Endothelial Dysfunction: From a Pathophysiological Mechanism to a Potential Therapeutic Target

The endothelium is considered the largest organ of the body, composed of a monolayer of endothelial cells (ECs) lining the interior surface of blood and lymphatic vessels [...]

EFFECTS OF LUMINOUS COLOUR SHIFT Duv ON COLOUR PREFERENCE

Subjective experiment was carried out to investigate the combined effect on the colour preference of the interior style, correlated colour temperature (CCT) and duv. Twenty university age subjects evaluated all 28 conditions with 2 types of the interior style, 2 levels of the CCT and 7 levels of the duv. This paper reports the measured results of the chromaticity shift of the interior surface due to duv and the perception of the colour difference between the condition with any other duv and that with duv0. Subjective evaluation on the colour preference of the entire space related to the interior style, CCT and duv is also summarized. It is concluded that the acceptable range of duv to be classified as the same CCT should be reconsidered, considering colour preference.

THERMALIZATION AND IONIZATION OF METAL ATOMS OF OPERATING ENVIRONMENT AT A METAL ION-SPATTERING SOURCE

Fast atoms sputtered on a hot metal surface were suggested for thermalization at a metal ion-sputtering source and for further desorption into a discharge with temperature, which is equal to the temperature of the surface. In the suggested construction of the source, atom thermalization process is realized on an interior surface of an anode of the Penning discharge cell in an oscillation area of ionizing electrons. It has been experimentally shown that the proposed method of thermalization of Fe atoms increases the fraction of Fe+ ions in the extracted ion beam by three times.

Hygrothermal assessment of internally insulated historic solid masonry walls with focus on the thermal bridge due to internal partition walls

This study investigated the hygrothermal performance of five insulation systems for internal retrofitting purposes. Focus was on the hygrothermal performance near partition brick walls compared to the middle of the wall. The setup comprised two insulated reefer containers with controlled indoor climate, reconfigured with several holes containing solid masonry walls with interior embedded wooden elements, an internal brick partition wall and different internal insulation systems, with and without exterior hydrophobisation. Relative humidity and temperature were measured over five years in the masonry/insulation interface and near the interior surface, in the centre of the test field and near the partition wall. In addition, calibrated numerical simulations were performed for further investigation of the thermal bridge effect. Findings for the masonry/insulation interface showed higher temperatures and lower relative humidity near the partition wall in comparison with the central part of the wall. Near the interior surface, measurements showed only minor differences between the two locations. The relative effect of the thermal bridge was smaller in the case of a high driving rain load on the exterior surfaces. The numerical simulations showed that the hygrothermal conditions were affected further away from the partition wall than what could be measured in the experimental setup.

Venus: key to understanding the evolution of terrestrial planets

In this paper, originally submitted in answer to ESA’s “Voyage 2050” call to shape the agency’s space science missions in the 2035–2050 timeframe, we emphasize the importance of a Venus exploration programme for the wider goal of understanding the diversity and evolution of habitable planets. Comparing the interior, surface, and atmosphere evolution of Earth, Mars, and Venus is essential to understanding what processes determined habitability of our own planet and Earth-like planets everywhere. This is particularly true in an era where we expect thousands, and then millions, of terrestrial exoplanets to be discovered. Earth and Mars have already dedicated exploration programmes, but our understanding of Venus, particularly of its geology and its history, lags behind. Multiple exploration vehicles will be needed to characterize Venus’ richly varied interior, surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere environments. Between now and 2050 we recommend that ESA launch at least two M-class missions to Venus (in order of priority): a geophysics-focussed orbiter (the currently proposed M5 EnVision orbiter – [1] – or equivalent); and an in situ atmospheric mission (such as the M3 EVE balloon mission – [2]). An in situ and orbital mission could be combined in a single L-class mission, as was argued in responses to the call for L2/L3 themes [3–5]. After these two missions, further priorities include a surface lander demonstrating the high-temperature technologies needed for extended surface missions; and/or a further orbiter with follow-up high-resolution surface radar imaging, and atmospheric and/or ionospheric investigations.

Impact of window walls on thermal comfort and energy efficiency in condominium buildings: an experimental study in Toronto

Radiant field asymmetry is described as differences in radiant temperature an occupant perceives on different parts of the body. Most complaints about thermal comfort in condominiums are as a result of local discomfort rather than overall discomfort. A field study was performed in summer, using thermocouples to determine possible thermal discomfort caused by the interior surface temperature of a window wall oriented with marginal solar radiation and its effects on energy efficiency. ASHRAE standard 55 was used to evaluate thermal comfort while temperature gradients between the window wall temperature and a “neutral” window wall temperature was used to evaluate energy efficiency of the window wall. Results showed that on a hot clear day there was a rise in interior surface temperature of the window wall by 8.4ºC, due to direct solar radiation. Thermal comfort was within ASHRAE standards and energy efficiency would have been improved with a better window to wall ratio or high performance