Volume Meter Research Articles

Effect of umbelliferone on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats by MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

PurposeUmbelliferone (Umb), a member of coumarin family, is found in many plants and is a promising molecule with potential anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-tumor activities. However, the effect of Umb on arthritis remains unclear.MethodsA rat model with Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis was developed and used to test the efficacy of Umb on arthritis rats. Rats were given an intragastric injection of Umb (20 and 40 mg/kg) once daily from days 21 to 28 after the administration of FCA. Hind paw volume was assessed using a volume meter. The pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and prostaglandin E2 (PEG2) level in serum and synovial fluid were detected by ELISA. HE staining was used to determine representative histological changes in joint tissues, and Western blot analysis was employed to study the effects of Umb on MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.ResultsOur results showed that Umb suppressed the release of IL-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and PEG2. In addition, Umb could also dramatically ameliorate the pathological changes observed in rat joints. Based on the results of Western blot, we also observed that Umb could strikingly suppress the expression of MAPK/NF-κB pathway molecules.ConclusionThese results proved that treatment with Umb is very effective for arthritis and inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for treatment of arthritis.

Dynamic Liquid Nitrogen Level Detection of Cryostats Onboard the HTS Maglev Vehicle

For the safe operation of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) Maglev vehicles, the liquid nitrogen (LN2) level in the onboard cryostat should be monitored in real-time during the whole running process. The previous method of LN2 level detection was proposed by using resistance sensors or liquid volume meters as the testing equipment to estimate the liquid level. However, the fluctuation of LN2 level causes great disturbance for the liquid level detection, which leads to unsteady detection and loss of valid data. In this paper, an effective method for LN2 level detection under dynamic conditions is proposed. First, the static evaporation of LN2 in rectangular and circular containers are measured by PT100 platinum resistances. And then, a self-developed simple hardware is designed for onboard cryostats, further improving the HTS maglev vehicle performance. Furthermore, the state estimation theory, which uses particle filter algorithm, is employed to eliminate the interference caused by fluctuation of the LN2 level. The real-time measurement results illustrate that the proposed dynamic liquid nitrogen level detection is able to meet the requirements of the LN2 level detection with high precision.

Estimation of quantitative spatial and temporal distribution for groundwater storage in agricultural basin of Korea: implications for rational water use

Assessment of spatio-temporal variability in groundwater storage (GWS) is critical for effective water resource planning and management with rational groundwater use. Haean Basin comprising 64 km2 area, mainly depends on groundwater for agricultural, domestic and other water uses. For quantification of GWS variability, sufficient field-based hydrological data of the ongoing decade (2011–2017) were interpolated in ArcGIS, to give reliable results. Despite satellite remote sensing having advantages in the field of hydrology, the limitation of accessibility at larger spatial resolution (~ 200,000 km2) is making it non-applicable for fine-scale observations. From the surface area, saturated thickness and specific yield of aquifer, a decline of 33 million cubic meters in GWS volume was indicated from 230 to 197 during the observed 6 years. An observable drop (4.6 m) in the mean water level due to increased water use (0.49 MCM) during this decade is responsible for the change in the mean groundwater level. A changing water level can change the surface area and saturated thickness of aquifer that have a positive correlation with GWS, and act as main controlling factors for GWS change. An annual recharge of 0.14 m to the total amount of GWS is near negligible, considering the long-term sustainability of groundwater resource. A shift towards more use of surface water, and limited drilling of groundwater wells is recommended for rational water use. The findings of this study will provide basic knowledge for relating studies, specifically which are based on small (local) scale distribution of groundwater resource.

Evaluation of the effects of gas volume and composition on accuracy of volume measurement by two flow sensors and delivery by a piston-driven large-animal ventilator

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of 4 gas compositions at various volumes (simulated tidal volumes [VTs]) on accuracy of measurements obtained with 2 types of flow sensors and accuracy of gas volume delivery by a piston-driven ventilator. SAMPLE 4 gas mixtures (medical air [21% O2:79% N2], > 95% O2, O2-enriched air [30% O2:70% N2], and heliox [30% O2:70% He]). PROCEDURES For each gas mixture, reference VTs of 1 to 8 L were delivered into an anesthetic breathing circuit via calibration syringe; measurements recorded by a Pitot tube-based flow sensor (PTFS) connected to a multiparameter host anesthesia monitor and by a thermal mass flow and volume meter (TMFVM) were compared with the reference values. Following leak and compliance testing, the ventilator was preset to deliver each gas at VTs of 1 to 8 L into the calibration syringe. Effects of gas volume and composition on accuracy of VT measurement and delivery were assessed by ANOVA. Agreements between delivered and flow sensor-measured VT and preset versus ventilator-delivered VT were determined by Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS Flow sensor measurements were accurate and not influenced by gas composition. Mean measurement error ranges for the PTFS and TMFVM were -4.99% to 4.21% and -4.50% to 0.17%, respectively. There were no significant differences between ventilator-delivered and reference VTs regardless of gas volume or composition. Bland-Altman analysis yielded biases of -0.046 L, -0.007 L, -0.002 L, and 0.031 L for medical air, > 95% O2, O2-enriched air, and heliox, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The PTFS and the TMFVM measured VTs and the piston-driven ventilator delivered VTs with error rates of < 5% for all gas compositions and volumes tested.

The Coriolis mass flow meter as a volume meter for the custody transfer in liquid hydrocarbons logistics

In recent years, the Coriolis mass flow meters (CMF), devices based on the Coriolis effect over a vibrating pipe, have developed better metrological performance and they are now a reasonable alternative for the custody transfer measurements. Nowadays, many custody transfer operations require measurement of the net volume (volume measured at a certain reference temperature) and, therefore, it is not feasible to use the CMF as a mass flow meter. However, the actual CMF can be used as net volume meters because they have special equipment to measure density and temperature, and a flow computer. In this work, firstly a mathematical simplification of the physical model is proposed for the CMF. We part from the dimensional analysis of the flow-phase relationship produced by the Coriolis force, the main physical principle behind these devices. A simplified formula is obtained and it permits identifying the magnitudes of influence of the CMF as a mass meter. Secondly, its metrological properties are characterized. For such purpose, a 4” straight tube commercial meter has been calibrated in volume, in the 50 to 165 m3/h range against a standard container and a bidirectional prover, employing gas oil and kerosene (JET-A1). These calibrations have turned out to be compatible with the ones performed by the manufacturer in mass and using water. Then it is verified that the CMF fulfills the requisites of the legal metrology: maximum error allowed, linearity and repeatability. Skewness is observed in the relative error (expressed in %) of the CMF and it has been researched to be due to systematic effects related to constructive parameters of the meter. Lineal correlation is verified between relative error and temperature, and between relative error and flow rate, with negative slopes of −0.03% °C−1 and −0.001% h/m3 respectively.

Characterizing Flaring from Unconventional Oil and Gas Operations in South Texas Using Satellite Observations.

Over the past decade, increases in high-volume hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas extraction in the United States have raised concerns with residents living near wells. Flaring, or the combustion of petroleum products into the open atmosphere, is a common practice associated with oil and gas exploration and production, and has been under-examined as a potential sourceof exposure. We leveraged data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Spectroradiometer (VIIRS) Nightfire satellite product to characterize the extent of flaring in the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, one of the most productive in the nation. Spatiotemporal hierarchical clustering identified flaring sources, and a regression-based approach combining VIIRS information with reported estimates of vented and flared gas from the Railroad Commission of Texas enabled estimation of flared gas volume at each flare. We identified 43887 distinct oil and gas flares in the study region from 2012 to 2016, with a peak in activity in 2014 and an estimated 4.5 billion cubic meters of total gas volume flared over the study period. A comparison with well permit data indicated the majority of flares were associated with oil-producing (82%) and horizontally drilled (92%) wells. Of the 49 counties in the region, 5 accounted for 71% of the total flaring. Our results suggest flaring may be a significant environmental exposure in parts of this region.

Effect of acupuncture on TGF-β1/Smads pathway in mice with airway remodeling mic

To investigate the effect of acupuncture on TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway in the lung tissue of mice with airway remodeling. Thirty specific pathogen-free mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group and acupuncture group (n=10). Mouse models of asthma were established in the model group and the acupuncture group, and the mice in the latter group received 7 acupuncture therapies (at bilateral Fei Shu, Da Zhui and Zu Sanli, 20 min each time) every other day, starting on the 10th day after the modeling. At 24 h after the last acupuncture, the mice were subjected to inhalation of 1% OVA for 3 days, and 24 h after the last challenge, the mice were given methacholine chloride (Mch) inhalation at different concentrations for measurement of lung resistance using a noninvasive stroke volume meter. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the lung tissues, and TGF-β1 levels in the the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum were detected using ELISA; Western blotting was used to detect the differential protein expressions in the airway smooth muscles between the two groups. The airway smooth muscle cells were isolated from the mice in the acupuncture group and treated with a TGF- β1 inhibitor (LY2157299), and the relative expressions of type-Ⅰ and Smads proteins were detected using Western blotting. The mice in the model showed obvious tracheal fistula with airway pathologies including lumen narrowing, bronchial mucosa thickening, dissociation of the epithelial cells, and thickening of the alveolar septum and airway smooth muscles. These pathological changes were obviously milder in the acupuncture group. The asthmatic mice exhibited significantly increased lung resistance in positive correlation with Mch concentration. Serum TGF-β1 level was significantly elevated in asthmatic mice (P &lt; 0.05); TGF-β1 levels in the serum and BALF were significantly lower in the acupuncture group than in the model group (P &lt; 0.05). In the model group, the expressions of α-SMA, TGF-β1 and Smads in the airway smooth muscles were significantly higher than those in the other two groups (both P &lt; 0.05). In cultured airway smooth muscle cells, the expressions of type-Ⅰ and Smads were significantly higher in cells treated with LY2157299 than in the control cells (P&gt;0.05). Acupuncture can inhibit airway remodeling by inhibiting the expression of airway TGF-β1 and down-regulating the expression of Smads and α-SMA to reduce airway inflammatory response. Airway expressions of type-Ⅰ and Smads proteins remain high after inhibiting TGF-β1. Acupuncture may control asthma progression through the TGF-β1/Smads pathway.

Design of the Liquid Volume Meter Device Using Ultrasonic Waves Based on Microcontroller

The aim of this study was to design a digital volume meter device using ultrasonic waves based on microcontroller as well as to know the strengths and weaknesses of these device. The method used is an experimental method which consists of a field study and identification of the problem, the study of literature, consultations with specialists, design and manufacturing, testing and analysis of the test results. From the test results in a cylindrical container with radius of 7.5 cm and height of 15 cm, error percentage of water volume measuring is 0.537% and in a square container measured 17.1 x 14.3 x 17.5 cm, error percentage of water volume measuring is 0,486%. From the results, it can be concluded that the volume meter device using ultrasonic waves based on microcontroller is functioning properly to measure the volume of liquid in a cylindrical and square container.

Pengaruh tebal kaca terhadap kinerja kolektor surya pelat datar dengan menggunakan absorber batu granit

This paper presents the experimental data of the use of granite stone as an absorber of the tested solar colecctor. The purpose of this study is to know the effect of the cover thickness of the collector. Three different thickness of the glass cover of the collector, i.e. 3 mm, 5 mm, and 8 mm, were tested. Three identical collectors were utilized in this current study, and the collectors were placed facing North. The dimension of the granite absorber is 100 cm x 80 cm x 10 cm and the arrangement of the pipes in the collector is parallel with 7 pipes. The water used to remove the heat from the absorber was flowed naturaly due to the gravity. The water volumetric flow rates employed were 300 cc/min, 400 cc/min and 500 cc/min which were measured using a glass volume meter and a stop watch. The research results show that energy come to the absorber (Qin), energy absorbed by the absorber (Quse), and the temperature of water increase with the time. All of them have a peak at around 12.00-14.00 Wita. The thicknes of the glass cover affect the performance of the collectors. The glass cover thickness of 5 mm results in the better performance than that of the two others.

THE LOOSE MATERIALS METERING

The weight and volume metering were compared in the article and some advantages of the volume metering were defined. The methods of the volume metering accuracy improvement were regarded by the examples of the semi-dry press' metering device and of the pneumatic compensator's metering device's aspiration quality.

Clustering and estimating fish fingerling abundance in a tidal river in close ploximity to a thermal power plant in Southern Thailand

This study aimed to cluster and to quantify the wild-caught fingerlings nearby thermal power plant. Samples were monthly collected by bongo nets from four upstream sites of the Na Thap tidal river in Thailand from 2008 to 2013. Each caught species was identified, counted and calculated density in term of individuals per 1,000 cubic meters. A total of 45 aquatic animal fingerlings was commonly trapped in the average density of 2,652 individuals per 1,000 cubic meters of water volume (1,235–4,570). The results of factor analysis revealed that factor 1 was represented by the largest group of freshwater fish species, factors 2 represented a medium-sized group of mesohaline species, factor 3 represented several brackish species and factor 4 was a few euryhaline species. All four factor reached maximum levels during May to October. Total average numbers of fish fingerling caught at the outflow showed greater than those of other sampling sites. The impact of heated pollution from power plant effluents did not clearly detected. Overall water quality according the Thailand Surface Water Quality Standards Coastal tidal periodic and seasonal runoff phenomena exhibit influentially factors. Continuous ecological monitoring is strongly recommended.

Large-volume, low-cost, high-precision FMCW tomography using stitched DFBs.

Optical frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) reflectometry is a ranging technique that allows for high-resolution distance measurements over long ranges. Similarly, swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) provides high-resolution depth imaging over typically shorter distances and higher scan speeds. In this work, we demonstrate a low-cost, low-bandwidth 3D imaging system that provides the high axial resolution imaging capability normally associated with SS-OCT over typical FMCW ranging depths. The imaging system combines 12 distributed feedback laser (DFB) elements from a single butterfly module to provide an axial resolution of 27.1 μm over 6 m of depth and up to 14 cubic meters of volume. Active sweep linearization is used, greatly reducing the signal processing overhead. Various sub-surface, OCT-style tomograms of semi-transparent objects are shown, as well as 3D maps of various objects over depths ranging from sub-millimeter to several meters. Such imaging capability would make long-distance, high-resolution surface interrogation possible in a low-cost, compact package.

Assessment of a catastrophic rock avalanche in the West Mongolian Altai Mountains

A giant rock avalanche that resulted in the formation of a dammed lake was discovered during geological mapping in the valley of the Dund Tsenkher Gol River, Munhkhairkhan Soum, Western Mongolian Altai. Field and satellite data (WorldView-2 and SENTINEL-1) were used to obtain a geomorphological description of the landslide and a 3D geometric reconstruction of the rock avalanche. With deposits exceeding 14 million cubic meters in volume, the rock avalanche is one of the largest catastrophic landslides in the world. The rock avalanche was controlled by tectonic setting. The slope instability was favored by the presence of NW-SE and NE-SW trending fault systems, steep foliation and morphology. The rock avalanche was likely triggered by an earthquake related to the activity of the Tolbonuur and Hovd faults. Although the area is sparsely populated, the settlement of Munhkhairkhan Soum is threatened by rockfalls or even by rock avalanches that could be triggered by future earthquakes along these faults.

MPARD: A high-frequency wave-based acoustic solver for very large compute clusters

We present a parallel time-domain wave solver designed for large and high frequency acoustic domains. Our approach is based on a novel scalable method for dividing acoustic field computations specifically for large-scale distributed memory clusters using parallel Adaptive Rectangular Decomposition (ARD).In order to efficiently compute the acoustic field for large or high frequency domains, we need to take full advantage of the compute resources of large clusters. This is done with new algorithmic contributions, including a hypergraph partitioning scheme to reduce the communication cost between the cores on the cluster, a novel domain decomposition scheme that reduces the amount of numerical dispersion error introduced by the load balancing algorithm, and a revamped pipeline for parallel ARD computation that increases memory efficiency and reduces redundant computations.Our resulting parallel algorithm makes it possible to compute the sound pressure field for high frequencies in large environments that are thousands of cubic meters in volume. We highlight the performance of our system on large clusters with 16,000 cores on homogeneous indoor and outdoor benchmarks up to 10kHz. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time-domain parallel acoustic wave solver that can handle such large domains and frequencies.

Preparing stream flow drought severity–duration–frequency curves using threshold level method

Drought is a natural phenomenon which occurs in different climate regimes. In the present study, hydrological drought of the Roud Zard basin has been investigated based on run theory. Daily runoff data of Mashin hydrometery station during 1970 to 2012 was assessed using 70 % of mean daily runoff as threshold level. Results showed that the maximum drought duration of 309 days occurred in 1998 and 1999 and max drought deficit of 117.217 million cubic meters per second in 1983 with 275 days duration. Time series of the annual maxima values of duration and volume deficit showed similar trend of increase and decreasing. Burr statistical distribution, as the most suitable one fitted to the drought duration data, forecasted 339 days duration for drought event with 20 years return period and generalized extreme value forecasted 37.9 million cubic meters of deficit volume for this return period. Severity-duration-frequency (SDF) curves were prepared, classifying drought durations to four intervals and fitting statistical distribution to each. Resulted SDF curves showed that, in each period, increase of duration resulted in increased value of the volume deficit with a non-linear trend, though predicted drought volume with 20 years return period was 2.1 million cubic meters for 1 to 10 days duration, 6.9 for 11 to 30 days, 34.5 for 31 to 120 days, and 79.1 for more than 120 days duration drought event. Drought deficit volume increasing rate was also different in each class of duration interval. Drought SDF curves derived in this study can be used to quantify water deficit for natural stream and reservoir. SDFs could also be extended to allow for drought regional frequency analysis to be used in ungauged sites.

Techniques for Natural Gas Physical Properties Definition for Flow Rate and Volume Metering Systems

Techniques for Natural Gas Physical Properties Definition for Flow Rate and Volume Metering Systems

Hydrogen field test standard: Laboratory and field performance

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) developed a prototype field test standard (FTS) that incorporates three test methods that could be used by state weights and measures inspectors to periodically verify the accuracy of retail hydrogen dispensers, much as gasoline dispensers are tested today. The three field test methods are (1) gravimetric, (2) Pressure, Volume, Temperature (PVT), and (3) master meter. The FTS was tested in NIST's Transient Flow Facility with helium gas and in the field at a hydrogen dispenser location. All three methods agree within 0.57% and 1.53% for all test drafts of helium gas in the laboratory setting and of hydrogen gas in the field, respectively. The time required to perform six test drafts is similar for all three methods, ranging from 6h for the gravimetric and master meter methods to 8h for the PVT method.The laboratory tests show that (1) it is critical to wait for thermal equilibrium to achieve density measurements in the FTS that meet the desired uncertainty requirements for the PVT and master meter methods; in general, we found a wait time of 20min introduces errors <0.1% and <0.04% in the PVT and master meter methods, respectively and (2) buoyancy corrections are important for the lowest uncertainty gravimetric measurements.The field tests show that sensor drift can become a largest component of uncertainty that is not present in the laboratory setting. The scale was calibrated after it was set up at the field location. Checks of the calibration throughout testing showed drift of 0.031%. Calibration of the master meter and the pressure sensors prior to travel to the field location and upon return showed significant drifts in their calibrations; 0.14% and up to 1.7%, respectively. This highlights the need for better sensor selection and/or more robust sensor testing prior to putting into field service. All three test methods are capable of being successfully performed in the field and give equivalent answers if proper sensors without drift are used.

Fluid pressure cycles, variations in permeability, and weakening mechanisms along low-angle normal faults: The Tellaro detachment, Italy

Classical frictional fault reactivation models indicate that slip along misoriented fault planes is not possible under most conditions. Nevertheless, active or exhumed low-angle normal faults have been described in many settings worldwide. This discrepancy is addressed by contrasting models: (1) those proposing that low-angle normal faults result from postkinematic passive rotation of former high-angle extensional faults; and (2) those proposing that specific conditions can promote slip along misoriented fault planes. This paper describes the Tellaro detachment, a mid–late Miocene low-angle normal fault that was responsible for ∼500 m of tectonic vertical thinning in the carbonate-dominated Triassic to Lower Miocene succession of the Northern Apennines, Italy. By integrating structural, petrographic, isotopic, and fluid inclusion data, we show that: (1) the main kinematic activity of the Tellaro detachment occurred between ∼8 and 4 km depths and peak temperature ∼190 °C; (2) dilational breccias, tens of cubic meters in volume, are frequently associated with major low-angle fault segments; (3) slip along misoriented planes was favored by elevated fluid pressures and low differential stress; and (4) the fault system was characterized by transient permeability pulses and overpressure buildups, associated with multiple fracturing and cementation events that caused the downward migration of master slip surfaces. Results presented in this study show that: (1) in a fluid-active regime, continental crustal thinning can occur for shallow values of fault dip; (2) low-angle normal faults have a great influence on fluid circulation within the upper crust; and (3) episodic permeability enhancement and destruction in detachment faults can promote overpressure buildups, triggering deformation episodes.

AACCI Approved Methods Technical Committee Report: Collaborative Study on Bread Volume Determination by Laser Topography Using a Bread Volume Meter

Volume is an important measure of fermented bread quality that has traditionally been determined by seed displacement methods. These methods are cumbersome; poorly suited to compressible, sticky, or creased products; prone to error; and, to date, lack standardization. A collaborative study was conducted by the AACC International (AACCI) Physical Testing Methods Technical Committee in 2005 to assess the performance of a new method that uses laser topography to determine the volume of baked bread products. Eleven laboratories analyzed six Youden pairs of polyurethane bread replicas using bread volume meter (BVM) laser volumeters. Samples ranged in volume from 200 to 2,800 cm3 and included round, elongated, and rectangular shapes. Averaged laboratory results ranged from 98.7 to 100.3% of the corresponding reference water displacement volume for each sample. Within-laboratory relative standard deviations (RSDr) ranged from 0.2 to 1.5%, and between-laboratory relative standard deviations (RSDR) ranged from 0.8...

Precise droplet volume measurement and electrode-based volume metering in digital microfluidics

In this work, for the first time, we demonstrate nanoscale droplet generation from a continuous electrowetting microchannel using a simple and precise image-based droplet volume metering technique. One of the most popular ways of droplet generation in electrowetting devices is to split a droplet from a preloaded volume as a fluid reservoir. This method is effective, but lowers volume consistency after multiple droplets are generated. Impedance- and capacitance-based methods of volume metering have been successfully used in digital microfluidics, but require complex circuitry and feedback signal processing. In this work, we demonstrate nanoliter droplet generation from a continuous electrowetting channel used as a replenishable fluid reservoir which compensates for the loss of reservoir volume as droplets are sequentially split. This improves volume consistency especially for applications requiring multi-droplet generation. Based on the area of the electrode, the volume of each droplet split from the electrowetting channel can be obtained by a simple and precise image processing technique with no need for additional hardware and measurement errors of ±0.05 %. This simple technique can be used in a wide range of applications that require precise volume metering, such as immunoassay.