Peak Delay Time Research Articles

Visual function assessed by visually evoked potentials in optic pathway low-grade gliomas with and without neurofibromatosis type 1

To investigate the contribution of full-field transient pattern-reversal visually evoked potentials (PRVEP) on cross-sectional evaluations of visual function in patients with and without neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) affected by optic pathway low-grade gliomas (OPLGG). Participants were children and adolescents referred for visual function evaluation and receiving treatment for OPLGG, linked (NF1-OPLGG) or not to NF1 (Non-NF1-OPLGG). An age-adjusted control group was included for comparison. Monocular full-field PRVEPs were recorded from each eye in accordance with ISCEV standards. Parameters of peak-to-peak P100 amplitude (µV) and P100 peak time (ms) were measured. Cutoff normative values obtained from controls for 15' and 60' check sizes were ≥ 9.0µV for N75-P100 amplitude and ≤ 103.0ms for P100 peak time. The association of age, gender, tumor resection and NF1 with P100 amplitude reduction and P100 peak time delay was explored by Firth logistic regression modeling. Participants were 30 patients (15 males, 60% Non-NF1) with ages from 3.6 to 19.9years (mean ± SD = 9.2 ± 3.8years; median = 8.4years) and 19 controls (12 males) with ages from 3.7 to 19.9years (mean ± SD = 10.4 ± 4.9years; median = 9.5years). Overall, 68% of tested eyes presented reduced P100 amplitudes for both check sizes (46% in the NF-1 and 83% in the Non-NF1) and delayed P100 for both check sizes (38% in NF1 and 89% in Non-NF1). Absence of NF1 adjusted for age, gender and tumor resection was significantly associated with marginally reduced P100 amplitude for 15' checks [odds ratio (OR): 6.26; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.96-40.94; p = 0.055]. Full-field PRVEP on cross-sectional evaluations contributed to detect visual dysfunction in two-thirds of patients with OPLGG by highlighting subclinical evidence of visual loss. Abnormalities were more frequent and more severe in OPLGG not linked to NF1 than in NF1-OPLGG; however, there was a difference in surgical management between these groups. PRVEP parameters may provide reliable evidence of visual pathway involvement in OPLGG, helping to hasten treatment before optic atrophy is detected.

Delay in glucose peak time during the oral glucose tolerance test as an indicator of insulin resistance and insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes patients.

Aims/IntroductionPrevious studies have shown that glucose peak time during the oral glucose tolerance test varies in type 2 diabetes patients; however, characteristics of this heterogeneity remain unclear. This research aimed to investigate the characteristics of delayed glucose peak time in type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsA total of 178 participants who underwent the oral glucose tolerance test were divided into five groups according to glucose peak time.ResultsA total of 25 participants with normal glucose tolerance had a glucose peak at 30 min. Among participants with type 2 diabetes, 28 had a glucose peak at 60 min, 48 at 90 min, 45 at 120 min and 32 at 150 min. With the glucose peak time delayed, glycated hemoglobin, area under the glucose curve and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance increased gradually (P = 0.038, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively), and oral glucose insulin sensitivity, homeostatic model assessment of β‐cell function, insulinogenic index, modified β‐cell function index and disposition indices decreased (P < 0.0001 for all). On multinominal logistic regression, insulinogenic index (odds ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.57–0.93, P = 0.01), modified β‐cell function index (odds ratio 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.47–0.94, P = 0.023) and oral glucose insulin sensitivity (odds ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.87–0.96, P < 0.0001) were independently correlated with delayed glucose peak time.ConclusionsDelay in glucose peak time indicated an increase in blood glucose and a decrease in insulin sensitivity and secretion. Furthermore, insulinogenic index, modified β‐cell function index and oral glucose insulin sensitivity contributed to delayed glucose peak time.

Simulation of rainfall and snowmelt runoff reduction in a northern city based on combination of green ecological strategies.

With the aim to control and reduce rainfall and snowmelt runoff in northern cities in China, the summer runoff and spring snowmelt runoff in the studied area were simulated with the establishment of storm water management model (SWMM). According to the climate characteristics and the situation of the studied area, the low impact development (LID) green ecological strategies suitable for the studied area were established. There were three kinds of management strategies being used, including extended green roof, snow and rainwater harvesting devices, and grass-swales or trenches. We examined the impacts of those integrated green ecological measures on the summer rainfall and spring snowmelt runoff and their mitigation effects on the drainage network pressure. The results showed that the maximum flow rates of the measured rainfall in May 24th, June 10th and July 18th 2016 were 2.7, 6.2 and 7.4 m3·s-1 respectively. The peak flow rates at different return periods of 1, 2, 5, 10 years were 2.39, 3.91, 6.24 and 7.85 m3·s-1, respectively. In the snowmelt period, the peak flow appeared at the beginning of March. The LID measures had positive effect on peak flow reduction, and thus delayed peak time and relieved drainage pressure. The flow reduction rate was as high as 70%. Moreover, the snow harvesting devices played a positive role in controlling snowmelt runoff in spring.

Research on the effect of rainfall flood regulation and control of wetland park based on SWMM model—a case study of wetland park in Yuanjia village, Qishan county, Shaanxi province

Taking the wetland park of Yuan Village in Qishan County of Shaanxi Province as the research object, this paper makes a reasonable generalization of the study area, and establishes two models of low impact development (LID) and traditional development in the park. Meantime, rainwater in the surrounding built up area is introduced to into the park for digestion. SWMM model is used to simulate the variation of the total runoff, peak flow and peak time of two development models in Wetland Park under one-hour rainfall at different recurrence periods.The runoff control effect in each single LID facility in the one-hour rainfall once during five years in the built-up area is simulated. The simulation results show that the SWMM model can not only quantify the runoff reduction effect of different LID facilities, but also provide theoretical basis and data support for the urban rainfall flood problem. LID facilities have effects on runoff reduction and peak delay. However, the combined LID facility has obvious advantages for the peak time delay and peak flow control. A single LID facility is more efficient in a single runoff volume control. The order of runoff reduction by various LID facilities is as follows: Rain garden>combined LID facility> vegetative swale> bio-retention cell > permeable pavement. The order of peak time delay effect by the LID facilities is as follows: combined LID facility> Rain garden> vegetative swale> bio-retention cell > permeable pavement. The order of peak flow reduction efficiency by various LID facilities is: combined LID facility> Rain garden> bio-retention cell > vegetative swale> permeable pavement.

Steering population transfer between electronic states of the Na2 molecule beyond the rotating wave approximation

By utilizing the time-dependent wavepacket method, we studied the population transfer between the electronic states of the Na2 molecule driven by femtosecond laser pulses. Three electronic states, , and , are taken to be the initial, the intermediate and the target states, respectively. Two classes of calculations are performed for comparison: one is to invoke the rotating wave approximation (RWA), and the other is more accurate calculations without consideration of RWA (non-RWA). It is found that for this three-state-model, the RWA fails to describe the accurate population transfer process in femtosecond-pulse fields and that the adiabatic passage is hard to be constructed in the non-RWA calculations. Based on the non-RWA calculations, we determined a set of laser parameters, including the peak intensity, detuning, pulse duration and time delay, for efficient population transfer.

Analysis of data characterizing tide and current fluxes in coastal basins

Abstract. Many coastal monitoring programmes have been carried out to investigate in situ hydrodynamic patterns and correlated physical processes, such as sediment transport or spreading of pollutants. The key point is the necessity to transform this growing amount of data provided by marine sensors into information for users. The present paper aims to outline that it is possible to recognize the recurring and typical hydrodynamic processes of a coastal basin, by conveniently processing some selected marine field data. The illustrated framework is made up of two steps. Firstly, a sequence of analysis with classic methods characterized by low computational cost was executed in both time and frequency domains on detailed field measurements of waves, tides, and currents. After this, some indicators of the hydrodynamic state of the basin were identified and evaluated. Namely, the assessment of the net flow through a connecting channel, the time delay of current peaks between upper and bottom layers, the ratio of peak ebb and peak flood currents and the tidal asymmetry factor exemplify results on the vertical structure of the flow, on the correlation between currents and tide and flood/ebb dominance. To demonstrate how this simple and generic framework could be applied, a case study is presented, referring to Mar Piccolo, a shallow water basin located in the inner part of the Ionian Sea (southern Italy).

Enhanced Measurement of Paper Basis Weight Using Phase Shift in Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy

THz time-domain spectroscopy has evolved as a noncontact, safe, and efficient technique for paper characterization. Our previous work adopted peak amplitude and delay time as features to determine paper basis weight using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. However, peak amplitude and delay time tend to suffer from noises, resulting in degradation of accuracy and robustness. This paper proposes a noise-robust phase-shift based method to enhance measurements of paper basis weight. Based on Fresnel Formulae, the physical relationship between phase shift and paper basis weight is formulated theoretically neglecting multiple reflections in the case of normal incidence. The established formulation indicates that phase shift correlates linearly with paper basis weight intrinsically. Subsequently, paper sheets were stacked to fabricate the samples with different basis weights, and experimental results verified the developed mathematical formulation. Moreover, a comparison was made between phase shift, peak amplitude, and delay time with respect to linearity, accuracy, and noise robustness. The results show that phase shift is superior to the others.

Effects of hydrogen-rich saline on endotoxin-induced uveitis.

The therapeutic effects of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) have been reported for a wide range of diseases mainly via selectively reducing the amount of reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of uveitis and endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU). In this study, we investigated whether HRS can mitigate EIU in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into Norm group, Model group, HRS group, dexamethasone (DEX) group, and rats in the latter three groups were injected with equal amount of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce EIU of different severities (by 1 mg/kg of LPS, or 1/8 mg/kg of LPS). Rats in HRS group were injected with HRS intraperitoneally at three different modes to purse an ameliorating effect of EIU (10 mL/kg of HRS immediately after injection of 1 mg/kg of LPS, 20 mL/kg of HRS once a day for 1 week before injection of 1 mg/kg of LPS and at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 6, 8, 12 hours after LPS administration, or 20 mL/kg of HRS once a day for 1 week before injection of 1/8 mg/kg of LPS, and at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 6, 8, 12, 24 hours and once a day for 3 weeks after LPS administration). Rats of DEX group were injected with 1 mL/kg of DEX solution intraperitoneally immediately after LPS administration. Rats in Norm and Model groups did not receive any treatment. All rats were examined under slit lamp microscope and graded according to the clinical signs of uveitis. Electroretinogram, quantitative analysis of protein in aqueous humor (AqH) and histological examination of iris and ciliary body were also carried out. Our results showed that HRS did not obviously ameliorate the signs of uveitis under slit lamp examination and the inflammatory cells infiltration around iris and cilliary body of EIU induced by 1 mg/kg or 1/8 mg/kg of LPS (P > 0.05), while DEX significantly reduced the inflammation reflected by the above two indicators (P < 0.05). The impaired retinal function of mild EIU induced by 1/8 mg/kg of LPS, showed by delay of peak time of b-wave of Dark adapted 3.0 electroretinogram, was not significantly restored by HRS (P > 0.05), while DEX had an obvious therapeutic effect (P < 0.05). However, HRS exerted an inhibition trend on elevation of protein in AqH of EIU induced by 1 mg/kg of LPS, and significantly reduced the increasing amount of protein in AqH of mild EIU induced by 1/8 mg/kg of LPS (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HRS could not obviously mitigate EIU in rats, while it could inhibit the elevation of AqH protein.

Pulse generation and compression using an asymmetrical porous silicon-based Mach–Zehnder interferometer configuration

We propose an asymmetrical Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) for efficient pulse generation and compression using porous silicon (PS) waveguide, fibre delay line and couplers. We show a pulse compression of about 0.4 ns at the output port with third-order super-Gaussian input pulse in ∼2 ns time duration and ∼40.3 W peak power level. Also, we show the possibility of obtaining compressed single- or double-pulse with judicious choice of various parameters like input peak power, delay time and input pulse width.

Speech segregation based-on binaural cue: interaural time difference (itd) and interaural level difference (ild)

A person who is suffering from hearing loss can be helped by using hearing aids and the most optimal performance of hearing aids are binaural hearing aids because it has similarities to human auditory system. In a conversation at a cocktail party, a person can focus on a single conversation even though the background sound and other people conversation is quite loud. This phenomenon is known as the cocktail party effect. In an early study, has been explained that binaural hearing have an important contribution to the cocktail party effect. So in this study, will be performed separation on the input binaural sound with 2 microphone sensors of two sound sources based on both the binaural cue, interaural time difference (ITD) and interaural level difference (ILD) using binary mask. To estimate value of ITD, is used cross-correlation method which the value of ITD represented as time delay of peak shifting at time-frequency unit. Binary mask is estimated based on pattern of ITD and ILD to relative strength of target that computed statistically using probability density estimation. Results of sound source separation performing well with the value of speech intelligibility using the percent correct word by 86% and 3 dB by SNR.

Runoff of small rocky headwater catchments: Field observations and hydrological modeling

In dolomitic headwater catchments, intense rainstorms of short duration produce runoff discharges that often trigger debris flows on the scree slopes at the base of rock cliffs. In order to measure these discharges, we placed a measuring facility at the outlet (elevation 1770 m a.s.l.) of a small, rocky headwater catchment (area ∼0.032 km2, average slope ∼320%) located in the Venetian Dolomites (North Eastern Italian Alps). The facility consists of an approximately rectangular basin, ending with a sharp-crested weir. Six runoff events were recorded in the period 2011–2014, providing a unique opportunity for characterizing the hydrological response of the catchment. The measured hydrographs display impulsive shapes, with an abrupt raise up to the peak, followed by a rapidly decreasing tail, until a nearly constant plateau is eventually reached. This behavior can be simulated by means of a distributed hydrological model if the excess rainfall is determined accurately. We show that using the Soil Conservation Service Curve-Number (SCS-CN) method and assuming a constant routing velocity invariably results in an underestimated peak flow and a delayed peak time. A satisfactory prediction of the impulsive hydrograph shape, including peak value and timing, is obtained only by combining the SCS-CN procedure with a simplified version of the Horton equation, and simulating runoff routing along the channel network through a matched diffusivity kinematic wave model. The robustness of the proposed methodology is tested through a comparison between simulated and observed timings of runoff or debris flow occurrence in two neighboring alpine basins.

P-wave scattering and the distribution of heterogeneity around Etna volcano

&lt;p&gt;Volcanoes and fault zones are areas of increased heterogeneity in the Earth crust that leads to strong scattering of seismic waves. For the understanding of the volcanic structure and the role of attenuation and scattering processes it is important to investigate the distribution of heterogeneity. We used the signals of air-gun shots to investigate the distribution of heterogeneity around Mount Etna. We devise a new methodology that is based on the coda energy ratio which we define as the ratio between the energy of the direct P-wave and the energy in a later coda window. This is based on the basic assumption that scattering caused by heterogeneity removes energy from the direct P-waves. We show that measurements of the energy ratio are stable with respect to changes of the details of the time windows definitions. As an independent proxy of the scattering strength along the ray path we measure the peak delay time of the direct P-wave. The peak delay time is well correlated with the coda energy ratio. We project the observation in the directions of the incident rays at the stations. Most notably is an area with increased wave scattering in the volcano and east of it. The strong heterogeneity found supports earlier observations and confirms the possibility to use P-wave sources for the determination of scattering properties. We interpret the extension of the highly heterogeneous zone towards the east as a potential signature &lt;span&gt;of inelastic deformation processes&lt;/span&gt; induced by the eastward sliding of flank of the volcano.&lt;/p&gt;

Seismic scattering and absorption mapping of debris flows, feeding paths, and tectonic units at Mount St. Helens volcano

Abstract Frequency-dependent peak-delay times and coda quality factors have been used jointly to separate seismic absorption from scattering quantitatively in Earth media at regional and continental scale; to this end, we measure and map these two quantities at Mount St. Helens volcano. The results show that we can locate and characterize volcanic and geological structures using their unique contribution to seismic attenuation. At 3 Hz a single high-scattering and high-absorption anomaly outlines the debris flows that followed the 1980 explosive eruption, as deduced by comparison with remote sensing imagery. The flows overlay a NNW–SSE interface, separating rocks of significant varying properties down to 2–4 km, and coinciding with the St. Helens Seismic Zone. High-scattering and high-absorption anomalies corresponding to known locations of magma emplacement follow this signature under the volcano, showing the important interconnections between its feeding systems and the regional tectonic boundaries. With frequency increasing from 6 to 18 Hz the NNW–SSE tectonic/feeding trends rotate around an axis centered on the volcano in the direction of the regional-scale magmatic arc (SW–NE). While the aseismic high-scattering region WSW of the volcano shows no evidence of high absorption, the regions of highest-scattering and absorption are consistently located at all frequencies under either the eastern or the south-eastern flank of the volcanic edifice. From the comparison with the available geological and geophysical information we infer that these anomalies mark both the location and the trend of the main feeding systems at depths greater than 4 km.

THERMODYNAMIC SPECTRUM OF SOLAR FLARES BASED ON SDO/EVE OBSERVATIONS: TECHNIQUES AND FIRST RESULTS

ABSTRACT The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)/EUV Variability Experiment (EVE) provides rich information on the thermodynamic processes of solar activities, particularly on solar flares. Here, we develop a method to construct thermodynamic spectrum (TDS) charts based on the EVE spectral lines. This tool could potentially be useful for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) astronomy to learn about the eruptive activities on distant astronomical objects. Through several cases, we illustrate what we can learn from the TDS charts. Furthermore, we apply the TDS method to 74 flares equal to or greater than the M5.0 class, and reach the following statistical results. First, EUV peaks are always behind the soft X-ray (SXR) peaks and stronger flares tend to have faster cooling rates. There is a power-law correlation between the peak delay times and the cooling rates, suggesting a coherent cooling process of flares from SXR to EUV emissions. Second, there are two distinct temperature drift patterns, called Type I and Type II. For Type I flares, the enhanced emission drifts from high to low temperature like a quadrilateral, whereas for Type II flares the drift pattern looks like a triangle. Statistical analysis suggests that Type II flares are more impulsive than Type I flares. Third, for late-phase flares, the peak intensity ratio of the late phase to the main phase is roughly correlated with the flare class, and the flares with a strong late phase are all confined. We believe that the re-deposition of the energy carried by a flux rope, which unsuccessfully erupts out, into thermal emissions is responsible for the strong late phase found in a confined flare. Furthermore, we show the signatures of the flare thermodynamic process in the chromosphere and transition region in the TDS charts. These results provide new clues to advance our understanding of the thermodynamic processes of solar flares and associated solar eruptions, e.g., coronal mass ejections.

Relationship Between Collateral Status, Contrast Transit, and Contrast Density in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Collateral circulation is recognized to influence the life expectancy of the ischemic penumbra in acute ischemic stroke. The best method to quantify collateral status on acute imaging is uncertain. We aimed to determine the relationship between visual collateral status, quantitative collateral assessments, baseline computed tomographic perfusion measures, and tissue outcomes on follow-up imaging. Sixty-six consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke clinically eligible for recanalization therapy and with M1 or M2 middle cerebral artery occlusion were evaluated. We compared the visual collateral scoring with measures of contrast peak time delay and contrast peak density. We also compared these measures for their ability to predict perfusion lesion and infarct core volumes, final infarct, and infarct growth. Shorter contrast peak time delay (P=0.041) and higher contrast peak density (P=0.002) were associated with good collateral status. Shorter contrast peak time delay correlated with higher contrast peak density (β=-4.413; P=0.037). In logistic regression analysis after adjustment for age, sex, onset-computed tomographic time, and occlusion site, higher contrast peak density was independently associated with good collateral status (P=0.009). Multiple regression analysis showed that higher contrast peak density was an independent predictor of smaller perfusion lesion volume (P=0.029), smaller ischemic core volume (P=0.044), smaller follow-up infarct volume (P=0.005), and smaller infarct growth volume (P=0.010). Visual collateral status, contrast peak density, and contrast peak time delay were inter-related, and good collateral status was strongly associated with contrast peak density. Contrast peak density in collateral vessel may be an important factor in tissue fate in acute ischemic stroke.

Modeling Hydrologic Performance of a Green Roof System with HYDRUS-2D

AbstractA green roof is an environmentally friendly best management practice for volume reduction, peak flow reduction, and peak delay of stormwater runoff from impervious rooftops. In this study, HYDRUS-2D was used to model the hydrologic response of a pilot green roof system. The root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of growth media volumetric water content values between model and field measurements ranged between 0.38 and 1.74%. A method was developed to use the water content profile at three media depths to derive regression equations that predict hydrologic performance. These equations show that runoff volume reduction follows an inverse relationship between media field capacity and precipitation depth, that peak flow reduction obeys a second-order equation between media field capacity and precipitation depth, and that peak delay time can be approximated by a third-order equation that includes maximum capacity and precipitation depth. The R2s values of the regressions range between 0.87 and 0.99. These ...

Early Impairment of Cardiac Function and Asynchronization of Systemic Amyloidosis with Preserved Ejection Fraction Using Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.

To observe the ventricular global and regional function of the patients with systemic amyloidosis using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. The study enrolled 31 consecutive biopsy-proved patients with systemic amyloidosis who underwent echocardiographic examination and EF ≥ 55% and 37 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. We compared systolic strain and strain rate, diastolic strain rate, time to peak strain, peak delay time in longitudinal, radial, circumferential directions in 16 left ventricular segments. The global peak systolic longitudinal and radial strain of left ventricle, peak systolic longitudinal strain and strain rate, diastolic strain rate of right ventricular free wall were also compared. (1) Global peak systolic longitudinal strain (GPSLS), peak systolic longitudinal strain (PSLS) and strain rate (PSLSR), peak early diastolic longitudinal strain rate (PELSR) in 16 segments were decreased in case (P < 0.05). (2) Peak systolic radial strain and strain rate of inferoseptum and inferolateral at the level of papillary muscle were lower (P < 0.05), and peak early diastolic radial strain rate (PERSR) was reduced (P < 0.05). (3) Peak early diastolic circumferential strain rate was lower (P < 0.05). (4) Time to peak systolic longitudinal, radial, circumferential strain was longer, and peak delay time at the same level retarded (P < 0.05). (5) Into right ventricular wall, PSLS and PSLSR at mid-segment, and PSLSR, PELSR, peak atrial systolic longitudinal strain rate (PALSR) at basal were reduced (P < 0.05). (6) Inverse correlation between interventricular septum (IVS) thickness and GPSLS and GPSRS was found (P < 0.05). Systolic and diastolic dysfunction existed in systemic amyloidosis with preserved EF. Mechanical contraction disorder may be one reason for systolic dysfunction. GPLSR and GPRSR were negatively related to IVS thickness.

Quasi-Distributed Strain Sensing System Based on Optical Spectrum-Limited Chaos and CFBG Intensity Demodulation

We propose a quasi-distributed sensing system using optical spectrum-limited chaos for strain measurement with a high spatial resolution of locating. An optical bandpass filter is programmed in accordance with each sensor to implement the intensity demodulation of multiple chirped fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs). A cross-correlation algorithm is adopted in this sensing scheme. Consequently, strain sensing and locating can be simultaneously demodulated by the relative amplitude change (RAC) and time delay of a certain cross-correlation peak. Meanwhile, fiber fault monitoring can also be implemented by the cross-correlation algorithm, and an additional optical passband is reserved for sufficient breakpoint testing optical power. The proof-of-concept experiment demonstrates that the strain sensitivity reaches 0.12% RAC/ <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="TeX">$\mu\varepsilon$</tex-math></inline-formula> , and the spatial resolution is up to 3.3 cm. Finally, the performance of fiber fault monitoring is also demonstrated.

Karst conduit hydro-gradient nonlinear variation feature study: case study of Zhaidi karst underground river

Through the analysis of monitoring data with a time interval of 10 min during the rainy season of 2012, for three points of G37, zk8 and zk7 which are located on the main conduit of Zhaidi karst underground river system, the variation features of water level and hydraulic gradient are studied and the relations are established between gradient and water level or amplitude. (1) It is first discovered that there are different function relations such as linear, parabola and inverse parabola between the G37’s water level and the hydraulic gradients of different conduit part. (2) The peak delay times for water level curves are <50 min and the maximum conducting speed of water press is faster than 13,020 m/h. (3) The upstream and downstream karst conduits have corresponding enlarging and shrinking amplitude function by the coefficients of 1.899/km and 0.125/km. (4) The gradient I variation is still linear to the level difference ΔH made by nine rainstorms. The conclusion and the methods of this paper have significance on the study of the regulation and storage capacity and groundwater resources evaluation of karst underground-river system.

Theoretical study of lower ionospheric response to solar flares: sluggishness of D-region and peak time delay

The rates of ion production and loss processes in the lower ionosphere during solar and other astronomical ionizing events vary with height. This variations influence the time lags of the response in different ionospheric layers. Very Low Frequency (VLF) signals reflected from any of these layers follow this time lag or delay during a transient cosmic events. One of the easiest ways to study this property is to observe the shift in the peak of VLF signal amplitude with respect to the peak of solar flares. We numerically model to find ion densities and resulting VLF signal perturbations during some solar flares. We clearly find from the model that the delay in the peak of the electron densities (with respect to peak of the ionizing event) in the lower ionosphere varies from height to height. The result also depends on the properties of events, such as peak intensity and sharpness. We investigate analytically how the delay of electron density peak should depend on height varying chemical rate parameters as well as the nature of transient events. Our capability is demonstrated using three classes (namely, X, M and C) of solar flares. The work is a step forward in our goal to employ ionosphere as a natural detector for astronomical observations.