Expiratory Flow Limitation and Its Relation to Dyspnea and Lung Hyperinflation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Analysis Using the Forced Expiratory Flow-Volume Curve and Critique

Background: Tidal expiratory flow limitation (tEFL) is defined as absence of increase in air flow during forced expiration compared to tidal breathing and is related to dyspnea at rest and minimal exertion in patients with chronic airflow limitation (CAL). Tidal EFL has not been expressed as a continuous variable (0% - 100%) in previous analyses. Objective: To relate the magnitude of tEFL to spirometric values and Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) score and Asthma Control Test (ACT). Methods: Tidal EFL was computed as percent of the tidal volume (0% - 100%) spanned (intersected) by the forced expiratory-volume curve. Results: Of 353 patients screened, 192 (114 M, 78 F) patients (136 with COPD, 56 with asthma) had CAL. Overall characteristics: (mean ± SD) age 59 ± 11 years, BMI 28 ± 7, FVC (% pred) 85 ± 20, FEV1 (% pred) 66 ± 21, FEV1/FVC 55% ± 10%, RV (% pred) 147 ± 42. Tidal EFL in patients with tEFL was 53% ± 39%. Using univariate analysis, strongest correlations were between tEFL and FVC and between tEFL and RV in patients with BMI < 30 kg/m2. In patients with nonreversible CAL, tEFL was positively associated with increasing MMRC, negatively with spirometric measurements, and positively with RV/TLC. In asthmatics, ACT scores were higher in patients with mean BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 (p < 0.00014) and RV/TLC values > 40% (p < 0.03). Conclusions: Dyspnea is strongly associated with tEFL and lung function, particularly in patients with nonreversible CAL. Air trapping and BMI contribute to tEFL.

Second harmonic magnetoacoustic responses of magnetic nanoparticles in magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction

Due to the unique magnetic, mechanical and thermal properties, magnetic nanoparticles(MNPs) have comprehensive applications as the contrast and therapeutic agents in biomedical imaging and magnetic hyperthermia. The linear and nonlinear magnetoacoustic responses determined by the magnetic properties of MNPs have attracted more and more attention in biomedical engineering. By considering the relaxation time of MNPs, we derive the formulae of second harmonic magnetoacoustic responses(2H-MARs) for a cylindrical MNP solution model based on the mechanical oscillations of MNPs in magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction(MAT-MI). It is proved that only the second harmonic magnetoacoustic oscillations can be generated by MNPs under an alternating magnetic excitation. The acoustic pressure of the 2H-MAR is proportional to the square of the magnetic field intensity and exhibits a linear increase with the concentration of MNPs. Numerical simulations of the 2H-MAR are confirmed by the experimental measurements for various magnetic field intensities and solution concentrations using a laser vibrometer. The favorable results demonstrate the feasibility of the harmonic measurements without the fundamental interference of the electromagnetic excitation, and suggest a new harmonic imaging strategy of MAT-MI for MNPs with enhanced spatial resolution and improved signal-to-noise ratio in biomedical applications.

CALCULATION OF SECOND PHASE PARTICLE-GRAIN BOUNDARY INTERACTION RANGE

On the basis of the grain boundary equation by HeUman and corresponding analysis of Worner, this article deals with the interaction range between the second-phase particle （SPP） and grain boundary （GB） as viewed from the applicability of grain boundary equation. Also, a new expression describing the interaction range has been derived, which solves the problem in theory that the interaction range between SPP and GB can only be qualitatively analyzed previously. It is shown that given the interaction position between SPP and GB, the interaction range can be quantitatively determined by use of this expression.

Horizontal dynamic response of a large-diameter pipe pile considering the second-order effect of axial force

The second-order effect of axial force on horizontal vibrating characteristics of a large-diameter pipe pile is theoretically investigated.Governing equations of the pile-soil system are established based on elastodynamics.Threedimensional wave equations of soil are decoupled through differential transformation and variable separation.Consequently,expressions of soil displacements and horizontal resistances can be obtained.An analytical solution of the pile is derived based on continuity conditions between the pile and soil,subsequently from which expressions of the complex impedances are deduced.Analyses are carried out to examine the second-order effect of axial force on the horizontal vibrating behavior of the pipe pile.Some conclusions can be summarized as follows： stiffness and damping factors are decreased with the application of axial force on the pile head; distributions of the pile horizontal displacement and rotation angle are regenerated due to the second-order effect of the applied axial force; and redistributions of the bending moment and shearing force occur due to the second-order effect of the applied axial force.

SECOND-ORDER INTERACTION OF IRREGULAR WAVES WITH A TRUNCATED COLUMN

A complete semi-analytical solution is obtained for second-order diffraction of plane bichromatic waves by a fixed truncated circular column.The fluid domain is divided into interior and exterior regions.In the exterior region,the second-order velocity potential is expressed in terms of‘locked-wave’and‘free-wave’ components,both are solved using Fourier and eigenfunction expansions.The re- sulting‘locked wave’potential is expressed by one-dimensional Green's integrals with oscillating integrands.In order to increase computational efficiency,the far-field part of the integrals are carried out analytically.Solutions in both regions are matched on the interface by the potential and its normal derivative continuity conditions.Based on the present approach,the sum-and difference-frequency potentials are efficiently evaluated and are used to generate the quadratic transfer functions which correlates the incident wave spectrum with second-order forcing spectrum on the column.The sum-frequency QTFs for a TLP column are present,which are compared for some frequency pairs with those from a fully numerical procedure.Satisfactory agreement has been obtained.QTF spectra for a case study TLP column,generated using the semi-analytical solution are presented.Also given are the results for nonlinear wave field around the column.

Effects of Second-Order Sum-and Difference-Frequency Wave Forces on the Motion Response of a Tension-Leg Platform Considering the Set-down Motion

This paper presents a study on the motion response of a tension-leg platform(TLP) under first-and second-order wave forces, including the mean-drift force, difference and sum-frequency forces. The second-order wave force is calculated using the full-field quadratic transfer function(QTF). The coupled effect of the horizontal motions, such as surge, sway and yaw motions, and the set-down motion are taken into consideration by the nonlinear restoring matrix. The time-domain analysis with 50-yr random sea state is performed. A comparison of the results of different case studies is made to assess the influence of second-order wave force on the motions of the platform. The analysis shows that the second-order wave force has a major impact on motions of the TLP. The second-order difference-frequency wave force has an obvious influence on the low-frequency motions of surge and sway, and also will induce a large set-down motion which is an important part of heave motion. Besides, the second-order sum-frequency force will induce a set of high-frequency motions of roll and pitch. However, little influence of second-order wave force is found on the yaw motion.

Effects of Second-Order Difference-Frequency Wave Forces on Floating Wind Turbine Under Survival Condition

In this paper, the effects of second-order difference-frequency wave forces on the global motion of an offshore wind turbine system with a large displacement under the survival condition are studied. In this case, the hydrodynamic force is the main force because the blades are feathered to reduce the lifting force. The first-order hydrodynamic forces are calculated by WADAM, while the second-order wave forces are calculated by a customized MATLAB module. Then the hydrodynamic coefficients are transferred to the wind turbine analytical code FAST. Through the comparisons of dynamic responses between the first- and second-order numerical models, it is found that the second-order wave forces significantly influence the motion of floating wind turbine under the survival condition. Moreover, neglecting the second-order force significantly underestimates the tension forces in the mooring lines. © 2017, Tianjin University and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Second Law Analysis of the Optimal Fin by Minimum Entropy Generation

Based on the entropy generation concept of thermodynamics, this paper estabfished a general theoretical model for the analysis of entropy generation to optimize fins, in which the minimum entropy generation was selected as the object to be studied. The irreversibility due to heat transfer and friction was taken into account so that the minimum entropy generation number has been analyzed with respect to second law of thermodynamics in the forced cross-flow. The optimum dimensions of cylinder pins were discussed. It＇s found that the minimum entropy generation number depends on parameters related to the fluid and fin physical parameters. Varlatioms of the minimum entropy generation number with different parameters were analyzed.

Second-Order Potentials and Forces for Two-Dimensional Diffraction Problem of Finite Water Depth

-In this paper, an analytical solution in the outer region of finite water depth is derived for the second-order diffraction potential, which gives a clear physical meaning of the wave transmission and reflection characteristics in the far field. A numerical method-simple Green's function technique-for calculating the second-order diffraction potential in the inner region is also described. Numerical results are provided for the second-order wave forces on a semi-submerged cylinder. It is found that the contribution of second-order diffraction potential to second-order wave forces is important. The effect of water depth and submerged depth on the wave force is also discussed.

AN ANALYTICAL SOLUTION OF SECOND－ORDER WAVE FORCE ON A VERTICAL CIRCULAR CYLINDER

So far many investigations have been made on nonlinear wave diffraction problemfor a large-diameter vertical circular cylinder. However,there are still some problemsworthy to be further discussed. It includes that the second order radiation condition isnot very clear and the inhomogeneous term of second order free surface boundarycondition makes the calculation of second order wave force either not easier to beperformed accurately due to its slowly decaying with radial distance or toocomplicated for practical application. In this paper, the second order radiationcondition is posed of the circumferential Fourier components of second orderpotential, instead of the second order potential. It is found that the circumferenatialFourier cormponents of second order potential have to satisfy Sommerfeld radiationcondition. By means of the mathematical formulae derived in this paper, theinhomogeneous term of second order free surface boundary condition were simplifiedand then an exact expression of second order wave force was obtained, which issimpler in form and easier to be used in practical calculation. The calculation resultsagree well with some experimental data.

Body mass index correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity in a population with a relatively low prevalence of obesity

Background Obesity is the most common metabolic disease in the world. However, the relationship between obesity and lung function is not fully understood. Although several longitudinal studies have shown that increases in body weight can lead to reductions in pulmonary function, whether this is the case with the Japanese population and whether high body mass index （BMI） status alone represents an appropriate predictor of obstructive lung dysfunction remains unclear.The purpose of present study was to estimate the effect of BMI on lung function measured by spirometry of Japanese patients in general clinics. We measured BMI and performed spirometry on screening patients who had consulted general clinics.Methods Subjects comprised 1231 patients ≥40 years of age （mean age （65.0±12.0） years, 525 men, 706 women） who had consulted clinics in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, for non-respiratory disease. BMI was calculated and lung function was measured by spirometry.Results BMI was found to be positively correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second （FEV1）/forced vital capacity （FVC） in men and with maximum mid-expiratory flow （MMF） in all subjects. Following adjustment for relevant factors, a significant positive correlation between BMI and FEV1/FVC was identified for all subjects. Comparison between subjects with normal BMI （18.5-25.0） and higher BMI （25.1-30.0） also demonstrated that FEV1/FVC and percentage of predicted maximum mid-expiratory flow （%MMF） were significantly higher in the latter subjects.Conclusions In a population without marked respiratory disease, higher BMI subjects showed less obstructive pulmonary dysfunction compared to normal BMI subjects. High BMI status alone may be inappropriate as a predictor of obstructive lung dysfunction, particularly in populations with a low prevalence of obesity.

Role of peripheral eosinophilia in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND Eosinophil counts are a promising guide to systemic steroid administration for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).AIM To study the role of peripheral eosinophilia in hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of COPD(AECOPD).METHODS From January 2014 to May 2017,patients with AECOPD hospitalized in Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital were retrospectively stratified into two groups according to their peripheral eosinophil count:The EOS group(eosinophil count≥2%)and the non-EOS group(eosinophil count<2%).Demographics,comorbidities,laboratory data,steroid use,length of hospital stay,and COPD-related readmissions were compared between the groups.RESULTS A total of 625 patients were recruited,with 176 patients(28.2%)in the EOS group.The EOS group showed a lower prevalence of infection,lower cumulative doses of prednisolone equivalents,shorter length of hospital stay,and higher number of COPD-related readmissions than the non-EOS group.There were significantly linear correlations between eosinophil percentage and number of readmissions and between eosinophil percentage and length of hospital stay P<0.001,and a lower percent-predicted value of forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1)were associated with shorter time to first COPD-related readmission[adjusted hazard ratio(adj.HR)=1.488,P<0.001;adj.HR=0.985,P<0.001,respectively].CONCLUSION The study findings suggest that the EOS group had the features of a shorter length of hospital stay,and lower doses of systemic steroids,but more frequent readmissions.The EOS group and lower percent-predicted FEV1 values were risk factors for shorter time to first COPD-related readmission.

Risk factors for depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND The prevalence of depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)ranges from 10%to 42%,but the diagnosis of depression in patients with COPD is often unrecognized and untreated.Unrecognized depression has major implications for compliance with medical treatment,prolonged lengths of stay,increased frequency of hospital admissions,and increased consultations with primary care physicians.Many studies have attempted to identify risk factors for progression,prognosis and response to therapy in patients with depression.However,few studies have examined the risk factors for depression in patients with COPD,and some results remain controversial.AIM To identify the potential risk factors to define patients with COPD who are at“high risk”of depression.METHODS The clinical data of 293 patients with COPD were reviewed from January 2017 to December 2018.The correlations between demographics,clinical characteristics and depression were analyzed.The risk factors for depression in patients with COPD were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.The cutoff value,sensitivity and specificity of the independent correlation factors were calculated with a receiver operating characteristic curve.RESULTS Of the 293 patients included,65(22.18%)individuals were identified to have depression.Significant differences were detected between patients with and without depression in terms of body mass index(BMI),forced expiratory volume in 1 s(FEV1),and COPD assessment test(CAT)score(all P<0.05).Low BMI,low FEV1,and high CAT were independent risk factors for depression in patients with COPD and the cutoff values of BMI,FEV1,and CAT scores were 21.373 kg/m2,0.855 L and 12.5,respectively.CONCLUSION Low BMI,low FEV1,and high CAT score were identified as independent risk factors for depression in patients with COPD.

A SECOND ORDER STATIONARY SOLUTION OF THE THREE DIMENSIONAL WAVE DIFFRACTION POTENTIAL

A theory on the second order wave diffraction by a three dimensional body fixed in a regular sea has been developed in the present paper. By regarding the sinusoidal disturb potential as a stationary solu- tion of an initial value problem, and using Laplace transformation method and Tauberian theorem, the boundary value problems of stationary solution of the first and second order diffraction potential have been de- rived in this paper. Furthermore, the explicit solution of the second order stationary diffraction potential has been obtained with the method of the double Fourier transformation. It is found that the asymptotic behaviour of the second order stationary solution at far field is dependent on two wave systems, the first is 'free wave', travelling independently of the first order wave system, the other is 'phase locked waves', which accompany the first order waves. At the same time, the radiation conditions of the second order diffraction problems are derived. We also find that one can still pursue a steady state formulation with the inclusion of Rayleigh damping. Finally, as an example, the second order wave forces upon a fixed vertical cir- cular cylinder have been calculated, and the numerical results agree well with the experimental data.

Simulation and Experiment of Double Grits Interacting Scratch for Optical Glass BK7

The elastic-plastic transition regime and brittle-ductile transition regime in scratch process for optical glass BK7 were analyzed based on the Hertzian equation and the stress ratio theory which was proposed by Wei. The interacting scratch process for optical glass BK7 with the grit interval distance as the variable was simulated by the ABAQUS software of finite element simulation based on the energy fracture theory. Double grits interacting scratch test for optical glass BK7 was carried out on the DMG ULTRASONIC 70-5 linear, by which the reliability of finite element simulation was verified. The surface morphology of the workpiece was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, which showed that the width of groove increased obviously with the increase of scratch depth and the grit interval distance. Results of the width of groove were consistent with the simulation results. The subsurface damage layer was analyzed by the method of HF acid etching, which showed that there was an area of cracks intersecting. The scratching force was measured by the threedimensional dynamometer of KISTLER, which showed that the second scratching force increased with the increase of scratching depth and the grit interval distance. The force in the second scratch was smaller than that in the first time, which was consistent with the Griffith fracture theory.

WATER SURFACE WAVE RADIATION GENERATED BY MULTIPLE CYLINDERS OSCILLATING WITH IDENTICAL FREQUENCY

The water surface wave radiation problem caused by multiple cylinders oscillating with identical frequency was solved in frequency domain by the boundary element method using simple Green's function in the inner water region combined with the eigenfunction expansions in the outer water region. The numerical method is suitable to the situation of constant depth of outer regions and complicated boundary conditions of inner region, while the oscillating modes, motion amplitudes and phases of the cylinders may be different from one another. The second order potential and hydrodynamic forces acting on each cylinder were evaluated completely by perturbation method. Compared with the case of single oscillating cylinder, hydrodynamic interference phenomena, such as wave resonance and negative added mass, of the radiation problem due to the oscillatory motions of multiple cylinders are identified which is of engineering importance to the design of moorings and other facilities involving multiple structures.

SQUEEZE FLOW OF A SECOND-ORDER FLUID BETWEEN TWO PARALLEL DISKS OR TWO SPHERES

The normal viscous force of squeeze flow between two arbitrary rigid spheres with an interstitial second-order fluid was studied for modeling wet granular materials using the discrete element method. Based on the Reynolds' lubrication theory, the small parameter method was introduced to approximately analyze velocity field and stress distribution between the two disks. Then a similar procedure was carried out for analyzing the normal interaction between two nearly touching, arbitrary rigid spheres to obtain the pressure distribution and the resulting squeeze force. It has been proved that the solutions can be reduced to the case of a Newtonian fluid when the non-Newtonian terms are neglected.

FVC and FEV Reference Values for Beninese Individuals Aged 17 - 20 Years

Background: 1) To determine forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV) for Beninese individuals of both sexes aged 17 - 20 years;2) Compare the observed values to those calculated based on the algorithms of the spirometer used. Materials and Methods: The FVC and FEV values were first measured using a Micro Quark spirometer and then calculated from equations for the European Respiratory Society-93 (ERS-93) in 148 subjects, including 46 girls. In each age group, the measured values for the height of the subjects were considered the only variables used to calculate the equations for FVC and FEV with their 95% confidence intervals. The means of the FEV and FVC values were obtained by univariate analysis. Results: The calculated FEV and FVC values were significantly higher (p Conclusion: The correction factors incorporated in spirometers imported from Europe no longer seem appropriate to measure the physical characteristics of African subjects. The differences between the two methods of assessment should be used as new ethnic correction factors.

A Method for Calculation of Low-Frequency Slow Drift Motions Based on NURBS for Floating Bodies

Through a higher-order boundary element method based on NURBS （Non-uniform Rational B-splines）, the calculation of second-order low-frequency forces and slow drift motions is conducted for floating bodies. In the floating body＇s inner domain, an auxiliary equation is obtained by applying a Green function which satisfies the solid surface condition. Then, the auxiliary equation and the velocity potential equation are combined in the fluid domain to remove the solid angle coefficient and the singularity of the double layer potentials in the integral equation. Thus, a new velocity potential integral equation is obtained. The new equation is extended to the inner domain to reheve the irregular frequency effects; on the basis of the order analysis, the comparison is made about the contribution of all integral terms with the result in the second-order tow-frequency problem; the higher-order boundary element method based on NURBS is apphed to calculate the geometric position and velocity potentials; the slow drift motions are calculated by the spectrum analysis method. Removing the solid angle coefficient can apply NURBS technology to the hydrodynamic calculation of floating bodies with complex surfaces, and the extended boundary integral method can reduce the irregular frequency effects. Order analysis shows that free surface integral can be neglected, and the numerical results can also prove the correctness of order analysis. The results of second-order low-frequency forces and slow drift motions and the comparison with the results from references show that the application of the NURBS technology to the second-order low-frequency problem is of high efficiency and credible results.

New Interpretation of Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation

Elliptical motions of orbital bodies are treated here using Fourier series, Fortescue sequence components and Clarke’s instantaneous space vectors, quantities largely employed on electrical power systems analyses. Using this methodology, which evidences the analogy between orbital systems and autonomous second-order electrical systems, a new theory is presented in this article, in which it is demonstrated that Newton’s gravitational fields can also be treated as a composition of Hook’s elastic type fields, using the superposition principle. In fact, there is an identity between the equations of both laws. Furthermore, an energy analysis is conducted, and new concepts of power are introduced, which can help a better understanding of the physical mechanism of these quantities on both mechanical and electrical systems. The author believes that, as a practical consequence, elastic type gravitational fields can be artificially produced with modern engineering technologies, leading to possible satellites navigation techniques, with less dependency of external sources of energy and, even, new forms of energy sources for general purposes. This reinterpretation of orbital mechanics may also be complementary to conventional study, with implications for other theories such as relativistic, quantum, string theory and others.