Size Parameters Research Articles

Research on the Influence of Abrasive Particle Size and Lapping Parameters on the Surface Scratches of Stainless Steel Substrates

Abstract It is of crucial importance to minimize the surface scratches that occur during abrasive processes in order to maintain the mechanical properties of products, improve surface quality and reduce subsurface cracks. However, current research lacks an evaluation index system for assessing and controlling surface scratches on stainless steel substrates. Addressing this issue, an evaluation index for scratches based on the surface topography characteristics of the workpiece is proposed, which is utilized to assess the state of scratches on the workpiece surface. First, using image processing techniques to screen 3D scratch data on the workpiece surface addresses the challenge of extracting 3D scratch features. Second, a feature evaluation metric for assessing lapping scratches was designed based on the extracted combined features. Finally, the influences of the abrasive grain size and lapping parameters on the characterization of lapping scratch features were explored and analyzed. The results of the Analysis of Variance indicate that the effect of lapping time on the number of scratches does not achieve statistical significance. Regression analysis reveals that reducing abrasive particle size and lapping pressure significantly affect the number of scratches and the average scratch depth. Furthermore, a negative correlation is observed between the rotational speed of lapping pad and the number of scratches and the average scratch depth. Among these factors, abrasive particle size has the most prominent effect on the number of scratches and the average scratch depth. Specifically, when abrasive grains with a particle size of w10 were used for processing, the minimum number of scratches observed was 28, with an average scratch depth of 315.62 nm and the density distribution coefficient value is 0.31. Compared to the abrasive particle size w50, there was a decrease of 57.58%, 52.38% and 35.48%.

Design and performance investigation of an underwater ultrasonic percussive drill for seabed mineral exploration

Abstract To address the limitations of traditional drilling equipment, such as large size, high power consumption, and difficulties with waterproofing, an underwater ultrasonic percussive drill (UUPD) based on piezoelectric drive is proposed. The structure and size parameters of the piezoelectric actuator are designed and its performance is experimentally verified. The maximum output amplitude of the piezoelectric actuator is 78.6 μm in air and 52.3 μm in water. Additionally, the dynamic characteristics of the UUPD are calculated theoretically and analyzed by simulation, and the influence of system parameters on vibration characteristics is revealed. A prototype of the UUPD is developed, and a performance testing platform is established, and drilling comparison experiments and power consumption test are carried out to evaluate the performance of the UUPD. Experimental results demonstrate that the UUPD is capable of breaking rocks with varying hardness (5 MPa–50 MPa) under small drilling pressure (around 6 N) and low power consumption (approximately 57 W). The UUPD proposed in this paper offers advantages, including low drilling pressure, low power consumption, light weight and compact structure, showing a good application prospect and providing an effective technical means for deep-sea hard mineral rock drilling and sampling.

Left Atrial Markers in Diagnosing and Prognosticating Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathies: Ready for Prime Time?

The left atrium (LA) is pivotal in cardiac hemodynamics, serving as a dynamic indicator of left ventricular (LV) compliance and diastolic function. The LA undergoes structural and functional adaptations in response to hemodynamic stress, infiltrative processes, myocardial injury, and arrhythmic triggers. Remodeling of the LA in response to these stressors directly impacts pulmonary circulation, eventually leading to pulmonary capillary involvement, pulmonary artery hypertension, and eventually right ventricular failure. LA dysfunction and fibrosis also contribute to the future risk of atrial arrhythmias and mitral regurgitation. The parameters of LA size and function are being recognized as robust markers for the progression of several cardiac pathologies as well as important tools for prognostication. In this article, we briefly describe the different modalities and markers used to evaluate LA pathology in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathies (NICM). We then provide an overview of the studies that compared the association of the different LA parameters with disease severity and future prognosis. We also identify the gaps in knowledge before these LA parameters make a case for clinical adoption.

The Relationship between Mercury and Selenium in the Eggshell and Egg Content of the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus)

Mercury and its compounds do not have beneficial biological roles in living organisms. In contrast, selenium, within permissible limits, is an essential micronutrient and antioxidant. There is an antagonistic relationship between mercury and selenium. Therefore, the molar ratio of selenium to mercury is used as an appropriate index. Measuring the mercury in the environment without considering the protective effects of selenium does not accurately reflect the risks posed by mercury. This study aimed to measure the mercury, selenium, and the molar ratio Se:Hg in the shell and content of the eggs of the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus) in northern Iran. After the onset of egg laying, one egg was collected from each nest (38 eggs in total). The results showed that the concentration of mercury in the egg shell was higher, while the concentration of selenium and the molar ratio Se:Hg were higher in the egg content. A molar ratio Se:Hg in both the eggshell and the egg content indicates a positive effect of selenium in reducing the risks associated with mercury toxicity. The parameters of egg shape index, egg weight, and clutch size did not have a significant effect on the concentrations of mercury, selenium, and the molar ratio Se:Hg in the shell and egg content. There was a significant negative correlation between the concentration of mercury in the shell and the molar ratio Se:Hg in both the shell and egg content. The lack of a positive correlation between the concentrations of mercury or selenium in the shell and egg content suggests that the transferability of heavy metals from the egg to the embryo in the egg content cannot be confirmed.

Echocardiographic evaluation of the size of the main pulmonary artery and right pulmonary artery in dogs with pulmonary hypertension.

Evaluating the size of the pulmonary artery (PA) is key for the echocardiographic assessment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in dogs. To compare the diagnostic accuracy of the main PA (MPA) and right PA (RPA) sizes for the echocardiographic detection of PH in dogs, and to evaluate differences between precapillary and postcapillary PH dogs. Four hundred four dogs; 136 controls and 268 with PH. Prospective, multicenter, observational study. The MPA, maximum and minimum RPA diameter were normalized to body weight (MPA_N, RPAmax_N, and RPAmin_N). The MPA was also indexed to the ascending aorta (MPA/AO), while the RPA size was indexed to the aortic annulus (RPAmax/Aod and RPAmin/Aod). The right pulmonary artery distensibility index (RPADi) was also calculated. The diagnostic accuracy of PA parameters for PH was assessed through the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and area under the curve (AUC). Measurement variability was assessed trough the coefficient of variation (CV). The RPADi, RPAmin_N, and RPAmin/Aod showed similar diagnostic accuracy for the detection of PH (AUC = 0.975, AUC = 0.971, and AUC = 0.953, respectively), higher than MPA/AO (AUC = 0.926), MPA_N (AUC = 0.880), RPAmax_N (AUC = 0.814), and RPAmax/Aod (AUC = 0.803; P < .05). Aside from RPAmax variables, no differences were found between precapillary and postcapillary PH. RPA size parameters showed lower CVs in comparison to MPA/AO and RPADi. Although MPA/AO showed an excellent sensitivity and specificity for the detection of PH, the RPAmin exhibited a higher diagnostic accuracy and less measurement variability, thus could represent a new useful parameter for the detection of PH in dogs.

A parameter-interactive digital twin model of bearings under variable speeds

The digital twin model plays a crucial role in the Prognostics and Health Management of mechanical systems. However, current digital twin models for bearings lack comprehensive research on the interaction between the virtual entity and the physical entity under variable speeds. Accordingly, a parameter-interactive digital twin model has been proposed to interact the information of bearings between virtual entity and physical entity in real-time under variable speeds. Firstly, a bearing dynamics model considering speed, stiffness and fault size was established under variable speeds. Secondly, speed parameter was updated in accordance with the ridgeline of the power spectrum. Stiffness and fault size parameters were updated through an iterative extended Kalman filtering process. Condition of the bearing was monitored through various parameters. The accuracy of the dynamic model and the feasibility of parameter interaction were validated through experimental studies. These findings demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively ensure real-time parameter interaction and condition monitoring under variable speeds within the digital twin model.

Correlations between ventricular arterial coupling and myocardial work indices in healthy subjects: a speckle tracking echocardiography study

Abstract Background The interaction between left ventricular (LV) function and arterial afterload, defined as ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC), is a key determinant of cardiovascular (CV) performance. The echocardiographic assessment of VAC by the ratio of effective arterial elastance (Ea) to LV end-systolic elastance (Ees) is the most used non-invasive method. Recently, the myocardial work index (MWI) is proposed as a novel VAC non-invasive method. This method, integrating LV pressure (using a brachial cuff), and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) to derive pressure-strain loops (PSL), provides a loading-independent evaluation of myocardial systolic performance. Purpose To assess the relationships between VAC, assessed by the Ea/Ees ratio, MW indices, and echocardiographic parameters of LV function in healthy adult subjects. Methods Healthy adult volunteers, without CV risk factors or any medical history, were prospectively enrolled (2019-2024). Age, height, weight, blood pressure (BP) and an ECG tracing to confirm the sinus rhythm were recorded at the time of the comprehensive echocardiogram in all subjects. Global MW indices - index (GWI), constructive (GCW), efficiency (GWE), and wasted (GWW) - were estimated using a commercially available software, from a non-invasive LVPSL, based on STE-derived GLS and estimated LV pressure. The Ea and Ees were expressed as end-systolic pressure (ESP) divided by stroke volume (SV)(ESP/SV) and ESP divided by end-systolic volume (ESP/ESV). VAC was calculated with the simplified formula Ea/Ees =ESV/SV (SV derived from the Biplane method). Off-line data analysis was performed with a dedicated software by a single experienced investigator. Results The study group included 65 subjects (55% males, mean age 33±12 years). The univariate analysis showed significant inverse correlations between Ea/Ees and age, GWI, GCW, GWE, GLS. Ea/Ees correlated with LVSVi and LVEF, as expected. Among MW indices, GWI was the only correlated with age (p&amp;lt;0.001, r= 0.44). Significant correlations were found between MW indices and conventional parameters of LV size and function: GWI with E/e’average (p=0.04, r=0.26), LV mass index (LVMi) (p=0.01, 3=0.35), LVEF (p&amp;lt;0.001, r=0.48); GCW with LVMi (p=0.04, r=0.28) and LVEF (p&amp;lt;0.001, r=0.44). The only correlate of GWW and GWE was LV peak strain dispersion by STE. All MW indices correlated with BP and GLS as expected. On multivariable analysis, GWI was the only independent correlate of Ea/Ees(p&amp;lt;0.001, standardized coefficient β=-0.42). Conclusions In a population of healthy individuals GWI emerged as the only independent correlate of the VAC ratio derived from conventional echocardiography. Both GWI and VAC ratio were age related. Our results suggest that VAC ratio and GWI are complementary in their ability to characterize the complex interplay between myocardial function and arterial system. The added value of GWI in this role deserves further evaluation. Correlation between GWI and VAC ratio Univariate correlates of the VAC ratio

Photonic jet generated by a silicon nitride spherical particle with shaped beam illumination

Photonic jets (PJs) are generated by the interaction between beams and dielectric particles, resulting in narrow, high-intensity beams produced behind the medium. Silicon nitride exhibits excellent optical properties; we aim to explore the potential of silicon nitride in PJ applications. In this paper, the beam is expanded by spherical vector wave functions with the framework of the generalized Lorenz–Mie theory (GLMT). Numerical simulations are performed to investigate the PJs generated by silicon nitride spherical particles illuminated by the plane wave, Gaussian beam, and zero-order Bessel beam under water; the effects of various parameters on the characteristics of PJs are further examined.

Nonlocal effects on curved double-walled carbon nanotubes based on nonlocal theory

Curved double-walled carbon nanotubes (CDWCNTs) are crucial components in nanoelectronics, mechanical sensors, and composite materials due to their unique geometry and structural properties. Electron microscopy images have revealed that carbon nanotubes are rarely perfectly straight, often exhibiting curvature or waviness along their length due to inherent geometrical imperfections. The accurate mechanical modeling of these structures is essential, particularly to capture size-dependent effects that classical elasticity theories fail to account for. In this study, a novel analytical framework was introduced for combining the initial value method with the approximate transfer matrix approach to analyze the mechanical behavior of CDWCNTs under anti-plane loading within the framework of nonlocal elasticity theory. The proposed methodology provides an effective and computationally efficient alternative to traditional analytical approaches. By analyzing displacements, rotations, bending moments, and shear forces, substantial deviations were revealed between classical and nonlocal elasticity solutions, particularly as the dimensionless nonlocal parameter R/γ decreased. The results show that nonlocal effects become dominant at smaller size parameters, especially in displacements, rotations, and bending moments, while shear forces remain unaffected. These findings emphasize the critical role of nonlocal effects in accurately predicting nanoscale mechanical responses and offer valuable insights for modeling advanced nanostructures in emerging technologies, such as microelectromechanical systems and nanotechnology. Convergence studies have confirmed the accuracy and stability of the proposed approach, thereby establishing this as a robust tool for modeling nanoscale structures.

Aorto-mitral angle: an emerging indicator for successful alcohol septal ablation in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy - a pilot study

Abstract Background Approximately 10-20% of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) undergoing alcohol septal ablation (ASA) exhibit a suboptimal response, despite accurate targeting of the septal artery. This suboptimal response may be due to structural and functional factors related to the mitral valve and left ventricular (LV) dimensions. Currently, there is a lack of specific parameters or cutoffs to predict ASA success. The aorto-mitral angle is crucial for predicting systolic anterior motion (SAM) in mitral valve repair surgery, but its relationship with ASA outcomes remains underexplored. Purpose This study aims to investigate the relationship between aorto-mitral angle values and the success of alcohol septal ablation, and to assess the impact of this parameter on ASA outcomes. Methods The study retrospectively included 23 HOCM patients who underwent ASA in our clinic, with data collected from thorough evaluations conducted before and at least six months after the procedure. The left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient (LVOT PG) and other standard parameters were measured using transthoracic echocardiography. The aorto-mitral angle was assessed through three-dimensional data acquisition during transoesophageal echocardiography, analyzed offline using specific software (zoom 3D of the mitral valve, MVQ). Results Nineteen patients experienced successful ASA, defined as a &amp;gt;50% reduction in LVOT PG compared to baseline, while four patients had suboptimal results. There were no significant differences in baseline LV dimensions, LVOT PG, age, or comorbidities between the groups. The aorto-mitral angle was significantly higher in patients with successful ASA (138.21 ± 7.6 versus 115 ± 9.2 degrees, p&amp;lt;0.001). This angle correlated with the percentage decrease in LVOT PG (R = 0.59, p = 0.02), though the correlation with the absolute decrease was not statistically significant (R = 0.38, p = 0.06). After further validation, the aorto-mitral angle may be useful for predicting ASA success (logistic regression odds ratio 1.37, 95% confidence interval (1.01, 1.86), p = 0.04). Additionally, significant differences were found between redundant anterior mitral leaflet (AML) length, anterior displacement of the coaptation point, and ASA success in this cohort (p = 0.04 for both). Conclusion The aorto-mitral angle appears to play a role in the obstruction mechanism of HOCM and could serve as a valuable predictor for ASA success. These findings may prompt further investigation and potential inclusion of this parameter in a prediction model alongside other mitral valve and LV size parameters.

Analyzing the acceleration time and reflectance of light sails made from homogeneous and core-shell spheres

Deciding on appropriate materials and designs for use in light sails, like the one proposed in the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative, is a topic that requires much care and forethought. Here, we offer a feasible option in the form of metasurfaces made of periodically arranged homogeneous and core-shell spheres. Using the re-normalized T–matrix from Mie theory, we explore the reflectance, absorptance, and acceleration time of such metasurfaces. We focus on spheres made from aluminum, silicon, silicon dioxide, and combinations thereof. Since the light sails are foreseen to be accelerated using Earth-based laser arrays to 20% of the speed of light, one needs to account for relativistic effects. As a result, a high broadband reflectance is essential for effective propulsion. We identify metasurfaces that offer such properties combined with a low absorptance to reduce heating and deformation. We highlight a promising extension to the case of a metasurface made from homogeneous silicon spheres, as already discussed in the literature, by adding a layer of silicon dioxide. The high broadband reflectance of the silicon and silicon dioxide combination is explained by the favorable interference of the multipolar contributions of the outgoing field up to quadrupolar order. We also consider the impact of an embedding material characterized by different refractive indices. Refractive indices up to 1.13 maintain over 90% reflectance without re-optimizing the light sail.

Evaluation of Peppercorn Quality from Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Viet Nam

In this study, the quality of some pepper species, collected in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Vietnam in March 2022, was investigated. The content of oleoresin and piperine was evaluated based on the species, size, ripeness, and density of the peppercorn. Piperine content in the peppers was determined by spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, the study also examined the quality of white pepper. The results showed the Vinh Linh pepper had high oleoresin content (23.72±0.01%, second only to Sri Lankan pepper) but there were no outstanding records in piperine content among all investigated pepper species. For the size parameter, the piperine content on the dry material declined from the smallest peppercorn size of 2.50-4.00 mm (4.94±0.32%) to the largest size &gt; 5 mm (2.66±0.09%). The oleoresin and piperine recovery efficiency of Vinh Linh pepper tended to stop or decrease when entering the ripening stage. Specifically, ripe peppercorns had low oleoresin content (15.92±0.51%). Similarly, from density of 600 to 300 g/L, the lower the density of pepper, the higher the piperine content (3.11±0.09% to 5.04±0.05%) was found. Furthermore, black pepper obtained 2 times higher oleoresin content than white pepper, but the piperine content was lower by many times. This research shredded light on the classification of the Vietnamese pepper for suitable applications in the commercial market.

Current Status of Pulsatilla patens in Latvia—Population Size, Demographic and Seed Viability Indicators, Soil Parameters and Their Relationships

Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill. (Eastern pasque flower) is classified as a highly endangered and declining species in Europe. The present research assessed the current status of P. patens in Latvia by collecting data on its distribution in historical places, Natura 2000 territories, and other areas, largely covering the entire country. We aimed to analyze the relationships between P. patens populations size, demographic indicators, and soil parameters, in order to gain knowledge on the impact of local ecological factors and optimal growth conditions, which are important for conservation and potential reintroduction. Although P. patens was not detected in more than a third of the surveyed 624 locations, more than 18 thousand individuals were recorded. Our results indicate that optimal growth conditions for P. patens occurred near highways, forest roads, and paths, that is, in places with reduced competition from other species and improved lighting conditions. The seed viability ranging from 22% to 62% can be considered potentially sufficient for the continuation of the species if enough flowering plants and moss-free spaces for germination are maintained. Although P. patens tolerates a broad soil pH range, in Latvia this species mainly grows in acidic sandy soils with an average pHKCl of 4.07. The soil parameters that most strongly positively correlated with P. patens regional population size and performance included higher soil pH level and plant available nutrient content, particularly P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn and B. Increased soil P and Mn levels significantly enhanced flowering, while high organic matter content could be associated with reduced population sizes. Despite its still large current population, long-term risks remain without active management. Conservation measures, such as creating open soil areas, where vegetation is removed and shading is reduced, are necessary to mitigate population decline.

Eco‐Friendly and Scalable Preparation of High‐Efficiency Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling Film Based on Dual‐Layer Strategy

AbstractPassive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC), as a zero‐energy cooling technology, has attracted wide attention. It achieves high reflectivity in the solar band by scattering the incoming sunlight. According to Mie's theory, attaining elevated scattering efficiency necessitates a substantial refractive index disparity between the matrix material and the scattering particles in the PDRC film. Here, the study introduces barium titanate (BTO) nanoparticles as scattering particles, which have the highest theoretical refractive index among dielectric nanoparticles reported in the literature. A two‐layer strategy is implemented to mitigate the strong absorption of BTO nanoparticles in the ultraviolet (UV) band. Furthermore, using a liquid material as the matrix for the film and fabricating it via scrape coating technology enables an eco‐friendly and scalable preparation process. Ultimately, the obtained high‐efficiency PDRC (HE‐PDRC) film exhibits superb solar reflectance (0.948) and infrared atmospheric window emissivity (0.964). The HE‐PDRC film can achieve a cooling effect of ≈8 °C below the ambient temperature under clear weather conditions. The theoretical maximum cooling power is 87.5 W m−2 during the daytime and 125.2 W m−2 at night, respectively. This work paves the way for practical large‐scale applications of HE‐PDRC for human thermal comfort in buildings.

Approaches for the measurement of lateral dimensions of graphene oxide flakes using scanning electron microscopy

Abstract There is a practical need, especially from the industrial community, to accurately measure the size and shape of graphene oxide (GO) flakes of commercial origin, in a reliable, simple, and unambiguous way. The sample preparation is a decisive step to obtain a homogeneous distribution of flakes on a substrate, which is suitable for image analysis. A certain level of inhomogeneity was still found but could be accepted for the purpose of this lateral size measurement study. A measurement procedure for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) including sample preparation, measurement, image analysis and reporting was developed and validated to be applied for the lateral size analysis of “real-world” 2D flakes. Samples were produced for analysis by drop casting GO dispersions onto Si/SiO2 substrates. After SEM imaging, the images were analysed using two approaches to derive size and shape parameters. The influence of different operators has been evaluated. A maximum difference of 10% for the size descriptor and 2% for shape descriptor was found for both image analysis approaches when different samples of the same source material are measured and analysed by the same operator, hence indicating variability caused by sample preparation and analysing different sample areas. When different laboratories/operators perform the image analysis on exactly the same images and same flakes, the deviation found for the size descriptor is 2% and 4.6% corresponding to the two approaches applied, while no difference in the shape descriptor is observed.

Estimating body size in the large carpenter bees (&lt;i&gt;Xylocopa&lt;/i&gt;)

Body size is a salient functional trait in bees, with implications for reproductive fitness, pollination ecology, and responses to environmental change. Methods for quantifying bee body size commonly rely on indirect estimates and vary widely across studies, particularly in studies of the large carpenter bees (Xylocopa Latreille) (Apidae: Xylocopinini). We evaluate the robustness of three common body size parameters (intertegular distance, head width, and costal vein length) as predictors of dry body mass within and among 11 species of Xylocopa (and 5 subspecies). We found that all three size measurements provide robust body size estimates, accounting for 92–93% of intraspecific variation in body mass. Within species, however, these measurements were considerably less predictive of body mass, explaining on average only 36.8% (intertegular distance), 57.4% (head width), and 38.8% (costal vein length) of the variation in body mass. We also highlight a novel application of photogrammetry and 3D modeling to estimate surface area and volume across species, and comment on the utility of these methods for body size estimates in Xylocopa and in insects more broadly. These findings provide practical guidelines for body size estimation methods within and among carpenter bee species.

Performance analysis of salinity solar pond: design evaluation and dimensional analysis

Abstract The overall impacts of the solar pond’s surface area, heat flux from solar radiation, effective water–salt thermal conductivity, depth, water density, water-specific heat, and transient time on its performance was investigated by a dimensional analysis of the solar pond. These variables were combined into a four-dimensional, recognized group using the Π-theorem. The results of dimensional analysis were applied to the pond that was being studied, and two additional ponds of different sizes were then contrasted. For the solar pond, temperature profiles and performance curves were displayed. For the dimensionless parameter ${\pi}_1&amp;lt;14$, the optimal value of the nondimensional size parameter was found to be around${\pi}_1=25$ for the best pond performance.

Correlation of precisely fabricated geometric characteristics of DNA-origami nanostructures with their cellular entry in human lens epithelial cells

Human lens epithelial cells (hLECs) are critical for lens transparency, and their aberrant metabolic activity and gene expression can lead to cataract. Intracellular delivery to hLECs, especially to sub-cellular organelles (e.g., mitochondrion and nucleus), is a key step in engineering cells for cell- and gene- based therapies. Despite a broad variety of nano- and microparticles can enter cells, their spatial characteristics relevant to cellular uptake and localization remains elusive. To investigate cellular internalization of nanostructures in hLECs, herein, DNA nanotechnology was exploited to precisely fabricate four distinct, mass-controlled DNA-origami nanostructures (DONs) through computer-aided design. Ensembled DONs included the rods, ring, triangle, and octahedron with defined geometric parameters of accessible surface area, effective volume, compactness, aspect ratio, size and vertex number. Atomic force microscopy and agarose gel electrophoresis showed that four DONs self-assembled within 3.5h with up to 59% yield and exhibited structural intactness in cell culture medium for 4 h. Flow cytometry analysis of four Cy5-labelled DONs in hLECs HLE-B3 found time-dependent cellular uptake over 2 h, among which the octahedron and triangle had higher cellular accumulation than the rod and ring. More importantly, the vertex number among other geometric parameters was positively correlated with cellular entry. Confocal images further revealed that four DONs had preferential localization at mitochondria to nucleus at 2 h in HLE-B3 cells, and the degree of their biodistribution varied among DONs as evidenced by Manders’ correlation coefficient. This study demonstrates the DONs dependent cellular uptake and intracellular compartment localization in hLECs, heralding the future design of structure-modulating delivery of nanomedicine for ocular therapy.Graphical abstract

Assessment of the physiological state of the Caspian beluga juveniles before release into their natural habitat

The results of the study of juvenile beluga before release into the natural habitat in the Volga-Caspian fishery basin in 2024 are presented in this paper. The relevance of the work lies in the need to obtain information about the physiological state of released juveniles, which is necessary to understand the possibility of fish adaptation to natural conditions. Growing conditions and fish-biological parameters of juvenile fish were studied and analysed. The size and weight parameters of fish and Fulton fatness are determined. Hydrochemical parameters during the period of beluga juvenile rearing were within the limits of values recommended for sturgeon rearing in pools of closed water exchange installations (CWE). As a result of statistical analysis of survival rate, size and weight indices of juveniles reared in 2024, it can be concluded that the fish breeding material was homogeneous and corresponded to the average long-term results obtained when rearing juveniles at the scientific and experimental complex of aquaculture “BIOS” under industrial conditions. The physiological condition of 10 g beluga juveniles reared in the conditions of UZV basins was assessed during the research. Lifetime blood sampling from the tail vein was carried out in order to study some physiological and biochemical parameters: hemoglobin, total serum protein, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, phosphorus. The results of the studies were statistically analysed and the variability of physiological and biochemical blood parameters in juvenile beluga whales was calculated. Beluga juveniles for research were obtained from the breeding stock included in the “Unique scientific installation” of the Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography “Bioresource collection of aquatic biological Resources”, released into a reservoir of fishery significance without pathologies, in satisfactory condition.

Calibration of optical particle spectrometers using mounted fibres

Abstract. Calibrations of optical particle spectrometers (OPSs) are non-trivial and conventionally involve aerosolisation techniques, which are challenging for larger particles. In this paper, we present a new technique for OPS calibration that involves mounting a static fibre within the instrument sample area, measuring the scattering cross section (SCS), and then comparing the SCS with a calculated value. In addition, we present a case for the use of generalised Lorenz–Mie theory (GLMT) simulations to account for deviations in both minor- and major-axis beam intensity, which has a significant effect on particles that are large compared with the beam waist, in addition to reducing the need for a “top-hat” spatial intensity profile. The described technique is OPS independent and could be applied to a field calibration tool that could be used to verify the calibration of instruments before they are deployed. In addition to this, the proposed calibration technique would be suited for applications involving the mass production of low-cost OPSs.