bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study of a closed vortex flow of a liquid under various boundary conditions
Authors: Sharifullin Bulat , Tintulova Maria , Naumov Igor
Published: December 2023

An experimental study of the formation of the structure of a closed vortex motion of a liquid in a vertical cylindrical container with a rotating end (disk) under various boundary conditions has been carried out. The regimes of formation of the circulating motion of a liquid with a small aspect ratio are experimentally investigated. The studies have been carried out using the Particle Image Velocimetry method in a horizontal cross-section near the interface in a cylinder and near the bottom in a gas-vortex reactor. It has been found that with a small aspect ratio in an open cylinder near the air-liquid interface, a region is formed near the axis, in which the radial velocity component is close to zero. Consequently, the circulation is not formed in the entire volume, and the efficiency of mass transfer decreases. At the same time, at a solid boundary, as well as at the liquid-liquid interface, a circulation flow of the working fluid is formed even at a small aspect ratio.
Formation of volatile liquid jets in a rarefied medium
Authors: Yaskin Alexandr , Zarvin Alexandr , Kalyada Valery , Dubrovin Kirill , Khudozhitkov Vitalii
Published: December 2023

The external signs and conditions for the occurrence of sudden changes in the direction of ethanol micro-jets during vertical, from top to bottom, outflow from small-diameter capillaries into a rarefied medium (vacuum) are considered. A brief description of the equipment used, the organization of liquid preparation for the experiment, and the control of parameters are given. With the help of photo and video equipment, sudden transitions from dark areas of the jet to light ones and vice versa, stratification of the liquid jet into two, three or more fan streams, i.e. bifurcation. It is shown that with a decrease in the diameter of the capillary opening, the jet outflow is more stable, and the flow can retain its shape for a relatively long period of time. The process established by other researchers of the flow of liquid drops up the capillary has been confirmed. The reliability of the obtained results was verified by comparison with the known data by organizing the outflow from the same capillaries into the atmosphere.
Influence of liquid layer height on evaporation/boiling heat transfer under low pressure conditions
Authors: Brester Andrey , Zhukov Vladimir , Pavlenko Aleksandr
Published: December 2023

The experimental data of the effect of the height of a horizontal liquid layer on the heat transfer coefficient during evaporation/boiling under low pressure are present on this paper. In addition, data the influence of the height of the liquid layer on the temperature head are also given. It was found that the decreasing of the height of the liquid layer led to increase, the heat transfer coefficient and had a maximum, after which a further decreasing of the height of the liquid layer leads to a decrease in the heat transfer coefficient.
Influence of the developing region of the thermal boundary layer on heat transfer during vapor condensation on horizontal tube bundles
Authors: Gogonin Ivan , Volodin Oleg
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this publication is to describe a phenomenon that is fundamentally important and, at the same time, hardly elucidated in the literature. In the process of film condensation of vapor on the bundles of horizontal tubes, a developing region of the thermal boundary layer is formed on each tube of the bundle; the role of this region in heat transfer is important, and in some cases decisive. The paper presents experimental results on the influence of various contributions of the developing region on heat transfer during film vapor condensation on tube bundles. Based on the data obtained, an algorithm for calculating a condenser during condensation of a stationary vapor without non-condensable impurities is proposed.
Heat transfer of a modified surface with a dispersed coolant flow
Authors: Komov A.T. , Dedov A.V. , Shcherbakov P.P. , Zakharenkov A.V. , Shteling V.S. , Sokolova A.D.
Published: December 2023

The authors carried out a modification of the surface of the working section of the experimental stand, which simulates the energy-loaded elements of thermonuclear installations. The surface was modified by the knurling method, as a result of which structures with a characteristic size of 250 μm were obtained. An experimental study of the heat transfer of a modified surface with a dispersed coolant flow was carried out. The excess pressure of the coolant at the nozzle inlet was (1.5–3.5) × 105 Pa), the mass flow rate of the coolant (distilled water) was (3.9–6.1)×10-3 kg/s, irrigation density varied within (4.2–6.2) kg/(m2·s), initial temperature of the coolant 25.8–26.4 °C. As a result, experimental dependences of the heat flux density and heat transfer coefficient on the temperature of the cooled wall were obtained. The results obtained on the modified surface were compared with the results obtained on the surface without modified structures under similar operating parameters of the coolant.
Boiling heat transfer on modified copper surfaces with inhomogeneous wettability
Authors: Vladimirov V.Yu. , Khmel S.Ya. , Chinnov E.A.
Published: December 2023

Experiments were carried out on biphilic surfaces made using two technologies. The first technology was the deposition of a fluoropolymer through special masks (100 μm spots and 500 μm pitch; 50 μm spots and 200 μm pitch) onto a smooth or pre-modified (silica micrococoon arrays) copper surface. The second technology consisted in the deposition of fluorinated methoxysilane on a copper surface with arrays of caverns preliminarily created by laser ablation (caverns size of the order of 70 μm, pitch - 780 μm), as a result of which deposition the caverns became superhydrophobic. The experiments were carried out on distilled water at atmospheric pressure. For all surfaces, a significant intensification of heat transfer has been achieved, compared with a smooth copper surface. All described biphilic surfaces were compared with similar surfaces without hydrophobic treatment, that is, non-biphilic (smooth surface, arrays of micrococoons, arrays of caverns). For all surfaces, the key contribution of biphilic properties to the intensity of heat transfer is shown in comparison with other related types of processing.
Numerical simulation of the condensation of R-113 in an inclined tube using the VOF method
Authors: Yankov George , Minko Konstantin , Artemov Valerij , Serezhkin Leonid , Loshkareva Elena
Published: December 2023

This paper presents the results of the numerical simulation of R-113 condensation in an inclined 32 mm inner diameter tube 4 m long, using the VOF method. The dimensions of the tube correspond to the dimensions of the test section in the CJSC NPVP «Turbokon» test facility, where a series of experimental studies are to be carried out. The R-113 condensation regime is examined at a pressure of 0.33 MPa, a total mass flowrate of 180 kg/(m2s), and a tube inclination angle of 20°. Data are presented on the distribution of local heat transfer characteristics along the length and over the inner surface of the channel.
Comprehensive study of heat transfer during steam condensation
Authors: Zainullina Elza , Mityakov Vladimir
Published: December 2023

This paper presents an experimental study of condensing heat transfer by a complex method that combines the capabilities of gradient heatmetry, temperature measurement, and condensate flow visualization. The experiments carried out during the saturated steam condensation at atmospheric pressure on the cooled outer surface of a vertical tube made of stainless steel. The local heat flux per unit area was measured using a gradient heat flux sensor and calculated using the equation of stationary heat conduction from temperature measurements through a cylindrical wall, the discrepancy between the results did not exceed 11%. The local heat flux ranged from 91 to 152 kW/m2 depending on the distance to the upper cut of the tube. The relative uncertainty of the local heat flux measured by the gradient heat flux sensor did not exceed 6%, the relative uncertainty of the values calculated from the readings of thermocouples was about 14.5%. The combined use of gradient heatmetry and temperature measurements made it possible to calculate local heat transfer coefficients with a relative uncertainty of less than 8%. The use of condensate flow visualization revealed different modes of condensate flow over the vertical tube surface.
Scenarios of combustion of plane hydrogen microjets at sub- and supersonic velocities
Authors: Katasonov Mikhail , Kozlov Victor , Litvinenko Yury , Shmakov Andrey
Published: December 2023

Experimental data on diffusion combustion of plane hydrogen microjets emanating from a slotted micronozzle at subsonic and supersonic velocities are reported. Four scenarios of diffusion combustion of the hydrogen microjets are presented. As is found, the stabilization of subsonic combustion of the hydrogen microjet is related to the origination of a “bottle-neck” configuration of flame while in supersonic conditions the flow pattern is dominated by supersonic cells. Hysteresis of the diffusion combustion of plane hydrogen microjet is found depending on its ignition far from or close to the nozzle exit and velocity variation.
Initiation and propagation of cracks in problems of petrothermal energy
Authors: Lapin Vasily , Cherny Sergey
Published: December 2023

One of the challenges in using petrothermal energy is creating a fractured reservoir. The depth of formations suitable for exploitation is higher than that of formations for which hydraulic fracturing operations are usually carried out in hydrocarbons production. Therefore, the study of hydraulic fracturing features at great depths can be useful for petrothermal energy. The paper compares the pressures required for the initiation and propagation of a hydraulic fracture for a reservoir located at a depth of 5 kilometers and characterized by a strong contrast in compressive stresses. Fully 3D model is used to simulate fracture propagation and obtain propagation pressure. The initiation pressure is calculated based on the elastic equilibrium equations the solution. It is shown that the initiation pressure may greatly underestimate the pressure required for fracture propagation.
Combustion of liquid hydrocarbons sprayed by air jet
Authors: Mukhina Mariia , Kopyev Evgeny , Shadrin Evgeniy
Published: December 2023

In the present work, the combustion of liquid hydrocarbons sprayed by air jet was studied using diesel fuel as an example. The dependences of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide concentrations in combustion products on the fuel and air flow rates were investigated using an atmospheric burner device. It is shown that while diesel fuel sprayed by air jet there is a wider range of operating parameters in comparison with steam spraying due to the flameout. Compared with atomization by air jet at room temperature, steam and heated air spraying have advantages, for these regimes the NOx concentrations are observed to be lower.
The application of machine learning techniques to detect combustion modes in a pulverised coal boiler
Authors: Butakov Evgenii , Abdurakipov Sergei
Published: December 2023

The development of machine learning algorithms based on semi-industrial thermal benches will approach the development of an automated system capable of detecting and tweaking energy-efficient and environmentally friendly combustion modes in large power plants and increasing their efficiency without significant changes in the design of boiler equipment. Determination of combustion modes and optimisation of the combustion process based on neural network analysis of visualisation patterns of the coal flame in the boiler. Determining the combustion mode in the furnace space and superimposing (automatically adjusting) the parameters based on sensor readings to bring it to the optimum mode and maintain stable combustion is a complex task. Currently, the selection of necessary parameters is done by operator-assisted automatic process control systems, but this process is based on known design parameters and is not always efficient or environmentally friendly in practice. This problem can be solved by determining the combustion mode in the furnace space using modern machine learning methods and automatic parameter optimisation in a continuous mode article.
Study of the influence of different parameters on the flight of microdroples over the contact line in a liquid film heated from below
Authors: Kirichenko Ekaterina O. , Kirichenko Dmitry P. , Zaitsev Dmitry V.
Published: December 2023

In this work, experimental studies were carried out on the flight of levitating liquid microdrops over the contact line around a dry patch formed in the horizontal liquid film heated from below in the temperature range of 52°C - 77°C. The working area is a textolite base, in the center of which a copper rod of a circular cross section with a diameter of 3 mm is pressed. The copper rod serves as a heating element. It was found that with an increase in the substrate temperature and decrease in the diameter of the microdroplets the height of the flight increases.
Investigation of the stability of nanofluids based on water and carbon nanoparticles synthesized by the electric arc method
Authors: Morozova Marina A. , Osipov Anton A. , Maksimovskiy Evgeniy A. , Zaikovskii Alexey V.
Published: December 2023

In this work, arc discharge synthesis was carried out by sputtering electrodes of various compositions in a helium medium, as a result of which two types of materials containing carbon globules and graphene flakes were obtained. The synthesized materials were characterized with transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The effect of the type and concentration of carbon nanoparticles and the type of surfactants on the stability of water-based nanofluids was studied with optical spectroscopy. For carbon globules and water, the mass concentrations of nanoparticles and sodium dodecyl sulfate were determined to obtain a nanofluid based on them stable for 1 month, which are 0.02% and 1%, respectively. It was shown that the use of neonol AF 9-12 at a concentration of 2% didn’t lead to the stabilization of carbon globules with a mass concentration of 0.02% in water. For graphene flakes, the mass concentrations of nanoparticles and stabilizers to obtain a water-based nanofluid stable for 1 month were: 0.02% graphene flakes and 1% SDS, as well as 0.02% graphene flakes and 2% neonol AF 9-12, respectively.
Selected design parameters of a thermal management system for a lithium-ion phosphate battery
Authors: Borshchev N.O.
Published: December 2023

In order to provide a theoretical assessment of the thermal regime of the thermal regime system (SOT) of a heat-generating lithium-iron-phosphate battery, a thermal physico–mathematical model of the thermal regime system of this one has been developed, including the use of axial heat pipes, which, due to their high heat transfer capacity, transmit and divert thermal power from the device to a remote radiator - radiator. The thermal physico-mathematical model is constructed by the method of isothermal nodes (the method of concentrated parameters) and includes 4 ordinary differential equations of thermal balance, which corresponds to 4 isothermal nodes. As these nodes, the following are selected: a lithium–ion heat–generating battery, a remote radiator - radiator, as well as evaporative and condensing sections of heat pipes that work cyclically on the principle of evaporation – condensation of the coolant. This model is solved by the Runge –Kutta method of 4 orders of accuracy with linearization of the radiant-convective heat flow relative to the temperature taken from the previous time layers. Based on the developed model, the problem of optimizing the design parameters of the SRT, such as the outer diameter and the number of ATTS, is solved. The conjugate directions method was chosen as the minimization method, as the most accurate gradient method of the 1st order of optimization.
Not all sound is noise in heavily populated areas
Authors: Green Leigh Ann
Published: December 2023

Sound perception in residential high-rises can impact quality of life.
Fluid–structure interaction modeling of bi-leaflet mechanical heart valves using smoothed particle hydrodynamics
Authors: Laha Sumanta , Fourtakas Georgios , Das Prasanta Kuamr , Keshmiri Amir
Published: December 2023

Heart valves are essential for maintaining unidirectional blood flow, and their failure can severely affect cardiac functions. The use of artificial heart valves as replacement has proven to be a reliable and effective solution. Computational fluid dynamics has emerged as a powerful numerical tool for investigating the design, performance, and malfunctioning of mechanical heart valves without the need for invasive procedures. In this study, we employed smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) in an open-source code “DualSPHysics,” to study the hemodynamics of a bi-leaflet mechanical heart valve (BMHV). The proposed SPH method was validated against the traditional finite volume method and experimental data, highlighting its suitability for simulating the heart valve function. The Lagrangian description of motion in SPH is particularly advantageous for fluid–structure interaction (FSI), making it well-suited for accurately modeling the heart valve dynamics. Furthermore, the SPH/FSI technique was applied to investigate the hemodynamic abnormalities associated with BMHV dysfunction. This work represents the first attempt to use SPH to model flow through a realistic BMHV by incorporating FSI. The normal and altered flow behavior and the movement dynamics of the BMHV under various blockage scenarios have also been investigated along with the potential risks of the blocked mechanical valve. The findings demonstrate that this SPH/FSI approach provides a unique, effective, and valuable tool for accurately capturing the transient hemodynamic behavior of bi-leaflet heart valves and its versatility enables the application to more complex patient-specific issues related to cardiovascular diseases.
Using PODs to integrate fire and fuels planning
Authors: Buettner William C. , Beeton Tyler A. , Schultz Courtney A. , Caggiano Michael D. , Greiner Michelle S.
Published: December 2023

Background Potential Wildfire Operational Delineations (PODs) were developed as a pre-season planning tool to promote safe and effective fire response. Past research on PODs has identified uses in an incident management context. There has been little research on how PODs are being utilised in non-incident management contexts to align forest and wildfire planning objectives. Aims We sought to understand how actors are adopting and adapting the PODs framework to inform non-incident management, and to identify facilitators, barriers and recommendations. Methods We investigated three cases, the San Juan National Forest, the San Isabel National Forest and the Washington Department of Natural Resources, through 13 semi-structured, key informant interviews. Key results We found that PODs were helpful for validating fuels treatment plans and supporting communication among agency staff, and with private landowners and collaborators. Challenges included lack of technical knowledge and skills, unclear leadership direction, potential misalignment with other forest management goals and community and agency buy-in to using PODs. Conclusions We offer insights into how PODs are being utilised within our case studies and align these findings with diffusion of innovation literature. Implications This preliminary research is important given increased funding for PODs in recent legislation and the possibility of broader adoption for fuels treatment planning in the future.
pH-dependent structural transitions in cationic ionizable lipid mesophases are critical for lipid nanoparticle function
Authors: Philipp Julian , Dabkowska Aleksandra , Reiser Anita , Frank Kilian , Krzysztoń Rafał , Brummer Christiane , Nickel Bert , Blanchet Clement E. , Sudarsan Akhil , Ibrahim Mohd , Johansson Svante , Skantze Pia , Skantze Urban , Östman Sofia , Johansson Marie , Henderson Neil , Elvevold Kjetil , Smedsrød Bård , Schwierz Nadine , Lindfors Lennart , Rädler Joachim O.
Published: December 2023

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are advanced core-shell particles for messenger RNA (mRNA) based therapies that are made of polyethylene glycol (PEG) lipid, distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), cationic ionizable lipid (CIL), cholesterol (chol), and mRNA. Yet the mechanism of pH-dependent response that is believed to cause endosomal release of LNPs is not well understood. Here, we show that eGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) protein expression in the mouse liver mediated by the ionizable lipids DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3), DLin-KC2-DMA (KC2), and DLinDMA (DD) ranks MC3 ≥ KC2 > DD despite similar delivery of mRNA per cell in all cell fractions isolated. We hypothesize that the three CIL-LNPs react differently to pH changes and hence study the structure of CIL/chol bulk phases in water. Using synchrotron X-ray scattering a sequence of ordered CIL/chol mesophases with lowering pH values are observed. These phases show isotropic inverse micellar, cubic Fd3m inverse micellar, inverse hexagonal

H

II

and bicontinuous cubic Pn3m symmetry. If polyadenylic acid, as mRNA surrogate, is added to CIL/chol, excess lipid coexists with a condensed nucleic acid lipid

H

II

c

phase. The next-neighbor distance in the excess phase shows a discontinuity at the Fd3m inverse micellar to inverse hexagonal

H

II

transition occurring at pH 6 with distinctly larger spacing and hydration for DD vs. MC3 and KC2. In mRNA LNPs, DD showed larger internal spacing, as well as retarded onset and reduced level of DD-LNP-mediated eGFP expression in vitro compared to MC3 and KC2. Our data suggest that the pH-driven Fd3m-

H

II

transition in bulk phases is a hallmark of CIL-specific differences in mRNA LNP efficacy.
A suppressor screen
in C. elegans
identifies a multiprotein interaction that stabilizes the synaptonemal complex
Authors: Kursel Lisa E. , Martinez Jesus E. Aguayo , Rog Ofer
Published: December 2023

Successful chromosome segregation into gametes depends on tightly regulated interactions between the parental chromosomes. During meiosis, chromosomes are aligned end-to-end by an interface called the synaptonemal complex, which also regulates exchanges between them. However, despite the functional and ultrastructural conservation of this essential interface, how protein–protein interactions within the synaptonemal complex regulate chromosomal interactions remains poorly understood. Here, we describe a genetic interaction in the
C. elegans
synaptonemal complex, comprised of short segments of three proteins, SYP-1, SYP-3, and SYP-4. We identified the interaction through a saturated suppressor screen of a mutant that destabilizes the synaptonemal complex. The specificity and tight distribution of suppressors suggest a charge-based interface that promotes interactions between synaptonemal complex subunits and, in turn, allows intimate interactions between chromosomes. Our work highlights the power of genetic studies to illuminate the mechanisms that underlie meiotic chromosome interactions.
Aperture-synthesis-based ptychography intensity interferometry imaging
Authors: Wang Chong , He Yuchen , Yuan Yuan , Chen Hui , Zheng Huaibin , Liu Jianbin , Zhou Yu , Xu Zhuo
Published: December 2023

To address the problem of instability in phase retrieval, ptychography technology was introduced to intensity interferometry (II), called ptychography II imaging (PIII). The resolution of PIII system is limited by the size of detection aperture. However, large-aperture detector means high cost. In this paper, the concept of aperture synthesis is brought to PIII. We theoretically derive the periodicity of speckle pattern produced by PIII, which can help guide the system design. Our findings also suggested that discontinuous speckle patterns can still be used to reconstruct the image of object. Additionally, the aperture-synthesis-based PIII system was found to have stronger tolerance to intensity noise and could reconstruct images at low signal-to-noise ratios. Finally, by conducting simulations and experiments, we demonstrated the effectiveness of the aperture-synthesis-based PIII system. These results indicate that aperture synthesis is a valuable approach for enhancing the performance of PIII system.
The interfacial properties of 2D metal-monolayer blue phosphorene heterojunctions and transport properties of their field-effect transistors
Authors: Chen Weiling , Lin Xian , Xu Guigui , Zhong Kehua , Zhang Jian-Min , Huang Zhigao
Published: December 2023

Monolayer blue phosphorene (BlueP) has attracted much interest as a potential channel material in electronic devices. Searching for suitable two-dimensional (2D) metal materials to use as electrodes is critical to fabricating high-performance nanoscale channel BlueP-based field effect transistors (FETs). In this paper, we adopted first-principles calculations to explore binding energies, phonon calculations and electronic structures of 2D metal-BlueP heterojunctions, including Ti3C2-, NbTe2-, Ga(110)- and NbS2-BlueP, and thermal stability of Ti3C2-BlueP heterojunction at room temperature. We also used density functional theory coupled with the nonequilibrium Green function method to investigate the transport properties of sub-5 nm BlueP-based FETs with Ti3C2-BlueP electrodes. Our calculated results indicate that Ti3C2-BlueP has excellent thermal stability and may be used as a candidate electrode material for BlueP-based FETs. The double-gate can more effectively improve the device performance compared with the single-gate. The estimated source leakage current of sub-5 nm transistors reaches up to 369 µA µm−1, which is expected to meet the requirements of the international technology roadmap for semiconductors for LP (low-power) devices. Our results imply that 2D Ti3C2 may act as an appropriate electrode material for LP BlueP-based FETs, thus providing guidance for the design of future short-gate-length BlueP-based FETs.
A Y-shaped network based single-shot absolute phase recovery method for fringe projection profilometry
Authors: Tan Hailong , Xu Yuanping , Zhang Chaolong , Xu Zhijie , Kong Chao , Tang Dan , Guo Benjun
Published: December 2023

Fringe projection profilometry (FPP) is a widely used non-contact 3D measurement method. Though maturing in the last decade, it remains a significant challenge when facing the phase unwrapping of measured object surfaces in a single-shot measurement setting. With the rapid development of deep learning techniques, the adoption of a data-driven approach is gaining popularity in the field of optical metrology. This study proposes a new absolute phase recovery method based on the devised single-stage deep learning network. The aim is to ensure high-quality absolute phase recovery from a single-shot fringe projection measurement. Unlike most existing approaches, where the numerators and denominators of the wrapped phases and the fringe orders are predicted in various stages, the proposed method acquires the wrapped phases and the corresponding fringe orders within a single network, i.e. it can predict both wrapped phases and the corresponding fringe orders directly and simultaneously from the single fringe pattern projected in the single-shot mode based on a unified Y-shaped network. Experiments on benchmark datasets and models have demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of the technique, especially in terms of high-quality recovery of absolute phase information by using the lightweight single-stage network, and enabling the FPP-based phase 3D measurements in an online manner.
Enhancing urine glucose sensing performance through the introduction of two dimensional-transition metal dichalcogenides and gold nanoparticles into silver/UiO-66 chip of surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Tiandho Yuant , Afriani Fitri , Septiani Ni Luh Wulan , Gumilar Gilang , Suprijadi  , Yuliarto Brian
Published: December 2023

This work presents a high-performance surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensor for glucose detection. While adding a metal–organic framework layer, UiO-66, to the biosensor improves selectivity and enables direct detection without additional receptors, it does not significantly enhance sensitivity. A SPR-based biosensor is proposed to overcome this limitation by introducing a layer of 2D-transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMD) and decorating the UiO-66 structure with gold nanoparticles (UiO-66AuNP). The optical properties of the biosensor for glucose detection in urine are investigated by employing the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method with Kretschmann configuration at a wavelength of 633 nm, and its performance is effectively improved by incorporating 2D-TMD and AuNP layers into the biosensor structure. Notably, the SPR-based biosensor with the decorated UiO-66 layer exhibits a further change in the SPR angle in the presence of glucose-containing urine. Using computational studies, various performance parameters, such as the biosensors’ signal-to-noise ratio and quality factor, are evaluated in addition to sensitivity. The maximum sensitivity achieved is 309.3°/RIU for the BK7/Ag/PtSe2/WSe2/MoS2/UiO-66AuNP/sensing medium structure. The exceptional performance of the proposed biosensor structure demonstrates its suitability for precise glucose detection in urine while also opening new avenues for developing bioreceptor-free SPR-based sensors.
Dynamics of the flip long jump
Authors: Williams Hollis
Published: December 2023

The long jump is a track and field event in which athletes attempt to jump as far as possible from a take-off point into a sandpit. In the 1970s, an athlete called Tuariki Delamere tried to introduce a ‘front flip’ technique where one goes into a front tuck instead of using a regular technique like the hitch kick and argued that it would allow for a longer horizontal distance. Several reasons have been proposed for the superiority of this technique, including the reduction of drag force during flight and increased angular momentum at take-off. We show that the air resistance makes a negligible contribution to the horizontal distance covered whereas a larger angular momentum can increase the distance of a jump. We explain why the technique was banned and discuss whether our argument implies that the technique can be deemed to be superior in practice.
Focus stacking single-event particle radiography for high spatial resolution images and 3D feature localization
Authors: Volz Lennart , Graeff Christian , Durante Marco , Collins-Fekete Charles-Antoine
Published: December 2023

Objective. We demonstrate a novel focus stacking technique to improve spatial resolution of single-event particle radiography (pRad), and exploit its potential for 3D feature detection. Approach. Focus stacking, used typically in optical photography and microscopy, is a technique to combine multiple images with different focal depths into a single super-resolution image. Each pixel in the final image is chosen from the image with the largest gradient at that pixel's position. pRad data can be reconstructed at different depths in the patient based on an estimate of each particle's trajectory (called distance-driven binning; DDB). For a given feature, there is a depth of reconstruction for which the spatial resolution of DDB is maximal. Focus stacking can hence be applied to a series of DDB images reconstructed from a single pRad acquisition for different depths, yielding both a high-resolution projection and information on the features’ radiological depth at the same time. We demonstrate this technique with Geant4 simulated pRads of a water phantom (20 cm thick) with five bone cube inserts at different depths (1 × 1 × 1 cm3) and a lung cancer patient. Main results. For proton radiography of the cube phantom, focus stacking achieved a median resolution improvement of 136% compared to a state-of-the-art maximum likelihood pRad reconstruction algorithm and a median of 28% compared to DDB where the reconstruction depth was the center of each cube. For the lung patient, resolution was visually improved, without loss in accuracy. The focus stacking method also enabled to estimate the depth of the cubes within few millimeters accuracy, except for one shallow cube, where the depth was underestimated by 2.5 cm. Significance. Focus stacking utilizes the inherent 3D information encoded in pRad by the particle's scattering, overcoming current spatial resolution limits. It further opens possibilities for 3D feature localization. Therefore, focus stacking holds great potential for future pRad applications.
Probing magnetoelectric effect in the spin-modulated magnet Fe2GeO4
Authors: Zhou Guanzhong , Tang Yongsen , Lin Lin , Huang Lin , Zhang Junhu , Tang Yuxia , Chen Peizhuo , Liu Meifeng , Xie Yunlong , Chen Xiyu , Zheng Shuhan , Yan Zhibo , Jiang Xiangping , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: December 2023

The distinct spin amplitude wave was reported in a highly frustrated magnetic compound Fe2GeO4, which is very different from observations on other members of the M2GeO4 (M = Fe, Co, and Ni) family, raising interest in this compound for some additional emergent phenomena. In particular, this non-uniform spin order allows the intrinsic connection between ferroelectric polarization and magnetically gradient structure to probe the potential linear magnetoelectric (ME) effect. In this work, we address this issue and investigate the magnetism of Fe2GeO4 single crystal that hosts two successive anomalies at antiferromagnetic (AFM) Néel temperatures T
N1 ∼ 7.5 K and T
N2 ∼ 6.7 K, respectively. Our results reveal a remarkable metamagnetic transition in the magnetization as a function of the magnetic field, occurring at a critical magnetic field H
c ∼ 4.1 T when applied along the [110] and [1–10] directions, while such transition along the [001] direction is pointedly absent. Further exploration uncovers two predominant off-diagonal ME coefficients αyz
and αzy
in the incommensurate AFM phase between T
N1 and T
N2. Additionally, all components of the linear ME tensor remain non-vanishing in the canting AFM phase below T
N2. This indicates the ME mechanisms for the two phases that may be driven by different magnetic structures. All these presented results are sufficient for us to draw a non-trivial ME phase diagram, which is beneficial to understanding the ME behavior of Fe2GeO4. Therefore, our study implies that Fe2GeO4, an unusual frustrated magnet, provides a platform for manipulating the fascinating ME effect in the spinel structure.
Projectile angular distributions in He+ + H collisions
Authors: Igarashi A , Kato D
Published: December 2023

We have calculated the differential cross sections for the elastic, excitation to H(n = 2), and electron-transfer processes in He+ + H collision using a semiclassical atomic-orbital close-coupling method within two-electron treatment. The calculations have been implemented with four different basis sets to see the effects of electron-exchange, electron-transfer channels, and continuum channels. The results are compared with those of experiments and other calculations.
Investigation of the thermal analysis of a wavy fin with radiation impact: an application of extreme learning machine
Authors: Prakash S Bhanu , Chandan K , Karthik K , Devanathan Sriram , Kumar R S Varun , Nagaraja K V , Prasannakumara B C
Published: December 2023

The combined impact of radiation and convection on the heat transfer of a wavy fin is scrutinized in the present analysis. The novelty of this research work is that it proposes a deterministic machine learning model known as an extreme learning machine to address the heat transfer problem of a wavy fin. The effect of radiation on convective heat transfer and the Rosseland approximation for the radiation heat exchange have been considered in the investigation. The nonlinear ordinary differential equation (ODE) is converted to its nondimensional form using the appropriate dimensionless variables. Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg's fourth-fifth order technique (RKF 45) is used to solve the nondimensional ODE numerically. The roles of convection-conduction, radiation-conduction, thermal conductivity, and radiation parameters have been discussed for satisfying a prescribed temperature distribution in rectangular and wavy fins with graphical visualization. A rise in convection-conduction and radiation-conduction variables decreased the thermal distribution of both the wavy fin and rectangular fin. Further, ANSYS simulation analyzes the variation of temperature and total heat flux in both rectangular and wavy fins. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the model selected through the obtained results, which indicate the potential of the regression model for providing an accurate prediction.
Nutritional and health effects of bovine colostrum in neonates
Authors: Luo Fangmei , Zhang Min , Zhang Lian , Zhou Ping
Published: December 2023

High concentrations of immunoglobulins, bioactive peptides, and growth factors are found in bovine colostrum (BC), the milk produced by cows in the first few days after parturition. Various biological functions make it increasingly used to provide nutritional support and immune protection to the offspring of many species, including humans. These biological functions include cell growth stimulation, anti-infection, and immunomodulation. The primary components and biological functions of colostrum were reviewed in the literature, and the authors also looked at its latent effects on the growth and development of neonates as well as on conditions such as infections, necrotizing enterocolitis, short bowel syndrome, and feeding intolerance. The importance of BC in neonatal nutrition, immune support, growth and development, and gut health has been demonstrated in a number of experimental and animal studies. BC has also been shown to be safe at low doses without adverse effects in newborns. BC supplementation has been shown to be efficient in preventing several disorders, including rotavirus diarrhea, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis in animal models of prematurity and some newborn studies. Therefore, BC supplementation should be considered in cases where maternal milk is insufficient or donor milk is unavailable. The optimal age, timing, dosage, and form of BC administration still require further investigation.
Foamy Macrophages in a Case of Mononucleosis With Amoxicillin-Induced Rash, Hyperlipidemia, and Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Gonzalez-Lopez Guillermo , Fried Isabella , Schadelbauer Eva , Cerroni Lorenzo
Published: December 2023

A 38-year-old man presented with fever, cough, and jaundice. Four days before, he had started taking amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. He subsequently developed a morbilliform rash, and, according to clinical features and blood analyses, a diagnosis of mononucleosis with Epstein–Barr virus–associated antibiotic-induced exanthema and secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis was made. A skin biopsy revealed a superficial perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate with interface dermatitis and many foamy macrophages in the papillary dermis and around the vessels of the superficial dermal plexus. A blood lipid test uncovered marked hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. After treatment with dexamethasone and immunoglobulin, the skin rash, liver function, and lipid profile progressively improved. Xanthomatous cells have been observed in skin biopsies of acute graft-versus-host disease with liver involvement, and these cells have been suggested to represent a clue to the presence of hepatic disease. In our case, underlying cholestatic hepatopathy with hyperlipidemia was present. We believe that the incidental finding of foamy cells in graft-versus-host disease cases and in our case are likely related to the presence of severe liver disease with cholestatic hepatopathy and secondary hyperlipidemia in different background conditions.
Statins in Graves Orbitopathy: A New Therapeutic Tool
Authors: Lanzolla Giulia , Comi Simone , Cosentino Giada , Pakdel Farzad , Marinò Michele
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Graves orbitopathy (GO) is the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves disease. Although its pathogenesis is not fully elucidated, GO is commonly considered an autoimmune disease due to loss of self-tolerance against autoantigens shared by thyroid epithelial cells and orbital fibroblasts. High-dose intravenous glucocorticoids (ivGCs) are the most used treatment for moderate-to-severe, active GO, but the addition of other immunomodulating treatments can improve the efficacy of ivGCs. Among the various risk factors that can affect the occurrence of GO, cholesterol may be worthy of interest. Since 2015 the role of cholesterol and cholesterol-lowering medications has been investigated. The purpose of this review is to discuss this topic, thereby offering new therapeutic opportunities for patients with GO.

Methods:

We searched PubMed for studies published between January 1, 1980 and June 1, 2023, using the search terms “Graves orbitopathy,” “thyroid eye disease,” “Graves ophthalmopathy,” “thyroid ophthalmopathy,” “thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy,” “endocrine ophthalmopathy,” “cholesterol,” “lipids,” “statins,” “low-density lipoprotein,” “atorvastatin,” and “cholesterol-lowering drugs.” Only English-language articles were included.

Results:

A correlation between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the risk of GO development has been reported. Furthermore, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol has been proposed as a risk factor that can affect the course of GO and the response to ivGCs. The protective role of cholesterol-lowering medications in preventing GO has been also investigated. Statin treatment was found to have potential benefits in reducing the risk of GO in patients with Graves disease. Given these findings, measurement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and treatment of hypercholesterolemia in patients with moderate-to-severe, active GO may be considered before starting ivGCs administration. Recently, a randomized clinical trial aimed at investigating the effects of statins in GO suggested that the addition of oral atorvastatin to ivGCs improves the overall outcome of moderate-to-severe, active GO in hypercholesterolemic patients given ivGCs.

Conclusions:

Overall, statins seem to have a preventive and therapeutic role in moderate-to-severe active GO. Their efficacy can be related to cholesterol-lowering activity, pleiotropic actions, and interaction with methylprednisolone.
Eyelid Surgery in Thyroid Eye Disease
Authors: Naik Milind N. , Walvekar Priyanka , Vasanthapuram Varshitha Hemanth , Shankar Lekshmy
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

To review and summarize a comprehensive synopsis of surgery of the eyelid in thyroid eye disease (TED).

Methods:

A PubMed search for specific eyelid manifestations of TED was performed. Studies reporting surgical management of these were reviewed, along with the author’s own experience.

Results:

The most common eyelid manifestations of TED include eyelid retraction, blepharoptosis, entropion, and epiblepharon, with most of them requiring surgical intervention. The correction of eyelid retraction has received maximum attention, with several surgical techniques that have stood the test of time. Blepharoptosis in TED that requires surgical intervention is usually aponeurotic. Entropion and Epiblepharon are rare in TED, and may resolve spontaneously, or following orbital decompression.

Conclusions:

Retraction is the commonest eyelid manifestation of TED, with multiple surgical options available for its correction. Blepharoptosis, entropion, and epiblepharon are rare eyelid findings in TED, that may occasionally require surgical correction.
Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Potvin Arnaud R. G. G. , Pakdel Farzad , Saeed Peerooz
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is a sight-threatening complication of thyroid eye disease (TED). This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and current therapeutic options for DON.

Methods:

A literature review.

Results:

DON occurs in about 5% to 8% of TED patients. Compression of the optic nerve at the apex is the most widely accepted pathogenic mechanism. Excessive stretching of the nerve might play a role in a minority of cases. Increasing age, male gender, smoking, and diabetes mellitus have been identified as risk factors. Diagnosis of DON is based on a combination of ≥2 clinical findings, including decreased visual acuity, decreased color vision, relative afferent pupillary defect, visual field defects, or optic disc edema. Orbital imaging supports the diagnosis by confirming apical crowding or optic nerve stretching. DON should be promptly treated with high-dose intravenous glucocorticoids. Decompression surgery should be performed, but the response is incomplete. Radiotherapy might play a role in the prevention of DON development and may delay or avoid the need for surgery. The advent of new biologic-targeted agents provides an exciting new array of therapeutic options, though more research is needed to clarify the role of these medications in the management of DON.

Conclusions:

Even with appropriate management, DON can result in irreversible loss of visual function. Prompt diagnosis and management are pivotal and require a multidisciplinary approach. Methylprednisolone infusions still represent first-line therapy, and surgical decompression is performed in cases of treatment failure. Biologics may play a role in the future.
Hospital episode-of-care costs for hip fractures: an activity-based costing analysis
Authors: Denis Antoine , Montreuil Julien , Bouklouch Yasser , Reindl Rudolf , Berry Gregory K. , Harvey Edward J. , Bernstein Mitchell
Published: December 2023

Background:

Despite the large impact of hip fracture care on hospital budgets, accurate episode-of-care costs (EOCC) calculations for this injury remains a challenge. The objective of this article was to assess EOCC for geriatric patients with hip fractures using an activity-based costing methodology and identify intraoperative, perioperative, and patient-specific factors associated with higher EOCC.

Material and Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study involving a total of 109 consecutive patients with hip fracture treated surgically at a Canadian level-1 trauma center from April 2018 to February 2019. Clinical and demographic data were extracted through the institution's centralized data warehouse. Data acquisition also included direct and indirect costs per episode of care, adverse events, and precise temporal data.

Results:

The median total EOCC was $13,113 (interquartile range 6658), excluding physician fees. Out of the total cost, 75% was attributed to direct costs, which represented a median expenditure of $9941. The median indirect cost of the EOCC was $3322. Based on the multivariate analysis, patients not operated within the 48 hours guidelines had an increased length of stay by 5.7 days (P = 0.003), representing an increase in EOCC of close to 5000$. Higher American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) scores were associated with elevated EOCC.

Conclusion:

The cost of managing a patient with geriatric hip fracture from arrival in the emergency department to discharge from surgical ward represented $13,113. Main factors influencing the EOCC included adherence to the 48-hour benchmark surgical delay and ASA score. High-quality costing data are vital in assessing health care spending, conducting cost effectiveness analyses, and ultimately in guiding policy decisions.

Level of Evidence:

Level III (3), retrospective cohort study.