The Social Geography of Partner Selection in Toronto, Canada: A Qualitative Description of "Convection Mixing"

The geographic distribution of sexually transmitted infections reflects the underlying social process of sexual partner selection. This qualitative study explored the social geography of partner selection among sexual minority men and used the results to develop a mid-range theory of STI transmission. In-depth interviews with 31 sexual minority men who lived, worked, or socialized in Toronto, Canada, occurred in June and July 2016. Participants were asked how they found sexual partners and reconstructed their egocentric sexual networks for the previous 3 months. Participants described an iterative process of partner selection involving intention (sex versus dating), connecting with community, and selecting a partner based on intersecting partner characteristics (external, internal, and emergent feelings when interacting with potential partners) and personal preferences. Geography influenced partner selection three ways: (1) participant search patterns maximized the number of potential partners in the shortest distance possible; (2) the density of sexual minority men in a participant's community directly impacted participant's social and sexual isolations; and (3) geosexual isolation influenced sexual mixing patterns. Participants described "convection mixing," where assortative urban mixing nested within disassortative suburban mixing resulted in movement from the suburbs to downtown and back to the suburbs. We theorize that convection mixing may be contributing to the persistence of STI epidemics in core and outbreak areas by creating STI reservoirs outside of, and connected to, core and outbreak areas.

A New Model for Estimation of Individual Blood Flow Effect during Multimode Thermal Therapy of Tumor. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020;2020:5053-5056. [PMID: 33019122 DOI: 10.1109/embc44109.2020.9175795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

An accurate temperate control is the key during multimode thermal therapy of tumor. However, the tumor tissue temperature is greatly influenced by local blood flow changes of individuals. A simple but effective method is proposed for estimation of the local blood flow and its impact on the ablation boundary temperature. The proposed model is focused on the tumor domain, namely the targeted treatment region. In the natural thawing process post tumor freezing during the therapy, the main energy transferring to the tumor tissue comes from the blood flow of the surrounding normal tissue on the tumor boundary. By fitting the rewarming temperature measured in the tissue, the inversed problem is solved by the model to calculate the boundary convection condition and thus to predict the corresponding blood perfusion rate. The model is validated by the animal experimental data. The calculated blood perfusion rates are within the published range, but differ individually. The results prove that the new model and the estimated personalized convection coefficient can better predict the tissue temperature distribution during the therapy.Clinical Relevance-The model estimates the local blood flows around the tumor of individuals and the influence on heat transfer process. It can be used to better predict and control the temperature on the tumor boundary during the therapy that is critical to the therapeutic effect. The model also greatly cuts down the calculation time which facilitates the possibility of intraoperative real time monitoring.

On the evaluation of stratification based entropy optimized hydromagnetic flow featuring dissipation aspect and Robin conditions

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The scrutiny of nonlinear convected flow aspect has continuously appealed researchers attention because of its ample demands in processes like heat exchangers, building insulation, crystal growth, insulation of nuclear reactor, food processing, solar energy and electronic element chilling etc. Taking into consideration the aforesaid utilizations, we modeled differential type (second-grade) nanoliquid considering non-linear mixed convection. The considered differential type nonlinear model elaborates viscoelasticity (elastic and viscous) characteristics. Furthermore the thermal systems emphases on transportation of heat and irreversibility reduction. Especially, evaluating the systems via thermodynamic second relation is essential with the purpose of finding a standard communication between power input prerequisite and heat transference augmentation.

METHOD

Formulated non-dimensional problem is non-linear subject to the assumptions (i.e., Non-linear mixed convection, magnetic field, viscous dissipation, double stratification, Joule heating and convective conditions). Analytic simulations for modeled non-linear systems is not possible. Hence we considered bvp4c scheme for non-linear analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Velocity [Formula: see text] of second grade (non-Newtonian) fluid intensifies for larger estimations of R* and λ* whereas it dwindles for M. Temperature of nanoliquid deteriorates with S₁ while (θ(η)) rises against Ec. Entropy generation (EG) and (BN) (Bejan number) significantly affected by physical parameters M, α₂ and Br.

PET, image-guided HDAC inhibition of pediatric diffuse midline glioma improves survival in murine models

Efforts at altering the dismal prognosis of pediatric midline gliomas focus on direct delivery strategies like convection-enhanced delivery (CED), where a cannula is implanted into tumor. Successful CED treatments require confirmation of tumor coverage, dosimetry, and longitudinal in vivo pharmacokinetic monitoring. These properties would be best determined clinically with image-guided dosimetry using theranostic agents. In this study, we combine CED with novel, molecular-grade positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and show how PETobinostat, a novel PET-imageable HDAC inhibitor, is effective against DIPG models. PET data reveal that CED has significant mouse-to-mouse variability; imaging is used to modulate CED infusions to maximize tumor saturation. The use of PET-guided CED results in survival prolongation in mouse models; imaging shows the need of CED to achieve high brain concentrations. This work demonstrates how personalized image-guided drug delivery may be useful in potentiating CED-based treatment algorithms and supports a foundation for clinical translation of PETobinostat.

Computational Study of the Coupled Mechanism of Thermophoretic Transportation and Mixed Convection Flow around the Surface of a Sphere

The main goal of the current work was to study the coupled mechanism of thermophoretic transportation and mixed convection flow around the surface of the sphere. To analyze the characteristics of heat and fluid flow in the presence of thermophoretic transportation, a mathematical model in terms of non-linear coupled partial differential equations obeying the laws of conservation was formulated. Moreover, the mathematical model of the proposed phenomena was approximated by implementing the finite difference scheme and boundary value problem of fourth order code BVP4C built-in scheme. The novelty point of this paper is that the primitive variable formulation is introduced to transform the system of partial differential equations into a primitive form to make the line of the algorithm smooth. Secondly, the term thermophoretic transportation in the mass equation is introduced in the mass equation and thus the effect of thermophoretic transportation can be calculated at different positions of the sphere. Basically, in this study, some favorite positions around the sphere were located, where the velocity field, temperature distribution, mass concentration, skin friction, and rate of heat transfer can be calculated simultaneously without any separation in flow around the surface of the sphere.

Convection and the Extracellular Matrix Dictate Inter- and Intra-Biofilm Quorum Sensing Communication in Environmental Systems

The mechanisms and impact of bacterial quorum sensing (QS) for the coordination of population-level behaviors are well studied under laboratory conditions. However, it is unclear how, in otherwise open environmental systems, QS signals accumulate to sufficient concentration to induce QS phenotypes, especially when quorum quenching (QQ) organisms are also present. We explore the impact of QQ activity on QS signaling in spatially organized biofilms in scenarios that mimic open systems of natural and engineered environments. Using a functionally differentiated biofilm system, we show that the extracellular matrix, local flow, and QQ interact to modulate communication. In still aqueous environments, convection facilitates signal dispersal while the matrix absorbs and relays signals to the cells. This process facilitates inter-biofilm communication even at low extracellular signal concentrations. Within the biofilm, the matrix further regulates the transport of the competing QS and QQ molecules, leading to heterogenous QS behavior. Importantly, only extracellular QQ enzymes can effectively control QS signaling, suggesting that the intracellular QQ enzymes may not have evolved to degrade environmental QS signals for competition.

The importance of conduction versus convection in heat pulse sap flow methods

Heat pulse methods are a popular approach for estimating sap flow and transpiration. Yet, many methods are unable to resolve the entire heat velocity measurement range observable in plants. Specifically, the Heat Ratio (HRM) and Tmax heat pulse methods can only resolve slow and fast velocities, respectively. The Dual Method Approach (DMA) combines optimal data from HRM and Tmax to output the entire range of heat velocity. However, the transition between slow and fast methods in the DMA currently does not have a theoretical solution. A re-consideration of the conduction/convection equation demonstrated that the HRM equation is equivalent to the Péclet equation which is the ratio of conduction to convection. This study tested the hypothesis that the transition between slow and fast methods occurs when conduction/convection, or the Péclet number, equals one, and the DMA would be improved via the inclusion of this transition value. Sap flux density was estimated via the HRM, Tmax and DMA methods and compared with gravimetric sap flux density measured via a water pressure system on 113 stems from 15 woody angiosperm species. When the Péclet number ≤ 1, the HRM yielded accurate results and the Tmax was out of range. When the Péclet number > 1, the HRM reached a maximum heat velocity at approximately 15 cm hr -1 and was no longer accurate, whereas the Tmax yielded accurate results. The DMA was able to output accurate data for the entire measurement range observed in this study. The linear regression analysis with gravimetric sap flux showed an r2 of 0.541 for HRM, 0.879 for Tmax and 0.940 for DMA. With the inclusion of the Péclet equation, the DMA resolved the entire heat velocity measurement range observed across 15 taxonomically diverse woody species. Consequently, the HRM and Tmax are redundant sap flow methods and have been superseded by the DMA.

Fully developed Darcy-Forchheimer mixed convective flow over a curved surface with activation energy and entropy generation

BACKGROUND

Mixed convection (forced+natural convection) is frequently observed in exceptionally high output devices where the forced convection isn't sufficient to dissipate all of the heat essential. At this point, consolidating natural convection with forced convection will frequently convey the ideal outcomes. Nuclear reactor technology and a few features of electronic cooling are the examples of these processes. Mixed convection problems are categorized by Richardson number (Ri), which is the ratio of Grashof number (for natural convection) and Reynolds number (for forced convection). For buoyancy or mixed convection the relative effect can be addressed by Richardson number. Typically, the natural convection is negligible when Richardson number is less than 0.1 (Ri < 0.1), forced convection is negligible when Richardson number is greater than 10 (Ri > 10) and neither is negligible when (0.1 < Ri < 10). It might be noticed that generally the forced convection is large comparative with natural convection except in case of remarkably low forced flow velocities. The current work gives significant insights regarding dissipative mixed convective Darcy-Forchheimer flow with entropy generation over a stretched curved surface. The energy equation is developed with respect to nonlinear radiation, dissipation and Ohmic heating (Joule heating). Binary reaction via activation energy is accounted.

METHOD

Curvilinear transformations are utilized to change the nonlinear PDE's into ordinary ones. Computational outcomes are obtained via NDSolve MATHEMATICA. The results are computed and discussed graphically.

RESULTS

Velocity decays for Forchheimer number. Entropy generation enhances for diffusion parameter and chemical reaction parameter. Concentration profile reduces chemical reaction parameter and enhances for activation parameter.

Entropy optimized stretching flow based on non-Newtonian radiative nanoliquid under binary chemical reaction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Developed electronic mechanisms frequently deal with defies about thermal management from developed phase of heat diminution or generation of available surface area regarding heat exclusion. Such promising defy can be subjugated either by introducing an optimal geometry for chilling equipments or intensifying heat transportation attributes. Nanoliquid in this perspective executes an extraordinary function to address all such matters. Having such usefulness of entropy in view, we formulated the hydromagnetic non-Newtonian nanoliquid in frames of mixed convection. Nanoliquid model comprises Brownian movement and thermophoretic mechanisms. In addition, the novel mass transportation approach featuring binary chemically reacting species is introduced. Energy expression formulation is developed through dissipation phenomenon. Besides, new conditions for Buongiorno model along with radiating flux are considered.

METHOD

We obtained highly nonlinear structure. The computations of such structure are not easy. Thus we employed bvp4c scheme to tackle the nonlinear structure.

RESULTS

Heat transportation rate boosts subject to higher chemical reaction parameter in comparison to thermophoretic factor and Eckert number. The considered rheological model yields viscous nanoliquid situation when material factors are assumed zero. Entropy owing to habituation of respiring air is more in comparison to its frictional factor and during hefty physical action. Entropy subject to respiring air friction under respiratory region is much higher in comparison to air habituation factor.

CONCLUSION

Velocity rises via higher material parameter for thickening situation while opposing trend is witnessed for thinning nature of liquid. Entropy is meaningfully higher owing to breathing air condition rather than frictional impact towards tract. No doubt, entropy have a feasible association with respiratory thermoplasty which assists to handle asthma.

[Effect of convection enhanced delivery on the microstructure of brain extracellular space in aged rats]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the changes of extracellular space (ECS) structure and local drug distribution in adult brain and aged brain at different drug delivery rates in minimally invasive treatment of encephalopathy by convection enhanced delivery (CED) via ECS pathway.

METHODS

Thirty-six SD male rats were divided into adult rats group (2-8 months, n=18) and aged rats group (18-24 months, n=18) according to the age of the month. According to the drug rates (0.1 μL/min, 0.2 μL/min, and 0.3 μL/min), they were randomly divided into 3 subgroups, 6 in each subgroup. Gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) with a concentration of 10 mmol/L were introduced into the caudate nucleus of each group of rats by stereotactic injection. Tracer-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to dynamically monitor the diffusion and distribution images of the Gd-DTPA in the brain interstitial system (ISS). Using the self-developed MRI image measurement and analysis system software to process and analyze the obtained images, the diffusion coefficient, clearance rate, volume fraction, and half-life of each group of rats in the caudate nucleus ECS could be acquired. The effects and differences of drug clearance and ECS structural function in the brain of aged rats and adult rats were compared and analyzed at different drug delivery rates. Magnetic tracer D_ECS-mapping technique was used to observe the distribution and drainage of tracer in caudate nucleus.

RESULTS

At the injection rate of 0.1 μL/min, the volume fraction in the aged rats was increased compared with that in the adult rats (18.20%±0.04% vs. 17.20%±0.03%, t=3.752, P=0.004), and the degree of tortuosity was decreased (1.63±0.04 vs. 1.78±0.09, t=-3.680, P=0.004), the drug clearance rate was decreased [(1.94±0.68) mm²/s vs. (3.25±0.43) mm²/s, t=-3.971, P=0.003], and the molecular diffusion in ECS was increased [(3.99±0.21)×10^-4 mm²/s vs. (3.36±0.37)×10^-4 mm²/s, t=3.663, P=0.004]. When the rate of injection increased to 0.2 μL/min, the drug clearance in ECS of the aged rats was slowed down [(2.53±0.45) mmol/L vs. (3.37±0.72) mmol/L, t=-1.828, P=0.021]. However, there were no significant differences in volume fraction, molecular diffusion in ECS and macroscopic drug metabolism parameters. When the rate of injection increased to 0.3 μL/min, the volume fraction in the aged rats was decreased (17.20%±0.03% vs. 18.20%±0.05%, t=-0.869, P=0.045), and the drug clearance rate in ECS was significantly accelerated [(4.04±0.76) mmol/L vs. (3.26±0.55) mmol/L, t=1.786, P=0.014], and there was no significant difference in tortuosity and the rate of molecular diffusion in the ECS.

CONCLUSION

The drug clearance and ECS structural parameters of brain ECS in aged brain with CED administration were changed at different rates, and it has the least effect on ECS in the aged brain at the injection rate of 0.2 μL/min. For the application of CED for the treatment of encephalopathy, we should consider the influence of factors such as age and injection rate, and provide reference for the development of individualized clinical treatment plan for minimally invasive treatment of encephalopathy via ECS pathway.

Modeling and numerical simulation of micropolar fluid over a curved surface: Keller box method

BACKGROUND

This paper examines the flow behavior of micropolar liquid over a curved surface. MHD fluid is considered. The surface inducing the fluid motion has a prescribed temperature different from the ambient fluid moreover the heat transfer mechanism is investigated. Curvilinear coordinates are used for the mathematical formulation of the flow equation. Similarity variables are derived and are utilized to alter the governing expressions for the flow of momentum and heat transfer characteristic.

METHOD

The resulting non-linear ODEs are resolved systematically by two numerically approaches namely; the Keller box method and the shooting method.

RESULTS

The numerical results for the temperature and velocity fields has been presented through tables and graphs against the independent parameters and non-dimensional numbers i.e., material parameter, power law index, radius of curvature, magnetic parameter, Prandtl and Eckert numbers, skin friction (drag force) and Nusselt number. Physical explanation of the graph presented is given to understand the performance of fluid flow and heat transport phenomena in different emerging situation.

CONCLUSION

The main outcomes in the presence of various flow variables on the skin friction velocity, Nusselt number, temperature are highlighted via graphical sketch and Tables. Velocity field displays a decreasing trend with magnetic parameter, power law index and radius of curvature of the stretching velocity whereas, opposite behavior observed for the material parameter. Near the surface curvature and magnetic parameter shows an enhancement in microrotation profile whereas, it shows reverse behavior when it is far away. Material parameter increases for large values of microrotation profile on the other hand power-law index decreases for large values. For higher values magnetic parameter, radius of curvature and Eckert number temperature profile increases. But temperature reduces subject to material parameter and Prandtl number.

Eyring-Powell nanofluid flow with nonlinear mixed convection: Entropy generation minimization

BACKGROUND

Entropy is the amount of energy which is lost during any irreversible process. Here our main focus is that how can we reduce this energy loss to enhance the capability of our system. Blood is an example of Eyring-Powell fluid. Many strategies are used to rise the capacity of heat transport. Heat transport can be enhanced by intensifying the materials thermal conductivity through nanoparticles. Thermal conductivity of the material can be enhanced by adding nanoparticles in base fluid. The objective of this work is to discuss entropy generation in MHD Eyring-Powell nanofluid flow. The flow is generated by a linear stretchable surface. Current analysis includes the effects of viscous dissipation, nonlinear mixed convection and Joule heating. Nanoparticles analyzed the consequences of Brownian motion and thermophoresis effects.

METHOD

The boundary layer flow equations are solved for series solutions by applying homotopic technique.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Graphical results of involved quantities like entropy generation, velocity, concentration and thermal fields are presented. Skin friction, Sherwood and Nusselt number are numerically scrutinized.

Mathematical modeling and analysis of SWCNT-Water and MWCNT-Water flow over a stretchable sheet

In this article we focused on the mixed convection flow of SWCNT-Water and MWCNT-Water over a stretchable permeable sheet. The nanofluid occupied porous medium. Darcy's law is used to characterize porous medium. The impact of viscous dissipation is considered. Transformation procedure is adopted to transform the governing PDE's system into dimensionless form. In order to solve the dimensionless PDE's system we used numerical method known as Finite difference method. Effects of flow variables i.e porosity parameter, suction parameter, Grashof number and Reynolds number on velocity, skin friction, temperature and Nusselt number are described graphically. The obtained results shows that velocity is dominant in SWCNT-Water over MWCNT-Water. Temperature is dominant in MWCNT-Water over SWCNT-Water.

Theoretical and numerical investigation of Carreau-Yasuda fluid flow subject to Soret and Dufour effects

BACKGROUND

Newtonian fluids can be categorized by a single coefficient of viscosity for specific temperature. This viscosity will change with temperature; it doesn't change with strain rate. Just a small group of liquids show such steady consistency. A fluid whose viscosity changes subject to relative flow velocity is called non-Newtonian liquids. Here we have summarized a result for the flow of Carreau-Yasuda fluid over a porous stretchable surface. Mixed convection is considered. Modeling of energy expression is performed subject to Soret and Dufour effects.

METHOD

The nonlinear PDE's are changed to ODE's through suitable transformations and then solved for numerical solutions via Built-in shooting method (bvp4c).

RESULTS

Variation of important variables is studied on the concentration, temperature and velocity fields. Tabular representation for study of skin friction and heat transfer rate is presented for important variables. Our results show that velocity decreases versus higher estimations of Weissenberg number, porosity parameter, buoyancy ratio and mixed convection parameter. Temperature decays via Weissenberg number and porosity parameter. Increase in concentration is noticed through higher Soret number and porosity parameter. Skin friction and heat transfer rate (Nusselt number) boosts versus larger porosity parameter and Prandtl number respectively while it decays against Weissenberg number and Dufour and Eckert number.

Development of thixotropic nanomaterial in fluid flow with gyrotactic microorganisms, activation energy, mixed convection

BACKGROUND

In this article, impact of gyrotactic microorganisms on nonlinear mixed convective MHD flow of thixotropic nanoliquids is addressed. Effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis diffusion are considered. Characteristics of heat and mass transfer are analyzed with activation energy, Joule heating and binary chemical reaction. Nonlinear PDE's are reduced to ordinary equation by using suitable transformations.

METHOD

For convergent series solution the given system is solved by the implementation of the homotopic analysis technique (HAM).

RESULTS

Influences of different flow controlling variables on the velocity, microorganisms, concentration and temperature are examined through graphs. Surface drag force, density number, Sherwood number and gradient of temperature are examined versus different flow parameters through graphs. For larger thixotropic fluid parameters the velocity field boosts up. For rising values of Hartmann number the velocity and temperature have opposite behaviors.

Unsteady Radiative Natural Convective MHD Nanofluid Flow Past a Porous Moving Vertical Plate with Heat Source/Sink

In this research article, we investigated a comprehensive analysis of time-dependent free convection electrically and thermally conducted water-based nanofluid flow containing Copper and Titanium oxide (Cu and TiO 2 ) past a moving porous vertical plate. A uniform transverse magnetic field is imposed perpendicular to the flow direction. Thermal radiation and heat sink terms are included in the energy equation. The governing equations of this flow consist of partial differential equations along with some initial and boundary conditions. The solution method of these flow interpreting equations comprised of two parts. Firstly, principal equations of flow are symmetrically transformed to a set of nonlinear coupled dimensionless partial differential equations using convenient dimensionless parameters. Secondly, the Laplace transformation technique is applied to those non-dimensional equations to get the close form exact solutions. The control of momentum and heat profile with respect to different associated parameters is analyzed thoroughly with the help of graphs. Fluid accelerates with increasing Grashof number (Gr) and porosity parameter (K), while increasing values of heat sink parameter (Q) and Prandtl number (Pr) drop the thermal profile. Moreover, velocity and thermal profile comparison for Cu and TiO 2 -based nanofluids is graphed.

Diel pattern driven by free convection controls leaf-cutter ant nest ventilation and greenhouse gas emissions in a Neotropical rain forest

Leaf-cutter ant nests are biogeochemical hot spots where ants live and import vegetation to grow fungus. Metabolic activity and (in wet tropical forests) soil gas flux to the nest may result in high nest CO₂ concentrations if not adequately ventilated. Wind-driven ventilation mitigates high CO₂ concentrations in grasslands, but little is known about exchange for forest species faced with prolonged windless conditions. We studied Atta cephalotes nests located under dense canopy (leaf area index > 5) in a wet tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, where wind events are infrequent. We instrumented nests with thermocouples and flow-through CO₂ sensing chambers. The results showed that CO₂ concentrations exiting leaf-cutter ant nests follow a diel pattern with higher values at night. We developed an efflux model based on pressure differences that evaluated the observed CO₂ diel pattern in terms of ventilation by (1) free convection (warm, less dense air rises out the nest more prominently at night) and (2) episodic wind-forced convection events providing occasional supplemental ventilation during daytime. Average greenhouse gas emissions were estimated through nest vents at about 78 kg CO₂eq nest^-1 year^-1. At the ecosystem level, leaf-cutter ant nest vents accounted for 0.2% to 1% of total rainforest soil emissions. In wet, clayey tropical soils, leaf-cutter ant nests act as free convection-driven conduits for exporting CO₂ and other greenhouse gases produced within the nest (fungus and ant respiration, refuse decay), and by roots and soil microbes surrounding the nest. This allows A. cephalotes nests to be ventilated without reliable wind conditions.

Evidence of Long-Distance Aerial Convection of Variola Virus and Implications for Disease Control

Two distinct phenomena of airborne transmission of variola virus (smallpox) were described in the pre-eradication era-direct respiratory transmission, and a unique phenomenon of transmission over greater distances, referred to as "aerial convection". We conducted an analysis of data obtained from a systematic review following the PRISMA criteria, on the long-distance transmission of smallpox. Of 8179 studies screened, 22 studies of 17 outbreaks were identified-12 had conclusive evidence of aerial convection and five had partially conclusive evidence. Aerial convection was first documented in 1881 in England, when smallpox incidence had waned substantially following mass vaccination, making unusual transmissions noticeable. National policy at the time stipulated spatial separation of smallpox hospitals from other buildings and communities. The evidence supports the transmission of smallpox through aerial convection at distances ranging from 0.5 to 1 mile, and one instance of 15 km related to bioweapons testing. Other explanations are also possible, such as missed chains of transmission, fomites or secondary aerosolization from contaminated material such as bedding. The window of observation of aerial convection was within the 100 years prior to eradication. Aerial convection appears unique to the variola virus and is not considered in current hospital infection control protocols. Understanding potential aerial convection of variola should be an important consideration in planning for smallpox treatment facilities and protecting potential contacts and surrounding communities.

The intersect of neurosurgery with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma

An invited article highlighting diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Journal of Neurosurgery, a journal known to define surgical nuance and enterprise, is paradoxical since DIPG has long been relegated to surgical abandonment. More recently, however, the neurosurgeon is emerging as a critical stakeholder given our role in tissue sampling, collaborative scientific research, and therapeutic drug delivery. The foundation for this revival lies in an expanding reliance on tissue accession for understanding tumor biology, available funding to fuel research, and strides with interventional drug delivery.

Effective Diffusion and Tortuosity in Brain White Matter

Patients affected by glioblastomas have a very low survival rate. Emerging techniques, such as convection enhanced delivery (CED), need complex numerical models to be effective; furthermore, the estimation of the main parameters to be used to instruct constitutive laws in simulations represents a major challenge. This work proposes a new method to compute tortuosity, a key parameter for drug diffusion in fibrous tissue, starting from a model which incorporates the main white matter geometrical features. It is shown that tortuosity increases from 1.35 to 1.85 as the extracellular space width decreases. The results are in good agreement with experimental data reported in the literature.

Dynamics of driftless preconcentration using ion concentration polarization leveraged by convection and diffusion

Over the past several decades, separation and preconcentration methods of (bio)molecules have been actively developed for various biomedical and chemical processes such as disease diagnostics, point of care test and environmental monitoring. Among the great developments of the electrokinetic method in a micro/nanofluidic platform is the ion concentration polarization (ICP) phenomenon, in which a target molecule is accumulated near a permselective nanoporous membrane under an applied electric field. ICP method has been actively studied due to its easy implementation and high preconcentration/separation efficiency. However, the dynamic behavior of preconcentrated analytes has not yet been fully studied, especially driftless migration, where the applied electric field is orthogonal to the direction of the drift migration. Here, we demonstrate anomalous shapes of preconcentrated analytes (either plug or dumbbell shape) and the morphologies were analytically modeled by the leverage of convection and diffusion migration. This model was experimentally verified with various lengths of DNA and the limiting cases (convection-free environment in paper-based microfluidic device and extremely low diffusivity of red blood cells) were also shown to confirm the model. Thus, this study not only provides an insight into the fundamental electrokinetic dynamics of molecules in an ICP platform but also plays a guiding role for the design of a nanofluidic preconcentrator for a lab on a chip application.

Time-Resolved MRI Assessment of Convection-Enhanced Delivery by Targeted and Nontargeted Nanoparticles in a Human Glioblastoma Mouse Model

Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) provides direct access of infusates to brain tumors; however, clinical translation of this technology has not been realized because of the inability to accurately visualize infusates in real-time and lack of targeting modalities against diffuse cancer cells. In this study, we use time-resolved MRI to reveal the kinetics of CED processes in a glioblastoma (GBM) model using iron oxide nanoparticles (NP) modified with a glioma-targeting ligand, chlorotoxin (CTX). Mice bearing orthotopic human GBM tumors were administered a single dose of targeted CTX-conjugated NP (NPCP-CTX) or nontargeted NP (NPCP) via CED. High-resolution T2-weighted, T2*-weighted, and quantitative T2 MRI were utilized to image NP delivery in real time and determined the volume of distribution (VD) of NPs at multiple time points over the first 48 hours post-CED. GBM-specific targeting was evaluated by flow cytometry and intracellular NP localization by histologic assessment. NPCP-CTX produced a VD of 121 ± 39 mm3 at 24 hours, a significant increase compared with NPCP, while exhibiting GBM specificity and localization to cell nuclei. Notably, CED of NPCP-CTX resulted in a sustained expansion of VD well after infusion, suggesting a possible active transport mechanism, which was further supported by the presence of NPs in endothelial and red blood cells. In summary, we show that time-resolved MRI is a suitable modality to study CED kinetics, and CTX-mediated CED facilitates extensive distribution of infusate and specific targeting of tumor cells. SIGNIFICANCE: MRI is used to monitor convection-enhanced delivery in real time using a nanoparticle-based contrast agent, and glioma-specific targeting significantly improves the volume of distribution in tumors.

Darcy-Forchheimer nanofluidic flow manifested with Cattaneo-Christov theory of heat and mass flux over non-linearly stretching surface

This research article aims to disclose the features of nanofluidic flow manifested with Cattaneo-Christov model of heat and mass flux over non-linearly stretching surface. An incompressible visco-elastic nanofluid saturates the given porous medium through Darcy-Forchheimer relation. A non-uniformly induced magnetic effect is considered to accentuate the electro-magnetic and thermal conductivity of the base fluid. The model is restricted to small magnetic Reynolds. Boundary layer assumptions are incorporated for the given flow model. Governing equations are remodeled into non-linear ordinary differential equations through transformations. So formulated nonlinear system is solved through homotopy analysis method (HAM) to achieve series solutions for velocity field, concentration of nanoparticles and temperature distribution. It is noticed that the temperature distribution and corresponding thermal boundary layer pattern shows declination for Cattaneo-Christov model of heat and mass flux as compared to classical Fourier's law of heat flux/conduction. Furthermore, the intensive resistance offered by the addition of porosity factor in the flow model results in rise of temperature profile, however, opposite behavior is noticed in concentration of nanoparticles. The wall-drag intensity, the heat flux and the mass flux are discussed on the premise of numerical information obtained upon simulation of the problem.

Air movement affects insulatory values of nests constructed by Old World Warblers

Avian nests provide a location for incubation, and in many cases rearing of nestlings. These energetically demanding activities have meant that nest insulation has been the subject of many studies but few to date have dealt with how variation among species in nest construction materials could affect nest insulation. This study investigated the insulation of nests constructed by three species of Old Word warblers (Sylviidae), which vary in size and composition. Insulatory values, i.e. difference in cooling rate of temperature loggers placed inside and outside a nest, and internal cooling rates within the nest cup were determined using temperature loggers under still-air and moving-air conditions. Insulatory values determined in still-air conditions of a laboratory were significantly different among nests of the different species but not when the values were determined within the smaller volume of a wind tunnel. Moving-air increased insulatory values by an order of magnitude but also increased internal cooling rates in all species. Insulatory values were positively correlated with the nest base thickness. Moving-air increased the cooling rate of the external temperature logger much more than the internal logger, which inflated the insulatory value of a nest wall in moving-air. Reasons for these results may reflect the thermal properties of the materials individually or in combination. Future testing of nest insulation should be under standard conditions that limit air movement but the role of the nest location in situ should be investigated in future research.