Quantification of the concrete freeze–thaw environment across the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau based on machine learning algorithms

The reasonable quantification of the concrete freezing environment on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau(QTP) is the primary issue in frost resistant concrete design, which is one of the challenges that the QTP engineering managers should take into account. In this paper, we propose a more realistic method to calculate the number of concrete freeze–thaw cycles(NFTCs) on the QTP. The calculated results show that the NFTCs increase as the altitude of the meteorological station increases with the average NFTCs being 208.7. Four machine learning methods, i.e., the random forest(RF) model, generalized boosting method(GBM), generalized linear model(GLM), and generalized additive model(GAM), are used to fit the NFTCs. The root mean square error(RMSE) values of the RF, GBM, GLM, and GAM are 32.3, 4.3, 247.9, and 161.3, respectively. The R^(2) values of the RF, GBM, GLM, and GAM are 0.93, 0.99, 0.48, and 0.66, respectively. The GBM method performs the best compared to the other three methods, which was shown by the results of RMSE and R^(2) values. The quantitative results from the GBM method indicate that the lowest, medium, and highest NFTC values are distributed in the northern, central, and southern parts of the QTP, respectively. The annual NFTCs in the QTP region are mainly concentrated at 160 and above, and the average NFTCs is 200 across the QTP. Our results can provide scientific guidance and a theoretical basis for the freezing resistance design of concrete in various projects on the QTP.

Effects of freeze-thaw cycles on sandstone in sunny and shady slopes

A growing rock engineering activity in cold regions is facing the threat of freeze-thaw(FT)weathering,especially in high mountains where the sunny-shady slope effects strongly control the difference in weathering behavior of rocks.In this paper,an investigation of the degradation of petrophysical characteristics of sandstone specimens subjected to FT cycle tests to simulate the sunny-shady slope effects is presented.To this aim,non-destructive and repeatable testing techniques including weight,ultrasonic waves,and nuclear magnetic resonance methods on standard specimens were performed.For the sunny slope specimens,accompanied by the enlargement of small pores,100 FT cycles caused a significant decrease in P-wave velocity with an average of 23%,but a consistent rise of 0.18%in mass loss,34%in porosity,67%in pore geometrical mean radius,and a remarkable 14.5-fold increase in permeability.However,slight changes with some abnormal trends in physical parameters of the shady slope specimens were observed during FT cycling,which can be attributed to superficial granular disaggregation and pore throat obstruction.Thermal shocks enhance rock weathering on sunny slopes during FT cycles,while FT weathering on shady slopes is restricted to the small pores and the superficial cover.These two factors are primarily responsible for the differences in FT weathering intensity between sunny and shady slopes.The conclusions derived from the interpretation of the experimental results may provide theoretical guidance for the design of slope-failure prevention measures and the selection of transportation routes in cold mountainous regions.

Research Progress on Plant Anti-Freeze Proteins

Plant antifreeze proteins(AFPs)are special proteins that can protect plant cells from ice crystal damage in low-temperature environments,and they play a crucial role in the process of plants adapting to cold environ-ments.Proteins with these characteristics have been found infish living in cold regions,as well as many plants and insects.Although research on plant AFPs started relatively late,their application prospects are broad,leading to the attention of many researchers to the isolation,cloning,and genetic improvement of plant AFP genes.Studies have found that the distribution of AFPs in different species seems to be the result of independent evolu-tionary events.Unlike the AFPs found infish and insects,plant AFPs have multiple hydrophilic ice-binding domains,and their recrystallization inhibition activity is about 10–100 times that offish and insect AFPs.Although different plant AFPs have the characteristics of low TH and high RI,their DNA and amino acid sequences are completely different,with small homology.With in-depth research and analysis of the character-istics and mechanisms of plant AFPs,not only has our understanding of plant antifreeze mechanisms been enriched,but it can also be used to improve crop varieties and enhance their freezing tolerance,yield,and quality through genetic engineering.In addition,the study of plant AFPs also contributes to our understanding of freezing resistance mechanisms in other organisms and provides new research directions for thefield of biotech-nology.Therefore,based on the analysis of relevant literature,this article will delve into the concepts,character-istics,research methods,and mechanisms of plant AFPs,summarize the latest research progress and application prospects of AFPs in plant,and provide prospects for the future development of AFP gene research.

Surface crack evolution patterns in freeze-thaw damage of fissured rock bodies

To explore the effects of freeze‒thaw cycles on the mechanical properties and crack evolution of fissured sandstone,biaxial compression experiments were carried out on sandstone subjected to freeze‒thaw cycles to characterize the changes in the physical and mechanical properties of fissured sandstone caused by freeze‒thaw cycles.The crack evolution and crack change process on the surface of the fissured sandstone were recorded and analysed in detail via digital image technology(DIC).Numerical simulation was used to reveal the expansion process and damage mode of fine-scale cracks under the action of freeze‒thaw cycles,and the simulation results were compared and analysed with the experimental data to verify the reliability of the numerical model.The results show that the mass loss,porosity,peak stress and elastic modulus all increase with increasing number of freeze‒thaw cycles.With an increase in the number of freeze‒thaw cycles,a substantial change in displacement occurs around the prefabricated cracks,and a stress concentration appears at the crack tip.As new cracks continue to sprout at the tips of the prefabricated cracks until the microcracks gradually penetrate into the main cracks,the displacement cloud becomes obviously discontinuous,and the contours of the displacement field in the crack fracture damage area simply intersect with the prefabricated cracks to form an obvious fracture.The damage patterns of the fractured sandstone after freeze‒thaw cycles clearly differ,forming a symmetrical"L"-shaped damage pattern at zero freeze‒thaw cycles,a symmetrical"V"-shaped damage pattern at 10 freeze‒thaw cycles,and a"V"-shaped damage pattern at 20 freeze‒thaw cycles.After 20 freeze‒thaw cycles,a"V"-shaped destruction pattern and"L"-shaped destruction pattern are formed;after 30 freeze‒thaw cycles,an"N"-shaped destruction pattern is formed.This shows that the failure mode of fractured sandstone gradually becomes more complicated with an increasing number of freeze‒thaw cycles.The effects of freeze‒thaw cycles on the direction and rate of crack propagation are revealed through a temperature‒load coupled model,which provides an important reference for an in-depth understanding of the freeze‒thaw failure mechanisms of fractured rock masses.

Change in Grain-Size Composition of Lignite under Cyclic Freezing-Thawing and Wetting-Drying

The paper presents the change in grain-size composition of lignite under cyclic freezing-thawing (FTC) and wetting-drying (WDC). The article shows that in the spring and autumn periods the lignites can be subjected to repeated freezing-thawing and wetting-drying, which determines the possibility of changing their grain-size composition and structure. Experimental studies in laboratory conditions on the influence of cyclic freezing-thawing (FTC) and wetting-drying (WDC) on the quality indicators of lignites have been carried out, their granulometric (fractional) composition has been studied. Freezing-thawing cycle conditions are as follows (FTC): minimum exposure temperature: -20°C;maximum: +5°C;relative humidity: 30%;number of processing cycles: 3. Wetting-drying cycles are as follows (WDC): drying temperatures are +20, +40, +60, +80°C, drying time 90 minutes, the coals are further subjected to rain (soaking) for a period of water saturation to humidity of 30% - 40% and dry again. The number of wetting-drying cycles is 3 times. The tests have revealed the destructive effects of FTC and WDC on the samples of lower metamorphic grade coal, and the cycles of wet-dry lead to the much higher yield of fine sizes (-6+0;-13+0 mm) than the cycles of freeze-thaw. Furthermore, it is found that the increase in the yield of fines depends on the heating temperature: coal disintegration proceeds more intensively at a higher temperature of drying.

Thinning intensity aff ects carbon sequestration and release in seasonal freeze–thaw areas

To explore how to respond to seasonal freeze–thaw cycles on forest ecosystems in the context of climate change through thinning,we assessed the potential impact of thinning intensity on carbon cycle dynamics.By varying the number of temperature cycles,the eff ects of various thinning intensities in four seasons.The rate of mass,litter organic carbon,and soil organic carbon(SOC)loss in response to temperature variations was examined in two degrees of decomposition.The unfrozen season had the highest decomposition rate of litter,followed by the frozen season.Semi-decomposed litter had a higher decomposition rate than undecomposed litter.The decomposition rate of litter was the highest when the thinning intensity was 10%,while the litter and SOC were low.Forest litter had a good carbon sequestration impact in the unfrozen and freeze–thaw seasons,while the converse was confi rmed in the frozen and thaw seasons.The best carbon sequestration impact was identifi ed in litter,and soil layers under a 20–25%thinning intensity,and the infl uence of undecomposed litter on SOC was more noticeable than that of semi-decomposed litter.Both litter and soil can store carbon:however,carbon is transported from undecomposed litter to semi-decomposed litter and to the soil over time.In summary,the best thinning intensity being 20–25%.

STUDY ON THE HEAT AND MASS TRANSPORT PROPERTIES OF BEEF UNDERGOING FREEZE DRYING

This paper establishes the mathematical model in calculating the effective thermal conductivity and the effective mass diffusivity of dried layer of beef undergoing freeze drying process.First,experimental measurements are done on the dehydrated quantity as well as temperature variations at different locations of the beef steak.Then the effective thermal conductivity and the effective mass diffusivity are calculated by applying the above mathematical model on the data of the dehydrated quantity.These two coefficients are further used in the calculation of temperature distribution.The result is in agreement with the measurement,thus confirming the correctness of the model and the values of the coefficients.

Liquid penetration of freeze-drying and air-drying wood of plantation Chinese fir

A comparative study was conducted on liquid penetration of the freeze-drying and air-drying sapwood and heartwood lumber of plantation Chinese fir （Cunninghamia lanceolata）. The maximum amount of dyeing solution uptake by the capillary rise method was used to evaluate the liquid penetration properties of the treated wood. The pit aspiration ratio was determined by semithin section method. Changes in wood microstructure were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that compared with air drying, the freeze drying had a significant effect on liquid penetration of sapwood and heartwood of Chinese fir. The liquid penetration of sapwood is significantly higher than that of the heartwood for both drying treatments. Low pit aspiration ratio and cracks of pits membrane of some bordered pits are the main reasons for increasing liquid penetration after freeze drying treatment.

Preparation of highly dispersed iron species over ZSM-5 with enhanced metal-support interaction through freeze-drying impregnation

Supported metal catalysts play a vital role in the chemical industry, and the metal-support interaction is an important property of the catalyst. However, in the traditional impregnation method, it is difficult to obtain sufficient metal-support interactions owing to the mobility of the metal precursor during evaporation drying. Here, freeze drying is applied during impregnation instead of evaporation drying for enhancing the metal-support interactions. 57 Fe ZSM-5 was chosen as a representative catalyst. A quantitative analysis was conducted based on Mossbauer spectroscopy. Compared with traditional evaporation-drying catalyst, freeze-drying catalyst has stronger metal-support interactions. In addition, more iron species are confined in the channel and smaller metal sizes and less diversity are obtained. The compositional change is also proved because of the superior performance of the freeze-drying catalyst during N2O decomposition. This method can be extended to other supported metal catalysts prepared through an impregnation method, which can be used to tune the metal-support interactions and metal sizes.

Structural and functional properties of hydrolyzed/glycosylated ovalbumin under spray drying and microwave freeze drying

Ovalbumin(OVA),the main protein in egg white,affects most of the functional properties of egg white protein in food processing.The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of spray drying(SD)and microwave freeze drying(MFD)on the preparation of hydrolyzed/glycosylated ovalbumin(HGOVA)and provide useful information on the applications of egg protein powders in the food industry.Results demonstrated that the structure of HGOVA was considerably changed,and its functional properties were improved compared with those of native OVA.SD and MFD processing did not lead to dissociation of HGOVA subunits.SD-HGOVA exhibited higher protein solubility,emulsifying activity,foaming capacities,and gel hardness than MFD-HGOVA.However,MFD-HGOVA was better than the SD-HGOVA in terms of color,emulsion stability,foam stability,water/oil absorption capacity,and thermal stability.Selection of an appropriate drying method could enhance the potential applications of HGOVA in the food industry.

Spray freeze drying of small nucleic acids as inhaled powder for pulmonary delivery

The therapeutic potential of small nucleic acids such as small interfering RNA(siRNA) to treat lung diseases has been successfully demonstrated in many in vivo studies. A major barrier to their clinical application is the lack of a safe and efficient inhaled formulation.In this study, spray freeze drying was employed to prepare dry powder of small nucleic acids.Mannitol and herring sperm DNA were used as bulking agent and model of small nucleic acid therapeutics, respectively. Formulations containing different solute concentration and DNA concentration were produced. The scanning electron microscope(SEM) images showed that the porosity of the particles increased as the solute concentration decreased. Powders prepared with solute concentration of 5% w/v were found to maintain a balance between porosity and robustness. Increasing concentration of DNA improved the aerosol performance of the formulation. The dry powder formulation containing 2% w/w DNA had a median diameter of 12.5 μm, and the aerosol performance study using next generation impactor(NGI) showed an emitted fraction(EF) and fine particle fraction(FPF) of 91% and 28% respectively. This formulation(5% w/v solute concentration and 2% w/w nucleic acid) was adopted subsequently to produce siRNA powder. The gel retardation and liquid chromatography assays showed that the siRNA remained intact after spray freeze drying even in the absence of delivery vector. The siRNA powder formulation exhibited a high EF of 92.4%and a modest FPF of around 20%. Further exploration of this technology to optimise inhaled siRNA powder formulation is warranted.

Preservation of moderately thermophilic culture by freeze drying and frozen preservation way and effect on subsequent bioleaching of chalcopyrite

Freeze drying and frozen preservation way was used to preserve a moderately thermophilic culture for bioleaching of chalcopyrite concentrate.After preservation of 15 months,the cell viability rate decreases to 22% with a cell density of 7×107 mL-1.When the growth time was extended from 8 days to 14 days,cell density would increase in a large scale to about 3×108 mL-1.In the bioleaching experiments,unpreserved and preserved cultures were compared for dissolving chalcopyrite concentrate.Before 44 days,the unpreserved culture can reach a high copper extraction of about 17.4 g/L.While the preserved culture shows a rather low copper extraction,which is only 9.7 g/L.When the bioleaching time was extended to 80 days,copper extraction by preserved culture increases remarkably,and the concentration of copper finally achieves up to 18.3 g/L.On the other hand,copper extraction by the unpreserved culture does not show remarkable increase from 44th to the 80th day,and finally the total copper extraction is 19.8 g/L.As a result,total copper extraction in 80 days by preserved culture approaches that by unpreserved culture and freeze drying and frozen preservation even after 15 months does not bring much decrease of bioleaching ability.

Dynamic culture improves MSC adhesion on freeze-dried bone as a scaffold for bone engineering

AIM: To investigate the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and bone grafts using two different cultivation methods: static and dynamic. METHODS: MSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow. MSC culture was analyzed according to the morphology, cell differentiation potential, and surface molecular markers. Before cell culture, freeze-dried bone (FDB) was maintained in culture for 3 d in order to verify culture medium pH. MSCs were co-cultured with FDB using two different cultivation methods: static co-culture (two-dimensional) and dynamic co-culture (three-dimensional). After 24 h of cultivation by dynamic or static methods, histological analysis of Cell adhesion on FDB was performed. Cell viability was assessed by the Trypan Blue exclusion method on days 0, 3 and 6 after dynamic or static culture. Adherent cells were detached from FDB surface, stained with Trypan Blue, and quantified to determine whether the cells remained on the graft surface in prolonged non-dynamic culture. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS and a P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The results showed a clear potential for adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of MSC cultures. Rat MSCs were positive for CD44, CD90 and CD29 and negative for CD34, CD45 and CD11bc. FDBs were maintained in culture for 3 d and the results showed there was no significant variation in the culture medium pH with FDB compared to pure medium pH (P > 0.05). In histological analysis, there was a significant difference in the amount of adhered cells on FDB between the two cultivation methods (P < 0.05). The MSCs in the dynamic co-culture method demonstrated greater adhesion on the bone surface than in static co-culture method. On day 0, the cell viability in the dynamic system was significantly higher than in the static system (P < 0.05). There was a statistical difference in cell viability between days 0, 3 and 6 after dynamic culture (P < 0.05). In static culture, cell viability on day 6 was significantly lower than on day 3 and 0 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An alternative cultivation method was developed to improve the MSCs adhesion on FDB, demonstrating that dynamic co-culture provides a superior environment over static conditions.

Influence of Freezing and Freeze Drying on Intracellular Enzymatic Activity and Autolytic Properties of Some Lactic Acid Bacterial Strains

Lactic acid bacteria possess several interesting properties of great economic importance. Improvement and stabilization of these industrially important features are an active research area at the present time. The objectives of this work are to study the effect of freezing and freeze-drying on the survival rate, autolytic activity and intracellular enzymatic activity of the main species of lactic acid bacteria used in the dairy industry. The article focused on several characteristics that were not well covered in the past. The obtained results revealed that both preservation methods have a significant effect on viability, autolytic activity and intracellular enzymatic activity. After six months of storage we found that frozen cultures exhibited higher survival rate, higher rate of intracellular enzymatic activity and lower rate of autolysis. The impact of conservation treatments was only strain specific in the case of survival rate. The results obtained lead to the selection of the best preservation method for the selected cultures based on survival rate, autolytic activity and intracellular enzymatic activity.

Ag/TiO_2/freeze-dried graphene nanocomposite as a high performance photocatalyst under visible light irradiation

Ag/TiO2/freeze-dried graphene nanocomposites have been prepared via a facile one-step solvothermal method for the photocatalytic degradation of Rh B under visible light irradiation. During the solvothermal process, reduction of graphene oxide and loading of Ag/TiO2nanoparticles on graphene sheets were achieved. Investigation of chemical state of products showed that covering of Ag/TiO2surface with higher weight ratio of graphene resulting in that Ag metals in Ag/TiO2were oxidized to Ag2 O in nanocomposite structure after solvothermal process. Degree of photocatalytic activity enhancement strongly depends on the coverage of Ag/TiO2surface by porous graphene. The sample of 1 wt% porous graphene hybridized Ag/TiO2showed the highest photocatalytic activity, which is related to high migration efficiency of photoinduced of electrons and reduction of electron–hole recombination rate due to high electrical conductivity of graphene. Expanding of absorption to visible light region was ascribed to surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag metals and presence of graphene. Investigation of photocatalytic performance of formic acid as a dye-less organic pollutant showed that dye sensitization effect of Rh B molecules during evaluation of photocatalytic performance was negligible.

Research on Freeze Drying and High-temperature Molding in Medium-temperature Fluorocarbon Board

A research and test system for the carbon anode plate preparation technology was established to optimize the physical and chemical indicators of carbon anode plates,such as bulk density,resistivity,and compressive strength,and improve the operating cycle.In this study,a carbon plate was prepared via a combination of high-temperature molding and freeze drying using a formulation with asphalt content much lower than the industry standard.The experimental results show that the density of the carbon plate is increased by 0.02-0.04 g/cm^(3) by improving the drying method.The carbon plate prepared in the laboratory has a bulk density of 1.814 g/cm^(3),resistivity of 29.8μΩ·m,and compressive strength of 89.27 MPa.The bulk density,room-temperature resistivity,compressive strength,graphitization,and other key indices of the carbon plates made in the laboratory and those procured from a factory in Shanxi,Datong,were tested.Additionally,the specimens were analyzed using thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry,scanning electron microscopy,and X-ray fluorescence.The laboratory-made carbon plates were superior to the factory specimens in terms of all the indicators tested.The process in this study improves the performance of the carbon anode plate and is used to provide technical support for electrolytic fluorine production in enterprises.The carbon plates prepared in the laboratory fully meet the process requirements of a medium-temperature electrolytic fluorine production line,which indicates the possibility of its use in the stable production of fluorine gas.

Study of self-made freeze-dried bilayered fibrin-binding amniotic membrane in ocular trabeculectomy in rabbits

AIM: To investigate the antifibrotic effect of freeze-dried bilayered fibrin-binding amniotic membrane on trabeculectomy in a rabbit model. METHODS: Twenty-four Japanese white rabbits were randomized into three groups: the experimental group (ocular trabeculectomy in combination with freeze-dried bilayered fibrin-binding amniotic membrane transplantation), the control group (ocular trabeculectomy in combination with natural bilayered fibrin-binding amniotic membrane) and the blank group (single trabeculectomy). Clinical observation, hematoxylin-eosin staining, Massion staining, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry for alpha -SMA were performed on days 7, 14, 21 and 30 following surgery. RESULTS: Statistical differences were noted in survival. analysis and intraocular pressure(IOP) among groups on days 7, 14, 21 and 30 following surgery. Histology, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR further demonstrated that trabeculectomy in combination with freeze-dried bilayered fibrin-binding amniotic membrane resulted in good wound healing and no scar formation. CONCLUSION: Self-made freeze-dried bilayered fibrin-binding amniotic membrane may inhibit the formation of scarring in glaucoma after trabeculectomy.

A dynamic soil freezing characteristic curve model for frozen soil

The soil freezing characteristic curve(SFCC)plays a fundamental role in comprehending thermohydraulic behavior and numerical simulation of frozen soil.This study proposes a dynamic model to uniformly express SFCCs amidst varying total water contents throughout the freezing-thawing process.Firstly,a general model is proposed,wherein the unfrozen water content at arbitrary temperature is determined as the lesser of the current total water content and the reference value derived from saturated SFCC.The dynamic performance of this model is verified through test data.Subsequently,in accordance with electric double layer(EDL)theory,the theoretical residual and minimum temperatures in SFCC are calculated to be-14.5℃to-20℃for clay particles and-260℃,respectively.To ensure that the SFCC curve ends at minimum temperature,a correction function is introduced into the general model.Furthermore,a simplified dynamic model is proposed and investigated,necessitating only three parameters inherited from the general model.Additionally,both general and simplified models are evaluated based on a test database and proven to fit the test data exactly across the entire temperature range.Typical recommended parameter values for various types of soils are summarized.Overall,this study provides not only a theoretical basis for most empirical equations but also proposes a new and more general equation to describe the SFCC.

Asymmetric Drying and Wetting Trends in Eastern and Western China

As an important factor that directly affects agricultural production, the social economy, and policy implementation,observed changes in dry/wet conditions have become a matter of widespread concern. However, previous research has mainly focused on the long-term linear changes of dry/wet conditions, while the detection and evolution of the non-linear trends related to dry/wet changes have received less attention. The non-linear trends of the annual aridity index, obtained by the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition(EEMD) method, reveal that changes in dry/wet conditions in China are asymmetric and can be characterized by contrasting features in both time and space in China. Spatially, most areas in western China have experienced transitions from drying to wetting, while opposite changes have occurred in most areas of eastern China. Temporally, the transitions occurred earlier in western China compared to eastern China. Research into the asymmetric spatial characteristics of dry/wet conditions compensates for the inadequacies of previous studies, which focused solely on temporal evolution;at the same time, it remedies the inadequacies of traditional research on linear trends over centennial timescales. Analyzing the non-linear trend also provides for a more comprehensive understanding of the drying/wetting changes in China.

Effect of different drying methods on the amino acids,α-dicarbonyls and volatile compounds of rape bee pollen

The significant demand for high quality food has motivated us to adopt appropriate processing methods to improve the food nutritional quality and flavors.In this study,the effects of five drying methods,namely,pulsed vacuum drying(PVD),freeze drying(FD),infrared drying(IRD),hot-air drying(HAD)and sun drying(SD)on free amino acids(FAAs),α-dicarbonyl compounds(α-DCs)and volatile compounds(VOCs)in rape bee pollen(RBP)were determined.The results showed that FD significantly released the essential amino acids(EAAs)compared with fresh samples while SD caused the highest loss.Glucosone was the dominantα-DCs in RBP and the highest loss was observed after PVD.Aldehydes were the dominant volatiles of RBP and SD samples contained more new volatile substances(especially aldehydes)than the other four drying methods.Comprehensively,FD and PVD would be potential methods to effectively reduce the quality deterioration of RBP in the drying process.