y. l. zhao

Unstart/restart phenomena induced by backpressure in a general inlet with a freestream of M = 2.7 are investigated in an in-draft supersonic quiet wind tunnel. The boundary layers are turbulent on the forebody while are laminar on the lip wall, which could mimick real flight conditions. The high-speed Schlieren imaging system and the nanoparticle-based planar laser scattering (NPLS) method are used to visualize the inlet flowfield. The inlet wall pressure is measured by high-frequency pressure transducers. The backpressure is reproduced by downstream transverse jets other than mechanical throttlers, which is more suitable to mimic backpressure caused by combustion. The high spatio-temporal resolution full-view images of inlet flow features during the complete unstart/restart process are captured, which are seldom seen before. The formation and disappearance process of massive boundary layer separation at the entrance of the unstarted inlet is observed. The backpressure transmits upstream through the shock wave/boundary layer interaction (SWBLI) regions. The shock structures change the angles and merge upstream to balance the pressure rise. The Mach shock reflection configuration is observed in both unstart/restart process, accompanied by the boundary layer separation extending to the leading edge. The experiment also revealed notable hysteresis in the unstart/restart process.

Increasing evidence suggests an association between ele­vated serum aminotransferase levels and metabolic disorders (metabolic syndrome, hyperlipemia and diabetes mellitus). However, the significance of relatively low levels of aminotransferases in relation to metabolic disorders has not been fully investigated in the general population. We inves­tigated the association between serum amiontransferase levels and metabolic disorders using data from a survey in Jilin province, China. In 2007, a survey was conducted throughout Jilin, China, covering both urban and rural areas. A total of 3835 people, 18 to 79 years old including 1761 men and 2074 women, underwent real-time ultrasonography, blood tests including aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and had interviews with a structured questionnaire. Serum aminotransferase levels within the normal range were asso­ciated with metabolic syndrome independent of age, occupation, cultural and educational level, income, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking, and alcohol intake. Compared with the lowest level (<20 IU/L), the adjusted odds ratios for ALT levels of 20-29, 30-39, 40-49 and >50 IU/L were 1.92, 2.50, 2.97, and 3.52 in men, and 1.38, 1.54, 3.06, and 2.62 in women, respectively. Near-normal serum aminotransferase levels asso­ciated with hyperlipemia, NAFLD, DM were also found in the study. Normal to near-normal serum aminotransferase levels are associated with metabolic disorders. Serum ALT levels of 21-25 IU/L for men, and 17-22 IU/L for women are suggested as cutoff levels that detect metabolic disorders affecting the liver.