Advances in research on labyrinth membranous barriers

Integrity of the membranous labyrinth barrier system is of critical importance, which promotes inner ear homeostasis and maintains its features. The membranous labyrinth barrier system is divided into several subsets of barriers which, although independent from each other, are interrelated. The same substance may demonstrate different permeability characteristics through different barriers and under different conditions, while different substances can have different permeability features even in the same barrier under the same condition. All parts of the mem-branous labyrinth barrier structure, including their morphology, enzymes and channel proteins, and theirs permeability characteristics under various physiological and pathological conditions are reviewed in this paper. Infections, noise exposure, ototoxicity may all increase perme-ability of the barriers and lead to disturbances in inner ear homeostasis. Copyright ? 2015 The Authors. Production & hosting by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd On behalf of PLA General Hospital Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Hemangioma in the lower labial vestibule of an eleven-year-old girl:A case report

BACKGROUND Hemangioma is a vascular benign tumour of endothelial origin.It appears commonly in the first decade of life with increases incidence in females.Hemangioma is not common to happen in the oral cavity and it is extremely rare to appear in the labial vestibule.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of an 11-year-old girl who complained of a painful,slowly growing mass which was consistent with the capillary hemangioma in the left mandibular vestibule.Vascular tumor such as hemangioma in the mandibular vestibule is extremely rare;hence,the clinical definitive diagnosis is very challenging.Therefore,radiographic imaging and histopathologic analysis are crucial to reach to the final diagnosis for proper management.CONCLUSION Comprehensive clinical evaluation,proper diagnostic imaging and microscopic analysis of the mass establish a precise diagnosis of the hemangioma for better management.

Effects of hydrogen sulfide on guinea pig aortic vestibule autorhythmic cells electrophysiology and its mechanism

Objective:To investigate the electrophysiological effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on left ventricular outflow tract autonomic cells in guinea pigs and its mechanism.Methods:Intracellular microelectrode recording technique was used to observe the electrophysiological effects of different concentrations of hydrogen sulfide on the autonomic cells of left ventricular outflow tract.Results: CSE irreversible inhibitor PPG (200 μmol/L) makes the left ventricular outflow tract of autorhythmic cells Vmax, RPF and VDD accelerate, APA increase (P<0.05);CBS synthase inhibitor AOAA (100μmol/L) acts on the autorhythmic cells of the left ventricular outflow tract without effect. The concentration-dependency of the 50, 100 and 200μmol/L NaHS made RPF and VDD of autorhythmic cell of the left ventricular outflow tract decrease with increasing concentration of NaHS, Vmax and APA decrease (P<0.01). The ATP sensitive potassium channel (KATP) blocker glybenclamide (Gli, 20 μmol/L) partially blocked the electrophysiological effects of NaHS (P<0.05). The L-Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K8644 could partially block the electrophysiological effects of NaHS.Conclusion:The autorhythmic cells of the left ventricular outflow tract had endogenous H2S produced by CSE. H2S had a negative chronotropic effect on autorhythmic cells in the left ventricular outflow tract, and its mechanism was related to the inhibition of L-Ca2+ channels by the open KATP pathway.

Umbrella Labyrinth Sedimentation Device Study

Umbrella-type mud-water diversion labyrinth sedimentation device,which is characterized by the combination of two swash plate and wing plate into an umbrella type with a set angle,the angle range of the two swash plate is 15º--100º,the vertical height of the swash plate is 60-70 mm,the parallel axis of the wing plate is the vertical direction,the height is 10-20 mm.the whole adopts the modular combination mode,and can be freely combined and disassembled according to different pond design,swash plate The interval(sedimentation distance)can be freely adjusted,mud take the mud road and water take the water road,to avoid the mutual interference of the water and mud road,to achieve the stability of the water quality.The turbidity of the sedimentation pond is low,stable in 0.3-2.0 NTU.

Effects of Four Types of Pre-swirls on the Leakage, Flow Field, and Fluid-Induced Force of the Rotary Straight-through Labyrinth Gas Seal

The labyrinth seal in turbomachinery is a key element that restricts leakage flow among rotor-stator clearances from high-pressure regions to low-pressure regions. The fluid-induced forces on the rotor from seals during machine operation must be accurately quantified to predict their dynamic behavior effectively. To understand the fluid-induced force characteristics of the labyrinth seal more fully, the effects of four types of pre-swirls on the leakage, flow field, and fluid-induced force of a rotary straight-through labyrinth gas seal (RSTLGS) were numerically investigated using the proposed steady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method based on the three-dimensional models of the RSTLGS. The leakage, flow field, and fluid-induced force of the RSTLGS for six axial pre-swirl velocities, four radial preswirl angles, four circumferential positive pre-swirl angles, and four circumferential negative pre-swirl angles were computed under the same geometrical parameters and operational conditions. Mesh analysis ensures the accuracy of the present steady CFD method. The numerical results show that the four types of pre-swirls influence the leakage, flow field, and fluid-induced force of the RSTLGS. The axial pre-swirl velocity remarkably inhibits the fluid-induced force, and the circumferential positive pre-swirl angle and circumferential negative pre-swirl angle remarkably promote the fluid-induced force. The effects of the radial pre-swirl angle on the fluid-induced force are complicated, and the pressure forces and viscous forces show the maximum or minimum values at a specific radial pre-swirl angle. The pre-swirl has a negligible impact on the leakage. The four types of pre-swirls affect the leakage, flow field, and fluidinduced force of the RSTLGS to varying degrees. The pre-swirl is the influence factor affecting the leakage, flow field, and fluid-induced force of the RSTLGS. The conclusions will help to understand the fluid-induced force of labyrinth seals more fully, by providing helpful suggestions for engineering practices and a theoretical basis to analyze the fluid–structure interaction of the seal-rotor system in future research.

Investigation and Improvement of the Staggered Labyrinth Seal

Recent studies on staggered labyrinth seals have focused on the effects of different parameters,such as the pressure ratio and rotational speed on the leakage flow rate.However,few investigations pay sufficient attention to flow details and the sealing mechanism,which would be of practical importance in designing seals having higher performance.This paper establishes a theoretical model to study the seal mechanism,thus revealing that leakage is determined by the pressure ratio and geometric structure.Numerical simulation is implemented to illustrate details of the flow field within the seal structure.Viscous dissipation is used to quantitatively investigate the contribution that each location makes to the seal performance,revealing that orifices and stagnation points are the most important positions in the seal structure,generating the most dissipation.The orifice is carefully studied by using the theoretical model.Experiments for different pressure ratios are conducted and the results match well with those of the theoretical model and numerical simulation,verifying the theoretical model and analysis of the seal mechanism.Three new designs,based on a good understanding of the seal mechanism,are presented,with one reducing leakage by 24.5%.

ANALYSIS OF COUPLING INFLUENCES OF LABYRINTH SEAL PARAMETERS ON CROSS COUPLED STIFFNESS AND DIRECT DAMPING COEFFICIENT

Labyrinth seal can cause steam-exciting, the structural and operating parameters of labyrinth seal have effect on stability of rotor-system. For investigating the coupling influences of the structure and operating parameters of labyrinth seals on dynamic coefficients, a model of calculating dynamic coefficients of labyrinth seals is presented using a two control volume model. The coupling influences of parameters on cross-coupled stiffness and direct damping of labyrinth seal are discussed. In the conclusion, a reference of preventing steam-exciting vibration and optimum determination of design parameters of labyrinth seals are provided.

Numerical Analysis of Labyrinth Seal Performance for the Impeller Backface Cavity of a Supercritical CO_(2) Radial Inflow Turbine

For a radial inflow turbine(RIT),leakage flow in impeller backface cavity has critical impacts on aerodynamic performance of the RIT and axial force acting on the RIT impeller.In order to control this leakage flow,different types of labyrinth seals are numerically studied in this paper based on a supercritical carbon dioxide(S-CO_(2))RIT.The effects of seal clearance and cavity outlet pressure are first analyzed,and the impacts of seal design parameters,including height,number and shape of seal teeth,are evaluated.Results indicate that adding labyrinth seal can improve cavity pressure and hence adequately inhibits leakage flow.Decreasing the seal clearance and increasing the height of seal teeth are beneficial to improve sealing performance,and the same effect can be obtained by increasing the number of seal teeth.Meanwhile,employing seals can reduce leakage loss and improve RIT efficiency under a specific range of cavity outlet pressure.Finally,the influences of seal types on the flow field in seal cavity are numerically analyzed,and results demonstrate that isosceles trapezoidal type of seal cavity has better sealing performance than triangular,rectangular and right-angled trapezoidal seal cavities.

Effect and sensitivity analysis of the rotational speed on the fluid-induced force characteristics of the straight-through labyrinth gas seal

The effects of the rotational speed on the fluid-induced force characteristics of a straight-through labyrinth gas seal( STLGS) are numerically investigated using the steady computational fluid dynamics( CFD) method based on a three-dimensional model of the STLGS. The fluid-induced force characteristics of the STLGS for five rotational speeds at a pressure drop of △P = 5000 Pa with and without eccentricity are computed. The grid density analysis ensures the accuracy of the present steady-CFD method. The effect and sensitivity analysis show that the changes in rotational speed affect the pressure forces,viscous forces and total pressure distributions on the rotor surface,velocity streamlines,leakage flow rates,and maximum flow velocities. The results indicate that the rotational speed inhibits the pressure forces,leakage flow rates and maximum flow velocities and promotes the viscous forces and total pressure on the rotor surface.

Nonlinear dynamic characteristics model of labyrinth seal based on Muszynska model

An accurate seal forces model is the foundation to analyze the rotor-seal systems. In this paper, the Navier-Stokes equation and energy equation are solved to simulate the interior flow field in the labyrinth seal gap. The leakage rate is compared with the experimental results in the literatures. The ：4maximum error is 4% , which proves that the method of employing CFD to simulate the interior flow field of labyrinth seal gap is reliable. Based on this, the interior flow field and fluid exciting force of stage teeth labyrinth seal are studied. By coupling with the Muszynska model, the method of defining the experience loss parameters in Muszynska model is proposed. The results indicate that the experience parameters obtained by the proposed method can depict the nonlinear exciting force of labyrinth seal better.

Neutron penetration in labyrinths under different beam losses

Multiple analytical methods and Monte Carlo simulations were performed to evaluate neutron penetration in straight and curved labyrinths. Factors studied included variations in beam losses of off-axis point source,on-axis point source,and line source. For the straight labyrinth, it was found that the analytical expressions neglect the dose rate platform appearing at the bend of the labyrinth, and the agreement between analytical methods and Monte Carlo estimation was related to the type of neutron source term. For the curved labyrinth, the neutron attenuation length obtained under different conditions was nearly identical and appeared to be in quite good accord with the empirical formula calculation. Moreover, the neutron energy spectra along the centerline distance of the labyrinth were also analyzed. In the first leg, differences in beam loss led to variance in the distribution of spectra,while in the second and subsequent legs, the spectra were similar, where the main contributors were thermal neutrons. This work is valuable for practical design of the labyrinths in the accelerator facilities.

Northern Labyrinth—A Key to Time, Space, Information

Northern labyrinths are stone constructions of different shapes, dating back to III-I century BC. They mainly appear on capes on peninsulas and islands up to 13-25 metresabove the sea level. Their area begins from Scilly Isles (England) and in the White Sea (Russia). Opinions of scientists concerning their designation are controversial. Assumptions about their practical meaning haven’t been proved: no burials have been found underneath;fishing equipment cannot be located so far from the area of tides. Most of the scientists link labyrinths with the sphere of spiritual culture: sanctuaries, altars, sacred places, schemes of rituals and magical centers. Assumptions about calendar designation link the picture of labyrinth with schemes of orbits of the Sun, the Moon, planets and stars. However they do not explain the application of this technology. The author’s concept is based on the opposite astronomical alignment by the shade of gnomon and considers peculiarities of the geographical space of Northern regions (polar days and white nights). The aim of the research is to prove that the key to decoding the picture of a classic Northern labyrinth is a gnomon located in the centre of the construction. Field research has been conducted on Zayztskiy Island in Solovetskiy Archipelago. Experiments of imitation modeling have been done, analysis of linguistic and toponymic materials, archeological, astronomical, ethnographical and mythological and other sources has been implemented. The research has proved that observations of the shade can help to create a calendar in a shape of a bispiral labyrinth. The structure of labyrinth is convenient for defining the North, dividing daytime and defining geographical altitude of the observation point. Orientation in space and time has become the basis for navigation frame of the territory. A set of stone instruments is the key of a navigation frame of the territory. Life-essential stages of the yearly lighting are reflected in specific geometry shapes of shades. They have been preserved in mythological images of the Sun, solar symbols and modern sign systems. Languages, alphabets, numeric systems can be considered as models of geographical space and have evolved thanks to observations of the light movement. Key results of the research: 1) in the past the Sun used to play the leading role in navigation in the North because reference points of the dark sky were not available for observation;2) Northern labyrinths have been created and used thanks to gnomon;3) gnomon has been in the sphere of sacred knowledge for a long time, it was integrated as sundial 2.5 thousand years ago;4) most symbols of the Sun and the Time are connected with gnomon and labyrinth;5) the Sun, observation tools and results of observations are reflected in models of the world around—navigation, linguistic, toponymical, mythological, sacral and semiotic;6) The universal sense of Time helps to understand a wide range of meanings of a sign of a labyrinth: birth;life stages (status, transitions initiations);space time order;reproduction of the benefits, fertility, abundance;knowledge and forecast;management: law and order;eternity-revival;7) Use of solar navigation in formation of information systems is based on steady ratios “natural process—a geometrical sign (the sum of shadows in one day or year)”, universal opportunities of existential parameters for designation of objects, general availability and vital need of this knowledge.

Experimental Investigation of Discharge Capacity of Labyrinth Weirs with and without Nappe Breakers

Labyrinth weirs provide higher discharge capacity than conventional weirs, with the ability to pass large flows at comparatively low heads. Labyrinth weirs are primarily used as spillways for dams where the spillway width is restricted. In recent years, many research investigations have considered the hydraulic performance of labyrinth weirs, particularly as dependent on the geometric features. The previous work has improved the design basis for such weirs. However, their design still requires experimentally derived and generalized performance curves. It is especially important to observe the behavior of the weir nappe to ensure the design provides hydraulic optimization and to account for pressure fluctuations, possible vibrations, resonance effect, noise and flow surging. In the present study, discharge coefficients were experimentally determined for both circular labyrinth weirs and sharp crested trapezoidal labyrinth weirs of varying side wall angle (α). Additional studies were completed with nappe breakers included to reduce the impact of vibration on the labyrinth weirs. In general, the test data indicated that nappe breakers placed on the trapezoidal labyrinth weirs and circular labyrinth weirs reduced the discharge coefficient by up to 4% of the un-amended weir.

Lessons learned in delayed identification of a misplaced electrode array in the vestibule

To report a case of cochlear implantation with a misplaced electrode array in the vestibule and the causes for the delay in identification.A 23-year-old male with left single-sided deafness underwent cochlear implantation.The intraoperative assessment did not reveal any major red flags of electrode array misplacement.He did not display any vestibular symptoms postoperatively but showed poor speech performance,even though the aided tone audiometry revealed good sound detection thresholds.High-resolution computed tomography(HRCT)showed that the entire perimodiolar electrode array was situated within the vestibule,and a revision surgery was conducted.Retrospective analysis of the neural response telemetry(NRT)revealed subtle differences in responses between the misplaced and correctly placed electrode arrays.Unlike previously reported cases,the patient did not display vestibular symptoms despite the misplacement of the electrode in the vestibule due to existing weakness in otolithic function.Further investigation is warranted when a motivated patient with normal inner ear anatomy does not show benefit with the cochlear implant post-operatively.

Effect of Mushroom Extract Hericium erinaceus on Spatial Memory and Morphology of Neurons in the CA1 and CA3 Regions of the Hippocampus in Ovariectomized Rats

Various studies indicate that low levels of estradiol negatively impact cognitive abilities. Extracts from the fungus Hericium erinaceus (HE) contain bioactive components that promote the proper functioning of the nervous system and potential effects on protection against neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and motor dysfunctions. The objective was to evaluate the effects of the administration of the HE mushroom extract on visuospatial memory and morphology of neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in ovariectomized rats. 40 young Wistar rats weighing 90 ± 10 g BW were used, which were distributed into four groups of 10 animals;Control Group, non-ovariectomized and untreated rats;Group E2, ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol (2 μg/kg/body weight);Group HE, ovariectomized rats treated with the extract of the fungus Hericium erinaceus (0.5 mg/kg body weight) and Group Ovx/ST, ovariectomized rats, without treatment. The animals were tested in the Barnes and Open Field maze, then they were sacrificed, and their brains were obtained to perform a histological analysis of neuronal morphology in the CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus. The most outstanding results showed that the Ovx/ST group recorded the longest time to arrive at the escape box and stay in the Barnes maze. A correlation was observed between neuronal damage and function;in the groups that did not present satisfactory performance in the maze tests, morphological alterations were identified such as the presence of some neuronal somata with degeneration characteristics such as pyknosis, nuclear basophilia and shrinkage of the cells. Its soma, as well as a decrease in the nuclear area of CA1 and CA3 neurons. It is concluded that the fungus Hericium erinaceus exerted a neuroprotective effect on the neuronal bodies of the hippocampus, associated with better performance in the visuospatial recognition memory test.

3D printed labyrinth multiresonant composite metastructure for broadband and strong microwave absorption

Microwave absorbers(MAs)with broadband and strong microwave absorption capacities are urgently required to meet the demands of complex electromagnetic(EM)environments.Herein,a novel labyrinth multiresonant metastructure composed of a polyether-ether-ketone/flaky carbonyl iron(PEEK/CIP)magnetic composite was proposed and fabricated via 3D printing technology.A complex multiresonant cavity design was introduced,and the resonant loss area was significantly improved.Both broadband and high-efficiency microwave absorption performances were achieved.The multilayer labyrinth multiresonant metastructure was designed with gradient impedance.The effects of structural parameters on the absorbing properties were investigated and optimized.Experiments and simulations demonstrated the effectiveness of the design strategy.The designed metastructure with a 10 mm thickness exhibited a-10 dB absorption bandwidth at a frequency of 3.78–40 GHz and an absorption bandwidth below-15 dB at 7.5–36.5 GHz.Moreover,an excellent wide-angle absorption performance was observed for different polarization states,including transverse electric(TE)and transverse magnetic(TM)modes.The combination of a complex multiresonant metastructure design and 3D printing fabrication provides a facile route to considerably extend the absorption bandwidth and strength of electromagnetic absorbers.This work is expected to provide a promising strategy for further enhancing microwave absorption performance,and the designed metastructure possesses great application potential in stealth and electromagnetic compatibility technologies.

Dimensional Analysis on Resistance Characteristics of Labyrinth Seals

Experimental investigation of stepped and straight-through labyrinth seals was designed to study the sealing performance of two different typical labyrinth seals.In order to facilitate dimensional analysis on the flow resistance characteristics of labyrinth seals,the variable cross-section of the flow channels are considered as constant cross-section flow.The mechanical energy loss of flow caused by throttle turbulence intensity is considered as caused by friction along the way.The friction coefficient of stepped labyrinth seals is bigger than that of straight-through labyrinth seals by more than 40% for the same Reynolds number and the ratio of equivalent diameter and the seal length.The expression of friction coefficient /and /Re are obtained from experimental data.The verifications indicate that the expressions are highly accurate.The contribution to the total pressure drop of each tooth cavity gradually becomes less along the flow direction.

三角迷宫式侧堰的水力特性研究

迷宫式侧堰具有较大的泄流能力,广泛应用于流量控制、农田灌溉和排水系统.为研究三角迷宫式侧堰的复杂水力特性、泄流规律及泄流影响因素,本研究首先基于FLOW-3D软件和RNG k-ε湍流模型,对侧堰的15种工况进行数值模拟计算,获得侧堰水面流态、流速分布等水力特性.同时,通过白金汉π定理推出影响迷宫式侧堰流量系数的无量纲参数,探究流量系数C_(d)与无量纲参数之间的变化规律,利用人工智能遗传规划(Genetic Programming,GP)算法拟合出流量系数计算公式.结果表明:主渠道内水流为缓流,堰顶角θ较小时,二次流使得水面流态变化,流速在靠近侧堰时发生急剧变化,堰内产生回流.随着θ的增大,堰顶上方水舌从对称分布变为偏右侧下泄,堰内回流现象消失;C_d随上游弗劳德数Fr和溢流前沿与堰顶水深之比l/h_(1)的增加而减小,随堰高与堰上水头之比p/h_(1)的增加而增加,θ越大,C_(d)变化趋势越大;流量系数预测公式在测试阶段的决定系数R^(2)=0.913,均方根误差RMSE=0.045,流量系数预测值与试验值的散点图拟合效果良好,数据点分布均匀且关于拟合线对称,表明GP模型得出的结果较为准确,满足灌区量水精度要求.该研究成果可为迷宫式侧堰在实际工程中的应用提供理论依据和技术支撑.

血-迷路屏障通透性与突聋发病机制及预后的关系:在3D real IR的发现

目的分析突聋患者的内耳钆造影MRI三维真实重建反转恢复(three dimensional real inversion recovery,3D real IR)成像上的表现,探讨血-迷路屏障的通透性与突聋发病机制及其预后的关系。方法对41例单侧突聋患者行内耳钆造影MRI,测量患耳和健耳的耳蜗信号强度,并测量延髓信号强度,分别计算出耳蜗/延髓比值(cochlear/medulla ratio,CM ratio),以CM比值作为血-迷路屏障通透性的标志物,分析突聋患者患耳、健耳CM比值的不对称程度与疗效之间的关系。结果41例患者中,33例(80.48%)患耳的CM比值高于健耳,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);患耳CM比值为健耳的1.5倍以下者18例,治疗有效率为77.78%(14/18);患侧CM比值不高于健侧者8例,治疗有效率为100%;达到健耳的1.5倍至1.75倍之间者7例,治疗有效率为100%(7/7);达到健耳的1.75倍至2.0倍之间者2例,治疗有效率为50%(1/2);达到健耳的2.0倍以上者14例,治疗有效率为14.28%(12/14);差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论内耳3D Real IR可显示突聋患者血-迷路屏障通透性的改变,80.48%的突聋患者患侧耳蜗出现高信号,患耳CM比值达健耳的1.75倍以上者多数预后不良。

圣域重构——《法雍之书》与“消失的‘迷宫’”

对于古典作家而言,“东方”几乎是一个无可或缺的镜像,而埃及则在相当程度上既是整个东方想象的核心,亦是其重要的异例。在他们笔下,一座“消失的‘迷宫’”便颇为引人注目,甚至一度令古老的金字塔都相形见绌。伴随着19世纪旨在重寻克诺索斯迷宫的克里特考古勃兴,对于这座埃及典范的探索热情亦高涨起来。然而,即使皮特里等埃及学家皆相继宣称在哈瓦拉发现了这座“迷宫”,但可资确证的古埃及文献寥寥无几,在被视为古代埃及“地图”的《法雍之书》中,更似乎是全然不见这一庞大建筑群之踪影。但事实上,“迷宫”恰恰就是物质化了的《法雍之书》,而《法雍之书》也即是文本化乃至“正典化”了的“迷宫”,共同体现出中王国末期古埃及人围绕法雍地区所构建的神圣景观与世界想象,是同一理念的不同载体。由此,神圣王权、法雍地区的索贝克崇拜与整个埃及世界遂得以融为一体,重新创造出一个崭新的、法雍化了的“世界”。在这个世界中,索贝克是统御一切信仰的信仰,不仅在世俗和现实的意义上整合着埃及各处,而且还通过法雍这一载体,将关乎世界的想象首次具象化、实体化、正典化,从而深入到每一个人的内心之中。