Low Size Ratios Research Articles

Disorder and demixing in bidisperse particle systems assembling bcc crystals.

Colloidal and nanoparticle self-assembly enables the creation of ordered structures with a variety of electronic and photonic functionalities. The outcomes of the self-assembly processes used to synthesize such structures, however, strongly depend on the uniformity of the individual nanoparticles. Here, we explore the simplest form of particle size dispersity-bidispersity-and its impact on the self-assembly process. We investigate the robustness of self-assembling bcc-type crystals via isotropic interaction potentials in binary systems with increasingly disparate particle sizes by determining their terminal size ratio-the most extreme size ratio at which a mixed binary bcc crystal forms. Our findings show that two-well pair potentials produce bcc crystals that are more robust with respect to particle size ratio than one-well pair potentials. This suggests that an improved self-assembly process is accomplished with a second attractive length scale encoded in the particle-particle interaction, which stabilizes the second-nearest neighbor shell. In addition, we document qualitative differences in the process of ordering and disordering: in bidisperse systems of particles interacting via one-well potentials, we observe a breakdown of order prior to demixing, while in systems interacting via two-well potentials, demixing occurs first and bcc continues to form in parts of the droplet down to low size ratios.

Characteristics of the fetal and infant respiratory system : What the pediatric anesthetist should know

Respiratory complications are the most frequent incidents in pediatric anesthesia after cardiac events. The pediatric respiratory physiology and airway anatomy are responsible for the particular respiratory vulnerability in this stage of life. This article explains the aspects of pulmonary embryogenesis relevant for anesthesia and their impact on the respiration of preterm infants and neonates. The respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia are highlighted as well as the predisposition to apnea of preterm infants and neonates. Due to the anatomical characteristics, the low size ratios and the significantly shorter apnea tolerance, airway management in children frequently represents a challenge. This article gives useful assistance and provides an overview of formulas for calculating the appropriate tube size and depth of insertion. Finally, the pathophysiology and adequate treatment of laryngospasm are explained.

Size and thermal effects on sedimentation behaviors of two spheres

Gas-solid flows are commonly found in nature, as well as in industries. In such flows the size of the solid particles generally is not uniform. In addition, usually there is heat transfer between solid particles and gas flows. The hydrodynamics and heat transfer both make the behavior of gas-solid flows extremely complicated. In order to reveal these effects, in this paper three cases: (1) two isothermal, (2) two hot and (3) two cold spherical particles with various size ratios are investigated using lattice Boltzmann method-immersed boundary (LB-IB). It is observed that, for the first time, the tumbling duration of both two hot particles and two cold particles settling in vertical channel, is prolonged with size ratio increasing. The differences of threshold size ratio among the three cases are significant and the threshold size ratio of two hot particles is the largest one. Especially, it is found that heat transfer affects critically the interaction of two hot particles with low size ratios. In addition, against particle size ratio increasing, heat transfer effects on the interaction between two non-identical particles become weak.

Translucent Appearance of Middle Cerebral Artery Bifurcation Aneurysms Is Risk Factor for Intraoperative Aneurysm Rupture During Clipping.

The rupture rate of unruptured intracranial aneurysms is influenced by certain angioarchitectural and hemodynamic characteristics. Recently the translucent appearance of aneurysms was described as a possible risk factor for aneurysm rupture. In this study, we investigate the intraoperative rupture risk of surgically clipped unruptured translucent aneurysms (TAs). Clinical and radiologic data of microsurgically treated unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysms between 2013 and 2015 were collected and analyzed. Aneurysms were divided into TA as defined as >90% reddish pigmentation appearance of the aneurysm wall or non-TA (NTA) according to the observation under microscope by a single neurosurgeon. Parameters were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. A total of 41 unruptured MCA bifurcation aneurysms were included in the analysis, and 68.2% (28/41) were defined as TA. The univariate analysis showed that aneurysm characteristics (Dmax, Wmax, height, and lower size ratio [SR]) that were small in nature were associated with TAs. TAs were associated with intraoperative rupture (28.6% vs. 0%, P= 0.04). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that the lower SR is the independent risk factor for TAs. The results demonstrate that a lower SR correlates with TA in the MCA bifurcation and the thinner wall of the TA causes intraoperative rupture more likely. These results provide important information on the fragility of TAs and might influence the treatment decisions in unruptured MCA bifurcation aneurysms with lower SRs.

Mapping the jamming transition of bidisperse mixtures

We systematically map out the jamming transition of all 2D bidisperse mixtures of frictionless disks in the hard-particle limit. The critical volume fraction, mean coordination number, number of rattlers, structural order parameters, and bulk modulus each show a rich variation with mixture composition and particle size ratio, and can therefore be tuned by choosing certain mixtures. We identify two local minima in the critical volume fraction, both of which have low structural order; one minimum is close to the widely studied 50 : 50 mixture of particles with a ratio of radii of 1 : 1.4. We also identify a region at low size ratios characterized by increased structural order and high rattler fractions, with a corresponding enhancement in the stiffness.

Observations of “fresh” and weathered surfaces on asteroid pairs and their implications on the rotational-fission mechanism

The rotational-fission of a “rubble-pile” structured asteroid can result in an “asteroid pair” – two unbound asteroids sharing nearly identical heliocentric orbits. Models suggest that this mechanism exposes material from below the progenitor surface that previously had never have been exposed to the weathering conditions of space. Therefore, the surfaces of asteroid pairs offer the opportunity to observe non-weathered “fresh” spectra.Here we report near-infrared spectroscopic observations of 31 asteroids in pairs. In order to search for spectral indications of fresh surfaces we analyze their spectral slopes, parameters of their 1μm absorption band and taxonomic classification. Additionally, through backward dynamical integration we estimate the time elapsed since the disintegration of the pairs’ progenitors.Analyzing the 19 ordinary chondrite-like (S-complex) objects in our sample, we find two Q-type Asteroids (19289 and 54827) that are the first of their kind to be observed in the main-belt of asteroids over the full visible and near-infrared range. This solidly demonstrates that the Q-type taxonomy is not limited to the NEA population.The pairs in our sample present a range of fresh and weathered surfaces with no clear evidence for a correlation with the ages of the pairs. However, our sample includes “old” pairs (2×106⩾age⩾1×106years) that present relatively low, meteoritic-like spectral slopes (<0.2% per μm). This illustrates a timescale of at least ∼2myr before an object develops high spectral slope that is typical for S-type asteroids.We discuss three mechanisms that explain the existence of weathered pairs with young dynamical ages and find that the “secondary fission” model (Jacobson, S.-A., Scheeres, D.-J. [2011]. Icarus 214, 161–178) is the most robust with our observations. In this mechanism an additional and subsequent fission of the secondary component contributes the lion share of fresh material that re-settles on the primary’s surface and recoats it with fresh material. If the secondary breaks loose from the vicinity of the primary before its “secondary fission”, this main source of fresh dust is avoided. We prefer this secondary fission model since (i) the secondary members in our sample present “fresh” parameters that tend to be “fresher” than their weathered primaries; (ii) most of the fresh pairs in our sample have low size ratios between the secondary and the primary; (iii) 33% of the primaries in our sample are fresh, similar to the prediction set by the secondary fission model (Jacobson, S.-A., Scheeres, D.-J. [2011]. Icarus 214, 161–178); (iv) known satellites orbit two of the pairs in our sample with low size ratio (D2/D1) and fresh surface; (v) there is no correlation between the weathering state and the primary shape as predicted by other models.

Mixing narrow coarse and fine coal fractions – The maximum volume fraction of suspensions

A main objective of coal-water slurry fuel (CWSF) preparation is to achieve maximum loading of coal. In the absence of a strong colloidal attractive force, the maximum loading is determined by the packing density of the particles which in turn is a function of the particle size distribution. In this study, coal fractions of different mean sizes with a narrow distribution were separated by sieving. Mixtures of different mean coarse to fine size ratios were then prepared. For each size ratio, different amounts of coarse particle contents were prepared. With these different mixtures, water was added to produce the CWSF. The maximum volume packing density, φmax, for each mixture was determined using a rheological vane yield stress technique. The determination of φmax involving the direct yield stress measurements of extremely high concentration suspensions is an entirely new and accurate approach. It was found that the highest φmax was obtained when the coarse to fine ratio was ∼10 located at a coarse coal content of 70wt%. This result is consistent with that obtained by theoretical modelling of bimodal mixing of monodisperse size spheres with a size ratio of 10. At lower size ratio, φmax obtained at the optimum coarse coal content was lower.

2D DEM simulation of particle mixing in rotating drum: A parametric study

Mixing behaviors of equal-sized glass beads in a rotating drum were investigated by both DEM simulations and experiments. The experiments indicated that higher rotation speed can significantly enhance mixing. The particle profiles predicted by 2D DEM simulation were compared with the experimental results from a quasi-2D drum, showing inconsistency due to reduction of contacts in the single-layer 2D simulation which makes the driving friction weaker than that in the quasi-2D test, better results could be reached by specifying a higher frictional coefficient between the particles and the cylinder wall. In order to explore the influences of physical properties (density, size or friction) on mixing behavior, numerical 2D simulations were carried out systematically, in which one examined specific property being examined was exaggerated while the others were kept the same as that in the control group. The DEM simulations reveal that particle density and size are the dominating factors affecting mixing behaviors, while the effect of frictional coefficient is less significant. However, segregation due to any of the factors can be diminished by specifying a proper particle size distribution (multi-size with lower size ratio).

Syntheses of Ag, PbSe, and PbTe Nanocrystals and Their Binary Self-Assembly Exploration at Low Size-ratio

Nanocrystals of Ag, PbSe, and PbTe were prepared via a high-temperature organic solution approach, respectively. Using a size-selection technique, the size-distribution of each set of nanocrystals could be fine-tuned and finally monodisperse products were achieved. Superlattice structure of binary self-assemblies in low size-ratio were also explored and characterized by transmission electron microscopy. It is realized that a success of achieving binary self-assembly pattern is greatly dependent on several key factors including particle size-distributions, relative concentrations of both components, as well as the size-ratios between Ag and PbSe (or PbTe) nanocrystals.

Gap-size distribution functions of a random sequential adsorption model of segments on a line

We performed extensive simulations accompanied by a detailed study of a two-segment size random sequential model on the line. We followed the kinetics towards the jamming state, but we paid particular attention to the characterization of the jamming state structure. In particular, we studied the effect of the size ratio on the mean-gap size, the gap-size dispersion, gap-size skewness, and gap-size kurtosis at the jamming state. We also analyzed the above quantities for the four possible segment-to-segment gap types. We ranged the values of the size ratio from one to twenty. In the limit of a size ratio of one, one recovers the classical car-parking problem. We observed that at low size ratios the jamming state is constituted by short streaks of small and large segments, while at high values of the size ratio the jamming state structure is formed by long streaks of small segments separated by a single large segment. This view of the jamming state structure as a function of the size ratio is supported by the various measured quantities. The present work can help provide insight, for example, on how to minimize the interparticle distance or minimize fluctuations around the mean particle-to-particle distance.

A 3D semi-digital model for the placing of granular materials

A 3D semi-digital model has been developed in order to simulate the gravitational placing of granular mixtures composed of spherical particles of different sizes allowing the optimization of mixtures proportions. The aim is to control concrete placing in formworks particularly in the presence of reinforcement bars. In this case, the representation of a large number of particles is necessary and segregation or wall effects have to be taken into account. Moreover, an easy representation of complex geometries and obstacles of arbitrary shapes should be possible. In order to respect these conditions, the used 3D semi-digital model is based on the digitization of a calculation volume and on the representation of spherical particles with real numbers. The model takes into account only steric repulsion between particles and simulates their collisions during placing by random displacements. The simplicity of the model allows the simulation of up to 2 million spherical particles without spending too much computational time. The model can therefore be used for the simulation of granular materials having a spread granulometry-like concrete. The packing density of binary mixtures of spherical particles with different size ratios and varying proportions of small and big particles is first studied. The results are compared successfully with theoretical packing density of binary mixtures without interactions. It is therefore demonstrated that the semi-digital model can be used for the simulation of binary mixtures having low size ratios (0.1), which corresponds approximately to the size ratio of fine and coarse aggregates in concrete. Secondly, digitized cylindrical obstacles are added in the systems with the aim to represent reinforcement bars in a formwork. The influence of small and big particles proportioning on the local packing density and the homogeneity of the mixture is studied. The results show that in the presence of obstacles, the optimum placing is obtained when the proportion of small particles in the mixture is higher than that without obstacles. This is due principally to the looser packing of big particles around obstacles.

Cannibalism within Mating Pairs of the Parasitic Isopod, Ichthyoxenus Fushanensis

Two types of sexual cannibalism, differing in the sex of the victim, were found among heterosexual pairs of the parasitic isopod Ichthyoxenus fushanensis Tsai and Dai, 1999, residing in the body cavity of the freshwater fish Varicorhinus bacbatulus (Pellegrin, 1908). In one type, categorized as sexual cannibalism, the male was consumed by the female before or after mating. In the other, reversed type, the female was eaten by her mate during or after breeding. Both types of cannibalism occurred during the breeding season from April to November, with female-on-male cannibalism occurring earlier on, and the reversed type later. Both types of cannibalism occurred in pairs inhabiting smaller hosts (<10 cm in body length), which suggests that resource limitation is an important factor triggering the cannibalism. Cannibalism may lead to rapid growth or sex change of the cannibal. The availability of free-living mancas during the breeding season enables a mating pair to be re-formed after cannibalism has occurred. Both types of cannibalism occurred in mating pairs with a low size ratio (below 1.6, female to male), and both resulted in a greater discrepancy between female and male sizes in the re-formed pairs. This increase in size ratio between paired individuals may ultimately lead to an increase in clutch size. Because an individual of I. fushanensis undergoes protandrous sex change, the cannibalistic behavior could not have evolved in response to selection on either the male or female sexuality. Rather, both types of cannibalism may be regarded as the result of competition between paired individuals, which appears to be a by-product in the evolution of a reproductive strategy rather than a consequence of sexual selection.

Isoperichoric Focusing Phenomena Generated by Coupled Electric and Gravitational Field Forces in Bidisperse Mixtures of Colloidal Particles

The first successful isopycnic focusing generated by the coupled electric and gravitational fields applied to the model bidisperse mixtures of the colloidal silica and polyaniline particles of low size ratio is described. The theoretical analysis and the experimental results show that the density gradient forming liquid should not necessarily behave as a continuum regarding the focused species. This finding confirms the original prediction which was evidenced previously by the focusing under the action of high intensity centrifugal field forces only.