A two-dimensional model of pulsating flow in the basilar artery

The flow in the basilar artery is modelled by a pulsating flow of a viscous fluid in a plane straight semi-infinite channel with rigid walls. To model the merging flow from the two vertebral arteries, the prescribed initial velocity profile exhibits two separate maximum values. Numerical results are presented for the downstream velocity, the wall shear and the time-dependent inlet length. Finally, the biomechanical implications of the results are discussed.     

Pulsating entry-flow in a plane channel

To obtain results for the title problem, the time-dependent Navier-Stokes equations have been solved numerically. Axial-velocity profiles at various distances from the entrance of the channel are shown for a number of points in time during one period of oscillation. Further some results for the time-dependent inlet length are presented.     

Steady two-dimensional merging flow from two channels into a single channel

Two-dimensional steady symmetric merging flow from two channels into a single one is investigated. The geometry of the configuration has been chosen such that it can be mapped conformally onto a rectangular geometry, thus facilitating the numerical solution procedure for the governing Navier-Stokes equations. Computed velocity profiles and streamline patterns are presented in graphical form. Furthermore, results concerning the inlet length are given.     

P NMR study of the valence stability of tin in its 1-hydroxyethylene-diphosphonate (HEDP) and N,N′,N′-trimethylenephosphonate-polyethyleneimine (PEI-MP) complexes

The valence stability of tin in its complexes with 1-hydroxyethylene-diphosphonate (HEDP) and with N,N′,N′-trimethylenephosphonate-polyethyleneimine (PEI-MP) was investigated. With particular interest in the possible interconversion between Sn²⁺ and Sn⁴⁺, the complexes were monitored with the aid of ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. The extent of complex formation with both ligands was evaluated for systems with tin in their respective oxidation states. The Sn²⁺-complexes underwent initial, but limited oxidation upon preparation, and beyond which were rather stable, irrespective of pH or time. Both Sn²⁺- and Sn⁴⁺-complexes were found to exist in solution without change. Oxidation of Sn²⁺ was achieved by addition of hydrogen-peroxide and was partially reversed by the addition of glutathione (GSH). The amount of H₂O₂ needed for complete oxidation of the Sn²⁺- into Sn⁴⁺-complexes was determined for both ligands, as well as the time taken for that oxidation.     

Plasmon scattering from single subwavelength holes

We map the complex electric fields associated with the scattering of surface plasmon polaritons by single subwavelength holes of different sizes in thick gold films. We identify and quantify the different modes associated with this event, including a radial surface wave with an angularly isotropic amplitude. This wave is shown to arise from the out-of-plane electric dipole induced in the hole, and we quantify the corresponding polarizability, which is in excellent agreement with electromagnetic theory. Time-resolved measurements reveal a time delay of 38±18 fs between the surface plasmon polariton and the radial wave, which we attribute to the interaction with a broad hole resonance.     

Raman spectral analysis of renal tissue: a novel application

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 85% of all primary renal cancers. The definitive diagnosis of RCC relies exclusively on the subjective pathological interpretation of the surgical specimen. In this study, we aimed to analyze renal tissue using objective Raman spectroscopy (RS). We obtained 15 pairs of RCC (T) and corresponding normal renal parenchymal tissues (N) from our biobank. There are three subtypes of RCC: clear cell RCC (ccRCC), papillary RCC (pRCC), and chromophobe RCC (cRCC). Five pairs of tissue of each subtype were enrolled. Fresh‐frozen sliced tissues were used for the RS detection. The Raman spectra between T and N were compared and analyzed using partial least squares (PLS) regression. Data for a total of 55 T and 58 N analyzable RS samples were obtained. The spectra were normalized by dividing the intensity of the characteristic peak at 1003 cm⁻¹ using phenylalanine's Raman peak. After further analysis with PLS, the sensitivity and specificity for discriminating T from N were 95% and 93%, respectively. The RCC subtypes can be discriminated at an accuracy of 72% for ccRCC, 88% for cRCC, and 86% for pRCC. This study demonstrates the feasibility of analyzing renal tissue using RS. RS, with its advantages of easy and objective tissue assessment, may be applied to aid intraoperative decision making and pathological tissue assessment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.