Fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations are the commonest aberrant feature on cardiotocograph (CTG) thus having a major influence on classification ofFHRpatterns into the three tier system. The unexplained paradox of ear...Fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations are the commonest aberrant feature on cardiotocograph (CTG) thus having a major influence on classification ofFHRpatterns into the three tier system. The unexplained paradox of early decelerations (head compression—an invariable phenomenon in labor) being extremely rare [1] should prompt a debate about scientific validity of current categorization. This paper demonstrates that there appear to be major fallacies in the pathophysiological hypothesis (cord compression—baroreceptor mechanism) underpinning of vast majority of (variable?) decelerations. Rapid decelerations during contractions with nadir matching peak of contractions are consistent with “pure” vagal reflex (head compression) rather than result of fetal blood pressure or oxygenation changes from cord compression. Hence, many American authors have reported that the abrupt FHR decelerations attributed to cord compression are actually due to head compression [2-6]. The paper debates if there are major fundamental fallacies in current categorization of FHR decelerations based concomitantly on rate of descent (reflecting putative aetiology?) and time relationship to contractions. Decelerations with consistently early timing (constituting majority) seem to get classed as “variable” because of rapid descent. A distorted unscientific categorization of FHR decelerations could lead to clinically unhelpful three tier classification system. Hence, the current unphysiological classification needs a fresh debate with consideration of alternative models and re-evaluation of clinical studies to test these. Open debate improves patient care and safety. The clue to benign reflex versus hypoxic nature of decelerations seems to be in the timing rather than the rate of descent. Although the likelihood of fetal hypxemia is related to depth and duration ofFHRdecelerations, the cut-offs are likely to be different for early/late/variable decelerations and it seems to be of paramount importance to get this discrimination right for useful visual or computerized system of CTG interpretation.展开更多
Objective: To test the reproducibility of British experts’ (eFM, K2MS, Gibb and Arulkumaran) [1-3] illustrations of fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations by trained British Obstetricians and midwives. To analyze reaso...Objective: To test the reproducibility of British experts’ (eFM, K2MS, Gibb and Arulkumaran) [1-3] illustrations of fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations by trained British Obstetricians and midwives. To analyze reasons for any discrepancies by examining factors relating to the participants, British experts’ descriptions and NICE guidelines [4]. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: National Health Service (NHS) Hospitals. Participants: 38 Obstetric Consultants, 49 registrars and 45 midwives. Methods: Printed questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: Fisher’s Exact test. Results: This largest study of its kind showed almost unbelievably high disconnect between CTG interpretation by experts and participants. 98% - 100% midwives, 80% - 100% Registrars and 74% - 100% Consultants categorized FHR decelerations differently from the five experts’ illustrations/interpretations (p < 0.0001). Remarkably, the three experts’ illustrations of early (supposedly most benign) decelerations were classed as atypical variable by 56% Consultants, 78% Registrars and 99% midwives and the CTGs as pathological by 85% of the participants. Conclusions: The high degree of disagreement with the experts’ illustrations (p < 0.0001) did not appear to be due to participant factors. The immediate reasons seemed to be the conflicting illustrations and heterogeneity of experts’ descriptions. But most importantly, these appeared to stem from non-standardized ambiguous definitions of FHR decelerations and many intrinsic systemic flaws in the current NICE guidelines [4]. The NICE concept of “true uniform” (identical) early and late decelerations seems biologically implausible (a myth) and no examples can be found. Another myth seems to be that early and late decelerations should be gradual. Only very shallow decelerations will look “gradual” on the British CTG. These systemic flaws lead to dysfunctional CTG interpretation increasing intervention as well as impairing diagnosis of fetal hypoxemia. This is because the vast majority of FHR decelerations fall in a single heterogeneous “variable” group with many further classed as “atypical” (pathological) based on disproven and discredited criteria [5-7]. There is increasing evidence in USA that a system with variable decelerations as the majority is clinically unhelpful because of loss of information [5-9]. In the interest of patient care and safety, open debate is necessary regarding a better way forward. Classification of FHR decelerations based primarily and solely on time relationship to contractions appears more scientific and clinically useful.展开更多
Terahertz(THz) radiation, spanning the frequency range 100 GHz to 10 THz, offers diverse applications in spectroscopy, materials characterization, medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. Despite its potentia...Terahertz(THz) radiation, spanning the frequency range 100 GHz to 10 THz, offers diverse applications in spectroscopy, materials characterization, medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. Despite its potential, the generation of high-intensity, tunable THz radiation remains a significant challenge. In this work, we explore a novel approach to the efficient generation of THz radiation based on laser–plasma interactions, utilizing the principles of photon deceleration.When a relativistic CO_(2) laser passes through a pre-ionized plasma, the laser induces a nonlinear wakefield, creating a strong refractive index gradient. This gradient, combined with the lower-density region of the wakefield, slows down the laser, facilitating the accumulation of THz radiation. The resulting THz pulse exhibits extreme collimation, high energy efficiency and tunability. Our work shows that this method can achieve up to 10% conversion efficiency with optimal plasma density near the critical density. This technique presents a promising solution for overcoming current limitations in THz source development and offers potential for diverse applications.展开更多
Variable Cycle Engine(VCE)serves as the core system in achieving future advanced fighters with cross-generational performance and mission versatility.However,the resultant complex configuration and strong coupling of ...Variable Cycle Engine(VCE)serves as the core system in achieving future advanced fighters with cross-generational performance and mission versatility.However,the resultant complex configuration and strong coupling of control parameters present significant challenges in designing acceleration and deceleration control schedules.To thoroughly explore the performance potential of engine,a global integration design method for acceleration and deceleration control schedule based on inner and outer loop optimization is proposed.The outer loop optimization module employs Integrated Surrogate-Assisted Co-Differential Evolutionary(ISACDE)algorithm to optimize the variable geometry adjustment laws based on B-spline curve,and the inner loop optimization module adopts the fixed-state method to design the open-loop fuel–air ratio control schedules,which are aimed at minimizing the acceleration and deceleration time under multiple constraints.Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed global integration design method not only furthest shortens the acceleration and deceleration time,but also effectively safeguards the engine from overlimit.展开更多
Obtaining a reasonable mold flow field for casting slabs with different sections is challenging by solely modifying the nozzle structure and continuous casting process. Research was conducted on small-sectioned (1000 ...Obtaining a reasonable mold flow field for casting slabs with different sections is challenging by solely modifying the nozzle structure and continuous casting process. Research was conducted on small-sectioned (1000 mm × 220 mm) and large-sectioned (3250 mm × 220 mm) slab continuous casting molds with a fixed nozzle form (concave bottom nozzle, side port inclination angle of 0°). A three-dimensional electromagnetic model is established to analyze the current frequency, installation position, and rotation angle under the active deceleration mode and acceleration mode. The results indicate that, regardless of the deceleration mode for small-sectioned slabs or the acceleration mode for large-sectioned slabs, the magnetic flux density in the mold decreases with increasing current frequency. However, the maximum electromagnetic force initially increases and then decreases, suggesting that both electromagnetic modes have the same optimal current frequency (3 Hz). The optimal mechanical design parameters for the deceleration mode of electromagnetic variable flow device (EM-VFD) with the small-sectioned slab are as follows: installation position Z = 115 mm and rotation angle of 15°, ensuring that the maximum electromagnetic force is applied to the nozzle jet area. For the acceleration mode of the large-sectioned slab EM-VFD, the optimal mechanical design parameters are as follows: Z = 115 mm and rotation angle of 10°, ensuring that the maximum electromagnetic force is applied to 1/4 and 3/4 areas of the wide face. These findings indicate that the new electromagnetic variable flow device, which can actively adjust the flow rate and angle of the steel even under given working conditions, provides the possibility for reasonable control of the mold’s flow field.展开更多
As a common transportation facility, speed humps can control the speed of vehicles on special road sections to reduce traffic risks. At the same time, they also cause instantaneous traffic emissions. Based on the clas...As a common transportation facility, speed humps can control the speed of vehicles on special road sections to reduce traffic risks. At the same time, they also cause instantaneous traffic emissions. Based on the classic instantaneous traffic emission model and the limited deceleration capacity microscopic traffic flow model with slow-to-start rules, this paper has investigated the impact of speed humps on traffic flow and the instantaneous emissions of vehicle pollutants in a single lane situation. The numerical simulation results have shown that speed humps have significant effects on traffic flow and traffic emissions. In a free-flow region, the increase of speed humps leads to the continuous rise of CO_(2), NO_(X) and PM emissions. Within some density ranges, one finds that these pollutant emissions can evolve into some higher values under some random seeds. Under other random seeds, they can evolve into some lower values. In a wide moving jam region, the emission values of these pollutants sometimes appear as continuous or intermittent phenomenon. Compared to the refined Na Sch model, the present model has lower instantaneous emissions such as CO_(2), NO_(X) and PM and higher volatile organic components(VOC) emissions. Compared to the limited deceleration capacity model without slow-to-start rules, the present model also has lower instantaneous emissions such as CO_(2), NO_(X) and PM and higher VOC emissions in a wide moving jam region. These results can also be confirmed or explained by the statistical values of vehicle velocity and acceleration.展开更多
The feedrate profile of non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) interpolation due to the contour errors is analyzed. A NURBS curve interpolator with adaptive acceleration-deceleration control is presented. In interpo-...The feedrate profile of non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) interpolation due to the contour errors is analyzed. A NURBS curve interpolator with adaptive acceleration-deceleration control is presented. In interpo- lation preprocessing, the sensitive zones of feedrate variations are processed with acceleration-deceleration control. By using the proposed algorithm, the machining accuracy is guaranteed and the feedrate is adaptively adjusted to he smoothed. The mechanical shock imposed in the servo system is avoided by the first and the second time derivatives of feedrates. A simulation of NURBS interpolation is given to demonstrate the validity and the effectiveness of the algorithm. The proposed interpolator can also be applied to the trajectory planning of the other parametric curves.展开更多
This study was to investigate the decoloration effects of activated clay, activated carbon, diatomite, Ca group bentonite, kaolin, activated aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide and attapulgite. Ultraviolet-visible spectro...This study was to investigate the decoloration effects of activated clay, activated carbon, diatomite, Ca group bentonite, kaolin, activated aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide and attapulgite. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopywas adopted to de- tect the absorbanees of the extracts of Schisandra chinensis fruit and rattan stems, the contents of total triterpenoids in S. chinensis fruit and rattan stems were deter- mined, and the decoloration rate and the retention rate of total triterpenoids of S. chi- nensis fruit and rattan stems were calculated. The results indicated that, attapulgite exhibited the best decoloration effect on the extract of S. chinensis fruit, with a de- coloration rate up to 60.47%, activated carbon exhibited a better decoloration effect on the extract of S. chinensis rattan stems, with a decoloration rate up to 69.24%, and they had relatively higher retention rates of total triterpenoids. In the eight de- colorants, attapulgite showed the best decoloration effect on the extract of S. chi- nensis fruit, and activated carbon exhibited the best decoloration effect on the ex- tract of S. chinensisrattan stems.展开更多
Intrapartum fetal monitoring has been criticized for the lack of evidence of improvement in fetal outcome despite causing increased operative intervention. Paradoxically, cardiotocography (CTG) has been a major driv...Intrapartum fetal monitoring has been criticized for the lack of evidence of improvement in fetal outcome despite causing increased operative intervention. Paradoxically, cardiotocography (CTG) has been a major driver for litigation for neonatal neurological injury. This analytical review tries to explore why extensive clinical studies and trials over 50 years have failed to demonstrate or bring about signifcant improvement in intrapartum fetal monitoring. There seems a need for significant reform. International congruence on most aspects of CTG interpretation [defnitions of fetal heart rate (FHR) parameters, CTG recording speed, 3-tier systems, etc .] is highly desirable to facilitate future meaningful clinical studies, evaluation and progress in this field. The FHR changes are non-specific and poor surrogate for fetal well-being. As a compromise for maintaining low false-negative results for fetal acidemia, a high false-positive value may have to be accepted. The need for redefning the place of adjuvant tests of fetal well-being like fetal blood sampling or fetal electrocardiography (ECG) is discussed. The FHR decelerations are often deterministic (center-stage) in CTG interpretation and 3-tier categorization. It is discussed if their scientifc and physiological classifcation (avoiding framing and confirmation biases) may be best based on time relationship to uterine contractions alone. This may provide a more sound foundation which could improve the reliability and further evolution of 3-tier systems. Results of several trials of fetal ECG (STAN) have been inconclusive and a need for a fresh approach or strategy is considered. It is hoped that the long anticipated Computer-aided analysis of CTG will be more objective and reliable (overcome human factors) and will offer valuable support or may eventually replace visual CTG interpretation. In any case, the recording and archiving all CTGs digitally and testing cord blood gases routinely in every delivery would be highly desirable for future research. This would facilitate well designed retrospective studies which can be very informative especially when prospective randomised controlled trials are often diffcult and resource-intensive.展开更多
A new adaptive cruise control (ACC) method based on the desired safety headway distance is investigated for improving the vehicle traffic safety at high speed by regulating the additional throttle opening and braking ...A new adaptive cruise control (ACC) method based on the desired safety headway distance is investigated for improving the vehicle traffic safety at high speed by regulating the additional throttle opening and braking torque of driving wheels only. The selection of headway distance sensors, the determination of desired safety headway distance and desired deceleration are elaborated. The ACC flowchart and simulation, as well as signal misinformation and its resolutions are described. The simulation proves that the new ACC method is simpler and feasible. The new method is easily integrated ACC with ABS/ASR to form an organic ABS/ASR/ACC system.展开更多
Transient control law ensures that the aeroengine transits to the command operating state rapidly and reliably. Most of the existing approaches for transient control law design have complicated principle and arithmeti...Transient control law ensures that the aeroengine transits to the command operating state rapidly and reliably. Most of the existing approaches for transient control law design have complicated principle and arithmetic. As a result, those approaches are not convenient for application. This paper proposes an extrapolation approach based on the set-point parameters to construct the transient control law, which has a good practicability. In this approach, the transient main fuel control law for acceleration and deceleration process is designed based on the main fuel flow on steady operating state. In order to analyze the designing feature of the extrapolation approach, the simulation results of several different transient control laws designed by the same approach are compared together. The analysis indicates that the aeroengine has a good performance in the transient process and the designing feature of the extrapolation approach conforms to the elements of the turbofan aeroengine.展开更多
To satisfy the need of high speed NC (numerical control) machining, an acceleration and deceleration (acc/dec) control model is proposed, and the speed curve is also constructed by the cubic polynomial. The proposed c...To satisfy the need of high speed NC (numerical control) machining, an acceleration and deceleration (acc/dec) control model is proposed, and the speed curve is also constructed by the cubic polynomial. The proposed control model provides continuity of acceleration, which avoids the intense vibration in high speed NC machining. Based on the discrete characteristic of the data sampling interpolation, the acc/dec control discrete mathematical model is also set up and the discrete expression of the theoretical deceleration length is obtained furthermore. Aiming at the question of hardly predetermining the deceleration point in acc/dec control before interpolation, the adaptive acc/dec control algorithm is deduced from the expressions of the theoretical deceleration length. The experimental result proves that the acc/dec control model has the characteristic of easy implementation, stable movement and low impact. The model has been applied in multi-axes high speed micro fabrication machining successfully.展开更多
Studies show that different geometries of a Variable Cycle Engine(VCE)can be adjusted during the transient stage of the engine operation to improve the engine performance.However,this improvement increases the complex...Studies show that different geometries of a Variable Cycle Engine(VCE)can be adjusted during the transient stage of the engine operation to improve the engine performance.However,this improvement increases the complexity of the acceleration and deceleration control schedule.In order to resolve this problem,the Transient-state Reverse Method(TRM)is established in the present study based on the Steady-state Reverse Method(SRM)and the Virtual Power Extraction Method(VPEM).The state factors in the component-based engine performance models are replaced by variable geometry parameters to establish the TRM for a double bypass VCE.Obtained results are compared with the conventional component-based model from different aspects,including the accuracy and the convergence rate.The TRM is then employed to optimize the control schedule of a VCE.Obtained results show that the accuracy and the convergence rate of the proposed method are consistent with that of the conventional model.On the other hand,it is found that the new-model-optimized control schedules reduce the acceleration and deceleration time by 45%and 54%,respectively.Meanwhile,the surge margin of compressors,fuel–air ratio and the turbine inlet temperature maintained are within the acceptable criteria.It is concluded that the proposed TRM is a powerful method to design the acceleration and deceleration control schedule of the VCE.展开更多
Pressure waves induced by high-speed trains passing through a tunnel have adverse effects on train structures and passenger comfort. These adverse effects can be alleviated when the train passing through the tunnel wi...Pressure waves induced by high-speed trains passing through a tunnel have adverse effects on train structures and passenger comfort. These adverse effects can be alleviated when the train passing through the tunnel with a speed mode of deceleration. Thus, to investigate the effect of speed modes on pressure waves, three-dimensional compressible unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations and the sliding mesh are used to simulate pressure waves on train surfaces and tunnel walls when trains passing through a tunnel with three different speed modes(a constant speed at350 km/h, a uniform deceleration from 350 to 300 km/h, and another uniform deceleration from 350 to 250 km/h).Compared with the constant speed, the peak-to-peak of the train surface pressure under the other two speed modes reaches a maximum difference of 11.0%. The maximum positive pressure difference of the tunnel wall under different speed modes is caused by the different attenuation of the friction effect when the train enters the tunnel, and the maximum difference is 12.8%. The difference of the maximum negative pressure on the tunnel wall is caused by the different speed and pressure wave intensity of the train arriving at the same measuring point in different speed modes,and the maximum difference is 15.8%. Hence, it can be concluded that a speed mode of deceleration for trains passing a tunnel can effectively alleviate the aerodynamic effect in the tunnel, especially for the pressure on the tunnel wall.展开更多
The algorithms for feedrate profile generation,such as linear and S-curve profiles,have been widely used in machinery controllers,and these algorithms can greatly improve the smoothness of motion.However,most of the a...The algorithms for feedrate profile generation,such as linear and S-curve profiles,have been widely used in machinery controllers,and these algorithms can greatly improve the smoothness of motion.However,most of the algorithms lead to the discontinuous acceleration/deceleration and jerk,or high jerk levels,which is very harmful to machine tool or robot in most occasions. This paper presents a smooth S-curve feedrate profiling generation algorithm that produces continuous feedrate,acceleration,and jerk profiles.Smooth jerk is obtained by imposing limits on the first and second time derivatives of acceleration,resulting in trapezoidal jerk profiles along the tool path.The discretization of smooth S-curve feedrate is realized with a novel approach that improves the efficiency without calculating the deceleration point in each sampled time.To ensure that the interpolation time is a multiple of the value of sampled time,the feedrate,acceleration,jerk,and jerk derivative are recalculated.Meantime,to improve the efficiency,the interpolation steps of all regions are computed before interpolation.According to the distance of trajectory,the smooth S-curve acceleration and decelerations are divided into three blocks:normal block,short block type-Ⅰ,and short block type-Ⅱ.Finally feedrate discretization of short block type-Ⅰand type-Ⅱis obtained with considering the efficiency.The proposed generation algorithm is tested in machining a part on a five axis milling machine,which is controlled with the CNC system for newly developed high-speed machine tools.The test result shows that the smooth S-curve approach has the smoother feedrate,acceleration,deceleration,and jerk profiles than S-curve.The proposed algorithm ensures the automated machinery motion smoothness,and improves the quality and efficiency of the automated machinery motion planning.展开更多
Laser-assisted Stark deceleration scheme was proposed to decelerate the high-field-seeking molecule IC1 in its rovibronic ground state. However, the laser intensity of 1.0×10^10W/cm^2 is hard to realize in experi...Laser-assisted Stark deceleration scheme was proposed to decelerate the high-field-seeking molecule IC1 in its rovibronic ground state. However, the laser intensity of 1.0×10^10W/cm^2 is hard to realize in experiment. The time-of-flight signals of HC2n+1N (n=2, 3 and 4) by three-dimensional Monte-Carlo simulation suggest that deceleration of such molecules is more feasible experimentally as only one-tenth laser intensity is needed.展开更多
This study was to investigate the changes of autonomic nerve function and hemodynamics in patients with vasovagal syncope(VVS) during head-up tilt-table testing(HUT). HUT was performed in 68 patients with unexplained ...This study was to investigate the changes of autonomic nerve function and hemodynamics in patients with vasovagal syncope(VVS) during head-up tilt-table testing(HUT). HUT was performed in 68 patients with unexplained syncope and 18 healthy subjects served as control group. According to whether bradycardia, hypotension or both took place during the onset of syncope, the patients were divided during the test into three subgroups: vasodepressor syncope(VD), cardioinhibitory syncope(CI) and mixed syncope(MX) subgroups. Heart rate, blood pressure, heart rate variability(HRV), and deceleration capacity(DC) were continuously analyzed during HUT. For all the subjects with positive responses, the normalized low frequency(LFn) and the LF/HF ratio markedly decreased whereas normalized high frequency(HFn) increased when syncope occurred. Syncopal period also caused more significant increase in the power of the DC in positive groups. These changes were more exaggerated compared to controls. All the patients were indicative of a sympathetic surge in the presence of withdrawal vagal activity before syncope and a sympathetic inhibition with a vagal predominance at the syncopal stage by the frequency-domain analysis of HRV. With the measurements of DC, a decreased vagal tone before syncope stage and a vagal activation at the syncopal stage were observed. The vagal tone was higher in subjects showing cardioinhibitory responses at the syncopal stage. DC may provide an alternative method to understand the autonomic profile of VVS patients.展开更多
Generally complex 3D contours are divided into a lot of continuous small line blocks by CAD/CAM software. When these small line blocks are used in conventional way,machine tool has to stop at the end of one move befor...Generally complex 3D contours are divided into a lot of continuous small line blocks by CAD/CAM software. When these small line blocks are used in conventional way,machine tool has to stop at the end of one move before continuing on to the next to meet accuracy requirement,which results in inefficiency.Look-ahead is an intelligent function that aims at adjusting the feed rate automatically to achieve maximum productivity while maintaining accuracy.By now most researchers just utilize the simplest linear acceleration(ACC)and deceleration(DEC)to deal with look-ahead intelligence.A generalized ACC/DEC ap- proach and corresponding optimal look-ahead algorithm based on dynamic back tracking along a doubly linked list are proposed.An improved rounding strategy for reducing interpolation errors is also presented.By using the proposed techniques,arbitrary velocity profiles that offer look-ahead feature and have the desired ACC/DEC characteristics for movement of a lot of continuous line blocks can be generated efficiently.Both simulations and experiments showed the productivity was dramatically increased without sacri- fice of accuracy.展开更多
The acceleration saltation of the traditional S-type acceleration model in the speed planning of the NURBS curve will result in the vibration and flexible impact of the machine tool.It will affect the surface quality ...The acceleration saltation of the traditional S-type acceleration model in the speed planning of the NURBS curve will result in the vibration and flexible impact of the machine tool.It will affect the surface quality of the components.The high speed smooth S-type acceleration and deceleration model deals with flexible impact,but the calculation is tedious.Aimed at the above problems,the traditional S-type acceleration and deceleration model is improved to make the jerk change linearly at a certain slope to reduce the flexible impact.Before the speed planning,it is needed to find the arc length and curvature of each point on the NURBS curve with a tiny step,and to determine the speed sensitivity point on the curve accordingly.According to the speed sensitive point,the NURBS curve is segmented.The attribute parameters of each section are determined by adaptive speed planning.Then,the speed planning can be performed on the NURBS curve according to the speed characteristics classification.The simulation results show that the algorithm can effectively reduce the flexible impact,improve the machining precision and efficiency,and simplify the classification of speed characteristics.展开更多
When facing a sudden danger or aversive condition while engaged in on-going forward motion,animals transiently slow down and make a turn to escape.The neural mechanisms underlying stimulation-induced deceleration in a...When facing a sudden danger or aversive condition while engaged in on-going forward motion,animals transiently slow down and make a turn to escape.The neural mechanisms underlying stimulation-induced deceleration in avoidance behavior are largely unknown.Here, we report that in Drosophila larvae, light-induced deceleration was commanded by a continuous neural pathway that included prothoracicotropic hormone neurons, eclosion hormone neurons, and tyrosine decarboxylase 2 motor neurons(the PET pathway). Inhibiting neurons in the PET pathway led to defects in lightavoidance due to insufficient deceleration and head casting.On the other hand, activation of PET pathway neurons specifically caused immediate deceleration in larval locomotion. Our findings reveal a neural substrate for the emergent deceleration response and provide a new understanding of the relationship between behavioral modules in animal avoidance responses.展开更多
文摘Fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations are the commonest aberrant feature on cardiotocograph (CTG) thus having a major influence on classification ofFHRpatterns into the three tier system. The unexplained paradox of early decelerations (head compression—an invariable phenomenon in labor) being extremely rare [1] should prompt a debate about scientific validity of current categorization. This paper demonstrates that there appear to be major fallacies in the pathophysiological hypothesis (cord compression—baroreceptor mechanism) underpinning of vast majority of (variable?) decelerations. Rapid decelerations during contractions with nadir matching peak of contractions are consistent with “pure” vagal reflex (head compression) rather than result of fetal blood pressure or oxygenation changes from cord compression. Hence, many American authors have reported that the abrupt FHR decelerations attributed to cord compression are actually due to head compression [2-6]. The paper debates if there are major fundamental fallacies in current categorization of FHR decelerations based concomitantly on rate of descent (reflecting putative aetiology?) and time relationship to contractions. Decelerations with consistently early timing (constituting majority) seem to get classed as “variable” because of rapid descent. A distorted unscientific categorization of FHR decelerations could lead to clinically unhelpful three tier classification system. Hence, the current unphysiological classification needs a fresh debate with consideration of alternative models and re-evaluation of clinical studies to test these. Open debate improves patient care and safety. The clue to benign reflex versus hypoxic nature of decelerations seems to be in the timing rather than the rate of descent. Although the likelihood of fetal hypxemia is related to depth and duration ofFHRdecelerations, the cut-offs are likely to be different for early/late/variable decelerations and it seems to be of paramount importance to get this discrimination right for useful visual or computerized system of CTG interpretation.
文摘Objective: To test the reproducibility of British experts’ (eFM, K2MS, Gibb and Arulkumaran) [1-3] illustrations of fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations by trained British Obstetricians and midwives. To analyze reasons for any discrepancies by examining factors relating to the participants, British experts’ descriptions and NICE guidelines [4]. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: National Health Service (NHS) Hospitals. Participants: 38 Obstetric Consultants, 49 registrars and 45 midwives. Methods: Printed questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: Fisher’s Exact test. Results: This largest study of its kind showed almost unbelievably high disconnect between CTG interpretation by experts and participants. 98% - 100% midwives, 80% - 100% Registrars and 74% - 100% Consultants categorized FHR decelerations differently from the five experts’ illustrations/interpretations (p < 0.0001). Remarkably, the three experts’ illustrations of early (supposedly most benign) decelerations were classed as atypical variable by 56% Consultants, 78% Registrars and 99% midwives and the CTGs as pathological by 85% of the participants. Conclusions: The high degree of disagreement with the experts’ illustrations (p < 0.0001) did not appear to be due to participant factors. The immediate reasons seemed to be the conflicting illustrations and heterogeneity of experts’ descriptions. But most importantly, these appeared to stem from non-standardized ambiguous definitions of FHR decelerations and many intrinsic systemic flaws in the current NICE guidelines [4]. The NICE concept of “true uniform” (identical) early and late decelerations seems biologically implausible (a myth) and no examples can be found. Another myth seems to be that early and late decelerations should be gradual. Only very shallow decelerations will look “gradual” on the British CTG. These systemic flaws lead to dysfunctional CTG interpretation increasing intervention as well as impairing diagnosis of fetal hypoxemia. This is because the vast majority of FHR decelerations fall in a single heterogeneous “variable” group with many further classed as “atypical” (pathological) based on disproven and discredited criteria [5-7]. There is increasing evidence in USA that a system with variable decelerations as the majority is clinically unhelpful because of loss of information [5-9]. In the interest of patient care and safety, open debate is necessary regarding a better way forward. Classification of FHR decelerations based primarily and solely on time relationship to contractions appears more scientific and clinically useful.
基金Project supported by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. 2024T170021)the Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission, Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park (Grant No. Z231100006023003)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 12175058, 12205007, and 11921006)the National Science Fund of Hunan Province for Distinguished Young Scholars (Grant No. 2024JJ2009)The computing was supported by the High-performance Computing Platform of Peking University。
文摘Terahertz(THz) radiation, spanning the frequency range 100 GHz to 10 THz, offers diverse applications in spectroscopy, materials characterization, medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. Despite its potential, the generation of high-intensity, tunable THz radiation remains a significant challenge. In this work, we explore a novel approach to the efficient generation of THz radiation based on laser–plasma interactions, utilizing the principles of photon deceleration.When a relativistic CO_(2) laser passes through a pre-ionized plasma, the laser induces a nonlinear wakefield, creating a strong refractive index gradient. This gradient, combined with the lower-density region of the wakefield, slows down the laser, facilitating the accumulation of THz radiation. The resulting THz pulse exhibits extreme collimation, high energy efficiency and tunability. Our work shows that this method can achieve up to 10% conversion efficiency with optimal plasma density near the critical density. This technique presents a promising solution for overcoming current limitations in THz source development and offers potential for diverse applications.
基金supported by the Basic Research on Dynamic Real-time Modeling and Onboard Adaptive Modeling of Aero Engine,China(No.QZPY202308)。
文摘Variable Cycle Engine(VCE)serves as the core system in achieving future advanced fighters with cross-generational performance and mission versatility.However,the resultant complex configuration and strong coupling of control parameters present significant challenges in designing acceleration and deceleration control schedules.To thoroughly explore the performance potential of engine,a global integration design method for acceleration and deceleration control schedule based on inner and outer loop optimization is proposed.The outer loop optimization module employs Integrated Surrogate-Assisted Co-Differential Evolutionary(ISACDE)algorithm to optimize the variable geometry adjustment laws based on B-spline curve,and the inner loop optimization module adopts the fixed-state method to design the open-loop fuel–air ratio control schedules,which are aimed at minimizing the acceleration and deceleration time under multiple constraints.Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed global integration design method not only furthest shortens the acceleration and deceleration time,but also effectively safeguards the engine from overlimit.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Talent Support Project of Hunan province in China(Grant No.2023TJ-Z14).
文摘Obtaining a reasonable mold flow field for casting slabs with different sections is challenging by solely modifying the nozzle structure and continuous casting process. Research was conducted on small-sectioned (1000 mm × 220 mm) and large-sectioned (3250 mm × 220 mm) slab continuous casting molds with a fixed nozzle form (concave bottom nozzle, side port inclination angle of 0°). A three-dimensional electromagnetic model is established to analyze the current frequency, installation position, and rotation angle under the active deceleration mode and acceleration mode. The results indicate that, regardless of the deceleration mode for small-sectioned slabs or the acceleration mode for large-sectioned slabs, the magnetic flux density in the mold decreases with increasing current frequency. However, the maximum electromagnetic force initially increases and then decreases, suggesting that both electromagnetic modes have the same optimal current frequency (3 Hz). The optimal mechanical design parameters for the deceleration mode of electromagnetic variable flow device (EM-VFD) with the small-sectioned slab are as follows: installation position Z = 115 mm and rotation angle of 15°, ensuring that the maximum electromagnetic force is applied to the nozzle jet area. For the acceleration mode of the large-sectioned slab EM-VFD, the optimal mechanical design parameters are as follows: Z = 115 mm and rotation angle of 10°, ensuring that the maximum electromagnetic force is applied to 1/4 and 3/4 areas of the wide face. These findings indicate that the new electromagnetic variable flow device, which can actively adjust the flow rate and angle of the steel even under given working conditions, provides the possibility for reasonable control of the mold’s flow field.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 11875031)the key research projects of Natural Science of Anhui Provincial Colleges and Universities (Grant No. 2022AH050252)。
文摘As a common transportation facility, speed humps can control the speed of vehicles on special road sections to reduce traffic risks. At the same time, they also cause instantaneous traffic emissions. Based on the classic instantaneous traffic emission model and the limited deceleration capacity microscopic traffic flow model with slow-to-start rules, this paper has investigated the impact of speed humps on traffic flow and the instantaneous emissions of vehicle pollutants in a single lane situation. The numerical simulation results have shown that speed humps have significant effects on traffic flow and traffic emissions. In a free-flow region, the increase of speed humps leads to the continuous rise of CO_(2), NO_(X) and PM emissions. Within some density ranges, one finds that these pollutant emissions can evolve into some higher values under some random seeds. Under other random seeds, they can evolve into some lower values. In a wide moving jam region, the emission values of these pollutants sometimes appear as continuous or intermittent phenomenon. Compared to the refined Na Sch model, the present model has lower instantaneous emissions such as CO_(2), NO_(X) and PM and higher volatile organic components(VOC) emissions. Compared to the limited deceleration capacity model without slow-to-start rules, the present model also has lower instantaneous emissions such as CO_(2), NO_(X) and PM and higher VOC emissions in a wide moving jam region. These results can also be confirmed or explained by the statistical values of vehicle velocity and acceleration.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK2003005)~~
文摘The feedrate profile of non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) interpolation due to the contour errors is analyzed. A NURBS curve interpolator with adaptive acceleration-deceleration control is presented. In interpo- lation preprocessing, the sensitive zones of feedrate variations are processed with acceleration-deceleration control. By using the proposed algorithm, the machining accuracy is guaranteed and the feedrate is adaptively adjusted to he smoothed. The mechanical shock imposed in the servo system is avoided by the first and the second time derivatives of feedrates. A simulation of NURBS interpolation is given to demonstrate the validity and the effectiveness of the algorithm. The proposed interpolator can also be applied to the trajectory planning of the other parametric curves.
基金Supported by Key Science and Technology Research and Development Program of Jilin Province(20140204068YY,20140204062YY)Special Fund for Pharmaceutical Industry Development of Jilin Province(YYZW201246)~~
文摘This study was to investigate the decoloration effects of activated clay, activated carbon, diatomite, Ca group bentonite, kaolin, activated aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide and attapulgite. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopywas adopted to de- tect the absorbanees of the extracts of Schisandra chinensis fruit and rattan stems, the contents of total triterpenoids in S. chinensis fruit and rattan stems were deter- mined, and the decoloration rate and the retention rate of total triterpenoids of S. chi- nensis fruit and rattan stems were calculated. The results indicated that, attapulgite exhibited the best decoloration effect on the extract of S. chinensis fruit, with a de- coloration rate up to 60.47%, activated carbon exhibited a better decoloration effect on the extract of S. chinensis rattan stems, with a decoloration rate up to 69.24%, and they had relatively higher retention rates of total triterpenoids. In the eight de- colorants, attapulgite showed the best decoloration effect on the extract of S. chi- nensis fruit, and activated carbon exhibited the best decoloration effect on the ex- tract of S. chinensisrattan stems.
文摘Intrapartum fetal monitoring has been criticized for the lack of evidence of improvement in fetal outcome despite causing increased operative intervention. Paradoxically, cardiotocography (CTG) has been a major driver for litigation for neonatal neurological injury. This analytical review tries to explore why extensive clinical studies and trials over 50 years have failed to demonstrate or bring about signifcant improvement in intrapartum fetal monitoring. There seems a need for significant reform. International congruence on most aspects of CTG interpretation [defnitions of fetal heart rate (FHR) parameters, CTG recording speed, 3-tier systems, etc .] is highly desirable to facilitate future meaningful clinical studies, evaluation and progress in this field. The FHR changes are non-specific and poor surrogate for fetal well-being. As a compromise for maintaining low false-negative results for fetal acidemia, a high false-positive value may have to be accepted. The need for redefning the place of adjuvant tests of fetal well-being like fetal blood sampling or fetal electrocardiography (ECG) is discussed. The FHR decelerations are often deterministic (center-stage) in CTG interpretation and 3-tier categorization. It is discussed if their scientifc and physiological classifcation (avoiding framing and confirmation biases) may be best based on time relationship to uterine contractions alone. This may provide a more sound foundation which could improve the reliability and further evolution of 3-tier systems. Results of several trials of fetal ECG (STAN) have been inconclusive and a need for a fresh approach or strategy is considered. It is hoped that the long anticipated Computer-aided analysis of CTG will be more objective and reliable (overcome human factors) and will offer valuable support or may eventually replace visual CTG interpretation. In any case, the recording and archiving all CTGs digitally and testing cord blood gases routinely in every delivery would be highly desirable for future research. This would facilitate well designed retrospective studies which can be very informative especially when prospective randomised controlled trials are often diffcult and resource-intensive.
文摘A new adaptive cruise control (ACC) method based on the desired safety headway distance is investigated for improving the vehicle traffic safety at high speed by regulating the additional throttle opening and braking torque of driving wheels only. The selection of headway distance sensors, the determination of desired safety headway distance and desired deceleration are elaborated. The ACC flowchart and simulation, as well as signal misinformation and its resolutions are described. The simulation proves that the new ACC method is simpler and feasible. The new method is easily integrated ACC with ABS/ASR to form an organic ABS/ASR/ACC system.
基金support of Aeronautical Science Foundation of China (2011ZB51019)
文摘Transient control law ensures that the aeroengine transits to the command operating state rapidly and reliably. Most of the existing approaches for transient control law design have complicated principle and arithmetic. As a result, those approaches are not convenient for application. This paper proposes an extrapolation approach based on the set-point parameters to construct the transient control law, which has a good practicability. In this approach, the transient main fuel control law for acceleration and deceleration process is designed based on the main fuel flow on steady operating state. In order to analyze the designing feature of the extrapolation approach, the simulation results of several different transient control laws designed by the same approach are compared together. The analysis indicates that the aeroengine has a good performance in the transient process and the designing feature of the extrapolation approach conforms to the elements of the turbofan aeroengine.
基金the Hi-Tech Research and Development Pro-gram (863) of China (No. 2006AA04Z233)the National NaturalScience Foundation of China (No. 50575205)the Natural ScienceFoundation of Zhejiang Province (Nos. Y104243 and Y105686),China
文摘To satisfy the need of high speed NC (numerical control) machining, an acceleration and deceleration (acc/dec) control model is proposed, and the speed curve is also constructed by the cubic polynomial. The proposed control model provides continuity of acceleration, which avoids the intense vibration in high speed NC machining. Based on the discrete characteristic of the data sampling interpolation, the acc/dec control discrete mathematical model is also set up and the discrete expression of the theoretical deceleration length is obtained furthermore. Aiming at the question of hardly predetermining the deceleration point in acc/dec control before interpolation, the adaptive acc/dec control algorithm is deduced from the expressions of the theoretical deceleration length. The experimental result proves that the acc/dec control model has the characteristic of easy implementation, stable movement and low impact. The model has been applied in multi-axes high speed micro fabrication machining successfully.
基金supported by the Aviation Power Foundation of China(6141B09050382)。
文摘Studies show that different geometries of a Variable Cycle Engine(VCE)can be adjusted during the transient stage of the engine operation to improve the engine performance.However,this improvement increases the complexity of the acceleration and deceleration control schedule.In order to resolve this problem,the Transient-state Reverse Method(TRM)is established in the present study based on the Steady-state Reverse Method(SRM)and the Virtual Power Extraction Method(VPEM).The state factors in the component-based engine performance models are replaced by variable geometry parameters to establish the TRM for a double bypass VCE.Obtained results are compared with the conventional component-based model from different aspects,including the accuracy and the convergence rate.The TRM is then employed to optimize the control schedule of a VCE.Obtained results show that the accuracy and the convergence rate of the proposed method are consistent with that of the conventional model.On the other hand,it is found that the new-model-optimized control schedules reduce the acceleration and deceleration time by 45%and 54%,respectively.Meanwhile,the surge margin of compressors,fuel–air ratio and the turbine inlet temperature maintained are within the acceptable criteria.It is concluded that the proposed TRM is a powerful method to design the acceleration and deceleration control schedule of the VCE.
基金Project(2017J010-B)supported by the Technology Research and Development Program of China Railway CorporationProject(414010033)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China+1 种基金Project(CX20210232)supported by Hunan Provincial Innovation Foundation for Postgraduate,ChinaProjects(2021zzts0671,2021zzts0163)supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China。
文摘Pressure waves induced by high-speed trains passing through a tunnel have adverse effects on train structures and passenger comfort. These adverse effects can be alleviated when the train passing through the tunnel with a speed mode of deceleration. Thus, to investigate the effect of speed modes on pressure waves, three-dimensional compressible unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations and the sliding mesh are used to simulate pressure waves on train surfaces and tunnel walls when trains passing through a tunnel with three different speed modes(a constant speed at350 km/h, a uniform deceleration from 350 to 300 km/h, and another uniform deceleration from 350 to 250 km/h).Compared with the constant speed, the peak-to-peak of the train surface pressure under the other two speed modes reaches a maximum difference of 11.0%. The maximum positive pressure difference of the tunnel wall under different speed modes is caused by the different attenuation of the friction effect when the train enters the tunnel, and the maximum difference is 12.8%. The difference of the maximum negative pressure on the tunnel wall is caused by the different speed and pressure wave intensity of the train arriving at the same measuring point in different speed modes,and the maximum difference is 15.8%. Hence, it can be concluded that a speed mode of deceleration for trains passing a tunnel can effectively alleviate the aerodynamic effect in the tunnel, especially for the pressure on the tunnel wall.
基金supported by Major National S&T Program of China (Grant No.2009ZX04009-014-02)National Hi-tech Research and Development Program of China(863 Program,Grant No. 2009AA043901)
文摘The algorithms for feedrate profile generation,such as linear and S-curve profiles,have been widely used in machinery controllers,and these algorithms can greatly improve the smoothness of motion.However,most of the algorithms lead to the discontinuous acceleration/deceleration and jerk,or high jerk levels,which is very harmful to machine tool or robot in most occasions. This paper presents a smooth S-curve feedrate profiling generation algorithm that produces continuous feedrate,acceleration,and jerk profiles.Smooth jerk is obtained by imposing limits on the first and second time derivatives of acceleration,resulting in trapezoidal jerk profiles along the tool path.The discretization of smooth S-curve feedrate is realized with a novel approach that improves the efficiency without calculating the deceleration point in each sampled time.To ensure that the interpolation time is a multiple of the value of sampled time,the feedrate,acceleration,jerk,and jerk derivative are recalculated.Meantime,to improve the efficiency,the interpolation steps of all regions are computed before interpolation.According to the distance of trajectory,the smooth S-curve acceleration and decelerations are divided into three blocks:normal block,short block type-Ⅰ,and short block type-Ⅱ.Finally feedrate discretization of short block type-Ⅰand type-Ⅱis obtained with considering the efficiency.The proposed generation algorithm is tested in machining a part on a five axis milling machine,which is controlled with the CNC system for newly developed high-speed machine tools.The test result shows that the smooth S-curve approach has the smoother feedrate,acceleration,deceleration,and jerk profiles than S-curve.The proposed algorithm ensures the automated machinery motion smoothness,and improves the quality and efficiency of the automated machinery motion planning.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.20273066).
文摘Laser-assisted Stark deceleration scheme was proposed to decelerate the high-field-seeking molecule IC1 in its rovibronic ground state. However, the laser intensity of 1.0×10^10W/cm^2 is hard to realize in experiment. The time-of-flight signals of HC2n+1N (n=2, 3 and 4) by three-dimensional Monte-Carlo simulation suggest that deceleration of such molecules is more feasible experimentally as only one-tenth laser intensity is needed.
基金supported by a grant from the Wuhan Science and Technology Program of China(No.2014060101010032)
文摘This study was to investigate the changes of autonomic nerve function and hemodynamics in patients with vasovagal syncope(VVS) during head-up tilt-table testing(HUT). HUT was performed in 68 patients with unexplained syncope and 18 healthy subjects served as control group. According to whether bradycardia, hypotension or both took place during the onset of syncope, the patients were divided during the test into three subgroups: vasodepressor syncope(VD), cardioinhibitory syncope(CI) and mixed syncope(MX) subgroups. Heart rate, blood pressure, heart rate variability(HRV), and deceleration capacity(DC) were continuously analyzed during HUT. For all the subjects with positive responses, the normalized low frequency(LFn) and the LF/HF ratio markedly decreased whereas normalized high frequency(HFn) increased when syncope occurred. Syncopal period also caused more significant increase in the power of the DC in positive groups. These changes were more exaggerated compared to controls. All the patients were indicative of a sympathetic surge in the presence of withdrawal vagal activity before syncope and a sympathetic inhibition with a vagal predominance at the syncopal stage by the frequency-domain analysis of HRV. With the measurements of DC, a decreased vagal tone before syncope stage and a vagal activation at the syncopal stage were observed. The vagal tone was higher in subjects showing cardioinhibitory responses at the syncopal stage. DC may provide an alternative method to understand the autonomic profile of VVS patients.
文摘Generally complex 3D contours are divided into a lot of continuous small line blocks by CAD/CAM software. When these small line blocks are used in conventional way,machine tool has to stop at the end of one move before continuing on to the next to meet accuracy requirement,which results in inefficiency.Look-ahead is an intelligent function that aims at adjusting the feed rate automatically to achieve maximum productivity while maintaining accuracy.By now most researchers just utilize the simplest linear acceleration(ACC)and deceleration(DEC)to deal with look-ahead intelligence.A generalized ACC/DEC ap- proach and corresponding optimal look-ahead algorithm based on dynamic back tracking along a doubly linked list are proposed.An improved rounding strategy for reducing interpolation errors is also presented.By using the proposed techniques,arbitrary velocity profiles that offer look-ahead feature and have the desired ACC/DEC characteristics for movement of a lot of continuous line blocks can be generated efficiently.Both simulations and experiments showed the productivity was dramatically increased without sacri- fice of accuracy.
基金the National Key Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(No.2014CB046501)。
文摘The acceleration saltation of the traditional S-type acceleration model in the speed planning of the NURBS curve will result in the vibration and flexible impact of the machine tool.It will affect the surface quality of the components.The high speed smooth S-type acceleration and deceleration model deals with flexible impact,but the calculation is tedious.Aimed at the above problems,the traditional S-type acceleration and deceleration model is improved to make the jerk change linearly at a certain slope to reduce the flexible impact.Before the speed planning,it is needed to find the arc length and curvature of each point on the NURBS curve with a tiny step,and to determine the speed sensitivity point on the curve accordingly.According to the speed sensitive point,the NURBS curve is segmented.The attribute parameters of each section are determined by adaptive speed planning.Then,the speed planning can be performed on the NURBS curve according to the speed characteristics classification.The simulation results show that the algorithm can effectively reduce the flexible impact,improve the machining precision and efficiency,and simplify the classification of speed characteristics.
基金supported by grants from the National Basic Research Development Program of China (973 Program, 2013CB945603)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31070944, 31271147, 31471063, 31671074, and 61572433)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province, China (LR13C090001 and LZ14F020002)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, China (2017FZA7003)
文摘When facing a sudden danger or aversive condition while engaged in on-going forward motion,animals transiently slow down and make a turn to escape.The neural mechanisms underlying stimulation-induced deceleration in avoidance behavior are largely unknown.Here, we report that in Drosophila larvae, light-induced deceleration was commanded by a continuous neural pathway that included prothoracicotropic hormone neurons, eclosion hormone neurons, and tyrosine decarboxylase 2 motor neurons(the PET pathway). Inhibiting neurons in the PET pathway led to defects in lightavoidance due to insufficient deceleration and head casting.On the other hand, activation of PET pathway neurons specifically caused immediate deceleration in larval locomotion. Our findings reveal a neural substrate for the emergent deceleration response and provide a new understanding of the relationship between behavioral modules in animal avoidance responses.