Moderate Tension Research Articles

LoCuSS: scaling relations between galaxy cluster mass, gas, and stellar content

We present a simultaneous analysis of galaxy cluster scaling relations between weak-lensing mass and multiple cluster observables, across a wide range of wavelengths, that probe both gas and stellar content. Our new hierarchical Bayesian model simultaneously considers the selection variable alongside all other observables in order to explicitly model intrinsic property covariance and account for selection effects. We apply this method to a sample of 41 clusters at $0.15<z<0.30$, with a well-defined selection criteria based on RASS X-ray luminosity, and observations from Chandra / XMM, SZA, Planck, UKIRT, SDSS and Subaru. These clusters have well-constrained weak-lensing mass measurements based on Subaru / Suprime-Cam observations, which serve as the reference masses in our model. We present 30 scaling relation parameters for 10 properties. All relations probing the intracluster gas are slightly shallower than self-similar predictions, in moderate tension with prior measurements, and the stellar fraction decreases with mass. K-band luminosity has the lowest intrinsic scatter with a 95th percentile of 0.16, while the lowest scatter gas probe is gas mass with a fractional intrinsic scatter of $0.16 \pm 0.03$. We find no distinction between the core-excised X-ray or high-resolution Sunyaev-Zel'dovich relations of clusters of different central entropy, but find with modest significance that higher entropy clusters have higher stellar fractions than their lower entropy counterparts. We also report posterior mass estimates from our likelihood model.

Vacuum-assisted therapy for wound closure acceleration in second intention healing and prophylaxis of pathological scarring

The aim — to evaluate the possibility to accelerate wound healing by second intention and prophylaxis of pathological scaring with vacuum‑assisted closure (VAC) therapy.Materials and methods. The 12 patients in control group were studied retrospectively. Twelve patients of the study group were evaluated prospectively during 2016 — 2018 years. The inclusion criteria were: age from 18 to 70 years, wound with granulation tissue, possibility to approximate wound’s margins mechanically even with the moderate tension, possibility to create negative pressure in the wound’s cavity. Control group’s patients were treated by the routine methods. Main group’s patients were treated with the use of original method of wound healing by second intention closure acceleration and prophylaxis of pathologic scaring. Planimetric study of wound and final scars were performed in all patients.Results and discussion. Initial linear dimensions and area of wound defect were not statistically different in control and study groups. In last one wound edge were somewhat brought together by sterile adhesive film. The drain with the side halls was introduced into the wound cavity. The film was covered by the transparent elastic plastic plate. Tightness of the construction and plate fixation were provided by additional layer of adhesive film. The drain was connected to the source of negative pressure. Wound revision was performed at the fifth day. In case when wound edges were not in contact, the same treatment was continued. To the second stage of treatment proceeded after complete approximation of the wound edges. Approximated edges were fixed by the same film with the perforations along the wound axis. The drain was set over the film along its perforations. It was fixed by additional layer of the film and connected to the source of negative pressure. Law pressure was maintained until fool fixation of wound edges. Comparison of the wound healing time demonstrated that it was statistically shorter in study group (26.7 ± 6.29 days vs 37.3 ± 78.33 days respectively, p = 0.0009). Planimetric study of the scars supported better cosmetic result of the treatment in study group.Conclusions. Law pressure inside the wound promotes progressive approximation of the edges with their subsequent fixation until the moment of sealing. This accelerated healing of wounds in patients of the main group compared with patients in the comparison group (26.7 ± 6.29 days versus 37.3 ± 7.33 days, respectively, p = 0.0009). Improved adaptation of wound edges without additional mechanical damage together with compensation by the vacuum forces that pull apart wound edges allowed to achieve wound healing in patients of main group with the formation of scars of a smaller width (12.0 ± 5.69 mm vs. 28.0 ± 10.95 mm, p = 0.0002) and the area (636.9 ± 536.41 mm2 versus 1150.9 ± 595.86 mm2, p = 0.0370) compared with the comparison group. In the main group normotrophic scars developed statistically significantly higher than in the comparison group (χ2 = 4.20, p = 0.04).

Standardization of surgical procedures for laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy: A single-institutional experience.

Surgical techniques for Spiegel lobectomy remain technically difficult because of its deep anatomical location. Laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy has not yet been standardized or widely reported. In the current study, we introduce technical improvements, including the liver hanging maneuver, to laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy. Additionally, we demonstrate the safety and feasibility of this procedure. We performed consecutive laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy on six patients: five with hepatocellular carcinoma and one with colorectal liver metastasis. As preparation before liver parenchymal resection, necessary and sufficient mobilization of the Spiegel lobe was performed. A few Glissonian pedicles of the Spiegel lobe were exposed from the hilar plate and divided to reduce the inflow to the Spiegel lobe. After that, vessel tape was used in the hanging maneuver. The tape was pulled forward to give the cutting plane moderate tension during liver parenchymal resection. Lifting this tape provided better exposure for determining the correct cutting plane during liver parenchymal transection. The median operation time was 207 min (range, 147-240 min) and the median intraoperative blood loss was 35 mL (range, 15-85 mL). There were no severe postoperative complications. We safely performed laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy. To maintain a sufficient surgical view, especially during liver parenchymal resection, the hanging maneuver may be a useful technique. This single-center investigation into standardized laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy featuring improvements in technique showed potential for favorable results.

An extended cost potential field cellular automaton model for pedestrian evacuation considering the restriction of visual field

Pedestrian dynamics with affected visual field under emergency situation is a difficult point in the simulation of pedestrian flow. In this paper, an extended cost potential field cellular automaton model is proposed to investigate the motion of pedestrians through obscure room lack of visibility (due to smoke, darkness, etc.). A novel visibility function is introduced to describe visual effect caused by poor vision, which will lead to the increasing cost of discomfort. The numerical simulations are performed to explore the effects of factors, such as psychology tension, visual radius and pedestrian density on pedestrian evacuation. It was found that evacuation time relies on visual radius and initial density. The evacuation time under affected visual field increases with the decrease of visual radius. At low density, a moderate tension degree can improve the evacuation efficiency. These findings will be helpful in pedestrian control and management under an emergency.

PS01.093: REPEAT ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURE RESECTION: WHAT FACTORS ARE MOST INFLUENTIAL?

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to identify whether paralysis time following stricture resection and tension applied at the anastomosis influenced leak rate, need for repeat stricture resection (SR), or need for an interposition graft. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of patients undergoing esophageal stricture resection and anastomosis from October 2007 to July 2017 (IRB# P00004344). Patients who required an interposition as their primary surgery were excluded. Leak rates following stricture resection and the need for further esophageal surgery was identified. Tension groups were also delineated into mild, moderate, and high anastomotic tension. Anastomotic tension and paralysis times were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression and area under the curve (AUC) to determine factors associated with development of leaks and an increased risk of repeat SR. Results Ninety-four patients were identified; 45 were males and mean gestational age was 35 weeks. Fifty-one patients were categorized with mild tension, 35 with moderate, and 8 with high tension. Four of the 51 patients (8%) with low tension and 15/43 (35%) with moderate or high tension developed leaks (P = 0.002). Seventeen patients overall required repeat SR (18%), including 3/51 with low tension (6%) versus 14/43 (33%) with moderate or high tension (P &lt; 0.001). Additionally, 12/17 (71%) patients requiring repeat operations initially had a Foker process for their esophageal atresia. Multivariable analysis indicated that moderate/high tension (P = 0.006) and longer paralysis time (p 0.04) were predictive of a leak after initial SR (AUC = 0.720). Paralysis time of 7 + days (P = 0.05), moderate/high tension (P = 0.05) and occurrence of a leak (P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for the need for repeat SR (AUC = 0.861, 95% CI: 0.772–0.949). Of the 17 patients with repeat SR, 10 (59%) underwent a jejunal interposition. Conclusion Tension, paralysis time, and presence of a leak are independent risk factors for repeat SR. Low tension anastomoses had a significantly small incidence of repeat surgery. Esophageal replacement shoudl be considered earlier among patients who originally undergo a Foker procedure for esophageal continuity and for those whose stricture repair is placed under moderate or high tension. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Assessment of the efficiency of training at middle altitude as the means for physical state improvement in middle distance runners

The influence of middle altitude on the physical state of middle distance runners has been considered. Objective. Determination of the effectiveness of middle altitude training on the basis of a comparative estimation of the level of physical condition of middle distance runners. Methods. Analysis of scientific literature, testing, comparison. Results. The study involved 19 athletes specialized in 400 m and 800 m running (qualification MS and MSIL, average age 23.9 ± 3.82 years). Testing was conducted twice before the training session and 25-27 days after training at middle altitude and sea level. During the second study, the athletes were divided into three groups: the control and the two main ones. The control group included runners who had passed training sessions at sea level. The first main group included athletes, in whom the adaptation to the middle altitude conditions occurred in the face of high tension of the body regulatory systems, whereas the second one – those with adaptation in the face of moderate tension. The effectiveness of training in the conditions of middle altitude was determined on the basis of a comparative estimation of physical condition of athletes specialized in middle distance running, after training in the conditions of middle altitude and at sea level. To determine the level of physical condition, the development of motor qualities (strength, speed, special endurance, speed-strength abilities), the developed integrated pedagogical tests for athletes specialized in speed-power sports events were used. It is shown that the adaptive effects of altitude training are not equally effective for all athletes. The most significant positive changes in physical condition after training sessions at the altitude were observed in athletes, in which the adaptation to hypoxia was accompanied by moderate tension of the body regulatory mechanisms

Evolutionary specialization of MscCG, an MscS-like mechanosensitive channel, in amino acid transport in Corynebacterium glutamicum

MscCG, a mechanosensitive channel of Corynebacterium glutamicum provides a major export mechanism for glutamate in this Gram-positive bacterium, which has for many years been used for industrial production of glutamate and other amino acids. The functional characterization of MscCG is therefore, of great significance to understand its conductive properties for different amino acids. Here we report the first successful giant spheroplast preparation of C. glutamicum amenable to the patch clamp technique, which enabled us to investigate mechanosensitive channel activities of MscCG in the native membrane of this bacterium. Single channel recordings from these spheroplasts revealed the presence of three types of mechanosensitive channels, MscCG, MscCG2, and CgMscL, which differ largely from each other in their conductance and mechanosensitivity. MscCG has a relatively small conductance of ~340 pS followed by an intermediate MscCG2 conductance of ~1.0 nS and comparably very large conductance of 3.7 nS exhibited by CgMscL. By applying Laplace’s law, we determined that very moderate membrane tension of ~5.5 mN/m was required for half activation of MscCG compared to ~12 mN/m required for half activation of both MscCG2 and CgMscL. Furthermore, by combining the micropipette aspiration technique with molecular dynamics simulations we measured mechanical properties of the C. glutamicum membrane, whose area elasticity module of KA ≈ 15 mN/m is characteristic of a very soft membrane compared to the three times larger area expansion modulus of KA ≈ 44 mN/m of the more elastic E. coli membrane. Moreover, we demonstrate that the “soft” properties of the C. glutamicum membrane have a significant impact on the MscCG gating characterized by a strong voltage-dependent hysteresis in the membrane of C. glutamicum compared to a complete absence of the hysteresis in the E. coli cell membrane. We thus propose that MscCG has evolved and adapted as an MscS-like channel to the mechanical properties of the C. glutamicum membrane enabling the channel to specialize in transport of amino acids such as glutamate, which are major osmolytes helping the bacterial cells survive extreme osmotic stress.

Pearls and Pitfalls of the ToggleLoc With ZipLoop for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

The ToggleLoc with ZipLoop is an adjustable suspensory device for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, there is no string to flip the button in the device because it has only one hole and one string. Therefore, the surgeon cannot use the button flip technique. The purpose of this article is to present the pearls and pitfalls of using ToggleLoc with ZipLoop. While preparing the ACL graft, we draw a 15- to 20-mm-width marking in the adjustable loop at the same length as the femoral tunnel depth. While passing of the graft, the tensioning sutures are placed at the anterior side to make sure they pass through the medial portal smoothly. The proximal passing suture and distal adjustable loop is pulled to the opposite direction by one surgeon's hands while passing the button. We stop pulling the sutures just at the marking while feeling the button being passed over the lateral femoral cortex. The distal artificial ligament is held distally with moderate tension while passing the graft. Although there are some pitfalls and knacks, the present technique is easy and certainly helps surgeons achieve appropriate positioning of the button.

Characterization of Optimal Carbon Nanotubes Under Stretching and Validation of the Cauchy\u2013Born Rule

Carbon nanotubes are modeled as point configurations and investigated by minimizing configurational energies including two- and three-body interactions. Optimal configurations are identified with local minima and their fine geometry is fully characterized in terms of lower-dimensional problems. Under moderate tension, we prove the existence of periodic local minimizers, which indeed validates the so-called Cauchy–Born rule in this setting.

Anticipatory Inhibition of EMG Activity of the Human M. Soleus at Voluntary Contraction of Its Antagonists

Quantitative changes in background tonic EMG activity of m. soleus within a premotor period of voluntary contraction of its antagonists were examined in healthy humans. The above activity was recorded in the lying position at voluntary moderate tonic tension of this muscle and in the upright position, where the body was supported by both legs. The effect of voluntary flexion of the ipsilateral ankle joint (a simple motor reaction to a light signal) was examined. It was found that the intensity of soleus EMG in both tested positions, began to decrease 30–60 msec before the appearance of EMG activity recorded from the ankle flexor m. tibialis anterior, and such inhibition reached the maximum at the end of the premotor period. The observed dynamics of tonic EMG in the m. soleus show that an anticipatory drop in the activity of soleus motoneurons develops before the beginning of voluntary movements. Possible physiological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are discussed. We believe that, within the premotor period, impulsation coming via mostly the corticospinal tract to soleus motoneurons decreases due to the action of central motor commands, and this leads to lowering of tonic tension of this muscle.

Chitosan‐based nanofibers as bioactive meat packaging materials

Shelf life and safety of minimally processed food are crucial for both consumers and the food industry. This study investigates the in vitro and in situ efficiency of electrospun chitosan‐based nanofibers (CNFs) as inner part of a multilayer packaging in maintaining the quality of unprocessed red meat. Activated CNF‐based packaging (CNFP) were obtained by direct electrospinning of chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide) solutions on top of a conventional multilayer food packaging. The electrospinning solutions were firstly characterized at the molecular level, mainly in terms of zeta potential and viscoelastic properties, and the evolution of the conformational structure was correlated to the nanofiber formation process. The oxygen and water vapor barrier properties of CNF‐based (CNFP) meat packaging were also investigated. The in vitro antibacterial activity of CNFs was determined against Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria innocua, bacteria commonly incriminated in the alteration of food products. The efficiency of the CNFP materials against meat spoilage by E. coli was also assessed. Our results indicate that the electrospinning of CS is a multifactorial process and fiber formation requires the choice of a good solvent, high electrical conductivity, moderate surface tension, optimum viscoelastic properties, and sufficient chain flexibility and entanglement. The results also indicate that all the tested bacterial strains were significantly sensitive to the action of CNFs. The in situ bioactivity against E. coli showed the potential of CNFP as bioactive nanomaterial barriers to meat contamination by extending the shelf life of fresh meat up to 1 week.

Metastatic glioblastoma multiforme: A rare case of long-term survival

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor. Median survival is usually less than 1 year from the time of diagnosis, and even in the most favorable situations, a majority of patients die within 2 years. Standard therapy consists of surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In this case report, we described a 38 y old woman with GBM survived 7 years after a series of treatments. For the patient, the tumor was found extensively infiltrate the sagittal sinus, the surgery unable completely remove of tumor, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and individualized anti-cancer herbs therapy were further applied. After all therapy, the patient was awake, with moderate bone window tension, palpable mass, right partial hemianopia, good right limb muscle strength. In summary, comprehensive treatment schedule including thorough surgical removal of tumor, systematic radiation, standard chemotherapy and individualized anti-cancer herbs therapy can help to prolong the survival of patients with GBM and gliosarcoma.

Evaluating the potential of natural surfactants in the petroleum industry: the case of hydrophobins

Abstract Enhancing oil recovery from currently available reservoirs is a major issue for petroleum companies. Among the possible strategies towards this, chemical flooding through injection of surfactants into the wells seems to be particularly promising, thanks to their ability to reduce oil/water interfacial tension that promotes oil mobilization. Environmental concerns about the use of synthetic surfactants led to a growing interest in their replacement with surfactants of biological origin, such as lipopeptides and glycolipids produced by several microorganisms. Hydrophobins are small amphiphilic proteins produced by filamentous fungi with high surface activity and good emulsification properties, and may represent a novel sustainable tool for this purpose. We report here a thorough study of their stability and emulsifying performance towards a model hydrocarbon mixture, in conditions that mimic those of real oil reservoirs (high salinity and high temperature). Due to the moderate interfacial tension reduction induced in such conditions, the application of hydrophobins in enhanced oil recovery techniques does not appear feasible at the moment, at least in absence of co-surfactants. On the other hand, the obtained results showed the potential of hydrophobins in promoting the formation of a gel-like emulsion ‘barrier’ at the oil/water interface.

Enhancing Water and Oil Repellency of Teflon Surface By Imparting Micro-Rough Structures Using Simple One-Step

In this work, an easy one-step and inexpensive technique of mechanical wet sanding was used to impart micro structures into the Teflon surface that promotes super repellent properties toward water and the two moderate low surface tension organic liquids. Sandpapers with a wide range of grit sizes 60-1000, with associated particle sizes of 256-10 µm, were used to obtain physical modification of the Teflon surface. The roughened Teflon surface with the sandpaper of 400 grit size showed super repellency toward water, glycerol, and ethylene glycol with CAs as high as 158°, 150°, and 142°, respectively, as well as the low sliding angle of less than 2°, 5°, and 15°, respectively. The obtained results and the effect of roughness were explained in terms of both fundamental wetting models of Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter. The effect of a decrease in liquid surface tension on the length scale of imparted geometries and consequent wetting state was also concluded. Finally, the work of adhesion for the tested liquids while on the roughened Teflon surfaces were also determined using both Young-Dupre relation and the liquid’s SAs.

Extensive mammary wound treatment in ewe using a rubber elastic suture technique combined with aloe gel

Extensive wounds may not be able to heal by primary intention, due to the lack of tissue. Moreover, treatment of these wounds by secondary intention is more difficult in production animals, due to the high investment requirement and long recovery time. Therefore, new approaches that favor short-term recovery are desirable. This study reports the application of an elastic suture technique for the treatment of an extensive mammary wound. This technique was applied in a lactating ewe with gangrenous mastitis, resulting in extensive tissue necrosis and loss of mammary tissue. Extension of the wound made complete coaptation of the wound edges impossible. Elastic sutures were chosen as they allow a constant and moderate tension that gradually induces approximation of the skin edges. The wound showed a significant decrease in extension before removal of the stitches, demonstrating the successful application of this technique in wound closure surgery. The elastic suture is presented as a new management option for extensive wounds in the field of veterinary medicine.

Effect of viscosity ratio on the self-sustained instabilities in planar immiscible jets

Previous studies have shown that intermediate surface tension has a counterintuitive destabilizing effect on 2-phase planar jets. Here, the transition process in confined 2D jets of two fluids with varying viscosity ratio is investigated using DNS. Neutral curves for persistent oscillations are found by recording the norm of the velocity residuals in DNS for over 1000 nondimensional time units, or until the signal has reached a constant level in a logarithmic scale - either a converged steady state, or a "statistically steady" oscillatory state. Oscillatory final states are found for all viscosity ratios (0.1-10). For uniform viscosity (m=1), the first bifurcation is through a surface tension-driven global instability. For low viscosity of the outer fluid, there is a mode competition between a steady asymmetric Coanda-type attachment mode and the surface tension-induced mode. At moderate surface tension, the Coanda-type attachment dominates and eventually triggers time-dependent convective bursts. At high surface tension, the surface tension-dominated mode dominates. For high viscosity of the outer fluid, persistent oscillations appear due to a strong convective instability. Finally, the m=1 jet remains unstable far from the inlet when the shear profile is nearly constant. Comparing this to a parallel Couette flow (without inflection points), we show that in both flows, a hidden interfacial mode brought out by surface tension becomes temporally and absolutely unstable in an intermediate Weber and Reynolds regime. An energy analysis of the Couette setup shows that surface tension, although dissipative, induces a velocity field near the interface which extracts energy from the flow through a viscous mechanism. This study highlights the rich dynamics of immiscible planar uniform-density jets, where several self-sustained and convective mechanisms compete depending on the exact parameters.

3D Printing of Transparent and Conductive Heterogeneous Hydrogel-Elastomer Systems.

A hydrogel-dielectric-elastomer system, polyacrylamide and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), is adapted for extrusion printing for integrated device fabrication. A lithium-chloride-containing hydrogel printing ink is developed and printed onto treated PDMS with no visible signs of delamination and geometrically scaling resistance under moderate uniaxial tension and fatigue. A variety of designs are demonstrated, including a resistive strain gauge and an ionic cable.

Status of Stress and Cognitive of Cancer Patients with PICC Ultrasound Guidance Catheterization: A Questionnaire Survey

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate PICC cognitive status and psychological status of cancer patients with PICC catheter guided by ultrasound for the first time and to explore the correlation between the PICC cognition and psychological state of the patients. Methods: A questionnaire survey was used to investigate the psychological status and the cognitive status of 212 cancer patients before intubation. Results: 68 (32%) of patients were in the high tension before intubation, 91 people (44%) were in moderate tension, 53 people (24%) were in the mild tension. Patients who got lower cognitive scores on PICC experienced higher degree of tension compare to patients who got the higher cognitive scores on PICC. Patients' education level and the source of PICC knowledge affected the cognitive level of patients. Conclusion: Nurses should strengthen the education for the patients on the PICC knowledge, especially for those who were in a low educational level. In order to improve the patient's perception of PICC, it is best for the patients to be told the knowledge of PICC by the nurses. Which will reduce the tension of patients before the indwelling catheter?

Features of Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease According to the SCORE Charts in the Presence of Heart Rate Turbulence

The objective of the research was to develop new approaches to the prediction, prevention and treatment of complications in patients at high and very high total cardiovascular risk based on the assessment of heart rate turbulence.Materials and methods. 319 patients were examined to study the role of heart rate turbulence in the formation and progression of sudden cardiac death in the cardiovascular continuum based on the Holter monitoring. All patients were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 included patients with coronary heart disease without concomitant risk factors such as smoking, obesity, metabolic syndrome; Group 2 consisted of patients smoking tobacco for more than 2 years (those at very high cardiovascular risk); Group 3 included patients with metabolic syndrome without existing coronary heart disease or arterial hypertension (those at high cardiovascular risk); Group 4 consisted of 50 patients with metabolic syndrome and arterial hypertension (the control group).Results. In practically healthy people with the phenomenon of heart rate turbulence, there was a high level of sympathetic activity of the autonomic nervous system, which was more pronounced in the passive period of the day. In people with postinfarction cardiosclerosis and the phenomenon of heart rate turbulence hypersympathicotonia being associated with high psycho-emotional stress was typical in the active as well as the passive period of the day; the central mechanisms of regulation prevailed over autonomous ones. In people with coronary heart disease (postinfarction cardiosclerosis) psycho-emotional stress and functional state of the cerebral cortex played an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In the passive period of the day, the tension value of the total body regulation decreased, mainly due to high-frequency component of heart rate variability. Hypersympathicotonia and high activity of the vasomotor center at night explain the high incidence of complications and exacerbations of coronary artery disease in the passive period of the day. In individuals at very high cardiovascular risk according to the SCORE charts with the phenomenon of heart rate turbulence the QT interval lengthening was not observed. The feature of this group was the moderate total tension of heart rate variability in the active period of the day and its rise to the highest limits during the passive period of the day, which was associated with low activity of all spectra. The stress index in patients at very high cardiovascular risk according to the SCORE charts in the passive period of the day reduced compared to the active period of the day. The indices of acceleration and deceleration of the sinus rhythm in patients at very high cardiovascular risk according to the SCORE charts were within normal limits. In individuals at high cardiovascular risk according to the SCORE charts with the phenomenon of heart rhythm turbulence the parameters of heart rate turbulence acceleration were below normal limits; the paramters of deceleration were normal; shortening of the QT interval was not observed.Conclusions. The determination of heart rate turbulence is quite simple, non-invasive, affordable screening method of forecasting the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases as well as early detection of patients predisposed to sudden cardiac death in the general population.

Effects of carbonization tension on the structural and tensile properties of continuous bundles of highly aligned electrospun carbon nanofibers

The ultimate goal of this study was to further improve tensile properties of continuous bundles of highly aligned carbon nanofibers. The hypothesis was that adopting moderate tension during carbonization could improve the formation and orientation of graphite crystallites, leading to increased tensile properties of carbon nanofibers. In this study, bundles consisting of highly aligned PAN copolymer nanofibers were first prepared by electrospinning and collected via a flowing water bath, followed by 3-time stretching and oxidative stabilization. The stabilized PAN nanofibers were then carbonized under tensions of 10–50cN which corresponding to 254.7–1273.5MPa, respectively. The effects of carbonization tension on structural and tensile properties of carbon nanofibers were investigated by WAXD, Raman spectroscopy and filament specimen methods. The results indicated that the orientation of graphite crystallites in carbon nanofibers could be improved by increasing carbonization tensions from 254.7MPa to 509.4MPa; and the highest tensile strength and modulus of carbon nanofibers could reach 1115MPa and 194.5GPa, respectively.