Transmission Coefficients Research Articles

Monte Carlo dosimetry study of newly designed shielded applicators for intensity modulated brachytherapy of cervical and vaginal cancers

IntroductionThe utilization of metal shields in intensity-modulated brachytherapy (IMBT) enables the modulation of the dose, resulting in improved conformance to the tumor while simultaneously reducing the doses to organs at risk (OARs). Utilizing higher-energy sources like 60Co in IMBT for cervical and vaginal cancers has consistently posed challenges. This study evaluates the dosimetric aspects of modified applicators designed for IMBT using 60Co and 192Ir sources.Materials and MethodsGATE, a Geant4-based simulation code, was utilized to model and simulate four distinct applicators. The clinical applicators were redesigned to place the structure of the source tube and the shield while keeping the general characteristics unchanged. These shields were evaluated by calculating transmission factors (TFs) and the dose homogeneities were also determined.ResultTransmission factors for the IMBT technique in redesigned intrauterine applicators and tungsten shields for iridium and cobalt sources were at least 12.8 and 65.4%, and these values were obtained for the intravaginal applicator at 0.2 and 7.0%, respectively. The dose homogeneities for all combinations of radionuclide-shield were within a 15% range of the non-IMBT applicators.ConclusionThis study has quantitatively evaluated the dosimetric effect of tungsten shields in the IMBT technique for cervical and vaginal cancer using cobalt sources. 192Ir compared to 60Co resulted in higher effectiveness for the designed intrauterine and intravaginal shields. while implementing tungsten shields in the redesigned applicators against the 60Co source may not offer complete protection, it does show promising results in reducing the dose to organs at risk.

Device for detection of activity-dependent changes in neural spheroids at MHz and GHz frequencies

Intracellular processes triggered by neural activity include changes in ionic concentrations, protein release, and synaptic vesicle cycling. These processes play significant roles in neurological disorders. The beneficial effects of brain stimulation may also be mediated through intracellular changes. There is a lack of label-free techniques for monitoring activity-dependent intracellular changes. Electromagnetic (EM) waves at frequencies larger than 1x106 Hz (1 MHz) were previously used to probe intracellular contents of cells, as cell membrane becomes “invisible” at this frequency range. EM waves interact with membranes of intracellular organelles, proteins, and water in the MHz – GHz range. In this work, we developed a device for probing the interaction between active neurons’ intracellular contents and EM waves. The device used an array of grounded coplanar waveguides (GCPWs) to deliver EM waves to a three-dimensional (3D) spheroid of rat cortical neurons. Neural activity was evoked using optogenetics, with synchronous detection of propagation of EM waves. Broadband measurements were conducted in the MHz-GHz range to track changes in transmission coefficients. Neuronal activity was found to reversibly alter EM wave transmission. Pharmacological suppression of neuronal activity abolished changes in transmission. Time constants of changes in transmission were in the seconds – tens of seconds range, suggesting the presence of relatively slow, activity-dependent intracellular processes. This study provides the first evidence that EM transmission through neuronal tissue is activity-dependent in MHz – GHz range. Device developed in this work may find future applications in studies of the mechanisms of neurological disorders and the development of new therapies.

The study of temperature properties of I.H.P. structure and its application for filters on surface acoustic waves

The results of investigation of temperature properties of I.H.P.-structures on multilayer lithium tantalate/silicon dioxide film/silicon substrate used to improve the characteristics of surface acoustic wave devices are presented. Finite element modeling of the test structures was performed in COMSOL software and the temperature frequency coefficient was calculated. A comparison of the calculated transmission coefficient of a resonator filter on a conventional 36°YX-cut lithium tantalate monocrystal substrate and an I.H.P.-filter at different temperature values is presented. The possibility of minimizing the temperature coefficient of frequency by selecting the thickness of the substrate layers is shown. Comparison of the obtained results with the known data showed good agreement. The practical significance consists in the use of modeling results and calculated parameters in the development of various classes of devices on multilayer substrates, including those with I.H.P.-structures.

Transmission coefficient and probability of intersubband transitions in [formula omitted] superlattices: Effect of non-parabolicity

Our study investigates optical transition energies in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum multiwell infrared photodetectors. These devices exploit transitions within subbands, necessitating accurate theoretical predictions to optimize their performance. We first determine the energetic positions of conduction minibands and investigate how band non-parabolicity influences the width of these minibands. Furthermore, we analyze the impact of non-parabolicity on transition probabilities within the quantum wells. Additionally, our study explores the transmission coefficient, which exhibits a decrease with increasing barrier height. This phenomenon affects electron transmission efficiency and is associated with quantum reflection processes. Higher barrier heights require greater energy for electrons to traverse, influencing device functionality. Understanding these factors is crucial for advancing the design and performance of GaAs/AlGaAs quantum multiwell photodetectors, offering insights into their operational limits and potential optimizations.

Extended transfer matrix method for electron transmission in anisotropic 2D materials: Interplay of strain and (a)periodicity of potentials

We extend the conventional transfer matrix method to include anisotropic features for electron transmission in two-dimensional materials, such as breaking reflection law in pseudo-spin phases and wave vectors, which are not usually considered appropriately in the literature. This method allows us to study transmission properties of anisotropic and stratified electrostatic potential media from a wide range of tunable parameters, which include strain tensor and gating. We apply the extended matrix method to obtain the electron transmission, conductance, and Fano factor for the interplay of a uniaxially strained graphene sheet with external one-dimensional aperiodic potentials. Our results suggest the possibility of visualizing this interplay from conductance measurements.

SIR models with vital dynamics, reinfection, and randomness to investigate the spread of infectious diseases

We investigate SIR models with vital dynamics, reinfection, and randomness at the transmission coefficient and recruitment rate. Initially, we conduct an extensive analysis of the autonomous scenario, covering aspects such as local and global well-posedness, the existence and internal structure of attractors, and the presence of gradient dynamics. Subsequently, we explore the implications of small nonautonomous random perturbations, establishing the continuity of attractors and ensuring their topological structural stability. Additionally, we study scenarios in which both the transmission coefficient and the recruitment rate exhibit time-dependent or random behavior. For each scenario, we establish the existence of attractors and delineate conditions that determine whether the disease is eradicated or reaches an endemic state. Finally, we depict numerical simulations to illustrate the theoretical results.

Aging characterization of dielectric materials using microstrip spiral resonator sensor: application in high frequency range, up to 18 GHz

This current work aims to propose a complete microwave procedure for dielectric materials aging characterization. To achieve this aim, a microstrip spiral resonator sensor, based on printed circuit board (PCB) technology, is designed to attend polyvinyl chloride (PVC) aging behavior through microwave measurements. The resonator is composed of a spiral microstrip, excited by coupling 50-Ohm transmission line on the top layer of the substrate; meanwhile a rectangular slot is etched in the bottom layer, behind the spiral shape to achieve high inductive effect. Structure optimization was conducted using high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS). The sensor is then used as a holder of the UV-aged PVC material while reflection (S11) and transmission (S21) coefficients are measured by vector network analyzer (VNA) in high frequency range, up to 18 GHz. The aging effect is finally perceived by observing the frequency shift of the resonance frequency between the empty and the aged-PVC loaded sensor, together with a variation in the S21 parameter amplitude. It is then found that for 864 h of UV-exposure is provided more than 0.45% frequency shift and about 4.67% decrease in electromagnetic energy transmission. Moreover, comparison between S11 and S21 results reveals that using S11 parameter is more practical to investigate material aging as it allows for simple visual checking of the frequency shift.

Experimental investigation of fired clay bricks for gamma radiation shielding

In this study, the focus was on evaluating how the physical and structural attributes of red clay bricks influence their ability to shield γ-rays. The red clay brick samples' density (ρ, g/cm3) was measured using the MH-300A density meter. The minerals present in the selected clay were identified through the application of X-ray diffraction. Moreover, the material's morphology and chemical composition were studied using scanning electron microscopy. By increasing the pressure rate (PR) from 7.61 to 114.22 MPa, the density of the synthetic clay bricks was increased from 1.50 to 1.69 g/cm3. Subsequently, the gamma-ray shielding effectiveness of the clay bricks produced was investigated through experiments utilizing a NaI (Tl) detector with exposure to various gamma sources. The experimental data illustrated a rise in the linear attenuation coefficient (μ) of the proposed clay bricks, progressing from 1.352 ± 0.040 to 1.559 ± 0.068 cm−1, from 0.111 ± 0.003 to 0.123 ± 0.005 cm−1 and from 0.087 ± 0.002 to 0.099 ± 0.003 cm−1 at γ-ray energies of 0.033, 0.662, and 1.332 MeV, respectively. The rise in μ resulted in a reduction in the half-value thickness (Δ0.5), lead equivalent thickness (Δeq) and transmission factor (TF), in the synthetic bricks. Additionally, samples with increased thickness exhibited enhanced effectiveness in shielding gamma radiation, making them suitable for various applications requiring radiation protection. Moreover, the detection of pressure rate's influence on the physical and shielding characteristics of clay bricks was observed at specific gamma energies. (0.033, 0.662 and 1.332 MeV).

Microwaves in ferromagnetic composites Fe/Epoxy with aggregates of nanoparticles: Theory and experiment

Microwave transmission through plates of a composite material containing spherical Fe nanoparticles in an epoxyamine matrix and reflection from plates have been studied. Measurements were carried out at the frequencies from 26 to 32 GHz in the magnetic fields up to 12 kOe. The ferromagnetic resonance phenomenon in the composite has been investigated. The theory of electromagnetic waves transmitting through a composite material containing ferromagnetic particles, taking into account aggregating the particles, has been developed. A good agreement of calculation results and experimentally obtained field dependences of the transmission and reflection coefficients, as well as microwaves dissipation, has been achieved.

Vector competence of Culex quinquefasciatus for Tembusu virus and viral factors for virus transmission by mosquitoes

The ongoing epidemic of flaviviruses worldwide has underscored the importance of studying flavivirus vector competence, considering their close association with mosquito vectors. Tembusu virus is an avian-related mosquito-borne flavivirus that has been an epidemic in China and Southeast Asia since 2010. However, the reason for the outbreak of Tembusu virus in 2010 remains unclear, and it is unknown whether changes in vector transmission played an essential role in this process. To address these questions, we conducted a study using Culex quinquefasciatus as a model for Tembusu virus infection, employing both oral infection and microinjection methods. Our findings confirmed that both vertical and venereal transmission collectively contribute to the cycle of Tembusu virus within the mosquito population, with persistent infections observed. Importantly, our data revealed that the prototypical Tembusu virus MM_1775 strain exhibited significantly greater infectivity and transmission rates in mosquitoes than did the duck Tembusu virus (CQW1 strain). Furthermore, we revealed that the viral E protein and 3′ untranslated region are key elements responsible for these differences. In conclusion, our study sheds light on mosquito transmission of Tembusu virus and provides valuable insights into the factors influencing its infectivity and transmission rates. These findings contribute to a better understanding of Tembusu virus epidemiology and can potentially aid in the development of strategies to control its spread.

Transverse resonance technique for analysis of a symmetrical open stub in a microstrip transmission line

Open stubs in a strip (microstrip) transmission line are one of the most common elements of planar circuits used in numerous devices in the various types of wireless systems. Therefore, the urgent problem is to develop an analyzing method for discontinuities in the form of the open stub in a microstrip transmission line at frequencies at which the high-frequency effects must be considered. In the paper, a technique of scattering characteristics calculating on a symmetrical microstrip open stub by transverse resonance method is presented. Boundary value problems for a rectangular volume resonator based on a microstrip transmission line with a symmetric open stub are solved for the three options boundary conditions in the symmetry plane and on the longitudinal boundaries. The intersection of the spectral curves obtained by the numerical solution of the “electric” and “magnetic” boundary value problems determines the minima of a reflection or transmission coefficients of fundamental wave on discontinuities. To algebraize the boundary value problems for the eigen frequencies of volume resonator with discontinuity, the corresponding two-dimensional functions of the magnetic potential are constructed, through which the components of the current density on the strip are determined. The functions of magnetic potential were defined by decomposing them into expansion by Fourier series, which ensures stable convergence of the series and numerical calculation algorithm. The developed technique has been tested by calculating the eigenfrequency spectra of an open microstrip stub using the transverse resonance method on the example of an open stub in a microstrip transmission line with a resonant frequency of about 3.0 GHz. Also, a technique for numerical solutions of “electric” and “magnetic” boundary-value problems for resonators with two electrodynamically coupled symmetric open stubs in a microstrip transmission line is developed.

Statistical Mechanical Theories of Membrane Permeability.

A popular theoretical framework to compute the permeability coefficient of a molecule is provided by the classic Smoluchowski-Kramers treatment of the steady-state diffusive flux across a free-energy barrier. Within this framework, commonly termed "inhomogeneous solubility-diffusion" (ISD), the permeability, P, is expressed in closed form in terms of the potential of mean force and position-dependent diffusivity of the molecule of interest along the membrane normal. In principle, both quantities can be calculated from all-atom MD simulations. Although several methods exist for calculating the position-dependent diffusivity, each of these is at best an estimate. In addition, the ISD model does not account for memory effects along the chosen reaction coordinate. For these reasons, it is important to seek alternative theoretical formulations to determine the permeability coefficient that are able to account for the factors ignored by the ISD approximation. Using Green-Kubo linear response theory, we establish the familiar constitutive relation between the flux density across the membrane and the difference in the concentration of a permeant molecule, j = PΔC. On this basis, we derive a time-correlation function expression for the nonequilibrium flux across a membrane that is reminiscent of the transmission coefficient in the reactive flux formalism treatment of transition rates. An analysis based on the transition path theory framework is exploited to derive alternative expressions for the permeability coefficient. The different strategies are illustrated with stochastic simulations based on the generalized Langevin equation in addition to unbiased molecular dynamics simulations of water permeation of a lipid bilayer.

Microwave Sensor for Sodium Chloride Density Measurement in Aqueous Solutions

Accurate determination of sodium chloride (NaCl) density in water is vital for assessing environmental impact, preventing soil salinization in agriculture, ensuring quality and consistency in industrial processes, facilitating medical treatments, and maintaining taste and preservation standards in the food and beverage industry. This paper introduces a novel microwave sensor design specifically tailored to accurately assess NaCl density in aqueous solutions. Starting with a standard solution of 10 g of salt dissolved in 100 ml of water, resulting in a molarity of approximately 1.71 M, five distinct samples are meticulously prepared. These samples cover a range of NaCl concentrations, with different ratios of salt solution and drinking water, including pure water, 10 ml of salt solution with 90 ml of water, 20 ml of salt solution with 80 ml of water, 30 ml of salt solution with 70 ml of water, and 40 ml of salt solution with 60 ml of water. Each sample undergoes analysis using the developed microwave sensor to determine its transmission coefficient. The magnitude of the transmission coefficient is closely tied to the density of the salt solution based on molarity. Through a detailed regression analysis, a strong quantitative relationship between the transmission coefficient and salt solution density is revealed. This correlation can be accurately represented by a third-order polynomial equation. This research is significant as it advances microwave sensor technology, allowing for accurate and efficient measurement of NaCl density in water.

Transmission Coefficient Measurements Using a 2.48-4.7 GHz Lateral Multiband Microstrip Patch Antenna (MB-MPA)

We designed a standard triple-wavelength multiband microstrip patch antenna (MB-MPA) by electromagnetic simulation and fabricated it using an FR-4 substrate. The fundamental resonant frequency f1 was 2.48 GHz, the second-order resonant frequency f2 was 3.7 GHz, and the third-order resonant frequency f3 was 4.7 GHz. The f2 signal resonated at 1/2 the length of the patch width W, and the electrical field intensities of Eφ and Eθ showed π/2 rotation polarization relative to the f1 signal. The polarization angle of the f3 signal was about 34 degrees as the f3 signal resonated at a length of 1/2 of the oblique line of the right triangle consisting of the shortened length L and 1/2 of the width W of the patch. The 0.1 - 6 GHz frequency band reflection and transmission coefficients of S-parameters S11 and S21 measured at a spatial propagation distance of 0.1 - 0.3 m with MB-MPAs as the transmitting and receiving antenna were consistent with the transmission system simulation results. The simulated transmission coefficient S21 at three wavelengths with a spatial propagation distance of 10 - 50 m with two-stage LNAs showed practical values. The lateral resonant MB-MPA can be practically designed by using 3D electromagnetic current density distribution, electric field intensity radiation, and evaluating the transmission coefficient S21.

Combining molecular transmission network analysis and spatial epidemiology to reveal HIV-1 transmission pattern among the older people in Nanjing, China

BackgroundIn China, the problem of HIV infection among the older people has become increasingly prominent. This study aimed to analyze the pattern and influencing factors of HIV transmission based on a genomic and spatial epidemiological analysis among this population.MethodsA total of 432 older people who were aged ≥ 50 years, newly diagnosed with HIV-1 between January 2018 and December 2021 and without a history of ART were enrolled. HIV-1 pol gene sequence was obtained by viral RNA extraction and nested PCR. The molecular transmission network was constructed using HIV-TRACE and the spatial distribution analyses were performed in ArcGIS. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the factors associated with clustering.ResultsA total of 382 sequences were successfully sequenced, of which CRF07_BC (52.3%), CRF01_AE (32.5%), and CRF08_BC (6.8%) were the main HIV-1 strains. A total of 176 sequences entered the molecular network, with a clustering rate of 46.1%. Impressively, the clustering rate among older people infected through commercial heterosexual contact was as high as 61.7% and three female sex workers (FSWs) were observed in the network. The individuals who were aged ≥ 60 years and transmitted the virus by commercial heterosexual contact had a higher clustering rate, while those who were retirees or engaged other occupations and with higher education degree were less likely to cluster. There was a positive spatial correlation of clustering rate (Global Moran I = 0.206, P < 0.001) at the town level and the highly aggregated regions were mainly distributed in rural area. We determined three large clusters which mainly spread in the intra-region of certain towns in rural areas. Notably, 54.5% of cases in large clusters were transmitted through commercial heterosexual contact.ConclusionsOur joint analysis of molecular and spatial epidemiology effectively revealed the spatial aggregation of HIV transmission and highlighted that towns of high aggregation were mainly located in rural area. Also, we found vital role of commercial heterosexual contact in HIV transmission among older people. Therefore, health resources should be directed towards highly aggregated rural areas and prevention strategy should take critical persons as entry points.

Joint trajectory and beamforming optimization for UAV secure communications with passive coupled phase-shift/active STAR-RIS

Recently, the concept of simultaneously transmitting and reflecting reconfigurable intelligent surface (STAR-RIS) has been proposed to achieve a full-space (i.e., 360∘) reconfigurable wireless environment. By exploiting the capability of manipulating signal propagation in both transmission and reflection spaces, the STAR-RIS possesses great potential to boost the security in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications. In this paper, the trajectory and beamforming optimization are investigated for secure transmission in STAR-RIS-assisted UAV communication systems. Unlike existing studies on the STAR-RIS that mostly focus on the passive ideal model, we consider the more practical passive coupled phase-shift model and the active model of the STAR-RIS. Under the multi-user multi-eavesdropper scenario, we aim to maximize the minimum average secrecy rate by jointly optimizing the UAV-base station's (UAV-BS's) beamforming, UAV's trajectory, and the STAR-RIS's transmission and reflection (T&R) coefficients. To tackle the non-convex optimization problem, the original problem is decomposed into three subproblems, and efficient alternating algorithms are proposed by leveraging the semi-definite relaxation, the successive convex approximation, and penalty-based approaches. Simulation results show that: 1) the practical coupled phase-shift model of passive STAR-RIS suffers a security performance degradation compared with the ideal independent phase-shift model, but it still outperforms the conventional RIS; 2) the active STAR-RIS with sufficient power budget outperforms its passive counterpart, while behaves slightly worse under unreasonable power budget; 3) the optimization of T&R coefficients drives the UAV's trajectory closer to the STAR-RIS, and the amplitudes of T&R coefficients highly depend on the UAV's trajectory in order to ensure the secrecy rate fairness.

A review on the direct and inverse transmission eigenvalue problem for the spherically symmetric refractive index

A review on the direct and inverse transmission eigenvalue problem for the spherically symmetric refractive index

Effect of open-area ratios on wave attenuation over a submerged reef breakwater: An experimental study

The reef-type submerged breakwater (RSB) has been implemented around the world to provide coastal protection and natural shelter and habitat for marine species at the same time. A series of laboratory experiments are conducted in a wave flume to study wave propagation and transmission over RSBs with the four open-area ratios of 0.047, 0.131, 0.257, and 0.560. The experimental results demonstrate that the RSB significantly alters the wave propagation characteristics. The RSBs with the open-area ratio of 0.047 and 0.131 reduce the wave height to ∼70%. The RSBs with the open-area ratio of 0.047 and 0.131 perform better in attenuating than those with the open-area ratio of 0.257, and 0.560. As the open-area ratio decreases, the transmission coefficient decreases, while the dissipation coefficient increases. An empirical formula is proposed to calculate the wave transmission coefficient as a function of the RSB open-area ratio and wave steepness under regular waves. A cubic empirical formula with one unknown is also proposed to relate the distance from RSB stoss face to wave breaking point and the open-area ratio. The present study is expected to optimize RSB design for coastal protection.

Interference cancellation system of a microwave resonator filter for 4G and 5G applications

This paper aimed at designing a microwave resonator filter for use in 4G and 5G applications. A band resonator filter was designed and implemented using microstrip technology. Poor performance of a microstrip microwave resonator filter is due to spurious harmonics and unwanted frequencies which are always present and cause interferences of signals hindering effective communication. The coupling matrix was first obtained using polynomial functions of transmission and reflection coefficients. A cost function for optimization was developed and particle swarm optimization techniques were used to optimize the coupling matrix. The transversal matrix was developed and converted to the folded matrix for practical filter implementation. A bandpass filter was designed and simulated using high- frequency structure simulator software. Unwanted frequencies are eliminated by employing a novel square open loop resonator structure. The filter was designed to specification and the results show that unwanted frequencies were eliminated corresponding to the frequency of the outer resonator and therefore performs better than comparable filter.

Laboratory measurements of water saturation effects on the acoustic velocity and attenuation of sand packs in the 1–20 kHz frequency range

AbstractWe present novel experimental measurements of acoustic velocity and attenuation in unconsolidated sand with water saturation within the sonic (well‐log analogue) frequency range of 1–20 kHz. The measurements were conducted on jacketed sand packs with 0.5‐m length and 0.069‐m diameter using a bespoke acoustic pulse tube (a water‐filled, stainless steel, thick‐walled tube) under 10 MPa of hydrostatic confining pressure and 0.1 MPa of atmospheric pore pressure. We assess the fluid distribution effect on our measurements through an effective medium rock physics model, using uniform and patchy saturation approaches. Our velocity and attenuation (Q−1) are accurate to ±2.4% and ±5.8%, respectively, based on comparisons with a theoretical transmission coefficient model. Velocity decreases with increasing water saturation up to ∼75% and then increases up to the maximum saturation. The velocity profiles across all four samples show similar values with small differences observed around 70%–90% water saturation, then converging again at maximum saturation. In contrast, the attenuation increases at low saturation, followed by a slight decrease towards maximum saturation. Velocity increases with frequency across all samples, which contrasts with the complex frequency‐dependent pattern of attenuation. These results provide valuable insights into understanding elastic wave measurements over a broad frequency spectrum, particularly in the sonic range.