Evaluation of genetic response of mesenchymal stem cells to nanosecond pulsed electric fields by whole transcriptome sequencing

BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)modulated by various exogenous signals have been applied extensively in regenerative medicine research.Notably,nanosecond pulsed electric fields(nsPEFs),characterized by short duration and high strength,significantly influence cell phenotypes and regulate MSCs differentiation via multiple pathways.Consequently,we used transcriptomics to study changes in messenger RNA(mRNA),long noncoding RNA(lncRNA),microRNA(miRNA),and circular RNA expression during nsPEFs application.AIM To explore gene expression profiles and potential transcriptional regulatory mechanisms in MSCs pretreated with nsPEFs.METHODS The impact of nsPEFs on the MSCs transcriptome was investigated through whole transcriptome sequencing.MSCs were pretreated with 5-pulse nsPEFs(100 ns at 10 kV/cm,1 Hz),followed by total RNA isolation.Each transcript was normalized by fragments per kilobase per million.Fold change and difference significance were applied to screen the differentially expressed genes(DEGs).Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed to elucidate gene functions,complemented by quantitative polymerase chain reaction verification.RESULTS In total,263 DEGs were discovered,with 92 upregulated and 171 downregulated.DEGs were predominantly enriched in epithelial cell proliferation,osteoblast differentiation,mesenchymal cell differentiation,nuclear division,and wound healing.Regarding cellular components,DEGs are primarily involved in condensed chromosome,chromosomal region,actin cytoskeleton,and kinetochore.From aspect of molecular functions,DEGs are mainly involved in glycosaminoglycan binding,integrin binding,nuclear steroid receptor activity,cytoskeletal motor activity,and steroid binding.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed targeted transcript regulation.CONCLUSION Our systematic investigation of the wide-ranging transcriptional pattern modulated by nsPEFs revealed the differential expression of 263 mRNAs,2 miRNAs,and 65 lncRNAs.Our study demonstrates that nsPEFs may affect stem cells through several signaling pathways,which are involved in vesicular transport,calcium ion transport,cytoskeleton,and cell differentiation.

Dynamic responses under the excitation of pulse sequences

This paper studies the dynamic responses of SDOF system under pulse-dominant excitations.The purpose of the study is to prepare for scrutiny of some near-field pulse-dominantground motions and their potential to cause structural damage.Extending the single pulse dynamics,we consider the effect of pulse sequences.This kind of excitation was particularly obvious in some of previous earthquakes such as Northridge (1994) and Chi-Chi (1995).Based on the duration, peak and rise and decay era of the main pulse as well as its relationship with the predecessor and successor pulses,we propose a classification for the pulse sequences.Consequent studies have been canied out for acceleration,velocity and displacement response spectra of the main pulse with either a predecessor or a successor pulse.The analysis also includes general response behaviors in different fundamental period segments and special aspects of response at certain points (e.g.,the corresponding peak points).

Effect of microstructure on short pulse duration shock initiation of TATB and initial response mechanism

Micro-TATB particles with different sizes and 3D nanoporous TATB architectures with different specific surface areas were prepared through recrystallization to study short pulse duration shock initiation properties by electric gun technology.For micro-TATB,the initiation threshold significantly decreases with TATB average size ranging from 79.7μm to 0.5μm.For 3D nanoporous TATB architecture,the initiation threshold decreases and then increases with specific surface areas increased from 9.6 m^2/g to36.2 m^2/g.The lowest initiation thresholds are obtained for the micro-TATB with average sizes of 1.3μm and 0.5μm,and 3D nanoporous TATB architecture with specific surface area of 22.4 m^2/g.The shock initiation thresholds of micro-TATB and 3D nanoporous TATB architectures show significantly decreases with the porosity increased.The decomposition reaction and thermal conductivity properties were further investigated to understand the initial response mechanism.High porosity provides more collapse sites to generate high temperature for formation of hot spots.The low thermal conductivity and decomposition temperature could enhance the formation and ignition of the hot spots,and initial decomposition reaction of TATB.The effect of the decomposition temperature is higher than that of the thermal conductivity on the shock initiation properties.The enhanced decomposition reaction could pro mote energy release and transfer process from the ignition to the combustio n.This work offe rs a new insight to understand the effects of microstructure on the shock initiation properties and the initial response mechanism of TATB.

Response characteristics of sonar receiver under intense sound pulse

For anti-jamming and anti-countermeasure techniques of the sonar receiver, the response characteristics of the automatic gain control （AGC） circuit and the survivability of the prime circuit under strong interference are analyzed by simulations and experiments. An AGC simulation model based on the voltage control amplifier VCA810 prototype is proposed. Then static and dynamic simulations are realized with single frequency signal and linear frequency modulated （LFM） signal commonly used in the active sonar. Based on intense sound pulse （ISP） interference experiments, the real-time response characteristics of each module of the receiver are studied to verify the correctness of the model as well as the simulation results. Simulation and experiment results show that, under 252 dB/20 μs ISP interference, the specific sonar receiver will produce sustained cut top oscillation above 30 ms, which may affect the receiver and block the regular sonar signal.

Nonlinear Response Analysis for Insulation Diagnosis of Water-tree Aged 10 kV XLPE Cable Using Pulse Voltage

The diagnosis of water trees of cable insulation is of great importance as the water-treeing is a primary cause of aging breakdown for the middle voltage cables. In this paper, it is described how the water-tree-aged 10 kV XLPE cables were diagnosed. The cables were subjected to electrical stress of 5.9 kV/mm and a thermal load cycle in a curved water-filled tube for 3, 6 and 12 months of aging in accor- dance with the accelerated water-tree test method. The aged cables were used as the samples for water-tree diagnosis. First, the water-tree degraded cable, was charged by a DC voltage, and then the cable was grounded while a pulse voltage was applied to it for releasing the space charge trapped in the water trees. The amount of the space charge, which corresponds to the deterioration degree of the water trees, was calculated. The effects of DC voltage amplitude, pulse voltage repetition rate and aging conditions on the amount of the space charge were studied. Obtained results show that the amount of the space charge has a positive correlation with the applied DC voltage and the ag- ing time of the cables, and that a peak value of space charge appears with the increase of the pulse voltage repetition rate. An optimum pulse voltage repetition rate under which the space charge can be released rapidly is obtained. Furthermore, the releasing mechanism of space charge by the pulse voltage is discussed. Accumulated results show that the presented method has a high resolution for the diagnosis of water tree degradation degree and is expected to be applied in practice in future.

Relative Responses of Noble Gases Using a Pulsed Discharge Helium Photoionization Detector:Theoretical Calculation and Experimental Determination

The relative response factors（RRFs） for noble gas（Ng） were determined on a pulsed discharge helium photoionization detector. Using ab initio method, the atomic orbitals of noble gas were calculated and used to determine the number of ionizable electrons on the basis of the continuous emission of He2. The molar responses of noble gases is well correlated with the number of ionizable electrons.

The Long-Lived Photon Echo Response Locking Effect in the Presence of External Non-Resonant Laser Pulses with a Different Spatial Orientation

The correlation of the inhomogeneous broadening of the resonance transition at different time intervals and the efficiency of long-lived photon echo response locking by the action of standing waves of non-resonant laser pulses are considered. It is shown that the long-lived photon echo response locking effect may be observed even at the angles of the relative orientation of the non-resonant standing wave laser pulses of less than one degree, due to the change in the correlation coefficient of inhomogeneous broadening at time intervals between the first and the second and after the third resonant laser pulses.

Statistical Modelling of Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity of Fly Ash Based Geopolymer Mortar using Response Surface Methodology

The fly ash based geopolymer has emerged as a capable and sustainable binder material in construction industry.Ultrasonic pulse velocity(UPV)method is a non-destructive technique for investigating the mechanical performance of concrete.Experimental investigation was performed for studying the effect of NaOH Molarity,Na2SiO3/NaOH and curing temperature on the ultrasonic pulse velocity of geopolymer mortar.Experiments were designed based on central composite design(CCD)technique of response surface methodology(RSM).Statistical model was developed and statistically validated and found significant as the difference between adjustable R-squared and predicted R-squared less than 0.2.Finally,the optimized mix proportion was assessed for maximized value of UPV.Experimental validation on the optimized mix reveals the close agreement between experimental and predicted values of UPV with significance level of more than 95%.The proposed technique improves the yield,the reliability of the product and the processes.

Effect of mid-frequency pulse therapy combined with external fixation on bone metabolism, inflammatory response and oxidative stress in patients with osteoporotic distal radial fractures

Objective:To study the effect of mid-frequency pulse therapy combined with external fixation on bone metabolism, inflammatory response and oxidative stress in patients with osteoporotic distal radial fractures.Methods: A total of 72 patients with osteoporotic distal radial fractures who were treated in the hospital between September 2015 and January 2017 were collected and divided into control group (n=36) and observation group (n=36) according to the random number table method. Control group received routine external fixation, and observation group received mid-frequency pulse therapy combined with external fixation. The differences in serum levels of bone metabolism indexes, inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indexes were compared between two groups of patients before and after treatment.Results: Before treatment, differences in serum levels of bone metabolism indexes, inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indexes were not statistically significant between the two groups. After 1 month of treatment, serum BGP, TAC and SOD levels of both groups of patients were higher than those before treatment whileβ-CTX, AKP, TRAP, CRP, IL-1β, IL-6 and MDA levels were lower than those before treatment, and serum BGP, TAC and SOD levels of observation group were higher than those of control group whileβ-CTX, AKP, TRAP, CRP, IL-1β, IL-6 and MDA levels were lower than those of control group.Conclusion: Mid-frequency pulse therapy combined with external fixation can promote fracture healing and reduce postoperative inflammatory response and oxidative stress response in patients with osteoporotic distal radial fracture.

Impulse Response Identification Based on Varying Scale Orthogonal Wavelet Packet Transform

In this paper, by applying a group of specific orthogonal wavelet packet to Eykho?algorithm, a new impulse response identification algorithm based on varying scale orthogonal WPTis provided. In comparison to Eykho? algorithm, the new algorithm has better practicability andwider application range. Simulation results show that the proposed impulse response identificationalgorithm can be applied to both deterministic and random systems, and is of higher identificationprecision, stronger anti-noise interference ability and better system dynamic tracking property.

Frequency response range of terahertz pulse coherent detection based on THz-induced time-resolved luminescence quenching

It has been proposed previously that the coherent detection of a terahertz（THz） pulse can be achieved based on the time-resolved luminescence quenching. In this paper, we investigate the frequency response range of this novel detection technology by simulating the motion of carriers in gallium arsenide（GaAs） by the ensemble Monte Carlo method. At room temperature, for a direct-current（DC） voltage of 20 kV/cm applied to the semiconductor（GaAs） and sampling time o140 fs, the luminescence quenching phenomena induced by terahertz pulses with different center frequencies are studied The results show that the quenching efficiency is independent of the THz frequency when the frequency is in a range o0.1 THz–4 THz. However, when the frequency exceeds 4 THz, the efficiency decreases with the increase of frequency Therefore, the frequency response range is 0.1 THz–4 THz. Moreover, when the sampling time is changed to 100 fs the frequency response range is extended to be approximately 0.1 THz–5.6 THz. This study of the frequency-dependen characteristics of the luminescence response to the THz pulse can provide a theoretical basis for the exploration of THz detection technology.

Dynamic Response of Stepped Beams Under Impulsive Loading

Aim To analyze dynamic failure of aerospace strutures subjected lateral impulsive loading. Methods Structures were modeled as rigid-perfectly plastic free-free stepped beams. Basic equations of motion un set up for analysis. Results Final pat deformation and rigid motion solutions were determined for a uniform impulsive loading. The critical rupture conditions for a space shuttle and a missile were obtained. Conclusion Failure is possible for aerospace structures under a uniform impulsive loading, but it is mere difficult in space.

A Study to Observe Pulse Pressure Variation after Induction with Propofol for General Anesthesia

Background and Aims: Pulse pressure variation (PPV) is a reliable and predictive dynamic parameter presently being utilized for fluid responsiveness. In the operating room, fluid administration based on PPV monitoring helps the physician in deciding whether to volume resuscitate or use interventions in patients undergoing surgery. Propofol is an intravenous induction agent which lowers blood pressure. There are multiple causes such as depression in cardiac output, and peripheral vasodilatation for hypotension. We undertook this study to observe the utility of PPV as a guide to fluid therapy after propofol induction. Primary outcome of our study was to monitor PPV as a marker of fluid responsiveness for the hypotension caused by propofol induction. Secondary outcome included the correlation of PPV with other hemodynamic parameters like heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP);after induction with propofol at regular interval of time. Methods: A total number of 90 patients were recruited. Either of the radial artery was then cannulated under local anaesthesia with 20G VygonLeadercath arterial cannula and invasive monitoring transduced. A baseline recording of heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and PPV was then recorded. Patients were then induced with predetermined doses of propofol (2 mg/kg) and recordings of HR, SBP, DBP, and PPV were taken at 5, 10 and 15 minutes. Results: Intraoperatively, PPV was significantly higher at 5 minutes and significantly lower at 15 minutes after induction. It was observed that there were no statistically significant correlations between PPV and SBP or DBP. PPV was strongly and directly associated with HR. Conclusion: We were able to establish that PPV predicts fluid responsiveness in hypotension caused by propofol induction;and can be used to administer fluid therapy in managing such hypotension. However, PPV was not directly correlated with hypotension subsequent to propofol administration.

Arterial Pulse Pressure Variation versus Central Venous Pressure as a Predictor for Fluid Responsiveness during Open Major Abdominal Operations

Introduction: Fluid resuscitation is the cornerstone in the management of hemodynamically unstable patients. Dynamic parameters of fluid responsiveness, like pulse pressure variation, have the advantage of being more reliable index for fluid management. Objective: The aim of our study was to compare between arterial pulse pressure variation (PPV) versus central venous pressure (CVP) as a predictor for fluid responsiveness during major open abdominal operations. Patients and Methods: 60 adult patients under general anesthesia with mechanical ventilation underwent open major abdominal surgical procedures were included in our prospective randomized controlled study. Intravenous fluid was infused and monitored by CVP in control group or by PPV in the other group. Hemodynamic variables (heart rate, invasive blood pressure, PPV and CVP) were measured at baseline after anesthesia induction and every 10 min, during first hour of operation, and then every 15 min, till end of surgery. Blood loss and total i.v. fluid & blood transfusion given to patients were recorded and compared between two groups intraoperatively. Results: Patients in the PPV group required more intraoperative fluid and blood transfusion than patients in CVP group to achieve more stable hemodynamic parameters. The fall in blood pressure (>20% of baseline) and increase in heart rate are more common in CVP group (p Conclusion: PPV is a better predictor and a good guide for fluid responsiveness. More stable hemodynamic variables are observed in PPV group.

Dominant pulse simulation of near fault ground motions

In this study, a new mathematical model is developed composed of two parts, including harmonic and polynomial expressions for simulating the dominant velocity pulse of near fault ground motions. Based on a proposed velocity function, the corresponding expressions for the ground acceleration and displacement time histories are also derived. The proposed model is then fitted using some selected pulse-like near fault ground motions in the Next Generation Attenuation （NGA） project library. The new model is not only simple in form but also simulates the long-period portion of actual velocity near fault records with a high level of precision. It is shown that the proposed model-based elastic response spectra are compatible with the near fault records in the neighborhood of the prevailing frequency of the pulse. The results indicate that the proposed model adequately simulates the components of the time histories. Finally, the energy of the proposed pulse was compared with the energy of the actual record to confirm the compatibility.

Representation of near-fault pulse-type ground motions

Near-fault ground motions with long-period pulses have been identified as critical in the design of structures. To aid in the representation of this special type of motion, eight simple pulses that characterize the effects of either the flingstep or forward-directivity are considered. Relationships between pulse amplitudes and velocity pulse period for different pulses are discussed. Representative ratios and peak acceleration amplification can exhibit distinctive features depending on variations in pulse duration, amplitude and the selected acceleration pulse shape. Additionally, response spectral characteristics for the equivalent pulses are identified and compared in terms of fixed PGA and PGV, respectively. Response spectra are strongly affected by the duration of pulses and the shape of the basic pulses. Finally, dynamic time history response features of a damped SDOF system subjected to pulse excitations are examined. These special aspects of pulse waveforms and their response spectra should be taken into account in the estimation of ground motions for a project site close to a fault.

Identification of acceleration pulses in near-fault ground motion using the EMD method

In this paper, response spectral characteristics of one-, two-, and three-lobe sinusoidal acceleration pulses are investigated, and some of their basic properties are derived. Furthermore, the empirical mode decomposition （EMD） method is utilized as an adaptive filter to decompose the near-fault pulse-like ground motions, which were recorded during the September 20, 1999, Chi-Chi earthquake. These ground motions contain distinct velocity pulses, and were decomposed into high-frequency （HF） and low-frequency （LF） components, from which the corresponding HF acceleration pulse （if existing） and LF acceleration pulse could be easily identified and detected. Finally, the identified acceleration pulses are modeled by simplified sinusoidal approximations, whose dynamic behaviors are compared to those of the original acceleration pulses as well as to those of the original HF and LF acceleration components in the context of elastic response spectra. It was demonstrated that it is just the acceleration pulses contained in the near-fault pulse-like ground motion that fundamentally dominate the special impulsive dynamic behaviors of such motion in an engineering sense. The motion thus has a greater potential to cause severe damage than the far-field ground motions, i.e. they impose high base shear demands on engineering structures as well as placing very high deformation demands on long-period structures.

Near-fault directivity pulse-like ground motion effect on high-speed railway bridge

The vehicle-track-bridge(VTB)element was used to investigate how a high-speed railway bridge reacted when it was subjected to near-fault directivity pulse-like ground motions.Based on the PEER NAG Strong Ground Motion Database,the spatial analysis model of a vehicle-bridge system was developed,the VTB element was derived to simulate the interaction of train and bridge,and the elasto-plastic seismic responses of the bridge were calculated.The calculation results show that girder and pier top displacement,and bending moment of the pier base increase subjected to near-fault directivity pulse-like ground motion compared to far-field earthquakes,and the greater deformation responses in near-fault shaking are associated with fewer reversed cycles of loading.The hysteretic characteristics of the pier subjected to a near-fault directivity pulse-like earthquake should be explicitly expressed as the bending moment-rotation relationship of the pier base,which is characterized by the centrally strengthened hysteretic cycles at some point of the loading time-history curve.The results show that there is an amplification of the vertical deflection in the girder's mid-span owing to the high vertical ground motion.In light of these findings,the effect of the vertical ground motion should be used to adjust the unconservative amplification constant 2/3 of the vertical-to-horizontal peak ground motion ratio in the seismic design of bridge.

Digitalization of inverting filter shaping circuit for nuclear pulse signals

In the design of filter shaping circuits for nuclear pulse signals,inverting filter shaping circuits perform better than non-inverting filter shaping circuits.Because these circuits facilitate changing the phase of a pulse signal,they are widely used in processing nuclear pulse signals.In this study,the transfer functions of four types of inverting filter shaping circuits,namely the common inverting filter shaping,improved inverting filter shaping,multiple feedback low-pass filter shaping,and third-order multiple feedback low-pass filter shaping,in the Laplacian domain,are derived.We establish the numerical recursive function models and digitalize the four circuits,obtain the transfer functions in the Z domain,and analyze the filter performance and amplitude-frequency response characteristics in the frequency domain.Based on the actual nuclear pulse signal of the Si-PIN detector,we realize four types of inverting digital shaping.The results show that under the same shaping parameters,the common inverting digital shaping has better amplitude extraction characteristics,the third-order multiple feedback low-pass digital shaping has better noise suppression performance,and the multiple feedback digital shaping takes into account both pulse amplitude extraction and noise suppression performance.