We deal with the linearized model of the acoustic wave propagation generated by small bubbles in the harmonic regime. We estimate the waves generated by a cluster of M small bubbles, distributed in a bounded domain Ω, with relative densities having contrasts of the order a β , β > 0, where a models their relative maximum diameter, a ≪ 1. We provide useful and natural conditions on the number M , the minimum distance and the contrasts parameter β of the small bubbles under which the point interaction approximation (called also the Foldy-Lax approximation) is valid.With the regimes allowed by our conditions, we can deal with a general class of such materials. Applications of these expansions in material sciences and imaging are immediate. For instance, they are enough to derive and justify the effective media of the cluster of the bubbles for a class of gases with densities having contrasts of the order a β , β ∈ ( 3 2 , 2) and in this case we can handle any fixed frequency. In the particular and important case β = 2, we can handle any fixed frequency far or close (but distinct) from the corresponding Minnaert resonance. The cluster of the bubbles can be distributed to generate volumetric metamaterials but also low dimensional ones as metascreens and metawires.2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. 35R30, 35C20.

We deal with the point-interaction approximations for the acoustic wave fields generated by a cluster of highly contrasted bubbles for a wide range of densities and bulk moduli contrasts. We derive the equivalent fields when the cluster of bubbles is appropriately distributed (but not necessarily periodically) in a bounded domain Ω of R 3 . We handle two situations.(1) In the first one, we distribute the bubbles to occupy a 3 dimensional domain. For this case, we show that the equivalent speed of propagation changes sign when the medium is excited with frequencies smaller or larger than (but not necessarily close to) the Minnaert resonance. As a consequence, this medium behaves as a reflective or absorbing depending on whether the used frequency is smaller or larger than this resonance. In addition, if the used frequency is extremely close to this resonance, for a cluster of bubbles with density above a certain threshold, then the medium behaves as a 'wall', i.e. allowing no incident sound to penetrate.(2) In the second one, we distribute the bubbles to occupy a 2 dimensional (open or closed) surface, not necessarily flat. For this case, we show that the equivalent medium is modeled by a Dirac potential supported on that surface. The sign of the surface potential changes for frequencies smaller or larger than the Minnaert resonance, i.e. it behaves as a smart metasurface reducing or amplifying the transmitted sound across it. As in the 3D case, if the used frequency is extremely close to this resonance, for a cluster of bubbles with density above an appropriate threshold, then the surface allows no incident sound to be transmitted across the surface, i.e. it behaves as a white screen.2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. 35R30, 35C20.

In this article, we establish

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is a significant complication, but evidence on its incidence is bereft in the literature. The objective of this prospective observational study was to analyze the incidence of post-PNL AKI and the potential risk factors and outcomes. Demographic data collected included age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus), and drug history—particularly angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), angiotensin II receptor blockers and beta blockers. Laboratory data included serial serum creatinine measured pre- and postoperation (12, 24, and 48 h), hemoglobin (Hb), total leucocyte count (TLC), Prothrombin time (PT), serum uric acid and urine culture. Stone factors were assessed by noncontrast computerized tomography of kidneys, ureter and bladder (NCCT KUB) and included stone burden, location and Hounsfield values. Intraoperative factors assessed were puncture site, tract size, tract number, operative time, the need for blood transfusion and stone clearance. Postoperative complications were documented using the modified Clavien–Dindo grading system and patients with postoperative AKI were followed up with serial creatinine measurements up to 1 year. Among the 509 patients analyzed, 47 (9.23%) developed postoperative AKI. Older patients, with associated hypertension and diabetes mellitus, those receiving ACE inhibitors and with lower preoperative hemoglobin and higher serum uric acid, had higher incidence of AKI. Higher stone volume and density, staghorn stones, multiple punctures and longer operative time were significantly associated with postoperative AKI. Patients with AKI had an increased length of hospital stay and 17% patients progressed to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cut-off values for patient age (39.5 years), serum uric acid (4.05 mg/dL) and stone volume (673.06 mm3) were assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Highlighting the strong predictors of post-PNL AKI allows early identification, proper counseling and postoperative planning and management in an attempt to avoid further insult to the kidney.