Decrease In Specific Resistance Research Articles

Клинические особенности затяжного течения кишечной инфекции, ассоциированной с Klebsiella pneumoniae, у ребенка грудного возраста

The development of complex criteria for the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and optimization of treatment of infectious diarrhea associated with opportunistic Enterobacteriaceae is a pressing issue of pediatric research and practice. The paper reports a clinical case of protracted intestinal infection associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae in the form of moderate hemorrhagic enterocolitis in an infant, which is explained by the decrease in specific resistance due to unfavorable maternal obstetric and gynecological history, perinatal CNS injury, iron deficiency anemia, protein-energy malnutrition. The disease relapse associated with secondary norovirus infection was reported after the first hospitalization. Three courses of intestinal antiseptics and probiotics were required to achieve a beneficial treatment outcome, although usually in such a situation one course of such drugs is enough. The recovery process was accompanied by the nutritional status improvement, hemorrhagic colitis relief, normalization of gut microbiota.

Chemical and Physical Properties of the BLT4 Ultra Capacitor-A Suitable Material for Ultracapacitors.

This paper describes the properties of a lead-free ceramic material based on barium titanate, designed for the construction of ultracapacitors and sensors used in mechatronic systems. The admixture of lanthanum (La3+) served as a modifier. The ceramic powders were obtained by the solid phase reaction method (conventional method—mixed oxides method—MOM). Technological conditions of the synthesis process were determined on the basis of thermal analysis. The obtained samples are characterized, at room temperature (Tr < TC), by a single-phase tetragonal structure and a P4mm space group. Properly developed large grains (d = 5 µm) contributed to the increase in electric permittivity, the maximum value of which is at the level of εm ≈ 112,000, as well as to a strong decrease in specific resistance in the ferroelectric phase, whereas above the Curie temperature, by creating a potential barrier at their boundaries, there was a a rapid increase in resistivity. The temperature coefficient of resistance of the obtained posistor is 10.53%/K. The electrical properties of the obtained ceramics were examined using impedance spectroscopy. In order to analyze the obtained results, a method of comparing the behavior of the real object and its replacement system in a specific frequency region was used, whereas the Kramer–-Kroning (K–K) test was used to determine the consistency of the measured data. The proper selection of the stoichiometry and synthesis conditions resulted in the creation of an appropriate concentration of donor levels and oxygen gaps, which in turn resulted in a significant increase in the value of electrical permittivity, with small values of the angle of dielectric loss tangent. This fact predisposes the discussed material for certain applications (in the construction of ultracapacitors, among others).

Improved sludge dewaterability by tannic acid conditioning: Temperature, thermodynamics and mechanism studies

Waste activated sludge (WAS), containing biological pathogens, chemical elements and high moisture (>99%), was generated continually from municipal sewage treatment plants. Sludge dewatering could diminish the volume of WAS and control the diffusion of environmental pollution efficiently. In this study, tannic acid (TA), as a plant-derived phenolic compound, was investigated for improving WAS dewaterability at different temperatures. Apparently, the WAS dewaterability was enhanced by TA conditioning in the range of 25–55 °C, but further increase in temperature did not significantly affect the dewatering. With the TA addition of 0.15 mmol/gTS (total solid) at 55 °C, the WAS dewaterability was improved by 84.5% decrease in capillary suction time (CST), 96.5% decrease in specific resistance of filtration (SRF), and 19.9% decrease in water content (Wc) of dewatered sludge cake. TA facilitated removing supernatant viscosity and protein of sludge EPS (extracellular polymeric substances), specifically with 88.9% and 75.0% protein removal of slime EPS (S-EPS) and loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS). Thermodynamics modeling revealed that the improved dewaterability was dominantly attributed to the hydrophobic bonding between TA and EPS proteins, which was strengthened with the increase in temperature. However, when the conditioning temperature exceeded 55 °C, thermal effect took place and accelerated the release of biopolymers into EPS and hence, counteracted the beneficial effect of TA conditioning to further improve WAS dewatering. The results offered not only the dewatering effectiveness and mechanism of TA conditioning, but also a potential approach of applying plant waste to treat WAS for the high dewaterability.

Effect of terazosin hydrochloride in airways of patients with bronchial asthma

&lt;B&gt;Introduction&lt;/b&gt;: This study aimed to determine the potential effect of terazosin hydrochloride on bronchodilatation and compare it with the agonist effect of salbutamol in patients with asthma and bronchial hyperreactivity.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;B&gt;Material and methods&lt;/b&gt;: Twelve patients with the diagnosis of asthma and increased bronchial hyperreactivity were enrolled in an open label cohort study. We registered the functional pulmonary parameters by body plethysmography, including airway resistance, intrathoracic gas volume and specific resistance in each clinical subject. Terazosin hydrochloride was orally administered in the dosage of 1 mg and 2 mg tablets. &lt;br /&gt; &lt;B&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt;: The results of this study performed in patients with bronchial asthma and hyperreactivity showed that the blockade of specific α&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt;-adrenergic receptors with terazosin hydrochloride (1 mg and 2 mg, oral tablets) did not change significantly (p &gt; 0.1) bronchomotor tone of the tracheobronchial system compared with the group of patients treated with salbutamol (specific agonist of β&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;-adrenergic receptors). The arterial blood pressure decreased slightly, but not significantly, after use of 1 mg and 2 mg tablets of terazosin hydrochloride.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;B&gt;Conclusions&lt;/b&gt;: The results of the study show that the activity of specific α&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt;-adrenoreceptors in tracheobronchial smooth muscle tone is not the primary mechanism for bronchorelaxation in patients with increased bronchial reactivity. The antagonism of α&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt;-adrenoreceptors has a minor impact on the tracheobronchial tone compared with the agonist effect of β&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;-adrenergic drugs, which cause a significant decrease in specific resistance of airways.

Effect of Hind Leg Morphology on Performance of a Canine-inspired Quadrupedal Robot

Biomimetic leg designs often appear to be arbitrarily chosen. To make a more objective choice regarding biomimetic leg configuration for small canine-inspired robots, we compare one hind leg to the same leg arranged in a different orientation, and show that the less biomimetic leg provides better performance. This differently-oriented leg design, which we call “transverse-mirrored” was more efficient and faster, both in simulation and experiment even though both leg configurations used the same passive and active components, rest angles, and monoarticular knee spring. In experiments the normal configuration had a maximum speed of 0.33 m·s−1 and a specific resistance of 5.1. Conversely, the less biomimetic transverse-mirrored configuration had a maximum speed of 0.4 m·s−1 and specific resistance of 3.9. Therefore the transverse-mirrored leg's best performance yields a 21% increase in speed and 24% decrease in specific resistance when compared to the best performance achieved in the normal biomimetic leg. The major underlying reason is that the knee spring engages more readily in the transverse-mirrored configuration, resulting in this faster and more efficient locomotion. The conclusion is that simply copying from nature does not lead to optimal performance and that insight into the role played by passive design components on natural locomotory dynamics is important.

Development of a Novel Submerged Membrane Electro-Bioreactor (SMEBR): Performance for Fouling Reduction

A novel Submerged Membrane Electro-Bioreactor (SMEBR) was developed to treat wastewater and control the problem of membrane fouling. To validate the new design, experimental work was achieved in a few phases. This paper describes the design constraints and criteria of the new developed SMEBR system, and shows the results of the performance of the SMEBR system to reduce membrane fouling when intermittent direct current (DC) (15 min ON/45 min OFF) was applied using cylindrical iron mesh for both electrodes. Application of the SMEBR system enhanced the membrane filterability by reducing the fouling rate up to 16.3% without any backwashing of the membrane module. The improvement in membrane filterability associated with a decrease in zeta potential of the mixed liquor flocs from -30.5 up to -15.3 mV and a decrease in specific resistance to filtration (SRF) up to 40% was observed.

Room temperature deposition of crystalline indium tin oxide films by cesium-assisted magnetron sputtering

Indium tin oxide (ITO) films were deposited on a Si (1 0 0) substrate at room temperature by cesium-assisted magnetron sputtering. Including plasma characteristics, the structural, electrical, and optical properties of deposited films were investigated as a function of cesium partial vapor pressure controlled by cesium reservoir temperature. We calculated the cesium coverage on the target surface showing maximum formation efficiency of negative ions by means of the theoretical model. Cesium addition promotes the formation efficiency of negative ions, which plays important role in enhancing the crystallinity of ITO films. In particular, the plasma density was linearly increased with cesium concentrations. The resultant decrease in specific resistivity and increase in transmittance (82% in the visible region) at optimum cesium concentration (4.24 × 10 −4 Ω cm at 80 °C of reservoir temperature) may be due to enhanced crystallinity of ITO films. Excess cesium incorporation into ITO films resulted in amorphization of its microstructure leading to degradation of ITO crystallinity. We discuss the cesium effects based on the growth mechanism of ITO films and the plasma density.

Case Study I: Application of the Divalent Cation Bridging Theory to Improve Biofloc Properties and Industrial Activated Sludge System Performance—direct Addition Of Divalent Cations

The objectives of this study were to examine the application of the divalent cation bridging theory (DCBT) to improve settling, dewatering, and effluent quality in pilot-scale reactors and a full-scale system treating an industrial wastewater. This was accomplished by lowering the monovalent-to-divalent (M/D) cation ratio by direct divalent cation addition. Research has shown that the M/D ratio is a potential indicator for settling and dewatering problems at wastewater treatment plants, and M/D ratios above 2 have been associated with poor settling, dewatering, and effluent quality. The M/D ratio of the wastewater in this study ranged from 6 to 20. The cations studied were calcium and magnesium. Results showed that the addition of calcium improved floc properties compared to control reactors with no calcium addition. The reductions in sludge volume index, effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD), and effluent total suspended solids (TSS) were approximately 35, 34, and 55%, respectively, when the M/D ratio was decreased to approximately 2:1. In addition, the cake solids from a belt filter press simulator increased by 72% and the optimum polymer dose required for conditioning was reduced by 70% in the reactor fed the highest calcium concentration when compared to control reactors with no calcium addition. The addition of calcium also decreased the negative effect of high filamentous organism numbers. In general, the addition of magnesium (Mg2+) had similar effects on effluent quality and dewatering properties, although some differences were measured. A full-scale test using calcium addition was performed. Measurements of effluent quality and floc properties were performed before, during, and after the calcium (Ca2+) addition period. The average M/D ratio during these periods was 6.2, 4.6, and 14.0, respectively. The addition of Ca2+ decreased the effluent five-day biochemical oxygen demand, effluent TSS, and effluent COD. The increased Ca2+ concentration also improved dewatering measured by a decrease in specific resistance to filtration and capillary suction time. Overall, the addition of divalent cations to the pilot- and full-scale activated sludge systems improved floc properties and the data fit well with the DCBT.

Proton exchange membranes prepared by simultaneous radiation grafting of styrene onto Teflon-FEP films. Synthesis and characterization

Proton exchange membranes were prepared by simultaneous radiation grafting of styrene onto Teflon-FEP films and subsequent sulfonation. Degrees of grafting from 13 to 52% were obtained. FTIR-ATR in combination with FTIR measurements show a homogeneous distribution of polystyrene across the grafted film. Water uptake after swelling in boiling water and specific conductivity of the sulfonated membranes were determined. The strong decrease in specific resistivity with increasing degree of grafting is due to an increasing proton mobility, reflected by an increasing hydration of the sulfonic acid groups. For degrees of grafting higher than 30% specific resistivity values at low as 2 Ω-cm (20°C) are measured, compared with a value of 12 Ω-cm for Nafion 117 membranes.

An advanced laser application for controlling of electric resistivity of thick film resistors

When electric resistivity of Thick Film Resistor (TFR) is adjusted to the desired value, laser beam is irradiated onto the resistor material so that a part of the resistor material is instantaneously vaporized and cut away. This conventional laser trimming method to adjust the resistivity of TFRs is an indispensable technique for manufacturing elec-tronic devices such as hybrid ICs. A peculiar phenomena was revealed by us, that is, when specially selected pulse laser beams were irradiated to TFR, the TFR was surface modified without cutting grooves, and then resistivity of the TFR was decreased. We completed the advanced laser process to apply this peculiar phenomena. 8 By comparing with conventional trimming processes, we can show prominent features of the advanced process, for example, resistivity of fine size TFR (300 micrometers-width and under) can be easily controlled. The decrease in resistivity of the TFR is considered to result from the decrease in specific resistivity of glass in the TFR. Because it is considered that the glass in the TFR is heavily doped with ruthenium impurities during the surface modification due to results of morphology observations and x-ray diffraction analysis. We have applied this advanced laser process to fine size TFR (300 micrometers-width), and developed high density hybrid ICs.

Further studies of the electrical characteristics of oxide films on aluminium

The change of defect structure, crystal structure and thickness of γ-Al 2O 3 films during immersion in aqueous solutions of sodium chromate, chloride and fluoride were studied by a.c. capacitance and dissipation factor determinations at variable frequency, by electron microscopy and diffraction, by the elliptically polarized light method and by cathodic polarization determinations. Immersion of 260 Å thick γ-Al 2O 3 films on aluminum for eight hours in molar sodium chromate and sodium chloride solutions at pH 6 results in no detectable change of film thickness or crystal structure. However, immersion in sodium chloride results in a substantial decrease in specific resistance of the film with time at frequencies below 100,000 c/s, whereas immersion in sodium chromate maintains the resistivity at higher values which are constant with time. The lowered specific resistance in chloride solutions is considered to be due to the introduction of n type current carriers by exchange of chloride ions from solution with oxide ions. This lowers the ionic rather than the electronic resistance of the film. Similar results were obtained during immersion in sodium fluoride solution at pH 6 except that the oxide films became contaminated with a crystalline second phase which complicates interpretation of the results. It appears that a greater number of n type current carriers are created in fluoride than in chloride solutions. This results in a larger reduction of the ionic resistance of the film than is occasioned by immersion in sodium chloride solution. There is some evidence that the degree of exchange in fluoride solution is sufficient to increase the average dielectric constant of the film.