TRPV4-induced Neurofilament Injury Contributes to Memory Impairment after High Intensity and Low Frequency Noise Exposures

Objective Exposure to high intensity, low frequency noise(HI-LFN) causes vibroacoustic disease(VAD),with memory deficit as a primary non-auditory symptomatic effect of VAD. However, the underlying mechanism of the memory deficit is unknown. This study aimed to characterize potential mechanisms involving morphological changes of neurons and nerve fibers in the hippocampus, after exposure to HILFN.Methods Adult wild-type and transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 4 knockout(TRPV4^(-/-)) mice were used for construction of the HI-LFN injury model. The new object recognition task and the Morris water maze test were used to measure the memory of these animals. Hemoxylin and eosin and immunofluorescence staining were used to examine morphological changes of the hippocampus after exposure to HI-LFN.Results The expression of TRPV4 was significantly upregulated in the hippocampus after HI-LFN exposure. Furthermore, memory deficits correlated with lower densities of neurons and neurofilamentpositive nerve fibers in the cornu ammonis 1(CA1) and dentate gyrus(DG) hippocampal areas in wildtype mice. However, TRPV4^(-/-)mice showed better performance in memory tests and more integrated neurofilament-positive nerve fibers in the CA1 and DG areas after HI-LFN exposure.Conclusion TRPV4 up-regulation induced neurofilament positive nerve fiber injury in the hippocampus,which was a possible mechanism for memory impairment and cognitive decline resulting from HI-LFN exposure. Together, these results identified a promising therapeutic target for treating cognitive dysfunction in VAD patients.

The Seasonal Climate and Low Frequency Oscillation in the Simulated Mid-Holocene Megathermal Climate

The mid—Holocene climate about 6000 years ago was simulated by using the atmospheric general circulation model. The orbital parameters for 6 ka BP (before present) were prescribed and other forcing factors were set in the modern conditions. Results show that the large—scale climate change in the African—Asian monsoon areas during the summer—time is strongly compared to the present climate, while the changes in other seasons and regions are generally weak. The results also revealed the change of the low frequency oscillation in the atmosphere. Key words Seasonal climate - Low frequency oscillation - Mid—Holocene This research was jointly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) key project “ Variation of Paleo—environment over East Asia and Its Dynamic Relation with the Global Change” under contract 49894170 and the NSFC project “ Coupling of the AGCM with an Biome Model and the Simulation on the Mid-Holocene Climate” under contract 49975018.

Numerical Calculation of Seafloor Synthetic Seismograms Caused by Low Frequency Point Sound Source

Elastic wave on seafloor caused by low frequency noise radiated from ship is called ship seismic wave which can be used to identify ship target. In order to analyze the wave components and the propagating properties of ship seismic wave, the numerical calculation of synthetic seismograms on seafloor aroused by a low frequency point sound source is carried out using a wave number integration technique combined with inverse Fourier transform. According to the numerical example of hard seafloor, the time series of seismic wave on seafloor are mostly composed of interface waves and normal mode waves. Each normal mode wave has a well defined low cut-off frequency, while the interface wave doesn't have. The frequency dispersion of normal mode wave is obvious when frequency is lower than 100Hz, while the interface wave is dispersive only in the infra-sound frequency range. The time series of seismic wave is dominated by the interface wave when the source frequency is less than the minimal cut-off frequency of normal mode wave.

Design of multi-layered porous fibrous metals for optimal sound absorption in the low frequency range

We present a design method for calculating and optimizing sound absorption coefficient of multi-layered porous fibrous metals （PFM） in the low frequency range. PFM is simplified as an equivalent idealized sheet with all metallic fibers aligned in one direction and distributed in periodic hexagonal patterns. We use a phenomenological model in the literature to investigate the effects of pore geometrical parameters （fiber diameter and gap） on sound absorption performance. The sound absorption coefficient of multi- layered PFMs is calculated using impedance translation theorem, To demonstrate the validity of the present model, we compare the predicted results with the experimental data. With the average sound absorption （low frequency range） as the objective function and the fiber gaps as the design variables, an optimization method for multi-layered fibrous metals is proposed. A new fibrous layout with given porosity of multi-layered fibrous metals is suggested to achieve optimal low frequency sound absorption. The sound absorption coefficient of the optimal multi-layered fibrous metal is higher than the single- layered fibrous metal, and a significant effect of the fibrous material on sound absorption is found due to the surface Dorosity of the multi-layered fibrous.

Dust Storms in North China in 2002: A Case Study of the Low Frequency Oscillation

The low frequency oscillation in both hemispheres and its possible role in the dust weather storm events over North China in 2002 are analyzed as a case study. Results show that the Aleutian Low is linked with the Circumpolar Vortex in the Southern Hemisphere on a 30-60-day oscillation, with a weak Circumpolar Vortex tending to deepen the Aleutian Low which may be helpful for the generation of dust storm events. The possible mechanism behind this is the inter-hemispheric interaction of the mean meridional circulation, with the major variability over East Asia. The zonal mean westerly wind at high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere in the upper level troposphere may lead that of the Northern Hemisphere, which then impacts the local circulation in the Northern Hemisphere. Thus, the low frequency oscillation teleconnection is one possible linkage in the coupling between the Southern Hemisphere circulation and dust events over North China. However, the interannual variation of the low frequency oscillation is unclear.

Efects of low frequency electromagnetic ield on surface quality, microstructure and hot-tearing tendency of semi-continuous casting ZK60 magnesium alloy billets

The low frequency electromagnetic field was applied during direct chill(DC) semi-continuous casting of the ZK60 magnesium alloy billets. Effects of low frequency electromagnetic field on surface quality, microstructure and hot-tearing tendency of Φ500 mm ZK60 magnesium alloy billets were investigated. The results showed that with the application of the low frequency electromagnetic field, the surface quality of the ZK60 magnesium alloy billets is markedly improved and the depth of cold fold is decreased. The microstructure of the billets is also significantly refined. Besides, the distribution of the grain size is relatively uniform from the billet surface towards its center, where the average grain size is 42 μm at surface and 50 μm at center. It also shows that the hot-tearing tendency of DC semi-continuous casting ZK60 magnesium alloy billets is significantly reduced under low frequency electromagnetic field.

Effects of Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Electro-magnetic Fields on Circadian Rhythms and Distribution of Some Leukocyte Differentiation Antigens in Dairy Cows

Objective To investigate the effects of extremely low frequency magnetic and electric fields （ELFEMFs） emitted from 380 kV transmission lines on some leukocyte differentiation antigens in dairy cows. Methods The study was carded out in 5 cows exposed to 1.98-3.28 μT of ELFEMFs and in 5 control cows exposed to 0.2-0.7 μT of ELFEMFs. Following haematological and immunologic parameters were measured in both groups： WBC, CD45R, CD6, CD4, CD8, CD21, and CD11B leukocyte antigen expression. Results Some of the haematological and immunologic parameters under investigation were similar in both groups. However, CD8 （T lymphocyte surface antigen） was higher in the exposed group （1.35 ±0.120 vs 0.50 ±0.14×10^3/mL）. Furthermore, the CD4/CD8 ratio （0.84 ±0.05 and 2.19±0.16 for exposed and not exposed cows respectively） and circadian rhythm were different between the two groups. Conclusion Exposure to ELFEMFs is responsible of the abnormal temporal variations and distribution of some haematological and immunological parameters in dairy cows.

DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF NOVEL ACTIVE ACTUATOR TO CONTROL LOW FREQUENCY VIBRATIONS OF SHAFT SYSTEM

Aiming at providing with high-load capability in active vibration control of large-scale rotor system, a new type of active actuator to simultaneously reduce the dangers of low frequency flexural and torsional vibrations is designed. The actuator employs electro-hydraulic system and can provide a high and circumferential load. To initialize new research, the characteristics of various kinds of active actuators to control rotor shaft vibration are briefly introduced. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the preliminary results via presenting the structure, functions and operating principles, in particular, the working process of the electro-hydraulic system of the new actuator which includes a set of high speed electromagnetic valves and a series of sloping cone-shaped openings, and presenting the transmission relationships among the control parameters from control signals into the valves to active load onto shaft. The course of the work is dynamic, and a series of spatial forces and moments are put on the shaft to get an external resultant force to reduce excitations that induce vibration of shafts. By checking states of vibration, the actuator can control the impulse width and the interval of injection time for applying different control force to a vibration shaft in two circumference directions through the regulating action of a set of combination directional control valves. The results from simulating analysis and experiment show evidence of that this design can satisfy the case of active process of decreasing of flexural and torsional vibrations.

An agile very low frequency radio spectrum explorer

The very low frequency(VLF)regime below 30 MHz in the electromagnetic spectrum has presently been drawing global attention in radio astronomical research due to its potentially significant science outcomes exploring many unknown extragalactic sources,transients,and so on.However,the nontransparency of the Earth’s ionosphere,ionospheric distortion and artificial radio frequency interference(RFI)have made it difficult to detect the VLF celestial radio emission with ground-based instruments.A straightforward solution to overcome these problems is a space-based VLF radio telescope,just like the VLF radio instruments onboard the Chang’E-4 spacecraft.But building such a space telescope would be inevitably costly and technically challenging.The alternative approach would be then a ground-based VLF radio telescope.Particularly,in the period of post 2020 when the solar and terrestrial ionospheric activities are expected to be in a’calm’state,it will provide us a good chance to perform VLF ground-based radio observations.Anticipating such an opportunity,we built an agile VLF radio spectrum explorer co-located with the currently operational Mingantu Spectra Radio Heliograph(MUSER).The instrument includes four antennas operating in the VLF frequency range 1-70 MHz.Along with them,we employ an eight-channel analog and digital receivers to amplify,digitize and process the radio signals received by the antennas.We present in the paper this VLF radio spectrum explorer and the instrument will be useful for celestial studies of VLF radio emissions.

The Structure of Low Frequency Phenomena in the Tropics and Its Interaction with the Extratropics

The structure of planetary scale low freonency phenomena in the tropics is studied, and an attempt is made to determine its influence and interactions with phenomena at higher latitudes.In the tropics, it is found that the majority of the variance in the zonal wind structure is made up in wave numbers I and 2. During warm events in the Pacific Ocean, when the Southern Oscillation Index is negative, almost all of the variance resides in the gravest mode which undergoes a 40° eastward phase shift. Meanwhile, the second logitudinal mode almost disappears. On the other hand, the meridional wind field possesses maximum amplitude at higher wave numbers. However, near the equator,the amplitude is small with extreme values occurring in the subtropics. The difference in scale and the location of cxtrcma of the meridional and zonal wind components indicate that the tropical atmosphere is responding to two different driving mechanisms.Correlation analyses between variations of the zonal wind at reference points along the equator with variations of component elsewhere show that there are strong logitudinal connections. The strongest correlations between the tropics and higher latitudes exist in the region of the equatorial westerlies. In fact, stronger correlations occur between variations in U anywhere along the equator and the middle latitudes to the north and south of the equatorial westerlies than to the latitudes immediately to the north and south of the reference points. We interpret this 'remote' correlation pattern as indicating a two-stage teleconnection process which emphasizes the importance of the equatorial tropical westerlies of the Pacific Ocean as a 'corridor' of communication between the low and high latitudes. The regionality of the correlations confirms, to some extent, recent theoretical development regarding trapped equatorial modes. Finally, time lagged correlations from plus and minus six months between variations of U and OLR indicate that the interactions between the extratropics and low latitudes possess an organized sequence. The extratropical influence appears to propagate into the tropics followed by an eastward propagation along the equator. Finally, a propagation from the tropics to the extratropics in the upper troposphere occurs in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The time-lagged correlation sequence does not appear to be symmetric about the equator.

Low frequency acoustic properties of bilayer membrane acoustic metamaterial with magnetic oscillator

A bilayer membrane acoustic metamaterial was proposed to overcome the influence of the mass law on traditional acoustic materials and obtain a lightweight thin-layer structure that can effectively isolate low frequency noise. The finite element analysis（FEA） results agree well with the experimental results.It is proved that the sound transmission losses（STLs） of the proposed structures are higher than those of same surface density acoustic materials. The introduction of the magnetic mass block is different from the traditional design method, in which only a passive mass block is fixed on the membrane. The magnetic force will cause tension in the membrane, increase membrane prestress, and improve overall structural stiffness. The effects of the geometry size on the STLs are discussed in detail. The kind of method presented in this paper can provide a new means for engineering noise control.

A Static Bioimpedance and Dynamic Acoustic Myography Preliminary Assessment of Low Frequency Therapeutic Ultrasound Treatment of the Shoulder Muscle Trapezius: An Equine Study

Background: In horses, therapeutic ultrasound has been shown to be beneficial for suspensory ligament injuries, and more generally to stimulate tissue repair and reduce localized pain. However, it has yet to be examined in relation to soft tissue injuries sustained during competition or in connection with rider/saddle interactions. Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of topical low-frequency therapeutic ultrasound on the shoulder muscles of injured horses. Methods: Muscle mass and cellular health was assessed for M. trapezius using non-invasive multi-frequency bioimpedance, and dynamic improvements in M. trapezius and M. latissimus dorsi were examined using acoustic myography (AMG). A total of 8 injured horses (painful to palpation and atrophied) were treated using an EQ Pro Therapy unit, following a set protocol that comprised treatment every other day for 10 treatments. Pre-treatment values were then compared with post-treatment measurements (1 & 6 months later). Results: The mfBIA results for M. trapezius showed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) of EQ Pro Therapy treatment for the membrane capacitance (Mc) and phase angle (PA) parameters when comparing the Pre vs Post 1 and Post 1 vs Post 2 measurements. Similar improvements were seen for the AMG measurements for M. trapezius and M. latissimus dorsi where statistically significant improvements in the muscle efficiency (E-score) and temporal summation (T-score) as well as the spatial summation (S-score) and mean of the ST-scores were noted (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). Conclusion: The present findings suggest that EQ Pro Therapy treatment is efficacious in terms of equine cases involving soft tissue shoulder muscle injuries (painful to palpation and atrophied). The main improvements noted were not only increased muscle mass and cellular health but also improved force production, better coordination, and lateral balance, which persisted for at least six months after treatment.

Low frequency noise and radiation response in the partially depleted SOI MOSFETs with ion implanted buried oxide

Low frequency noise behaviors of partially depleted silicon-on-insulator(PDSOI) n-channel metal-oxide semiconductors(MOS) transistors with and without ion implantation into the buried oxide are investigated in this paper. Owing to ion implantation-induced electron traps in the buried oxide and back interface states, back gate threshold voltage increases from44.48 V to 51.47 V and sub-threshold swing increases from 2.47 V/dec to 3.37 V/dec, while electron field effect mobility decreases from 475.44 cm2/V·s to 363.65 cm2/V·s. In addition, the magnitude of normalized low frequency noise also greatly increases, which indicates that the intrinsic electronic performances are degenerated after ion implantation processing. According to carrier number fluctuation theory, the extracted flat-band voltage noise power spectral densities in the PDSOI devices with and without ion implantation are equal to 7×10-10V2·Hz-1and 2.7×10-8V2·Hz-1, respectively, while the extracted average trap density in the buried oxide increases from 1.42×1017cm-3·e V-1to 6.16×1018cm-3·e V-1. Based on carrier mobility fluctuation theory, the extracted average Hooge’s parameter in these devices increases from 3.92×10-5to 1.34×10-2after ion implantation processing. Finally, radiation responses in the PDSOI devices are investigated. Owing to radiation-induced positive buried oxide trapped charges, back gate threshold voltage decreases with the increase of the total dose. After radiation reaches up to a total dose of 1 M·rad(si), the shifts of back gate threshold voltage in the SOI devices with and without ion implantation are-10.82 V and-31.84 V, respectively. The low frequency noise behaviors in these devices before and after radiation are also compared and discussed.

Tunable low frequency band gaps and sound transmission loss of a lever-type metamaterial plate

A novel metamaterial plate with subwavelength lever-type resonators is proposed to obtain low frequency broadband band gaps and good sound insulation performance.The band structure is theoretically derived,and the validity of the theoretical method is verified by the finite element method.The formation mechanisms of the band gaps are illustrated by the analysis of the effective dynamic mass density and group velocity.The effect of the lever ratio on the band gaps is analyzed.The results indicate that as the lever ratio increases,the first band gap shifts to lower frequencies,while the bandwidth is widened.Moreover,the sound insulation performance of the proposed metamaterial plate is evaluated via examining the sound transmission loss(STL).Compared with the metamaterial plates without lever accessories,the proposed metamaterial plates with a suitable lever ratio have better sound insulation performance at low frequencies.

Degradation of current–voltage and low frequency noise characteristics under negative bias illumination stress in InZnO thin film transistors

The instabilities of indium–zinc oxide thin film transistors under bias and/or illumination stress are studied in this paper. Firstly, illumination experiments are performed, which indicates the variations of current–voltage characteristics and electrical parameters（such as threshold voltage and sub-threshold swing） are dominated by the stress-induced ionized oxygen vacancies and acceptor-like states. The dependence of degradation on light wavelength is also investigated. More negative shift of threshold voltage and greater sub-threshold swing are observed with the decrease of light wavelength.Subsequently, a negative bias illumination stress experiment is carried out. The degradation of the device is aggravated due to the decrease of recombination effects between ionized oxygen vacancies and free carriers. Moreover, the contributions of ionized oxygen vacancies and acceptor-like states are separated by using the mid-gap method. In addition, ionized oxygen vacancies are partially recombined at room temperature and fully recombined at high temperature. Finally, low-frequency noise is measured before and after negative bias illumination stress. Experimental results show few variations of the oxide trapped charges are generated during stress, which is consistent with the proposed mechanism.

Effect of Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field on Macrosegregation of Horizontal Direct Chill Casting Aluminum Alloys

The horizontal direct chill (HDC) casting process is a well-established production route for aluminum alloy ingot but the ingot may suffer from macrosegregation sometimes. In order to control the defect, a low frequency electromagnetic field has been applied in HDC casting process and the relevant influence has been studied. The results show that application of low frequency electromagnetic field can reduce macrosegregation in HDC casting process; and two main parameters of electromagnetic field density and frequency, have great influences on the solution distribution along the diameter of ingot. Moreover, the mechanisms of reduction of macrosegregation by electromagnetic field have been discussed.

Observation of Low Frequency Instability in a Magnetized Plasma Column

Detailed analysis of the low frequency instability is performed in a linear magnetized steady state plasma device. Identification and modification of the instability are presented.

Low Frequency Characteristics of Tropical Pacific Wind Stress Anomalies in Observations and Simulations from a Simple and a Comprehensive Models

Low frequency characteristics of tropical Pacific wind stress anomalies in observation and simulations from the CZ simple atmospheric model and COLA R15 AGCM are analyzed.The results show that ENSO event may be a multi-scale process,that is,ENSO time scale has the period longer than three years; biennial oscillation and annual variability.Dynamical characteristics are involved in the evolution process of wind stress anomaly with ENSO time scale: 1) the development and eastward movement of a cyclonic anomaly circulation in subtropical northwestern Pacific and weakening of Southern Oscillation result in the eastward propagation of westerly anomaly along the equator,therefore,interactions between flows in subtropics and in tropics play an important role in the evolution of wind stress anomaly with ENSO time scale; 2) easterly and westerly anomalies with ENSO time scale are one kind of propagating wave,which differs from Barnett's (1991).It is interesting that the evolution of observed and simulated wind stress anomalies with biennial time scale bears a strong resemble to that with ENSO time scale although their period is different.Observed annual variability is weak during 1979-1981 and intensified after 1981,especially it reaches to maximum during 1982-1984,and the spatial structure of the first mode is the ENSO-like pattern.

Characterization and comprehension of corona partial discharge in air under power frequency to very low frequency voltage

For the partial discharge test of electrical equipment with large capacitance,the use of lowfrequency voltage instead of power frequency voltage can effectively reduce the capacity requirements of test power supply.However,the validity of PD test under low frequency voltage needs to be evaluated.In order to investigate the influence of voltage frequency on corona discharge in the air,the discharge test of the tip-plate electrode under the frequency from 50 to0.1 Hz is carried out based on the impulse current method.The results show that some of the main features of corona under low frequency do not change.The magnitude of discharge in a positive half cycle is obviously larger than that in a negative cycle.The magnitude of discharge and interval in positive cycle are random,while that in negative cycle are regular.With the decrease of frequency,the inception voltage increases.The variation trend of maximum and average magnitude and repetition rate of the discharge in positive and negative half cycle with the variation of voltage frequency and magnitude is demonstrated,with discussion and interpretation from the aspects of space charge transportation,effective discharge time and transition of discharge modes.There is an obvious difference in the phase resolved pattern of partial discharge and characteristic parameters of discharge patterns between power and low frequency.The experimental results can be the reference for mode identification of partial discharge under low frequency tests.The trend of the measured parameters with the variation of frequency provides more information about the insulation defect than traditional measurements under a single frequency（usually 50 Hz）.Also it helps to understand the mechanism of corona discharge with an explanation of the characteristics under different frequencies.

The low frequency oscillations of the sea surface temperature in the Equatorial Eastern Pacific and El Nino formation

-In this paper the variations of the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) in the Equatorial Eastern Pacific are analysed. The results show that there are two peaks in the spectrum. One is the low frequency oscillation with a period of 3 - 5 years, and the other is the quasi-biennial oscillation. The former shows a westward migration in the warm episode of SSTA and the latter has the opposite trend. The El Nino events will be formed while the two frquency bands are in phase in the warming stage of SSTA in the Equatorial Eastern Pacific