Utilizing the ball lens effect for astigmatism particle tracking velocimetry

In the present study, a simple method is developed to apply astigmatism particle tracking velocimetry (APTV) to transparent particles utilizing backlight illumination. Here, a particle acts as ball lens and bundles the light to a focal point, which is used to determine the particle’s out-of-plane position. Due to the distance between focal point and particle, additional features have to be considered in ball lens astigmatism particle tracking velocimetry (BLAPTV) compared to conventional APTV. We describe required calibration steps and perform parameter studies to show how the autocorrelation coefficient and the light exposure affect the accuracy of the method. It is found that the accuracy and robustness of the Euclidean calibration approach as also used in conventional APTV (Cierpka et al. in Meas Sci Technol 22(1):015401, 2010a) can be increased if an additional calibration curve for the light intensity of the particle’s focal point is considered. In addition, we study the influence of the particle diameter and the refractive index jump between liquid and particles on the calibration curves and the accuracy. In this way, particles of the same size, but different material, can be distinguished by their calibration curve. Furthermore, an approach is presented to account for shape changes of the calibration curve along the depth of the measurement volume. Overall, BLAPTV provides high out-of-plane particle reconstruction accuracies with respect to the particle diameter. In test cases, position uncertainties down to 1.8% of the particle diameter are achieved for particles of dp = 124 μm . The measurement technique is validated for a laminar flow in a straight rectangular channel with a cross-sectional area of 2.3 × 30 mm2 . Uncertainties of 0.75% for the in-plane and 2.29% for out-of-plane velocity with respect to the maximum streamwise velocity are achieved

Dilute suspensions in annular shear flow under gravity: simulation and experiment

A dilute suspension in annular shear flow under gravity was simulated using multi-particle collision dynamics (MPC) and compared to experimental data. The focus of the analysis is the local particle velocity and density distribution under the influence of the rotational and gravitational forces. The results are further supported by a deterministic approximation of a single-particle trajectory and OpenFOAM CFD estimations of the overcritical frequency range. Good qualitative agreement is observed for single-particle trajectories between the statistical mean of MPC simulations and the deterministic approximation. Wall contact and detachment however occur earlier in the MPC simulation, which can be explained by the inherent thermal noise of the method. The multi-particle system is investigated at the point of highest particle accumulation that is found at 2/3 of the particle revolution, starting from the top of the annular gap. The combination of shear flow and a slowly rotating volumetric force leads to strong local accumulation in this section that increases the particle volume fraction from overall 0.7% to 4.7% at the outer boundary. MPC simulations and experimental observations agree well in terms of particle distribution and a close to linear velocity profile in radial direction

Recommendations for optimal interdisciplinary management and healthcare settings for patients with rare neurological diseases

BackgroundIn 2017, the German Academy for Rare Neurological Diseases (Deutsche Akademie fur Seltene Neurologische Erkrankungen;DASNE) was founded to pave the way for an optimized personalized management of patients with rare neurological diseases (RND) in all age groups. Since then a dynamic national network for rare neurological disorders has been established comprising renowned experts in neurology, pediatric neurology, (neuro-) genetics and neuroradiology. DASNE has successfully implemented case presentations and multidisciplinary discussions both at yearly symposia and monthly virtual case conferences, as well as further educational activities covering a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary expertise associated with RND. Here, we present recommendation statements for optimized personalized management of patients with RND, which have been developed and reviewed in a structured Delphi process by a group of experts.MethodsAn interdisciplinary group of 37 RND experts comprising DASNE experts, patient representatives, as well as healthcare professionals and managers was involved in the Delphi process. First, an online collection was performed of topics considered relevant for optimal patient care by the expert group. Second, a two-step Delphi process was carried out to rank the importance of the selected topics. Small interdisciplinary working groups then drafted recommendations. In two consensus meetings and one online review round these recommendations were finally consented.Results38 statements were consented and grouped into 11 topics: health care structure, core neurological expertise and core mission, interdisciplinary team composition, diagnostics, continuous care and therapy development, case conferences, exchange / cooperation between Centers for Rare Diseases and other healthcare partners, patient advocacy group, databases, translation and health policy.ConclusionsThis German interdisciplinary Delphi expert panel developed consented recommendations for optimal care of patients with RND in a structured Delphi process. These represent a basis for further developments and adjustments in the health care system to improve care for patients with RND and their families