Disc Diameter Research Articles

Abstract 17264: PFO Cover Index by 3D-TEE Predicts Residual Shunting After Transcatheter Closure

Introduction: Proper defect sizing and device size selection are imperative for ensuring successful clinical outcomes after transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. However, with current sizing techniques, residual shunting remains as high as 25% and is associated with an increased risk of recurrent neurologic events. Since 2017, we adopted a PFO sizing strategy based on right atrial (RA) tunnel “width” oversizing utilizing three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE). Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the PFO tunnel width at the RA opening and a cover index based on this dimension would predict residual shunting at long term follow-up. Methods: Sixty-four patients underwent transcatheter PFO closure (60 patients utilizing a 3D-TEE based oversizing strategy) at our institution between 2015 and 2022. PFO tunnel length, tunnel width at RA opening, and tunnel width at left atrial opening were determined by 3D-TEE either before or at the time of closure. We determined an absolute PFO “cover index” for each patient as follows: RA disc diameter - RA tunnel width. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the predictive ability of 3D-TEE derived PFO dimensions and the PFO cover index to predict residual shunting at follow-up. Results: Fifty-one of sixty-four patients had a long-term follow-up bubble study (mean follow-up time 8.0±3.7 months). Of the 47 patients closed utilizing a 3D-TEE based sizing strategy and with a follow-up bubble study, only 5 patients (10.6%) had residual shunting at follow-up. Of the three 3D-TEE based PFO dimensions, only the RA tunnel width was predictive of residual shunting at follow-up (AUC 0.84, p=0.004). A cutoff of 15.5 mm or greater for RA tunnel width had the best combination of sensitivity (86%) and specificity (73%). The PFO cover index was also strongly predictive of residual shunting at follow-up (AUC 0.87, p=0.002). A cutoff of 9.5 mm or less had the best combination of sensitivity (86%) and specificity (82%). Conclusions: A larger PFO tunnel width at the right atrial opening and a lower cover index based on this dimension predict residual shunting at follow-up. Our findings have important implications for improving sizing strategies for transcatheter PFO closure.

The Effect of Irrigation Water Salinity, Organic Matter, and Zinc Nano-Fertilizer on the Productivity of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

In accordance with the randomized full block design, In the Al-Mahaweel district, Al-Imam hand, and Al-Birawi region, a field experiment was conducted in a soil with a texture of silty clay loam categorized as the primary typic torrifluvent group (RCBD), Examining the effects of irrigation water quality, organic matter, the amount of zinc nano-fertilizer sprayed on the plant, and the interaction of the research components on sunflower crop production using a split plot experiment with three replications, Three separate factors were used in the experiment: irrigation with four various amounts of organic fertilizer (zero), 20 tons/ha of cow and sheep dung, and three different concentrations of zinc nanofertilizer (0, 1.5, and 3 g). Organic matter significantly improved the yield characteristics of sunflowers, such as disc diameter, number of seeds per disc, weight of 500 seeds, and overall yield, as compared to spraying with nano-Zinc. The three elements’ interplay significantly affected sunflower productivity. On March 5, 2022, the seeds were sown using cork dishes and a midwife-led method. The seeds were luleo varieties from a French breeder. The midwives were transferred to the permanent location after 30 days. The findings showed that increasing the salt content of the irrigation water significantly decreased the values of disc diameter, number of seeds per disc, weight of 500 seeds, and overall yield of sunflower plants.

Transorbital sonography in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Single-center study, systematic review and meta-analysis.

Transorbital sonography (TOS) provides a noninvasive tool to detect intracranial pressure by assessing optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and optic disc elevation (ODE). The utility of TOS in the diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has been increasingly recognized. A single-center case-control study sought to compare TOS-acquired ONSD and ODE among IIH-cases versus patients with other neurological diseases (controls). Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to present pooled mean differences and diagnostic measures of ONSD and ODE between IIH-cases and controls. In the single-center study, consisting of 31 IIH-cases and 34 sex- and age-matched controls, ONSD values were higher among IIH-cases than controls (p<.001), while ODE was more prevalent in cases (65%vs. 15%; p<.001). The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC)-curve analysis revealed that the optimal cutoff value of ONSD for predicting IIH was 5.15mm, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.914 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.861-0.967) and sensitivity and specificity values of 85% and 90%, respectively. In a meta-analysis of 14 included studies with 415 IIH-cases, ONSD and ODE values were higher in IIH-cases than controls (mean difference in ONSD 1.20mm; 95% CI: 0.96-1.44mm and in ODE 0.3mm; 95% CI: 0.33-0.67mm). With regard to ONSD, pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated at 85.5% (95% CI: 77.9-90.8%), 90.7% (95% CI: 84.6-94.5%), and 57.394 (95% CI: 24.597-133.924), respectively. The AUC in summary ROC-curve analysis was 0.878 (95% CI: 0.858-0.899) with an optimal cutoff point of 5.0mm. TOS has a high diagnostic utility for the noninvasive diagnosis of IIH and may deserve wider implementation in everyday clinical practice.

Three dimensional analysis of melting performance of phase change materials in a disk-shaped container with partial circular heating

Three dimensional analysis of melting performance of phase change materials in a disk-shaped container with partial circular heating has been studied. The phase change materials (PCMs) have succeeded in coming to the fore with their superior features in energy storage. However, the energy storage efficiency of these materials affected by many physical parameters, and determining the appropriate parameters is important for efficient energy storage. This study explores melting and energy storage performance of PCM-RT25 in a disk-shaped container with various partial circular heating cases and aspect ratios (AR). PCM melting analysis was performed with partial heating by selecting equal heating surface area on the disk. The effects of AR on melting performance were analyzed by observing the PCM melting behavior for different disk heights while keeping the disk diameter constant. Governing equations are solved by using finite volume method. Obtained results showed that the PCM melting time decreases as the AR increases in the case of full heating. In partial heating, the increase in AR not only extended the melting time, but also decreased the liquid fraction at the end of the melting. Parameters of AR = 4 and ΔT = 45 °C was provided the maximum liquid fraction in partial heating cases. Under these conditions, 90%, 94% and 96% liquid fractions were obtained at the end of melting for the cases that the heater is located in the center of the disk, in the middle near the inner part of the disk and in the middle near the outher part of the disk, respectively.

TiO2 coatings on titanium obtained by anodising in a 2% Na2SiO3 solution at various voltages

Commercially pure titanium is recognised as one of the most biocompatible materials used in everyday medicine, particularly in prosthodontics. However, its high reactivity with oxygen and low thermal expansion makes titanium difficult to process, making it less popular as a material for porcelain fused to metal substructures. Analysing the available literature studies, both positive and negative effects of the oxide layer on the titanium-ceramic bond have been found. The given work attempted to anodically create oxide coatings in a 2% Na2SiO3 solution on commercially pure titanium, which could serve as substructures for crowns and dental bridges.Grade 2 titanium discs (diameter 20 mm, height 5 mm) were ground and polished. The alloy composition was determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis. The samples were divided into six groups and subjected to anodic oxidation in a 2% Na2SiO3 solution at constant voltages: 230 V, 270 V, 300 V, 350 V, 400 V, and a time of t = 1 min. The obtained oxide layers were examined by X-ray diffraction, chemical composition analysis, and SEM observation.Coating thicknesses ranging from 0.65 μm to 13.2 μm were obtained. Besides titanium oxide, an amorphous phase is present in the anodised layer.It is crucial to provide the ideal voltage directly related to the employed solution to maintain the useable thickness of the oxide layers. Variations in oxide layer thickness beyond optimal value may lead to exfoliating if it exceeds 1 μm or present fractures if it subceeds 1 μm.Titanium oxide layers obtained by anodic oxidation are mainly tested on their biocompatibility and tissue integration so important in implantology. However, the given paper focuses on creating oxide layers that may strengthen the bond between titanium and dental ceramics.

Investigation on the characterization of hot extruded AA7075 based metal matrix composites developed by powder metallurgy

Higher compressive stress and greater density after extrusion contribute to stronger bonds, which in turn improves mechanical and tribological properties were analyzed. In order to minimize manufacturing defects, a cosine-profiled die with mathematically precise contours was used in the thermo mechanical process. It was requested that more mechanical characterization tests, such as a compression testing and a three-point bending test, be directed to better define the material’s density, hardness, and ductility. Before and after extrusion, the prepared AMCs were put through pin-on-disc (POD) wear testing, during which the RPM of the counter disc, load (N) and track diameter (mm) were varied to simulate different two-body dry sliding wear behaviors. Hot extrusion of AA7075 aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) was investigated for its effect on the materials’ mechanical and tribological properties. These AMCs were manufactured by controlled atmospheric sintering, powder metallurgy and double axial cold compaction. The finely dispersed graphite (Gr) particles shear off at the tribo-surface, creating a solid lubricant that slows the rate of wear. The wear mechanism was found to be more complex when the loading and sliding velocities were increased.

Spontaneous regression of an isolated retinal astrocytic hamartoma in a newborn: a case report

BackgroundTo report the spontaneous regression of an isolated retinal astrocytic hamartoma in a newborn. During the seven-month follow-up duration, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography examinations were performed.Case presentationAn isolated retinal astrocytic hamartoma was detected in the nasal retina of the left eye of a 4-day-old male infant. At the time of initial presentation, we detected a solitary yellowish-white flat mass with an approximate size of 1.5 disc diameters in the nasal retina. Fluorescein angiography (FA) revealed a diffuse hyperfluorescence with slight fluorescence leakage. Seven months later, the fundus examination showed no lesion in the left eye, FA revealed mild tortuous vessels without leakage.ConclusionsIn the present case, we established that the isolated retinal astrocytic hamartoma in this infant has underwent spontaneous regression. This case can point out that follow –up reexaminations are advisable for a solitary yellowish-white flat mass of the fundus in a newborn.

Structural Optimization Design of Electromagnetic Repulsion Mechanism Based on BP Neural Network and NSGA‐II

The long‐stroke electromagnetic repulsion mechanism is subjected to large stresses during the driving phase, and the repulsion disc is prone to fracture due to excessive vibration amplitude up and down. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the peak stress and vibration amplitude of the repulsion disc, improve the mechanical life, and improve the driving performance without decreasing the motion displacement, but it is not possible to do so at present. To address this problem, this paper takes the ‘coil‐repulsion disc type’ electromagnetic repulsion mechanism as the research object, and builds a simulation model of electromagnetic repulsion mechanism with structural strength and driving performance by using finite element simulation software, and analyzes the effects of four structural parameters, namely, the height of the repulsion disc, the inner diameter of the repulsion disc, the radius of the circular table and the radius of the chamfer, on the displacement and stress distribution of the model. After that, 39 sets of samples were output by BBD experimental design method, which were introduced into the BP neural network prediction model and combined with NSGA‐II algorithm to optimize the structure of the electromagnetic repulsion mechanism. The simulation results show that with the repulsion disc height of 14 mm, the repulsion disc inner diameter of 14 mm, the radius of the circular table is 29.78 mm and the chamfer radius of 7.06 mm, the peak stress of the repulsion disc of the electromagnetic repulsion mechanism is reduced by 57.83%, the amplitude of the repulsion disc is reduced by 3.24 mm, the peak electromagnetic repulsion force is increased by 7.52 kN and speed at the end of 3 ms increased by 9.8%. Under the condition of satisfying the constraints and increasing the overall displacement, the structural strength is increased and the driving performance of the mechanism is ensured to be improved, providing reasonable mechanism parameters for the opening and closing requirements of the fast mechanical switch. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Seven general radiography x-ray detectors with pixel sizes ranging from 175 to 76 μm: technical evaluation with the focus on orthopaedic imaging

Aim. Flat panel detectors with small pixel sizes general can potentially improve imaging performance in radiography applications requiring fine detail resolution. This study evaluated the imaging performance of seven detectors, covering a wide range of pixel sizes, in the frame of orthopaedic applications. Material and methods. Pixel sizes ranged from 175 (detector A175) to 76 μm (detector G76). Modulation transfer function (MTF) and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) were measured using International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) RQA3 beam quality. Threshold contrast (C T) and a detectability index (d′) were measured at three air kerma/image levels. Rabbit shoulder images acquired at 60 kV, over five air kerma levels, were evaluated in a visual grading study for anatomical sharpness, image noise and overall diagnostic image quality by four radiologists. The detectors were compared to detector E124. Results. The 10% point of the MTF ranged from 3.21 to 4.80 mm−1, in going from detector A175 to detector G76. DQE(0.5 mm−1) measured at 2.38 μGy/image was 0.50 ± 0.05 for six detectors, but was higher for F100 at 0.62. High frequency DQE was superior for the smaller pixel detectors, however C T for 0.25 mm discs correlated best with DQE(0.5 mm−1). Correlation between C T and the detectability model was good (R 2 = 0.964). C T for 0.25 mm diameter discs was significantly higher for D150 and F100 compared to E124. The visual grading data revealed higher image quality ratings for detectors D125 and F100 compared to E124. An increase in air kerma was associated with improved perceived sharpness and overall quality score, independent of detector. Detectors B150, D125, F100 and G76, performed well in specific tests, however only F100 consistently outperformed the reference detector. Conclusion. Pixel size alone was not a reliable predictor of small detail detectability or even perceived sharpness in a visual grading analysis study.

Preoperative estimation of retinal hole location using ultra-wide-field imaging.

Accurate localization of retinal holes is essential for successful scleral buckling (SB) surgery. We aimed to verify the feasibility of using ultra-wide-field (UWF) imaging for preoperative estimation of retinal hole location. We observed 21 eyes from 21 patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) who underwent successful SB. They were treated at the Department of Ophthalmology of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University between November 2020 and November 2021. UWF fundus photography using an Optos device was performed at different steering positions 1 day before, 1 day after, and 1 month after SB. Using the preoperative fundus images, we measured the transverse diameter of the optic disc (D1) and the distance from the centre of the retinal holes to the ora serrata (D2). The accurate transverse diameter of the optic disc (Dd) was measured preoperatively using optical coherence tomography. The same surgeon measured the scleral chord lengths intraoperatively from the limbus to the located retinal hole marked on the sclera using an ophthalmic calliper. Statistical software was used to analyze the consistency of scleral chord length between the retinal hole and the limbus, which was estimated by preoperative UWF imaging and was measured using an ophthalmic calliper intraoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in the scleral chord length between the retinal holes and the limbus, which was estimated by preoperative UWF fundus photography and was measured by the calliper during surgery. It is feasible to locate retinal holes using UWF fundus photography before SB, which is helpful for quick localization, thereby reducing the learning curve of SB surgery.

Persistent Vascular Anomalies in Retinopathy of Prematurity Children: Ultrawide-field Fluorescein Angiography Findings until School Age.

To investigate vascular abnormalities, including persistent avascular retina (PAR), in a large cohort of patients with regressed or treated retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) through long-term follow-up until school age. Retrospective large cohort study. We included pediatric patients (< 18 years old) with a history of nontreated or treated ROP (treated with either photocoagulation or intravitreal injection [IVI]) and regularly followed up until2020. Upon enrollment, we categorized patients into 4 groups: prematurity, regressed ROP, and IVI and laser treatment ROP groups. All patients had undergone visual acuity examinations, OCT, and ultrawide-field fluorescein angiography. Percentage of eyes with PAR (greater than or equal to the area of 2 disc diameters from the ora serrata to vascular termini) and with vascular abnormalities in the peripheral and posterior retina. In total, we included 187 eyes of 95 patients. The prevalence of PAR was 0%, 33.33%, and 31.65% in eyes in the prematurity, regressed ROP, and IVI treatment groups, respectively (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the percentage of PAR eyes when comparing regressed ROP group (33.33%) with the IVI treatment group (31.65%). At least 1 type of vascular abnormality was noted until school age in all (100%) treated ROP eyes. Although multivariate analysis found a significant association between IVI treatment and PAR (odds ratio: 10.28, 95% confidence interval: 3.29-32.14) until the school age of 6 to 8 years old, there were no stage 3 eyes in the spontaneously regressed group, suggesting that stage 3 ROP in the IVI group could also drive the association. Approximately one-third of ROP eyes with spontaneous regression or IVI treatment still exhibit PAR when the child reaches school age. Several distinct vascular anomalies at the vascular-avascular juncture and within the vascularized retina can persist in these children. The clinical significance of these anomalies and the decision whether to treat them warrant further investigation to optimize their outcomes. The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Myopia: Histology, clinical features, and potential implications for the etiology of axial elongation.

Myopic axial elongation is associated with various non-pathological changes. These include a decrease in photoreceptor cell and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell density and retinal layer thickness, mainly in the retro-equatorial to equatorial regions; choroidal and scleral thinning pronounced at the posterior pole and least marked at the ora serrata; and a shift in Bruch's membrane opening (BMO) occurring in moderately myopic eyes and typically in the temporal/inferior direction. The BMO shift leads to an overhang of Bruch's membrane (BM) into the nasal intrapapillary compartment and BM absence in the temporal region (i.e., parapapillary gamma zone), optic disc ovalization due to shortening of the ophthalmoscopically visible horizontal disc diameter, fovea-optic disc distance elongation, reduction in angle kappa, and straightening/stretching of the papillomacular retinal blood vessels and retinal nerve fibers. Highly myopic eyes additionally show an enlargement of all layers of the optic nerve canal, elongation and thinning of the lamina cribrosa, peripapillary scleral flange (i.e., parapapillary delta zone) and peripapillary choroidal border tissue, and development of circular parapapillary beta, gamma, and delta zone. Pathological features of high myopia include development of macular linear RPE defects (lacquer cracks), which widen to round RPE defects (patchy atrophies) with central BM defects, macular neovascularization, myopic macular retinoschisis, and glaucomatous/glaucoma-like and non-glaucomatous optic neuropathy. BM thickness is unrelated to axial length. Including the change in eye shape from a sphere in emmetropia to a prolate (rotational) ellipsoid in myopia, the features may be explained by a primary BM enlargement in the retro-equatorial/equatorial region leading to axial elongation.

Precise photoelectrochemical tuning of semiconductor microdisk lasers.

Micro- and nano-disk lasers have emerged as promising optical sources and probes for on-chip and free-space applications. However, the randomness in disk diameter introduced by standard nanofabrication makes it challenging to obtain deterministic wavelengths. To address this, we developed a photoelectrochemical (PEC) etching-based technique that enables us to precisely tune the lasing wavelength with sub-nanometer accuracy. We examined the PEC mechanism and compound semiconductor etching rate in diluted sulfuric acid solution. Using this technique, we produced microlasers on a chip and isolated particles with distinct lasing wavelengths. Our results demonstrate that this scalable technique can be used to produce groups of lasers with precise emission wavelengths for various nanophotonic and biomedical applications.

Contributed Session II: In vivo imaging of immune cell activity in primate retina after photoreceptor ablation.

The non-human primate (NHP) is the gold standard animal model for preclinical development of gene and cell based therapies for vision restoration. However, the ocular immune response to these interventions remains poorly understood. We conducted a proof of concept study using offset aperture adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) to visualize cellular-scale changes in the primate retina following photoreceptor (PR) ablation. Ultrafast 730nm laser exposure at 26.6 - 32.5 J/cm2 was used to create six lesions in four NHPs. Offset aperture images focused on retinal vascular layers were collected with an offset distance of ~10 Airy Disk Diameters from 15 minutes up to three hours after PR ablation. We observed putative immune cells in and around vessels supplying the lesioned areas. Consistent with previous findings in murine models, cells within vessels adhered to the inner wall, exhibited crawling behavior, and had a diameter ranging from ~9.3 - 11.5 µm. Additionally, we observed the emergence of cellular-scale structures above the PR layer that originated in the center of the lesion 15 minutes post-insult and gradually radiated outward. Vascular perfusion was maintained in these regions. Our data suggest that offset aperture imaging offers cellular-scale, label free, in vivo assessment of the retinal response to insult in NHPs and could be employed to advance our understanding of the ocular immune response provoked by disease and therapeutic interventions.

In-Situ Analysis of Chronopotentiometry Data to Predict Electrodeposition Rates

Often in MEMS or NEMS microfabrication R&D, many single layer “test” samples are created prior to committing more complex multiple layer “device” samples which require more time and effort to create. Ideally, much of the R&D can focus on less critical test samples and the experimental results can then be applied to more valuable device wafers. We investigated tin electroforming into patterned polymer molds creating Meissner-Effect Transition-Edge-Sensor (ME-TES) devices1 and found multiple variables changed between the test and device samples making it difficult to target a desired tin metal thickness. These variables were analyzed and distilled down to two: (I) area and (II) the measured voltage at constant current 30 seconds after plating started. In addition to the underlying analysis, a Graphical User Interface (GUI)2 was developed in R to quickly calculate and predict in-situ tin electroplating rates regardless of uncontrolled variables in the sample.ME-TES devices required a final tin plating feature height of 8-12 microns for 50-micron diameter discs coupled with patterned niobium electrical traces3. During chronopotentiometry experiments, two samples were plated for 1 minute and 18 minutes, respectively – both achieving the target height of 10 microns. This extreme variability in rate caused the height to undershoot or overshoot within just a few minutes of plating. Many variables were collected into a database and analyzed including wafer design layout, electrochemical methods, chemistry make-up, electrochemical setup, the use of a reference electrode, current density, voltage, mounting technique, height, device size, and surface roughness across the substrate. The resulting GUI resulted in fewer necessary test samples, reduced processing time, and improved accuracy in plating thickness.(1) Finnegan, P. Packaging & Solid-state Materials and Fabrication Processes. In Packaging & Solid-state Materials and Fabrication Processes, June 2023.(2) St. John, C. “R Shiny User Interface for Electrochemical Development.” In CoDA, Santa Fe NM, March 2023.(3) Arrington, C.L. Optimizing Tin Electroplating for MEMS Meissner-Effect Transition Edge Sensors. In 243rd ECS Meeting with SOFC-XVIII, Boston, MA, 2023.Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.SAND2022-10287A

Experimental Field Tests of the Suitability of a New Seeder for the Soils of Northern Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is historically a livestock country, and the production of feed requires no less attention than the production of grain. To improve the forage base, one solution is the sowing of high-yielding fodder seeds. An experimental seeder was developed with new design solutions for the sowing machine, with three blades installed at an angle of 120° relative to the lower part of the blower shaft, deviated vertically by 8–10°, along with components with a radius vector of 10–15° and the blower shaft attached to the top of the sowing cylinder. The closing part of the disc coulter contained the press rollers with a disc diameter measuring 350 mm. The field tests were conducted with the parameters between the discs set to α = 10°, a disc vanishing point of β = 40°, a coulter angle of 32°, and an individual 320-mm press roller with a cylindrical 60-mm rim, a leash, and a section for setting the seed placement depth. The wheatgrass varieties “Burabay” and awnless brome “Akmola emerald” were sown. The research showed the higher efficiency of the experimental seeder with seeding units and sowing parts compared to a serial seeder in terms of agricultural performance. The increase in seed germination was 3.56%. The experimental seeder surpassed the regular seeder by 4.95% in terms of the depth uniformity of the seed placement, in terms of yield increase by 5.361 cwt/ha, with reductions in traction resistance of 12.3%, and in fuel consumption by 10%. The economic efficiency from the fuel reduction and yield increase was estimated at around 7700 USD/ha per year.

Numerical simulation and experimental research on oscillation performance of disc-type jet oscillator

Based on active flow control technology, the two wall jets attached to a standard cylindrical surface due to the Coanda effect will output a detached jet when they collide. The direction of the output jets produced by this collision is very sensitive to small changes in the two wall jets. Therefore, a new type of curved-wall supersonic compressible disc-type jet oscillator is proposed by using the oscillating feedback jet as the source of wall separation. Through monitoring the internal flow field, the jet core’s pressure attenuation, the jet’s amplitude, and the wall pressure are analyzed. The results show that the disc-type jet oscillator model with a double-bend inlet has the best performance. After adding a multi-pipe outlet structure to the model, the oscillators with various disc diameters were simulated at different inlet pressures and air inlet frequencies to the wall-off control port. The oscillation performance of the disc jet oscillator is better when the diameter of the disc is 32 mm and 20 mm, and the included angle between the wall-off control port and the horizontal direction is 45°. Two kinds of oscillators of the same diameter as the model are experimentally studied, and the results prove the feasibility of the disc-type jet oscillator.

B-mode transorbital ultrasonography for the diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the role of B-mode transorbital ultrasonography (TOS) for the diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in adults. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (1966-May 2022) were searched to identify studies reporting ultrasonographic data about the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and optic disc elevation (ODE) in adults with IIH compared to subjects without IIH. The quality of the included studies was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality. Fifteen studies were included (total of 439 patients). The values of ODE ranged from 0.6 to 1.3mm in patients with IIH. The values of ONSD ranged from 4.7 to 6.8mm in IIH patients and from 3.9 to 5.7mm in controls. In IIH patients, the ONSD was significantly higher compared to controls (standardized mean difference: 2.5mm, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-3.4mm). Nine studies provided data about the presence of papilledema and the pooled prevalence was 95% (95% CI, 92-97%). In adults, the thickness of ONSD and the entity of ODE were significantly associated with IIH. B-mode TOS enables to noninvasively detect increased ICP and should be performed, potentially routinely, in any patient with suspected IIH.

Increased retinal venule diameter as a prognostic indicator for recurrent cerebrovascular events: a prospective observational study.

Microvasculature of the retina is considered an alternative marker of cerebral vascular risk in healthy populations. However, the ability of retinal vasculature changes, specifically focusing on retinal vessel diameter, to predict the recurrence of cerebrovascular events in patients with ischemic stroke has not been determined comprehensively. While previous studies have shown a link between retinal vessel diameter and recurrent cerebrovascular events, they have not incorporated this information into a predictive model. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between retinal vessel diameter and subsequent cerebrovascular events in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Additionally, we sought to establish a predictive model by combining retinal veessel diameter with traditional risk factors. We performed a prospective observational study of 141 patients with acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University. All of these patients underwent digital retinal imaging within 72 hours of admission and were followed up for 3 years. We found that, after adjusting for related risk factors, patients with acute ischemic stroke with mean arteriolar diameter within 0.5-1.0 disc diameters of the disc margin (MAD0.5-1.0DD) of ≥ 74.14 μm and mean venular diameter within 0.5-1.0 disc diameters of the disc margin (MVD0.5-1.0DD) of ≥ 83.91 μm tended to experience recurrent cerebrovascular events. We established three multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models: model 1 included traditional risk factors, model 2 added MAD0.5-1.0DD to model 1, and model 3 added MVD0.5-1.0DD to model 1. Model 3 had the greatest potential to predict subsequent cerebrovascular events, followed by model 2, and finally model 1. These findings indicate that combining retinal venular or arteriolar diameter with traditional risk factors could improve the prediction of recurrent cerebrovascular events in patients with acute ischemic stroke, and that retinal imaging could be a useful and non-invasive method for identifying high-risk patients who require closer monitoring and more aggressive management.

Effect of collection efficiency and reducing ozone generation in an electrostatic precipitator with knife edge disk type electrode

In this study, the experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of a wire diameter on reducing ozone generation and improving the collection efficiency for particle sizes larger than 24 nm in an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) with wire electrode. Furthermore, the effect of the ESP with a knife-edge disk electrode was also investigated, since a wire will be broken. The ESP consisted of a discharging section and an electrostatic section. Two types of discharging sections were used. One was wire-to-plate configuration, and another was a knife-edge disk electrode structure. Positive DC high voltage was applied to the ESP, and gas velocity was 0.6 m/s. As a result, the collection efficiency increased as the diameter of the wire electrode decreased. The efficiency for particle sizes greater than 400 nm achieved more than 99.3%, and the average efficiency for the particle sizes between 24 nm and 213 nm was 99.8% at the ozone concentration of 0.01 ppm and the fine wire diameter of 0.1 mm. In the ESP with knife edge disk type electrode, the efficiency increased with decreasing the diameter of the disk electrode. The collection efficiency for particle sizes larger than 400 nm achieved 99.8% or higher, and the average efficiency for the sizes between 24 nm and 213 nm was 99.0% at the ozone concentration of 0.01 ppm and the disk diameter of 28 mm. The effect which was equivalent to the ESP with fine wire electrode was obtained in the ESP with knife edge disk electrode.