Single Tube Research Articles

Recent advances in TiO2 nanotube layers – A mini review of the latest developments in nanotube preparation and applications in photocatalysis and microwave sensing

AbstractSelf‐organized anodic TiO2 nanotube (TNT) layers prepared by anodization of Ti substrates have attracted great interest within the last 20 years, due to their unique properties and low‐cost synthesis. This mini review article aims to shortly summarize the most recent developments in the TNT layer synthesis and applications. It presents the synthesis of high aspect ratio (HAR) TNT layers in a short time by accelerating the TNT layer growth rates in lactic acid containing electrolytes. Furthermore, the etching of TNT layers towards TNT bundles of homogeneous size and single tube powders is discussed, as well as the possibility to grow TNT layers on non‐planar Ti substrates, which cannot be directly connected to the potentiostat (e.g., Ti spheres or 3D Ti meshes). As a relatively new application, the employment of TNT layers in microwave resonator sensors is introduced. Last, but not least, approaches of upscaling the TNT layer size from the laboratory scale towards significantly larger scale are outlined and reviewed.

Numerical Evaluation of Heat Transfer and Conversion Efficiency by Tube Design and Flow Configuration for a Compact Steam-Methane Reformer

In the chemical industry, hydrogen (H2) production through steam-methane reforming is a well-established process. With the growing demand for H-fueled vehicles and charging stations, there is a need for compact reformers with efficient heat transfer capabilities. In this study, computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate the methane (CH4) conversion and heat transfer efficiency of various reformer designs. These designs include single, double, and triple tubes, each with parallel- and counter-flow configurations between the reformate feed and heat source. The findings revealed substantial disparities in methane conversion between the tube designs and flow configurations. Notably, the triple-tube design outperforms single and double tubes, exhibiting higher methane conversion and improved heat transfer efficiency. This superior performance is attributed to the larger wall area facing the heat source and additional heat recovery from the reformate flowing in the inner annulus. This led to the highest temperature at the catalyst exit among the cases, increasing methane conversion, and the lowest reformate temperature at the reformer tube exit, which is also beneficial for the subsequent water–gas shift reaction process. Installing external fins on the reformer tube provided a more effective enhancement of heat transfer than using internal fins in the catalyst section. Regardless of the tube design employed, the counter-flow configuration consistently enhanced the heat transfer efficiency, resulting in 4.6–11.9% higher methane conversion than the parallel-flow configuration. Consequently, the triple-tube design with the counter-flow configuration achieved the highest methane conversion, offering flexibility in the reformer design, including the potential for lower heat input and a reduced catalyst volume.

Natural catkins-derived single-crystal WO3 tubes rich in oxygen vacancies for high response and rapid detection of hydrazine at near room temperature

It is urgent to improve the comprehensive detection ability of chemoresistive gas sensors for highly toxic and explosive N2H4 due to less report. To this aim, we simply immersed discarded catkins in ammonium metatungstate aqueous solution to obtain a biotemplate precursor, which was then calcinated in air to controllably replicate two biomorphic WO3 materials by cross-linked nanoparticles. Amongst, single crystal WO3-6 tubes calcinated at 600 °C show good overall sensing performances towards trace N2H4 for the first time. At near room temperature (50 °C), WO3-6 sensor presents large response value (S = 120) and short response time (12 s) to 10 ppm N2H4, along with low practical detection limit (5 ppb). The above four important indexes are significantly better than those of currently reported metal oxide-based sensors. Meanwhile, it also exhibits good selectivity, satisfactory reproducibility, stability and moisture resistance. Such enhanced N2H4 sensing mechanism mainly roots from the synergy of its unique tubular structure (e.g. broad pores, oxygen vacancy defects), catalysis of W6+ ions with dangling bonds, as well as surface adsorbed oxygen species.

Energy absorption characteristics of aluminum foam-filled corrugated tube under axial compression loading

To improve the energy absorption characteristics of thin-walled structures and reduce the initial peak compression force and load fluctuation, a novel aluminum foam-filled corrugated tube was proposed in this study. Finite element model validated by quasi-static compression experiments was adopted to investigate the crashworthiness performances of aluminum foam-filled corrugated tubes and their combined energy-absorbing structures. The effects of structure parameters including corrugation radius, wall thickness, corrugation length and corrugation radius increments on axial compression characteristics were investigated through finite element analysis. The results showed that compared with aluminum foam-filled straight tubes, the initial peak compression force of aluminum foam filled corrugated tube was reduced by 22.87 %, the compression force efficiency was increased by 6.69 % and the load fluctuation was reduced by 17.94 %. The smaller the values of corrugation radius, wall thickness and corrugation length, the smaller the initial peak compression force; Because the corrugation radius had a great effect on the peak compression force, the order that the corrugations were compressed into folds can be controlled by designing the corrugation radius; In view of the peak and valley values of compression force, an innovative combination of single tubes with different △H was obtained, which had better energy absorption performance. Compared with a single aluminum foam-filled corrugated tube, the compression force efficiency of the combined structure (△H: 0–5–10) was increased by 18.15 % and the load fluctuation was reduced by 33.60 %. The research results can provide a reference for the design and optimization of energy-absorbing devices.

Single-tube multiplex real-time PCR with EvaGreen and high-resolution melting analysis for diagnosis of α0-thalassemia--SEA,--THAI, and--CR type deletions.

Regions with a high prevalence of α-thalassemia (α-thal) require simple, rapid, and accurate tests for carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis. Diagnosis of multiple deletions in a single tube is necessary to clearly identify individuals with α0-thalassemia in the routine setting, especially in at-risk couples. Therefore, we aimed to develop a single-tube multiplex real-time PCR with EvaGreen and high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis for the identification of α0-thalassemia Southeast Asian (SEA), Thai and Chiang Rai (CR) type deletions. The results of the HRM analysis indicated that the amplified fragments from α0-thal--CR,--THAI,--SEA, and the wild-type α-globin gene had specific peak heights at mean melting temperature (Tm) values of 85.40°C, 86.50°C, 87.65°C, and 91.04°C, respectively. The frequencies of α0-thal--SEA,--THAI,--CR obtained from routine testing in 2,135 samples were 17.89%, 0.19% and 0.19%, respectively. This method would be useful for preventing Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis. Detection of multiple deletions in a single run is cost-effective, highly accurate and timesaving. This technique could enable wider α-thalassemia diagnosis in high prevalence areas and served as an example for thalassemia routine setting.

A neural network-augmented two-microphone impedance tube method to estimate sound propagation characterisics

Two-microphone impedance tubes are a popular method to measure the normal incidence sound absorption coefficient. However, a single measurement with this method does not offer enough information to identify the sound propagation characteristics, i.e. the characteristic impedance and the wave number of absorbent samples. Instead, more elaborate measurement techniques that require more time, more equipment and enhanced user knowledge need to be applied. This contribution presents a technique combining neural networks and the two-microphone impedance tube method to estimate the propagation characteristics of a highly porous sample from a single two-microphone impedance tube measurement. The measured surface impedance serves as input to a U-net architecture, which preserves the high frequency resolution of the data and returns an estimate of the surface impedance mimicking an air cavity attached behind the sample. Then, the two cavity method is used to calculate the propagation characteristics from the measured and the networks predicted surface impedances. The presented approach gives precise estimates of the propagation characteristics of simulated highly porous samples and for two different, physically measured melamine foam samples, while drastically reducing the required resources and expenses. In this way, it provides an efficient way to estimate the propagation characteristics of absorbent samples.

RNA Fusions and Their Association with DNA Alterations in Myeloid Neoplasia Patients Identified By a Single Tube Multimodal Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Test

Background: Recent updates into NCCN professional guidelines have included adding several genomic biomarkers for myeloid disorders. Detecting SNVs, indels, select CNVs and genomic rearrangements in a single comprehensive genomic profiling test is invaluable for clinical care. Moreover, WHO recognizes 23 genomic rearrangements or fusions which define subclasses of AML, MDS/MPN and related neoplasms, and their detection is essential for patient management. Here we present joint prevalence data of gene fusions and other genomic alterations in myeloid disorders in a cohort of 312 patients analyzed by a CLIA grade single-tube NGS assay capable of concurrent analysis of DNA and RNA alterations. Methods: Total nucleic acid (TNA) from bone marrow or peripheral blood was analyzed by a CLIA grade custom amplicon-based multimodal NGS test reporting DNA mutations in 126 genes and gains/losses in 17 genes by DNA-seq, and RNA fusions from 40 genes by RNA-seq. Libraries were sequenced on a NovaSeq6000 instrument, and fusions were called with in-house developed BI pipeline using the distribution of AI-assisted fusion confidence scores to improve the signal to noise discrimination for fusion calls before validation. Deidentified patient data was used according to an IRB approved protocol. Results: Analytical validation of RNA fusion calling against FISH and Sanger-seq in 74 hematologic disorder samples demonstrated 96.7% sensitivity and 98.2% specificity with 100% reproducibility. This improved fusion detection module was added to our CLIA validated NGS assay, which at tumor purity of >20%, already detects SNVs (VAF >3%), Indels (<81 bp, VAF >3%) and copy number gains/losses with a sensitivity of 98.3%, 98.9 % and 96 % for SNV, Indels and copy number gains/losses, respectively and a specificity of >99.9% for SNV/Indels and 98.4% for gene gains/losses. Next, data from a total of 789 patients serially tested with this assay was used to study the distribution of myeloid fusion events in community cases which included 312 adult patients with confirmed/suspected myeloid disorders including AML, CML, MDS/MPN and other disorders while 477 patients had a diagnosis of lymphoid leukemias. Fifty five (55) % of the Myeloid leukemia patients were male and 45% female, with a median age of 67.5 (22-87) and 71 (22-89) years, respectively. 27% (84/312) of them presented a gene fusion, of which in 21% of cases it involved a gene from WHO/NCCN fusion gene recommendations. Prevalence for common fusions were 6.7% for BCR::ABL1; 5.1% for PML::RARA; 2.6% (8/312) for KMT2A; 1.9% for RUNX1::RUNX1T1; 1.6% CBFB::MYH11; 1.3% for PICALM::MLLT10 and 1 % for NUP98. Other fusions were detected in <1% patients. Fusions of PDGFRA, ETV6, ZNF384, FGFR1 and other genes were also observed. BCR::ABL1 fusions were seen not only in CML patients but also in a patient with AML. For KMT2A, 25% (2/8) of fusions detected by NGS in all patients were confirmed by Sanger-seq but missed by FISH, which correlates with higher sensitivity of the NGS assay. Interestingly, the prevalence of fusion positive cases on the lymphoid leukemia patients (17%, 80/477) tested on the same period of time. Novel fusions were called in ~8% of all patients with high confidence. We validated by Sanger sequencing the CCND2::MGP fusion, which was identified on a patient with AML. This fusion protein is predicted to be oncogenic as it lacks the region from CCND2 including Thr280, a residue required for ccnd2 degradation. Finally, we analyzed the relationship between fusions and recurrently mutated genes. We found that DNA alterations in CALR, EZH2, FLT3, KIT, and ZRSR2 were enriched in fusion positive cases. Conversely alterations on a subset of genes were absent on fusion positive cases and enriched on fusion negative cases. Those included alterations on CEBPA, IDH1/2, KMT2A, MPL, NPM1, BCOR, IKZF1, FBXW7 STAG2, CSF3R, PDGFRA, PHF6, PTPN11. Conclusions: A robust low-noise RNA fusion detection assay coupled us DNA alterations on myeloid disorders in a single assay enables to fully molecularly characterize acute myeloid leukemias and other myeloid disorders. Frequencies of well-known fusions in a small community-based cohort were similar to studies performed in academic settings with subsets of gene alterations being mutually exclusive from fusions. Larger studies are needed to confirm those associations.

Elemental Composition of Betel Leaves Using a Novel Optical Spectroscopic Technique.

Objective: Assess trace elements in betel leaves and slaked lime from different regions of Karnataka, India using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Materials and Method: Betel leaves from six different regions of Karnataka were obtained and named (for the purpose of the study) BL1, BL2, BL3, BL4, BL5, and BL6 and they were sun-dried. A single tube of slaked lime was obtained from the local ‘paan’ shop. Each dried leaf and a single blob of slaked lime was subjected to elemental analysis using Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Results: A ten-trial experiment was carried out in all six leaves and a blob of the slaked lime. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) database was used to assess the emission lines. The elements that were predominantly present in all six betel leaves from different regions of Karnataka are calcium, copper, and iron. Slaked lime showed only the presence of calcium. Conclusion: It is widely accepted that the consumption of betel quid causes various changes in the oral mucosa including oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral cancer. It is important to analyze each component of betel quid to understand the disease progression. Copper is found to be relatively higher in betel leaves, and it is known that copper-induced fibrogenesis via the lysyl oxidase pathway in oral submucous fibrosis.

Effect of pulsation parameters on the spatial and temporal variation of flow and heat transfer characteristics in liquid metal cross flow the in-line tube bundle

Liquid metal has a broad application prospect in tube bundle heat exchangers because of its excellent thermal conductivity. However, conventional in-line tube bundle arrangements often exhibit limited secondary flow, so new methods are urgently needed to improve heat transfer. The topic of this paper is to combine two methods, liquid metal cross flow tube bundle and pulsating flow, to improve the heat transfer performance in-line tube bundles. Firstly, the applicability of the model was validated through experimental data from existing literature, encompassing overall flow dynamics, heat transfer performance, and circumferential pressure distribution around the tubes. Subsequently, numerical simulations are conducted involving liquid metal cross flow in-line tube bundles at varying pulsating frequencies, amplitudes, and Reynolds numbers. Circumferential pressure distributions and temperature profiles for individual tubes were analyzed and compared. The amplitude of reduction in thermal resistance compared to the no-oscillation condition increases gradually from a minimum of 8 % in the first row to a maximum of 40 % in the third row, while the reduction in the rear row of tubes is similar to that of the third row. Remarkably, a reversal in the trend of thermal resistance for the first three rows of tubes under pulsating flow were observed, contrasting conventional flow except for the case with an amplitude of 0.1. By analyzing the local transient flow field distribution near single tube and the corresponding circumferential heat transfer performance, the influence of the vortex evolution characteristics on the heat transfer performance at different phases of the pulsating velocity is revealed, which transient Nu is up to three times that of flow with no pulsating. Finally, a series of coherence analyses reveal that as frequency rises, turbulence exhibits a richer spectrum of small-scale vortex structures, intricately linked to enhanced energy cascade efficiency. Amplitude augmentation intensifies velocity fluctuations, particularly at high amplitudes, resulting in substantial energy peak amplification. The integrated heat transfer performance PEC factor varies in the range of 1.25 to 1.51 for all the conditions simulated in this paper, which indicates that the liquid metal coupled pulsating flow approach can significantly increase the comprehensive performance of the tube bundle heat exchangers. These findings hold significant promise for advancing heat exchanger design and enhancing thermal efficiency, with implications for various engineering applications.

Study of fatigue fracture characteristics for duplex stainless steel STHE welded joint specimen

A shell and tube heat exchanger (STHE) welded joint is considered for fatigue fracture mechanism. The joint is made up of a protruding tube fabricated to a tubesheet by means of welding. A super duplex stainless steel (DSS) material is used for the tube and tubesheet. Fatigue test was newly conducted using the single tube test specimen. The initial cracking plane was moved from the minimum sectional-area plane that was perpendicular to the loading direction, and the crack growth was almost planar. Stress analysis is carried out using finite element method (FEM) and the stress distributions are carefully studied by comparing the simple perforated plate. In addition, three-dimensional crack propagation (CP) simulation is performed employing extended finite element method (X-FEM). Fracture phenomenon is verified using the experimental and numerical crack front geometries. The fracture mechanics parameter is evaluated and verified with empirical formulae. CP behaviors are carefully discussed based on the fracture mechanics parameter. The CP life is presented for three loading amplitudes. The FAT class of the STHE welded joint is studied based on the available design standards such as BS, IIW and JSSC. Finally, the fatigue fracture characteristics of the STHE welded joint specimen are shown through the experimental and numerical methods.

MGA-seq: robust identification of extrachromosomal DNA and genetic variants using multiple genetic abnormality sequencing

Genomic abnormalities are strongly associated with cancer and infertility. In this study, we develop a simple and efficient method — multiple genetic abnormality sequencing (MGA-Seq) — to simultaneously detect structural variation, copy number variation, single-nucleotide polymorphism, homogeneously staining regions, and extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) from a single tube. MGA-Seq directly sequences proximity-ligated genomic fragments, yielding a dataset with concurrent genome three-dimensional and whole-genome sequencing information, enabling approximate localization of genomic structural variations and facilitating breakpoint identification. Additionally, by utilizing MGA-Seq, we map focal amplification and oncogene coamplification, thus facilitating the exploration of ecDNA’s transcriptional regulatory function.

First report of detection of Canine Parvovirus type 2 in naturally infected domestic cats in Egypt by duplex PCR for simultaneous detection of Canine Parvovirus type 2 and Feline Panleukopenia virus

Feline Panleukopenia virus (FPLV) and Canine Parvovirus type 2 (CPV) cause fatal gastroenteritis in cats and dogs. In this study we developed a duplex polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) assay for the concurrent detection of FPLV and CPV-2 in a single PCR tube. Two primers were used based on nucleic acid conserved regions of the two viruses which specifically amplify 237 bp of the VP2 gene of FPLV and 583 bp of the VP2 gene of CPV 2.Sensitivity and Specificity of the dPCR were evaluated. A total of 30 rectal/fecal swabs were collected from domestic cats in Kafrelsheikh province, Egypt and were tested for FPLV and CPV-2 viruses using the dPCR assay. The results revealed that this dPCR assay was sensitive, as it could detect a minimum of 1 × 105 copies of genomic DNA of the two viruses. The dPCR assay was highly specific as there was no amplification of nucleic acid of other feline and canine pathogens. The positive ratio was 83.3% (25/30) for FPLV and 16.6% (5/30) for CPV respectively. Further analyses of CPV samples by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) revealed that they are classified as CPV 2a/2b variants. This study reports the first detection of CPV 2a/2b from symptomatic cats in Egypt using dPCR assay that can detect FPLV and CPV in a single tube reaction.

Rapid detection of viable Acinetobacter baumannii and antibiotic susceptibility testing based on a phage amplification-Taqman qPCR assay

BackgroundTimely and accurate identification of pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility could decrease misuse and overuse of antibiotics. In this study, we developed a phage amplification-Taqman qPCR assay for simultaneous viable Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) detection and determination of broad-spectrum antimicrobial susceptibility based on quantification of phage DNA replication in one single tube. ResultsThe two-phage cocktail used in the current phage amplification-Taqman qPCR assay consists of phage p53 and phage pB3074. Once a lytic phage infects its host, phages could specifically recognize the viable cells and replicate themselves within the cells to produce hundreds of progeny phages. With dual phage cocktail concentration (5.00 × 103 PFU/mL to 5.00 × 104PFU/mL) used, down to 50 CFU /mL of viable A. baumannii could be detected within 3 h from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid spiked with A. baumannii in an incubation volume of 2 mL. We further illustrated that antibiotic susceptibility testing results could be obtained within 2 h based on current phage amplification-Taqman qPCR assay to measure the phenotypic response of A. baumannii from spiked bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after only 30 min of antibiotic exposure. Testing of 12 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples spiked by different strains showed that the phage amplification-Taqman qPCR assay had 100 % (95 %CI: 74.12 to 100) identification agreement with the initial spiked concentrations of the bacteria. Subsequent antibiotic susceptibility testing results of 9 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples spiked by different strains also had shown that the phage amplification-Taqman qPCR assay had good agreements with the standard broth microdilution method, with an overall agreement of 100 % (95 % CI, 70.09 to 100) for ceftazidime and aztreonam. Significance and NoveltyDue to the high rapidity, high sensitivity, good specificity, low cost, and the ability to distinguish between live and dead bacteria, the phage amplification-Taqman qPCR assay provides an effective and promising strategy for the simultaneous detection of viable bacteria and determination of broad-spectrum antimicrobial susceptibility.

Dual-module integration of large-area tubular 2D MXene membranes for H2 purification

Construction of large-area two-dimensional (2D) nanosheet membranes for gas separation, particularly tubular membranes, is extremely challenging. Here, electrophoretic deposition technology was employed to construct large-area tubular 2D MXene membranes for H2/CO2 gas separation, where the membrane with a single tube area of 25 cm2 could be successfully manufactured in approximately 5 min under optimal process conditions. The membrane exhibited good H2/CO2 separation performance with H2/CO2 selectivity of 53.0 and hydrogen permeance of 133.8 GPU, exceeding the 2008 Robeson upper bound, and showed excellent stability in long-term test with water vapor evaluations for more than 350 h. Additionally, some engineering issues and operation parameters concerning the separation performance of H2/CO2 in single-module and dual-module separators have been thoroughly investigated and analyzed. This work has taken an important step toward the industrialization of 2D MXene membranes and also provided significant guidance to other 2D material-based membranes in approaching practical applications.

Ammonia decomposition for hydrogen production using packed bed catalytic membrane reactor

Ammonia can be used for hydrogen storage as it is relatively easy to transport, and can be generated at the site by decomposition of ammonia. In this work, the authors report studies on ammonia decomposition using packed-bed catalytic membrane reactor (PBCMR) based on Pd–Ag alloy membrane. The studies were carried out at different operating conditions in single tube PBCMR as well as in packed bed catalytic reactor without membrane (PBCR). A conversion of ∼93% was achieved in PBCMR at a temperature of 773 K and 1 bar, as against a conversion of ∼80% in PBCR. A CFD model was also developed and validated using experimental results. The model was further extrapolated to carry out 3D simulations of multi-tube PBCMR for parametric optimisation. This is a first of its kind study wherein a computational approach is used for studies on ammonia decomposition using multi-tube PBCMR.

An idea to explore: Determination of single nucleotide polymorphisms in alcohol metabolism-related genes using PCR-based assays to understand the link between an individual's genotype and phenotype.

Here, we propose a laboratory exercise to quickly determine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) genes involved in alcohol metabolism. In this exercise, two different genotyping methods based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), namely allele-specific (AS) PCR and a PCR-restriction fragment polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, can be performed under the same PCR program (2-step × 35 cycles, 35 min total) in parallel using a hair root lysate as a template. In AS-PCR, the target regions of the G- or A-alleles of both genes are allele-specifically amplified in a single PCR tube. In the PCR-RFLP analysis, the two genes are amplified simultaneously in a single tube, and then a portion of the PCR product is double-digested with restriction enzymes MslI and Eam1104I for 5 min. The resulting reaction products of each method are electrophoresed side by side, and the genotypes are determined from the DNA band patterns. With the optimized protocol, the whole process from template preparation to genotyping can be completed in about 75 min. During PCR, students also perform an ethanol patch test to estimate their ability to metabolize alcohol. This series of experiments can help students learn the principles and applications of PCR/SNP analyses. By comparing the genotypes revealed by PCR and the phenotypes revealed by the patch tests, students can gain a better understanding of the clinical value of genetic testing.

Temperature and Pressure Drop Analysis of Automobile Minichannel Condenser using CFD

Refrigeration and air conditioning plays a vital role in domestic and industrial heating, cooling, refrigerating and ventilation but they are contributing to ozone layer depletion and global warming due to unfriendly refrigerants and consume 33% of the world energy. The condenser is an important component of the vapor compression system which contained 30% of the refrigerant charge. The versatile one ton of refrigeration system is designed, developed for testing minichannel condenser for different condenser temperature and pressure by providing artificial condenser compartment with three air heaters of 2.2 kW capacity each with a multispeed condenser fan for controlling air velocity. Thus, the condensation temperature is reduced by 2 to 3°C due to its special geometry, passes provided, efficient cooling and the coefficient of performance increased by 10 to 15% for condensation temperature varying from 40 to 55°C whereas evaporation temperature varies from -10 to +15°C. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation for different sections of the minichannel condenser such as a single minichannel, single tube with 10 minichannels, first, second, third, fourth passes with varying tubes and entire condenser with all four passes for different inlet and exit temperature are performed using ANSYS FLUENT-20 CFD turbulence models and validated with the experimental results. The pressure and temperature counters for all the sections are studied and plotted. It is found that the temperature difference between experimental and CFD results are within ±15% for all the simulations along the condenser.

A Rapid and Novel Multiplex PCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Viruses Associated with Bovine Gastroenteritis.

Bovine viral diarrheal virus (BVDV) and bovine coronavirus (BCoV) are prevalent viral infections in buffalo calves that result in significant economic losses globally. However, Bovine picobirnavirus (BPBV) Group I and II has been an emerging causes of gastrointestinal infection as has been detected with mixed of BVDV as well as BCV. To combat economic losses and viral infection, a rapid and innovative multiplex-PCR assay (M-PCR) was developed to simultaneously identify BVDV, BCV, and BPBV. The assay employed three primer pairs, each specific to a particular virus. Notably, the primers for BCV and BVDV, targeting the transmembrane (M) Mebus gene and 5'UTR genes, respectively, were self-designed. To validate the assay, 300 samples of buffalo calf feces were subjected to the standardized multiplex PCR. The results demonstrated that 54 (18%) samples tested positive for multiple viruses, with 16.67% samples infected by BVDV, 0.9% by BCoV, and 0.13% by BPBV, as detected by the M-PCR assay. In summary, this developed assay is characterized by high specificity, sensitivity, throughput, and speed, enabling the simultaneous detection of the three viruses in a single reaction tube. Consequently, it holds potential for epidemiological investigations. It is worth noting that, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported multiplex assay for the worldwide detection of BVDV, BCoV, and BPBV. This novel assay promises to aid in the detection of mixed infections in the gastrointestinal tract.

A unified DNA- and RNA-based NGS strategy for the analysis of multiple types of variants at the dual nucleic acid level in solid tumors.

Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a powerful and suitable approach to comprehensively identify multiple types of variants in tumors. RNA-based NGS is increasingly playing an important role in precision oncology. Both parallel and sequential DNA- and RNA-based approaches are expensive, burdensome, and have long turnaround times, which can be impractical in clinical practice. A streamlined, unified DNA- and RNA-based NGS approach is urgently needed in clinical practice. A DNA/RNA co-hybrid capture sequencing (DRCC-Seq) approach was designed to capture pre-capture DNA and RNA libraries in a single tube and convert them into one NGS library. The performance of the DRCC-Seq approach was evaluated by a panel of reference standards and clinical samples. The average depth, DNA data ratio, capture ratio, and target coverage 250 (×) of the DNA panel data had a negative correlation with an increase in the proportion of RNA probes. The SNVs, indels, fusions, and MSI status were not affected by the proportion of RNA probes, but the copy numbers of the target genes were higher than expected in the standard materials, and many unexpected gene amplifications were found using D:R (1:2) and D:R (1:4) probe panels. The optimal ratio of DNA and RNA probes in the combined probe panel was 1:1 using the DRCC-Seq approach. The DRCC-Seq approach was feasible and reliable for detecting multiple types of variants in reference standards and real-world clinical samples. The DRCC-Seq approach is more cost-effective, with a shorter turnaround time and lower labor requirements than either parallel or sequential targeted DNA NGS and RNA NGS. It is feasible to identify multiple genetic variations at the DNA and RNA levels simultaneously in clinical practice.

Identifying Average Reservoir Pressure in Multilayered Oil Wells Using Selective Inflow Performance (SIP) Method

The downhole flow profiles of the wells with single production tubes and mixed flow from more than one layer can be complicated, making it challenging to obtain the average pressure of each layer independently. Production log data can be used to monitor the impacts of pressure depletion over time and to determine average pressure with the use of Selective Inflow Performance (SIP). The SIP technique provides a method of determining the steady state of inflow relationship for each individual layer. The well flows at different stabilized surface rates, and for each rate, a production log is run throughout the producing interval to record both downhole flow rates and flowing pressure. PVT data can be used to convert measured in-situ rates to surface conditions. Different types of Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR) equations can be used for SIP interpretation, including the Straight-line method, Fetkovitch method, and Laminar Internal Turbulent (LIT) relations. Although the SIP method can be used for single-phase flow, the interpreter can restrict the IPR’s calculations to a particular phase. This research discusses the difficulties in estimating the average reservoir pressure in multilayered reservoir completed wells over their production life. The SIP technique has been applied to some producing wells in the south of Iraq, which are completed in multiple producing reservoirs previously tested with a formation tester to estimate reservoir pressure and other parameters. Two wells are taken in the south of Iraq region, Zubair Oil Field, one with cross flow between perforations and the other well with no cross flow. An average pressure is not calculated for layer A in Well-1, because there is no contribution rate. While the average pressure for Well-1, layer B is 3414.49 psia. Also, the average pressure for Well-2, layer H is not calculated because there is no rate contribution from this layer, and the maximum average pressure was calculated in layer G, which is about 2606.26 psia. It is also found that the presence of cross flow has no effect on SIP calculations.