Instantaneous Decrease Research Articles

A50-year-old patient with pancreatitis revealing pancreatitis, panniculitis, and polyarthritis syndrome-acase report and review of the literature.

The combination of pancreatitis, panniculitis, and polyarthritis (PPP) is arare systemic syndrome that occurs in patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic malignancies. A50-year-old male patient presented with polyarthritis increasing for 1week and consequent inability to walk unaided. In addition, the patient had several isolated nodules on the lower extremities without any tenderness to pressure. Laboratory tests showed elevated pancreatic enzymes indicative of pancreatitis, which was thereafter confirmed by abdominal CT scan, with signs of chronic pancreatitis and concrements in the pancreatic duct. The diagnosis of panniculitis was established by dermatological consultation. Considering all these clinical features, PPP syndrome was diagnosed. In accordance with the pre-existing literature, oral glucocorticoid therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were given but failed to improve pain and polyarthritis. In the further clinical course, due to the persistent increase in lipase and amylase, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed, showing small concrements in the pancreatic duct. During the intervention, the pancreatic duct was widened, the small concrements were removed, and apancreatic duct stent was then implanted. Following ERCP, an instant decrease in pancreatic enzymes was observed, accompanied by aclear and sustained improvement of joint swellings and pain. With the typical triad of clinical findings in mind, one should consider PPP syndrome in the context of acute or chronic pancreatitis as well as in pancreatic malignancies. All involved disciplines (gastroenterology, dermatology, and rheumatology) should be familiar with this rare but severe condition. The prognosis depends on the extent of the functional deficit of the extremities and the progression of the underlying disease.

Evaluation of SK-N-SH Cells as a Model for NMDA Receptor Induced Toxicity.

Over the years, the number of patients with neurodegenerative diseases is constantly rising illustrating the need for new neuroprotective drugs. A promising treatment approach is the reduction of excitotoxicity induced by rising (S)-glutamate levels and subsequent NMDA receptor overactivation. To facilitate the search for new NMDA receptor inhibitors neuronal cell models are needed. In this study, we evaluated the suitability of human SK-N-SH cells to serve as a cell model for neurodegeneration induced by NMDA receptor overstimulation. The cytoprotective effect of the unselective NMDA receptor blocker ketamine as well as the GluN2B-selective inhibitor WMS14-10 was evaluated utilizing different cell viability assays, such as endpoint (LDH, CCK-8, DAPI/FACS) and time dependent methods (bioimpedance). Non-differentiated as well as differentiated SK-N-SH cells express GluN1 and GluN2B subunits. Furthermore, 50 mM (S)-glutamate led to an instantaneous decrease in cell survival. Only application of unselective channel blocker ketamine could protect differentiated cells against this effect, while the selective inhibitor WMS14-10 did not significantly increase cell survival. SK-N-SH cells show an increased sensitivity to (S)-glutamate mediated cytotoxicity with higher differentiation level, that is only partially induced by NMDA receptor overstimulation. Furthermore, we showed that only unselective NMDA receptor inhibition can partially reverse (S)-glutamate-induced toxicity.

Structure-function in smokers: when a small airways test really reflects the small airways.

If multiple-breath washout (MBW)-derived acinar ventilation heterogeneity (Sacin) really represents peripheral units, the N2 phase-III of the first MBW exhalation should be curvilinear. This is essentially due to the superposed effect of gas diffusion and convection resulting in an equilibration of N2 concentrations between neighboring lung units throughout exhalation. We investigated this in smokers with computed tomography (CT)-proven functional small airway disease. Instantaneous N2-slopes were computed over 40-ms intervals throughout phase-III and normalized by mean phase-III N2 concentration. N2 phase-III (concave) curvilinearity was quantified as the rate at which the instantaneous N2-slope decreases past the phase-II peak over a 1-s interval; for a linear N2 phase-III unaffected by diffusion, this rate would amount to 0 L-1/s. N2 phase-III curvilinearity was obtained on the experimental curves and on existing model simulations of N2 curves from a normal peripheral lung model and one with missing terminal bronchioles (either 50% or 30% TB left). In 46 smokers [66 (±8) yr; 49 (±26) pack·yr] with CT-based evidence of peripheral lung destruction, instantaneous N2-slope decrease was compared between those with (fSAD+fEmphys) > 20% [-0.26 ± 0.14 (SD) L-1/s; n = 24] and those with (fSAD+fEmphys) < 20% [-0.16 ± 0.12 (SD) L-1/s; n = 22] (P = 0.014). Experimental values fell in the range predicted by a realistic peripheral lung model with progressive reduction of terminal bronchioles: values of instantaneous N2-slope decrease obtained from model simulations were -0.09 L-1/s (normal lung; 100% TB left), -0.17 L-1/s (normal lung 50% TB left), and -0.29 L-1/s (30% TB left). In smokers with CT-based evidence of functional small airway alterations, it is possible to demonstrate that Sacin really does represent the most peripheral airspaces.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In smokers with computed tomography-based evidence of functional small airway alterations by parametric response mapping, it is possible to demonstrate that the multiple-breath washout-derived Sacin, an index of acinar ventilation heterogeneity, actually does represent the most peripheral airspaces. This is done by verifying on experimental N2 washout curves of the first breath, N2 phase-III concavity predicted by the diffusion-convection interdependence model.

Fast–slow dynamics related to sharp transition behaviors in the Rayleigh oscillator with two slow square wave excitations

This paper aims to report the fast–slow dynamics in the Rayleigh oscillator with two slow square wave excitations. Typically, a square wave excitation is a periodic excitation that has instantaneous alternation between maximum and minimum amplitude levels, which may trigger a transient response in the system. We show that, by introducing two square wave excitations with multiple frequencies, fast–slow oscillations with catastrophic jumps can be observed in the Rayleigh oscillator. Then, we explain the generation mechanisms of these fast–slow oscillations based on the fast–slow analysis, in which the two slow square wave excitations with different frequencies are transformed based on their frequency ratio, and subsequently treated as a single slow variable. Our study shows that square wave excitations play a crucial role in determining the fast–slow dynamics of the system. Under the control of square wave excitations, the equilibrium can exhibit rapid jumps in different levels, and the variation of amplitude of the limit cycle is not gradual, characterized by instantaneous increase and decrease. Such phenomenon can be referred to as the step-shaped sharp transition of attractor, which accounts for the generation of fast–slow oscillations. Furthermore, with the increase of the frequency ratios, the rectangular-pulse-shaped explosion can be created in the solutions branches of the fast subsystem, which thus leads to fast–slow oscillations with multiple catastrophic jumps. Based on this, the fast–slow oscillations of point–point type and fast–slow oscillations of cycle–cycle type are revealed.

Acoustic monitoring of compaction in cohesive granular materials.

We study the transition from cohesive to noncohesive states of cemented granular materials (synthetic rocks) under oedometric loading, combining simultaneous measurements of ultrasound velocity and acoustic emission (AE: microseosmicity). Our samples are agglomerates made of glass beads bonded with a few percent of cement, either ductile or brittle. These cemented granular samples exhibit an inelastic compaction beyond certain axial stresses likely due to the formation of compaction bands, which is accompanied by a significant decrease of compressional wave velocity. Upon subsequent cyclic unloading-reloading with constant consolidation stress, we found the mechanical and acoustic responses like those in noncohesive granular materials, which can be interpreted within the effective medium theory based on the Digby's bonding model. Moreover, this model allows P-wave velocity measured at vanishing pressure to be interpreted as an indicator of the debonding on the scale of grain contact. During the inelastic compaction, stick-slip-like stress drops were observed in brittle cement-bonded granular samples accompanied by the instantaneous decrease of the P-wave velocity and AEs which display an Omori-like law for foreshocks, i.e., precursors. By contrast, mechanical responses of ductile cement-bonded granular samples are smooth (without visible stick-slip-like stress drops) and mostly aseismic. By applying a cyclic loading-unloading with increasing consolidation stress, we observed a Kaiser-like memory effect in the brittle cement-bonded sample in the weakly damaged state which tends to disappear when the bonds are mostly broken in the noncohesive granular state after large-amplitude loading. In this paper, we show that the macroscopic ductile and brittle behavior of cemented granular media is controlled by the local processes on the scale of the bonds between grains.

Mechanism of influence of water mist in a closed vessel on the explosion overpressure and flame propagation characteristics of magnesium dust

The primary purpose of this paper is to deeply investigate the impact of water mist on the explosive characteristics of magnesium dust and to broaden the inerting and suppression strategies for magnesium dust explosions. The explosion characteristics and flame propagation behaviors of magnesium dust/water mist mixtures were examined in a 16.2-L visualized closed vessel. The explosion products were further analyzed using SEM and XRD. The results indicate that with the addition of water mist, the explosivity of low-concentration magnesium dust (≤600 g/m3) increases. The explosive strength of three higher concentrations of magnesium dust (800 g/m3, 1200 g/m3, 1600 g/m3) notably decreases, with the Pmax dropping by 69.86%, 54.08%, and 46.22% respectively compared to pure magnesium dust. The leading edge of the preheat zone exhibits red radiation, the fluctuation range of the instantaneous flame propagation speed decreases, and cubic particles appear in the explosion products. These changes are mainly attributed to the hydrogen produced in the explosion of the magnesium dust/water mist mixture. Under the combined effects of hydrogen and steam, the preheat zone significantly expands. Moreover, as the concentration of hydrogen increases, its presence weakens the suppressing effect of the water mist, manifested by the evident slowing of the average flame speed, the maximum flame speed, and the rate of decrease in explosive strength. The suppression of magnesium dust explosions by water mist mainly relies on physical actions such as heat absorption, blocking thermal radiation, and diluting oxidizer concentration.

200-W short-pulse operation of photonic-crystal lasers based on simultaneous absorptive and radiative Q-switching.

Short-pulse high-peak-power lasers are crucial laser sources for various applications such as non-thermal ultrafine material processing and eye-safe high-resolution remote sensing. Realizing such operation in a single semiconductor laser chip without amplifiers or external resonators is expected to contribute to the development of compact, affordable laser sources for such applications. In this paper, we demonstrate short-pulse high-peak-power photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers based on simultaneous absorptive and radiative Q-switching. The proposed device induces an instantaneous and simultaneous decrease in both absorptive and out-of-plane radiation losses due to saturable absorption and self-evolution of the photonic band, respectively, which results in drastic Q-switching operation of the device. Based on this concept, we experimentally demonstrate short-pulse generation with 200-W-class peak power and a pulse width of < 30 ps. In addition, via pulse compression with dispersion compensation, we achieve an even higher peak power of ∼300 W with a shorter pulse width of ∼10 ps.

Damage localization in carbon fiber composite plate combining ultrasonic guided wave instantaneous energy characteristics and probabilistic imaging method

The ultrasonic guided wave (UGW) imaging technique has become a promising tool in composite structure health monitoring. However, most algorithms extract damage characteristics with time or frequency domain method. These methods cannot characterize the nonlinear and nonstationary damage signals. Based on the Hilbert–Huang transform, the phenomenon of instantaneous energy increase and decrease is studied, and the rule of energy change and distance from damage to sensor path is summarized. The damage index based on instantaneous energy characteristics is proposed. A probabilistic imaging method is proposed, which introduces a probability distribution function based on the elliptical method for fusion imaging with traditional probability distribution function. The experiment of 74 points on carbon fiber composite plate was performed. The average localization error was 3.56 mm and the maximum was 9.68 mm. The proposed method has high localization accuracy and stability and has application prospects in high-end equipment composite structure health monitoring.

Effects of SiO2 nanoparticles on root structures, gas exchange, and antioxidant activities of Cunninghamia lanceolata seedlings under drought stress

Increasing evidence shows that silicon possesses important physiological functions in plants, thus, silicon fertilizers are used widely in agriculture. However, few attentions were paid on the effects of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) on plant growth and resistance to abiotic stresses. In this present study, different amount of SiO2NPs were applied in pots with Cunninghamia lanceolata seedlings, and their root development, gas exchange, and drought resistance were investigated. These results showed that SiO2NPs treatment increased total root length, root volume, and the numbers of root tips of these seedlings under drought stress. Specific root area (SRA) and specific root length (SRL) also increased. SiO2NPs treatment altered anatomical structures of the first-order lateral roots of C. lanceolata seedlings under drought stress (i.e., increase in cortex thickness and the number of cortex layers). Under drought stress, SiO2NPs treatment increased net photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, and transpiration. SiO2NPs treatment also led to increase in light use efficiency and instantaneous Rubisco carboxylation rate and decrease in water use efficiency under drought stress. Under drought stress, SiO2NPs treatment resulted in increased activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catase, and peroxidase) and concentrations of antioxidants (ascorbate and glutathione), decreasing oxidative damage caused by drought stress. All together, these results suggested that SiO2NPs could be used for seedling culture of forest trees.

Decrease in the Surface Tension of Nanobubble Dispersion in Water: Results of Surface Excess of Bulk Nanobubbles at Interfaces

The effect of nanobubbles (NBs) on the surface tension of liquid was investigated by three methods of different measuring principles, pendant drop (PD), Wilhelmy, and du Noüy methods, over a wide range of number concentration of bulk NBs (BNBs). In all of the three methods, the surface tension decreased in proportion to the number concentration of BNBs and the proportional constant was different among the three methods. Such behavior was inferred to be caused by the surface excess of BNBs at the gas-liquid or solid-liquid interface. In the PD method, the hydrophobic interaction between BNBs and air around a drop seems to cause the surface excess of BNBs along the surface of water drops. It brings about a subtle change in its profile, resulting in the decrease in surface tension, which takes a time of hundreds of seconds. Meanwhile, in the Wilhelmy and du Noüy methods, electrostatic attractive force between BNBs and a plate or ring is a likely cause of surface excess at the solid-liquid interface, resulting in the instantaneous decrease in surface tension. This study also provides a practical methodology of comparison for surface tension of NB dispersion: surface tension shall be compared among different samples with the same measurement method. Especially in the PD method, retention time of droplets before measurement shall be the same among samples.

Determination of the time of lowering depression surface in transition zones with a smooth and instantaneous decrease in water level in reservoir

The Republic of Uzbekistan pays great attention to the development and implementation of a program for the development of hydropower based on ensuring the share of hydropower in the energy potential and the integrated development of hydropower potential. Over the last three years, hydropower plants have been built or reconstructed in more than a dozen small and medium-sized earth dams to accomplish this task. Typically, unstable filtration is observed in the body of earth dams because of deviations from the normal filling and emptying of water reservoirs. The main goal of the research is to determine the time to lower the depression surface in the Tupalang earth dam transition zones, which characterizes the intensity of unstable filtration during a smooth and sudden drop in reservoir water level. The calculations were made according to the theoretical dependences of V.P.Nedriga for two cases of smooth and sudden lowering of the water level in the reservoir, starting from the normal backed level (NBL). In the calculations, the values of the main parameters were taken to be the coefficient of water loss of the soil (0.3), the coefficient of filtration of the transition zones (9.5 m/day), and the coefficient of laying the slope of the transition zones (0.2). Calculations showed that the time of lowering the depression surface in the transition zones with a gradual decrease in the water level in the reservoir was 84.1 days, and with an instantaneous decrease in the water level during the operation of a dam with a height of 120 m 3.86 days, and during the operation of a dam with a height of 185 m 6.82 days.

Correlational Analysis of the ELF – VLF Nighttime Atmospherics Parameters

Tweek-atmospherics (tweeks), along with radio transmission by VLF radio stations, are used to study the lower ionosphere. Electromagnetic pulse radiation, which has been excited by the lightning discharges, has a maximum spectral density at extra low frequencies range (ELF, 300...3000 Hz) and very low frequencies (VLF, 3...30 kHz). The Earth-ionosphere cavity serves as a waveguide for electromagnetic waves in these frequency ranges. On the spectrogram of the tweek, the initial part is a linearly polarized broadband signal, and then a number of individual harmonics are observed. Their instantaneous frequencies decrease, asymptotically approaching approximately multiples of the cutoff frequencies of the waveguide. The single position method for lightning location and estimation of the ELF wave’s reflection heights in the lower ionosphere by tweeks has been implemented into the computational algorithm. The clusters with approximately the same azimuths and distances to sources which have been obtained during the same night have been identified upon the ensemble of tweek-atmospheric records. The data were accumulated at the Ukrainian Antarctic Station "Akademik Vernadsky" in 2019. The location of the receiving complex in the near-polar region makes it possible to register tweek sources in two world thunderstorm centers with geographic azimuths from –60° to 130°. The results of processing these data have been used by studying the correlation matrix and partial correlation coefficients to identify causal relationships between the three main parameters of the tweek, such as (1) the average azimuth of the arrival of tweeks in regard to the magnetic meridian, (2) the average distance to the center of the cluster of tweek sources (lightning discharges), and (3) the average number of tweek harmonics. The same correlation analysis was applied to two groups with distances to sources of 2.2...7.5 Mm and 7.6...9.5 Mm used for study in detail. It is shown that the partial correlation coefficients between the number of tweek harmonics and the difference of the magnetic azimuth from the magnetic east are 0.624 (for the entire range of distances), 0.696 (for far tweek sources) and 0.595 (for main middle range), so, they always exceed the values of 0.1% significance level. The correlation of tweek spectrum with the distance to the tweek source in the range of 2.2…7.5 Mm has been shown to be comparable in magnitude or to exceed the correlation of tweek spectrum with the magnetic azimuth. The elimination of this masking effect by calculating the partial correlation coefficients made it possible to reveal the magnetic azimuth dependences of the tweek spectra if tweek propagates in a region outside the geomagnetic equator. Thus, the effect of non-reciprocity of propagation of ELF – VLF waves in regard to the magnetic meridian in the east – west and west – east directions is found in the spectra of tweek-atmospherics. It results in an increased probability of detecting tweeks with higher harmonics if their directions of arrival are close to the geomagnetic east. It is also shown that this effect, as a result of increased attenuation during the propagation of ELF – VLF radiation from the west and weakened attenuation during propagation from the east, leads to a highly significant correlation (with probability level more than 99.9%) between the magnetic azimuths of tweeks and the lengths of their paths to the receiving station.

Spectroscopic Study of Time-Varying Optical Redox Ratio in NADH/FAD Solution.

Autofluorescence imaging has been widely applied as advanced noninvasive diagnostics for in vivo and ex vivo tissues. The optical redox ratio (ORR), which is defined as the fluorescence intensity ratio between reduced nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and oxidized flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), has been used as a diagnostic parameter strongly, because NADH and FAD play an important role in energetic and respiratory metabolism as coenzymes. The ORR method has provided successful assessment in cancer diagnosis including breast, cervical, and oral cancer; few studies have been reported about optical and chemical interference between two molecules resulting in a change in ORR values. In this study, we investigated the variations in ORR values of NADH/FAD mixtures dissolved in tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, phosphate buffer, and deionized water environments. In vitro solutions were prepared in various concentration ratios and the experimental and theoretical ORR values were obtained from fluorescence and absorption spectra in time series. Based on the spectroscopic analysis, we concluded that the inner filter effect causes an instant decrease in FAD fluorescence just after dissolution and that the oxidation-reduction coupled with oxygenation reaction results in time-varying decreases in NADH fluorescence and FAD emission.

Large Stress-Gradient Creep Tests and Model Establishment for Red Sandstone Treated at High Temperatures

Red sandstone samples treated at high temperatures feature complex creep properties. Uniaxial compression tests and the incremental creep tests at different stress gradients were conducted on 10 red sandstone samples of the same specifications divided into five groups on an RLW-2000 triaxial servo rheometer in the laboratory. Relationships of the instantaneous strain and creep strain of red sandstone samples treated at high temperatures with the stress level were explored, and the creep properties and strength of the samples at different temperature gradients were investigated. In addition, the creep failure patterns and failure mechanism of the red sandstone samples were determined, and a creep constitutive model was established for the samples considering the effects of temperature. The conformity between test data and theoretical curves was discussed. Results show that as the stress increases, the instantaneous strain tends to decrease rapidly, slowly, then increase slowly; the creep strain tends to decrease, steadily increase, then increase substantially. At the same stress, as the stress gradient is doubled, the instantaneous strain decreases by 47.45%, and the creep strain decreases by 48.30%. For samples treated at 300~900 °C, the number of stress levels experienced gradually decreases; as the temperature increases, the creep failure strength of samples first increases, then decreases in an arcuate form, and the creep strain tends to decrease, increase, then increase rapidly. In the temperature range, the creep strain at the two stress gradients has a growing difference, with the maximum difference reaching 0.0134%; there is an inflection point at 300 °C in the creep failure strength of samples. At the same stress, the more the stress levels experienced, the lower the creep failure strength, and the temperature, creep failure strength, and creep strain can be characterized by a quadratic polynomial. At 300 °C, mineral particles in samples are sintered and cemented into chains, and there is a significant primary control plane, so the samples show oblique shear failure of a single primary control plane. At 600~900 °C, particles and blocks in samples begin to be sintered and flow, and the cemented chains are broken. Under the condition, the samples mainly show failure dominated by mixed and crossed primary and secondary control planes and crushing failure due to transverse compression. The established Burgers–Kelvin-Temperature (BKT) creep constitutive model is sensitive to changes in temperature; the theoretical curves are consistent with the test data.

Intended and unintended impacts of the comprehensive reform of urban public hospitals: A mixed-method study in Hangzhou, China.

ObjectivesPublic hospital reform is a key area in the Chinese healthcare system reform with the aim of controlling excessive growth of medical expenditures. This study aims to evaluate the impacts of two rounds of urban public hospital reforms respectively starting in 2018 and 2019.MethodA mixed-method method was conducted in Hangzhou. In the quantitative phase, monthly data covering 7 provincial, 12 municipal, and 35 district hospitals from March 2017 to June 2020 was analyzed using a panel-interrupted time-series. Thematic content analysis was conducted using qualitative data collected from 32 in-depth interviews.ResultsQuantitative data showed a considerable reduction in the proportion of drug revenue (provincial hospitals: −4.937%; municipal hospitals: −2.765%; district hospitals: −2.189%) and an increase in the proportion of consumable (provincial hospitals: β2 = 2.025; municipal hospitals: β3 = 0.206) and examinations (provincial hospitals: β2 = 1.354, β3=0.159; municipal hospitals: β2 = 1.179) revenue after the first reform. In post-reform 2, The respective instant decrease and increase in the proportion of consumable (provincial hospitals: −2.395%; municipal hospitals: −0.898%) and medical services (provincial hospitals: 2.115%; municipal hospitals: −2.604%) revenue were observed. Additionally, quantitative and qualitative data indicated inpatient expenditures dropped considerably after the reform. However, insufficient compensation for medical services and increased financial pressure on hospitals were repeatedly mentioned as unintended consequences in qualitative interviews.ConclusionsOverall, the urban public hospital reforms in China created positive effects in adjusting hospital revenue structure and constraining soaring medical expenditures. Unintended consequences remind policymakers to establish rational and dynamic compensation mechanisms for public hospitals.

Seasonal Variation of Leaf Ca, Fe, and Mn Concentration in Six Olive Varieties

Leaf analysis is essential for diagnosing nutritional status and guiding fertilizer application. The present study aimed to investigate the appropriate time for leaf sampling and the effect of genotype on olive nutrition. We determined leaf nutrient concentrations of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in five Greek (‘Amfissis’, ‘Chondrolia Chalkidikis’, ‘Koroneiki’, ‘Mastoidis’, and ‘Kalamon’) and one Spanish (‘Picual’) variety from May 2019 to April 2020. The concentrations of Ca, Fe, and Mn were significantly affected by genotype and season. The highest concentrations for all nutrients were determined in April, while the lowest were in May, June, and October. Leaf Ca concentration significantly increased progressively from May to September for all the varieties. Leaves of ‘Koroneiki’ had the highest Ca concentration. Iron concentrations were within the sufficiency thresholds for all the varieties during the whole experimental period, and ‘Mastoidis’ showed the highest concentration. Leaf Mn concentration for all the varieties increased from May to September with an instant decrease in June, apart from ‘Amfissis’. The varieties ‘Kalamon’ and ‘Chondrolia Chalkidikis’ were found to be above the Mn sufficiency threshold throughout the year. Variations among season and genotype depict the complexity of nutrient transportation in leaf tissues.

An overall exergy analysis of un-even greenhouse integrated semi-transparent photovoltaic (un-even GiSPVT) system: a thermal modelling approach

The un-even greenhouse-integrated semi-transparent photovoltaic thermal (GiSPVT) system is capable of producing electrical power and thermal power energy along with solar flux inside the greenhouse. The analysis is based on the energy balance equation as the function of climatic and design parameters. By using energy balance, a thermal characteristic equation of an un-even GiSPVT system has been derived. Moreover, an effect of packing factor of PV module and heat capacity of the product plant mass equivalent to water mass on overall exergy has been carried out in the paper. Following observations have been obtained: (i) There is a drop of 86% in the overall exergy of GiSPVT with an increase of packing factor from 0.22 to 0.80. (ii) An instantaneous thermal efficiency decrease with the increase of packing factor due to reduction in direct gain inside the GiSPVT system. (iii) Thermal characteristic equation similar to Hottel–Whiller–Bliss equation for flat plate collector has been derived.

Changes in Prefrontal Cortical Oxygenation During Tilt Table Orthostatic Hypotension in Subarachnoid Haemorrhage Patients.

Cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischaemia in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) are more likely to occur within the first two weeks of bleeding. Thus, conventional management involves absolute rest for two weeks. Recently, studies have reported on the possibility of early mobilisation after SAH; however, its safety has not been sufficiently evaluated. The present study investigates the relationship between cerebral cortex oxygenation and orthostatic hypotension in SAH patients using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Four SAH patients were laid supine for 5 min before performing a head-up tilt (HUT) to 30°, 45°, and 60° every 5 min using a tilt table bed. Arterial blood pressure was measured before and immediately after HUT. We evaluated O2Hb levels of the left and right prefrontal cortex (PFC) in 11 of 12times that could be performed without stopping due to orthostatic hypotension. We analysed O2Hb levels at up to 60s at 10-s intervals after HUT 60s before mobilisation. We found that O2Hb levels decreased after the first (30°) HUT, but increased after HUT at 45° and 60°. Over a 60-s period, no statistically significant difference was observed. Arterial blood pressure fell by 6% on average across all the 12 tests. These results reveal that HUT orthostatic arterial hypotension caused an instantaneous decrease in oxygenation, but it returned to the baseline shortly thereafter. It is important to monitor the degree of orthostatic hypotension in patients after SAH. Gradual mobilisation may minimise the decrease in arterial blood pressure and maintain oxygenation of the cerebral cortex.

Experimental study on atomization quality characteristics in mixed fracture Breakup regime

In order to accurately analyze the secondary atomization phenomenon during fire-fighting jets, in this paper, the acceleration, deformation and breakup of droplets after secondary atomization are studied experimentally, and the characteristics of droplets after secondary atomization are studied. The critical flow rate of secondary water atomization was obtained. By analyzing the relationship between the factors affecting the secondary atomization characteristics and the number of atomized particles in the mixed crushing mode, the results show that the breaking angle decreases first and then increases with the increase of the we number; When 45 < we <60; the breaking angle is less than the average level, and the instantaneous breaking velocity decreases; The bag diameter before bag-like breaking generally decreases with the increase of the number of broken particles. The relationship between the characteristic quantity of atomization quality and the we number provides an experimental research basis for improving the fire extinguishing efficiency.

Optogenetic Stimulation of Gi Signaling Enables Instantaneous Modulation of Cardiomyocyte Pacemaking.

G-protein signaling pathways are central in the regulation of cardiac function in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Their functional analysis through optogenetic techniques with selective expression of opsin proteins and activation by specific wavelengths allows high spatial and temporal precision. Here, we present the application of long wavelength-sensitive cone opsin (LWO) in cardiomyocytes for activation of the Gi signaling pathway by red light. Murine embryonic stem (ES) cells expressing LWO were generated and differentiated into beating cardiomyocytes in embryoid bodies (EBs). Illumination with red light (625 nm) led to an instantaneous decrease up to complete inhibition (84–99% effectivity) of spontaneous beating, but had no effect on control EBs. By using increasing light intensities with 10 s pulses, we determined a half maximal effective light intensity of 2.4 μW/mm2 and a maximum effect at 100 μW/mm2. Pre-incubation of LWO EBs with pertussis toxin completely inhibited the light effect proving the specificity for Gi signaling. Frequency reduction was mainly due to the activation of GIRK channels because the specific channel blocker tertiapin reduced the light effect by ~80%. Compared with pharmacological stimulation of M2 receptors with carbachol with slow kinetics (>30 s), illumination of LWO had an identical efficacy, but much faster kinetics (<1 s) in the activation and deactivation demonstrating the temporal advantage of optogenetic stimulation. Thus, LWO is an effective optogenetic tool for selective stimulation of the Gi signaling cascade in cardiomyocytes with red light, providing high temporal precision.