Optical diagnostics of diesel spray injections and combustion in a high-pressure high-temperature cell

We report on spatially and temporally resolved optical diagnostic measurements of propagation and combustion of diesel sprays introduced through a single-hole fuel injector into a constant volume, high-temperature, high-pressure cell. From shadowgraphy images in non-reacting environments of pure nitrogen, penetration lengths and dispersion angles were determined for non-vaporizing and vaporizing conditions, and found to be in reasonable agreement with standard models for liquid jet propagation and break-up. Quasi-simultaneous two-dimensional images were obtained of laser elastic light scattering, shadowgraphs and spectrally integrated flame emission in a reacting environment (cell temperature 850 K). In addition laser-induced incandescence was employed for the identification of soot-loaded regions. The simultaneously recorded spray images exhibit remarkable structural similarity and provide complementary information about the spray propagation and combustion process. The measurements also reveal the fuel vapor cloud extending well beyond the liquid core and close to the nozzle tip. Ignition takes place close to the tip of the spray within the mixing layer of fuel vapor and surrounding air. Soot is formed in the vapor core region at the tip of the liquid fuel jet. Our results support recently developed phenomenological model on diesel spray combustio

On Perception and Consciousness in HPPD:A Systematic Review

Hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD) features as a diagnostic category in the DSM-5, ICD-11, and other major classifications, but our knowledge of the phenomenology of the perceptual symptoms involved and the changes in consciousness during the characteristic “flashbacks” is limited. We systematically evaluated original case reports and case series on HPPD to define its phenomenology, associated (psycho)pathology, and course. Our search of PubMed and Embase yielded 66 relevant publications that described 97 people who, together, experienced 64 unique symptoms of HPPD. Of these, 76% concerned symptoms characteristic of Alice in Wonderland syndrome, over 50% non-visual symptoms, and 38% perceptual symptoms not clearly linked to prior intoxication states. This is in contrast with the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for HPPD. Even though less than half of the patients showed a protracted disease course of over a year, a third achieved remission. However, in patients with co-occurring depression (with or without anxiety) HPPD symptoms persisted longer and treatment outcomes were more often negative. Thus, unlike the acute stages of psychedelic drug intoxication, which may be accompanied by altered states of consciousness, HPPD is rather characterized by changes in the content of consciousness and an attentional shift from exogenous to endogenous phenomena. Since HPPD is a more encompassing nosological entity than suggested in the DSM-5, we recommend expanding its diagnostic criteria. In addition, we make recommendations for clinical practice and future research

Transcriptional profiling of vaccine-induced immune responses in humans and non-human primates

There is an urgent need for pre-clinical and clinical biomarkers predictive of vaccine immunogenicity, efficacy and safety to reduce the risks and costs associated with vaccine development. Results emerging from immunoprofiling studies in non-human primates and humans demonstrate clearly that (i) type and duration of immune memory are largely determined by the magnitude and complexity of the innate immune signals and (ii) genetic signatures highly predictive of B-cell and T-cell responses can be identified for specific vaccines. For vaccines with similar composition, e.g. live attenuated viral vaccines, these signatures share common patterns. Signatures predictive of vaccine efficacy have been identified in a few experimental challenge studies. This review aims to give an overview of the current literature on immunoprofiling studies in humans and also presents some of our own data on profiling of licensed and experimental vaccines in non-human primates

OBSERVATION OF THE LOWEST ROTATIONAL TRANSITION OF NH+ WITH RESOLVED HYPERFINE STRUCTURE

The rotational transition J= 3/2+ l/2 of the X *fI, u=O ground state of NH+ has been observed with resolved hypertine structure. Spectra were recorded using a sub-millimeter tunable laser sideband spectrometer. Accurate hyperfine constants were obtained which show good agreement with ab initio calculated constants

State-to-State Differential and Relative Integral Cross Sections for Rotationally Inelastic Scattering of H2O by Hydrogen

State-to-state differential cross sections (DCSs) for rotationally inelastic scattering of H2O by H2 have been measured at 71.2 meV (574 cm-1) and 44.8 meV (361 cm-1) collision energy using crossed molecular beams combined with velocity map imaging. A molecular beam containing variable compositions of the (J = 0, 1, 2) rotational states of hydrogen collides with a molecular beam of argon seeded with water vapor that is cooled by supersonic expansion to its lowest para or ortho rotational levels (JKaKc= 000 and 101, respectively). Angular speed distributions of fully specified rotationally excited final states are obtained using velocity map imaging. Relative integral cross sections are obtained by integrating the DCSs taken with the same experimental conditions. Experimental state-specific DCSs are compared with predictions from fully quantum scattering calculations on the most complete H2O-H2 potential energy surface. Comparison of relative total cross sections and state-specific DCSs show excellent agreement with theory in almost all detailsComment: 46 page

Photodissociation of the OD radical at 226 and 243 nm

The photodissociation dynamics of state selected OD radicals has been examined at 243 and 226 nm using velocity map imaging to probe the angle–speed distributions of theD(2S) and O(3P2) products. Both experiment and complementary first principle calculations demonstrate that photodissociation occurs by promotion of OD from high vibrational levels of the ground X 2Π state to the repulsive 1 2Σ− state

Mandibular Overdentures Supported by 6-mm Dental Implants:A 1-Year Prospective Cohort Study

Background: The extremely resorbed edentulous mandible, with a bone height of 8 mm or less, is still a challenge in implant dentistry. Recently, dental implants of 6 mm in length have been developed. Purpose: The purpose of this 1-year prospective cohort study was to evaluate treatment outcome of mandibular overdentures supported by four 6-mm dental implants. Materials and Methods: Twelve edentulous patients with a mandibular height between 6 and 8 mm participated. The patients were treated with an overdenture supported by four 6-mm OsseoSpeed (TM) dental implants (Astra Tech AB, Molndal, Sweden). Clinical and radiographic parameters were evaluated 1 year after completion of the prosthetic treatment. Patients' satisfaction was scored before implant surgery and 1 year after prosthetic treatment. Results: One-year implant survival rate was 96% (two implants were lost). One patient had a fracture of the mandible in the region of one of the implants 3 weeks after implant surgery. Mean scores for plaque, calculus, gingiva, bleeding, and pocket probing depth were low. Patients' satisfaction was high. Conclusion: One-year follow-up data revealed that four 6-mm dental implants inserted in an extremely resorbed edentulous mandible provided a solid basis for a bar-retained overdenture

The MELFO-Study:Prospective, Randomized, Clinical Trial for the Evaluation of a Stage-adjusted Reduced Follow-up Schedule in Cutaneous Melanoma Patients-Results after 1 Year

Guidelines for evidence-based follow-up in melanoma patients are not available. This study examined whether a reduced follow-up schedule affects: patient-reported outcome measures, detection of recurrences, and follow-up costs.This multicenter trial included 180 patients treated for AJCC stage IB-II cutaneous melanoma, who were randomized in a conventional follow-up schedule group (CSG, 4 visits first year, n = 93) or experimental follow-up schedule group (ESG, 1-3 visits first year, n = 87). Patients completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, cancer worry scale, impact of events scale, and a health-related quality of life questionnaire (HRQoL, RAND-36). Physicians registered clinicopathologic features and the number of outpatient clinic visits.Sociodemographic and illness-related characteristics were equal in both groups. After 1-year follow-up, the ESG reported significantly less cancer-related stress response symptoms than the CSG (p = 0.01), and comparable anxiety, mental HRQoL, and cancer-related worry. Mean cancer-related worry and stress response symptoms decreased over time (p &lt;0.001), whereas mental HRQoL increased over time (p &lt;0.001) in all melanoma patients. Recurrence rate was 9 % in both groups, mostly patient-detected and not physician-detected (CSG 63 %, ESG 43 %, p = 0.45). Hospital costs of 1-year follow-up were reduced by 45 % in the ESG compared to the CSG.This study shows that the stage-adjusted, reduced follow-up schedule did not negatively affect melanoma patients' mental well-being and the detection of recurrences compared with conventional follow-up as dictated by the Dutch guideline, at 1 year after diagnosis. Additionally, reduced follow-up was associated with significant hospital cost reduction.</p