Laser doppler anemometry in hydrodynamic testing

Classical methods and the laser-Doppler-anemometry (LDA) application for the test section calibration of a water-cavitation tunnel is presented. The results show that the LDA is the best method for calibration and the classical methods satisfy the needs of standard tests. The advantages of the LDA are illustrated by determination of the pressure coefficient C _p for a hydrofoil of a high-speed axial pump under the stationary and nonstationary conditions, as well. The velocity vector distribution is measured around the central hydrofoil of a straight grid for angles of attack δ = 0° and 25° and undisturbed velocity v _∞ = 5.32 m/s. The results of the LDA measurements are used as a basis for the definition of the boundary conditions for numerical flow simulation and C _p calculation by the Fluent program. A flow visualization is made by aniline dyes and air bubbles.     

Short- and midterm repeatability of magnetic resonance elastography in healthy volunteers at 3.0 T

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and midterm repeatability of liver stiffness measurements with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in healthy subjects at 3.0 T. Twenty-two healthy volunteers were enrolled in this prospective study. The stiffness measurements were obtained from three slices with three repeated acquisitions for each slice (session 1) by two independent raters. After a mean period of 7 ± 2 days (session 2) and 195 ± 15 days (session 3), each subject was scanned again using the same protocol and MR system. The liver stiffness differences were calculated between sessions or raters. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess interrater agreement and intersession agreement. The stiffness differences over the short- and midterm intervals was (− 0.004 ± 0.086) kPa for sessions 1–2, lower than (− 0.055 ± 0.150) kPa for sessions 1–3 and (− 0.051 ± 0.173) kPa for sessions 2–3. The liver stiffness was more repeatable for the short-term interval with the mean overall ICC of 0.96 (sessions 1–2) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90–0.98) compared with 0.91 (sessions 1–3) (95% CI: 0.78–0.96) and 0.87 (sessions 2–3) (95% CI: 0.69–0.95) for the midterm intervals. The overall ICC of interrater agreement was excellent at 0.987 (95% CI: 0.983 to 0.990). These results confirm that MRE is a reproducible technique for liver stiffness quantification over short- and midterm intervals up to 6 months in a healthy population at 3.0 T.     

Non-contrast-enhanced MR-angiography (MRA) of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease at 3 tesla: Examination time and diagnostic performance of 2D quiescent-interval single-shot MRA vs. 3D fast spin-Echo MRA

PurposeNon-contrast enhanced MRA is a promising diagnostic alternative to contrast-enhanced (CE-) MRA or CT in patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) but potentially associated with prolonged examination times and inferior diagnostic performance. We aimed to compare examination times and diagnostic performance of non-contrast enhanced quiescent-interval slice-selective (QISS)-MRA and fast-spin-echo (FSE)-MRA at 3.0 T.Materials and methodsForty-five patients with PAD were recruited for this IRB approved prospective study. Subjects underwent lower extremity MRA with 1) QISS-MRA, 2) FSE-MRA, and 3) CE-MRA (continuous table movement MRA and time-resolved MRA of the calf), which served as the standard of reference. Scan times for each examination step and total examination times for each of the three techniques was determined. Image quality and degree of stenosis were rated by two readers on a 5-point Likert scale. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy for relevant (>50%) stenosis were calculated.ResultsMedian total examination time was 27:02 min for QISS-MRA (IQR, 25:13–31:01 min), 28:37 min for FSE-MRA (IQR, 25:51–33:12 min), and 31:22 min for CE-MRA (IQR, 26:41–33:23 min). Acquisition time for QISS-MRA was significantly longer compared to FSE-MRA and CE-MRA (p ≤ 0.0001), while time for localizers, scouts and planning of the MRA sequence was significantly shorter for QISS-MRA compared to FSE-MRA and CE-MRA (p ≤ 0.0001). QISS-MRA had significantly better image quality compared to FSE-MRA with less segments classified as non-diagnostic (Reader 1: 3% vs. 35%; Reader 2: 3% vs. 50%, p ≤ 0.0001). Overall, QISS-MRA showed significantly better diagnostic performance than FSE-MRA (sensitivity, 85% vs. 54%; specificity, 90% vs. 47%, diagnostic accuracy, 89% vs. 48%; p ≤ 0.0001).ConclusionTotal examination time of QISS-MRA and FSE-MRA was comparable with a conventional CE-MRA protocol. QISS-MRA showed significantly higher diagnostic performance than FSE-MRA.     

Pulse wave velocity with 4D flow MRI: Systematic differences and age-related regional vascular stiffness

Purpose

The objective of this study was to compare multiple methods for estimation of PWV from 4D flow MRI velocity data and to investigate if 4D flow MRI-based PWV estimation with piecewise linear regression modeling of travel-distance vs. travel time is sufficient to discern age-related regional differences in PWV.

Methods

4D flow MRI velocity data were acquired in 8 young and 8 older (age: 23 ± 2 vs. 58 ± 2 years old) normal volunteers. Travel-time and travel-distance were measured throughout the aorta and piecewise linear regression was used to measure global PWV in the descending aorta and regional PWV in three equally sized segments between the top of the aortic arch and the renal arteries. Six different methods for extracting travel-time were compared.

Results

Methods for estimation of travel-time that use information about the whole flow waveform systematically overestimate PWV when compared to methods restricted to the upslope-portion of the waveforms (p < 0.05). In terms of regional PWV, a significant interaction was found between age and location (p < 0.05). The age-related differences in regional PWV were greater in the proximal compared to distal descending aorta.

Conclusion

Care must be taken as different classes of methods for the estimation of travel-time produce different results. 4D flow MRI-based PWV estimation with piecewise linear regression modeling of travel-distance vs. travel time can discern age-related differences in regional PWV well in line with previously reported data.     

Fourier Transform Spectroscopy of theYΣ–XΠiTransition of CuO

TheY²Σ⁺–X²Π_inear-infrared electronic transition of CuO was observed at high resolution for the first time. The spectrum was recorded with the Fourier transform spectrometer associated with the McMath–Pierce Solar Telescope at Kitt Peak. The excited CuO molecules were produced in a low pressure copper hollow cathode sputter with a slow flow of oxygen. Constants for theY²Σ⁺states of CuO are:T₀= 7715.47765(54) cm⁻¹,B= 0.4735780(28) cm⁻¹,D= 0.822(12) × 10⁻⁶cm⁻¹,H= 0.46(10) × 10⁻¹⁰cm⁻¹, γ = −0.089587(42) cm⁻¹, γ_D= 0.1272(79) × 10⁻⁶cm⁻¹,b_F= 0.12347(22) cm⁻¹, andc= 0.0550(74) cm⁻¹. ImprovedX²Π_iconstants are also presented.     

The emission spectrum of the CΣ–XΣ system of AlH

The ultraviolet spectrum of AlH has been investigated at high resolution between 42 000 and 45 000 cm⁻¹ using a conventional spectroscopic technique. The AlH molecules were formed and excited in an aluminium hollow-cathode lamp with two anodes, filled with a mixture of Ne carried gas and a trace of NH₃. The emission from the discharge was observed with a plane grating spectrograph and recorded by a photomultiplier tube. The 0–0, 1–1 and 1–2 bands of the C¹Σ⁺–X¹Σ⁺ transition have been identified and rotationally analyzed. The new data were elaborated with help of recent X¹Σ⁺ state parameters reported by White et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 99 (1993) 8371–8378] and by Szajna and Zachwieja [Eur. Phys. J. D. 55 (2009) 549–555]. Determined constants of the excited C¹Σ⁺ state include: T_e = 44 675.3711(57) cm⁻¹, ω_e = 1575.3357(42) cm⁻¹, ω_ex_e = [125.5] cm⁻¹, B_e = 6.66804(32) cm⁻¹, α_e = 0.55839(56) cm⁻¹, D_e = 2.23(13) × 10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, β_e = 6.13(25) × 10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹ and r_e = 1.613132(39) Å. The C¹Σ⁺ state is found to be extensively perturbed in the v = 0 and 1 vibrational level at J = 20, 22 − 27 and J = 5 − 9, respectively. This was probably caused by the interaction with the vibrational levels of the outer minimum.     

元胞自动机混合交通流模型的能耗研究

基于元胞自动机交通流NaSch模型,提出元胞自动机混合交通流能耗公式,对混合交通流的能耗进行研究,通过数值模拟研究不同最大速度、不同车长的混合交通流的能耗;研究表明不同车长、不同最大速度以及混合比对混合交通流能耗均有不同的影响. 关键词： 交通流 元胞自动机 能耗 混合交通     

Negative elliptic flow of J/ψ’s: A qualitative signature for charm collectivity at RHIC

We discuss one of the most prominent features of the very recent preliminary elliptic flow data of J/ψ-mesons from the PHENIX Collaboration (PHENIX Collaboration (C. Silvestre), arXiv:0806.0475 [nucl-ex]). Even within the rather large error bars of the measured data a negative elliptic flow parameter (v₂) for J/ψ in the range of p _T = 0.5-2.5 GeV/c is visible. We argue that this negative elliptic flow at intermediate p_T is a clear and qualitative signature for the collectivity of charm quarks produced in nucleus-nucleus reactions at RHIC. Within a parton recombination approach we show that a negative elliptic flow puts a lower limit on the collective transverse velocity of heavy quarks. The numerical value of the transverse flow velocity for charm quarks that is necessary to reproduce the data is (charm) ∼ 0.55-0.6c and therefore compatible with the flow of light quarks.     

Simulation of ultrasound influence on melt convection for the growth of GaxIn1−xSb and Si single crystals by the Czochralski method

The flow simulation for Ga_xIn_1−xSb and Si melts was conducted for quasi-steady conditions. The maximum velocity was under the solid–liquid interface near periphery of the crystals. An introduction of ultrasound into the liquid formed a standing wave channel under the solid–liquid interface, which acted on melt particles. The calculations of convective and ultrasonic forces acting on the particles in the melt showed that the ultrasonic force is much higher than the convective force.     

The combined effect of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus on aortic stiffness and endothelial dysfunction: An integrated study with high-resolution MRI

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the combined effect of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) on aortic stiffness and endothelial dysfunction by using an integrated MRI approach.

Materials and Methods

A total of 31 non-hypertensive DM2 patients and 31 hypertensive DM2 patients underwent 3.0-T MRI. Aortic distensibility (AD), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were assessed. Student's t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi-squared test, Pearson correlation analysis, and univariable and multiple linear regression analyses were used for statistical analyses.

Results

The hypertensive patients showed lower AD at multiple levels (ascending aorta [AA]: 2.07 ± 0.98 × 10^− 3 mm Hg^− 1 vs. 3.21 ± 1.70 × 10^− 3 mm Hg^− 1, p < 0.01; proximal thoracic descending aorta [PDA]: 2.58 ± 0.72 × 10^− 3 mm Hg^− 1 vs. 3.58 ± 1.47 × 10^− 3 mm Hg^− 1, p < 0.01; distal descending aorta [DDA]: 3.11 ± 1.84 × 10^− 3 mm Hg^− 1 vs. 4.27 ± 1.75 × 10^− 3 mm Hg^− 1, p < 0.01); faster PWV (7.46 ± 2.28 m/s vs. 5.82 ± 1.12 m/s, p < 0.05) and lower FMD (12.67% ± 6.49% vs. 20.66% ± 9.7%; p < 0.01). Systolic blood pressure was an independent predictor of PWV, AA-AD, DDA-AD and FMD. FMD was statistically significantly associated with PWV (r = − 0.37, p < 0.01) and AD (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Hypertension has a contributive effect on aortic stiffness and endothelial dysfunction in DM2 patients.     

Diffusion-weighted MRI for the detection of colorectal polyps: feasibility study

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) for detecting colorectal polyps. DWI (high b-value of 1000 s/mm²) was prospectively performed in 26 symptomatic patients who were scheduled to undergo colonoscopy. DWI and colonoscopic findings were interpreted in a blinded manner. The sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of DWI for the detection of clinically relevant polyps (≥ 6 mm) and colorectal cancer (CRC) were calculated on a per-lesion basis, using colonoscopy results as the standard of reference. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and negative predictive value (NPV) on a per-patient basis were also calculated. Sensitivity and PPV on a per-lesion basis were 80.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 49.0%–94.3%] and 72.7% (95% CI: 43.4%–90.3%) for polyps ≥ 6 mm and CRC. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV on a per-patient basis were 85.7% (95% CI: 48.7%–97.4%), 84.2% (95% CI: 62.4%–94.5%), 66.7% (95% CI: 35.4%–87.9%) and 94.1% (95% CI: 73.0%–99.0%) for polyps ≥ 6mm and CRC. In conclusion, DWI cannot yet be recommended in a clinical setting in which DWI is performed first and subsequent colonoscopy is only performed in patients with positive findings at DWI. Further (technical) developments are required to increase its diagnostic yield.     

Can diffusion-weighted imaging be used as a reliable sequence in the detection of malignant pulmonary nodules and masses?

Recent developments in diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) make it possible to image malignant tumors to provide tissue contrast based on difference with the diffusion of water molecules among tissues, which can be measured by the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of DWI for benign/malignant discrimination of pulmonary nodules/masses with a meta-analysis. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cancerlit and Cochrane Library database, from January 2001 to August 2011, were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of DWI for benign/malignant discrimination of pulmonary nodules. We determined sensitivities and specificities across studies, calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRP and LRN), and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic SROC) curves. Across 10 studies (545 patients), there was no evidence of publication bias (P= .22, bias=−19.19). DWI had a pooled sensitivity of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.76–0.90) and a pooled specificity of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.64–0.94). Overall, LRP was 5.3 (95% CI, 2.1–13.0) and LRN was 0.19 (95% CI, 0.12–0.30). In patients with high pretest probabilities, DWI enabled confirmation of malignant pulmonary lesion; in patients with low pretest probabilities, DWI enabled exclusion of malignant pulmonary lesion. Worst-case-scenario (pretest probability, 50%) posttest probabilities were 84% and 16% for positive and negative DWI results, respectively. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging can be used to differentiate malignant from benign pulmonary lesions. High-quality prospective studies regarding DWI in the evaluation of pulmonary nodules are still needed to be conducted.     

Fourier Transform Infrared Emission Spectroscopy of thebΠ–aΣSystem of BN

The emission spectrum of BN has been investigated in the 1800–9000 cm⁻¹region using a Fourier transform spectrometer. BN was formed in a microwave discharge of He with a trace of BCl₃and N₂. The bands observed in the 3000–7800 cm⁻¹interval have been assigned as theb¹Π–a¹Σ⁺transition, with the 0–0 band at 3513.99040(43) cm⁻¹. This transition is analogous to theA¹Π_u–X¹Σ⁺_g(Phillips) system of the isoelectronic C₂molecule. The rotational analysis of the 0–0, 1–1, 1–0, 2–1, 3–2, 2–0, 3–1, 4–2, and 4–1 bands has been obtained and the molecular constants for theb¹Π anda¹Σ⁺states have been determined. A local perturbation has been observed in thev= 1 vibrational level of theb¹Π state nearJ= 18 caused by the interaction with thev= 3 vibrational level of thea¹Σ⁺state. The principal equilibrium constants for thea¹Σ⁺state are: ω_e= 1705.4032(11) cm⁻¹, ω_ex_e= 10.55338(52) cm⁻¹,B_e= 1.683771(10), α_e= 0.013857(16) cm⁻¹, andr_e= 1.2745081(37) Å. Although theb¹Π–a¹Σ⁺transition has recently been seen in emission from boron nitride trapped in solid neon matrices [J. Chem. Phys.104,3143–3146 (1996)], our work represents the first observation of this transition of BN in the gas phase.     

Elliptic flow in a hadron-string cascade model at 130 GeV energy

We present the analysis of elliptic flow at =130 A GeV energy in a hadron-string cascade model. We find that the final hadronic yields are qualitatively described. The elliptic flow v ₂ is reasonably well-described at low transverse momentum (p t<1 GeV/c) in mid-central collisions. On the other hand, this model does not explain v ₂ at high p t or in peripheral collisions and thus generally, it underestimates the elliptic flow at RHIC energy.     

Numerical simulation of bubble dynamics in a Phan-Thien–Tanner liquid: Non-linear shape and size oscillatory response under periodic pressure

We study non-linear bubble oscillations driven by an acoustic pressure with the bubble being immersed in a viscoelastic, Phan-Thien–Tanner liquid. Solution is provided numerically through a method which is based on a finite element discretization of the Navier–Stokes flow equations. The proposed computational approach does not rely on the solution of the simplified Rayleigh–Plesset equation, is not limited in studying only spherically symmetric bubbles and provides coupled solutions for the velocity, stress fields and bubble interface. We present solutions for non-spherical bubbles, with asphericity being addressed by means of Legendre polynomials or associated Legendre functions. A parametric investigation of the bubble dynamical oscillatory response as a function of the fluid rheological properties shows that the amplitude of bubble oscillations drastically increases as liquid elasticity (quantified by the Deborah number) increases or as liquid viscosity decreases (quantified by the Reynolds number). Extensive numerical calculations demonstrate that increasing elasticity and/or viscosity of the surrounding liquid tend to stabilize the shape anisotropy of an initially non-spherical bubble. Results are shown for pressure amplitudes 0.2–2 MPa and Deborah, Reynolds numbers in the intervals of 1–8 and 0.094–1.256, respectively.     

Site-specific ϕ- and ψ-torsion angle determination in a uniformly/extensively 13C- and 15N-labeled peptide

A solid-state rotational-echo double resonance (REDOR) NMR method was introduced to identify the ?- and ψ-torsion angle from a ¹H–¹⁵N or ¹H–¹³C′ spin system of alanine-like residues in a selectively, uniformly, or extensively ¹⁵N-/¹³C-labeled peptide. When a C_α(i) or a ¹⁵N peak is site-specifically obtainable in the NMR spectrum of a uniformly ¹⁵N/¹³C-labeled sample system, the ψ- or ?-torsion angle specified by the conformational structure of peptide geometry involving ¹⁵N(i)–¹H_αi–¹⁵N(i + 1) or ¹³C′(i − 1)–¹H^Ni–¹³C′(i) spin system can be identified based on ¹³C_α- or ¹⁵N-detected ¹H_α–¹⁵N or ¹H_N–¹³C REDOR experiment. This method will conveniently be utilized to identify major secondary motifs, such as α-helix, β-sheet, and β-turn, from a uniformly ¹⁵N-/¹³C-labled peptide sample system. When tested on a ¹³C-/¹⁵N-labeled model system of a three amino acid peptide Gly–[U–¹³C, ¹⁵N]Ala–[U–¹³C, ¹⁵N]Leu, the ψ-angle of alanine obtained experimentally, ψ = −40 ± 30°, agreed reasonably well with the X-ray determined angle, ψ = −39°.     

Turbulent structures in an optimal Taylor–Couette flow between concentric counter-rotating cylinders

The turbulent structures formed in a Taylor–Couette (TC) flow established between two concentric counter-rotating cylinders were explored numerically. The shear Reynolds number was set to Re_shear = 8000 and the radius ratio was set to r_i/r_o = 0.5. An optimal flow corresponding to the maximal angular velocity transport between the cylinders was selected for the TC flow. The mean velocity profile reached its steepest value near the cylinders in the optimal TC flow. The streamwise velocity correlations at the outer cylinder in the gap exceeded those at the inner cylinder. The large convective transport of angular velocity in the gap generated a maximal angular velocity flux to achieve the optimal flow. The angular velocity flux generated by the momentum source exceeded that generated by the momentum sink. The vorticity dispersion was larger near the inner cylinder than near the outer cylinder, but vorticity stretching near the outer cylinder exceeded than that near the inner cylinder. The skin friction coefficient budgets were plotted using the velocity–vorticity correlation. The vortex stretching contributions dominated the skin friction budgets. The area near the inner cylinder was populated by stronger vortices, but their population density was smaller than the population density of the vortices near the outer cylinder. The probability density functions of the wall-normal and streamwise velocity fluctuations delineated the presence of the large wall-normal velocity fluctuations near the outer cylinder.     

Vessel length on SNAP MRA and TOF MRA is a potential imaging biomarker for brain blood flow

PurposeTo explore feasibility of using the vessel length on time-of-flight (TOF) or simultaneous non-contrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage (SNAP) MRA as an imaging biomarker for brain blood flow, by using arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion imaging and 3D phase contrast (PC) quantitative flow imaging as references.MethodsIn a population of thirty subjects with carotid atherosclerotic disease, the visible intracranial arteries on TOF and SNAP were semi-automatically traced and the total length of the distal segments was calculated with a dedicated software named iCafe. ASL blood flow was calculated automatically using the recommended hemodynamic model. PC blood flow was obtained by generating cross-sectional arterial images and semi-automatically drawing the lumen contours. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the associations between the different whole-brain or hemispheric blood flow measurements.ResultsUnder the imaging protocol used in this study, TOF vessel length was larger than SNAP vessel length (P < 0.001). Both whole-brain TOF and SNAP vessel length showed a correlation with whole brain ASL and 3D PC blood flow measurements, and the correlation coefficients were higher for SNAP vessel length (TOF vs ASL: R = 0.554, P = 0.002; SNAP vs ASL: R = 0.711, P < 0.001; TOF vs 3D PC: R = 0.358, P = 0.052; SNAP vs 3D PC: R = 0.425, P = 0.019). Similar correlation results were observed for the hemispheric measurements. Hemispheric asymmetry index of SNAP vessel length also showed a significant correlation with hemispheric asymmetry index of ASL cerebral blood flow (R = 0.770, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe results suggest that length of the visible intracranial arteries on TOF or SNAP MRA can serve as a potential imaging marker for brain blood flow.     

Monitoring acoustic emission (AE) energy of abrasive particle impacts in a slurry flow loop using a statistical distribution model

Slurry erosion has been recognized as a serious problem in many industrial applications. In slurry flows, the estimation of the amount of incident kinetic energy that transmits from particles suspended in the fluid to the containment structures is a key aspect in evaluating its abrasive potential. This work represents a systematic investigation of particle impact energy measurement using acoustic emission (AE), as indicated by a sensor mounted on the outer surface of a sharp bend, in an arrangement that had been pre-calibrated using controlled single and multiple impacts. Particle size, free stream velocity, and nominal particle concentration were varied, and the amount of energy dissipated in the carbon steel bend was assessed using a slurry impingement flow loop test rig. Silica sand particles of mean particle size 225–650 μm were used for impingement on the bend with particle nominal concentrations between 1 and 5% while the free stream velocity was changed between 4.2 and 14 ms⁻¹.     

混合交通流元胞自动机FI模型的能耗研究

研究了在周期边界条件下,最大速度、混合比例、车辆长度、随机减速概率对(fukui-ishibashi,FI)交通流模型能耗的影响.数值模拟结果表明,FI交通流模型的能耗随着车辆最大速度的增大而增加;随着混合比C的增大而增加,长车的比例越多能耗越大;随长车车长的增长而增加.FI交通流模型的能耗不同于NaSch模型能耗,对于FI交通流模型,在最大流量之处交通能耗发生下降的突变趋于零,其左右各存在交通能耗极大值.