Adjacent Zones Research Articles

Focusing of surface plasmon polaritons propagating at the SiO2/Ag interface with 2-level and 4-level Fresnel phase zone pad structures.

We propose and demonstrate dielectric Fresnel phase zone pad (FPZP) structures for focusing surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) propagating at the SiO2/Ag interfaces. We exploited up-conversion fluorescence microscopy to characterize the SPP focusing. We first report on the SPP focusing with 2-level FPZP structures that introduced a π-phase shift in the SPP wavefront between adjacent zones. We optimized the SPP focusing by fine-tuning the longitudinal width of the FPZP structure. This led to the enhancement of the peak intensity of the SPP focal spot and the reduction of the focal spot size in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. Such focusing was also demonstrated with different focal lengths. To further improve the SPP focusing, we developed a 4-level FPZP structure, which introduced a π/2-phase shift in the SPP wavefront between adjacent zones. With the optimized 4-level FPZP structure, the SPP focal spot peak intensity is further improved, and the spot size is reduced. To assist the design of the FPZP structures, we carried out theoretical analysis and numerical calculations to determine the SPP wavelengths at various oxide/Ag interfaces. We also carried out finite difference time domain (FDTD) calculations to simulate the SPP focusing with the FPZP structures. The results of the FDTD simulation agree with the experimental results qualitatively.

Dynamic pathomorphological characteristics of the nasolacrimal duct in its stenosis

Pathological description of the process of stenosis of the nasolacrimal duct at its various stages. The material for the study was obtained from the wall of the nasolacrimal duct during surgery in 50 patients whose condition was attributed to the 1st, 2nd or 3rd clinical stage of dacryostenosis. The material was fixed in formalin and sent for pathohistological and immunohistochemical (IHC) studies. In the 1st stage, the integrity of the epithelium of the nasolacrimal duct was preserved, the density of goblet cells was reduced. Seromucinous glands were single in the lamina propria in the area of stenosis. Diffuse lymphoid-plasmacytic infiltration was observed along the periphery of the terminal sections of the glands and in the subepithelial zone. The infiltrate includes CD68+ tissue macrophages and CD20+ and CD3+ lymphocytes, with a predominance of B-lymphocytes over T-lymphocytes. In the 2nd stage, changes in the epithelial layer in the stenosis zone were detected. In the IHC study, only individual leukocytes were observed in these zones, and T cells were found mainly in the subepithelial zone, B cells - deeper, monocytes - evenly in all layers. In the adjacent zones, the picture of the infiltrate corresponded to the 1st stage. In the 3rd stage, fragments of the nasolacrimal duct wall were represented by dense fibrous connective tissue with pronounced atrophic changes, areas of squamous metaplasia or proliferation of the basal layer, goblet cells were not detected. There was no infiltrate in the area of stenosis during IHC study. In the cellular elements of the infiltrate in areas adjacent to the stenosis zone, CD20+ and CD3+ lymphocytes were present in equal proportions, the arrangement in layers corresponded to that of the 2nd stage. The results of the study showed that dacryostenosis is a progressive pathological process associated with the progredient development of chronic productive inflammation in the lacrimal ducts.

Белая и тундряная куропатки в заповеднике «Басеги» . Виды на южной границе ареала

The article analyzes the long-term (1984-2023) dynamics of registrations of white and tundra partridges on the territory of the Basegi Reserve (Middle Urals, Perm Krai). The author systematizes the available materials on the frequency and content of encounters of these species in Basegas, summarizes his own long-term field observations on the specifics of the territorial distribution of white and tundra partridges in the areas of their joint habitat, draws conclusions about the existing trends in the development of these species of grouse birds of the extreme southern boundaries of their range on the western macroscline of the Ural Mountains. Rare, but fairly regular meetings of white partridges observed over the past 40 years on all three massifs of the Basegi ridge (the Northern, Middle and Southern Baseg mountains), as well as on the upper marshes and forest roads in the adjacent taiga zone, allow us to determine the status of this species in the reserve as rare, small, periodically nesting birds. Reliable facts of registration of tundra partridge on the Northern Baseg Mountain noted in May and September 2023 make it possible to include this species in the list of inhabitants of the protected area. However, the status of this bird's stay in Basegi is unclear and requires clarification.

Marine environmental protection in mineral resource development in the arctic zone of Russia

International and environmental law in Russia does not provide a preventive and precautionary approach to forestall degradation of the marine environment and the "polluter pays" principle at the present stage. The author proposes supplementing international environmental law in the investigated area with an approach based on the principle that the polluter not only pays but also restores. Improvement of approaches and principles of international law will be the basis for changing Russian legislation and legislation of other countries in order to prevent degradation of the marine environment. After an oil spill, the coastal waters of the seas and their ecosystems are the most vulnerable; therefore, the national legislation of states is primarily interested in legal regulation of marine environmental protection in case of oil and petroleum product spills. The legal obligation on oil and gas producing companies to carry out measures to remediate the marine environment will require them to finance scientific research, search and develop new technologies for the safe development of subsoil resources and restoration of the marine environment. This study is a comprehensive analysis of the scientific research results in the field of biology, environmental protection, protection of water bodies, marine environment, as well as international and Russian environmental law governing relations in the field of marine environment protection during the development of mineral deposits on the continental shelf, internal sea waters, in the territorial sea and the adjacent zone of the Russian Federation.

Understanding Posterior Staphyloma in Pathologic Myopia: Current Overview, New Input, and Perspectives.

Posterior staphyloma (PS) is considered the hallmark of pathologic myopia and is defined as an outpouching of a circumscribed portion of the eyeball with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the adjacent zone. Although more common in eyes with high myopia, it can affect those without it. The presence of PS is associated with a structurally and functionally worse course of high myopia that can lead to visual disability. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of PS is unclear so far. Thus, due to the increasing prevalence of myopia which has been further exacerbated by the advent of COVID-19 lockdown, researchers are eager to elucidate the pathogenesis of pathologic myopia and that of its complications, especially PS, which will allow the development of preventive strategies. The aim of this work was to review the morphological characteristics of PS with emphasis on similarities with peripapillary staphyloma and to discuss the pathogenesis of PS considering recent suggestions about that of peripapillary staphyloma.

Objects of Antique and Medieval Cultural Heritage as a resource of the geoecosystems of the Northern Black Sea Coast and of the Black Sea Shelf in the area of the Bug Estuary

This article is a continuation of the author’s series of publications devoted to the study of the resource potential of archaeological artifacts — sites of ancient and medieval heritage as anthropogenic components of modern geoecosystems of the Northern Black Sea coast (GESNBSC) and the nearby Black Sea shelf including the estuaries. These sites are currently partially or fully located in the transitional part of the Black Sea Geoecosystem (BSG) space and associated geoecological subsystems of estuaries, where modern natural aerial, aquatic and geological environmental subsystems interface with each other. The article presents the results of research, characterization and typification of archaeological sites of the cultural heritage of ancient and medieval times, which are located in the space of geoecosystems that were formed in this region. Among them are the underwater archaeological sites dis- covered in the space of ancient coastal and littoral paleogeoecosystems of the Bug Estuary, their connection with the most significant archaeological sites that were once formed as part of geoecosystems of the land. A preliminary reconstruction of the borders of the Bug Estuary in ancient and medieval times is made; there is demonstrated the resource archaeological potential of GESNBSC spaces and the adjacent zone of the Black Sea shelf with estuaries, including the ancient and medieval archaeo- logical sites of cultural heritage, which were created and for some time belonged to the spaces of cer- tain paleo-GESNBSC, but are now located in the space of modern geoecosystem of the Bug Estuary. The article gives a brief description of the already known archaeological, partially submerged sites of ancient and medieval cultural heritage, some other interesting underwater archaeological artifacts, and shows the feasibility of expanding their study with reference to bathymetric and geomorphological features of the boundaries between modern natural BSG environmental subsystems. Such knowledge is important both for solving the issues related to a more profound understanding of the causes and consequences of changes in the paleogeoecological and modern geoecological conditions of the shelf of Azov-Black Sea basin and GESNBSC, predicting their dynamics and directions of development, and for historical and archaeological reconstructions, in particular, to identify new cultural heritage sites. The results of geoarchaeological (that is, a complex of geoecological and archaeological) studies published in the article are important not only for understanding the formation and functioning of transitional geoecosystems with their resources, which include archaeological artifacts as anthropogenic components, but also for the development of public culture, historical memory population and expansion of its historical consciousness. In addition, such knowledge is necessary to consciously and competently address a number of economic problems in the development of communities in the Northern Black Sea region. In particular, to attract investment in the development of coastal and underwater tourism, to predict the impact of many geo-environmental processes inherent in the research region under specific conditions of the search, identification, use and preservation of the historical and archaeological potential of ancient and medieval cultural heritage located in the space of modern GESNBSC and BSG as their components. These anthropogenic components are objective evidence of the impact of natural geo-environ- mental conditions and their dynamics on the peculiarities of life and migration of the region’s inhabitants from ancient times up to the present.

Техногендік зиянды қалдықтарының топыраққа әсерін рентгенофлуоресценттік әдіспен талдау

As the technogenic load increases from year to year, the soil loses its ability to provide plants with various nutrients, air, water, heat, biological and physico-chemical environment. The reason is an increase in heavy metal compounds in the soil, which leads to its degradation. The presence of heavy metals in the ecosystem, such as Pb, Cr, As, is toxic to humans and biosystems even at low concentrations. Anthropogenic pollution of the environment by heavy metals (industry, mining and smelting of ores, transport, agriculture) increases over time. Currently, soil contamination with heavy metals and its impact on the biosphere are increasingly being studied. This is especially observed in large industrially urbanized regions, where there is a large accumulation of hazardous waste that does not decompose in nature and is stored for a long time. To identify anthropogenic pollution of the environment with heavy metals, samples were taken from various soil horizons of the city of Zhezkazgan and adjacent regions. The chemical compositions of the taken samples were determined by X-ray fluorescence. Analytical work was carried out in the laboratory of the Department of Landscape Geochemistry and Soil Geography of Lomonosov Moscow State University. We analyzed the quantitative content of chemical elements in the soils of Zhezkazgan and adjacent zones I (As, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg, Se), II (Co, Ni, Mo, Cu, Cr), III (Ba, V, W, Mn, Sr) hazard levels.

Enhancement of the Magnetoresistance in the Mobility‐Engineered Compensated Metal Pt5P2

AbstractThe magnetoresistance (MR) in nonmagnetic materials continues to be a fertile research area in materials science. The search for giant, positive MR has been limited to a rather small window of materials such as high‐mobility semimetals in single‐crystalline form. Here, the observation of a very large positive MR in metallic Pt5P2 in polycrystalline form is reported. The observations reveal that improvement of the crystallinity results in a significant enhancement of the positive MR, exceeding 10 000% at 9 T, comparable to high‐mobility semimetals. Based on first‐principles calculations combined with magnetotransport and thermoelectric measurements, the Fermi surface of Pt5P2 is found to consist of a collection of multiple electron and hole pockets compensating one another, along with a characteristic pocket continuously connected to the adjacent Brillouin zone, together with possible topologically protected band crossings. This work extends the landscape of high MR candidate materials to polycrystalline metals, which demonstrates the importance of crystallinity and purity of the samples for the optimization of the MR.

The Role of the Digital Transformation in the Fight against Crime at Sea

Crime control at the sea involves public activities to create a modern security system in seaports, at the territorial sea and the adjacent zone throughout the sea corridors, as well as in the open sea on sea routes with intensive shipping.Aim. Impact assessment of digital transformation on maritime crime control.Tasks. Firstly, to characterize the impact of digital technologies on the nature of pirate attacks and other maritime offenses, which are actual threats to the maritime infrastructure. Secondly, to analyze the impact of modern measures to combat maritime crime on the economy of seaports, shipping companies and other maritime business entities. Thirdly, to demonstrate the role of the seaport administration and private military companies in the fight against offenses at sea.Methods. The study is carried out by formal legal and comparative legal methodology using a review-analytical approach.Results. Data analysis shows that the administrations of seaports are interested in optimizing security costs by creating a convenient digital management system for the coastal infrastructure. Security systems and logistics solutions depend on the effectiveness of digital technologies implemented in the interests of ensuring the safety of navigation. The Convention for the Safety of Human Life at Sea (SOLAS-74/88), supplemented by the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) in 2004, provides for a universal maritime security system, however, the implementation of these standards in a number of regions of the World Ocean is not enough to neutralize coastal criminal threats.Conclusion. In the context of digitalization, measures to combat crime at sea lead to significant costs, as they require complex technological infrastructure on ships and in ports. The norms of the law of the sea aimed at combating piracy and smuggling should be implemented at the national level, taking into account the socio-economic features of the maritime infrastructure development. Since negative economic trends entail an increase in criminal activity, the economic interests of commercial shipping entities should not be sacrificed in the fight against piracy and smuggling.

Ecosystem water use efficiency was enhanced by the implementation of forest conservation and restoration programs in China

The large-scale forest conservation and restoration programs (FCRPs) implemented in China have energetically promoted carbon sequestration and water consumption of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the impact of FCRPs on the coupling between them, that is, ecosystem water use efficiency (EWUE), remains unknown. Using the Mann-Kendall test and the Theil-Sen's slope estimator, we analyzed the EWUE trends of the FCRP-induced forest recovery zones (FFRZs) in the pre- and post-intensification phases of the programs. Then, the random quadrat comparison method was employed to compare the EWUE of FFRZs and that of their adjacent non-recovery zones (NRZs). We also performed partial correlation analysis and contribution analysis to investigate the response of EWUE to FCRP-induced forest recovery. Our study showed that the proportion of FFRZs presenting a significant increasing trend in EWUE expanded from 19.1% for the pre-intensification phase of FCRPs to 35.7% for the post-intensification phase. The EWUE of the FFRZs was significantly higher than that of their neighboring NRZs in arid and semi-arid regions whereas there was no significant difference between them in humid and semi-humid regions. EWUE was positively correlated with FCRP-induced tree cover in 74.6% of the FFRZs during the post-intensification phase of FCRPs. The average contribution of FCRP-induced forest recovery to EWUE change was 4.94 × 10-3 gC⋅mm−1⋅a-1 in the FFRZs, accounting for 39.1% of the total EWUE variation. We concluded that EWUE was significantly enhanced by the implementation of FCRPs in China. However, the EWUE increase could not be sustained by forest restoration in arid and semi-arid regions. Our study highlights that the implementation of FCRPs should pay more attention to the tradeoff between carbon sequestration and water consumption of ecosystems and be tailored to local conditions.

Torsional vibration of open-ended pipe piles in saturated soil considering the construction disturbance

A soil-pipe pile-inner soil torsional dynamic interaction model is developed accounting for the radial inhomogeneity of the outer saturated soil as well as the soil plug (inner soil) due to the construction disturbance. Both the outer and inner saturated soils are divided into a series of annular zones in the radial direction with linearly varying soil properties from zone to zone. The governing equation of motion for each soil zone is established based on the Biot's two-phase linear theory and is solved to derive the circumferential shear stress at the pipe pile-soil interface in conjunction with the continuous conditions at the interface of adjacent soil zones. Further, the governing equation for the open-ended pipe pile is established and is solved to derive an analytical solution for the torsional vibration of the pile in the frequency domain. The developed solution is validated against the results of available analytical solutions. The validated solution is then used to examine the torsional vibration characteristics of the open-ended pipe pile under different saturated soil parameters and construction disturbance conditions. The results show that: (1) The pile resistance to torsional dynamic load is enhanced as the soil strengthening range or degree increases, while is reduced as the soil porosity, soil weakening range or degree increases; (2) The inner soil contributes a lot to the enhancement of pile torsional resistance.

Metamorphic Evolution and Orogenic Process Related to the Eastern Paleo-Tethyan Warm Subduction and Indochina–South China Collision

Abstract The eastern Paleo-Tethyan Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan–Song Ma orogenic belt in the Southeast Tibetan Plateau represents the tectonic boundary between the Indochina and South China blocks. Regional Cenozoic lithospheric strike-slip movements caused by the India–Asia collision have modified many of the pristine geological records associated with the Indosinian orogeny. The lack of reliable petrological evidences, particularly of high-pressure (HP) metamorphism, has hindered the tracing of the evolutionary history of the Paleo-Tethyan orogenic belt. We report the mineralogy, geochemistry, geochronology and thermodynamic modelling of eclogite lenses/blocks and their host garnet–phengite schists from the Song Ma Suture Zone of Northwest Vietnam and reveal their protolith origins and metamorphic evolution. The eclogites are geochemically similar to mid-ocean ridge basalt, showing weak depletions in high field-strength elements, positive to slightly negative whole-rock ɛNd(t) ratios (−1.69 to +5.15) and slightly high 87Sr/86Sr(t) ratios (0.70466–0.70834). The igneous protolith of the eclogites formed in the late Silurian (425.4 ± 3.6 Ma; igneous zircon dating, 638–459 Ma TDM dating), which makes them the oldest known mid-ocean ridge mafic rocks in an ancient Paleo-Tethyan Ocean. Various eclogites preserve similar peak mineral assemblages (garnet + omphacite + phengite + rutile + quartz ± epidote/clinozoisite ± kyanite ± winchite) under indistinguishable peak conditions. Their prograde P–T trajectories show a uniform pattern of progressive heating and weak compression along a geothermal gradient of 8°C–10°C/km, indicating a warm subduction setting at a low angle that contrasts with the cold oceanic subduction recorded in the adjacent Paleo-Tethyan suture zones. Combined with detrital U–Pb ages from previous studies, our geochronological data indicate that the host schists originated from continental crust within the South China Block and underwent a pervasive Triassic HP metamorphism related to the Indosinian orogeny. The eclogites and host schists yielded HP metamorphic ages of 239–234 Ma and retrogressive amphibolite-facies metamorphic ages of 231–229 Ma, suggesting rapid cooling (14.0°C–21.6°C/Myr) and exhumation (6.4 km/Myr) from the mantle to the crust. The Song Ma eclogites and their host schists formed when the final ocean closure transitioned to the initial Indochina–South China collision. The Song Ma eclogites and their host schists provide essential information on the opening and closure of the eastern Paleo-Tethys and the subsequent amalgamation of Southeast Asian continental fragments.

Lifshitz transitions and hybrid Weyl points in RbAg5Se3

We explore the topological phase transitions of RbAg5Se3 using first-principles calculations in combination with the maximally localized Wannier function method. Our computations reveal that the type-II Dirac cone in RbAg5Se3 protected by the inversion and time-inversion (PT) symmetry in addition to the C4z rotation symmetry can be regulated to type-III and type-I Dirac points by applying strain along the [001] direction. More interestingly, when the inversion symmetry is lifted by intercalating a Pt atom into the unit cell, sixteen hybrid Weyl points emerge accompanied by the Fermi arcs connecting the adjacent Brillouin zones and surface states on the (010) surface. The type-II Weyl point has the chirality of 1, while the type-I Weyl point has the chirality of −1. Our work suggests that RbAg5Se3 serves as a promising platform for study of topological phases transitions with curious transport phenomena.

WIN Symposium 2022 - Abstract Poster Presentations.

WIN Symposium 2022 - Abstract Poster Presentations.

A modelling method for large-scale open spaces orientated toward coordinated control of multiple air-terminal units.

The temperature distribution is always assumed to be homogeneous in a traditional single-input-single-output (SISO) air conditioning control strategy. However, the airflow inside is more complicated and unpredictable. This study proposes a zonal temperature control strategy with a thermal coupling effect integrated for air-conditioned large-scale open spaces. The target space was split into several subzones based on the minimum controllable air terminal units in the proposed method, and each zone can be controlled to its own set-point while considering the thermal coupling effect from its adjacent zones. A numerical method resorting to computational fluid dynamics was presented to obtain the heat transfer coefficients (HTCs) under different air supply scenarios. The relationship between heat transfer coefficient and zonal temperature difference was linearized. Thus, currently available zonal models in popular software can be used to simulate the dynamic response of temperatures in large-scale indoor open spaces. Case studies showed that the introduction of HTCs across the adjacent zones was capable of enhancing the precision of temperature control of large-scale open spaces. It could satisfy the temperature requirements of different zones, improve thermal comfort and at least 11% of energy saving can be achieved by comparing with the conventional control strategy.Electronic Supplementary Material (ESM)the Appendix is available in the online version of this article at 10.1007/s12273-022-0942-8.

Influence of Grouting Sequence on the Correction Effect of Horizontal Tunnel Displacement by Grouting in Granite Residual Soil

Shield tunnels are vulnerable to large displacements induced by surrounding environmental changes. Grouting is an effective way to correct excessive shield tunnel displacement, while the grouting scheme design, especially the grouting sequence, is the key factor affecting the correction efficiency. A finite element simulation method considering the construction of multiple grouting zones is verified by the engineering case of Shenzhen Metro Line 1, and the influence of the grouting sequence on the correction effect on the horizontal tunnel displacement is further studied. The results show that the proper grouting efficiency of sandy clay, completely decomposed granite, and strongly decomposed granite is 5.5%, 2.8%, and 1.1%, respectively. The adjacent newly-built grouting zones are significantly constrained by the reinforcement created during the preceding grouting process. It is more efficient to correct excessive tunnel displacement in the “from far to near” sequence and excessive tunnel convergence in the “from near to far” sequence with increasing reinforcement stiffness. The correction effect improves greatly as the elastic modulus of the reinforcement increases up to 100 MPa.

Certification considerations for the configuration of a hydrogen-fuelled aeroplane

AbstractReplacing kerosene with hydrogen as a fuel for propelling aeroplanes will undoubtably have ramifications for the existing certification basis and the necessary means of compliance. What this paper attempts to do is explain how a future hydrogen-powered aeroplane could be certified and how this will influence the aircraft’s design. Emphasis has been placed on the safety of hydrogen with regards flammability, ignition energy, cryogenic states and crashworthiness. The influence of certification on a future hydrogen-fuelled aeroplane’s configuration has been established. Lessons learnt from rockets are limited in scope. Consideration of hydrogen’s cryogenic and ambient temperature properties has established some fundamental safety principles. Fuel system crashworthiness influence on certification has been examined. An explosion prevention certification scheme has been developed. It is proposed to exclude oxygen from the fuel system and avoid accumulation of leaked or permeated hydrogen from adjacent zones. Three generic hydrogen-fuelled configurations have been considered for certification: adapting conventional airliner design, hydrogen-electric (fuel cell) propulsion and an unconventional approach. Hydrogen as a safe gas turbine fuel has been examined in technical and environmental terms. Further experimental work to close knowledge gaps in the aviation use of hydrogen has been suggested. In conclusion the necessary changes to the certification basis are outlined. Comments as to what the configuration of a future hydrogen-fuelled aeroplane might look like are provided. These observations are based on analysis of hydrogen’s properties, the existing certification basis, knowledge gaps, and what Special Conditions and Acceptable Means of Compliance might emerge in a future design Type Certification.

Is the Diagnosis of 5th Metatarsal Fracture Type Consistent? An Inter-Observer Reliability Study

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Treatment pathways of 5th metatarsal fractures are commonly directed based on fracture classification, with Jones types for example, requiring closer observation and possibly more aggressive management. Our primary objective was to investigate the reliability of assessment of subtypes of 5th metatarsal fractures by different observers. Methods: Patients were identified from our prospectively collected database. We included all patient referred to our virtual fracture clinic with a suspected or confirmed 5th metatarsal fracture. Plain AP radiographs were reviewed by two observers, who were initially trained on the 5th metatarsal classification identification. Zones were defined as Zone 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2, 3, diaphyseal shaft (DS), distal metaphysis (DM) and head. Patients were excluded from analysis if neither observer could identify a fracture or if one or more observers could not access the images. An inter-observer reliability analysis using Cohen's Kappa coefficient was carried out, and degree of observer agreement described using Landis & Koch's description. All data was analysed using IBM SPSS v.27. Results: 1360 patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified. The two observers had moderate agreement when identifying fractures in all zones, apart from zone 1.2 and DM fractures, which only achieved 'fair' agreement (K=.308 and .381 respectively). Zones 1.1 (K=.538), 1.3 (K=.511), 2 (K=.515), 3 (K=.57), DS (K=.545) and Head (K=.558) all tended towards but did not achieve substantial agreement. Slight agreement with the next proximal and distal adjacent zones were found in Zones 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3. Slight agreement with the adjacent distal zone was found in Zone 2 and DM fractures. Zone 3 has slight agreement with Zone 2 proximally and there is an apparent difficulty with distal DS fractures resulting in a lot of crossover with DM, achieving a fair level of agreement (DS 312 vs 196; DM 120 vs 237; K=.398, p<.001). Conclusion: Reliability of sub-categorising 5th metatarsal fractures using standardised instructions conveys moderate agreement in most cases. If the region of the fracture is going to be used in an algorithm to guide a management plan and clinical follow up during a virtual clinic review, defining fractures of zones 1-3 needs careful consideration.

Design and Implementation of SRAM for LUT and CLB Using Clocking Mechanism in Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) has long been deemed to be an alternative or supplementary to complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology in theory in the future. In general, QCA works indispensably through a four-phase clocking mechanism. However, previous works on QCA circuits mainly use the clocking to enable the synchronization of signals. In this brief, a static random access memory (SRAM) is proposed for the first time by making use of the phase difference between adjacent clock zones of the unique clocking mechanism. The SRAM saves the address decoders and thus reduces the hardware cost. A look-up table (LUT) is then built through the SRAM to achieve a significant reduction in hardware cost. To verify the practicability of these circuits proposed above, a configurable logic block (CLB) in Xilinx’s XC4000 field-programmable gate array as an example is designed. Simulation results using QCADesigner-E show that the proposed circuits have correct functions and advantages in area, cell count, delay, cost, and energy dissipation compared with previous designs. Note that these circuits are easy to be extended to 16-bit, 32-bit, or higher bit.

No Self-shadowing Instability in 2D Radiation Hydrodynamical Models of Irradiated Protoplanetary Disks

Theoretical models of protoplanetary disks including stellar irradiation often show a spontaneous amplification of scale height perturbations, produced by the enhanced absorption of starlight in enlarged regions. In turn, such regions cast shadows on adjacent zones that consequently cool down and shrink, eventually leading to an alternating pattern of overheated and shadowed regions. Previous investigations have proposed this to be a real self-sustained process, the so-called self-shadowing or thermal wave instability, which could naturally form frequently observed disk structures such as rings and gaps, and even potentially enhance the formation of planetesimals. All of these, however, have assumed in one way or another vertical hydrostatic equilibrium and instantaneous radiative diffusion throughout the disk. In this work we present the first study of the stability of accretion disks to self-shadowing that relaxes these assumptions, relying instead on radiation hydrodynamical simulations. We first construct hydrostatic disk configurations by means of an iterative procedure and show that the formation of a pattern of enlarged and shadowed regions is a direct consequence of assuming instantaneous radiative diffusion. We then let these solutions evolve in time, which leads to a fast damping of the initial shadowing features in layers close to the disk surface. These thermally relaxed layers grow toward the midplane until all temperature extrema in the radial direction are erased in the entire disk. Our results suggest that radiative cooling and gas advection at the disk surface prevent a self-shadowing instability from forming, by damping temperature perturbations before these reach lower, optically thick regions.