Clinical Study of the Ascending Aorta Wall Motion by Velocity Vector Imaging in Patients with Primary Hypertension

We studied the wall motion characteristics of the ascending aorta by velocity vector imaging （VVI） in primary hypertension patients. The ascending aortas both in 30 patients with primary hypertension and 30 normal controls were examined by Acuson sequoia 512 equiped with VVI. The maximum velocity （Vs, Ve） of every point on the anterior wall of ascending aorta both in systole and diastole was measured. The aortic diameter was wider in the hypertension patients than that in the healthy subjects （P〈0.05）. The movement amplitude of the anterior wall of the ascending aorta in long axis view in the hypertension patients was lower than that in the healthy subjects （P〈0.05）. The motion and time to peak in systole of each point of the ascending aorta in the healthy subjects had no significant difference （P〉0.05）. The velocity curves of the anterior wall of ascending aorta both in the hypertension and healthy subjects were regular, and the curve in systole was named S wave and that in diastole named E wave. The velocity of S wave and E wave was slower in the hypertension patients than that in the healthy subjects （P〈0.05）. The time to peak of S wave on the anterior wall of ascending aorta in systole was shorter in the hypertension patients than in the healthy subjects （P〈0.05）. VVI could be used to accurately and directly observe the movement character of the ascending aorta walls, which would help us understand the elasticity of great arteries in patients with hypertension.

Evaluation of the asynchronization and function of the left ventricle in patients with chronic pulmonary hypertension by velocity vector imaging

Background Pulmonary hypertension （PH） is a set of pathophysiological syndromes characterized by increased pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance,resulting in increased right ventricular afterload.The left and right ventricles interact through hemodynamics.What impact will PH have on synchronization and function of the left ventricle （LV）？ The aim of this study was to evaluate the synchronization of the left ventricular wall motion and left ventricular function in patients with varying degrees of PH using velocity vector imaging （Wl） technology.Methods Sixty patients with chronic PH served as the experimental group,and 20 healthy volunteers served as the control group.According to the different degrees of pulmonary artery systolic pressure,the experimental group was divided into three groups：mild,moderate,and severe PH groups.The time to peak systolic longitudinal velocity （Tvl）,the peak systolic longitudinal velocity （Vsl）,the peak diastolic longitudinal velocity （Vel）,the peak systolic longitudinal strain （SI）,and strain rate （SRI） in 18 segments were measured in each group.Results TvI in the control group and each group with PH was reduced from basal to apical segment,and in control group Tvl in various segments of the same wall and in different walls showed no significant difference （P ＞0.05）.With increase in pulmonary artery pressure,Tvl values measured showed an increasing trend in groups with PH.In groups with PH,Vsl and Vel of each wall were reduced sequentially from basal to apical segments,showing gradient change; Vsl and Vel values measured showed a decreasing trend with increase in pulmonary artery pressure,in which the differences of Vel values measured in the control group and the mild PH group were statistically significant （P ＜0.01）,and the differences between other groups were statistically significant （P ＜0.01）.In groups with PH,SI and SRI in basal segment and the middle segment of each wall were decreased; the difference between groups was statistically significant （P ＜0.01）.Conclusions Asynchronization of the LV and decreased left ventricular function were present in patients with chronic PH;WI technology can accurately evaluate left ventricular function in patients with PH,and indicators such as Tvl,Vsl,and Vel are valuable.

Tangent-impulse transfer from elliptic orbit to an excess velocity vector

The two-body orbital transfer problem from an elliptic parking orbit to an excess veloc-ity vector with the tangent impulse is studied. The direction of the impulse is constrained to be aligned with the velocity vector, then speed changes are enough to nullify the relative velocity. First, if one tangent impulse is used, the transfer orbit is obtained by solving a single-variable function about the true anomaly of the initial orbit. For the initial circular orbit, the closed-form solution is derived. For the initial elliptic orbit, the discontinuous point is solved, then the initial true anomaly is obtained by a numerical iterative approach; moreover, an alternative method is proposed to avoid the singularity. There is only one solution for one-tangent-impulse escape trajectory. Then, based on the one-tangent-impulse solution, the minimum-energy multi-tangent-impulse escape trajectory is obtained by a numerical optimization algorithm, e.g., the genetic method. Finally, several examples are provided to validate the proposed method. The numerical results show that the minimum-energy multi-tangent-impulse escape trajectory is the same as the one-tangent-impulse trajectory.

Use of velocity vector imaging technology to evaluate the motion of myocardial infarction

Background The velocity vector imaging is an ultrasound speckle imaging that was recently developed, which is based on the two-dimensional gray scale image, with more accurate tracking process and more conve-nient and time-saving operation method can quantitatively displays the varied curve of myocardial velocity and direction sampling taking from multiple parts in one cardiac cycle by tracking the space motion of echo spots of the cardiovascular tissue, and then analyze their movements, avoiding the angular dependence and the limita-tions of analysis section that could effect on Doppler technology. The technology provides a new auxiliary method for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease and is valuable on clinical diagnosis and scientific re-search and a wide horizon of development.

An implicit method using contravariant velocity components and its application to calculations in a harbour-channel area

The key problem in the computation of fluid dynamics using fine boundary-fitted grids is how to improve the numerical stability and decrease the calculating quantity. To solve this problem, implicit schemes should be adopted since explicit schemes may bring about a great increase in computation quantity according to the Courant-FrledrichsLewy condition. Whereas the adoption of implicit schemes is difficult to be realized because of the existence of two partial derivatives of surface elevations with respect to variables of alternative direction coordinates in each momentum equation in non-rectangular coordinates. With an aim to design an implicit scheme in non-reetangular ccordinates in the present paper, new momentum equations with the contravariant components of velocity vector are derived based on the shallow water dynamic equations in generalized curvilinear coordinates. In each equation, the coefficients before the two detivatives of surface elevations have different orders of magnitude, i. e., the derivative with the larger ceefficient rnay play a more important role than that with the smaller one. With this advantage, the ADI scheme can then be easily employed to improve the numerical stability and decrease the calculating quantity. The calculation in a harbour and a channel in Macau nearshore area shows that the implicit model is effective in calculating current fields in small size areas.

Numerical simulation of flow field characteristics and the improvement of pressure oscillation of rotating detonation engine

Due to the inherent working mode of rotating detonation engine(RDE),the detonation flow field has the characteristics of pressure oscillation and axial kinetic energy loss,which makes it difficult to design nozzle and improve propulsion performance.Therefore,in order to improve the characteristics of detonation flow field,the three-dimensional numerical simulation of annular chamber and hollow chamber is carried out with premixed hydrogen/air as fuel in this paper,and then tries to combine the two chambers to weaken the oscillation characteristics of detonation flow field through the interaction of detonation flow field,which is a new method to regulate the detonation flow field.The results show that there are four states of velocity vectors at the outlet of annular chamber and hollow chamber,which makes RDE be affected by rolling moment and results in the loss of axial kinetic energy.In the external flow field of combined chamber,the phenomenon of cyclic reflection of expansion wave and compression wave on the free boundary is observed,which results in Mach disk structure.Moreover,the pressure monitoring points are set at the external flow field.The pressure signal shows that the high-frequency pressure oscillation at the external flow field of the combined chamber has been greatly weakened.Compared to the annular chamber,the relative standard deviation(RSD) has been reduced from 14.6% to5.6%.The results thus demonstrate that this method is feasible to adjust the pressure oscillation characteristics of the detonation flow field,and is of great significance to promote the potential of RDE and nozzle design.

The Quantization of Space

In the present work, it will be shown that the dimensionless number 137 of the fine-structure constant α demands a quantization of space. For this purpose, we refer to a volume constant of electromagnetic processes, which takes effect as a volume quantum. This involves not only a re-evaluation of the Dirac equation but also, and above all, a determination of Einstein’s velocity vector as the fundamental property of these processes. A prerequisite is the linking of the hydrogen spectrum with the hydrogen nucleus.

Constant Speed Control for Complex Cross-section Welding Using Robot Based on Angle Self-Test

Expandable profile liner（EPL） is a promising new oil well casing cementing technique, and welding is a major EPLs connection technology. Connection of EPL is still in the stage of manual welding so far, automatic welding technology is a hotspot of EPL which is one of the key technologies to be solved. A robot for automatic welding of＂8＂ type EPL is studied. Four quadrants of mathematical equations of the 8-shaped cross-section track of EPL, consisting of multiple arcs, are established. Mechanism program for complex cross-section welding of EPL based on angle detection is proposed according to characteristics of small size, small valleys, and large forming errors, etc. A welding velocity vector control model is established by linkage control of a welding vehicle, a small driven actuator, and a height tracking mechanism. A constant speed control model based on an angle and symmetrical analysis model of rectangular coordinate system for EPL is built. Constraint conditions of constant speed control between each section are analyzed with 4 sections in first quadrant as an example, and cooperation work mechanism of the welding vehicle and the small tracking actuator is established based on pressure detection. The constant speed control model using angle self-test can be used to avoid the need for a precise mathematical model for tracking control and to adapt manufacture and installation deviation of EPL workpiece. The model is able to solve constant speed and trajectory tracking problems of EPL cross-section welding. EPL seams welded by the studied robot are good in appearance, and non-destructive testing（NDT） shows the seams are good in quality with no welding defects. Bulge tests show that the maximum pressure of welded EPL is 35 MPa, which can fulfill expansion performance requirements.

Mechanisms of rectangular groove-induced multiple-microdroplet coalescences

The mechanism of microdroplet coalescence is a fundamental issue for droplet-based microfluidics. We developed an asymmetric expansion (a rectangular groove) along one side of a microchannel to achieve multiple-microdroplet trapping, collision, and coalescence. Compared with reported symmetric expansions, this asymmetric groove could easily trap microdroplets and control two or three microdroplet coalescences precisely without a requirement for temporal and spatial synchronization. To reveal the mechanisms of multiple-droplet coalescences in a groove, we observed five different coalescence patterns under different flow conditions. Moreover, we characterized the flow behavior quantitatively by simulating the velocity vector fields in both the microdroplets and continuous phase, finding good agreement with experiments. Finally, a map of coalescence forms with different capillary numbers () and flow ratios () was obtained. The results could provide a useful guidance for the design and application of droplet-based microfluidic devices.

Comparison of Elastic Properties of Bilateral Carotid Arteries in Relation to Site of Acute Ischemic Stroke Using Velocity Vector Imaging

INTRODUCTIONlschemic stroke accounts for 70% of all the cerebrovascular diseases. Severe stenosis and occlusions ofextracranial and intracranial artery are all important risk factors causing ischemic stroke. Based on the widespread observation worldwide, intracranial atherosclerosis is the most common vascular lesions in Asians, Hispanics, and Africans. Therefore, accurate and noninvasive methods fbr early diagnosis of stroke in individuals without significant stenosis of the extracranial carotid artery is of considerable clinical interest.

Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation of Electrokinetic Injection for Integrated Capillary Electrophoresis Chip

It is the key element in the integrated capillary electrophoresis chip separation to push a certain liquid sample into the separation channel.The electrokinetic injection system model was set up;the theory and the rule of the liquid flow were studied.The numerical simulation describing the potential,velocity vector and the stream distribution in the micro channel is presented.According to these simulation results,the pushing sample injection experiments were designed and the experimental results agree well with the simulation results.

Application of Optical Flow Analysis to Shadowgraph Images of Impinging Jet

In this study, we apply the optical flow method to the time-series shadowgraph images of impinging jets using a high-speed video camera with high spatial and temporal resolution. This image analysis provides quantitative velocity vector fields in the object space without tracer particles. The analysis results clearly capture the details of the coherent vortex structure and its advection from the shear layer of the free jet. Although the results still leave challenges for the quantitative validation, the results show that this analysis method is effective for understanding the details of the physical phenomenon based on the quantitative values extracted from the shadowgraph images.

A Violation of the Special Theory of Relativity Demonstrated Using the Correlation between Two Pair-Generated Photons

When Einstein developed the special theory of relativity (STR), he assumed the principle of relativity, i.e. that all inertial frames are equivalent. Einstein thought it was impossible to differentiate inertial frames into classically stationary frames where light propagates isotropically, and classically moving frames where light propagates anisotropically. However, the author has previously pointed out that classically moving frames have a velocity vector attached, and presented a thought experiment for determining the size of that velocity vector. The author has already shown a violation of the STR, but this paper presents a violation of the STR using different reasoning. More specifically, this paper searches for a coordinate system where light propagates anisotropically. This is done by using the correlation of two photons pair-generated from a photon pair generator. If the existence of such a coordinate system can be ascertained, it will constitute a violation of the STR.

Lorentz Transformation Leads to Invariance of the Difference between the Electric and Magnetic Field Intensity

In course of a direct calculation we demonstrate the activity of parameters of the Lorentz transformation entering the original electric and magnetic field vectors E and H. The validity of the transformation is shown with the aid of the relation E 2- H2 = E'2- H'2 which holds for any suitable pair of the vectors E, H and E', H'. No special geometry of the vector pairs entering (E, H) and (E ', H') is assumed. The only limit applied in the paper concerns the velocity ratio betweeen v and c which should be smaller than unity.

A NEW NUMERICAL METHOD FOR GROUNDWATER FIOW AND SOLUTE TRANSPORT USING VELOCITY FIELD

A new numerical method for groundwater flow analysis was introduced to estimate simultaneously velocity vectors and water pressure head. The method could be employed to handle the vertical flow under variably saturated conditions and for horizontal flow as well. The method allows for better estimation of velocities at the element nodes which can be used as direct input to transport models. The advection-dispersion process was treated by the Eulerian-Lagrangian approach with particle tracking technique using the velocities at FEM nodes. The method was verified with the classical one dimensional model and applied to simulate contaminant transport process through a slurry wall as a barrier to prevent leachate pollution from a sanitary landfill.

FLOW AROUND A CIRCULAR CYLINDER USING A FINITE-VOLUME TVD SCHEME BASED ON A VECTOR TRANSFORMATION APPROACH

Flows around a circular cylinder displaying an unsteady vortex shedding process at the Reynolds numbers of 1000,3900 and 1×104 are studied using a finite-volume Total Variation Diminishing（TVD） scheme for solving the Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes（URANS） equations.An Elemental Velocity Vector Transformation（EVVT） approach is proposed for the local normal and tangential velocity transformation at the interfaces of main and satellite elements.The presented method is validated by comparing with the available experimental data and numerical results.It is shown that the two-dimensional TVD finite volume method with the Renormalization Group（RNG） turbulence model can be used to determine hydrodynamic forces and captures vortex shedding characteristics very well.

Particle image velocimetry measurement of velocity distribution at inlet duct of waterjet self-propelled ship model

A vehicle-mounted three-dimensional underwater particle image velocimetry（PIV） device is used in a towing tank to measure the velocity distribution of the inlet duct of a waterjet ship model in a self-propulsion test. The following points are shown through a comparison of the influences of the stationary and free states of the ship model on the measured results：（1） during the test, the ship attitude will change, specifically, the ship model will heave and trim,（2） the degree of freedom disturbs the processing of the pixel images enough to distort the subsequent image processing,（3） the stationary state of the ship model is the optimal mode for measuring the velocity distribution using the PIV device, and（4） if the changes must be considered, the man-made heaving and trimming may be pre-applied, and be made a corrected stationary mode. In addition, the momentum effect coefficient and the energy effect coefficient are calculated in a non-uniform inflowing state, and the related factors affecting the two coefficients are analyzed. The test results show that the pumping action of the waterjet creates a transverse vector in the cross-sectional speed, which increases the non-uniformity of the inflow. These results could help to establish the design requirements for a waterjet-propelled ship type.

Deformation of the left and right ventricular longitudinal myocardium in fetuses with umbilical cord around neck

Background Umbilical cord around neck, a common obstetric complication, affects fetal hemodynamics. Does it influence fetal cardiac functions？ The purpose of this study was to investigate the left and right ventricular systolic and diastolic functions of fetuses with umbilical cord around neck in the third trimester by applying velocity vector imaging （VVI）. Methods Thirty-five cases of fetuses with umbilical cord around neck whose gestational ages from 35 to 40 weeks were selected, including 20 cases of umbilical artery ratio of the highest systolic velocity （S） to the lowest diastolic velocity （D） （S/D） 〈3.0 and 15 cases of umbilical artery S/D ≥3.0, while 20 cases of normal fetuses of 35–40 gestational weeks were selected as the control group. The changes in longitudinal velocity, strain, and strain rate of fetal left and right ventricle in systole and diastole in two groups, and the changes in fetal cardiac function under the situation of umbilical cord around neck were analyzed.Results Longitudinal strain and strain rate overall of fetal left and right ventricle in systole and diastole were less in fetuses with umbilical artery S/D 33.0 and umbilical cord around neck than those in fetuses with umbilical artery S/D 〈3.0 and those in control group （P 〈0.05）; there was no significant difference （P 〉0.05） in longitudinal strain and strain rate overall of fetal left and right ventricle in systole and diastole between fetuses with umbilical artery S/D 〈3.0 and those in control group.Conclusions Left and right ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction was detected in fetuses with umbilical cord around neck and umbilical artery S/D 33.0. VVI could sensitively respond to cardiac function changes in fetuses with umbilical cord around neck, which provides another valuable method in the evaluation of fetal cardiac function.