1,296 research outputs found
GEOFLOW: simulation of convection in a spherical shell under central force field
Time-dependent dynamical simulations related to convective motion in a spherical gap under a central force field due to the dielectrophoretic effect are discussed. This work is part of the preparation of the GEOFLOW-experiment which is planned to run in a microgravity environment. The goal of this experiment is the simulation of large-scale convective motion in a geophysical or astrophysical framework. This problem is new because of, on the one hand, the nature of the force field (dielectrophoretic effect) and, on another hand, the high degree of symmetries of the system, e.g. the top-bottom reflection. Thus, the validation of this simulation with well-known results is not possible. The questions concerning the influence of the dielectrophoretic force and the possibility to reproduce the theoretically expected motions in the astrophysical framework, are open. In the first part, we study the system in terrestrial conditions: the unidirectional Earth's force is superimposed on the central dielectrophoretic force field to compare with the laboratory experiments during the development of the equipment. In the second part, the GEOFLOW-experiment simulations in weightless conditions are compared with theoretical studies in the astrophysical framework's, in the first instance a fluid under a self-gravitating force field. We present complex time-dependent dynamics, where the dielectrophoretic force field causes significant differences in the flow compared to the case that does not involve this force field
Expected Sensitivity to Galactic/Solar Axions and Bosonic Super-WIMPs based on the Axio-electric Effect in Liquid Xenon Dark Matter Detectors
We present systematic case studies to investigate the sensitivity of axion
searches by liquid xenon detectors, using the axio-electric effect (analogue of
the photoelectric effect) on xenon atoms. Liquid xenon is widely considered to
be one of the best target media for detection of WIMPs (Weakly Interacting
Massive Particles which may form the galactic dark matter) using nuclear
recoils. Since these detectors also provide an extremely low radioactivity
environment for electron recoils, very weakly-interacting low-mass particles (<
100 keV/c^2), such as the hypothetical axion, could be detected as well - in
this case using the axio-electric effect. Future ton-scale liquid Xe detectors
will be limited in sensitivity only by irreducible neutrino background
(pp-chain solar neutrino and the double beta decay of 136Xe) in the mass range
between 1 and 100 keV/c^2. Assuming one ton-year of exposure, galactic axions
(as non-relativistic dark matter) could be detected if the axio-electric
coupling g_Ae is greater than 10^-14 at 1 keV/c^2 (or $10^-13 at 100 keV/c^2).
Below a few keV/c^2, and independent of the mass, a solar axion search would be
sensitive to a coupling g_Ae ~ 10^-12. This limit will set a stringent upper
bound on axion mass for the DFSV and KSVZ models for the mass ranges m_A < 0.1
eV/c^2 and < 10 eV/c^2, respectively. Vector-boson dark matter could also be
detected for a coupling constant alpha'/alpha > 10^-33 (for mass 1 keV/c^2) or
> 10^-27 (for mass 100 keV/c^2).Comment: 17 pages, 10 figure
Depinning of three-dimensional drops from wettability defects
Substrate defects crucially influence the onset of sliding drop motion under
lateral driving. A finite force is necessary to overcome the pinning influence
even of microscale heterogeneities. The depinning dynamics of three-dimensional
drops is studied for hydrophilic and hydrophobic wettability defects using a
long-wave evolution equation for the film thickness profile. It is found that
the nature of the depinning transition explains the experimentally observed
stick-slip motion.Comment: 6 pages, 9 figures, submitted to ep
Thin film evolution equations from (evaporating) dewetting liquid layers to epitaxial growth
In the present contribution we review basic mathematical results for three
physical systems involving self-organising solid or liquid films at solid
surfaces. The films may undergo a structuring process by dewetting,
evaporation/condensation or epitaxial growth, respectively. We highlight
similarities and differences of the three systems based on the observation that
in certain limits all of them may be described using models of similar form,
i.e., time evolution equations for the film thickness profile. Those equations
represent gradient dynamics characterized by mobility functions and an
underlying energy functional.
Two basic steps of mathematical analysis are used to compare the different
system. First, we discuss the linear stability of homogeneous steady states,
i.e., flat films; and second the systematics of non-trivial steady states,
i.e., drop/hole states for dewetting films and quantum dot states in epitaxial
growth, respectively. Our aim is to illustrate that the underlying solution
structure might be very complex as in the case of epitaxial growth but can be
better understood when comparing to the much simpler results for the dewetting
liquid film. We furthermore show that the numerical continuation techniques
employed can shed some light on this structure in a more convenient way than
time-stepping methods.
Finally we discuss that the usage of the employed general formulation does
not only relate seemingly not related physical systems mathematically, but does
as well allow to discuss model extensions in a more unified way
Development and Evaluation of qPCR Detection Method and Zn-MgO/Alginate Active Packaging for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes Contamination in Cold-Smoked Salmon
To answer to food industry requests to monitor the presence of L. monocytogenes in
cold-smoked salmon samples and to extend their shelf-life, a qPCR protocol for the detection of
L. monocytogenes, and an antibacterial active packaging reinforced with zinc magnesium oxide
nanoparticles (Zn-MgO NPs) were developed. The qPCR allowed the sensitive and easy detection
of L. monocytogenes in naturally contaminated samples, with specificity in full agreement with the
standard methods. The halo diusion study indicated a high antibacterial eciency of 1 mg/mL
Zn-MgO NPs against L. monocytogenes, while the flow cytometry showed only moderate cytotoxicity
of the nanoparticles towards mammalian cells at a concentration above 1 mg/mL. Thus, the novel
active packaging was developed by using 1 mg/mL of Zn-MgO NPs to reinforce the alginate film.
Cold-smoked salmon samples inoculated with L. monocytogenes and air-packed with the Zn-MgO
NPs-alginate nanobiocomposite film showed no bacterial proliferation at 4 C during 4 days. In the
same condition, L. monocytogenes growth in control contaminated samples packed with alginate
film alone. Our results suggest that Zn-MgO nanoparticles can extend the shelf-life of cold-smoked salmon samples
Characterization of the Hamamatsu R11410-10 3-Inch Photomultiplier Tube for Liquid Xenon Dark Matter Direct Detection Experiments
To satisfy the requirements of the next generation of dark matter detectors
based on the dual phase TPC, Hamamatsu, in close collaboration with UCLA, has
developed the R11410-10 photomultipler tube. In this work, we present the
detailed tests performed on this device. High QE (>30%) accompanied by a low
dark count rate (50 Hz at 0.3 PE) and high gain (10^7) with good single PE
resolution have been observed. A comprehensive screening measurement campaign
is ongoing while the manufacturer quotes a radioactivity of 20 mBq/PMT. These
characteristics show the R11410-10 to be particularly suitable for the
forthcoming zero background liquid xenon detectors.Comment: 19 pages, 18 figure
Histological analysis of ACL reconstruction failures due to synthetic-ACL (LARS) ruptures
INTRODUCTION: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction is an established surgical procedure. Synthetic ligaments represent an option for ACL reconstruction. Their popularity declined for the raising concerns due to re-ruptures, knee synovitis and early arthritis related to I and II generation artificial ligaments. The introduction of a III generation synthetic ligament (Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System-LARS) permitted renewed interest in the adoption of this kind of graft. Main purpose of our study was to describe the histological findings on samples obtained from a consecutive series of ACL revision surgeries due to LARS ACL reconstruction failures. Secondary aim was to determine the reason for LARS rupture. METHODS: In a period between 2016 and 2018 eleven patients underwent ACL revision surgery due to LARS ACL reconstruction failure. At the time of the arthroscopic procedure, samples of synovial membrane and remnants of the torn LARS were sent to the Pathological-Anatomy Institute of our Hospital for a histological analysis. RESULTS: Histological analysis of the synovial tissues confirmed the arthroscopic evidence of synovitis mainly characterized by chronic inflammation with predominance of multinucleated giant cells. The adoption of polarized light microscopy revealed the presence of brightly bi-refractive material (LARS wear particles) in the synovial tissue; at higher magnification wear debris were detected inside the cytoplasma of multi nucleated cells. The histological analysis of the removed LARS revealed a surrounding typical foreign body reaction with poor signs of fibrovascular ingrowth of the synthetic ligament. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings could not clearly advocate a unique mechanism of LARS-ACL reconstruction failure: biologic issues (poor tissue ingrowth) and mechanical issues (fibers properties and tunnel position) probably concur in a multi factorial manner. ACL reconstruction using artificial ligaments can not be considered a simple surgery. Artificial augments require some expertise and could therefore achieve better results if used by skilled sport surgeons other than trainees or low volume surgeons. The Authors believe that ACL reconstruction with synthetic devices still have restricted indications for selected patients (e.g. elderly patients who require a fast recovery, professional athlete, autologous tendons not available and/or refusing donor tendons). Our study arises additional suspicion on the unresponsiveness of synthetic fibers and claim some concern in the implantation of synthetic devices
Photometry of GSC 762-110, a new triple-mode radially pulsating star
Stars pulsating in three radial modes are very rare; only three examples are
known in the Galaxy. These stars are very useful since their periods may be
measured very precisely, and this will constrain the global stellar parameters
and the models of the star's interior. The purpose of this paper is to present
a new example of the class of triple-mode radial pulsators. A search for
candidate multi-mode pulsators was carried out in public survey data.
Time-series photometry of one of the candidates, GSC 762-110, was performed.
GSC 762-110 was found to be a triple-mode radial pulsator, with a fundamental
period of 0.1945d and period ratios of 0.7641 and 0.8012. In addition two
non-radial modes were found, for which the amplitude has diminished
considerably over the last few years.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysic
Detection of Listeria monocytogenes in foods with a textile organic electrochemical transistor biosensor
Abstract: Foods contaminated by pathogens are responsible for foodborne diseases which have socioeconomic impacts. Many approaches have been extensively investigated to obtain specific and sensitive methods to detect pathogens in food, but they are often not easy to perform and require trained personnel. This work aims to propose a textile organic electrochemical transistor-based (OECT) biosensor to detect L. monocytogenes in food samples. The analyses were performed with culture-based methods, Listeria Precis™ method, PCR, and our textile OECT biosensor which used poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT):polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) (PEDOT:PSS) for doping the organic channel. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to obtain topographic maps of the gold gate. The electrochemical activity on gate electrodes was measured and related to the concentration of DNA extracted from samples and hybridized to the specific capture probe immobilized onto the gold surface of the gate. This assay reached a limit of detection of 1.05 ng/μL, corresponding to 0.56 pM of L. monocytogenes ATCC 7644, and allowed the specific and rapid detection of L. monocytogenes in the analyzed samples. Keypoints: • Textile organic electrochemical transistors functionalized with a specific DNA probe • AFM topographic and surface potential maps of a functionalized gold gate surface • Comparison between the Listeria monocytogenes Precis™ method and an OECT biosenso
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