This article investigates the relationships between heart valve closure timing intervals and left ventricular systolic blood pressure (LVSBP). For this investigation, the cardiopulmonary system is modeled as an analog circuit, including heart chambers, the distal and proximal aorta, distal and proximal systemic arteries/veins, systemic capillaries, the vena cava, the distal and proximal pulmona...

It has been shown previously that applying forced induction to Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) of bioethanol with residual gas trapping, results in a greatly extended load range compared to normal aspiration. However at very high boost pressures, very high cylinder pressure rise rates develop. The approach documented here explores two ways that might have an effect on combustion ...

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) seems to be the most promising solution for gasoline engines in the light of future emissions regulations. This novel combustion technique allows for significant reduction of fuel consumption and engine-out NOX emissions at low and medium engine load/speed conditions. High heat release rate enables realization of the Otto cycle close to ideal, incr...

Mitral valve surgery has changed considerably in the past decades and is now indicated mostly for pure or predominant mitral regurgitation. This is the result of the regression of rheumatic disease, of the efficacy of mitral balloon valvuloplasty for mitral stenosis, and of the aging of the population with increasing degenerative or ischaemic disease causing mitral regurgitation. Mitral regurgi...

Background Heart valve injuries due to non-penetrating blunt thoracic trauma are rare with aortic valve being the most vulnerable. Tricuspid valve injury resulting in severe regurgitation is unusual after blunt chest trauma. Two major issues for the management of traumatic tricuspid regurgitation are timing and type of the operation. Valve repair is naturally the first choice but valve replacem...

A novel mechanism concept for a fully flexible, motordriven, cam-actuated engine valve was reported in [1]. It is capable of i) variable valve timing, ii) variable lift and iii) individual valve phasing control. To check the validity of the concept in real engine environment, engine tests were performed using a single-cylinder of a modified sixcylinder 3.8-liter production engine, with the new ...