Multiple Rings Research Articles

High Temperature Inertial Navigation Sensors, Electronics and Packaging for reliable 300°C Operation

Conventional oil and gas drilling measurement while drilling (MWD) systems are typically designed to operate at temperatures <200°C. To increase the efficiency of drilling unconventional geothermal wells, downhole MWD tools are needed that can operate in the unique thermal challenges encountered in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). GE demonstrated a 300°C downhole navigation system. The system utilizes GE’s internally developed state-of-the-art MEMS multiple ring Gyroscope (MRG), and a high temperature gyroscope control and readout application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The MRG, ASIC and associated high temperature, high reliability packaging were integrated to demonstrate the performance and functionality of the gyroscope across the temperature range from room temperature to 300°C. Specialized long-term capable high temperature test platforms were developed to enable the characterization and testing of the gyroscope system and utilized to validate application-relevant lifetime capability.

Space Based Application For The Inventory, Distribution And Analysis Of Healthcare Facilities In Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The study aimed at carrying out the inventory, distribution and analysis of healthcare facilities in Nasarawa state using remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Field mapping was conducted and coordinates with attributes of these healthcare facilities were recorded. GIS analysis using multiple ring buffer and cluster extension of the spatial analysis tool in ArcGIS 10.8 version was used. Result revealed a total of 1,119 healthcare facilities distributed across the state. Out of which 807 are government primary healthcare, while 227 are private primary and 24 government secondary whereas 60 are private secondary and one tertiary healthcare facility. Result also revealed significant disparities in the distribution of government tertiary healthcare facilities across the local government areas with only having such facility in the whole of Nasarawa State. This indicates limited access to specialized healthcare services. The general trend of health facilities in Nasarawa state is towards clustering because these facilities are intended to reside close to settlements and thus will present some degree of clustering though the level may differ between different types of facilities. The buffer analysis in secondary healthcare showed a wide number of settlements by local government that need more present of secondary healthcare facility in Nasarawa state showing good accessibility of health care facility to the settlement within 1 km and 10 km radius. The government own primary healthcare facilities record a z-score of -17.52725 and 0.677488 nearest neighbour ratio suggesting a very strong trend towards clustering, and from the analysis, there is a less than 1% chance of randomness or dispersion. This indicates that there is a lot needs to be done to ensure a more dispersed and competitive distribution of these facilities. The private primary healthcare facilities have a z-score of -18.527370 and nearest neighbour ratio of 0.357209, which shows very significant clustering alongside an identical 1% probability of random distribution. This clearly indicates that there is need for strategic planning and resource allocation to the health sector to ensure an equitable, dispersed and competitive distribution of these facilities. The findings from this study have implications for the actualization of the United Nations’ health-related Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-3) and also to achieve the Universal health coverage.

Flexible silver ring SERS substrate array fabrication by vortex evaporation method and its application for high sensitive detection of sulfonamides residues in water

Flexible surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates have driven much attention in Raman detection of environmental pollutants due to their unique advantage of sensitivity, low-cost and fast sampling. However, it is still a high challenge for fabricating flexible SERS substrate with high reproducibility and sensitivity. In this study, we developed a novel silver nanoparticle assembly method based on vortex evaporation method to batch assemble multiple silver ring (SR) SERS substrate array on a parafilm. The flexible SR SERS substrates were uniformly covered with active silver nano-islands, which significantly improved the Raman signal intensity of the targets by 126 folds and showed 5 times Raman enhancement compared with the common SERS substrate by direct evaporation method, and also represented the unique bending response properties of flexible substrate. The Raman detection for sulfonamide residues in water with SR SERS substrate represented high sensitivity, which limits of detection for Sulfapyridine and Sulfacloropyridazine were 9.46 and 9.3 × 10−8 mol/L, respectively. The quantitative relationships were obtained in wide linear range of 4 orders with good accuracy and stability. The flexible SR SERS substrate array can be large-scale prepared with good repeatability, stability, and low-cost, which has promising applications for trace contaminants detection in water environment.

Modified Gallic Acids as Both Reactive Flame Retardants and Cross‐Linkers for the Fabrication of Flame‐Retardant Polyurethane Elastomers

AbstractPolyurethane elastomers (PUEs) serve a vital role in our daily life and various industrial applications, but their flammability has been proven to be a significant drawback. In this work, we have successfully fabricated two modified gallic acids (GAP and GAN) by simple esterification, both of which are effective flame retardants and cross‐linkers for PUEs. According to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests, the introduction of GAP and GAN conspicuously improves the char yield (4.9~5.8 wt.%) and LOI value of PUEs (33~35 %). The cone calorimetry tests suggest that the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of PUE decrease significantly, while the fire performance index (FPI) value increase after GAP or GAN modification. Both GAP and GAN enhance the density and strength of carbon residues, and inhibit the generation of combustible volatile gas during the combustion process, thereby improving the fire safety of PUEs. In addition, both GAP and GAN contain multiple benzene rings and hydrogen bonding, which can improve the cross‐linking density of PUEs to enhance their mechanical properties (the elongation at break: 844~951 %; tensile strength: 6.37~8.13 MPa).

Nonlinear dynamics and acoustic radiation of coherent structures consisting of multiple ring–helical modes in the near-nozzle region of a subsonic turbulent circular jet

This paper investigates the nonlinear evolution and acoustic radiation of coherent structures (CS) in the near-nozzle region of a subsonic turbulent circular jet. A CS is taken to be a wavepacket consisting of multiple ring/helical modes, which are considered to be inviscid instability waves supported by the mean-flow profile. As the three-dimensionality of helical modes is weak in the near-nozzle region, the ring and helical modes with the same frequency have nearly the same growth rates and critical levels. They coexist and interact with each other in their common critical layer at high Reynolds numbers. The self and mutual quadratic interactions generate a mean-flow distortion and streaks, which act back on the fundamental components through the cubic interaction. The amplitude of the CS is governed by an integro-partial-differential equation, a significant feature of which is that differentiations with respect to the azimuthal coordinate appear in the history-dependent nonlinear terms. The non-parallelism of the mean flow as well as the impact of fine-scale turbulence on CS are taken into account and found to affect the nonlinear terms. By solving the amplitude equation, the development of the constituting modes, streamwise vortices and streaks are described. For CS consisting of frequency sideband, low-frequency components are excited nonlinearly and amplify to reach a considerable level. By analysing the large-distance asymptote of the perturbation, the low-frequency acoustic waves are found to be emitted by the temporally–spatially varying mean-flow distortion and streaks generated by the nonlinear interactions of the CS, and are thereby determined on the basis of first principles. Interestingly, the energetic part of the streaky structure that contributes to the nonlinear dynamics does not radiate directly, and instead the Reynolds stresses driving the subdominant radiating components represent the true physical sources.

Analysis of Land Use Developments Along the LRT Line (Case Study: Polresta, Jakabaring and DJKA Station’s)

Transportation has become a basic need that plays an important role in people's lives. To reach a place, a high level of accessibility is required. A high level of accessibility will affect the number of people coming to an area. Many people will affect the number of activities that require land. Therefore, this study aims to analyze land use trends that occurred in the time period before and after the South Sumatra LRT. LRT or Light Rail Transit is a type of public transportation in the form of light rail operating in urban areas. LRT is the first light rail transportation in Indonesia right in Palembang City. Therefore, it is interesting to see its relation to land change along the LRT route. This research was conducted at three stations which were case studies, namely Polresta, Jakabaring and DJKA stations. This station was chosen because it is in Jakabaring. Jakabaring was chosen as the research area because it is a sub-district which is located on the border with other regencies but is still passed by the LRT. This research is a qualitative research using the overlay before-after analysis method through spatial data. This research uses the help of Archgis software, through Intersect tools and multiple ring buffers. The results of the analysis are then used as data for further analysis using a pivot table in excel. The results of this analysis prove that there is a tendency for changes in land use within a certain radius. The trend is in the form of changes in land from swamps or paddy fields to deserted, trade and services as well as offices.

Comparison of distance measurements to dust clouds using GRB X-ray haloes and 3D dust extinction

ABSTRACT X-ray photons from energetic sources such as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) can be scattered on dust clouds in the Milky Way, creating a time-evolving halo around the GRB position. X-ray observations of such haloes allow the measurement of dust cloud distances in the Galaxy on which the scattering occurs. We present the first systematic comparison of the distances to scattering regions derived from GRB haloes with the 3D dust distribution derived from recently published optical-to-near infrared extinction maps. GRB haloes were observed around seven sources by the Swift XRT and the XMM–Newton EPIC instruments, namely GRB 031203, GRB 050713A, GRB 050724, GRB 061019, GRB 070129, GRB 160623A, and GRB 221009A. We used four 3D extinction maps that exploit photometric data from different surveys and apply diverse algorithms for the 3D mapping of extinction, and compared the X-ray halo-derived distances with the local maxima in the 3D extinction density distribution. We found that in all GRBs, we can find at least one local maximum in the 3D dust extinction map that is in agreement with the dust distance measured from X-ray rings. For GRBs with multiple X-ray rings, the dust distance measurements coincide with at least three maxima in the extinction map for GRB 160623A, and five maxima for GRB 221009A. The agreement of these independent distance measurements shows that the methods used to create dust extinction maps may potentially be optimized by the X-ray halo observations from GRBs.

The Coexistence of Superconductivity and Topological Order in Van der Waals InNbS2.

The research on systems with coexistence of superconductivity and nontrivial band topology has attracted widespread attention. However, the limited availability of material platforms severely hinders the research progress. Here, it reports the first experimental synthesis and measurement of high-quality single crystal van der Waals transition-metal dichalcogenide InNbS2 , revealing it as a topological nodal line semimetal with coexisting superconductivity. The temperature-dependent measurements of magnetization susceptibility and electrical transport show that InNbS2 is a type-II superconductor with a transition temperature Tc of 6 K. First-principles calculations predict multiple topological nodal ring states close to the Fermi level in the presence of spin-orbit coupling. Similar features are also observed in the as-synthesized BiNbS2 and PbNbS2 samples. This work provides new material platforms ANbS2 (A = In, Bi, and Pb) and uncovers their intriguing potential for exploring the interplay between superconductivity and band topology.

Multiple Brain Abscesses In A Child With Infective Endocarditis

Background: Infective endocarditis is a lethal infection affecting the endocardium of the heart and the valves.The causes are varied with staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus as the major causative agents.The triad of fever exceeding 38oc,vegetation in the heart and blood culture of the causative agents are the hallmarks of the diagnosis .The disease is known to be affect all ages with the very young age group, those with congenital heart disease and those on cardiac prosthesis as the most vulnerable. Septic emboli from the septic vegetation can spread to the brain, kidney, spleen, and lungs resulting in massive metastatic infections.It therefore has multisystemic manifestations and complications. Though neurological complications are common, brain abcess is known to be rare constituting only 1.0% of neurological complications. Objective: The study aimed at reporting occurrence of both cerebral and cerebellar micro- and macro-abscesses in a 3 year boy with infective endocarditis; a rare occurrence in the literature. Methods: This case report was carried out at University College Hospital Ibadan. Results: The boy presented with fever of 38oc for five weeks, convulsions and altered state of consciousness for ten days..In course of treatment patient however developed irritability and aggressive behaviour, which attracted the use of largactil to which he reacted with extrapyramidal signs and convulsions. Within the week he developed yellowness of the eyes and increase in abdominal girth. Patient had cranial computed tomography (CT) after plain skull X-rays and was referred to University College Hospital Ibadan as a result of the radiologically diagnosed brain abscess seen on CT images. child had grunting respiration with dyspnea, and the respiratory rate was 50/mm. However, the chest was clinically clear. In the cardiovascular system (CVS); the pulse was 140/mm, with moderate volume. The blood pressure (BP) was l60/110 mmHg. The first and second heart sounds were heard with a gallop rhythm. Cranial CT scan showed multiple ring enhancing hypodense lesions with surrounding hypodensity measuring 1cm in diameter and above with only a few measuring less than 1.0cm in both cerebral hemispheres and cerebelli in keeping with multiple cerebral and cerebellar abscesses. An echocardiography showed a brightly echogenic spot attached to the papillary muscle in the left ventricle suggesting vegetation consistent with an infective endocarditis. Retroviral test was negative for both type I and II.Blood culture — was negative, however urine culture yielded klebsiella sp. Serum urea, creatinine, Ca2+ and P04 were all elevated.The abdominal ultrasound scan confirmed the hepatosplenomegaly with decreased echogenicity but both kidneys appeared normal.There was no demonstrable ascitis. The boy was placed on antimicrobials; and had craniotomy for the drainage of the macroabscesses. He improved significantly. His renal and cardiac condition equally improved; he was subsequently discharged to continue treatment in the the paediaric outpatient. The infective endorcarditis still poses enormous challenge in management and the condition calls for multi disciplinary approach. It requires high index of suspicion for early detection; as well deployment of multiple imaging modalities by the cardiologists and radiologists to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis for effective patient management. This may save financial and material resources on part of the patients, care givers, the facility managers and the society at large.

Dynamic surface displacement measurement using carrier optical vortex interferometer: A numerical study

The measurement of dynamic surface displacement is crucial in understanding mechanical and thermophysical dynamics at nanometre to micrometer-scale. Interferometers using optical vortices are gaining attention due to their ability to demodulate fringe patterns with helical phase profiles. In this paper, we propose a novel carrier optical vortex interferometer (COVI) that overcomes the limitations of conventional pixelated morphological operations for demodulating fringe patterns. The COVI introduces a carrier frequency by placing a rotating chopper, a collecting lens and a point photodetector at the exit of the interferometer when there is no surface displacement. When the surface moves, the time-dependent total intensity of the chopped fringe pattern produces a Doppler frequency shift with respect to the carrier frequency. Moreover, a high-order Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beam exhibiting multiple concentric rings is employed to extend the COVI to the dynamic measurement of non-uniform surface displacement with an axisymmetric profile. In this case, the Doppler frequency shift splits into multiple peaks corresponding to the radii of the rings of the LG beam. Locating the Doppler frequency peaks gives an immediate indication of the surface displacement velocities at those radii. Accordingly, the dynamic surface displacement can be retrieved by integrating the velocities over time. The basic principle and the performance of the COVI are theoretically analysed and numerically demonstrated. In addition, the effect of surface misalignment on the displacement measurement is studied thoroughly and the limitations of the measurable velocity are discussed. Although the proposed approach requires further development to make it more applicable in practice, our study provides a first insight into how to measure a dynamic surface displacement using the COVI.

Multiple Longitude Sector Storm‐Enhanced Density (SED) and Long‐Lasting Subauroral Polarization Stream (SAPS) During the 26–28 February 2023 Geomagnetic Storm

AbstractThis paper conducts a multi‐instrument analysis and data assimilation study of midlatitude ionospheric disturbances over the European and North American longitude sectors during a strong geomagnetic storm on 26–28 February 2023. The study uses a set of ground‐based (GNSS receivers, ionosondes) observations, space‐borne (DMSP, GOLD) measurements, and a new TEC‐based ionospheric data assimilation system (TIDAS). We observed a series of distinct storm‐time features with regard to storm‐enhanced density (SED) and subauroral polarization stream (SAPS) as follows: (a) Under multiple ring current intensifications, the storm‐time subauroral ionosphere produced long‐lasting duskside SAPS for ∼36 hr along with considerable dawnside SAPS for several hours. (b) Associated with long‐lived SAPS, strong SED occurred consecutively in the European longitude sector near local noon during a positive ionospheric storm and later in the North American longitude sector near local dusk during a negative ionospheric storm. (c) The 3‐D morphology of SED in multiple longitude sectors was reconstructed using TIDAS data assimilation technique with fine‐scale details, which revealed a narrow ionospheric plasma channel with electron density enhancement and layer uplift.

Theoretical prediction of metallic R12-graphene as a promising anode material for potassium-ion batteries with high ion mobility, high capacity, and excellent electrolyte wettability

Although graphene has excellent electrical and mechanical properties, the giant delocalized π-electron system makes it chemically inert. Here, we propose an idea to design two-dimensional (2D) carbon allotropes via incorporating multiple rings in sp2-hybridized carbon networks, which can break the π-bonding network and enhance the surface reactivity. By assembling molecule of cyclobut(a)acenaphthylene, we predict a monolayer 2D carbon material, named as R12-graphene, which is composed of quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, and dodecagonal carbon rings. It shows great stability in energetic, dynamic, thermodynamic, and mechanical aspects. It exhibits high-performance as an anode material for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs), including an intrinsic metallic behavior, a high theoretical capacity (632 mA h g−1), a low K diffusion barrier (0.33 eV), and a low average open-circuit voltage (0.5 V). The presence of electrolytes can provide better K ion adsorption and diffusion capability compared to that in vacuum. Furthermore, R12-graphene has excellent wettability toward some commonly used electrolytes, which is beneficial for improving the charge/discharge rate for PIBs.

Controllable experimental modulation of high-order Laguerre-Gaussian laser modes.

High-order helical and sinusoidal Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) laser modes have uneven energy distribution among their multiple concentric vortex core rings and lobes, respectively. Here, we explore an experimental method to reshuffle the optical energy among their multiple concentric vortex core rings and lobes of high-order LG modes in a controllable manner. We numerically designed a diffractive optical element displayed over a spatial light modulator to rearrange optical energy among multiple concentric vortex core rings. This changes outer low-intensity concentric vortex core rings into high-intensity vortex core rings of high-order helical LG modes at the Fourier plane. The precise generation of a high-order modulated helical LG laser mode has a maximum number of highly intense concentric vortex core rings compared to known standard helical LG modes. Further, this method is extended to high-order sinusoidal LG modes consisting of both low- and high-intensity lobes to realize modulated sinusoidal LG modes with a maximum number of highly intense lobes in a controllable manner. We envisage that the modulated helical and sinusoidal high-order LG modes may surpass standard LG modes in many applications where highly intense rings and lobes are crucial, as in particle manipulation of micro- and nanoparticles, and optical lithography.

Radial Gradient Seismic Metamaterials with Ultra-Low Frequency and Ultra-Wide Band Gap

In this paper, a radial gradient seismic metamaterial (RGSM) is proposed. The structural unit cell is composed of an external square soil embedded with a triangular-cross-sectioned steel ring, which is filled at different angles of multiple steel rings to form a supercell. The dispersion curve and attenuation spectrum of the unit cell are calculated by the finite element method, and the opening mechanism of the band gap is explained by analyzing the modes at the band gap boundary. The influence of geometric parameters and material parameters on the band gap is further studied, and the optimized supercell radial gradient seismic metamaterial (OS-RGSM) structure is designed through structure and parameter optimization. The ultra-low broadband excellent band gap in the range of 2.35–20 Hz for seismic Lamb waves is realized, and its three-dimensional frequency response and displacement field diagram are calculated. In addition, the attenuation characteristics of the optimized supercell seismic metamaterial on the seismic surface wave are calculated and analyzed. It is found that the attenuation can reach more than 50% in the ultra-low frequency range of 3.5–9 Hz. The seismic wave barrier is verified by the vibration transmission characteristics of RGSM under finite period and dynamic time history analysis. The results show that RGSM can effectively shield from seismic Lamb waves in the ultra-wideband with the starting frequency of 2.35 Hz and can also effectively attenuate the seismic surface wave in semi-infinite space.

Soliton pulse pairs at multiple colours in normal dispersion microresonators

AbstractSoliton microcombs are helping to advance the miniaturization of a range of comb systems. These combs mode lock through the formation of short temporal pulses in anomalous dispersion resonators. Here, a new microcomb is demonstrated that mode locks through the formation of pulse pairs in coupled normal dispersion resonators. Unlike conventional microcombs, pulses in this system cannot exist alone, and instead phase lock in pairs wherein pulses in each pair feature different optical spectra. The pairwise mode-locking modality extends to multiple pulse pairs and beyond two rings, and it greatly constrains mode-locking states. Two- (bipartite) and three-ring (tripartite) states containing many pulse pairs are demonstrated, including crystal states. Pulse pairs can also form at recurring spectral windows. We obtained the results using an ultra-low-loss Si3N4 platform that has not previously produced bright solitons on account of its inherent normal dispersion. The ability to generate multicolour pulse pairs over multiple rings is an important new feature for microcombs. It can extend the concept of all-optical soliton buffers and memories to multiple storage rings that multiplex pulses with respect to soliton colour and that are spatially addressable. The results also suggest a new platform for the study of topological photonics and quantum combs.

Plasticity and genetic effects contribute to different axes of neural divergence in a community of mimetic Heliconius butterflies.

Changes in ecological preference, often driven by spatial and temporal variation in resource distribution, can expose populations to environments with divergent information content. This can lead to adaptive changes in the degree to which individuals invest in sensory systems and downstream processes, to optimize behavioural performance in different contexts. At the same time, environmental conditions can produce plastic responses in nervous system development and maturation, providing an alternative route to integrating neural and ecological variation. Here, we explore how these two processes play out across a community of Heliconius butterflies. Heliconius communities exhibit multiple Mullerian mimicry rings, associated with habitat partitioning across environmental gradients. These environmental differences have previously been linked to heritable divergence in brain morphology in parapatric species pairs. They also exhibit a unique dietary adaptation, known as pollen feeding, that relies heavily on learning foraging routes, or trap-lines, between resources, which implies an important environmental influence on behavioural development. By comparing brain morphology across 133 wild-caught and insectary-reared individuals from seven Heliconius species, we find strong evidence for interspecific variation in patterns of neural investment. These largely fall into two distinct patterns of variation; first, we find consistent patterns of divergence in the size of visual brain components across both wild and insectary-reared individuals, suggesting genetically encoded divergence in the visual pathway. Second, we find interspecific differences in mushroom body size, a central component of learning and memory systems, but only among wild caught individuals. The lack of this effect in common-garden individuals suggests an extensive role for developmental plasticity in interspecific variation in the wild. Finally, we illustrate the impact of relatively small-scale spatial effects on mushroom body plasticity by performing experiments altering the cage size and structure experienced by individual H. hecale. Our data provide a comprehensive survey of community level variation in brain structure, and demonstrate that genetic effects and developmental plasticity contribute to different axes of interspecific neural variation.

Influence of the Guard Rings on the Response of SSD-Based Radiation Monitors in Space Environment: Applications to ICARE Monitors

The aim of this work is to analyze the influence of the guard rings (GRs) in solid state detectors (SSDs). Depending on the applied potential, the collection of charges can be disturbed. A study on SSDs with floating and grounded GRs is conducted. The tools needed to do so are presented (GEANT4, Sentaurus and Garfield++). Experimental measurements have been performed on Micron Semiconductor Ltd SSDs which are composed of multiple guard rings (MGRs). Finally, a first application on the ICARE_NG² (Influence sur les Composants Avancés des Radiations de l’Espace) radiation monitor is proposed with a comparison of the response functions (RFs) according to the potential applied on the GRs. Improved performances are observed when the GRs are grounded. A second application on the ICARE_NG currently embedded on Eutelsat 7C (E7C) is also proposed by using the GRs as active shielding, allowing improvements in the measurement of high energy particles.

Systematic Multiepoch Monitoring of LkCa 15: Dynamic Dust Structures on Solar System Scales

We present the highest-angular-resolution infrared monitoring of LkCa 15, a young solar analog hosting a transition disk. This system has been the subject of a number of direct-imaging studies from the millimeter through the optical, which have revealed multiple protoplanetary disk rings as well as three orbiting protoplanet candidates detected in infrared continuum emission (one of which was simultaneously seen at Hα). We use high-angular-resolution infrared imaging from 2014 to 2020 to systematically monitor these infrared signals and determine their physical origin. We find that three self-luminous protoplanets cannot explain the positional evolution of the infrared sources since the longer time baseline images lack the coherent orbital motion that would be expected for companions. However, the data still strongly prefer a time-variable morphology that cannot be reproduced by static scattered-light disk models. The multiepoch observations suggest the presence of complex and dynamic substructures moving through the forward-scattering side of the disk at ∼20 au or quickly varying shadowing by closer-in material. We explore whether the previous Hα detection of one candidate would be inconsistent with this scenario and in the process develop an analytical signal-to-noise penalty for Hα excesses detected near forward-scattered light. Under these new noise considerations, the Hα detection is not strongly inconsistent with forward scattering, making the dynamic LkCa 15 disk a natural explanation for both the infrared and Hα data.

The magnetic resonance characteristics of sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma in adults: analysis of 27 cases and comparison with pathological subtypes

BackgroundSinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in adults is extremely rare, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improve the patient’s prognosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of sinonasal RMS in adults and analyze the correlations between the imaging features and pathological subtypes.MethodsWe reviewed 27 patients with pathologically proven RMS of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, including embryonal RMS (ERMS) in 14 patients, alveolar RMS (ARMS) in seven patients, and mixed-type RMS in six patients. Conventional MRI was performed in all 27 patients, and high-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging was conducted in 25 patients. The tumor location, size, morphological features, signal intensity, texture, contrast enhancement characteristics, lymph node metastases, apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs), and involvement of local soft tissues were independently assessed by two authors.ResultsOn MR imaging, sinonasal RMS appeared isointense on T1-weighted imaging in 21 cases (77.8%) and heterogeneously hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging in 18 patients (66.7%). After enhancement, the tumors were heterogeneously enhanced in 24 cases (88.9%). Botryoid enhancement with multiple small rings resembling bunches of grapes was found in 15 cases (55.6%). Mucosal invasion of the maxillary sinus was identified in 51.9% patients. Skull and orbit involvement were found in 55.6% and 81.5% patients, respectively. Lymph node metastasis was seen in 18 cases (66.7%). There were significant differences in botryoid enhancement (P = 0.044) and skull involvement (P = 0.044) among different histological subtypes. The mean ADC value of RMS was 0.73 ± 0.082 × 10–3 mm2/s, and there was no significant difference among different histological subtypes.ConclusionsSome characteristic MRI findings such as botryoid enhancement in the ethmoid sinus, involvement of the orbit and skull, and a lower ADC value can provide important clues for preoperative diagnosis of sinonasal RMS in adults. Further, botryoid enhancement was more common in ERMS, while skull involvement was more common in ARMS.

An atmospheric pressure plasma device with multiple ring electrodes for decontamination of flexible tubing with variable scales

AbstractPlasma bacteria decontamination devices for the inner surface of medical tubes have to consider more practical application problems, such as the processing compatibility for medical tubes of variable scales, a reasonable and effective design model for plasma electrode parameters, and so on. This paper proposes a novel multisegment‐casing ring‐ring jet (MSC‐RRJ) without embedding the electrode into the target tube, obtaining the variable tube length processing capability. And through establishing an effective design model based on electric field distribution properties, ensuring the electric field strength margin in each segment of MSC‐RRJ to achieve the processing capability of variable tube diameters. A prototype device is developed based on the proposed MSC‐RRJ electrode and design method being verified by killing Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.