeability enhancement remain unclear. This inhibits the development of novel designed drying additives and improvement of the numerical models. This work investigates the effect of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and cellulose fibers on the water transport in refractory castables through rapid neutron tomography, enabling the in situ visualization of the water distribution, the drying front advance and the size, intensity and duration of moisture accumulation. PE and cellulose fibers accelerate drying fronts earlier than PP, in which PE exhibits larger moisture accumulation, residual moisture behind its drying front and a slower drying rate at higher temperatures despite the early water removal initiation. In contrast, cellulose emerged as a better candidate, due to a swelling–shrinkage based mechanism. The neutron tomography observations unveil the dynamic and intricate effect of fibers in the permeability, emphasizing that safer industrial processes require a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms to develop better fibers and accurate numerical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

\nPlain Language SummaryThe size of the pores created by external electrical pulses is important for molecule delivery into the cell. The size of pores and their distribution on the cell membrane determine the efficiency of molecule transport into the cell. There are very few studies visualizing the presence of electropores. In this study, we aimed to investigate the size distribution of electropores that were created by high intensity and short duration electrical pulses on MCF-7 cell membrane. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize and characterize the membrane pores created by the external electric field. Structural changes on the surface of the electroporated cell membrane was observed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The size distribution of pore sizes was obtained by measuring the radius of 500 electropores. SEM imaging showed non-uniform patterning. The average radius of the electropores was 12 nm, 51.60% of pores were distributed within the range of 5 to 10 nm, and 81% of pores had radius below 15 nm. These results showed that microsecond (µs) high intensity electrical pulses cause the creation of heterogeneous nanopores on the cell membrane.Electroporation is a phenomenon in which permeability of the cell membrane to molecules and ions is increased due to externally applied high electric field pulses. The externally applied electric field pulses create pores on the cell membrane, allowing ions and molecules that normally can not pass through the membrane. The transport of molecules into the cell is related to the size and distribution of the pores created on the membrane. Studies visualizing the presence of electropores are very limited. In this study, we aimed to visualize pores and determine the size distribution of pores created due to the application of external electric field pulses on the cell membrane of human breast cancer cells. The membrane pores created by external electric field were visualized and characterized by different imaging techniques. The size distribution of pores was obtained by measuring the radius of 500 pores created on the cell membrane due to the applied electric fields. The surface of the electropermeabilized cells were very rough due to deformation during electroporation. We observed heterogeneous pore populations that were formed due to application of external electrical pulses on the surface of cell membrane. The average radius of the pores was found to be 12 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translation abstract Leaching‐induced corrosion of the reinforcing steel in water‐bearing separating cracksWhen water flows through separating cracks or construction joints, the cement paste leaches out, and alkalinity is reduced. As with carbonation, this decrease in pH leads to the loss of the passive layer, which is limited to the directly adjacent area. The progress of corrosion may depend on the water exchange rate. This presented study investigates the influence of the water pressure level on test specimens with crack widths between 0.20 and 0.25 mm (mean values) on the onset of depassivation and the corrosion rate. The test specimens were exposed to demineralised water at a hydrostatic pressure of 0.04 bar, 0.20 bar or 1.00 bar and monitored for corrosion. A few days after the start of exposure, high macroelement currents flow in all test specimens. Later, due to self‐healing, the flow stops at 0.04 bar, and the macroelement currents decrease significantly. In contrast, the reduced but steady flow at 0.20 and 1.00 bar leads to a continuous corrosion progression. While a (planned) longer interruption of the water supply results in repassivation of the steel, renewed pressurisation significantly increases both the flow and corrosion rates. The leaching manifests in an increase in the pH of the effluent water and a reduced calcium concentration in the crack area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the research field of CO2 electroreduction, gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) are predominantly manufactured through solvent-based processes. Meanwhile, the solvent-free method has gained heightened attention due to its potential to reduce operational and production expenses, while considering ecological aspects such as solvent evaporation, circulation, and waste treatment. Drawing from its successful applications in other fields, we have specifically developed a solvent-free manufacturing method to produce multi-layered Cu-based GDEs for CO2 electroreduction. The procedure is compatible with industrial production lines, specifically through a roll-to-roll process. By evaluating the interplay between production parameters and electrochemical performance of GDEs via various characterization methods, key factors, i.e., hydrophobicity, gas permeability, thickness, and pore size, were adjusted and applied to achieve a highly selective GDE towards C2+ products (alcohols and ethylene) at industrial relevant currents up to 300 mA cm−2 (ethylene ∼40%, ethanol ∼10%, n-propanol ∼15%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrocycles offer an attractive format for drug development due to their good binding properties and potential to cross cell membranes. To efficiently identify macrocyclic ligands for new targets, methods for the synthesis and screening of large combinatorial libraries of small cyclic peptides were developed, many of them using thiol groups for efficient peptide macrocyclization. However, a weakness of these libraries is that invariant thiol‐containing building blocks such as cysteine are used, resulting in a region that does not contribute to library diversity but increases molecule size. Herein, we synthesized a series of structurally diverse thiol‐containing elements and used them for the combinatorial synthesis of a 2,688‐member library of small, structurally diverse peptidic macrocycles with unprecedented skeletal complexity. We then used this library to discover potent thrombin and plasma kallikrein inhibitors, some also demonstrating favorable membrane permeability. X‐ray structure analysis of macrocycle‐target complexes showed that the size and shape of the newly developed thiol elements are key for binding. The strategy and library format presented in this work significantly enhance structural diversity by allowing combinatorial modifications to a previously invariant region of peptide macrocycles, which may be broadly applied in the development of membrane permeable therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrocycles offer an attractive format for drug development due to their good binding properties and potential to cross cell membranes. To efficiently identify macrocyclic ligands for new targets, methods for the synthesis and screening of large combinatorial libraries of small cyclic peptides were developed, many of them using thiol groups for efficient peptide macrocyclization. However, a weakness of these libraries is that invariant thiol‐containing building blocks such as cysteine are used, resulting in a region that does not contribute to library diversity but increases molecule size. Herein, we synthesized a series of structurally diverse thiol‐containing elements and used them for the combinatorial synthesis of a 2,688‐member library of small, structurally diverse peptidic macrocycles with unprecedented skeletal complexity. We then used this library to discover potent thrombin and plasma kallikrein inhibitors, some also demonstrating favorable membrane permeability. X‐ray structure analysis of macrocycle‐target complexes showed that the size and shape of the newly developed thiol elements are key for binding. The strategy and library format presented in this work significantly enhance structural diversity by allowing combinatorial modifications to a previously invariant region of peptide macrocycles, which may be broadly applied in the development of membrane permeable therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system tumors have resisted effective chemotherapy because most therapeutics do not penetrate the blood-tumor-brain-barrier. Nanomedicines between ~ 10 and 100 nm accumulate in many solid tumors by the enhanced permeability and retention effect, but it is controversial whether the effect can be exploited for treatment of brain tumors. PLX038A is a long-acting prodrug of the topoisomerase 1 inhibitor SN-38. It is composed of a 15 nm 4-arm 40 kDa PEG tethered to four SN-38 moieties by linkers that slowly cleave to release the SN-38. The prodrug was remarkably effective at suppressing growth of intracranial breast cancer and glioblastoma (GBM), significantly increasing the life span of mice harboring them. We addressed the important issue of whether the prodrug releases SN-38 systemically and then penetrates the brain to exert anti-tumor effects, or whether it directly penetrates the blood-tumor-brain-barrier and releases the SN-38 cargo within the tumor. We argue that the amount of SN-38 formed systemically is insufficient to inhibit the tumors, and show by PET imaging that a close surrogate of the 40 kDa PEG carrier in PLX038A accumulates and is retained in the GBM. We conclude that the prodrug penetrates the blood-tumor-brain-barrier, accumulates in the tumor microenvironment and releases its SN-38 cargo from within. Based on our results, we pose the provocative question as to whether the 40 kDa nanomolecule PEG carrier might serve as a "Trojan horse" to carry other drugs past the blood-tumor-brain-barrier and release them into brain tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gypsification is a common problem in weathered calcareous relics. In previous studies, the solutions of barium hydroxide in water and methanol were used as protectants for gypsification calcareous relics and showed significant differences in permeability. In this study, the underlying reasons for permeability differences between these two solutions were investigated using optical microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the phenolphthalein test and physical property characterizations. The results indicated that the permeability differences were primarily caused by the solutions' reactivity. Specifically, owing to the high reactivity of barium hydroxide in water, it reacted rapidly with atmospheric CO2 and gypsum (the weathering product) to generate barium carbonate, barium sulfate and calcium hydroxide precipitates. These precipitates hindered the penetration of solution into weathered relics. In contrast, barium hydroxide in methanol did not react with atmospheric CO2 or weathered relics, which also kept the solution in a liquid state during the infiltration process. Therefore, the solution of barium hydroxide in methanol exhibited high permeability. Based on the above findings, this study is meaningful for applying barium protectants in the conservation of gypsification calcareous relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small molecule molecular glues can nucleate protein complexes and rewire interactomes. Molecular glues are widely used as probes for understanding functional proximity at a systems level, and the potential to instigate event-driven pharmacology has motivated their application as therapeutics. Despite advantages such as cell permeability and the potential for low off-target activity, glues are still rare when compared to canonical inhibitors in therapeutic development. Their often simple structure and specific ability to reshape protein-protein interactions pose several challenges for widespread, designer applications. Molecular glue discovery and design campaigns can find inspiration from the fields of synthetic biology and biophysics to mine chemical libraries for glue-like molecules. [Display omitted] Molecular glues are an underrepresented mode of drugging protein interaction, function, and stability. Hand-in-hand, synthetic chemistry and biology are rapidly diversifying the biochemical space of induced protein interactions. In this review, Robinson et al. explore the concepts and advances of molecular glue design, discovery, and screening platform technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale storage of 'green' hydrogen is essential in our quest to transition to renewable energy sources and achieve the net-zero emission targets. As such, Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) in geological porous media, such as in depleted oil and gas fields or saline aquifers, provides a cost-effective solution to store such large volumes of hydrogen (H 2) to buffer seasonal fluctuations in renewable energy supply and demand. Due to the novelty of the topic, many research gaps persist, but we focus on H 2 transport characteristics in the subsurface, hydrogen recoverability during cyclic operations, chemical interactions, and acoustic velocity as an indicator of H 2 saturation. In this study, we investigate UHS using a triaxial core-flooding experiment to address the above-mentioned research gaps by replicating field operations in the laboratory setup at representative subsurface conditions. Unstable displacement due to immiscible two-phase flow led to early H 2 breakthrough at 18% of H 2 saturation, ultimate H 2 saturation of 36% and withdrawal efficiency of 78% during the first cycle. However, cyclic charging and discharging led to an eventual H 2 withdrawal efficiency as high as 95%. Observed chemical interactions during our 3-day experiments were negligible, but our results also indicated a strong potential for evaporation-induced salt precipitation after injection of dry H 2 gas, leading to decreased reservoir porosity and permeability over time. Our ultrasonic measurements confirmed the sensitivity of P-wave velocity to H 2 saturation, which decreased by 3.5% when the H 2 saturation increased to 36%. This indicates that H 2 plume and leaks in UHS should be possible to monitor using 4D seismic surveys. Our results help to better understand H 2 flow, storage, and transport during cyclic UHS. The results indicate that H 2 withdrawal efficiency increases as the UHS reservoir matures and provides evidence of a dry near-well zone and evaporation induced salt precipitation in a UHS reservoir. [Display omitted] • Early breakthrough of H 2 at 18% H 2 saturation led to ultimate H 2 saturation of 36% after injecting 1.2 pore volumes of H 2. • H 2 withdrawal efficiency increased from 78% in the first cycle to 95% in the fourth cycle. • H 2 was produced at 90% purity with water vapor contamination indicating evaporation of liquid water into gaseous H 2. • 3.5% reduction in P-wave velocity when the H 2 saturation inside the specimen increased to 36%. • Evidence obtained for a dry near-well zone and evaporation induced salt precipitation during cyclic operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Casparian strip is a barrier in the endodermal cell walls of plants that allows the selective uptake of nutrients and water. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, its development and establishment are under the control of a receptor-ligand mechanism termed the Schengen pathway. This pathway facilitates barrier formation and activates downstream compensatory responses in case of dysfunction. However, due to a very tight functional association with the Casparian strip, other potential signaling functions of the Schengen pathway remain obscure. In this work, we created a MYB36-dependent synthetic positive feedback loop that drives Casparian strip formation independently of Schengen-induced signaling. We evaluated this by subjecting plants in which the Schengen pathway has been uncoupled from barrier formation, as well as a number of established barrier-mutant plants, to agar-based and soil conditions that mimic agricultural settings. Under the latter conditions, the Schengen pathway is necessary for the establishment of nitrogen-deficiency responses in shoots. These data highlight Schengen signaling as an essential hub for the adaptive integration of signaling from the rhizosphere to aboveground tissues. Synopsis: The Arabidopsis leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor kinase SCHENGEN3 is necessary for development of the Casparian strip, a watertight lining that surrounds the vascular cells in plant roots. This work reveals that, in sub-optimal and complex soil conditions, SCHENGEN3 also decodes information on soil quality for integration into above-ground growth programs. A semi-synthetic MYB36 positive feedback loop (MYB36Loop) induces earlier and wider Casparian strip establishment in roots when compared to wild-type plants. Casparian strip formation in MYB36Loop plants is independent of Schengen pathway signaling. MYB36Loop over-rides the endogenous signaling pathways which regulate Casparian strip permeability in response to soil nitrogen status. The Schengen pathway informs the shoot of soil nitrogen status via an RBOHF-dependent signal. Decoupling Casparian strip formation from SCHENGEN3 signaling reveals new downstream pathways for the receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art technology of polymeric mixed-matrix membranes for CO2/CH4 separation that can be applied in medium, small, and domestic biogas systems operating at low pressures (0.2-6 kPa). Critical data from the latest publications of CO2/CH4 separation membranes were analyzed, considering the ratio of CO2/CH4 permeabilities, the CO2 selectivity, the operating pressures at which the membranes were tested, the chemistry of the polymers studied and their gas separation mechanisms. And the different nanomaterials as fillers. The intrinsic microporous polymers (PIMs) were identified as potential candidates for biomethane purification due to their high permeability and selectivity, which are compatible with operation pressures below 1 bar, and as low as 0.2 bar. This scenario contrasts with other polymers that require pressures above 1 bar for operation, with some reaching 20 bar. Furthermore, the combination of PIM with GO in MMMs was found to not influence the permeability significantly, but to contribute to the membrane stability over time, by preventing the structural collapse of the membrane caused by aging. The systematic analysis here presented is a valuable resource for defining the future technological development of CO[sub 2]/CH[sub 4] separation membranes for biogas biorefining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐overexpressing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) necessitates more effective therapies due to its elevated metastasis risk compared to the conventional CSCC. While photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising way to treat CSCC, effectively administering photosensitizers to reach deeper skin malignancies remains a challenge. Herein, BE‐TEL is reported, a transethosome formulation designed to enhance skin and cutaneous tumor permeability, for targeted treatment of EGFR‐overexpressed CSCC. The formulation is co‐loaded with Erlotinib (Erb), a hydrophobic EGFR inhibitor, and BODIPY (BPY), a photosensitizer. Upon skin penetration and subsequent exposure to 660 nm light, BE‐TEL induces tumor cell apoptosis by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and EGFR pathway inhibition. ROS and Erb‐induced metabolic oxidative stress by upregulating the expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) can enhance immunogenic cell death (ICD) and promote dendritic cell maturation for tumor‐specific immune response. Furthermore, the EGFR downregulation further mitigated the risk of metastasis and recurrence. In conclusion, BE‐TEL's superior penetration ability together with its combined PDT and EGFR targeted approach paves the way for an efficient strategy against EGFR‐overexpressed CSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impaired intestinal permeability induces systemic inflammation and metabolic disturbance. The effect of a leaky gut on metabolism in skeletal muscle, a major nutrient consumer, remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the glucose metabolic function of the whole body and skeletal muscles in a mouse model of diet‐induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. At Week 2, we observed higher intestinal permeability in mice fed a titanium dioxide (TiO2)‐containing diet than that of mice fed a normal control diet. Subsequently, systemic glucose and insulin tolerance were found to be impaired. In the skeletal muscle, glucose uptake and phosphorylation levels in insulin signaling were lower in the TiO2 group than those in the control group. Additionally, the levels of pro‐inflammatory factors were higher in TiO2‐fed mice than those in the control group. We observed higher carboxymethyl‐lysin (CML) levels in the plasma and intestines of TiO2‐fed mice and lower insulin‐dependent glucose uptake in CML‐treated cultured myotubes than those in the controls. Finally, soluble dietary fiber supplementation improved glucose and insulin intolerance, suppressed plasma CML, and improved intestinal barrier function. These results suggest that an impaired intestinal barrier leads to systemic glucose intolerance, which is associated with glucose metabolism dysfunction in the skeletal muscles due to circulating CML derived from the intestine. This study highlights that the intestinal condition regulates muscle and systemic metabolic health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eruptive dynamics is influenced by gas escape from the ascending magma. Gas pathways form in the magma via bubble coalescence, leading to gas channeling. Magmatic crystals play a key role in gas channel formation. This work constrains experimentally decompression‐induced coalescence in high‐crystallinity silicic magmas without external deformation, focusing on low gas content and bimodal crystal size (microlites and phenocrysts). All percolating samples have permeabilities of 10−14 m2 at bulk porosities of 7–10 vol% and bulk crystallinities up to 75 vol%. Our results demonstrate the possibility of coalescence‐related outgassing at high pressure (120–350 MPa) and without external strain, which corresponds to magma stagnating deep in a volcanic conduit. Channeling at such low gas content implies that bimodal crystallinity favors effusive over explosive volcanic behavior. It may also be the missing physical mechanism explaining gas transfer across magmatic systems despite high melt viscosity and low or absent magma extrusion. Plain Language Summary: The way volcanoes erupt is mainly controlled by the ability of gases to escape from the magma (outgassing). An efficient way to outgas is to connect bubbles together (coalescence) up to the point where channels form in the magma (channeling) in which gas can circulate toward the surface. We investigate experimentally how coalescence and channeling happen in immobile, crystal‐rich viscous magma in conditions (pressure and temperature) similar to those found in deep volcanic conduit, where only a small amount of gas (<10%) is present. Our experiments demonstrate that bubble connections are possible thanks to a large amount of crystals on which bubbles can lean, deform, and join each other. That gas can escape from magma at depth could favor effusive eruption over volcanic explosions and even bring new insights on degassing in immobile magma. Key Points: Gas permeability in silicic magma is possible with gas volumes below 10% thanks to high crystallinityOutgassing at low gas content can happen without external deformation nor fracturation of the magmaVolcanic outgassing in stagnant magmas is explained by deep conduit bubble channeling that may be a key mechanism in eruptive transition [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrological and biogeochemical properties of the hyporheic zone in stream and riverine ecosystems have been extensively studied over the past two decades. Although it is widely acknowledged that sediment heterogeneity can influence biogeochemical reactions, little effort has been made to understand the role of heterogeneity on the spatiotemporal variability of riverbed redox conditions under changing flow dynamics at different timescales. Here we integrate a mechanistic model and field data to demonstrate that heterogeneity in permeability plays a vital role in modulating sediment redox conditions at both seasonal (annual) and event (daily‐to‐weekly) timescales, whereas heterogeneity in particulate organic carbon (POC) content only has a comparable influence on redox conditions at the seasonal timescale. These findings underscore the importance of accurately characterizing sediment heterogeneity, in terms of permeability and POC content, in quantifying biogeochemical dynamics in the riverbed and hyporheic zones of riverine ecosystems. Plain Language Summary: The redox condition of riverbed sediments is subject to the combined influence of hydrologic exchange flow and biogeochemical processes and is important for regulating the functioning of riverine ecosystems. Current understanding of the spatiotemporal pattern of sediment redox conditions especially with heterogeneity in consideration is limited, partially due to the lack of measurements and quantitative models. In this study, we integrate a mechanistic model and field data to reveal the role of sediment heterogeneity in controlling the redox condition under dynamic flow conditions. We demonstrate that heterogeneity in permeability modulates sediment redox condition at both seasonal and event timescales, and heterogeneity in particulate organic carbon is most prominent over multi‐month time intervals that reflect the balance between particulate organic carbon (POC) metabolism and time‐integrated oxygen influx. These findings highlight the importance of accurate characterization of sediment heterogeneity in both permeability and POC for predicting the dynamic redox shifts in riverbed sediments. Key Points: A reactive transport model was developed to quantify the impact of heterogeneity in permeability and particulate organic carbon (POC) concentration on sediment redox conditionsHeterogeneity in permeability controls sediment redox conditions at both seasonal (annual) and event (daily‐to‐weekly) timescalesThe effects of heterogeneity in POC occur over the monthly timescale, reflecting a balance between POC metabolism and the influx of oxygen [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAnesthetic drug permeation across biological membranes is commonly analyzed by customized side-by-side diffusion cells, and their availability in the commercial market is limited. Hence, the present study has designed and validated a novel static horizontally aligned drug diffusion cell (Shan DDC) for in vitro permeation studies. The diffusion chambers in Shan DDC are rectangular, measuring 28 × 12 × 15 mm in length, width, and thickness, respectively, to hold a volume of 5 mL separately in each chamber and a 3.36 cm2 opening for drug diffusion, offering a surface area to volume ratio of 0.67. The performance of the device was validated. The temperature inside the chamber was maintained within a narrow range of 37 ± 1.2 °C. The leak fraction was 1.6% (162 ± 45 µL) of the total chamber volume (10 ml). The optimal stirring efficiency inside the individual chamber was achieved within 36 ± 14 s at 200 rpm. The coefficient variation of lignocaine drug flux through the model membrane (nitrocellulose) was 4.2%. Thus, Shan-DDC has been demonstrated to provide reproducible permeation data in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The therapeutic resistance to ionizing radiation (IR) and angiogenesis inhibitors is a great challenge for clinicians in the treatment of glioblastoma, which is associated with Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/MET, VEGF/VEGFR signaling pathway, and the crosstalk between them. In this study, we developed a novel recombinant fusion protein, rE27HGFK1, via HGFK1 tandem with 27 N-terminal residues of Endostatin (E27) and produced a polymeric nanoparticle formed by the co-polymer of PEGylated H1 cationic polymer (PH1) with a plasmid encoding the secreted rE27HGFK1 protein (PH1/pE27HGFK1). We further investigated the anti-tumor effects of rE27HGFK1 and PH1/pE27HGFK1 nanoparticles both in vivo and in vitro. Methods: We expressed and purified the rE27HGFK1 protein via E. coli. Then, we performed cellular experiments to determine the antitumoral effects and IR radio-sensitivities of the rE27HGFK1 protein in vitro. Finally, we performed animal studies to determine the tumor-targeted abilities and antitumoral activities of the polymeric nanoparticles, PH1/pE27HGFK1, in an orthotopic U118-Luc-bearing xenografted mouse model. Results: We showed that rE27HGFK1 inhibited the proliferation and the angiogenesis and enhanced the senescence and radiosensitivity of GBM via both MET and VEFGR2 signaling mediated-p16 over-expression and the down-regulation of cyclin D1-CDK4-Rb axis activities in vitro. Next, we displayed that systemic administration of the PEGylated H1 cationic polymer (PH1) effectively delivered the reporter genes to the brain tumor of an orthotopic U118-bearing xenografted mouse model. Finally, we showed that PH1/pE27HGFK1 significantly produced antitumor effects with radiosensitivity in the orthotopic U118-Luc-bearing xenografted Blab/c mouse model through inhibiting angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation, as well as inducing the necrosis of tumor cells in vivo. Conclusions: The PH1/pE27HGFK1 nano-drug combined with radiotherapy can be used as a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for Glioblastoma multiforme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enteric neuropathies are characterized by abnormalities of gut innervation, which includes the enteric nervous system, inducing severe gut dysmotility among other dysfunctions. Most of the gastrointestinal tract is innervated by the vagus nerve, the efferent branches of which have close interconnections with the enteric nervous system and whose afferents are distributed throughout the different layers of the digestive wall. The vagus nerve is a key element of the autonomic nervous system, involved in the stress response, at the interface of the microbiota‐gut‐brain axis, has anti‐inflammatory and prokinetic properties, modulates intestinal permeability, and has a significant capacity of plasticity and regeneration. Targeting these properties of the vagus nerve, with vagus nerve stimulation (or non‐stimulation/ pharmacological methods), could be of interest in the therapeutic management of enteric neuropathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling serves as a valuable tool for determining the distribution and disposition of substances in the body of an organism. It involves a mathematical representation of the interrelationships among crucial physiological, biochemical, and physicochemical parameters. A lack of the values of pharmacokinetic parameters can be challenging in constructing a PBPK model. Herein, we propose an artificial intelligence framework to evaluate a key pharmacokinetic parameter, the intestinal effective permeability (Peff). The publicly available Peff dataset was utilized to develop regression machine learning models. The XGBoost model demonstrates the best test accuracy of R-squared (R2, coefficient of determination) of 0.68. The model is then applied to compute the Peff of asiaticoside and madecassoside, the parent compounds found in Centella asiatica. Subsequently, PBPK modeling was conducted to evaluate the biodistribution of the herbal substances following oral administration in a rat model. The simulation results were evaluated and validated, which agreed with the existing in vivo studies in rats. This in silico pipeline presents a potential approach for investigating the pharmacokinetic parameters and profiles of drugs or herbal substances, which can be used independently or integrated into other modeling systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical impervious membrane has been widely used in seepage control of levee engineering, but there are still issues of low calculation accuracy in seepage calculation of hydraulic gradient field around impervious membrane. In order to study the distribution law of seepage field at discontinuous interface including material interface, impermeable body and impermeable membrane, the numerical manifold method of node continuous weight function was introduced. By comparing the distribution law of water head and hydraulic gradient with finite element method and numerical manifold method, the superiority of numerical manifold method in solving seepage issue with discontinuous interface was verified. Compared with the finite element method, the numerical manifold method was simpler and the improved method could calculate the hydraulic gradient at the discontinuous interface more accurately. Taking Diversion of Huaihe River into Yihe River Rectification Project as an example, using the numerical manifold method of node continuous weight function, the influence law of whether there was vertical film laying, film laying length and film laying defect position on the seepage of dike was studied. The results show that the anti-seepage effect increases obviously after the film is inserted into the clay layer. The influence degree of membrane damage on seepage field mainly depends on the stratum where the damage is located. Reasonable measures should be taken to avoid the damage of membrane in permeable stratum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many advantages of using membranes in the separation of wastewater, but their uses are limited because they are not reusable due to blockages in the membrane. In this study, alginate‐based poly(ethyl‐methacrylate) (PEMA) polymeric membranes containing previously synthesized IOS, which are known to be selective against Fe3+, were prepared and their permeability against heavy metals such as Cd2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ were investigated. The properties of membranes characterized by UV‐Vis and FT‐IR spectrophotometry, were investigated with analysis techniques such as SEM, contact angle measurements, TG‐DTG, DSC and AFM. As a result of the measurements taken from the UV spectrophotometer of the filtrates passed through various aqueous ion solutions of the membranes as mentioned above, it was concluded that the ion to which the membrane was most selective was the Fe3+ ion. Moreover, it could be said that thanks to the repeated filtration processes the membrane prepared retained some Fe3+ ion in each measurement and could be used many times in the filtration process. Resultantly, it is possible to say that the polymeric Fe3+ membrane sensor produced may be suitable for use when it is necessary to remove Fe3+ ion from a polluted aqueous environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oedema occurs when higher than normal amounts of solutes and water accumulate in tissues. In brain parenchymal tissue, vasogenic oedema arises from changes in blood–brain barrier permeability, e.g. in peritumoral oedema. Cytotoxic oedema arises from excess accumulation of solutes within cells, e.g. ischaemic oedema following stroke. This type of oedema is initiated when blood flow in the affected core region falls sufficiently to deprive brain cells of the ATP needed to maintain ion gradients. As a consequence, there is: depolarization of neurons; neural uptake of Na+ and Cl− and loss of K+; neuronal swelling; astrocytic uptake of Na+, K+ and anions; swelling of astrocytes; and reduction in ISF volume by fluid uptake into neurons and astrocytes. There is increased parenchymal solute content due to metabolic osmolyte production and solute influx from CSF and blood. The greatly increased [K+]isf triggers spreading depolarizations into the surrounding penumbra increasing metabolic load leading to increased size of the ischaemic core. Water enters the parenchyma primarily from blood, some passing into astrocyte endfeet via AQP4. In the medium term, e.g. after three hours, NaCl permeability and swelling rate increase with partial opening of tight junctions between blood–brain barrier endothelial cells and opening of SUR1-TPRM4 channels. Swelling is then driven by a Donnan-like effect. Longer term, there is gross failure of the blood–brain barrier. Oedema resolution is slower than its formation. Fluids without colloid, e.g. infused mock CSF, can be reabsorbed across the blood–brain barrier by a Starling-like mechanism whereas infused serum with its colloids must be removed by even slower extravascular means. Large scale oedema can increase intracranial pressure (ICP) sufficiently to cause fatal brain herniation. The potentially lethal increase in ICP can be avoided by craniectomy or by aspiration of the osmotically active infarcted region. However, the only satisfactory treatment resulting in retention of function is restoration of blood flow, providing this can be achieved relatively quickly. One important objective of current research is to find treatments that increase the time during which reperfusion is successful. Questions still to be resolved are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MUF-15 (MUF = Massey University Framework) is a metal–organic framework with pores that can be tuned by ligand functionalisation. Crystallites of MUF-15 and derivatives were blended with the organic polymer 6FDA-DAM to produce mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs). At a loading of 30 wt%, membranes with MUF-15-F, MUF15 with an appended fluoro group, exhibited a CO2 permeability of 1300 Barrer and CO2/CH4 selectivity of 37.1. These values surpass membranes with the parent MUF-15 and exceed the Robeson upper bound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a pulsatile flow of a biviscous fluid in a circular tube of varying cross-section has been considered for investigation. The study helps to draw the characteristics of blood, the pressure drop and the wall shear stress on the inner wall of small blood vessels and capillaries where suction/injection velocity arises and Reynolds number is very low. The effects of Reynolds number, apparent viscosity coefficient and leakage parameter on the streamlines, pressure drop and wall shear stress have been discussed and shown graphically for suction and injection, respectively. The wall of the tube is supposed to be permeable and a normal velocity of the fluid at the wall is prescribed to consider the fluid exchange across the wall. Both analytic and numerical solutions are given. Using the perturbation technique, we analyze the problem for low Reynolds numbers and small oscillation amplitude. Lastly, the simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and excellent tracking performance of the proposed control scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose the generalization of the anisotropic poroelasticity theory. At a large scale, a medium is viewed as quasi‐static, which is the original assumption of Biot. At a smaller scale, we distinguish different sets of pores or fractures that are characterized by various fluid pressures, which is the original poroelastic extension of Aifantis. In consequence, both instantaneous and time‐dependent deformation lead to fluid content variations that are different in each set. We present the equations for such phenomena, where the anisotropic properties of both the solid matrix and pore sets are assumed. Novel poroelastic coefficients that relate solid and fluid phases in our extension are proposed, and their physical meaning is determined. To demonstrate the utility of our equations and emphasize the meaning of new coefficients, we perform numerical simulations of a triple‐porosity consolidation. These simulations reveal positive pore pressure transients in the drained behaviour of weakly connected pore sets, and these may result in the mechanical weakening of the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characteristics of stress‐dependent properties of rocks are commonly described by empirical laws. It is crucial to establish a universal law that connects rock properties with stress. The present study focuses on exploring the correlations among permeability, porosity, and compressibility observed in experiments. To achieve this, we propose a novel finite strain‐based dual‐component (FS‐DC) model, grounded in the finite strain theory within the framework of continuum mechanics. The FS‐DC model decomposes the original problem into the rock matrix and micro‐pores/cracks components. The deformation gradient tensor is utilized to derive the constitutive relations. One of the novelties is that the stress‐dependent variables are calculated in the current configuration, in contrast to the reference configuration used in small deformation theory. The model has only a few number of parameters, each with specific physical interpretations. It can be reduced to existing models with appropriate simplifications. Then, model performance is examined against experimental data, including permeability, porosity, compressibility, volumetric strain and specific storage. It proves that the variations of these properties are effectively described by the proposed model. Further analysis reveals the effect of pores/cracks parameters. The validity of the FS‐DC model is examined across a broad range of pressures. The results show that rock properties at high confining pressures (>$>$300 MPa) differ from those observed under relatively low pressures (<$<$200 MPa). This disparity can be attributed to inelastic behaviors of micro‐structure, wherein the rock skeleton undergoes permanent deformation and breakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membranes on palladium alloy basis with surface modified by nanoparticles with high catalytic activity are useful in deep hydrogen purification and single-stage process of high-purity hydrogen production. This paper reports the development and improvement of methods for synthesis of Pd-based pentatwinned nanoparticles of strictly specified morphology with certain shapes, facets and composition. The competing effect of surfactants and optimization of the halide ions ratio in solution make it possible to direct a particle growth towards formation of pentatwinned Pd-nanostars. Pd–23%Ag coatings synthesized on the surface showed uniquely high peak current density of up to 238 mA cm−2 in alkaline methanol oxidation reaction. This is due to both increased surface area and greater catalytic activity of nanostars' facets. A record increase in hydrogen permeability of up to 12.5 mmol s−1 m−2 at 100 °C has been achieved for palladium-silver membranes with modified surface. This indicates an acceleration of sorption/desorption stages. The developed method for controlling morphology of nanoscale coatings opens the way to the production of membrane hydrogen filters, which operate at room temperature. [Display omitted] • Surface-modified Pd membranes are an excellent tool for high-purity hydrogen production. • Approaches have been developed to manipulate the processes of morphology fine-tuning of Pd nanostars. • Modified Pd–Ag films exhibited high peak current density up to 238 mA cm−2 in methanol electrooxidation. • A record flux density up to 12.5 mmol s−1m−2 at 100 °C has been demonstrated in membrane hydrogen purification process. • Modified membranes open up the possibility of deep hydrogen purification at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reservoir's properties are required for proper reservoir simulation, which also involves uncertainties. Experimental methods to estimate the relative permeability and capillary pressure data are expensive and time-consuming. This study aims to determine the relative permeability and capillary pressure functions of a sandstone core in the presence and absence of clay during low-salinity water floods. The data were provided by automatic history matching the results from previously lab-reported studies through coupling a simulator with the particle swarm optimization algorithm. Correlations were proposed using multiple-linear regression for relative permeability and capillary pressure parameters at low-salinity conditions. They were validated against experimental results of no clay and clayey formation with regression of 95% and 97%. To assign one curve of relative permeability and capillary pressure to the grid cells of the simulator, averaging techniques were implemented. The effect of salinity and clay content on the obtained curves was investigated. Changing salinity from 42000 to 4000 ppm, the reduction in water relative permeability appeared to be higher than the oil relative permeability increment. Moreover, a noticeable shift in the relative permeability curves toward the highest saturations related to the clay content was observed. The proposed hybrid method could be a suitable tool to estimate the relative permeability and capillary pressure functions of the water-based EOR methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a group of hepatic disorders ranging between simple form of accumulation of fat in hepatocytes (hepatic steatosis) and inflammation of liver internal tissues and injury of hepatocytes that is known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with increasing levels of fibrosis and cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The composition of one's gut microbiota has a role in both the onset and progression of chronic liver disorders. One indicator of intestinal permeability is zonulin. In this study, we aimed to detect the value of zonulin as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in patients with different degrees of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (steatosis, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis). This case–control study was conducted on 60 subjects in Gastroenterology and Bariatric Surgery Departments at Ain Shams University Hospitals who were divided into 3 groups: Group A: 20 patients underwent bariatric surgery and have mild NASH, Group B: 20 patients underwent bariatric surgery and have moderate-to-severe NASH, and Group C: 20 healthy controls, during a period 1 of year. Results: There was high statistically significant difference between the studied groups; as regard zonulin concentration, zonulin showed high diagnostic accuracy in diagnosis of NASH among hepatic patients with total accuracy of 81.7%, sensitivity of 72.5%, and specificity of 100. Conclusion: Serum zonulin levels increase with steatosis severity in patients with NAFLD. This explains the high diagnostic accuracy of zonulin in diagnosis and prognosis of NASH among patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, limestone samples from a coal mine in the North China region were selected for analysis. High Pressure Mercury Intrusion (HPMI) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) experiments were conducted to explore the impact of pore characteristics and fractal dimension of limestone on permeability. Additionally, regression analysis and a Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN) were employed to predict permeability. The results of this study reveal that the pore-throat distribution of the limestone samples is non-uniform, indicating significant heterogeneity. The difference of pressure curve morphology affects the permeability. Utilizing multivariate regression analysis, a relationship was established between permeability and parameters such as mean radius, porosity, and fractal dimension. Furthermore, the BP neural network was effectively employed to predict permeability values, with small discrepancies between predicted and measured values. This study establishes a link between microstructural attributes and macroscopic permeability providing a robust theoretical foundation for permeability assessment and engineering applications pertaining to limestone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peanut (Arachis hypogaea), a vital oil and food crop globally, is susceptible to web blotch which is a significant foliar disease caused by Phoma arachidicola Marasas Pauer&Boerema leading to substantial yield losses in peanut production. Calcium treatment has been found to enhance plant resistance against pathogens. Results: This study investigates the impact of exogenous calcium on peanut resistance to web blotch and explores its mechanisms. Greenhouse experiments revealed that exogenous calcium treatment effectively enhanced resistance to peanut web blotch. Specifically, amino acid calcium and sugar alcohol calcium solutions demonstrated the best induced resistance effects, achieving reduction rates of 61.54% and 60% in Baisha1016, and 53.94% and 50% in Luhua11, respectively. All exogenous calcium treatments reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and relative electrical conductivity (REC) levels in peanut leaves, mitigating pathogen-induced cell membrane damage. Exogenous calcium supplementation led to elevated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content and superoxide anion (O2∙-) production in peanut leaves, facilitating the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) crucial for plant defense responses. Amino acid calcium and sugar alcohol calcium treatments significantly boosted activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in peanut leaves. Activation of these antioxidant enzymes effectively scavenged excess ROS, maintaining ROS balance and mitigating cellular damage. Conclusions: In summary, exogenous calcium treatment triggered ROS production, which was subsequently eliminated by the activation of antioxidant enzymes, thereby reducing cell membrane damage and inducing defense responses against peanut web blotch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Method Results Conclusion The article analyzes up to what extent the supraordinate identity made up by the classic match, influences fans’ consumption intention of media and official merchandise, through a justifiability mediation, while assessing a moderation effect that an identity threat has on the proposed model.The phenomenon was tested through structural equation modeling on a 439 fanbase sample. Participants are fans from both of the clubs who play the Classic match of their league and were randomly allocated into a threat circumstance or a control situation in order to test the identity threat moderation effect.Findings suggest that this supraordinate identity has a positive impact on media and merchandise consumption intentions, while legitimacy and permeability forecast its existence. These results argue that fans from both teams experience an identity threat either when their club is under menace and when their rival is.This is the first article examining a supraordinate identity fabricated by salient rivalries, which is counterintuitive, and how these individuals experience an identity threat when their rival is at risk. The Classic denotes an important marketing instrument, where leagues and clubs can develop stories and rivalries to attract broader audiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose Experimental Approach Key Results Conclusions and Implications Demand for new antidepressants has resulted in a re‐evaluation of the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs. Several tryptamines found in psilocybin‐containing “magic” mushrooms share chemical similarities with psilocybin. Early work suggests they may share biological targets. However, few studies have explored their pharmacological and behavioural effects.We compared baeocystin, norbaeocystin and aeruginascin with psilocybin to determine if they are metabolized by the same enzymes, similarly penetrate the blood–brain barrier, serve as ligands for similar receptors and modulate behaviour in rodents similarly. We also assessed the stability and optimal storage and handling conditions for each compound.In vitro enzyme kinetics assays found that all compounds had nearly identical rates of dephosphorylation via alkaline phosphatase and metabolism by monoamine oxidase. Further, we found that only the dephosphorylated products of baeocystin and norbaeocystin crossed a blood–brain barrier mimetic to a similar degree as the dephosphorylated form of psilocybin, psilocin. The dephosphorylated form of norbaeocystin was found to activate the 5‐HT2A receptor with similar efficacy to psilocin and norpsilocin in in vitro cell imaging assays. Behaviourally, only psilocybin induced head twitch responses in rats, a marker of 5‐HT2A‐mediated psychedelic effects and hallucinogenic potential. However, like psilocybin, norbaeocystin improved outcomes in the forced swim test. All compounds caused minimal changes to metrics of renal and hepatic health, suggesting innocuous safety profiles.Collectively, this work suggests that other naturally occurring tryptamines, especially norbaeocystin, may share overlapping therapeutic potential with psilocybin, but without causing hallucinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of laboratory investigations related to the permeability have been conducted on the sliding zones. Yet little attention has been paid to the particular sliding zones of the slide-prone Badong Formation. Here, we experimentally investigate the permeability nature and the mechanism of seepage in the viscous sliding zone of the Huangtupo Landslide. Saturated seepage tests have been performed first with consideration of six dry densities and thirteen hydraulic gradients, in conjunction with the mercury intrusion porosimetry test and scanning electron microscopy test for the microstructure analysis after seepage. The results show that seepage in the sliding zone soil does not follow Darcy's Law, since there is a threshold hydraulic gradient (i0) below which no flow is observed and a critical hydraulic gradient (icr) over which the hydraulic conductivity (K) tends to be stable. The percentage of bound water could be responsible for the occurrence of i0 and icr. Furthermore, pore size distributions (PSD) less than 0.6 µm and between 10 and 90 µm exhibit positive and negative correlations with the i0, respectively, indicating that the i0 is related to the PSD. The mechanism accounting for this result is that pore water pressure forces fine clay particles into the surrounding large pores and converts arranged particles to discretely distributed ones, thereby weakening the connectivity of pores. The seepages in the sliding zones behave differently from that in the sliding mass and sliding bed in response to the permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas outbursts pose a significant threat in the mining of deep low‐permeability coal seams. As mining depth increases, there is a rise in coal and gas dynamic disasters, rendering the gas outburst prevention technology from shallow mining areas unsuitable for deep coal seam exploitation. Addressing the challenges posed by deep, highly gassy coal seams, this study introduces a gas outburst prevention technology integrating destressing in the close distance underlying roadway with gas drainage. The article investigates the relevant technical parameters and assesses the feasibility of this approach. First, it establishes destressing model for the underlying roadway to derive an analytical solution for stress distribution in the coal seam. Second, appropriate technical parameters are designed considering the seepage characteristics of gas in the coal seam. Finally, the gas drainage technical scheme is implemented at Qujiang coal mine to verify its on‐site effectiveness. Field test results indicate an increase in gas permeability within the coal seam following destressing in the underlying roadway, accompanied by significant improvements in the efficiency of gas drainage and the advancement speed of the coal roadway. Specifically, the driving speed of the coal roadway has escalated from 40 m/month to 150 m/month. These outcomes demonstrate the potential of this technology as a promising approach for preventing gas outbursts in the challenging context of deep, low‐permeability coal seams, facilitating swift coal roadway excavation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystal-rich silicic lavas commonly erupt from hazardous lava dome-forming volcanoes, characterized by both effusive and explosive eruptions. Magma explosivity is inherently dependent on its ability to store pressurized gas, which can be released through permeable pathways like fractures or connected bubbles, yet the role crystals play in regulating gas escape is poorly constrained in crystal-rich systems. We explored the gas storage capacity and outgassing efficiency of crystal-rich magmas through experimental vesiculation of hydrous dacite samples containing crystal volume fractions ( ϕ x ) between 0.5 and 0.8. The maximum unconnected gas volume (isolated porosity) decreases exponentially with increasing crystallinity. We quantify the relative outgassing efficiency as a function of ϕ x using changes in isolated melt porosity during open-system degassing (outgassing). Mean isolated porosity, for ϕ x = 0.5, increases from ~ 0.33 at the start of outgassing to ~ 0.67 by the end, doubling its trapped bubbles. For ϕ x = 0.7, isolated porosity increases from ~ 0.1 to ~ 0.2, implying gas retention and outgassing efficiency are strongly dependent on crystallinity. Outgassing occurs rapidly via fracturing at porosities < 0.1 when ϕ x ≥ 0.7. Fracturing and bubble coalescence are both inefficient outgassing mechanisms at ϕ x = 0.5 due to viscoelastoplastic deformation, which leads to an increase of isolated porosity. Between ϕ x of 0.5 and 0.7, samples sustained a three-fold difference in isolated porosity, implying that gas retention and eruptive behavior of crystal-rich magmas may be controlled by the onset and efficacy of crack-dominated outgassing and can be modulated by relatively small changes in crystallinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]