Search Results (1,377)

The generation of aerosols with narrow droplet-size distributions remains a key challenge in liquid atomization technologies used in agricultural, chemical-processing, and environmental applications. This study presents an experimental investigation of spray characteristics produced by an inertial rotary atomizer equipped with an internal hydrodynamic flow-conditioning system. The experiments were conducted using a Box–Behnken experimental design and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Fifteen experimental runs, including three center-point replicates, were performed to evaluate the combined effects of the operating parameters. Liquid flow rate, rotor rotational speed, and spraying height were selected as independent variables. The response variables included the characteristic droplet diameters (d₁₀, d₅₀ and d₉₀), the Span coefficient, and droplet deposition density (N). Quadratic regression models were fitted to the experimental data to explore the influence of the operating parameters on spray characteristics; however, statistical diagnostics indicated limited predictive capability, and the models were therefore used primarily for exploratory interpretation of response trends within the investigated design space. The experimental results indicated that rotor speed exhibited the strongest tendency to influence droplet-size characteristics within the investigated operating range, while increasing liquid flow rate was associated with larger droplet diameters, consistent with the expected effect of increased liquid-film thickness. Within the investigated atomizer configuration, relatively narrow droplet-size distributions were experimentally observed under selected operating conditions. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that internal hydrodynamic flow conditioning may contribute to liquid-film destabilization and subsequent breakup. However, its independent contribution cannot be isolated from the present experiments because an otherwise identical baseline atomizer without the flow-conditioning element was not tested. Within the model-predicted favorable operating region (liquid flow rate of 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ m³·s⁻¹, rotor rotational speed of 4600–5100 min⁻¹, and spraying height of 30 cm), the fitted response-surface model predicted a volume median droplet diameter of approximately 64 μm. Separately, the minimum experimentally observed Span coefficient was approximately 0.58, indicating a relatively narrow deposited-droplet-size distribution within the investigated operating range. This model-predicted region was not independently verified by a dedicated confirmation experiment and therefore should not be interpreted as an experimentally validated optimum. The proposed physical interpretation considers hydrodynamic flow conditioning as a plausible additional mechanism contributing to spray uniformity, although its quantitative validation requires dedicated flow diagnostics and CFD analysis. The obtained results characterize the spray behavior of the developed atomizer within the investigated operating domain and provide an experimental basis for future comparative studies aimed at quantifying the independent contribution of the internal flow-conditioning system. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting further investigation of this concept and may contribute to the development of rotary atomizers for precision agricultural spraying and other engineering applications requiring controlled droplet-size distributions. Full article

Liquid biopsy, the analysis of tumor-derived material in blood, saliva, and other body fluids, is increasingly explored for the diagnosis, surveillance, and molecular characterization of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Its performance, however, is not uniform across the disease, and the reason is fundamentally molecular. human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal cancers carry viral oncogenes that are absent from the host genome and therefore provide a near ideal, tumor specific circulating marker, whereas HPV-negative tumors are driven by a heterogeneous somatic landscape that offers no single universal target. In this narrative review, we adopt a molecular perspective. We first examine the biological origin of circulating tumor DNA and of the other analytes that liquid biopsy can interrogate including circulating tumor HPV DNA, viral transcripts, microRNAs, extracellular vesicles, and methylation signatures. We then consider how analytical platforms, from droplet digital PCR to next generation and ultrasensitive whole-genome sequencing, translate these molecules into measurements. Only afterward do we discuss the clinical questions, organized by clinical objective rather than by individual study: diagnosis and early detection, prognosis and risk stratification, treatment response monitoring, minimal residual disease and surveillance, and biomarker guided de-escalation in HPV-positive disease. Twelve registered clinical trials, involving approximately 1183 patients, are presented as illustrations of these questions. We close on the biological and technical gaps that still separate promising signals from clinical practice, and on the multi analyte and dynamic strategies most likely to bridge them. At present, liquid biopsy should be regarded as a complementary tool rather than as a replacement for established clinicopathological assessment. Full article

Ultraviolet sensitivity in birds is generally attributed to short-wavelength-sensitive type 1 single cones, but ultraviolet radiation may influence the retina through several additional pathways. We reviewed molecular, optical, physiological, and behavioral evidence for canonical and putative noncanonical ultraviolet detection in the avian retina. Under photopic conditions, short-wavelength-sensitive type 1 cones provide an established chromatic pathway, whereas secondary ultraviolet absorption bands of other cone pigments may contribute at high irradiance. Under scotopic conditions, particularly in rod-dominated owls lacking functional ultraviolet- or violet-sensitive type 1 cones, the secondary ultraviolet absorption band of rhodopsin provides a plausible achromatic pathway. Ultraviolet-sensitive opsin 5 in inner-retinal neurons and Müller glia may mediate local regulatory or non-image-forming responses. We also examine fluorescence of oil droplets in double cones as a possible route into the luminance system. Previous reports described ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence in chicken retinal oil droplets and fluorescence of chicken double-cone droplets under blue excitation, although physiological activation of the adjacent visual pigment by droplet fluorescence has not been established. These mechanisms are not mutually exclusive, and their relative contributions probably depend on irradiance, adaptation state, ocular-media transmission, receptor abundance, and behavioral context. Receptor-specific physiological and behavioral experiments are required to distinguish between them. Full article

Fine dust generated during mining operations has become a key factor restricting the sustainable development of mines. The wet chord grid water film (WCGWF) dust removal technology, based on its unique dust–water interaction mechanism, has shown superior performance in removing coarse dust particles. Nevertheless, its dust removal efficiency for fine dust and the corresponding optimization approaches remain unclear. In this paper, experimental dust with a mean particle size of 10.32 μm was prepared. A WCGWF dust removal experimental platform was established. The effects of nozzle atomization characteristics, dust generation rate, chord grid position, and water supply pressure on the total dust removal efficiency of fine dust were systematically investigated. The results show that the hollow-cone nozzle has lower water consumption and a smaller droplet size than the solid-cone nozzle. The total dust removal efficiency of WCGWF remained stable under different dust generation rates (7.0–19.5 g/min). As the distance between the chord grid plate (CGP) and the nozzle outlet increased from 450 mm to 950 mm, the total dust removal efficiency of WCGWF increased from 66.7% to 73.6%. With the water supply pressure rising from 0.3 MPa to 0.7 MPa, the mean Sauter mean diameter (SMD) of the hollow-cone nozzle in the downstream region decreased from 138.9 μm to 90.5 μm. Meanwhile, the spray dust removal efficiency (from 48.1% to 59.6%) and the second-stage collection efficiency of the CGP (from 32.6% to 38.0%) both increased simultaneously. The findings validate the effectiveness of WCGWF dust removal technology as an efficient and environmentally friendly method for fine dust control. Full article

High-efficiency mixing and precise droplet generation are essential for the broad application of microfluidic chips in biology, chemistry, and medicine, with integrated micromixer and microdroplet generator systems playing an increasingly important role in diagnostics and drug detection. This review offers a comprehensive and systematic overview of micromixers and microdroplet generators, covering their classification, working principles, performance characterization, and integration strategies. Passive and active micromixers, the latter employing pressure, electric, acoustic, magnetic, and thermal fields to enhance mixing, are summarized with a critical discussion of their advantages, limitations, and structural optimization. Various droplet generation methods, including crossflow, flow focusing, coflow, step emulsification, and active techniques, are examined alongside key parameters affecting droplet size, monodispersity, and generation frequency. Performance characterization metrics for both components, including mixing efficiency, mixing time, pressure drop, droplet size distribution, generation frequency, and stability, are also discussed. The review then focuses on integration, emphasizing two primary architectural strategies: mixing reagents before encapsulation and inducing mixing within droplets after formation. Synergistic applications in single cell analysis, materials synthesis, and drug screening are presented. Notably, unlike previous reviews that treat micromixers or droplet generators separately, this review uniquely emphasizes architectural integration and critically evaluates the associated trade-offs. Current challenges and future directions, including material selection, fabrication techniques, and practical application-oriented considerations, are also addressed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite the widespread use of essential oils in aromatherapy, objective evidence supporting their neurophysiological effects remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of selected pharmacopoeial-quality essential oils (lavender, rosemary, lemon, and peppermint as well as a blend of these oils) on electroencephalographic (EEG) activity following inhalation and developed and characterized microemulsion formulations guided by exploratory EEG response patterns, with preliminary in vitro cytotoxicity assessment. Methods: EEG recordings were obtained from 28 healthy volunteers following inhalation of the essential oils. Neurophysiological responses were evaluated using exploratory paired comparisons between each oil and its corresponding grape-seed oil control, together with repeated-measures ANOVA of normalized EEG responses. Selected oils were formulated as microemulsions (M1-M3), which were characterized by their physicochemical properties. Cytotoxicity was assessed in HaCaT human keratinocytes using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results: Exploratory paired comparisons suggested localized EEG changes, particularly in the alpha-1 frequency band. However, these effects did not remain statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons, and repeated-measures ANOVA of normalized EEG responses did not demonstrate significant overall differences among oil conditions, although the alpha-1 band exhibited the most distinct response pattern. Microemulsions exhibited nanoscale droplet sizes and favorable physicochemical stability. The IC₅₀ values of M1 and M2 were greater than 2000 µg/mL, whereas M3 had an IC₅₀ of approximately 1220 µg/mL. Conclusions: Pharmacopoeial-quality essential oils produced exploratory, region-specific EEG response patterns, with the alpha-1 band showing the most consistent response profile. The developed microemulsion formulations demonstrated suitable physicochemical stability and generally low cytotoxicity, supporting their further evaluation as aromatherapy product prototypes. Full article

Background: Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 (FGFR3) mutations are common and clinically relevant alterations in bladder cancer, with implications for diagnosis, monitoring, and patient selection for targeted therapies. Tissue-based testing is often limited by sample availability, invasiveness, and the need for repeated sampling. This study aimed to develop and analytically validate a sensitive double drop-off droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay for simultaneous detection of four FGFR3 hotspot mutations in tissue and liquid biopsy samples. Methods: The assay targeted four FGFR3 mutations (S249C, R248C, Y373C, G370C) using reference probes that generate a constant fluorescence signal and wild-type-specific drop-off probes that lose binding when a mutation is present, thereby distinguishing wild-type double-positive droplets from mutant droplets with reduced drop-off fluorescence. Analytical validation was performed using synthetic mutant oligonucleotides, wild-type genomic DNA, and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from healthy donors (HDs). Specificity, limit of blank (LOB), limit of detection (LOD), and assay precision were evaluated. Performance was compared with next-generation sequencing (NGS) in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue DNA. FGFR3 mutations were also assessed in matched plasma and urinary cfDNA from bladder cancer patients. Results: The assay demonstrated clear cluster separation, no cross-reactivity, and reliable detection of all mutations down to 0.2% mutant allele frequency (MAF). Strong agreement was observed with a mutation-specific singleplex ddPCR assay for S249C. Concordance with NGS in tissue DNA was 74.2%, with ddPCR identifying additional low-abundance mutations not reported by NGS. FGFR3 mutations were detected in plasma and urinary cfDNA, with complete concordance between matched plasma and urine samples. Conclusions: This ddPCR assay provides a rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective method for detecting clinically relevant FGFR3 mutations and may complement sequencing-based approaches for molecular monitoring using tissue, plasma, and urine specimens. Full article

JP-10 is a pivotal high-density hydrocarbon fuel for advanced aerospace propulsion systems. Doping aluminum nanoparticles to prepare nanofluid fuels is a promising route to enhance its energy density and combustion performance, yet the droplet formation mechanism of such multiphase fuels remains poorly understood, hindering single-droplet combustion research and atomization system optimization. This work constructed a piezoelectric drop-on-demand (DOD) monodisperse droplet generation platform integrated with phase Doppler anemometry (PDA) and high-speed imaging. Using Al/JP-10/OA nanofluids with aluminum mass fractions of 0.1 wt. %, 0.5 wt. % and 1.0 wt. %, we systematically explored the effects of liquid flow rate, driving frequency and particle concentration on droplet size, size uniformity and ejection velocity. In this work, Al/JP-10/OA nanofluids with aluminum mass fractions of 0.1 wt. %, 0.5 wt. % and 1.0 wt. % were tested under liquid flow rates of 1.1–1.5 mL/min and driving frequencies of 10–50 kHz, with measured droplet diameter ranging from 241.04 μm to 292.26 μm and ejection velocity ranging from 1.65 m/s to 2.45 m/s. The results demonstrate that average droplet diameter increases linearly with flow rate and decreases monotonically with driving frequency. Compared with the 0.1 wt. % nanofluid, the 1.0 wt. % nanofluid shows a 4.4% larger droplet diameter and 12.1% lower ejection velocity, while the 0.1 wt. % sample retains excellent monodispersity with a size Span below 0.098. The multi-scale regulation mechanisms involving viscous variation, shear-thinning rheology and particle agglomeration are further clarified. This study provides fundamental data and theoretical support for atomization design of nanofluid aviation fuels. Full article

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is currently regarded as a preferable method for detection of actionable alterations in non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs). RNA-based NGS is particularly efficient in detection of gene fusions and allows for mRNA expression analysis of relevant genes. This study describes a novel library preparation pipeline for targeted RNA sequencing, which is based on the 5′ rapid amplification of the cDNA ends (5′ RACE) and anchored multiplex PCR. The NGS panel was designed for the analysis of 15 genes relevant to NSCLC therapeutic decisions (ALK, BRAF, CD274 (PD-L1), EGFR, ERBB2 (HER2), KRAS, MET, NRAS, NRG1-2, NTRK1-3, RET and ROS1). The validation against PCR was performed for 168 NSCLC samples. The NGS assay successfully detected all 85 mutations previously identified by PCR. It also confirmed the absence of tested mutations in 82 out of 83 PCR-negative samples. The only discordant case was subsequently analyzed by digital droplet PCR and demonstrated low fraction of the mutated allele. The newly designed NGS panel was subsequently used for the analysis of 272 carcinomas from young (≤50 years old) patients with no driver mutations identified by PCR tests or with failed PCR analysis. NGS was successful in 240 (88.2%) cases, including 35 (64.8%) PCR-failed samples. Driver mutations were detected in 55 tumors, including three previously unreported fusions (PAPLN::ALK, CD55::ROS1 and FKBP15::RET). We conclude that 5′ RACE-based RNA sequencing is a viable approach for NSCLC molecular testing. Full article

Centrifugal atomization is used to generate droplets or particles in processes ranging from crop protection and metallurgical powder production to rotary-bell coating, combustion, and spray-based product processing. However, comparison across studies is hindered by differences in atomizer geometry, characteristic scales, fluid properties, operating windows, diagnostic methods, and performance metrics. This article presents a structured critical review of centrifugal atomization mechanisms, investigation methods, and multidisciplinary applications. The literature is organized according to operational definitions, atomizer configuration, liquid-film evolution, primary and secondary breakup, experimental and numerical approaches, and application-level performance. Rather than assuming universal phase boundaries, the review synthesizes reported transition criteria for direct-drop, ligament, and film breakup and examines their dependence on geometry, liquid throughput, rotational speed, fluid rheology, surface tension, and surrounding-gas conditions. Across applications, the available evidence indicates that rotational speed and liquid throughput strongly affect film thickness and breakup intensity, but their influence on droplet or particle size remains conditional on the prevailing regime and device geometry. The review further compares the strengths, limitations, validation status, and transferability of commonly used experimental and computational methods. Remaining priorities include standardized definitions of characteristic scales, matched-condition comparisons, uncertainty reporting, benchmark datasets for multiphysics models, and testable criteria for scale-up and cross-application transfer. Full article

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers, shaped by a tumor microenvironment (TME) that is both metabolically demanding and strongly immunosuppressive. GBM relies heavily on fatty acid (FA) metabolism to sustain growth of rapidly dividing tumor cells and survive metabolic stress. GBM cells enhance lipid uptake, activate sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1)-driven lipogenesis, store excess lipids in droplets to prevent toxicity, and depend on fatty acid oxidation (FAO) to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and maintain redox balance, particularly under nutrient-limited conditions. GBM TME is also consistently enriched with regulatory T cells (Tregs), which maintain suppressive activity despite the nutrient restrictions that impair effector T cells (Teffs). In hypoxia and nutrient limitation within the TME, Tregs can adapt by using FAO, lactate oxidation, and OXPHOS, supported by forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)-dependent metabolic programming, cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36)-mediated FA uptake, and hypoxia-related signals. At the same time, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling reduces glycolytic activity in Teffs and contributes to metabolic dysfunction, while also supporting the stability of oxidative metabolism in Tregs. Evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies suggests a possible association between Treg enrichment in GBM and reduced responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), although this relationship is not yet fully defined. Overall, current findings point to FA metabolism as a shared metabolic axis that supports both tumor progression and Treg-mediated immune resistance. Targeting lipid-driven pathways may offer an opportunity to disrupt these advantages and improve the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies for GBM. Full article

To clarify the origin of asymmetric arc ablation in hydroelectric generator slip rings, a Steel 45/carbon current-carrying friction pair was selected to investigate the influence of current polarity on arc behaviour and interfacial damage. Static gap discharge tests (10 A) and dynamic tests (current density of 10 A/cm², sliding velocity of 0.419 m/s) were performed to characterize polarity-dependent erosion behaviour. The results indicate that, under the steel(+)–carbon(−) condition, the arc exhibits unstable burst-like discharge accompanied by intense spark spattering. The carbon cathode experiences severe material loss due to the combined effects of cathode-spot heating, positive-ion bombardment, and molten metal droplet impact. The steel surface is characterized by nested erosion pits and spherical resolidified spatter particles, while the apparent ablation-affected area shows an overall increase with accumulated arc duration, with a more pronounced expansion observed at longer durations. Pronounced bidirectional material migration and interfacial elemental enrichment are observed under the steel(+)–carbon(−) configuration, resulting in an apparent net mass loss rate approximately 2.5 times higher than that under the steel(-)–carbon(+) configuration. The reversed steel(−)–carbon(+) configuration produces a spatially constrained and stable arc discharge, accompanied by a continuous remelted layer and network-like thermal-stress cracks on the steel surface. Polarity reversal changes the direction of the interfacial electric field and charged-particle migration, thereby regulating cathode electron emission, arc discharge behaviour, energy distribution in the near-electrode region, and bidirectional material migration across the interface. These results provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the polarity-dependent arc ablation mechanism of steel/carbon friction pairs and for optimizing polarity configuration and differentiated protection strategies for hydroelectric generator slip rings. Full article

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is an age-associated premalignant state defined by somatic mutations in hematopoietic cells at a variant allele frequency (VAF) ≥2% in the absence of overt hematologic malignancy. Among CHIP-associated mutations, JAK2 V617F is of particular interest because it occupies a dual biological and clinical role: it is both the principal driver of BCR::ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and a clonal hematopoiesis variant conferring approximately 12-fold cardiovascular risk in selected cohorts, exceeding that reported for common DTA CHIP variants. Quantitative assessment of JAK2 V617F allele burden is therefore clinically relevant across the full disease continuum—from subclinical clonal expansion to MPN diagnosis, prognostic stratification, and therapeutic monitoring—as VAF thresholds correlate with disease phenotype, thrombotic risk, molecular response, and fibrotic progression. Digital PCR platforms, including droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and chip-based digital PCR, have emerged as highly sensitive and reproducible methods for absolute JAK2 V617F quantification without the need for standard curves, with reported limits of detection as low as 0.01%. In this review, we synthesize current evidence on the molecular biology of JAK2-driven clonal hematopoiesis, the clinical significance of allele burden quantification, and the analytical performance of digital PCR compared with quantitative PCR and next-generation sequencing. We interpret these findings through a systems biology lens that draws together JAK-STAT signaling networks and thrombo-inflammatory pathways including inflammasome-dependent IL-1 signaling, clonal architecture, and bone marrow microenvironmental remodeling. We also discuss published quantitative models in which JAK2 V617F allele burden is treated as a dynamic state variable, while emphasizing that the present review offers a conceptual synthesis rather than a new computational model. We provide a structured comparative synthesis of published digital PCR analytical performance data, a stage-adapted proposal for clinical monitoring, and schematic models to guide future implementation. Overall, the evidence supports digital PCR as a precision tool for monitoring JAK2 V617F clonal dynamics across the CHIP–MPN spectrum, and points to several priorities: assay standardization, harmonized reporting, external quality assessment, and prospective clinical validation. Full article

Protein aggregation strongly depends on the local environment, yet investigating it in compartmentalized, high-surface-area volumes remains challenging. Here, we present an optically controlled platform for inducing and monitoring protein aggregation in microliter droplets. Local pH changes are generated in situ via photoconversion of 2-nitrobenzaldehyde, enabling noninvasive environmental control without mechanical mixing or direct perturbation of the sample. By combining fluorescein-based pH measurements with Raster Image Correlation Spectroscopy (RICS), pH variations and protein diffusion were monitored. As a model system, we investigated β-lactoglobulin, whose association state strongly depends on pH. Light-induced acidification progressively shifted the protein toward its isoelectric region, resulting in a measurable decrease in the diffusion coefficient consistent with the formation of larger supramolecular species. Furthermore, modulation of electrostatic interactions through NaCl addition revealed the sensitivity of the system to environmental factors governing the balance between electrostatic repulsion and short-range attractive interactions. Under these conditions, the platform enabled the observation of aggregation behaviors that were significantly less pronounced in corresponding bulk conditions. Overall, this droplet-based approach allows for the precise manipulation of local chemistry and quantitative analysis of biomolecular self-assembly, making it readily extendable to various noninvasive, time-resolved monitoring applications. Full article

Capacitive sensors implemented in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology are widely used in lab-on-chip (LoC), biomedical, and microfluidic systems. While most capacitive sensor interfaces are designed for high-resolution capacitance quantification, many practical applications require only binary decisions, event detection, or state discrimination. In such scenarios, conventional readout architectures introduce unnecessary circuit complexity, power consumption, latency, and data-processing overhead. This paper presents a CMOS cross-coupled-based capacitance detector (CBCD) that directly converts the imbalance between a sensing capacitance and a reference capacitance into a digital output. By exploiting regenerative positive feedback in a dynamic latch architecture, the proposed detector integrates sensing, comparison, and digitization within a single stage, eliminating the need for analog amplification, analog-to-digital conversion, frequency-based readout, and external thresholding circuitry. Circuit-level simulations show the ability to detect extremely small capacitance differences, demonstrate robust operation across a wide range of input capacitances, and achieve negligible power consumption. Process-corner, noise, and Monte Carlo analyses further verify reliable operation in the presence of device mismatch and process variations. Owing to its compact structure, digital-native output, and energy-efficient operation, the proposed CBCD is well suited for decision-driven sensing applications, including droplet presence detection, bubble monitoring, threshold-based diagnostics, event detection, and time-of-evaporation (ToE) measurements. The proposed architecture provides a scalable and low-complexity front-end solution for next-generation CMOS-integrated sensing platforms. Full article