Adjustable Interval Research Articles

Establishing a Device for Sleep Deprivation in Mice.

Circadian rhythm disruption refers to the desynchronization between the external environment or behavior and the endogenous molecular clock, which significantly impairs health. Sleep deprivation is one of the most common causes of circadian rhythm disruption. Various modalities (e.g., platforms on the water, gentle handling, sliding bar chambers, rotating drums, orbital shakers, etc.) have been reported for inducing sleep deprivation in mice to investigate its effects on health. The current study introduces an alternative method for sleep deprivation in mice. An automated rocker platform-based device was designed that is cost-effective and efficiently disrupts sleep in group-housed mice at adjustable time intervals. This device induces characteristic changes of sleep deprivation with minimal stress response. Consequently, this method may prove useful for investigators interested in studying the effects and underlying mechanisms of sleep deprivation on the pathogenesis of multiple diseases. Moreover, it offers a cost-effective solution, particularly when multiple sleep deprivation devices are required to run in parallel.

Dynamic Characterization of Thermocouples under Double-Pulse Laser-Induced Thermal Excitation.

This study investigated the dynamic characteristics of thermocouples by using double-pulse laser excitation for dynamic temperature calibration under extreme conditions. An experimental device was constructed for double-pulse laser calibration; the device uses a digital pulse delay trigger to precisely control the double-pulse laser to achieve sub-microsecond dual temperature excitation with adjustable time intervals. The time constants of thermocouples under single-pulse laser excitation and double-pulse laser excitation were evaluated. In addition, the variation trends of thermocouple time constants under different double-pulse laser time intervals were analyzed. The experimental results indicated that the time constant increases and then decreases with the decrease in the time interval of the double-pulse laser. A method for dynamic temperature calibration was established for the evaluation of the dynamic characteristics of temperature sensors.

Interactive classification and spatial modeling of land cover changes in the Slovak Republic in the period 1990 to 2018

Abstract. The current country is the result of changes from the original country, mainly due to human influence. The external appearance of the landscape is represented by landscape cover. Within the EU, the Copernicus program, coordinated by the European Environment Agency (EEA), is dedicated to Earth and environmental monitoring. The outputs of the program are information services based on satellite observations of the Earth and ground-based collection of spatial data - implemented in cooperation with individual Member States of the EU. The Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS) and the collection of geographical information about land cover and land cover changes, land use, vegetation status, water cycles and the energy of the Earth's surface are provided.The Slovak Republic has been involved in the program since 1990. Corine Land Cover (CLC) data are freely available for 1990, 2000, 2006, 2012 and 2018. The CLC legend is a mutual combination of land cover and land use, the highest - third hierarchical level of the CLC classification identifies 44 classes. Data are available in the form of vectors and rasters, with a scale of 1 : 100 000, coordinate system: ETRS89, minimum mapping unit of 25 ha was selected.In this paper, we focus on the identification of the condition and spatial modeling of landscape changes with emphasis on forests. Forests as important carbon sinks are an environmental factor that influences the impact of emissions on the development of greenhouse gases and climate change. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), member countries report changes in land cover categories according to the AFOLU (Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use) classification. For the purposes of estimating greenhouse gas emissions, the AFOLU methodology distinguishes six categories: forest land; cropland; grassland; wetlands; settlements; other areas.The main goal of the paper is the development and presentation of an integrated geographical database of land cover data of the Slovak Republic from CLC datasets (in the period 1990 to 2018), a tool for reclassification of the third hierarchical level CLC and creation of data structures of land use categories according to AFOLU.The specific goal is the development and presentation of an interactive tool - a web application for retrospective assessment of land cover changes from the integrated geographical database according to the CLC classification and interactive assessment of land cover changes according to the AFOLU classification. The outputs of the interactive evaluation of land cover changes will focus on the forest land cover category, evaluation of changes according to adjustable time intervals in CLC and AFOLU and the statistical evaluation of changes.The output is a freely available web application with interactive functionality for datasets, database modeling of land cover changes, statistical evaluation of changes and creation of map outputs. A case study of data processing for the area of the Bratislava region (205 270 ha) in the years 1990 to 2018 (five CLC datasets) is presented. The datasets are suitable for continuously identifying the state of land cover, modeling its changes over time and interpreting land cover change processes over time.

Use of the Peak-Detector mode for gain calibration of SiPM sensors with ASIC CITIROC read-out

The ASIC CITIROC is a 32-channel fully analogue front-end ASIC dedicated to the read-out of silicon photo-multiplier (SiPM) sensors that can be used in a variety of experiments with different applications: nuclear physics, medical imaging, astrophysics, etc. For each channel, two parallel AC coupled voltage preamplifiers, one for the high gain and one for the low gain, ensure the read-out of the charge from 160 fC to 320 pC (i.e. from 1 to 2000 photo-electrons with SiPM gain = 106, with a photo-electron to noise ratio of 10). The signal in each of the two preamplifier chains is shaped and the maximum value is captured by activating the peak detector for an adjustable time interval. In this work, we illustrate the peak detector operation mode and, in particular, how this can be used to calibrate the SiPM gain without the need of external light sources. To demonstrate the validity of the method, we also present and discuss some laboratory measurements.

Energy and Reserve Scheduling Under Wind Power Uncertainty: An Adjustable Interval Approach

This paper presents an adjustable interval optimization model for the energy and reserve clearance while treating the wind power variation and uncertainty. Instead of conventional predicted intervals (PIs), adjustable intervals (AIs) as subsets of PIs are proposed as more judicious choices for economically covering wind uncertainties. Ramp-capability reserve is modeled to ensure the existence of sufficient ramp capability needed to follow up wind power variation within AIs. However, realization of wind power beyond AIs, which is no longer compensable by ramp-capability reserve, would necessarily lead to either load shedding or wind spillage. In order to optimally determine AIs, apart from the energy and reserve procurement costs, the costs associated with load shedding and wind spillage are incorporated in the objective function. The confidence level theory is employed as well for tuning the robustness and conservatism of the final solution. Performance of the proposed method is examined on several case studies on an 8-bus and modified IEEE 118-bus test systems. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to specify the impacts of important parameters on the obtained solution. The results confirm the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed methodology.

A laser Doppler system for monitoring cerebral microcirculation: implementation and evaluation during neurosurgery.

The aim of this study was to adapt and evaluate laser Doppler perfusion monitoring (LDPM) together with custom-designed brain probes and software for continuous recording of cerebral microcirculation in patients undergoing neurosurgery. The LDPM system was used to record perfusion and backscattered light (TLI). These parameters were displayed together with the extracted heart rate (HR), pulsatility index (PI) and signal trends from adjustable time intervals. Technical evaluation was done on skin during thermal provocation. Clinical measurements were performed on ten patients undergoing brain tumour surgery. Data from 76 tissue sites were captured with a length varying between 10 s to 15 min. Statistical comparisons were done using Mann-Whitney tests. Grey and tumour tissue could be separated from white matter using the TLI signal (p < 0.05). The perfusion was significantly higher in grey and tumour tissue compared to white matter (p < 0.005). LDPM was successfully used as an intraoperative tool for monitoring local blood flow and additional parameters linked to cerebral microcirculation (perfusion, TLI, HR and PI) during tumour resection. The systems stability opens up for studies in the postoperative care of patients with, for example, traumatic brain injury or subarachnoid haemorrhage.

The study of a novel control method of the mood lighting emulator

This study proposed a mood lighting design, which comprises of several groups of light emitting elements, a controller, an optical filter, a diffuser, and solar cells. It is capable of irradiating yellow light, red light, and infrared (IR) light. This new algorithm can allow the lamp to imitate sunlight, thus presenting sunrise or sunset processes over time. The microcomputer control unit is set inside the base body and connected with each of the first emission elements and each of the second emission elements. The emission model of each emission element is controlled through a timing control governor set inside the microcomputer control unit. In this manner, this study achieves the goal of making the lamp emit lifelike imitations sunset or sunrise lights, and can change the color of the emitted light with time. Moreover, the system makes the users feel as if they are in the situation of a vivid sunset or sunrise. With the calculations of two different accumulative errors, the sunrise/sunset database provides a series of electronically adjustable time intervals and tracks in the color space to reappear as the most beautiful moment of sunrise/sunset, at sometime and somewhere.

Threshold-based system for noise detection in multilead ECG recordings

This paper presents a system for detection of the most common noise types seen on the electrocardiogram (ECG) in order to evaluate whether an episode from 12-lead ECG is reliable for diagnosis. It implements criteria for estimation of the noise corruption level in specific frequency bands, aiming to identify the main sources of ECG quality disruption, such as missing signal or limited dynamics of the QRS components above 4 Hz; presence of high amplitude and steep artifacts seen above 1 Hz; baseline drift estimated at frequencies below 1 Hz; power–line interference in a band ±2 Hz around its central frequency; high-frequency and electromyographic noises above 20 Hz. All noise tests are designed to process the ECG series in the time domain, including 13 adjustable thresholds for amplitude and slope criteria which are evaluated in adjustable time intervals, as well as number of leads. The system allows flexible extension toward application-specific requirements for the noise levels in acceptable quality ECGs. Training of different thresholds’ settings to determine different positive noise detection rates is performed with the annotated set of 1000 ECGs from the PhysioNet database created for the Computing in Cardiology Challenge 2011. Two implementations are highlighted on the receiver operating characteristic (area 0.968) to fit to different applications. The implementation with high sensitivity (Se = 98.7%, Sp = 80.9%) appears as a reliable alarm when there are any incidental problems with the ECG acquisition, while the implementation with high specificity (Sp = 97.8%, Se = 81.8%) is less susceptible to transient problems but rather validates noisy ECGs with acceptable quality during a small portion of the recording.

Filterscopes: Spectral line monitors for long-pulse plasma devices

A photomultiplier (PMT)-based diagnostic system for monitoring spectral lines along multiple viewchords, named the "Filterscope" [R. J. Colchin et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 74, 2068 (2003)], is currently in use at the DIII-D, NSTX, and CDX-U fusion plasma devices in the US, and has been installed at the KSTAR device in Korea. This diagnostic has recently been upgraded for application to long-pulse devices, such as KSTAR, EAST in China, and the future ITER in France. A new data acquisition system, employing the PXI instrumentation platform with an embedded Windows microprocessor controller, can simultaneously record up to 72 channels at 100 kHz sampling rates for plasma periods lasting up to 20 min. Based on the average signal level during an adjustable time interval (100 ms in the present DIII-D implementation), the controller digitally adjusts PMT dynode voltage throughout the course of a discharge, thereby maintaining the output signals at a level where they are neither saturated nor dominated by digitizer noise. The new system's ability to accommodate large variations in source strength, discharge to discharge and within a single discharge, has proved particularly valuable during DIII-D operations, since changes between top, bottom, and double-null divertor magnetic configurations lead to large temporal variations in signal brightness.

A new electronic personal exposure meter for radon gas

A new electronic meter for personal radon exposures was developed and several prototypes were built. The exposure meter is optimized with respect to short-term (days) and long-term ( > 1 y ) measurements of indoor radon concentrations and personal radon exposure. The exposure meter records measured concentration levels in adjustable time intervals allowing a time resolved analysis.

The structure of multi-electrode-pair pulse laser and discharge pulse time selection

Applying multi-electrode-pair pulse TEA CO 2 laser to one optical resonance cavity will have several advantages over traditional method, including higher gain, shorter pulse discharge time interval, and in particular, continuous adjustable time interval of multi-pulse laser output can be achieved without high vacuum condition. To improve laser's working stabilization, we proposed new approaches to optimize laser structure design and discharge pulse time interval selection.

Fast reciprocating probe assembly for the Hanbit magnetic mirror device

A fast reciprocating probe assembly (RPA), which can scan a long length up to 100 cm (with maximum velocity of 136 cm/s), is fabricated to measure basic plasma parameters during a plasma discharge time (∼500 ms) in the Hanbit magnetic mirror device. The probe driving mechanism consists of two steps of movements; first a slow movement to set the probe at a standby position, and then a fast one to measure plasma parameters within an adjustable time interval. Both movements are driven by only a pneumatic system. This is a distinctive feature of the probe drive system that has advantages of a simple driving mechanism and an easy adjustment of the fast stroke length for the wide range. The probe head is fabricated as a modular type for easy replacement. Performance test results and initial measurements from the fabricated RPA will be discussed.

Fast movable remotely controlled Langmuir probe system

A versatile remotely controlled fast reciprocating Langmuir probe has been developed for the TJ-II stellarator. The main components of the system are a removable head, containing the measurement tips, and a displacement system that enables the probe to be displaced in vacuum. The probe displacement system has two different components: a slow one (course length⩽0.8 m) to set the probe at the initial measurement position, and a fast one (run length=0.1 m) to obtain the desired measurements within an adjustable time interval during the plasma discharge. The radial movement of the probe is controlled remotely by means of a programmable logical control system, with a radial resolution of better than 1 mm. The fast displacement of the probe (up to 1.7 m/s) is achieved by using a pneumatic system. Its position as a function of time is monitored by means of the on-line response of a linear resistor attached to the fast displacement system.

A class of explicit forward time-difference square conservative schemes

In the present paper,a class of explicit forward time-differenceschemes are established from a geometric view with strict analytical deductions.Thisclass includes the schemes with a constant time interval and with adjustable time in-tervals,which is proved to be effective and remarkably time-saving in numerical testsand applications.

A Droplet Generator with Electronic Control of Size, Production Rate, and Charge

A droplet generator has been developed which can produce small droplets one at a time, in groups with adjustable time intervals between droplets or in a continuous stream with controllable production rates of up to 100 per second for the smallest size. Size, charge, and time of production as well as horizontal position at the time the droplet is made may be changed electronically from droplet to droplet. Droplets are produced with nine adjustable and overlapping size ranges covering radii from 4 to 130μ. An application is described where one droplet generator is used in a cloud physics study of collisions between pairs of droplets of unequal size and charge.

Holography for 3-D vector analysis of rapid events

Holographically recording rapid events needs Q-switched laser pulses for illumination with energies of a few 100mJ and sufficient coherence length. For evaluation of speed vectors a simple hologram is sufficient. An equipment has been developed emitting two equal pulses of this very character, having an adjustable time interval of 100–1000μs.

A Fully Automated Shuttle-Box for Avoidance Conditioning

This report describes a completely automated shuttle-box avoidance conditioning apparatus for the rat. The equipment has been designed for maximum flexibility in order that the programming changes required for both simple and highly complex conditioning procedures may be made by simply re-setting dials. For each trial four independently adjustable time intervals are available, and for each of these intratrial intervals, visual, auditory, and shock stimuli may be presented independently or in combination. Thus, tones and lights (CS) and shock (UCS) may be presented over the four intervals simultaneously or sequentially with overlap, contiguity, or a rime lapse between the two stimuli. In the description to follow it will be noted that an open door between the two compartments of the shuttle-box permits S to move from one compartment to the other between trials. However, the circuitry is designed so that the CS and UCS are always presented to he compartment containing S regardless of Ss position or movements. While S's performance can be observed through a one-way viewing window, a permanent record of all stimuli and responses, including durations and latencies, is made on a specially modified recorder. In addition, counters and indicator lights facilitate observation of S's performance at any given moment. We have had two such apparatuses in operation in our laboratories for the past four years and the model described has proven highly accurate and reliable, with few failures during this period. Since E's presence is not required, we have been able with one apparatus, to rest 16 Ss a day at the rate of 40 trials per animal. This figure can be increased greatly if the number of trials per day is reduced. The apparatus consists of (a) a shuttle-box, (b) a session conuoller which controls and counts the total number of trials, (c) a primary timer unit for programming stimulus intervals, (d) an auxiliary electronic timer for intervals less than 1 sec., (e) a stimulus selector unit for selecting the appropriate stimuli for each trial interval and for feeding this information to the recorder, (f) a shock-scrambler for providing noxious shock to the grid floors at the shuttle-box, and (g) a hot-stylus recorder.*