Decrease In RI Research Articles

Syntheses and Patterns of Changes in Structural Parameters of the New Quaternary Tellurides EuRECuTe3 (RE = Ho, Tm, and Sc): Experiment and Theory.

The layered orthorhombic quaternary tellurides EuRECuTe3 (RE = Ho, Tm, Sc) with Cmcm symmetry were first synthesized. Single crystals of the compounds up to 500 μm in size were obtained by the halide-flux method at 1120 K from elements taken in a ratio of Eu/RE/Cu/Te = 1:1:1:3. In the series of compounds, the changes in lattice parameters were in the ranges a = 4.3129(3)-4.2341(3) Å, b = 14.3150(9)-14.1562(9) Å, c = 11.2312(7)-10.8698(7) Å, V = 693.40(8)-651.52(7) Å3. In the structures, the cations Eu2+, RE3+ (RE = Ho, Tm, Sc), and Cu+ occupied independent crystallographic positions. The structures were built with distorted copper tetrahedra forming infinite chains [CuTe4]7- and octahedra [RETe6]9- forming two-dimensional layers along the a-axis. These coordination polyhedra formed parallel two-dimensional layers CuRETe32-∞2. Between the layers, along the a-axis, chains of europium trigonal prisms [EuTe6]10- were located. Regularities in the variation of structural parameters and the degree of distortion of coordination polyhedra depending on the ionic radius of the rare-earth metal in the compounds EuRECuCh3 (RE = Ho, Er, Tm, Lu, Sc; Ch = S, Se, Te) were established. It is shown that with a decrease in the ionic radius ri(RE3+) in the compounds EuRECuTe3, the unit-cell volume, bond length d(RE-Te), distortion degree [CuTe4]7-, and crystallographic compression of layers [RECuTe3]2- decreased. The distortion degree of tetrahedral polyhedra [CuCh4]7-, as well as the structural parameters in europium rare-earth copper tellurides EuRECuTe3, were higher than in isostructural quaternary chalcogenides. Ab initio calculations of the crystalline structure, phonon spectrum, and elastic properties of compounds EuRECuTe3 (RE = Ho, Tm, and Sc) ere conducted. The types and wave numbers of fundamental modes were determined, and the involvement of ions in IR and Raman modes was assessed. The calculated data of the crystal structure correlated well with the experimental results.

Effects of combination antihypertensive therapy on intracardiac hemodynamics and blood vessels in patients with coronary heart disease, post-infarction cardiosclerosis and arterial hypertension

The aim of the work is to assess the effectiveness of prescribing a fixed-dose combination of amlodipine with the ACE inhibitor lisinopril or with the angiotensin 2 receptor blocker valsartan in patients with coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome with hypertensive disease regarding the impact on the structural and functional parameters of the heart and extracranial branches of the brachiocephalic arteries. Materials and methods. General clinical examination of 108 patients with postinfarction cardiosclerosis and hypertension was done within 12 months. The patients were allocated to two groups. Patients in the first group (n = 50) were assigned a fixed-dose combination of lisinopril and amlodipine (20 mg and 5 mg, respectively), and patients in the second group (n = 58) received a fixed-dose combination of valsartan with amlodipine (160 mg and 5 mg, respectively). The patients were monitored for 12 months, including general clinical examinations, measurements of office blood pressure (BP), 24-hour BP monitoring, echo-dopplerographic examination of the heart and brachiocephalic arteries, determination of the composite endpoint. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed using Microsoft Excel, IBM SPSS Statistics v.23. Results. A significant difference in echocardiographic data has been proved (p < 0.05) regarding left ventricle (LV) dimensions in both study groups. A significant decrease in the E/A ratio and an insignificant decrease in E/E’ (p > 0.05) have been found in the first group. When analyzing the indicators of diastolic function in the second group, a highly significant (p < 0.05) decrease in E/A, E/E’, IO of the LA has been revealed; data analysis on the morphofunctional state indicators of the extracranial arteries has shown a CIM reduction and a decrease in PSV and RI. Conclusions. Prescriptions of the fixed-dose combination of amlodipine with the ACE inhibitor lisinopril was more effective in terms of the LV measurements (p < 0.05) and LV diastolic function as evidenced by decreased E/A, E/E’ and IO of the LA (p < 0.05) as compared to the data in the group of amlodipine with the angiotensin 2 receptor blocker valsartan. Both fixed-dose combinations were effective in reducing the CIM thickness, decreasing PSV and RI when analyzing the morphofunctional state findings of the extracranial arteries.

Influence of depressed road configuration on downwind pollutant concentrations: A CFD study under various thermal stability conditions

Outdoor air quality is a major concern worldwide, especially in urban areas. In this paper, the influence of depressed roads (specific road designs where the road's surface is lower than the surrounding ground level) on the downwind pollutant concentration was assessed using a validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver, for eight road depths (D) and thirteen stability conditions (Richardson numbers, Ri). Depressed roads can decrease downwind pollutant concentrations compared to classical roads, but only under neutral and unstable thermal conditions. Under neutral thermal condition, a threshold is reached for D = 0.375, leading to a maximal pollution reduction of around 10% at pedestrian level and around 5% at the first-floor level. In such stability conditions, pollutant concentrations are lower as D increases and Ri decreases. Under stable conditions, such roads lead to higher pollutant concentrations. Four equations allowing to predict the downwind pollutant concentrations are given depending on the distance from the road centerline, the road depth, and the thermal stability condition. The results of this study provide pre-construction guidance on whether a depressed road should be considered to protect human health, as well as predictive tools to assess the beneficial or adverse impact of such structures on air quality.

Intraplacental Villous Artery Doppler can Improve the Ability to Predict Placenta-Mediated Disease.

Evaluation of Intraplacental Villous Artery Doppler (IPVA) as a predictive factor compared to umbilical artery (UA) Doppler in placenta-mediated disease (PMD). This prospective study included a group of 106 pregnant women, of which 76 patients constituted the PMD group: preeclampsia (PE) and small for gestational age (SGA), and 30 pregnant women constituted the control group. IPVA and UA Doppler evaluation was performed in 2 pregnancy periods: 20.0-23.6 weeks, and 28.0-32.6 weeks of gestation. From the study of maternal characteristics and risk factors for the presented pathology, we found that no studied risk factor was statistically involved in the evolution toward PMD during pregnancy. In the control group, we noticed a decrease in IPVA PI and RI, along with an increase in gestational age, while in the PMD group, these indices increased. Both in the 2nd and the 3rd trimester, we had a significant statistical difference between the two groups (p<0.001). Regarding the degree of prediction of the changes that occurred at this level, we found a good statistical correlation. A higher degree of positive predictability is noted, for IPVA-PI, but also for UA-PI, but with better sensitivity (72.27%) for UA PI in the 2nd trimester. We can conclude that both Doppler measurements, IPVA and UA can be used to evaluate and detect pregnancy complications that belong to PMD, preeclampsia, and/or fetal growth restriction.

Supervision of DPD RI in The Implementation of Regional Autonomy

In a bicameral system, Regional Representative Council of Indonesia (Dewan Perwakilan Daerah Republik Indonesia/DPD RI) acts as a regional representative institution that fights for regional problems. The authority of DPD RI is to supervise implementation of the law. The supervisory functions of the DPD RI are to monitor and supervise the government and public institutions, including the implementation of laws, regulations and policies. In this study the authors used a qualitative approach. The purpose of this study is to see the extent of supervision carried out by DPD RI on the implementation of regional autonomy carried out by Committee I. The author used strategies, analysis and relevant and important sources related to the supervisory function of the DPD RI on the implementation of regional autonomy. The author found that the authority of supervision and follow-up of the results of DPD RIs supervision on the implementation of regional autonomy is still very limited, there are supervisory problems starting from the relationship between DPD RI and the central government and local governments, human resources and supporting resources are inadequate, and the level of public confidence in DPD RI decreases.

Mapping rainfall interception for assessing ecological restoration sustainability in China

Ecological restoration (ER) programs play an important role in local and global climate change and carbon management policy interventions. Water resource is a key criterion for assessing the sustainability of ERs. Herein, we explored the spatiotemporal patterns of rainfall interception (RI, an important component of ecosystem water budgets), and its drivers after ER implementation in China. Further, we assessed whether ERs are sustainable by analyzing the trends of RI and water supply. As expected, we found that ERs caused an increase in RI in China from 2001 to 2018 (0.64 mm yr−1, p < 0.01). Changes in the normalized difference vegetation index and leaf area index contributed to a higher change in RI compared with other drivers. The decrease in RI was mainly recorded in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in Southwest, northern North, and southern Central and Southern China. Conversely, an increasing trend of RI was recorded in the Loess Plateau in Northwest, Northeast, and East China. Moreover, ERs are not always unsustainable in China, especially in Northeast, East, Central and Southern, and high-latitude regions of northern North China. Even in the Loess Plateau, which was criticized by previous studies, the unsustainability occurred only in the semi-humid region. Future ERs should be prioritized in southern parts of Eastern, Central, and Southern China, and must be appropriately considered in the Northeast and high-latitude regions in North China. It should be alert to the pressures of ERs on water supply, and its demand remains vigilant in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and semihumid areas of the Loess Plateau. This study provides new ideas for accurately evaluating the impact of ERs on water security and the sustainability of ERs.

Early Variation of Respiratory Indexes to Predict Death or ICU Admission in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2-Related Respiratory Failure

Background: In severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-related respiratory failure, the prognostic value of clinically based or blood-gas-based respiratory indexes is unclear. Objectives: We aimed to assess the prognostic value of Respiratory Index (RI, oxygen saturation [SpO2]/respiratory rate [RR]), RR-oxygenation index (ROX, SpO2/fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO2]/RR), partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)/FiO2 ratio (P/F), or standard PaO2/FiO2 ratio (_STP/F) at admission and of their variation during hospitalization in SARS-CoV-2-related respiratory failure. Methods: In 100 consecutive patients hospitalized due to SARS-CoV-2-related respiratory failure, we assessed the association of RI, ROX, P/F and _STP/F, and death; secondary outcome was the composite of 7-day death or intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Results: ROX <3.85 at admission (hazard ratio [HR] 2.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29–6.77) and decreasing RI or P/F during hospitalization (RI: HR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00–1.09; P/F: HR 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02) were predictors of in-hospital death. RI ≤3.8, ROX <3.85, and P/F <100 at admission were predictors for death or ICU admission (RI: HR 3.77, 95% CI: 1.30–10.98; ROX: HR 4.56, 95% CI: 1.90–10.96; P/F: HR 7.37, 95% CI: 1.59–34.2). The decrease of RI (HR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03–1.25), ROX (HR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.11–1.88), P/F (HR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.15), or _STP/F (HR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.08) during hospitalization was associated with 7-day death or ICU admission. Conclusions: In patients with SARS-CoV-2-related respiratory failure, easy-to-calculate clinically based respiratory indexes at admission and their variation during hospital stay can be used to assess and monitor the risk for death or ICU admission.

Synthesis of Pb3O4-SiO2-ZnO-WO3 Glasses and their Fundamental Properties for Gamma Shielding Applications

Zinc lead silicate glass system contains different amount of WO3 were fabricated using the classical melt-quench technique. The nature of the samples was investigated using X-ray diffraction. The ultrasonic velocities and elastic moduli were tested experimentally after that the results were compared by using the theoretical consideration. With increasing the WO3 content, decreasing the molar volume causes a decrease in the inter-ionic distance Ri. The FLUKA code were used to estimate the main attenuation considerations mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) and linear attenuation coefficients (LAC). The LAC increment from 0.728 cm-1 to 0.856 cm−1 as the WO3 concentration increment from 0 to 5 mol%, resulting in high shielding performance for G5. The dose rate at energy of 0.6 MeV with the G5 sample found to be declines from 2.35 × 107 R/h at 1 mm to 4.71 × 106 R/h at 4 mm. The values of mean free path (MFP) and the half value layer (HVL) are smaller than those of the traditional photon shields signifying that the fabricated samples (particularly G5) have interesting shielding characteristics to be used in applications involving x/gamma rays.

Rapid changes in vascular compliance contribute to cerebrovascular adjustments during transient reductions in blood pressure in young, healthy adults.

Characterization of dynamic cerebral autoregulation has focused primarily on adjustments in cerebrovascular resistance in response to blood pressure (BP) alterations. However, the role of vascular compliance in dynamic autoregulatory processes remains elusive. The present study examined changes in cerebrovascular compliance and resistance during standing-induced transient BP reductions in nine young, healthy adults (3 women). Brachial artery BP (Finometer) and middle cerebral artery blood velocity (BV; Multigon) waveforms were collected. Beginning 20 beats before standing and continuing 40 beats after standing, individual BP and BV waveforms of every second heartbeat were extracted and input into a four-element modified Windkessel model to calculate indexes of cerebrovascular resistance (Ri) and compliance (Ci). Standing elicited a transient reduction in mean BP of 20 ± 9 mmHg. In all participants, a large increase in Ci (165 ± 84%; P < 0.001 vs. seated baseline) occurred 2 ± 2 beats following standing. Reductions in Ri occurred 11 ± 3 beats after standing (Ci vs. Ri delay: P < 0.001). The increase in Ci contributed to maintained systolic BV before the decrease in Ri. The present results demonstrate rapid, large but transient increases in Ci that precede reductions in Ri, in response to standing-induced reductions in BP. Therefore, Ci represents a discreet component of cerebrovascular responses during acute decreases in BP and, consequently, dynamic autoregulation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Historically, dynamic cerebral autoregulation has been characterized by adjustments in cerebrovascular resistance following systematic changes in blood pressure. However, with the use of Windkessel modeling approaches, this study revealed rapid and large increases in cerebrovascular compliance that preceded reductions in cerebrovascular resistance following standing-induced blood pressure reductions. Importantly, the rapid cerebrovascular compliance response contributed to preservation of systolic blood velocity during the transient hypotensive phase. These results broaden our understanding of dynamic cerebral autoregulation.

Effects of ambient pressure on smoke movement patterns in vertical shafts in tunnel fires with natural ventilation systems

Smoke exhaust is of vital importance for life safety and structural safety in a tunnel fire. The smoke movement pattern could affect smoke exhaust efficiency, so it is necessary to determine the patterns in shafts in tunnel fires with natural ventilation systems. However, previous studies have focused on this problem at standard atmospheric conditions, but the ambient pressure, which could have an effect on smoke movement characteristics and temperature distribution, decreases in high-altitude areas. First, theoretical analysis is carried out to find that the smoke velocity is higher under reduced pressure due to lower heat loss. In addition, a set of numerical simulations based on Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) is conducted to investigate the effects of ambient pressures on smoke movement patterns in vertical shafts in tunnel fires with natural ventilation systems. The results show that the critical Richard number deceases under reduced ambient pressure, and the higher smoke temperature and velocity caused by lower ambient pressure are the reasons for the decrease in critical Ri. We hope that our work can provide a design reference for tunnel natural ventilation system design in high-altitude areas.

Estimation of Reducibility of Sinter with Continuous Measurement of Reduction Degradation Test

The effect of sinter size after reduction degradation on the reducibility was estimated with the newly designed experimental method simulating the actual blast furnace condition with various temperatures, reduction times and initial sinter sizes. The degree of reduction of sinter particles is dependent on low temperature degradation and increases in surface area as a result of the degradation. The RI of CaCl2-added-sinter was also estimated to verify the effect of additives for retarding reduction degradation on the reducibility. The RI decreases with CaCl2 as much as decreasing reduction degradation. Thus, in order to understand the reducibility of sinter, not only should the basic composition including fluxed oxides be considered, but also the sinter size after reduction degradation.

On gravity currents of fixed volume that encounter a down-slope or up-slope bottom

We consider a gravity current released from a lock into an ambient fluid of smaller density, that, from the beginning or after some horizontal propagation X1, propagates along an inclined (up- or down-) bottom. The flow (assumed in the inertial-buoyancy regime) is modeled by the shallow-water (SW) equations with a jump condition applied at the nose (front). The behavior of the current is dominated by the slope angle, θ, but is also affected by additional dimensionless parameters: the aspect ratio of the lock x0/h0, the height ratio of the ambient to lock, H/h0, and the distance of the backwall from the beginning of the slope, X1/x0. We show that the stability of the interface, reflected by the value of the bulk Richardson number, Ri, is essential in the interpretation and modeling. In the upslope flow, Ri increases and hence entrainment/mixing effects are unimportant. In the downslope flow, the current first accelerates and Ri decreases; this enhances entrainment and drag, which then decelerate the current. We show that the accelerating-decelerating downstream current is reproduced well by a SW model combined with a simple closure for the entrainment and drag. A comparison of the theoretical results with previously published experimental data for both upslope flow and downslope flow show fair agreement.

The propagation characteristics of curved detonation wave: Experiments in helical channels

The propagation characteristics of curved detonation have been extensively investigated in the present study using three types of stoichiometric test mixtures (2H2+O2+3Ar, C2H4+3O2, and CH4+2O2) in a new experimental facility consisting of a straight channel joined to a helical channel. The helical channel with different inner radii (Ri = 60 mm, 70 mm, and 80 mm) and uniform outer radius (Ro = 100 mm) were used. Flame propagation through the helical channel was observed by high-speed CCD camera, and the trajectories of triple points on the detonation waves were obtained using a soot-deposition plate. The results clearly identify three detonation propagation modes, namely, a stable mode, critical mode, and unstable mode. A definite flame shape, which is perpendicular to the inner wall of the channel, is observed for the stable mode. The smooth flame front becomes more wrinkled as p0 and/or Ri decreases. Three types of patterns of cellular structure are observed for unstable mode, which present specific features of the periodical variation with various mixtures and curvatures, such as periodical disappearance near the inner wall, “petals”-like structure, and intermittent structure. Moreover, the ratio Ri/λ is introduced as a sensitivity parameter to characterize the ability of a detonation. The detonation limits are found to be at the range of 2.6 ≤ Ri/λ ≤ 4.8 in the present study.

Perfusion parameters during Hypothermic Machine Perfusion in Expanded Criteria Donors (ECD) and Donors after Circulatory Death (DCD). Does comparison allow their categorization?

Urology Surgery and Transplantation Group. IRYCIS. Introduction ECD represent up to 80% of kidney transplant (KT) activity at our Center, which has also received and accepted DCD imported grafts. HMP decreases the incidence of PNF and DGF, and increases 1-year graft survival compared to standard simple cold storage in ECD, moreover HMP decreases DGF in DCD. Flow and Renal Resistance (RR) during perfusion are used as graft viability parameters. The aim of the study was to compare donor and recipient characteristics as well as perfusion. Materials and Methods Study data were prospectively collected in a cohort of consecutive first KT recipients from ECD and imported type II and III DCD between February 2012 and September 2017 with a minimum 6 months follow-up. Local kidneys were placed on Life-Port in the donor operating room and delivered to the recipient on the pump. Kidneys imported from other organ procurement hospitals were initially placed on ice until reaching our center. Early graft loss, DGF, kidney function at 1 year post-KT and acute rejection were considered. Quantitative data were expressed as mean (SD) or median (IQA) and qualitative data as ratios. Comparison was conducted using Student t test; Mann-Whitney, Fischer or Chi squared as appropriate. Statistical significance was established at p<0.05. Results 230 recipients from ECD and 20 from DCD were included. DCD donors were significantly younger as expected (72.8 years vs 59.0 p= 0.00). There were no differences in respect to sex, final creatinine and main comorbidities except hypertension. Cold ischemia time was longer in ECD (17.5 hours vs 15.2; p= 0.045) although relative machine perfusion time were similar. Recipients from ECD were older and more frequently male but there were no differences in comorbidities and time in dialysis. Machine perfusion parameters didn´t show any difference at any time point, nevertheless flow and RI evolution through perfusion was as expected, with a significant increase in flow and corresponding decrease in RI (Table 1). Finally, DCD showed significantly more frequent DGF (47.4% vs 18.0%; p=0.001) and worse graft survival at 1 year (65.0% vs 83.3%; p=0,043). There were no differences in kidney function at 1 year in those functioning grafts (36.1 ml/min vs 40.7) (Table 2)..Conclusion DCD functional results were inferior to those obtained in ECD despite its HMP. Perfusion parameters (flow and resistance) had the usual behavior in both groups and didn`t allow to categorize their source. In the actual state of knowledge, results improvement in DCD KT involves an effort in decreasing and tight controlling cold ischemia time.

Reference range of gestational uterine artery resistance index in small canine breeds

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the uterine artery blood flow during the second half of normal pregnancy in small breed dogs and to determine the RI reference values of this artery in these bitches. Fifty-two, 1.5–6.5 kg, purebred healthy pregnant bitches were included in this study. Doppler ultrasonographic examinations of the uterus were performed every 10 days from Day 30 of the estrous cycle to parturition. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) of the uterine artery were measured while RI [(PSV−EDV)/PSV] was automatically calculated. Values of PSV, EDV and RI were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA followed by Tukey test using age, body weight, litter size and parity as covariates. Resistance index reference ranges were constructed by regressing this index on gestational age. Equation of the polynomial regression curves was used to calculate the mean, 95th and 5th centiles for each gestational age (GA). A gradual increase of PSV (P < 0.01) and EDV (P < 0.01) and a decrease in RI (P < 0.01) were found throughout the study period. PSV and EDV were influenced by litter size (P < 0.05), while RI was not. None of the Doppler parameters were influenced by age, body weight or parity. A second-degree polynomial described the relationship between RI of uterine artery and GA in the different time points: [RI = 0.993 + 8.4x10-5 x GA2- 0.0117 x GA]. It is concluded that uterine artery blood flow progressively increased throughout normal pregnancy in small breed bitches. In addition, reference ranges of uterine artery RI were 0.64–0.79, 0.57 to 0.75, 0.53 to 0.71 and 0.52 to 0.66 on Days 30, 40, 50 and 60 of gestation, respectively.

Feeding deterrent effects of legume flours against two storage mites, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) and Suidasia medanensis Oudemans (Acari:Acaridida)

Whole legume flour and its fractions possess a potential in controlling insect pests. Information concerning the activity of various legume flours as bioacaricides against storage mites is rare. Therefore, two kinds of legume flours were obtained from common faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds to evaluate their effects on growth and development time of two species of storage mites, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) and Suidasia medanensis Oudemans via feeding test. The diet was dusted with legume flours at seven concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1%). After 21 days, the instantaneous rate of increase (ri) and mortality of both mite species were estimated. There was a significant decrease in (ri) values of both mite populations at concentrations higher than 0.1% of both legume flours. The concentration of 1% faba bean or pea flour was responsible for 100% mortality of T. putrescentiae and S. medanensis. Based on the LD50 and LD90values, pea flour was more toxic to T. putrescentiae and S. medanensis than faba bean flour. Moreover, T. putrescentiae was more sensitive than S. medanensis to legume flours. Development time of the two studied species was considerably prolonged by the addition of bean and pea flours. All tests were conducted under the optimal development conditions of storage mites. The results proved that both faba bean and pea flours possess potent acaricidal activity.

ДИНАМІКА CТРУКТУРНО-ФУНКЦІОНАЛЬНОГО СТАНУ СОННИХ АРТЕРІЙ В ЧОЛОВІКІВ ІЗ ГХ НА ТЛІ ТЕРАПІЇ КОМБІНАЦІЙ ЛОСАРТАНУ І РАМІПРИЛУ З ІНДАПАМІДОМ УПРОДОВЖ 6-ТИ МІСЯЦІВ ЛІКУВАННЯ В ЗАЛЕЖНОСТІ РІВНЯ УРИКЕМІЇ ТА ФОРМИ АГ

Мета – вивчити динаміку cтруктурно-функціонального стану сонних артерій у чоловіків із гіпертонічною хворобою на тлі терапії комбінаціями лосартану і раміприлу з індапамідом упродовж 6 місяців лікування залежно від рівня урикемії та форми артеріальної гіпертензії.Матеріал і методи. Обстежували чоловіків похилого та старечого віку з артеріальною гіпертензією другої стадії та різним рівнем урикемії. Вивчена динаміка cтруктурно-функціонального стану сонних артерій у чоловіків із гіпертонічною хворобою на тлі терапії комбінаціями лосартану і раміприлу з індапамідом упродовж 6 місяців лікування.Результати. Ключовою ідеологією дослідження, проведеного нами, було підвищення ефективності лікування чоловіків похилого і старечого віку із ГХ ІІ стадії на підставі вивчення звʼязку між плазмовим рівнем СК і структурно- функціональним станом сонних артерій, вазопротективної ефективності комбінацій і АПФ раміприлу і БРАІІ лосартану з індапамідом та визначення предикторів їх ефективності. Дана концепція давала перспективу для розробки диференційного антигіпертензивного лікування пацієнтів із ГХ похилого і старечого віку. Було обстежено 90 чоловіків з ГХ ІІ стадії похилого і старечого віку (середній вік 72,5 року) і 28 відносно здорових чоловіка того ж віку (середній вік 70,9 року) без ознак суттєвої серцево-судинної патології.Висновки. Доведений позитивний вплив комбінацій лосартану і раміприлу з індапамідом на структурно- функціональний стан СА у чоловіків із ГХ упродовж 6 місяців лікування. При цьому в цілому по групі не виявлено переваг того чи іншого варіанта антигіпертензивної терапії за впливом на динаміку показників структурно- функціонального стану СА. Вплив комбінації раміприлу з індапамідом на структурно-функціональний стан СА в чоловіків із ГХ упродовж 6 місяців не виявляє статистично достовірної асоціації з вихідним рівнем СК і формою ГХ. Натомість застосування комбінації лосартану з індапамідом виявляє статистично достовірну асоціацію з рівнем СК і формою ГХ, що характеризується більш суттєвим зменшенням ТІМ, ВТ СА, V CА і RI та збільшенням Д СА і PI у пацієнтів з гіперурикемією та ІСГХ. Застосування комбінації лосартану з індапамідом впродовж 6 місяців у чоловіків із ГХ виявляє статистично значимі переваги перед комбінацією раміприлу з індапамідом за впливом на структурно- функціональний стан СА у хворих із вихідною гіперурикемією та ІСГХ, що дозволяє стверджувати про більш переконливий вазопротективний ефект препарату в цих пацієнтів.

Modeling the Airflow and Particle Dispersion in Street Canyons under Unsteady Thermal Environment with Sinusoidal Variation

ABSTRACTUnstable temperature stratification conditions have a considerable influence on pollutant diffusion inside street canyons. In this study, we tried to model the air flow and particle dispersion in street canyons under unsteady thermal environment. The sinusoidal variation was used to model the atmosphere temperature on the basis of the solar radiation cycle that occurs over a day. The two-dimensional model of step-up building layouts was applied as the research object and an RNG turbulence model was applied to study the dynamic characteristics of instantaneous airflow, the dimensionless air exchange rate (ACH) and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in the different canyons. A series of numerical simulations were performed for different Richardson numbers (Ri). The results demonstrated that the stream function within the street canyons exhibited a periodic shift over a day, and the flow morphology gradually evolved from paralleled bilateral vortexes into a row of vortexes, particularly when the ground temperature increased. Moreover, the local PM concentrations at different times were obtained, and they were affected by the flow field patterns. The total PM mass in the street canyon decreased as the air velocity increased. Furthermore, the dimensionless ACH and TKE exhibit a noticeable fluctuation with time at higher Ri and stronger buoyancy. As the Ri decreases, the enhanced forced convection causes the ACH and TKE to remain constant over time. From these results, inhabitants should be advised to adopt preventative measures aimed at the PM pollution according to the time and location where they live.

Genotoxic effects of the carbamate insecticide Pirimor-50® in Vicia faba root tip meristems and human lymphocyte culture after direct application and treatment with its metabolic extracts.

The aim of the study was to evaluate genotoxic effects of Pirimor-50®, a pirimicarb-based formulation (50 % active ingredient), in human lymphocyte cultures and Vicia faba root meristems. Furthermore, the objective was to examine a combined influence of insecticide treatment with mammalian microsomal S9 and vegetal S10 metabolic fractions or S10 mix metabolic transformation extracts (after Vicia faba primary roots treatment with Pirimor-50®). We used sister chromatid exchange assay-SCE and measured cell cycle progression and proliferation (proportion of M1-M3 metaphases and replication index ratio-RI). Two processes were used for plant promutagen activation: in vivo activation-Pirimor-50® was applied for 4 h to the plant and then S10 mix was added to lymphocytes; and, in vitro activation-lymphocytes were treated with Pirimor-50® and S10 or S9 for 2 h. Direct treatment induced significantly higher SCE frequencies in meristems at 0.01 mg mL-1. In lymphocytes, significantly higher SCE was at 1 mg mL-1 with decrease in RI and M1-M3 metaphase proportions at 0.5 mg mL-1 and cell division stop at 2.5 mg mL1. S10 mix lymphocyte treatment showed significantly elevated SCE values at 2-2.5 mg mL-1, with cell death at 3 mg mL-1. Lymphocyte treatment with Pirimor-50® together with S9 or S10 showed slightly elevated SCE frequency but had a significant influence on RI decrease, with lowest values in S9 treatment. Since no data are available on the genotoxicity of Pirimor-50®, this study is one of the first to evaluate and compare its direct effect in two bioassays, animal and vegetal, and also the effect of plant and animal metabolism on its genotoxic potential.

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Effects of nitrogen fertilization on population growth of two-spotted spider mite&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Abstract Strawberry, Fragaria ananasa Duchesne, is one of the most favorite fruits throughout the world and its commercial production is highly influenced by available nitrogen (N). Nitrogen improves plant quality but unfortunately also increases its serious pest, Tetranychus urticae Koch. So, life table parameters and population growth rate of two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) were compared with four nitrogen concentrations (namely, 0, 50, 80 and 100% of the recommended N level) on strawberries under greenhouse condition. The 100% nitrogen application resulted in enhancing the protein and decreasing phenol content of the host plants. Also the mite's intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and the instantaneous rate of increase (ri) reached their maximum (0.234 and 0.26, respectively). The plants received the 80% and lower N showed a decrease in protein content and higher phenol content causing a significant decrease in TSSM's rm (0.218–0.202) and ri (0.24–0.22). Manipulating the N content in fertilization programs ...