Distinct Rim Research Articles

Sealing efficiency performance of four different rim seals in turbine cavity

In modern aero-engine, the turbine rim seals whose purpose is to reduce the ingress are located in a complex flow region between the mainstream and secondary air flows. The sealing air discharged from the compressor of engine is used to purge turbine cavity. In order to examine the effects of ingress through four distinct rim seals, a one-stage test rig was used in the experiments presented in this work. At a Reynolds number of 5.16 × 105 in the mainstream and (0.85–2.13) × 106 in the rotational, the radial pressure distribution on the stator was determined. To assess flow characteristics and sealing efficacy, measurements of the swirl ratio and CO2 concentration were made. The reliability of turbine rim-seals is determined by the locations of the hook and teeth, as well as their effect on hot gas ingestion. To evaluate the performance of four types of seals: a datum double-rim seal and three derivatives with different clearances, the data are employed. Due to the inlet air position, the swirl ratio exhibited a pronounced inflection for all the rim seals. The sealing efficiency can be decreased by putting the hook closer to the rim or by taking the teeth out. Static pressure measurements in the turbine cavity indicate that the seal position has a significant impact. The analysis results revealed that the existence of slot vortex is beneficial to improving efficiency.

Studies on the Traps of Some Indian Species of <I>Utricularia</I> L

The traps of Utricularia baoulaensis A. Chev., U. bifida L., U. graminifolia Vahl, U. kumaonesis Oliver, U. scandens Benj. and U. squamosa Wt. are studied.The mouth of the trap has a distinct rim and is lateral, terminal or basal. The antennae or appendages on the dorsal side of the mouth are forked and not branched further in U. bifida, U. graminifolia, U. scandens and U. squamosa; in U. baouleensis they are further branched into two or three branchlets and in U. kumaonensis the appendages ramify further into uniseriate filaments bearing stalked, globose glands at their tips. The wall of the trap is 2-layered. There are bifid digestive glands along the inner layer of the wall in all the species, except U. kumaonensis where only quadrifid glands are seen. The mouth is guarded by a complicated trap mechanism, consisting of the door, velum and threshold.

Priming and eruption of andesite magmas at Taranaki volcano recorded in plagioclase phenocrysts

Plagioclase phenocrysts in pre-historic andesites provide insight to the dynamics of magma formation and eruption at Taranaki volcano, New Zealand. The phenocryst population has a diversity of relic cores and a total in situ 87Sr/86Sr range of 0.70440–0.70486. Within-sample 87Sr/86Sr variations of 0.00018 to 0.00043 indicate that many phenocrysts are antecrysts and/or xenocrysts, derived from multiple crystal mush bodies. The Sr-isotopic differences in the phenocrysts of consecutive eruptions indicate that different magmas were tapped or formed on a centennial timescale. Most phenocrysts have multiple resorption/calcic regrowth zone(s) with elevated FeO* but invariant MgO zonation profiles. They likely record mafic melt inputs, and subsequent storage at elevated temperature caused re-equilibration of the Mg gradient. However, distinct rim types record different final pre/syn-eruptive magmatic conditions. Those in magmas erupted at 1030–1157 CE, 1290–1399 CE and 1780–1800 CE are characterised by resorption and calcic regrowth with sharp MgO and FeO* gradients. They record the entry of mafic melt into the system a few days or less before eruption based on Mg diffusion chronometry. In contrast, most phenocrysts erupted at 1755 CE, 1655 CE, and a few pre-1 ka events, have texturally uniform rims, compositionally consistent with closed-system crystallisation. This suggests alternating external and internal eruption triggers. Alternatively, the rate of magma reactivation via intrusion may dictate whether there was sufficient time for a mineralogical response to be recorded in part or all of the system. With respect to anticipating future eruptions, the plagioclase phenocrysts suggest multi-stage magma priming but rapid onset of the final trigger.

Tetrapod-track taphonomic modes (TTTM) applied to Triassic lacustrine systems from southern South America

Tetrapod-track taphonomic modes (TTTM) have been used recently as sensitive indicators of paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic conditions during deposition and imprinting of the track-bearing beds in an underfilled lake basin from NW Argentina. Three tetrapod track preservation modes were defined based on the fidelity of preservation of anatomical features: a High Fidelity Mode shows sharp and detailed impressions of the digits and palms, with the clear impression of the print walls; a Moderate Fidelity Mode shows impressions of digits and palms that have little detail of the anatomy of the trackmaker's autopodia; and finally, a Low Fidelity Mode characterized by oval or irregular depressions with outlines surrounded by deep and distinct rims of displaced sediment. In this contribution, we expand our initial TTTM approach to all three lake-basin types: underfilled, balanced-fill, and overfilled. We review the Triassic tetrapod track record preserved in several lacustrine deposits of three continental basins from central-western Argentina and Patagonia. Our results show that our TTTM are consistently expressed in the different lake basins analyzed, and that substrate rheology it is not only a function of water content, but also of grain-size distribution (sand:clay ratio), the type of clay minerals, and stratal stacking at the bed scale. Linking tetrapod-track taphonomic modes to the lake-basin-type framework places observations of vertebrate traces into a broader context of depositional systems, landscape evolution, and climate and tectonic changes.

Reconstructing source-to-sink systems from detrital zircon core and rim ages

Abstract Grenville-age (1.3–0.9 Ga) zircons represent one of the most ubiquitous detrital zircon (DZ) age modes on Earth. In North America, given the widespread occurrence of Grenville basement, Grenville DZs are commonly viewed as nondiagnostic with regard to source region in provenance studies. Systematic recovery of DZ core-rim U-Pb ages makes it possible to identify and differentiate previously indistinguishable basement source terranes by leveraging their multistage tectono-magmatic evolution. Our analysis demonstrates that Grenville DZs exhibit distinct rim ages in different parts of the North American Paleozoic Appalachian-Ouachita-Marathon foreland. Whereas Grenville DZ grains in the eastern foreland, sourced from the southern Appalachian orogen in the eastern United States, exhibit Taconian and Acadian (490–350 Ma) rims, grains in the western foreland, derived from Mexico, mainly show Neoproterozoic (750–500 Ma) rim ages. This difference permits differentiation of nondiagnostic core ages by their distinctive rim ages. Furthermore, core-rim paired ages can illuminate potential genetic relationships among coexisting age components in DZ spectra, thereby indicating whether the DZs are derived from separate sources or from a single source with multistage tectono-magmatic histories. Thus, DZ rim-core ages can provide critical insights into reconstructing global source-to-sink systems and elucidating genetic linkages within multistage orogenic systems.

Molecular and phenotypic characterization of two cryptic species of the predatory genus Mononchoides Rahm, 1928 (Rhabditida: Diplogastridae) and their congeneric affinities.

Based on morphometric, morphological and molecular characterization using partial small subunit 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and the D2/D3 domain of large subunit 28S rDNA, we described a new species Mononchoides kanzakii collected from manure, and the known species Mononchoides composticola Steel, Moens, Scholaert, Boshoff, Houthoofd and Bert, 2011, isolated from the dung beetle Oniticellus cinctus (Fabricius, 1775). Phylogenetic trees based on the evolutionary model (GTR + I + G) were inferred by Bayesian inference algorithms. Mononchoides kanzakii sp. n. is characterized by 28-32 longitudinal ridges, discontinuous at level of stoma; amphidial apertures inconspicuous; metastegostom armed with thorn-shaped dorsal tooth; a flattened, claw-like right subventral tooth, and left subventral denticulate ridge with 12-14 fine denticles delimited by a group of five denticles in females vs. triangular, flattened right subventral tooth, 5-8 prominent denticles at left subventral sector in males; cloacal lips with a distinct rim; and gubernaculum with cuticularized, proximal and distal extensions of equal length, each constituting half of the length of the wider part of gubernaculum.

Anaerobic corrosion of carbon steel in compacted bentonite exposed to natural Opalinus clay porewater: Bentonite alteration study

Abstract. Carbon steel is a potential canister material for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste in deep geological repositories in clays and clay rocks. Bentonite is considered as a potential backfill material for those multi-barrier systems. To predict the long-term performance and for safety assessment the knowledge of canister corrosion behavior is important. The corrosion products formed and mineralogically altered bentonite at the canister/bentonite interface can potentially provide an additional barrier against radionuclide migration. In-situ corrosion experiments were performed at the Mont Terri underground research laboratory. Coupons of carbon steel were embedded in Volclay MX-80 bentonite with controlled densities, installed in a borehole under simulated repository and anaerobic conditions and exposed to natural Opalinus clay porewater for a period up to 5.5 years (Smart et al., 2017). In the present study, the bentonite layer at the canister/bentonite interface was characterized by complementary microscopic and spectroscopic techniques (XPS, SEM-EDX, µXANES) under anoxic conditions. The interface revealed reddish-brown staining up to 2 mm depth into the bentonite in the zone adjacent to the steel in all three obtained samples. The XPS analysis revealed formation of sulfides at the interface consisting of iron and other trace metals present in the steel. The SEM-EDX analyses of the interface (embedded cross-cut with steel removed) showed different degrees of calcium enrichment in the bentonite adjacent to the metal for various samples. The µXRF analysis performed on the bentonite at the interface showed a scarce or distinct calcium-enriched rim up to 100 µm into the bentonite and iron-enriched rim depending on the sample (one sample in Fig. 1), while µXANES analysis revealed formation of iron silicate compounds in the reacted reddish-brown zone. The iron appears to displace calcium from the interlayer sites in montmorillonite. The calcium then precipitates at the interface as calcite. The extent of this process seems to be strongly related to the bentonite density. The steel coupon was removed prior to embedding, with the location marked as resin in Fig. 1. A line scan from the edge towards the bulk bentonite did not indicate any systematic gradient in the Fe2+/3+ ratio. The formation of mixed Fe2+/3+ silicate compounds appears to be heterogeneous. This work contributes to an increasing understanding of steel corrosion mechanisms in clay, which can improve the robustness of canister lifetime predictions.

Discrete Element Modelling of Pit Crater Formation on Mars

Pit craters are now recognised as being an important part of the surface morphology and structure of many planetary bodies, and are particularly remarkable on Mars. They are thought to arise from the drainage or collapse of a relatively weak surficial material into an open (or widening) void in a much stronger material below. These craters have a very distinctive expression, often presenting funnel-, cone-, or bowl-shaped geometries. Analogue models of pit crater formation produce pits that typically have steep, nearly conical cross sections, but only show the surface expression of their initiation and evolution. Numerical modelling studies of pit crater formation are limited and have produced some interesting, but nonetheless puzzling, results. Presented here is a high-resolution, 2D discrete element model of weak cover (regolith) collapse into either a static or a widening underlying void. Frictional and frictional-cohesive discrete elements are used to represent a range of probable cover rheologies. Under Martian gravitational conditions, frictional-cohesive and frictional materials both produce cone- and bowl-shaped pit craters. For a given cover thickness, the specific crater shape depends on the amount of underlying void space created for drainage. When the void space is small relative to the cover thickness, craters have bowl-shaped geometries. In contrast, when the void space is large relative to the cover thickness, craters have cone-shaped geometries with essentially planar (nearing the angle of repose) slope profiles. Frictional-cohesive materials exhibit more distinct rims than simple frictional materials and, thus, may reveal some stratigraphic layering on the pit crater walls. In an extreme case, when drainage from the overlying cover is insufficient to fill an underlying void, skylights into the deeper structure are created. This study demonstrated that pit crater walls can exhibit both angle of repose slopes and stable, gentler, collapse slopes. In addition, the simulations highlighted that pit crater depth only provides a very approximate estimate of regolith thickness. Cone-shaped pit craters gave a reasonable estimate (proxy) of regolith thickness, whereas bowl-shaped pit craters provided only a minimum estimate. Finally, it appears that fresh craters with distinct, sharp rims like those seen on Mars are only formed when the regolith had some cohesive strength. Such a weakly cohesive regolith also produced open fissures, cliffs, and faults, and exposed regolith “stratigraphy” in the uppermost part of the crater walls.

(2818) Proposal to conserve the name Ficus trigona (Moraceae) with a conserved type

(2818) Proposal to conserve the name <i>Ficus trigona</i> (<i>Moraceae</i>) with a conserved type

The Cambrian peraluminous Santa Luzia granite suite in the Araguaia Belt, central Brazil: Evidence for closure of the Clymene Ocean based on zircon and monazite U[sbnd]Pb data

The Araguaia Belt (AB) in northcentral Brazil formed as the result of the amalgamation of the Amazonian and São Francisco-Congo cratons along with the Parnaíba Block during late Neoproterozoic times. Ediacaran/Cambrian late- to post-orogenic magmatism took place at ∼540 Ma following this continental collision at 550-540 Ma. Such magmatism is represented in the southern portion of the Araguaia Belt by the peraluminous Santa Luzia and Barrolândia granites, as well as by the Presidente Kennedy Granodiorite in the central portion of the AB. Inherited zircon cores with distinct rims are abundant in the Santa Luzia Granite. This pluton yields UPb MC-LA-ICP-MS zircon and monazite ages of 538 ± 1 Ma and 534 ± 5 Ma, respectively. In addition, UPb zircon and monazite ages of 536 ± 6 Ma and 524 ± 6 Ma, respectively, are obtained for the Barrolândia Granite. The data presented in this work and in the literature allow to group the studied Santa Luzia and Barrolândia granites, together with Presidente Kennedy Granodiorite, in a single suite, named Santa Luzia Suite, maintaining the Santa Luzia pluton as the type-area. Rocks related to this Cambrian magmatism are essentially peraluminous, magnesian to slightly ferroan, and calc-alkaline in character. Such rocks probably originated from magmas formed by partial melting of meta-igneous sources that were subsequently contaminated via assimilation of metasedimentary rocks. In the AB, both the collision related to the 550-540 Ma Brasiliano/Pan-African orogeny, and the intimately associated ∼540 Ma late- to post-orogenic Santa Luzia Suite magmatism record the closure of the Clymene Ocean as well as the late stages of compressional tectonics related to west Gondwana amalgamation. The latter was followed by exhumation related to collapse of the Araguaia orogen.

A tonalitic analogue to ancient detrital zircon

A zircon population from an Archean tonalite sample from southern West Greenland has been used as a source analogue in order to test common methods and approaches applied to ancient detrital zircon populations. Measurements of U-Th-Pb, oxygen and Lu-Hf isotopes as well as rare earth element and Ti concentrations were made in these zircon crystals and, where possible, in multiple areas within a single grain. The population is dominated by oscillatory zoned cores aged 3.82 Ga with an isotopically and compositionally distinct rim that formed at 3.59 Ga. We demonstrate that multiple age components may be erroneously inferred from within these oscillatory zoned zircon cores, both from the total population and within individual grains. This has bearing on other zircon-hosted geochemical systems, as temporal correlations may be incorrectly assigned. Oxygen and Lu-Hf isotope compositions are relatively consistent through the population with only a small number of outliers. Ranges in rare earth element and Ti abundances are evident from the total population, from which apparent inverse cooling trends may be inferred. Additionally, we show that even with enhanced filtering of Ti concentrations using light rare earth element abundances, crystallisation temperatures derived from zircon grains of a single, hand sample sized rock can yield both wide and bimodal results. Since even simple, single “source rock” zircon populations may, without careful scrutiny, portray artificially complex results, particular care must be taken in the interpretation of complex ancient detrital zircon populations.

Multiple timescale constraints for high-flux magma chamber assembly prior to the Late Bronze Age eruption of Santorini (Greece)

The rhyodacitic magma discharged during the 30–80 km3 DRE (dense rock equivalent) Late Bronze Age (LBA; also called ‘Minoan’) eruption of Santorini caldera is known from previous studies to have had a complex history of polybaric ascent and storage prior to eruption. We refine the timescales of these processes by modelling Mg–Fe diffusion profiles in orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene crystals. The data are integrated with previously published information on the LBA eruption (phase equilibria studies, melt inclusion volatile barometry, Mg-in-plagioclase diffusion chronometry), as well as new plagioclase crystal size distributions and the established pre-LBA history of the volcano, to reconstruct the events that led up to the assembly and discharge of the LBA magma chamber. Orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and plagioclase crystals in the rhyodacite have compositionally distinct rims, overgrowing relict, probably source-derived, more magnesian (or calcic) cores, and record one or more crystallization (plag ≫ opx > cpx) events during the few centuries to years prior to eruption. The crystallization event(s) can be explained by the rapid transfer of rhyodacitic melt from a dioritic/gabbroic region of the subcaldera pluton (mostly in the 8–12 km depth range), followed by injection, cooling and mixing in a large melt lens at 4–6 km depth (the pre-eruptive magma chamber). Since crystals from all eruptive phases yield similar timescales, the melt transfer event(s), the last of which took place less than 2 years before the eruption, must have involved most of the magma that subsequently erupted. The data are consistent with a model in which prolonged generation, storage and segregation of silicic melts were followed by gravitational instability in the subcaldera pluton, causing the rapid interconnection and amalgamation of melt-rich domains. The melts then drained to the top of the pluton, at fluxes of up to 0.1–1 km3 year− 1, where steep vertical gradients of density and rheology probably caused them to inject laterally, forming a short-lived holding chamber prior to eruption. This interpretation is consistent with growing evidence that some large silicic magma chambers are transient features on geological timescales. A similar process preceded at least one earlier caldera-forming eruption on Santorini, suggesting that it may be a general feature of this rift-hosted magmatic system.

Changes in microstructure characteristics of cement paste on carbonation

This study investigates the influence of carbonation on the microstructure of cement paste cast with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), fly ash based Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) and Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimeter (MIP). A comparison is made between samples exposed to 3% carbon dioxide concentration and those exposed to natural CO2 concentrations. It is observed that the products formed on carbonation are similar in both the exposure conditions. Distinct rims corresponding to decalcified C-S-H are observed around clinker grains in the carbonated samples. Coarsening of pore structure is observed on carbonation in all the cements and an increase in the total porosity is observed in blended cements. Thermodynamic modeling indicates irrespective of the type of cement the total solid volume is reduced on complete carbonation. The volume change occurring on carbonation obtained from experimental results and thermodynamic modeling are compared.

U–Pb geochronology and trace element composition of zircon from the Horseshoe Lake greenstone belt, Superior Province, Canada: implications for the tectonic and metamorphic history

Depth profile techniques for U–Pb geochronology and rare earth element (REE) geochemistry were conducted on unpolished, Archean zircon with metasomatic rims from metasedimentary rocks within the Horseshoe Lake greenstone belt, western Superior Province, Canada. These zircon crystals are shown to have isotopically distinct rims (typically &lt;5 μm thick) compared with the interiors of the crystal. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) U–Pb depth profile analyses of the rims define two different 207Pb/206Pb age populations at ca. 2920 and 2869 Ma, which are &gt;100 million years younger than the cores. The 207Pb/206Pb rim ages can be temporally correlated with regional magmatism and with a later, potentially Au-bearing, hydrothermal event synchronous with greenschist-facies metamorphism and regional deformation. Notably, the zircons do not record evidence of local ca. 2741–2715 Ma magmatism manifested by the emplacement of a quartz–feldspar porphyry dike swarm. Laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) REE depth profile analyses on the same unpolished zircon show that the rims are commonly characterized by low Th/U ratios, elevated Hf, and variable REE concentrations in comparison with the interior of the grains. The variations in rim and core chemistry suggest that these elements, along with common Pb, were mobilized by fluids and interacted with zircon in the metasediments, resulting in the production of the metasomatic rims. In summary, this paper shows that depth profiling techniques applied to unpolished zircon can be useful to elucidate the tectonic, and potentially metallogenic, history of a complex Archean terrane.

TMIC-03. IMAGING BRAIN TUMOR-ASSOCIATED NEUROINFLAMMATION IN ANIMAL MODELS USING FERUMOXYTOL

In the brain tumor microenvironment, non-neoplastic cells with inflammatory function such as tumor-associated macrophages can influence the survival, proliferation and infiltrative activity of cancer cells. The ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle, ferumoxytol, can be used as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain vasculature, intracerebral tumors and neurological lesions. Although ferumoxytol is a blood pool agent immediately after infusion, we have shown that by 24h ferumoxytol leaks across the damaged blood-brain barrier in a rat model of acute neuroinflammation, where MRI signal changes correlated with nanoparticle uptake by macrophages, microglia and activated astrocytes. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that delayed MRI would demonstrate uptake of ferumoxytol by inflammatory cells in and around the tumor in rat models of intracerebral metastasis. Immune-compromised nude rats received intracerebral implantation of human metastatic cancer cells including H460 non-small cell lung carcinoma and HCC1954 breast carcinoma. When brain tumors were >10mm3 volume, rats underwent baseline T1, T2, and T2* scans on the 11.75T Bruker MRI scanner, then received ferumoxytol 25 mg/kg IV. MRI scans were repeated 24h after ferumoxytol, and rat brains were immediately harvested for immunohistochemical analysis. Post-ferumoxytol T1-weighted scans showed pockets of hypointensity dispersed throughout the tumor and, occasionally, a distinct rim of signal dropout at the tumor border, combined with hyperintensity extending 1-2 mm around the tumor mass. Post-ferumoxytol T2-weighted scans showed mottled signal dropout throughout the tumor, while T2* scans showed intense hypointensity throughout the tumor mass extending into surrounding brain. Immunohistochemistry for the ferumoxytol coating showed intense staining in macrophages within necrotic areas of the tumor and dispersed staining in cells of astroglial morphology in peritumoral brain, but little to no staining within tumor cells. We conclude that delayed ferumoxytol MRI provides a biomarker of the inflammatory component of intracerebral tumors.

Atypical pit craters on Mars: New insights from THEMIS, CTX, and HiRISE observations

AbstractMore than 100 pit craters in the Tharsis region of Mars exhibit morphologies, diameters, and thermal behaviors that diverge from the much larger bowl‐shaped pit craters that occur in most regions across Mars. These Atypical Pit Craters (APCs) generally have sharp and distinct rims, vertical or overhanging walls that extend down to their floors, surface diameters of ~50–350 m, and high depth to diameter (d/D) ratios that are usually greater than 0.3 (which is an upper range value for impacts and bowl‐shaped pit craters) and can exceed values of 1.8. Observations by the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) show that APC floor temperatures are warmer at night and fluctuate with much lower diurnal amplitudes than nearby surfaces or adjacent bowl‐shaped pit craters. Kīlauea volcano, Hawai'i, hosts pit craters that formed through subsurface collapse into active volcanic dikes, resulting in pits that can appear morphologically analogous to either APCs or bowl‐shaped pit craters. Partially drained dikes are sometimes exposed within the lower walls and floors of these terrestrial APC analogs and can form extensive cave systems with unique microclimates. Similar caves in Martian pit craters are of great interest for astrobiology. This study uses new observations by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) and Context Camera to refine previous work where seven APCs were described from lower resolution THEMIS visible wavelength observations. Here we identify locations of 115 APCs, map their distribution across the Tharsis region, characterize their internal morphologies with high‐resolution observations, and discuss possible formation mechanisms.

U-Pb geochronology of metasedimentary schists in Akwanga area of north central Nigeria and its implications for the evolution of the Nigerian basement complex

The geology of Akwnaga area of northcentral Nigeria is dominated by schists, metaigneous gneisses and weakly to nonfoliated granites. The Schist shows grades up to the sillimanite zone of the Barrovian type regional metamorphism and occurs as xenoliths in other rocks of the area. The zircons separated from a sample of the Schists show growth zoning and a number of grains display distinct cores and rims. Out of 131 analyses 117 yielded useful geochronological data. 67 of these gave 90-110% concordant results. Most ages scatter between 600 and 1100Ma with distinct peaks at 700, 850 and 1000Ma. A few Archaean Zircons are also present but a minority of grains yielded Palaeoproterozoic ages (1700-2200Ma). These first-ever geochronological data from rocks of Akwanga area are further evidence of the polycyclic nature of the Nigerian basement. They confirm that the Pan-African orogeny, though pervasive, did not obliterate traces of earlier events in the Akwanga area. KEYWORDS : Akwanga, Zircon, Archaean, Palaeoproterozoic, Polycyclic.

Spray characteristics of misaligned impinging injectors

The variances of atomization characteristics with the misalignment of injectors defined as the fraction of skewness for various angles of impingement and pressure conditions were studied using the doublet impinging injectors with a like-on-like arrangement. Water was used as simulant and the spray characteristics along with the changes in the skewness were analyzed using the methods of spray image photography. Experiment was carried for the impinging nozzles of orifice diameter of 1.2 mm within Reynolds numbers ranging from 9 x10 3 - 4.5 x10 4 and the fraction of skewness considered for the experiment ranges from 0.0 to 0.9 at ambient temperature condition. Flat sheet with a distinct rim produced perpendicular to the plane of impinging jets goes ondisappear and sheet appears comparatively shorterwith the increase in fraction of skewness resulting the atomization of fluid droplet very close to impingement point with decrease in breakup length and increase in spray angle up to certain extent. The maximum allowable skewness was found as the result. The skewness up to the certain extent can be considered as the parameter to control the atomization characteristics of simulant inside the combustion chamberproviding the high economic performance of fuel and time.

Stictonectes abellani sp. n. (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Hydroporinae) from the Iberian Peninsula, with notes on the phylogeny, ecology and distribution of the Iberian species of the genus.

Stictonectes abellani sp. n. is described from the Iberian Peninsula. On average, the new species is larger and the colouration of the upper surface darker than in most other species of the genus. Seemingly the species has been confounded with others in the past, particularly S. optatus (Seidlitz, 1887). Males can be separated from externally similar species by studying the shape of the parameres. Additionally, the anterior margin of the clypeus is provided with a distinct rim in both sexes, which is absent or only weakly present in other species. The habitus and the male genitalia of the new species are illustrated, and compared with those of S. optatus. External morphological differences from other members of the genus are discussed. According to studies of the molecular phylogeny, based on fragments of four mitochondrial genes, S. abellani sp. n. is clearly separated from previously described species of Stictonectes Brinck, 1943, apparently being relatively basal within the genus. The new species is rather widely distributed in the south-western part of the Iberian Peninsula, inhabiting pools in small temporary siliceous streams. We provide distributional maps for all eight Iberian Stictonectes and estimate the potential distributional areas of the new species and the other two endemic Iberian species S. occidentalis Fresneda & Fery, 1990 and S. rebeccae Bilton, 2011, based on environmental niche modelling.

Cracking the Coconut: Extensive Calcification of the Left Atrium

A 75-year-old African woman presented to the cardiac surgical team for elective mitral valve replacement for symptomatic calcific mitral stenosis. She had undergone previous closed mitral valvotomy, open mitral valvotomy, and balloon mitral valvuloplasty in the preceding 30 years and was experiencing chronic atrial fibrillation. Plain chest radiography (Fig 1) demonstrated a distinct rim of calcification outlining the enlarged left atrium. Echocardiography confirmed severe mitral stenosis, with no mention made of the echogenicity of the left interatrial septum [1].