Effects of consumption-oriented versus trophy-oriented fisheries on Muskellunge population size structure in northern Wisconsin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Faust, Matthew D.; Hansen, Michael J.

2016-01-01

To determine whether a consumption-oriented fishery was compatible with a trophy-oriented fishery for Muskellunge Esox masquinongy, we modeled effects of a spearing fishery and recreational angling fishery on population size structure (i.e., numbers of fish ≥ 102, 114, and 127 cm) in northern Wisconsin. An individual-based simulation model was used to quantify the effect of harvest mortality at currently observed levels of recreational angling and tribal spearing fishery exploitation, along with simulated increases in exploitation, for three typical growth potentials (i.e., low, moderate, and high) of Muskellunge in northern Wisconsin across a variety of minimum length limits (i.e., 71, 102, 114, and 127 cm). Populations with moderate to high growth potential and minimum length limits ≥ 114 cm were predicted to have lower declines in numbers of trophy Muskellunge when subjected to angling-only and mixed fisheries at observed and increased levels of exploitation, which suggested that fisheries with disparate motivations may be able to coexist under certain conditions such as restrictive length limits and low levels of exploitation. However, for most Muskellunge populations in northern Wisconsin regulated by a 102-cm minimum length limit, both angling and spearing fisheries may reduce numbers of trophy Muskellunge as larger declines were predicted across all growth potentials. Our results may be useful if Muskellunge management options in northern Wisconsin are re-examined in the future.

Thermal Cyclic Resistance Polyester Resin Composites Reinforce Fiber Nut Shell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fahmi, Hendriwan

2017-12-01

The purpose of study is to determine the effect of fiber length and thermal cyclic of the bending strength of polyester resin composite reinforced by fibers nut shell. The materials used in this study is a nut shell fibers with fiber length of 1 cm, 2 cm and 3 cm and polyester resin with composition 70-30%wt. Fiber nut shell treated soaking in NaOH 30% for 30 minutes, then rinse with clean water so that the fiber free of alkali and then dried. Furthermore, the composite is heated in an oven to a temperature of 100°C for 1 hour and then cooled in the open with a variety of thermal cyclic 30, 40, and 50 times. Bending properties of composites known through the testing process using a three-point bending test equipment universal testing machine. The test results show that the bending strength bending highest in fiber length of 3 cm with 30 treatment cycles of thermal to the value of 53.325 MPa, while the lowest occurred in bending strength fiber length of 1 cm with no cycles of thermal treatment to the value of 30.675 MPa.

Undoped polythiophene field-effect transistors with mobility of 1 cm2 V-1 s-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamadani, B. H.; Gundlach, D. J.; McCulloch, I.; Heeney, M.

2007-12-01

We report on charge transport in organic field-effect transistors based on poly(2,5-bis(3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) as the active polymer layer with saturation field-effect mobilities as large as 1cm2V-1s-1. This is achieved by employing Pt instead of the commonly used Au as the contacting electrode and allows for a significant reduction in the metal/polymer contact resistance. The mobility increases as a function of decreasing channel length, consistent with a Poole-Frenkel model of charge transport, and reaches record mobilities of 1cm2V-1s-1 or more at channel lengths on the order of few microns in an undoped solution-processed polymer cast on an oxide gate dielectric.

Effect of root length on epicotyl dormancy release in seeds of Paeonia ludlowii, Tibetan peony.

PubMed

Hao, Hai-ping; He, Zhi; Li, Hui; Shi, Lei; Tang, Yu-Dan

2014-02-01

Epicotyl dormancy break in seeds that have deep simple epicotyl morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) requires radicle emergence and even a certain root length in some species. However, the mechanisms by which root length affects epicotyl dormancy break are not clear at present. This study aims to explore the relationship between root length and epicotyl dormancy release in radicle-emerged seeds of Tibetan peony, Paeonia ludlowii, with discussion of the possible mechanisms. Radicle-emerged seeds (radicle length 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 cm) were incubated at 5, 10 and 15 °C. During the stratification, some seeds were transferred to 15 °C and monitored for epicotyl-plumule growth. Hormone content was determined by ELISA, and the role of hormones in epicotyl dormancy release was tested by exogenous hormone and embryo culture. Cold stratification did not break the epicotyl dormancy until the root length was ≥6 cm. The indole-3-actic acid (IAA) and GA3 contents of seeds having 6 cm roots were significantly higher than those of seeds with other root lengths, but the abscisic acid (ABA) content was lowest among radicle-emerged seeds. GA3 (400 mg L(-1)) could break epicotyl dormancy of all radicle-emerged seeds, while IAA (200 mg L(-1)) had little or no effect. When grown on MS medium, radicles of naked embryos grew and cotyledons turned green, but epicotyls did not elongate. Naked embryos developed into seedlings on a mixed medium of MS + 100 mg L(-1) GA3. A root length of ≥6.0 cm is necessary for epicotyl dormancy release by cold stratification. The underlying reason for root length affecting epicotyl dormancy release is a difference in the GA3/ABA ratio in the epicotyl within radicle-emerged seeds, which is mainly as a result of a difference in ABA accumulation before cold stratification.

Effect of root length on epicotyl dormancy release in seeds of Paeonia ludlowii, Tibetan peony

PubMed Central

Hao, Hai-ping; He, Zhi; Li, Hui; Shi, Lei; Tang, Yu-Dan

2014-01-01

Background and Aims Epicotyl dormancy break in seeds that have deep simple epicotyl morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) requires radicle emergence and even a certain root length in some species. However, the mechanisms by which root length affects epicotyl dormancy break are not clear at present. This study aims to explore the relationship between root length and epicotyl dormancy release in radicle-emerged seeds of Tibetan peony, Paeonia ludlowii, with discussion of the possible mechanisms. Methods Radicle-emerged seeds (radicle length 1·5, 3·0, 4·5 and 6·0 cm) were incubated at 5, 10 and 15 °C. During the stratification, some seeds were transferred to 15 °C and monitored for epicotyl–plumule growth. Hormone content was determined by ELISA, and the role of hormones in epicotyl dormancy release was tested by exogenous hormone and embryo culture. Key Results Cold stratification did not break the epicotyl dormancy until the root length was ≥6 cm. The indole-3-actic acid (IAA) and GA3 contents of seeds having 6 cm roots were significantly higher than those of seeds with other root lengths, but the abscisic acid (ABA) content was lowest among radicle-emerged seeds. GA3 (400 mg L−1) could break epicotyl dormancy of all radicle-emerged seeds, while IAA (200 mg L−1) had little or no effect. When grown on MS medium, radicles of naked embryos grew and cotyledons turned green, but epicotyls did not elongate. Naked embryos developed into seedlings on a mixed medium of MS + 100 mg L−1 GA3. Conclusions A root length of ≥6·0 cm is necessary for epicotyl dormancy release by cold stratification. The underlying reason for root length affecting epicotyl dormancy release is a difference in the GA3/ABA ratio in the epicotyl within radicle-emerged seeds, which is mainly as a result of a difference in ABA accumulation before cold stratification. PMID:24284815

Maternal smoking during pregnancy and genetic polymorphisms in the Ah receptor, CYP1A1 and GSTM1 affect infant birth size in Japanese subjects.

PubMed

Sasaki, S; Kondo, T; Sata, F; Saijo, Y; Katoh, S; Nakajima, S; Ishizuka, M; Fujita, S; Kishi, R

2006-02-01

Genetic susceptibility to tobacco smoke might have relation to adverse pregnancy outcomes. To estimate the effects of maternal smoking and genetic polymorphisms on infant birth weight and length, we conducted a prospective cohort study of 293 women who delivered singleton live births in Sapporo, Japan. Birth weight and length were significantly lower among infants born to continuously smoking women having the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) wild type genotype (Arg/Arg; 211 g +/- 76 g; 1.2 cm +/- 0.4 cm, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively), the CYP1A1 variant genotype (m1/m2 + m2/m2; 170 g +/- 64 g, 0.8 cm +/- 0.3 cm, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively), or the GSTM1 null genotype (171 g +/- 58 g, 0.6 cm +/- 0.3 cm, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). When combinations of these genotypes were considered, birth weight and length were significantly lower for infants of continuously smoking women in the AhR wild type + CYP1A1 variant group (315 g +/- 116 g; 1.7 cm +/- 0.6 cm, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively) and in the CYP1A1 variant + GSTM1 null group (237 g +/- 92 g; 1.3 cm +/- 0.5 cm, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). These genotypes did not confer adverse effects among women who had never smoked; therefore, maternal smoking in combination with maternal AhR, CYP1A1 and GSTM1 genetic polymorphisms may adversely affect infant birth size.

Growth to Age 18 Months Following Prenatal Supplementation with Docosahexaenoic Acid Differs by Maternal Gravidity in Mexico1234

PubMed Central

Stein, Aryeh D; Wang, Meng; Martorell, Reynaldo; Neufeld, Lynnette M.; Flores-Ayala, Rafael; Rivera, Juan A.; Ramakrishnan, Usha

2011-01-01

Little is known about the long-term effects of DHA intake during pregnancy. Offspring of primagravid Mexican women who received 400 mg/d DHA from wk 20 of gestation through delivery were heavier and had larger head circumferences at birth than children whose mothers received placebo; no effect was observed in offspring of multigravidae. We have followed these children (n = 739; 76% of the birth cohort), measuring length, weight, and head circumference at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 mo. At 18 mo, intent-to-treat differences between placebo and DHA, adjusted for maternal height and child sex and age at measurement, were: length, −0.21 cm (95% CI = −0.58, 0.15); weight, −0.03 kg (95% CI =−0.19, 0.13); and head circumference, 0.02 cm (95% CI = −0.18, 0.21) (all P > 0.05). There was heterogeneity of associations by maternal gravidity for weight (P < 0.08), length (P < 0.02), and head circumference (P < 0.05). Among offspring of primagravid women, length at 18 mo was increased by 0.72 cm (95% CI = 0.11, 1.33) following DHA supplementation, representing 0.26 length-for-age Z-score units; among offspring of multigravidae, the estimate was −0.13 cm (95% CI = −0.59, 0.32) (P > 0.5). Maternal DHA supplementation during the second half of gestation may enhance growth through 18 mo of children born to primagravid women. PMID:21178082

Growth to age 18 months following prenatal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid differs by maternal gravidity in Mexico.

PubMed

Stein, Aryeh D; Wang, Meng; Martorell, Reynaldo; Neufeld, Lynnette M; Flores-Ayala, Rafael; Rivera, Juan A; Ramakrishnan, Usha

2011-02-01

Little is known about the long-term effects of DHA intake during pregnancy. Offspring of primagravid Mexican women who received 400 mg/d DHA from wk 20 of gestation through delivery were heavier and had larger head circumferences at birth than children whose mothers received placebo; no effect was observed in offspring of multigravidae. We have followed these children (n = 739; 76% of the birth cohort), measuring length, weight, and head circumference at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 mo. At 18 mo, intent-to-treat differences between placebo and DHA, adjusted for maternal height and child sex and age at measurement, were: length, -0.21 cm (95% CI = -0.58, 0.15); weight, -0.03 kg (95% CI =-0.19, 0.13); and head circumference, 0.02 cm (95% CI = -0.18, 0.21) (all P > 0.05). There was heterogeneity of associations by maternal gravidity for weight (P < 0.08), length (P < 0.02), and head circumference (P < 0.05). Among offspring of primagravid women, length at 18 mo was increased by 0.72 cm (95% CI = 0.11, 1.33) following DHA supplementation, representing 0.26 length-for-age Z-score units; among offspring of multigravidae, the estimate was -0.13 cm (95% CI = -0.59, 0.32) (P > 0.5). Maternal DHA supplementation during the second half of gestation may enhance growth through 18 mo of children born to primagravid women.

Effect of ultrasonic stimulation on particle transport and fate over different lengths of porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xingxin; Wu, Zhonghan; Cai, Qipeng; Cao, Wei

2018-04-01

It is well established that seismic waves traveling through porous media stimulate fluid flow and accelerate particle transport. However, the mechanism remains poorly understood. To quantify the coupling effect of hydrodynamic force, transportation distance, and ultrasonic stimulation on particle transport and fate in porous media, laboratory experiments were conducted using custom-built ultrasonic-controlled soil column equipment. Three column lengths (23 cm, 33 cm, and 43 cm) were selected to examine the influence of transportation distance. Transport experiments were performed with 0 W, 600 W, 1000 W, 1400 W, and 1800 W of applied ultrasound, and flow rates of 0.065 cm/s, 0.130 cm/s, and 0.195 cm/s, to establish the roles of ultrasonic stimulation and hydrodynamic force. The laboratory results suggest that whilst ultrasonic stimulation does inhibit suspended-particle deposition and accelerate deposited-particle release, both hydrodynamic force and transportation distance are the principal controlling factors. The median particle diameter for the peak concentration was approximately 50% of that retained in the soil column. Simulated particle-breakthrough curves using extended traditional filtration theory effectively described the experimental curves, particularly the curves that exhibited a higher tailing concentration.

The mechanism and realization of a band-agile coaxial relativistic backward-wave oscillator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ge, Xingjun; Zhang, Jun; Zhong, Huihuang

2014-11-03

The mechanism and realization of a band-agile coaxial relativistic backward-wave oscillator (RBWO) are presented. The operation frequency tuning can be easily achieved by merely altering the inner-conductor length. The key effects of the inner-conductor length contributing to the mechanical frequency tunability are investigated theoretically and experimentally. There is a specific inner-conductor length where the operation frequency can jump from one mode to another mode, which belongs to a different operation band. In addition, the operation frequency is tunable within each operation band. During simulation, the L-band microwave with a frequency of 1.61 GHz is radiated when the inner-conductor length ismore » 39 cm. Meanwhile, the S-band microwave with a frequency of 2.32 GHz is radiated when the inner-conductor length is 5 cm. The frequency adjustment bandwidths of L-band and S-band are about 8.5% and 2%, respectively. Moreover, the online mechanical tunability process is described in detail. In the initial experiment, the generated microwave frequencies remain approximately 1.59 GHz and 2.35 GHz when the inner-conductor lengths are 39 cm and 5 cm. In brief, this technical route of the band-agile coaxial RBWO is feasible and provides a guide to design other types of band-agile high power microwaves sources.« less

Effect of sieving polymer concentration on separation of 100 bp DNA Ladder by capillary gel electrophoresis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakazumi, T.; Hara, Y.

2017-09-01

We studied the effect of sieving polymer concentration on separation of a 100 bp DNA Ladder by capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) using hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) with a molecular size of 1000 k. For measurement purposes, we selected a fused silica capillary with total length of 15 cm and effective length of 7.5 cm; this was applied to compact CGE equipment for a Point-Care-Testing (POCT) system. Measurement results of the 100 bp DNA Ladder sample indicated that small DNA separation was significantly affected by HEC sieving polymer concentration. This was due to the level of entanglement between small DNA molecules and the sieving polymer chain significantly influencing migration time, mobility, and resolution length of the CGE process. We concluded that 1.0 w/v % HEC sieving polymer concentration was optimal for CGE separation of DNA ≥1000bp in the 100 bp DNA Ladder (100-1500 bp) when using the short-length capillary.

[Penile augmentation and elongation using autologous dermal-fat strip grafting].

PubMed

Yang, Zhe; Li, Yang-qun; Tang, Yong; Chen, Wen; Li, Qiang; Zhou, Chuan-de; Zhao, Mu-xin; Hu, Chun-mei

2012-05-01

To investigate the effect of autologous dermal-fat strip grafting in penile augmentation and elongation. From May 2004 to December 2010, 24 patients underwent penile enhancement with free dermal-fat strip grafting. Through suprapubic incision, the superior suspensory ligament and part deep suspensory ligament are cutted off to lengthen the penis. The resulted dead space is filled with the autologous dermal-fat strip (6.0-9.5 cm in length, 1.2-1.5 cm in width and 0.6-0.8 cm in depth) to enhance the penis. Primary healing was achieved in 23 cases. Incisional fat liquefaction happened in one case which healed after dressing change. The penile appearance was satisfactory both at rest or erection. The penile length and circumference increased by 2.5-4.8 cm (average, 3.2 cm) and 1.8-3.0 cm (average, 2.4 cm), respectively. 18 patients were followed up for 3 months to 5 years. All the patients were satisfactory on the cosmetic and functional results. No complication happened. It is safe and effective for penile augmention and elongation with autologous dermal-fat strip grafting and disconnection of penile suspensory ligament.

The influence of curvature configuration on the characteristic of alcohol gel insertion jacket of polymer optical fiber liquid level sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arumnika, N.; Kuswanto, H.

2018-04-01

This study aimed to determine the effect of curvature configuration to sensitivities and linearities of Polymer Optical Fiber (POF) water level sensor. POF type SH-4001-1.3 has been used in this study. The jacket of POF of 20 cm was removed. Transparent piped inserted by alcohol gel has been used to replace the jacket. This is head of a sensor. The head of a sensor is curved with variations of the specified path length, peel length, the width of curvature, the height of curvature and waveform. Configuration A (20 cm, 34 cm, 6 cm, 2 cm, 1 wave), configuration B (20 cm, 34 cm, 8 cm, 2 cm, 1 wave), configuration C (20 cm, 34 cm, 9 cm, 2 cm, ½ wave), configuration D (20 cm, 34 cm, 10 cm, 2 cm, ½ wave). The head of a sensor inserted into the water tank. The light source inserted to one end POF is a He-Ne laser light with a power of 5 mW and a wavelength of 632.8 nm. Power output at the other end received by the Optical Power Meter (OPM). The curvature configuration the head sensor of POF affects the output. Configuration A has good sensitivity, however good linearity given by configuration.

Estimation of body density based on hydrostatic weighing without head submersion in young Japanese adults.

PubMed

Demura, S; Sato, S; Kitabayashi, T

2006-06-01

This study examined a method of predicting body density based on hydrostatic weighing without head submersion (HWwithoutHS). Donnelly and Sintek (1984) developed a method to predict body density based on hydrostatic weight without head submersion. This method predicts the difference (D) between HWwithoutHS and hydrostatic weight with head submersion (HWwithHS) from anthropometric variables (head length and head width), and then calculates body density using D as a correction factor. We developed several prediction equations to estimate D based on head anthropometry and differences between the sexes, and compared their prediction accuracy with Donnelly and Sintek's equation. Thirty-two males and 32 females aged 17-26 years participated in the study. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to obtain the prediction equations, and the systematic errors of their predictions were assessed by Bland-Altman plots. The best prediction equations obtained were: Males: D(g) = -164.12X1 - 125.81X2 - 111.03X3 + 100.66X4 + 6488.63, where X1 = head length (cm), X2 = head circumference (cm), X3 = head breadth (cm), X4 = head thickness (cm) (R = 0.858, R2 = 0.737, adjusted R2 = 0.687, standard error of the estimate = 224.1); Females: D(g) = -156.03X1 - 14.03X2 - 38.45X3 - 8.87X4 + 7852.45, where X1 = head circumference (cm), X2 = body mass (g), X3 = head length (cm), X4 = height (cm) (R = 0.913, R2 = 0.833, adjusted R2 = 0.808, standard error of the estimate = 137.7). The effective predictors in these prediction equations differed from those of Donnelly and Sintek's equation, and head circumference and head length were included in both equations. The prediction accuracy was improved by statistically selecting effective predictors. Since we did not assess cross-validity, the equations cannot be used to generalize to other populations, and further investigation is required.

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on seedling growth and development of two wetland plants, Bidens frondosa L., and Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., grown under three levels of water availability.

PubMed

Stevens, Kevin J; Wall, Christopher B; Janssen, Joel A

2011-05-01

To identify the importance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonizing wetland seedlings following flooding, we assessed the effects of AMF on seedling establishment of two pioneer species, Bidens frondosa and Eclipta prostrata grown under three levels of water availability and ask: (1) Do inoculated seedlings differ in growth and development from non-inoculated plants? (2) Are the effects of inoculation and degree of colonization dependent on water availability? (3) Do plant responses to inoculation differ between two closely related species? Inoculation had no detectable effects on shoot height, or plant biomass but did affect biomass partitioning and root morphology in a species-specific manner. Shoot/root ratios were significantly lower in non-inoculated E. prostrata plants compared with inoculated plants (0.381 ± 0.066 vs. 0.683 ± 0.132). Root length and surface area were greater in non-inoculated E. prostrata (259.55 ± 33.78 cm vs. 194.64 ± 27.45 cm and 54.91 ± 7.628 cm(2) vs. 46.26 ± 6.8 cm(2), respectively). Inoculation had no detectable effect on B. frondosa root length, volume, or surface area. AMF associations formed at all levels of water availability. Hyphal, arbuscular, and vesicular colonization levels were greater in dry compared with intermediate and flooded treatments. Measures of mycorrhizal responsiveness were significantly depressed in E. prostrata compared with B. frondosa for total fresh weight (-0.3 ± 0.18 g vs. 0.06 ± 0.06 g), root length (-0.78 ± 0.28 cm vs.-0.11 ± 0.07 cm), root volume (-0.49 ± 0.22 cm(3) vs. 0.06 ± 0.07 cm(3)), and surface area (-0.59 ± 0.23 cm(2) vs.-0.03 ± 0.08 cm(2)). Given the disparity in species response to AMF inoculation, events that alter AMF prevalence in wetlands could significantly alter plant community structure by directly affecting seedling growth and development.

Effect of leg length inequality on body weight distribution during walking with load: A pilot study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zabri, S. W. K. Ali; Basaruddin, K. S.; Salleh, A. F.; Rusli, W. M. R.; Daud, R.

2017-09-01

This paper presents a pilot study on the effect of leg length inequality (LLI) on the body weight distribution. Plywood block was used to mimic the artificial LLI. The height of the plywood was increased up to 4.0 cm with 0.5 cm increment. Hence, eight different height of LLI was considered in order to investigate which height of LLI initiated the significant effect. The experiment was conducted on a healthy subject that walking on the force plate in two conditions; with a load of 2 kg (carried by a backpack worn by the subject) and without load. Qualisys Track Manager (QTM) system was employed for data processing. The results showed that the short leg subjected to more weight compared to the long leg during walking with inequality of leg length especially when carrying additional load.

Effect of penile-extender device in increasing penile size in men with shortened penis: preliminary results.

PubMed

Nikoobakht, Mohammadreza; Shahnazari, Alireza; Rezaeidanesh, Maedeh; Mehrsai, Abdolrasoul; Pourmand, Gholamreza

2011-11-01

It has been suggested that the application of penile-extender devices increases penile length and circumference. However, there are a few scientific studies in this field. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a penile-extender (Golden Erect(®) , Ronas Tajhiz Teb, Tehran, Iran) in increasing penile size. This prospective study was performed on subjects complaining about "short penis" who were presented to our clinic between September 15, 2008 and December 15, 2008. After measuring the penile length in flaccid and stretched forms and penile circumference, patients were instructed to wear Golden Erect(®) , 4-6 hours per day during the first 2 weeks and then 9 hours per day until the end of the third month. The subjects were also trained how to increase the force of the device during determined intervals. The patients were visited at the end of the first and third months, and penile length and circumference were measured and compared with baseline. The primary end point of the study was changes in flaccid and stretched penile lengths compared with the baseline size during the 3 months follow-up. Twenty-three cases with a mean age of 26.5 ± 8.1 years entered the study. The mean flaccid penile length increased from 8.8 ± 1.2 cm to 10.1 ± 1.2 cm and 10.5 ± 1.2 cm, respectively, in the first and third months of follow-up, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Mean stretched penile length also significantly increased from 11.5 ± 1.0 cm to, respectively, 12.4 ± 1.3 cm and 13.2 ± 1.4 cm during the first and second follow-up (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found regarding proximal penile girth. However, it was not the same regarding the circumference of the glans penis (9.3 ± 0.86 cm vs. 8.8 ± 0.66 cm, P < 0.05). Our findings supported the efficacy of the device in increasing penile length. Our result also suggested the possibility of glans penis girth enhancement using penile extender. Performing more studies is recommended. © 2010 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

Uterine length and fertility outcomes: a cohort study in the IVF population.

PubMed

Hawkins, L K; Correia, K F; Srouji, S S; Hornstein, M D; Missmer, S A

2013-11-01

What is the relationship between pre-cycle uterine length and IVF outcome (chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, spontaneous abortion and live birth)? Women at extremes of uterine length (<7.0 or >9.0 cm) were less likely to achieve live birth and women with uterine lengths <6.0 cm were also more likely to experience spontaneous abortion. A prospective study of 807 women published in 2000 found that implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were highest in women with uterine lengths between 7.0 and 9.0 cm, though the difference was not significant. The relationship between pre-cycle uterine length and live birth has not been evaluated. A retrospective cohort study of all cycles performed after uterine length measurement at an academic hospital IVF clinic from 2001 to 2012. A total of 8981 fresh cycles were performed in 5120 adult women with normal uterine anatomy. Women with uterine anomalies (unicornuate, bicornuate, septate or uterus exposed to diethylstilbestrol) were excluded and women with fibroids were identified for subanalysis. Uterine length was measured by uterine sounding. Cycles were divided by uterine length into groups: <6.0 cm (very short, n = 76), 6.0-6.9 cm (short, n = 2014), 7.0-7.9 cm (referent, n = 4984), 8.0-8.9 cm (long, n = 1664) and ≥9 cm (very long, n = 243). Multivariate logistic regression (first-cycle analyses) and generalized estimating equations (all-cycle analyses) were adjusted for age, fibroids and ART treatment (assisted hatching, intracytoplasmic sperm injection) to generate relative risk (RR) of cycle outcomes by uterine length. Median uterine length in the IVF population was 7.0 cm (interquartile range 7.0-7.8) and was positively associated with BMI (P < 0.001) and fibroids (P = 0.02). Compared with the referent group, women with uterine lengths <6.0 cm were half as likely to achieve live birth (RR: 0.53; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35-0.81) and women with lengths of 6.0-6.9 cm were also less likely (RR: 0.91; CI: 0.85-0.98). Cubic regression spline identified a significant inverse U-shaped association whereby women with uterine lengths <7.0 or >9.0 cm were less likely to achieve live birth. Women with lengths <6.0 cm were also more likely to experience spontaneous abortion (RR: 2.16; CI: 1.23-3.78). Results remained consistent when excluding women with a uterine factor diagnosis (n = 8823), when limiting to the first cycle at our institution (n = 5120) and when further restricting to first-ever cycles (n = 3941). Optimal assessment of uterine length by ultrasound was not feasible due to time and cost limitations, though uterine sounding is a clinically relevant measurement allowing for results with practical implications. Findings from our predominantly Caucasian clinic population may not be generalizable to infertile populations with different ethnic compositions. Reproducibility of results would solidify findings and inform patient counseling in women undergoing IVF. No funding was sought for this investigation. MD declares relationships with UpToDate (royalties) and WINFertlity (consultant).

The impact of gastric distension on the lower esophageal sphincter and its exposure to acid gastric juice.

PubMed

Ayazi, Shahin; Tamhankar, Anand; DeMeester, Steven R; Zehetner, Joerg; Wu, Calvin; Lipham, John C; Hagen, Jeffrey A; DeMeester, Tom R

2010-07-01

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease often has a low resting pressure and a short abdominal length. The mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. We hypothesize that gastric distension causes progressive effacement of the abdominal portion of the LES, exposing it to acid injury resulting in mucosal and sphincter damage. Our aim was to assess in normal subjects the effect of gastric distension on the LES length and pressure and its exposure to acid gastric juice. Eleven asymptomatic volunteers had their LES length and pressure measured before and during gastric distension. The location of the pH step-up point (shift from gastric pH to a pH >4) was also measured before and after distension. Progressive gastric distension with air resulted in progressive shortening of LES (R = 0.89, P < 0.0001). After infusion of 750 cc of air there was a significant reduction in the median LES length from 4 to 2.6 cm (P = 0.001). This change occurred in the abdominal length of the LES (2.6-1.4 cm [P = 0.001]) and not in the thoracic length. At rest the pH step-up point was 0.5 cm above the lower border of the LES and with distension moved a median of 1 cm cephalad within the LES. Simultaneously with the loss of length there was a reduction in LES pressure (27.4-23.4 mm Hg, P = 0.02). Gastric distension causes progressive shortening of the abdominal length of the LES and a reduction in its pressure. The process exposes the effaced mucosa and sphincter to acid gastric juice.

A comprehensive, prospective study of penile dimensions in Chinese men of multiple ethnicities.

PubMed

Chen, X B; Li, R X; Yang, H N; Dai, J C

2014-01-01

This study aimed to establish a reference range of penile length and circumference of adult males in China, and to compare the penile dimensions of different ethnical backgrounds. To do this, penile length and circumference measurements were obtained from 5196 healthy males attending the Urology Counseling Clinic. The mean value of penile dimensions was a flaccid length of 6.5 ± 0.7 cm, a stretched length of 12.9 ± 1.2 cm and a flaccid circumference of 8.0 ± 0.8 cm. In the subgroup of 311 males, the mean erectile length was 12.9 ± 1.3 cm and the mean erectile circumference was 10.5 ± 0.9 cm, the mean flaccid and erectile glans lengths were 2.7 ± 0.3 and 3.4 ± 0.4 cm, respectively, and the mean flaccid and erectile glans diameters were 2.6 ± 0.2 and 3.4 ± 0.4 cm, respectively. We found that flaccid penile length and circumference varied among different ethnicities. This study established a reference range for penile dimensions, which will help when counseling patients worried about their penile size or seeking penis enlargement surgery. We also found that penile dimensions are different in different ethnicities, but further investigations are needed to validate this.

Penile length and circumference: an Indian study.

PubMed

Promodu, K; Shanmughadas, K V; Bhat, S; Nair, K R

2007-01-01

Apprehension about the normal size of penis is a major concern for men. Aim of the present investigation is to estimate the penile length and circumference of Indian males and to compare the results with the data from other countries. Results will help in counseling the patients worried about the penile size and seeking penis enlargement surgery. Penile length in flaccid and stretched conditions and circumference were measured in a group of 301 physically normal men. Erected length and circumference were measured for 93 subjects. Mean flaccid length was found to be 8.21 cm, mean stretched length 10.88 cm and circumference 9.14 cm. Mean erected length was found to be 13.01 cm and erected circumference was 11.46 cm. Penile dimensions are found to be correlated with anthropometric parameters. Insight into the normative data of penile size of Indian males obtained. There are significant differences in the mean penile length and circumference of Indian sample compared to the data reported from other countries. Study need to be continued with a large sample to establish a normative data applicable to the general population.

Geodesy by radio interferometry - Effects of atmospheric modeling errors on estimates of baseline length

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, J. L.; Herring, T. A.; Shapiro, I. I.; Rogers, A. E. E.; Elgered, G.

1985-01-01

Analysis of very long baseline interferometry data indicates that systematic errors in prior estimates of baseline length, of order 5 cm for approximately 8000-km baselines, were due primarily to mismodeling of the electrical path length of the troposphere and mesosphere ('atmospheric delay'). Here observational evidence for the existence of such errors in the previously used models for the atmospheric delay is discussed, and a new 'mapping' function for the elevation angle dependence of this delay is developed. The delay predicted by this new mapping function differs from ray trace results by less than approximately 5 mm, at all elevations down to 5 deg elevation, and introduces errors into the estimates of baseline length of less than about 1 cm, for the multistation intercontinental experiment analyzed here.

Bending effects and temperature dependence of magnetic properties in a Fe-rich amorphous wire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bordin, G.; Buttino, G.; Poppi, M.

2001-08-01

Amorphous wires with composition Fe 77.5Si 7.5B 15 exhibit a very peculiar magnetization process characterized by a single and quite large Barkhausen jump. This gives rise to a squared hysteresis loop at a critical magnetic field. The bistable behaviour, widely studied in wires with typical length of 10 cm and diameter of 125 μm, appears above a length of about 7 cm in straight wires and disappears for curvature radius within the range 2-12 cm in bent wires. In this work it is shown that bistability occurs in bent wires, whatever their curvature is, provided the wires are long enough. To this purpose spiral-shaped samples with several turns are considered. However, when the wire length is not a integer number of turns the magnetization reverses through many large Barkhausen jumps. In this condition, varying the measuring temperature can activate the energy barriers for the jumps.

[The penis prolongation and augmentation combined with autologous granular fat injection and silicone implantation].

PubMed

Xie, Yang-chun; Zhang, Yang; Fan, Jin-cai; Liu, Yuan-bo; Liu, Li-qiang; Wang, Qian

2007-07-01

To prevent the retraction of the penis after prolongation and augmentation. After all the superficial and part of the deep suspensory ligament amputation, we implanted the silicon sheet (the length 2.3-3.6 cm, the width 1.5-2.5 cm, the thickness 2-3 mm) and injected autologous granular fat (30-48 ml) into penis. 16 patients (age 22-63 years, averagely 38 years) underwent this kind operation, the prolongation length is 1.8-5.1 cm, the average was 2.91 cm, the increased diameter of penis was 0.6-1 cm, the average is 0.85 cm, the following period is 3 months to 2 years. The results are satisfactory with the penis retraction less than 8%, and less than 10% decrease in diameter. This method is an ideal way of the penis prolongation and augmentation, the implantation of the silicon sheet is effective way to prevent the retraction of the penis.

On Short-Time Estimation of Vocal Tract Length from Formant Frequencies

PubMed Central

Lammert, Adam C.; Narayanan, Shrikanth S.

2015-01-01

Vocal tract length is highly variable across speakers and determines many aspects of the acoustic speech signal, making it an essential parameter to consider for explaining behavioral variability. A method for accurate estimation of vocal tract length from formant frequencies would afford normalization of interspeaker variability and facilitate acoustic comparisons across speakers. A framework for considering estimation methods is developed from the basic principles of vocal tract acoustics, and an estimation method is proposed that follows naturally from this framework. The proposed method is evaluated using acoustic characteristics of simulated vocal tracts ranging from 14 to 19 cm in length, as well as real-time magnetic resonance imaging data with synchronous audio from five speakers whose vocal tracts range from 14.5 to 18.0 cm in length. Evaluations show improvements in accuracy over previously proposed methods, with 0.631 and 1.277 cm root mean square error on simulated and human speech data, respectively. Empirical results show that the effectiveness of the proposed method is based on emphasizing higher formant frequencies, which seem less affected by speech articulation. Theoretical predictions of formant sensitivity reinforce this empirical finding. Moreover, theoretical insights are explained regarding the reason for differences in formant sensitivity. PMID:26177102

Separation of delta-, gamma- and alpha-tocopherols by CEC.

PubMed

Fanali, Salvatore; Catarcini, Paolo; Quaglia, Maria Giovanna; Camera, Emanuela; Rinaldi, Mariarosa; Picardo, Mauro

2002-08-01

In this study capillary electrochromatography (CEC) was used for the separation of three tocopherols (TOHs), namely delta-, gamma- and alpha-TOH and the antioxidant compound, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The CEC experiments were carried out using an octadecylsilica (ODS) stationary phase packed, in our laboratory, in a fused-silica capillary (100 microm I.D., 365 microm O.D. x 33 cm of total length and 24.6 or 8.4 cm effective length). The mobile phase was composed by a mixture of methanol (MeOH) and acetonitrile (ACN), at different concentrations and 0.01% (w/v) of ammonium acetate. Retention time (t(R)), retention factor (k), resolution (R(s)) of the three TOHs were strongly influenced by the organic solvent composition of the run buffer and by the effective length of the capillary. Optimum experimental conditions were found even employing the short effective length of the capillary achieving the baseline separation of the studied analytes in a relatively short time (less than 5 min). The optimized method was applied to the qualitative analysis of vitamin E (alpha-TOH) present in a human serum extract.

Vascular geometry of the extracranial carotid arteries: an analysis of length, diameter, and tortuosity.

PubMed

Choudhry, Farooq A; Grantham, John T; Rai, Ansaar T; Hogg, Jeffery P

2016-05-01

Stable access is essential for successful intracranial interventions. Quantifying variations in extracranial carotid arteries may help in the selection and development of access catheters. This study describes the vascular dimensions from the aortic arch to the skull base. CT angiography analysis was performed on 100 patients. The lengths, diameters, and tortuosity of the common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) were measured from the aortic arch to the skull base. The mean±SD length of the carotid artery from the aortic arch to the skull base was 22.2±2.2 cm for the right side and 20.8±1.9 cm for the left side (p<0.0001). The length of the right CCA was 13.6±1.2 cm and the length of the left CCA was 12.4±1.4 cm (p<0.0001). The length of the right ICA was 8.6±1.4 cm compared with 8.4±1.4 cm for the left ICA (p=0.3). The ICA length in men and women was 8.9±1.3 cm and 8.2±1.3 cm, respectively (p=0.0001), and the CCA length in men and women was 13.6±1.5 cm and 12.3±1.6 cm, respectively (p<0.0001). The lengths of the CCA and ICA in patients aged ≥60 years were 13.3±1.7 cm and 8.9±1.5 cm, respectively compared with 12.8±1.7 cm and 8.2±1.1 cm, respectively, for patients aged <60 years (p=0.04 for CCA, p=0.0002 for ICA). Tortuosity of the CCA and ICA was 1.2±0.2 and 1.3±0.1, respectively, in patients aged ≥60 years compared with 1.1±0.1 for both the ICA and CCA in patients aged <60 years (p<0.0001 for both). There was a consistent ratio of CCA/ICA length of 1.6±0.3 on the right and 1.5±0.3 on the left (p<0.0001). The arterial diameters did not show any significant difference. The distance from the aortic arch to the skull base is longer on the right than on the left side. Both the CCA and ICA are longer in men and in patients aged ≥60 years. The tortuosity of both segments significantly increases with age. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Axial deformity correction in children via distraction osteogenesis.

PubMed

Antoci, Valentin; Ono, Craig M; Antoci, Valentin; Raney, Ellen M

2006-08-01

We performed a retrospective analysis of the results of 62 tibial and 54 femoral lengthenings in 88 consecutive patients. The patients mean age was 13.5 years and mean follow-up was four years. There was a significant difference between metaphyseal (27+/-1.2 days/cm) and diaphyseal (39.4+/-1.7 days/cm), tibial (34+/-1.7 days/cm) and femoral (31+/-1.4 days/cm) lengthening (P<0.05), but no significant difference among the lengthening indexes when treating one-, two-, or three-dimensional deformities, congenital (34+/-2.4 days/cm) and acquired (32+/-1.0 days/cm) limb length discrepancy (LLD) (P>0.05). The lengthening index was 33+/-1.1 days/cm, distraction regenerate length 6+/-0.4 cm, and lengthening percentage 21+/-2.1. The scatter plots of new regenerate length against time and the scatter plots of neurological complication, residual deformities, broken pins, joint contractures, and hypertension rate against lengthening percentage showed a positive linear relationship (r=0.8). We found the correlations between quantitative and qualitative parameters that should help to predict the treatment outcomes. Lengthening index depends on the amount of length gained. Higher length of new bone regenerate leads to a decrease in lengthening index. Expected gain in bone length can aid in estimating the duration of treatment. The lengthening percentage correlates very well with the complication rate and can be used to predict the complication rate.

[Effects of irrigation with different length micro-sprinkling hoses on soil water distribution, water consumption characteristics of winter wheat, and its grain yield].

PubMed

Man, Jian-guo; Wang, Dong; Yu, Zhen-wen; Zhang, Yong-li; Shi, Yu

2013-08-01

Taking the high-yielding winter wheat variety Jimai 22 as test material, a field experiment was conducted in 2010-2012 to study the effects of irrigation with different length micro-sprinkling hoses on the soil water distribution in winter wheat growth period and the water consumption characteristics and grain yield of winter wheat. Three micro-sprinkling hose lengths were designed, i. e., 40 m (T40), 60 m (T60) and 80 m (T80). Under the micro-sprinkling irrigation at jointing and anthesis stages, the uniformity of the horizontal distribution of irrigation water in soil increased significantly with the decrease of hose length from 80 to 40 m. When irrigated at jointing stage, the water content of 0-200 cm soil layer in each space of wheat rows had no significant difference within the 0-40 m distanced from the border initial in treatments T40 and T60. When measured at the 38-40 m, 58-60 m, and 78-80 m distanced from the border initial in treatment T80 at jointing and anthesis stages, the water content in 0-200 cm soil layer had the same change pattern, i. e., decreased with the increasing distance from micro-sprinkling hose. The water consumption amounts in 40-60 cm soil layer from jointing to anthesis stages and in 20-80 cm soil layer from anthesis to maturing stages were higher in treatment T40 than in treatments T60 and T80. However, the soil water consumption amount, irrigation amount at anthesis stage, total irrigation amount, and total water consumption amount were significantly lower in treatment T40 than in treatments T60 and T80. The grain yield, yield water use efficiency increased with the hose length decreased from 80 to 40 m, but the flow decreased. Therefore, the effective irrigation area per unit time decreased with the same irrigation amounts. Considering the grain yield, water use efficiency, and the flow through micro-sprinkling hose, 40 and 60 m were considered to be the appropriate micro-sprinkling hose lengths under this experimental condition.

Energy harvesting device based on a metallic glass/PVDF magnetoelectric laminated composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lasheras, A.; Gutiérrez, J.; Reis, S.; Sousa, D.; Silva, M.; Martins, P.; Lanceros-Mendez, S.; Barandiarán, J. M.; Shishkin, D. A.; Potapov, A. P.

2015-06-01

A flexible, low-cost energy-harvesting device based on the magnetoelectric (ME) effect was designed using Fe64Co17Si7B12 as amorphous magnetostrictive ribbons and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the piezoelectric element. A 3 cm-long sandwich-type laminated composite was fabricated by gluing the ribbons to the PVDF with an epoxy resin. A voltage multiplier circuit was designed to produce enough voltage to charge a battery. The power output and power density obtained were 6.4 μW and 1.5 mW cm-3, respectively, at optimum load resistance and measured at the magnetomechanical resonance of the laminate. The effect of the length of the ME laminate on power output was also studied: the power output exhibited decays proportionally with the length of the ME laminate. Nevertheless, good performance was obtained for a 0.5 cm-long device working at 337 KHz within the low radio frequency (LRF) range.

The Effects of Angular Orientation on Flame Spread over Thin Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-12-01

Notation 7 5 Upward Spread With Burnout 8 6a Observed Flame Lengths on Napkins, Increments 2.5 cm 9 6b Observed Flame Lengths on Pet Film, Increments...Frequency of Extinguishment During Flame Spread 21 15 Flame Spread Velocity 21 VI 16 Flame Length Measured Parallel to the Surface 22 17 Comparison of... flame length (Lf) were measured from a video recording of the test. Despite erratic burn fronts with discontinuous flaming regions, the maximum

[Effects of light intensity on Quercus liaotungensis seed germination and seedling growth].

PubMed

Yan, Xing-fu; Wang, Jian-li; Zhou, Li-biao

2011-07-01

This paper studied the effects of different shading (55.4%, 18.9%, 5.5%, 2.2%, 0.5% , and 0.3% natural sunlight) on the seed germination and seedling growth of Quercus liaotungensis. The seed germination rate and germination index were the highest (72.5% and 0.22, respectively) at 55.4% natural sunlight, declined with decreasing light intensity, and were the lowest (42.5% and 0.11, respectively) at 0.3% natural sunlight. Strong light had definite delaying effect on the germination. The index of germination vigor increased with decreasing light intensity, being the maximum at 0.5% natural sunlight. The delay of seed germination under strong light could be the selective tradeoff on varied seed fates. Strong light benefited the basal stem diameter and root system growth and dry mass accumulation of Q. liaotunensis seedling, but resulted in the minimum seedlings height (6.06 cm). Greater morphological plasticity was observed for the seedlings under different shading, which lent support to the higher adaptability of the seedlings to light environment. For example, the specific leaf area, specific shoot length, specific root length, and chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents were the maximum at 0.5% natural sunlight, being 142.57 cm2 x g(-1), 156.86 cm x g(-1), 271.87 cm x g(-1), 0.07 g x cm(-2), and 0.24 g x cm(-2), respectively, and the minimum at 55.4% natural sunlight, being 44.89 cm2 x g(-1), 52.84 cm x g(-1), 101.98 cm x g(-1), 0.04 g x cm(-2), and 0.15 g x cm(-2), respectively. The variation of the root/shoot ratio of Q. liaotungensis seedlings under different shading could be the effects of the combination of light intensity and water availability.

Comparison of the effect of the rotation palatoplasty and V-Y pushback palatoplasty techniques on palate elongation with magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Isik, D; Bora, A; Yuce, S; Davran, R; Kocak, O F; Canbaz, Y; Avcu, S; Atik, B

2015-06-01

Most surgical techniques used in cleft palate repair require the extension of the palate to the pharynx. However, no adequate information exists regarding the extent to which this elongation obtained during operation continues in late postoperative period. In this study, we compared and measured palate elongation in patients with a cleft palate who underwent a V-Y pushback or rotation palatoplasty, by means of magnetic resonance images obtained before and 1 year after surgery. The hard palate, soft palate, and total palate lengths were measured for all of the patients, and the velopharyngeal opening area width was calculated. In patients who underwent the V-Y pushback technique (n=13), the total palate and soft palate lengths were shortened by an average of 0.10 and 0.14cm after surgery, respectively. However, the hard palate length was elongated by an average of 0.13cm. In the rotation palatoplasty group (n=13), the total palate, hard palate, and soft palate lengths were elongated by 0.57, 0.10, and 0.49cm, respectively. The velopharyngeal opening was narrowed by 0.06cm(2) using the V-Y pushback technique and by 0.29cm(2) using the rotational palatoplasty. This study demonstrated that the palate does not elongate during the V-Y pushback technique, as expected. However, rotational palatoplasty elongates the soft palate. Copyright © 2015 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Wing shielding of high velocity jet and shock-associated noise with cold and hot flow jets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vonglahn, U.; Groesbeck, D.; Wagner, J.

1976-01-01

Jet exhaust noise shielding data are presented for cold and hot flows (ambient to 1,100 K) and pressure ratios from 1.7 to 2.75. A nominal 9.5-cm diameter conical nozzle was used with simple shielding surfaces that were varied in length from 28.8 to 114.3 cm. The nozzle was located 8.8 cm above the surfaces. The acoustic data with the various sheilding lengths are compared to each other and to that for the nozzle alone. In general, short shielding surfaces that provided shielding for subsonic jets did not provide as much shielding for jets with shock noise, however, long shielding surfaces did shield shock noise effectively.

Sensitive detection of methane at 3.3 μm using an integrating sphere and interband cascade laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, N. M.; Hodgkinson, J.; Francis, D.; Tatam, R. P.

2016-04-01

Detection of methane at 3.3μm using a DFB Interband Cascade Laser and gold coated integrating sphere is performed. A 10cm diameter sphere with effective path length of 54.5cm was adapted for use as a gas cell. A comparison between this system and one using a 25cm path length single-pass gas cell is made using direct TDLS and methane concentrations between 0 and 1000 ppm. Initial investigations suggest a limit of detection of 1.0ppm for the integrating sphere and 2.2ppm for the single pass gas cell. The system has potential applications in challenging or industrial environments subject to high levels of vibration.

Optimization of the artificial urinary sphincter: modelling and experimental validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marti, Florian; Leippold, Thomas; John, Hubert; Blunschi, Nadine; Müller, Bert

2006-03-01

The artificial urinary sphincter should be long enough to prevent strangulation effects of the urethral tissue and short enough to avoid the improper dissection of the surrounding tissue. To optimize the sphincter length, the empirical three-parameter urethra compression model is proposed based on the mechanical properties of the urethra: wall pressure, tissue response rim force and sphincter periphery length. In vitro studies using explanted animal or human urethras and different artificial sphincters demonstrate its applicability. The pressure of the sphincter to close the urethra is shown to be a linear function of the bladder pressure. The force to close the urethra depends on the sphincter length linearly. Human urethras display the same dependences as the urethras of pig, dog, sheep and calf. Quantitatively, however, sow urethras resemble best the human ones. For the human urethras, the mean wall pressure corresponds to (-12.6 ± 0.9) cmH2O and (-8.7 ± 1.1) cmH2O, the rim length to (3.0 ± 0.3) mm and (5.1 ± 0.3) mm and the rim force to (60 ± 20) mN and (100 ± 20) mN for urethra opening and closing, respectively. Assuming an intravesical pressure of 40 cmH2O, and an external pressure on the urethra of 60 cmH2O, the model leads to the optimized sphincter length of (17.3 ± 3.8) mm.

Experimental Study of Fillets to Reduce Corner Effects in an Oblique Shock-Wave/Boundary Layer Interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hirt, Stefanie M.

2015-01-01

A test was conducted in the 15 cm x 15 cm supersonic wind tunnel at NASA Glenn Research Center that focused on corner effects of an oblique shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction. In an attempt to control the interaction in the corner region, eight corner fillet configurations were tested. Three parameters were considered for the fillet configurations: the radius, the fillet length, and the taper length from the square corner to the fillet radius. Fillets effectively reduced the boundary-layer thickness in the corner; however, there was an associated penalty in the form of increased boundary-layer thickness at the tunnel centerline. Larger fillet radii caused greater reductions in boundary-layer thickness along the corner bisector. To a lesser, but measureable, extent, shorter fillet lengths resulted in thinner corner boundary layers. Overall, of the configurations tested, the largest radius resulted in the best combination of control in the corner, evidenced by a reduction in boundary-layer thickness, coupled with minimal impacts at the tunnel centerline.

Responses to two-way selection on growth in mass-spawned F1 progeny of Argopecten irradians concentricus (Say)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hui; Liu, Jin; Li, Yanhong; Zhu, Xiaowen; Liu, Zhigang

2014-03-01

In the present study, the effect of one-generation divergent selection on the growth and survival of the bay scallop ( Argopecten irradians concentricus) was examined to evaluate the efficacy of a selection program currently being carried out in Beibu Bay in the South China Sea. A total of 146 adult scallops were randomly selected from the same cultured population of A. i. concentricus, and divided into two groups in shell length (anterior-posterior measurement): large (4.91-6.02 cm, n=74) and small (3.31-4.18 cm, n=72). At the same time, a control group was also randomly sampled (4.21-4.88 cm, n =80). Mass-spawned F 1 progenies from the three size groups were obtained and reared under identical conditions at all growth phases. The effects of two-way (or upward-downward) selection on fertilization rate, hatching rate, survival rate, daily growth in shell length and body weight were assessed in the three size groups. Results show that significant differences ( P<0.01) were found in hatching rate, survival rate and daily growth of F1 progenies, but not in fertilization rate ( P>0.05), among the three groups. The hatching rate, survival rate and daily growth of the progeny of large-sized parents were greater than those of the control group ( P<0.05), which in turn were larger than those of small-sized group ( P<0.05). Responses to selection by shell length and body weight were 0.32 ± 0.04 cm and 2.18 ± 0.05 g, respectively, for the upward selection, and -0.14 ± 0.03 cm and -2.77 ± 0.06 g, respectively, for the downward selection. The realized heritability estimates of shell length and body weight were 0.38 ± 0.06 cm and 0.22 ± 0.07 g for the upward selection, and 0.24 ± 0.06 cm and 0.37 ± 0.09 g for the downward selection, respectively. The change in growth by bidirectional selection suggests that high genetic variation may be present in the cultured bay scallop population in China.

Reconstruction of juxta-articular huge defects of distal femur with vascularized fibular bone graft and Ilizarov's distraction osteogenesis.

PubMed

Lai, Davy; Chen, Chuan-Mu; Chiu, Fang-Yao; Chang, Ming-Chau; Chen, Tain-Hsiung

2007-01-01

We evaluate the effect of reconstructing huge defects (mean, 15.8 cm) of the distal femur with Ilizarov's distraction osteogenesis and free twin-barreled vascularized fibular bone graft (TVFG). We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of five patients who had cases of distal femoral fractures with huge defects and infection that were treated by the Ilizarov's distraction osteogenesis. After radical debridement, two of the five cases had free TVFG and monolocal distraction osteogenesis, and another two cases had multilocal distraction osteogenesis with knee fusion because of loss of the joint congruity. The other case with floating knee injury had bilocal distraction osteogenesis and a preserved knee joint. The mean defect of distal femur was 15.8 cm (range, 14-18 cm) in length. The mean length of distraction osteogenesis by Ilizarov's apparatus was 8.2 cm. The mean length of TVFG was 8 cm. The average duration from application of Ilizarov's apparatus to achievement of bony union was 10.2 months (range, 8-13 months). At the end of the follow-up, ranges of motion of three knees were 0 to 45 degrees, 0 to 60 degrees, and 0 to 90 degrees. Two cases had knee arthrodesis with bony fusion because of loss of the joint congruity. There were no leg length discrepancies in all five patients. In addition, three patients had pin tract infections and one case had a 10 degree varus deformity of the femur. Juxta-articular huge defect (>10 cm) of distal femur remains a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. Ilizarov's technique provides the capability to maintain stability, eradicate infection, restore leg length, and to perform adjuvant reconstructive procedure easily. In this study, we found that combining Ilizarov's distraction osteogenesis with TVFG results in improved patient outcome for patients with injuries such as supracondylar or intercondylar infected fractures or nonunion of distal femur with huge bone defect.

Effect aquadest-extracted Gloriosa superba seed as mutagen on morphology of Artemisia annua

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahmawati, S. I.; Susilowati, A.; Yunus, A.; Widyastuti, Y.

2018-03-01

Gloriosa superba is a plant that contains colchicine in all parts of organs, especially in the seeds. Its extract is as a mutagen to produce plants with polyploid cells. Artemisia annua is a plant that produces active ingredients artemisinin as malarial drugs, hemorrhoids therapy, aromatherapy, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-bacterial. The aims of this research was to determine the effect aquadest-extracted Gloriosa superba seed as a mutagen to Artemisia annua morphology. Extraction of Gloriosa superba seeds obtained from Sukoharjo using maceration method with aquadest solvent (1: 1). The extracts were diluted (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) for Artemisia annua sprinkling with different times (0, 30, 60 and 90 minutes). Observations of morphology Artemisia annua included height, stem circumference, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf width and leaf length. The treatments did not affect plant morphology observation included height, stem circumference, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf width, and leaf length. The EB treatment (100%, 30 minutes) was higher (120 cm) than other. In all treatments stem circumference about 2.5 cm, number of branches ranged between 40-50, leaves width ranged 9-16c m, and leaf length ranged 8-15 cm.

Simulations on false gain in recombination-pumped soft-X-ray lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozaki, T.; Kuroda, H.

1997-10-01

Numerical investigations are performed on false gain due to axial plasma expansion, which is expected to be important in initial proof-of-principle studies of recombination-pumped soft-X-ray lasers with extended capabilities. Modelling calculations of experiments with slab boron nitride targets reveal large false gain coefficients approaching 20 cm-1 in the case of plasmas with short active medium lengths. The false gain in the case of fiber targets is found to be of equal magnitude to that for slabs in the case of plasmas with less than 0.1 cm active medium lengths. Calculations for slab targets predict that adopting a tolerance of ǃ cm-1 for gain will severely restrict the time and the active medium length of the plasma that can be used for error-free observations, while those for fiber targets are found to be considerably relaxed. The effects of false gain in the 54.2 + Na Balmer ! laser is also investigated, again revealing the importance of this phenomena under optimum gain conditions.

High-displacement spiral piezoelectric actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadi, F.; Kholkin, A. L.; Jadidian, B.; Safari, A.

1999-10-01

A high-displacement piezoelectric actuator, employing spiral geometry of a curved piezoelectric strip is described. The monolithic actuators are fabricated using a layered manufacturing technique, fused deposition of ceramics, which is capable of prototyping electroceramic components with complex shapes. The spiral actuators (2-3 cm in diameter) consisted of 4-5 turns of a lead zirconate titanate ceramic strip with an effective length up to 28 cm. The width was varied from 0.9 to 1.75 mm with a height of 3 mm. When driven by the electric field applied across the width of the spiral wall, the tip of the actuator was found to displace in both radial and tangential directions. The tangential displacement of the tip was about 210 μm under the field of 5 kV/cm. Both the displacement and resonant frequency of the spirals could be tailored by changing the effective length and wall width. The blocking force of the actuator in tangential direction was about 1 N under the field of 5 kV/cm. These properties are advantageous for high-displacement low-force applications where bimorph or monomorph actuators are currently employed.

Role of parenteral testosterone in hypospadias: A study from a teaching hospital in India

PubMed Central

Ahmad, Reyaz; Chana, Rajendra Singh; Ali, Syed Manazir; Khan, Shehtaj

2011-01-01

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of parenteral testosterone on penile length, preputial skin and side effects in patients with hypospadias. Materials and Methods: 23 patients with hypospadias were included in this study. An oily solution, each ml of which contained testosterone propionate 25 mg, and testosterone enanthate 110 mg, equivalent to 100 mg of testosterone was given deep intramuscularly 4, 3 and 2 weeks before reconstructive surgery at the dose of 2 mg/kg body weight. Increase in penile length, transverse preputial diameter, and diameter at the base of penis were noted. Basal testosterone levels were obtained before the institution of therapy and on the day of operation. In addition, side effect such as development of pubic hair and delay in bone age was noted. Results: Following parenteral testosterone administration, the mean increase in penile length, transverse preputial diameter and diameter at the base of penis was 1.35±0.40 cm (P<0.001), 1.40±0.47 cm (P<0.001), and 0.72±0.47 cm (P<0.001), respectively. Serum testosterone level after injection was well within normal range for that age. Minimal side effects were noted in form of development of fine pubic hair. Conclusion: We conclude that parenteral testosterone can be safely used to improve the surgical outcome of hypospadias repair. PMID:21976926

CT dose equilibration and energy absorption in polyethylene cylinders with diameters from 6 to 55 cm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Xinhua; Zhang, Da; Liu, Bob, E-mail: bliu7@mgh.harvard.edu

2015-06-15

Purpose: ICRU Report No. 87 Committee and AAPM Task Group 200 designed a three-sectional polyethylene phantom of 30 cm in diameter and 60 cm in length for evaluating the midpoint dose D{sub L}(0) and its rise-to-the-equilibrium curve H(L) = D{sub L}(0)/D{sub eq} from computed tomography (CT) scanning, where D{sub eq} is the equilibrium dose. To aid the use of the phantom in radiation dose assessment and to gain an understanding of dose equilibration and energy absorption in polyethylene, the authors evaluated the short (20 cm) to long (60 cm) phantom dose ratio with a polyethylene diameter of 30 cm, assessedmore » H(L) in polyethylene cylinders of 6–55 cm in diameters, and examined energy absorption in these cylinders. Methods: A GEANT4-based Monte Carlo program was used to simulate the single axial scans of polyethylene cylinders (diameters 6–55 cm and length 90 cm, as well as diameter 30 cm and lengths 20 and 60 cm) on a clinical CT scanner (Somatom Definition dual source CT, Siemens Healthcare). Axial dose distributions were computed on the phantom central and peripheral axes. An average dose over the central 23 or 100 mm region was evaluated for modeling dose measurement using a 0.6 cm{sup 3} thimble chamber or a 10 cm long pencil ion chamber, respectively. The short (20 cm) to long (90 cm) phantom dose ratios were calculated for the 30 cm diameter polyethylene phantoms scanned at four tube voltages (80–140 kV) and a range of beam apertures (1–25 cm). H(L) was evaluated using the dose integrals computed with the 90 cm long phantoms. The resultant H(L) data were subsequently used to compute the fraction of the total energy absorbed inside or outside the scan range (E{sub in}/E or E{sub out}/E) on the phantom central and peripheral axes, where E = LD{sub eq} was the total energy absorbed along the z axis. Results: The midpoint dose in the 60 cm long polyethylene phantom was equal to that in the 90 cm long polyethylene phantom. The short-to-long phantom dose ratios changed with beam aperture and phantom axis but were insensitive to tube voltage. H(L) was insensitive to tube voltage and CT scanner model. As phantom diameter increased from 6 to 55 cm, E{sub in}/E generally decreased but asymptotically approached constant levels on the peripheral axes of large phantoms. The curve of E{sub in}/E versus scan length was almost identical to that of H(L). Similarly, E{sub out}/E increased with scan length and asymptotically approached the equilibrium for large scan lengths. E{sub out}/D{sub eq} was much less than the equilibrium length L{sub eq} where H(L) = 0.98, even with scan lengths much larger than L{sub eq}. Conclusions: The polyethylene phantom designed by ICRU Report No. 87 Committee and AAPM Task Group 200 is adequately long for assessing the midpoint dose and its equilibration in CT scanning. The short-to-long phantom dose ratios and the H(L) data provided in this paper allow easy evaluations of the midpoint dose, longitudinal dose distribution, and energy absorption in polyethylene phantoms. The results of dose equilibration and energy absorption presented herein may be insightful for the clinical CT scans with various subject sizes and scan lengths.« less

Physiological cross-sectional area of human leg muscles based on magnetic resonance imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fukunaga, T.; Roy, R. R.; Shellock, F. G.; Hodgson, J. A.; Day, M. K.; Lee, P. L.; Kwong-Fu, H.; Edgerton, V. R.

1992-01-01

Magnetic resonance imaging techniques were used to determine the physiological cross-sectional areas (PCSAs) of the major muscles or muscle groups of the lower leg. For 12 healthy subjects, the boundaries of each muscle or muscle group were digitized from images taken at 1-cm intervals along the length of the leg. Muscle volumes were calculated from the summation of each anatomical CSA (ACSA) and the distance between each section. Muscle length was determined as the distance between the most proximal and distal images in which the muscle was visible. The PCSA of each muscle was calculated as muscle volume times the cosine of the angle of fiber pinnation divided by fiber length, where published fiber length:muscle length ratios were used to estimate fiber lengths. The mean volumes of the major plantarflexors were 489, 245, and 140 cm3 for the soleus and medial (MG) and lateral (LG) heads of the gastrocnemius. The mean PCSA of the soleus was 230 cm2, about three and eight times larger than the MG (68 cm2) and LG (28 cm2), respectively. These PCSA values were eight (soleus), four (MG), and three (LG) times larger than their respective maximum ACSA. The major dorsiflexor, the tibialis anterior (TA), had a muscle volume of 143 cm2, a PCSA of 19 cm2, and an ACSA of 9 cm2. With the exception of the soleus, the mean fiber length of all subjects was closely related to muscle volume across muscles. The soleus fibers were unusually short relative to the muscle volume, thus potentiating its force potential.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS).

Effect of the doped fibre length on soliton pulses of a bidirectional mode-locked fibre laser

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ahmad, H; Alwi Kutty, N A; Zulkifli, M Z

A passively bidirectional mode-locked fibre laser is demonstrated using a highly concentrated erbium-doped fibre (EDF) as a gain medium. To accomplish mode-locked operation in a short cavity, use is made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a saturable absorber. Soliton pulses are obtained at a wavelength of 1560 nm with a repetition rate ranging from 43.92 MHz to 46.97 MHz and pulse width stretching from 0.56 ps to 0.41 ps as the EDF length is reduced from 60 cm to 30 cm. (lasers)

Flow rate of some pharmaceutical diluents through die-orifices relevant to mini-tableting.

PubMed

Kachrimanis, K; Petrides, M; Malamataris, S

2005-10-13

The effects of cylindrical orifice length and diameter on the flow rate of three commonly used pharmaceutical direct compression diluents (lactose, dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate and pregelatinised starch) were investigated, besides the powder particle characteristics (particle size, aspect ratio, roundness and convexity) and the packing properties (true, bulk and tapped density). Flow rate was determined for three different sieve fractions through a series of miniature tableting dies of different orifice diameter (0.4, 0.3 and 0.2 cm) and thickness (1.5, 1.0 and 0.5 cm). It was found that flow rate decreased with the increase of the orifice length for the small diameter (0.2 cm) but for the large diameter (0.4 cm) was increased with the orifice length (die thickness). Flow rate changes with the orifice length are attributed to the flow regime (transitional arch formation) and possible alterations in the position of the free flowing zone caused by pressure gradients arising from the flow of self-entrained air, both above the entrance in the die orifice and across it. Modelling by the conventional Jones-Pilpel non-linear equation and by two machine learning algorithms (lazy learning, LL, and feed-forward back-propagation, FBP) was applied and predictive performance of the fitted models was compared. It was found that both FBP and LL algorithms have significantly higher predictive performance than the Jones-Pilpel non-linear equation, because they account both dimensions of the cylindrical die opening (diameter and length). The automatic relevance determination for FBP revealed that orifice length is the third most influential variable after the orifice diameter and particle size, followed by the bulk density, the difference between bulk and tapped densities and the particle convexity.

Evaluation of different captive bolt lengths and breed influence upon post-stun hind limb and forelimb activity in fed cattle at a commercial slaughter facility.

PubMed

Martin, Miriam S; Kline, Helen C; Wagner, Dana R; Alexander, Lacey R; Edwards-Callaway, Lily N; Grandin, Temple

2018-05-03

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of captive bolt length and breed type on post-stun leg activity in cattle. A total of 2850 Holstein (HOL) and non-Holstein British/Continental bred (NHOL) steers and heifers were observed post-stunning at a large commercial slaughter facility. A pneumatically powered penetrating captive bolt stunner was used with three different bolt lengths: CON, 15.24 cm; MED, 16.51 cm; and LON, 17.78 cm. Hind limb kicking, forelimb activity, take away belt stops, carcass swing and number of knife sticks during exsanguination were recorded for each animal from video recording. Hind limb and forelimb kicks observed ranged from 0 to 25 and 0 to 8, respectively. Analysis of post-stun hind limb and forelimb activity indicated that increasing pneumatically powered penetrating captive bolt length does not decrease post-stun leg activity. There was a higher percentage of cattle experiencing take away belt stops and carcass swing in HOL as compared with NHOL. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Best Stent Length Predicted by Simple CT Measurement Rather than Patient Height.

PubMed

Barrett, Keith; Foell, Kirsten; Lantz, Andrea; Ordon, Michael; Lee, Jason Y; Pace, Kenneth T; Honey, R John D'A

2016-09-01

Ureteral stent length is important, as stents that are too long might worsen symptoms and too short are at higher risk of migration. The purpose of this study was to determine if patient or radiologic parameters correlate with directly measured ureteral length and if directly measured ureteral length predicts proper stent positioning. During stent placement, ureteral length (ureteropelvic junction to ureterovesical junction distance) was directly measured by endoscopically viewing a ureteral catheter (with 1-cm marking) emanating from the ureteral orifice. A 22, 24, or 26 cm stent was chosen to be closest to the measured ureteral length. For ureters >26 cm, a 26 cm stent was chosen. Ends of an "ideally positioned" stent were fully curled in the renal pelvis and bladder, without crossing the bladder midline. Rates of ideal stent position were compared between patients with matching stent and ureteral lengths and those with stent lengths differing by ≥1 cm (mismatched). The measured ureteral length was correlated with patient height, L1-L5 height, and length measured on CT. Fifty-nine ureters from 57 patients were included. Height was reasonably correlated with L1-L5 height (Spearman correlation coefficient [rho] = 0.79), although both were poorly correlated with directly measured ureteral length (rho = 0.18 for height and 0.32 for lumbar height). Ureteral lengths measured on CT correlated well with direct measurement (rho = 0.63 for axial cuts and rho = 0.64 for coronal cuts). Matched stent length was associated with higher rates of ideal stent position than mismatched (100% vs 70.9%, p = 0.006). CT measurements, rather than height, correlate well with measured length and could be used to choose the appropriate stent length. Stents matching directly measured ureteral lengths are associated with high rates of ideal stent position.

Preliminary genetic linkage map of the abalone Haliotis diversicolor Reeve

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Yaohua; Guo, Ximing; Gu, Zhifeng; Wang, Aimin; Wang, Yan

2010-05-01

Haliotis diversicolor Reeve is one of the most important mollusks cultured in South China. Preliminary genetic linkage maps were constructed with amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. A total of 2 596 AFLP markers were obtained from 28 primer combinations in two parents and 78 offsprings. Among them, 412 markers (15.9%) were polymorphic and segregated in the mapping family. Chi-square tests showed that 151 (84.4%) markers segregated according to the expected 1:1 Mendelian ratio ( P<0.05) in the female parent, and 200 (85.8%) in the male parent. For the female map, 179 markers were used for linkage analysis and 90 markers were assigned to 17 linkage groups with an average interval length of 25.7 cm. For the male map, 233 markers were used and 94 were mapped into 18 linkage groups, with an average interval of 25.0 cm. The estimated genome length was 2 773.0 cm for the female and 2 817.1 cm for the male map. The observed length of the linkage map was 1 875.2 cm and 1 896.5 cm for the female and male maps, respectively. When doublets were considered, the map length increased to 2 152.8 cm for the female and 2 032.7 cm for the male map, corresponding to genome coverage of 77.6% and 72.2%, respectively.

Crustal dynamics project session 4 validation and intercomparison experiments 1979-1980 report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liebrecht, P.; Kolenkiewicz, R.; Ryan, J.; Hothem, L.

1983-01-01

As part of the Crustal Dynamics Project, an experiment was performed to verify the ability of Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), Very Long Baseline interferometry (VLBI) and Doppler Satellite Positioning System (Doppler) techniques to estimate the baseline distances between several locations. The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) lasers were in operation at all five sites available to them. The ten baselines involved were analyzed using monthly orbits and various methods of selecting data. The standard deviation of the monthly SLR baseline lengths was at the 7 cm level. The GSFC VLBI (Mark III) data was obtained during three separate experiments. November 1979 at Haystack and Owens Valley, and April and July 1980 at Haystack, Owens Valley, and Fort Davis. Repeatability of the VLBI in determining baseline lengths was calculated to be at the 2 cm level. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) VLBI (Mark II) data was acquired on the Owens Valley to Goldstone baseline on ten occasions between August 1979 and November 1980. The repeatability of these baseline length determinations was calculated to be at the 5 cm level. National Geodetic Survey (NGS) Doppler data was acquired at all five sites in January 1980. Repeatability of the Doppler determined baseline lengths results were calculated at approximately 30 cm. An intercomparison between baseline distances and associated parameters was made utilizing SLR, VLBI, and Doppler results on all available baselines. The VLBI and SLR length determinations were compared on four baselines with a resultant mean difference of -1 cm and a maximum difference of 12 cm. The SLR and Doppler length determinations were compared on ten baselines with a resultant mean difference of about 30 cm and a maximum difference of about 60 cm. The VLBI and Doppler lengths from seven baselines showed a resultant mean difference of about 30 cm and maximum difference of about 1 meter. The intercomparison of baseline orientation parameters were consistent with past analysis.

Association between patterns of maternal substance use and infant birth weight, length, and head circumference.

PubMed

Shankaran, Seetha; Das, Abhik; Bauer, Charles R; Bada, Henrietta S; Lester, Barry; Wright, Linda L; Smeriglio, Vincent

2004-08-01

To determine the effects of patterns of drug use during term pregnancy on infant growth parameters at birth. Histories of cocaine, opiate, alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use during the 3-month period before pregnancy and the 3 trimesters of pregnancy were recorded at the infants' 1-month visit. Patterns of use were categorized as consistently high, moderate, or low/none or increasing/decreasing, and effects on growth parameters were analyzed in multivariate linear regression analyses, with adjustment for clinical site, maternal age, prepregnancy weight, multidrug use, and socioeconomic status. A total of 241 cocaine-exposed women and 410 non-cocaine-exposed women participated in the study. In the cocaine-exposed group, 75% used alcohol, 90% used tobacco, and 53% used marijuana; in the non-cocaine-exposed group, 57% used alcohol, 34% used tobacco, and 19% used marijuana. Birth weight, birth length, and head circumference were significantly greater among infants born to women who used no drugs, compared with women with any cocaine, opiate, alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana use, and were greater among infants born to cocaine nonusers, compared with cocaine users. With adjustment for confounders, birth weight was significantly affected by cocaine (deficit of 250 g with consistently low pattern) and tobacco (deficits of 232 g with consistently high pattern, 173 g with consistently moderate pattern, 153 g with decreasing pattern, and 103 g with consistently low pattern). Head size was affected by cocaine (deficit of 0.98 cm with consistently moderate pattern) and tobacco (deficits of 0.72 cm with consistently high pattern and 0.89 cm with consistently moderate pattern). Birth length was affected by tobacco use only (deficits of 0.82 cm with consistently high pattern and 0.98 cm with decreasing use). Patterns of tobacco use during pregnancy affect birth weight, length, and head circumference, whereas cocaine affects birth weight and head size, when adjustments are made for confounders, including multidrug use.

Evaluation of factors affecting soil carbon sequestration services of stormwater wet retention ponds in varying climate zones.

PubMed

Merriman, L S; Moore, T L C; Wang, J W; Osmond, D L; Al-Rubaei, A M; Smolek, A P; Blecken, G T; Viklander, M; Hunt, W F

2017-04-01

The carbon sequestration services of stormwater wet retention ponds were investigated in four different climates: U.S., Northern Sweden, Southern Sweden, and Singapore, representing a range of annual mean temperatures, growing season lengths and rainfall depths: geographic factors that were not statistically compared, but have great effect on carbon (C) accumulation. A chronosequence was used to estimate C accumulations rates; C accumulation and decomposition rates were not directly measured. C accumulated significantly over time in vegetated shallow water areas (0-30cm) in the USA (78.4gCm -2 yr -1 ), in vegetated temporary inundation zones in Sweden (75.8gCm -2 yr -1 ), and in all ponds in Singapore (135gCm -2 yr -1 ). Vegetative production appeared to exert a stronger influence on relative C accumulation rates than decomposition. Comparing among the four climatic zones, the effects of increasing rainfall and growing season lengths (vegetative production) outweighed the effects of higher temperature on decomposition rates. Littoral vegetation was a significant source to the soil C pool relative to C sources draining from watersheds. Establishment of vegetation in the shallow water zones of retention ponds is vital to providing a C source to the soil. Thus, the width of littoral shelves containing this vegetation along the perimeter may be increased if C sequestration is a design goal. This assessment establishes that stormwater wet retention ponds can sequester C across different climate zones with generally annual rainfall and lengths of growing season being important general factors for C accumulation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of AgNO3 and BAP on Root as a Novel Explant in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera cv. Medjool) Somatic Embryogenesis.

PubMed

Roshanfekrrad, Marjan; Zarghami, Reza; Hassani, Hassan; Zakizadeh, Hedayat; Salari, Ali

2017-01-01

Somatic embryogenesis techniques are used for cloning a wide range of varieties of date palms around the world. The aim of the present study was to develop an efficient method with the lowest cost and the greatest potential to obtain in vitro plantlets of date palm cv. Medjool. Also, produce embryogenic callus and somatic embryos without using 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). In this study, produced plantlets through somatic embryogenesis were used in vitro roots as explant cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing three level of Silver Nitrate (AgNO3) (0, 3 and 6 mg L-1) plus two level of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0 and 2 mg L-1) plus 0.1 mg L-1 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) for callus induction. After 12 weeks of culture, callus induction and after 16 weeks, production of embryogenic callus and embryos were occurred from root explants. According to the results, medium containing 2 mg L-1 BAP and 3 mg L-1 silver nitrate+0.1 mg L-1 NAA showed the highest amount of embryogenic callus fresh weight (1.38 g). This treatment also cause the highest number and length of embryos by production of 90.04 embryogenic callus with length of 11.18 mm. On the other hand, shoots were appeared from germinated embryos and white roots began to appear within 8 weeks. Medium contains 3 mg L-1 BAP and 0.1 mg L-1 NAA with average of 12.27 cm shoot length and 15.48 cm root length was the best. Control treatment had the lowest average shoot (3.71 cm) and root (5.03 cm) length. This study showed that certain concentration of silver nitrate and BAP has stimulating effect on growth of produced embryonic callus from root segments of Medjool cultivar of date palm.

[Effects of water storage in deeper soil layers on the root growth, root distribution and economic yield of cotton in arid area with drip irrigation under mulch].

PubMed

Luo, Hong-Hai; Zhang, Hong-Zhi; Zhang, Ya-Li; Zhang, Wang-Feng

2012-02-01

Taking cotton cultivar Xinluzao 13 as test material, a soil column culture expenment was conducted to study the effects of water storage in deeper (> 60 cm) soil layer on the root growth and its relations with the aboveground growth of the cultivar in arid area with drip irrigation under mulch. Two levels of water storage in 60-120 cm soil layer were installed, i. e., well-watered and no watering, and for each, the moisture content in 0-40 cm soil layer during growth period was controlled at two levels, i.e., 70% and 55% of field capacity. It was observed that the total root mass density of the cultivar and its root length density and root activity in 40-120 cm soil layer had significant positive correlations with the aboveground dry mass. When the moisture content in 0-40 cm soil layer during growth season was controlled at 70% of field capacity, the total root mass density under well-watered and no watering had less difference, but the root length density and root activity in 40-120 cm soil layer under well-watered condition increased, which enhanced the water consumption in deeper soil layer, increased the aboveground dry mass, and finally, led to an increased economic yield and higher water use efficiency. When the moisture content in 0-40 cm soil layer during growth season was controlled at 55% of field capacity and the deeper soil layer was well-watered, the root/shoot ratio and root length density in 40-120 cm soil layer and the root activity in 80-120 cm soil layer were higher, the water consumption in deeper soil layer increased, but it was still failed to adequately compensate for the negative effects of water deficit during growth season on the impaired growth of roots and aboveground parts, leading to a significant decrease in the economic yield, as compared with that at 70% of field capacity. Overall, sufficient water storage in deeper soil layer and a sustained soil moisture level of 65% -75% of field capacity during growth period could promote the downward growth of cotton roots, which was essential for achieving water-saving and high-yielding cultivation of cotton with drip irrigation under mulch.

16 CFR 1220.1 - Scope, compliance dates, and definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...; (iii) Has an interior length dimension either greater than 139.7 cm (55 in.) or smaller than 126.3 cm (49 3/4 in.), or, an interior width dimension either greater than 77.7 cm (305/8 in.) or smaller than... crib—a non-full-size baby crib with an interior length dimension smaller than 126.3 cm (493/4 in.), or...

Needle thoracostomy in the treatment of a tension pneumothorax in trauma patients: what size needle?

PubMed

Zengerink, Imme; Brink, Peter R; Laupland, Kevin B; Raber, Earl L; Zygun, Dave; Kortbeek, John B

2008-01-01

A tension pneumothorax requires immediate decompression using a needle thoracostomy. According to advanced trauma life support guidelines this procedure is performed in the second intercostal space (ICS) in the midclavicular line (MCL), using a 4.5-cm (2-inch) catheter (5-cm needle). Previous studies have shown a failure rate of up to 40% using this technique. Case reports have suggested that this high failure rate could be because of insufficient length of the needle. To analyze the average chest wall thickness (CWT) at the second ICS in the MCL in a trauma population and to evaluate the length of the needle used in needle thoracostomy for emergency decompression of tension pneumothoraces. Retrospective review of major trauma admissions (Injury Severity Score >12) at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Canada, who underwent a computed tomography chest scan admitted in the period from October 2001 until March 2004. Subgroup analysis on men and women, <40 years of age and >/=40 years of age was defined a priori. CWT was measured to the nearest 0.01 cm at the second ICS in the MCL. The mean CWT in the 604 male patients and 170 female patients studied averaged 3.50 cm at the left second ICS MCL and 3.51 cm on the right. The mean CWT was significantly higher for women than men (p < 0.0001). About 9.9% to 19.3% of the men had a CWT >4.5 cm and 24.1% to 35.4% of the women studied. A catheter length of 4.5 cm may not penetrate the chest wall of a substantial amount (9.9%-35.4%) of the population, depending on age and gender. This study demonstrates the need for a variable needle length for relief of a tension pneumothorax in certain population groups to improve effectiveness of needle thoracostomy.

The natural history of penile length after radical prostatectomy: a long-term prospective study.

PubMed

Vasconcelos, Juliana Souza; Figueiredo, Rui Teófilo; Nascimento, Fabio Luis Branco; Damião, Ronaldo; da Silva, Eloisio Alexsandro

2012-12-01

To describe the penile length after radical prostatectomy (RP) in a long-term follow-up. We evaluated prospectively the penile length of 105 patients with localized prostate cancer treated by open RP. Participants using therapy for penile rehabilitation were excluded from statistical analysis. Measurements of the stretched penis were taken preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months postoperatively. The International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) questionnaire was used to evaluate erectile function. The penile anthropometric measure used was the stretched length of the flaccid penis, from the pubopenile skin angle to the end of the glans, after the prepubic fat was depressed under maximum manual traction. The mean stretched penile length 3 months after RP decreased an average of 1 cm from baseline (P <.001). This mean difference persisted until 24 months. At 36 months, the penile length differed 0.6 cm. At 48 months (-0.3 cm) and 60 months (+0.4 cm), the mean differences in penile length before and after RP were not significant (P = .080 and P = .065, respectively). Erectile function was a predictor for early return of penile length. Nearly 1 cm of penile shortening after RP may be expected up to 12 months. However, a trend toward recovery of penile length occurs after 24 months of follow-up and is completely re-established after 48 months. The preserved erectile function after RP is a predictor for penile length recovery. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Effects of tillage practices on root spatial distribution and yield of spring wheat and pea in the dry land farming areas of central Gansu, China].

PubMed

Zhang, Ming Jun; Li, Ling Ling; Xie, Jun Hong; Peng, Zheng Kai; Ren, Jin Hu

2017-12-01

A field experiment was conducted to explore the mechanism of cultivation measures in affecting crop yield by investigating root distribution in spring wheat-pea rotation based on a long-term conservation tillage practices in a farming region of Gansu. The results showed that with the develo-pment of growth period, the total root length, root surface area of spring wheat and pea showed a consistent trend of increase after initial decrease and reached the maximum at flowering stage. Higher root distribution was found in the 0-10 cm soil layer at seedling and 10-30 cm soil layer at flowering and maturity stages in spring wheat, while in the field pea, higher root distribution was found in the 0-10 cm soil layer at seedling and maturity, and in the 10-30 cm soil layer at flowering stages. No tillage with straw mulching and plastic mulching increased the root length and root surface area. Compared with conventional tillage in spring wheat and field pea, root length increased by 35.9% to 92.6%, and root surface area increased by 43.2% to 162.4%, respectively. No tillage with straw mulching and plastic mulching optimized spring wheat and pea root system distribution, compared with conventional tillage, increased spring wheat and field pea root length and root surface area ratio at 0-10 cm depths at the seedling stage, the root distribution at deeper depths increased significantly at flowering and maturity stages, and no tillage with straw mulching increased root length and root surface area ratio by 3.3% and 9.7% respectively, in 30-80 cm soil layer at the flowering stage. The total root length, root surface area and yield had significantly positive correlation for spring wheat in each growth period, and the total root length and pea yield also had significant positive correlation. No tillage with straw mulching and plastic mulching boosted yield of spring wheat and pea by 23.4%-38.7% compared with the conventional tillage, and the water use efficiency was increased by 13.7%-28.5%. It was concluded that no-till farming and straw mulching (plastic) could increase crop root length and root surface area, optimize the spatial distribution of roots in the soil, enhance crop root layer absorption ability, so as to improve crop yield and water utilization.

Accuracy of Jump-Mat Systems for Measuring Jump Height.

PubMed

Pueo, Basilio; Lipinska, Patrycja; Jiménez-Olmedo, José M; Zmijewski, Piotr; Hopkins, Will G

2017-08-01

Vertical-jump tests are commonly used to evaluate lower-limb power of athletes and nonathletes. Several types of equipment are available for this purpose. To compare the error of measurement of 2 jump-mat systems (Chronojump-Boscosystem and Globus Ergo Tester) with that of a motion-capture system as a criterion and to determine the modifying effect of foot length on jump height. Thirty-one young adult men alternated 4 countermovement jumps with 4 squat jumps. Mean jump height and standard deviations representing technical error of measurement arising from each device and variability arising from the subjects themselves were estimated with a novel mixed model and evaluated via standardization and magnitude-based inference. The jump-mat systems produced nearly identical measures of jump height (differences in means and in technical errors of measurement ≤1 mm). Countermovement and squat-jump height were both 13.6 cm higher with motion capture (90% confidence limits ±0.3 cm), but this very large difference was reduced to small unclear differences when adjusted to a foot length of zero. Variability in countermovement and squat-jump height arising from the subjects was small (1.1 and 1.5 cm, respectively, 90% confidence limits ±0.3 cm); technical error of motion capture was similar in magnitude (1.7 and 1.6 cm, ±0.3 and ±0.4 cm), and that of the jump mats was similar or smaller (1.2 and 0.3 cm, ±0.5 and ±0.9 cm). The jump-mat systems provide trustworthy measurements for monitoring changes in jump height. Foot length can explain the substantially higher jump height observed with motion capture.

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography: first-pass arterial enhancement as a function of gadolinium-chelate concentration, and the saline chaser volume and injection rate.

PubMed

Husarik, Daniela B; Bashir, Mustafa R; Weber, Paul W; Nichols, Eli B; Howle, Laurens E; Merkle, Elmar M; Nelson, Rendon C

2012-02-01

To evaluate the effect of the contrast medium (CM) concentration and the saline chaser volume and injection rate on first-pass aortic enhancement characteristics in contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography using a physiologic flow phantom. Imaging was performed on a 3.0-T magnetic resonance system (MAGNETOM Trio, Siemens Healthcare Solutions, Inc, Erlangen, Germany) using a 2-dimensional fast low angle shot T1-weighted sequence (repetition time, 500 milliseconds; echo time, 1.23 milliseconds; flip angle, 8 degrees; 1 frame/s × 60 seconds). The following CM concentrations injected at 2 mL/s were used with 3 different contrast agents (gadolinium [Gd]-BOPTA, Gd-HP-DO3A, Gd-DTPA): 20 mL of undiluted CM (100%) and 80%, 40%, 20%, 10%, 5%, and 2.5% of the full amount, all diluted in saline to a volume of 20 mL to ensure equal bolus volume. The CM was followed by saline chasers of 20 to 60 mL injected at 2 mL/s and 6 mL/s. Aortic signal intensity (SI) was measured, and normalized SI versus time (SI/Tn) curves were generated. The maximal SI (SI(max)), bolus length, and areas under the SI/Tn curve were calculated. Decreasing the CM concentration from 100% to 40% resulted in a decrease of SI(max) to 86.1% (mean). Further decreasing the CM concentration to 2.5% decreased SI(max) to 5.1% (mean). Altering the saline chaser volume had no significant effect on SI(max). Increasing the saline chaser injection rate had little effect (mean increase, 2.2%) on SI(max) when using ≥40% of CM. There was a larger effect (mean increase, 19.6%) when ≤20% of CM were used. Bolus time length was significantly shorter (P < 0.001), and area under the SI/T(n) curve was significantly smaller (P < 0.01) for the CM protocols followed by a saline chaser injected at 6 mL/s compared with a saline chaser injected at 2 mL/s. With 40% of CM and a fast saline chaser, SImax close to that with undiluted CM can be achieved. An increased saline chaser injection rate has a more pronounced effect on aortic enhancement characteristics at lower CM concentrations than at higher CM concentrations.

Performance of juvenile steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) produced from untreated and cryopreserved milt

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hayes, Michael C.; Rubin, Stephen P.; Hensleigh, Jay E.; Reisenbichler, Reginald R.; Wetzel, Lisa A.

2005-01-01

Despite the expanding use of milt cryopreservation in aquaculture, the performance of fish produced from this technique has not been fully explored beyond initial rearing stages. We compared the performance of juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss produced from untreated (UM) and cryopreserved milt (CM) and reared for 4–9 months. For the 1996 brood, CM alevins were heavier (∼ 1.7%, P < 0.01) than UM alevins and length was influenced by a significant milt-by-family interaction (P < 0.03) suggesting a greater treatment effect for some families. No significant differences were found in length or weight (P > 0.05) for 1997 brood alevins and percent yolk was similar for both broods (P > 0.34). In growth and survival experiment I (GSE-I, 1996), UM and CM juveniles reared in separate tanks and fed to satiation (130 days) showed no significant differences in survival, length or weight (P > 0.05) between milt groups. In contrast, for UM and CM siblings reared in the same tank for 210 days on a low food ration (GSE-II), survival was similar (P > 0.05), but length (UM 4% > CM, P < 0.05) and possibly weight (UM 15% > CM, P = 0.08), were influenced by cryopreservation. Fish from the 1997 brood (GSE-III) were reared for 313 days in a repeat of GSE-II and no differences were found in survival (P = 0.47), length (P = 0.75) or weight (P = 0.76) suggesting considerable heterogeneity between broods. Performance of the 1996 brood was also tested for response to stress and a disease challenge. Cortisol responses of juveniles exposed to acute stress were not significantly different (P = 0.19), but mean cortisol was consistently and significantly greater (P < 0.01) for CM than UM fish exposed to a 48-h stress (increased density). After exposure to three dosages of the bacteria, Listonella anguillarum, we found similar mortality proportions (P = 0.72) for UM and CM fish. Variable juvenile performance for the parameters tested indicated significant differences among broods and families and suggests a cautionary approach to the widespread use of cryopreservation for steelhead.

Yields and Nutritional of Greenhouse Tomato in Response to Different Soil Aeration Volume at two depths of Subsurface drip irrigation

PubMed Central

Li, Yuan; Niu, Wenquan; Dyck, Miles; Wang, Jingwei; Zou, Xiaoyang

2016-01-01

This study investigated the effects of 4 aeration levels (varied by injection of air to the soil through subsurface irrigation lines) at two subsurface irrigation line depths (15 and 40 cm) on plant growth, yield and nutritional quality of greenhouse tomato. In all experiments, fruit number, width and length, yield, vitamin C, lycopene and sugar/acid ratio of tomato markedly increased in response to the aeration treatments. Vitamin C, lycopene, and sugar/acid ratio increased by 41%, 2%, and 43%, respectively, in the 1.5 times standard aeration volume compared with the no-aeration treatment. An interaction between aeration level and depth of irrigation line was also observed with yield, fruit number, fruit length, vitamin C and sugar/acid ratio of greenhouse tomato increasing at each aeration level when irrigation lines were placed at 40 cm depth. However, when the irrigation lines were 15 cm deep, the trend of total fruit yields, fruit width, fruit length and sugar/acid ratio first increased and then decreased with increasing aeration level. Total soluble solids and titrable acid decreased with increasing aeration level both at 15 and 40 cm irrigation line placement. When all of the quality factors, yields and economic benefit are considered together, the combination of 40 cm line depth and “standard” aeration level was the optimum combination. PMID:27995970

Factors affecting the separation performance of proteins in capillary electrophoresis.

PubMed

Zhu, Yueping; Li, Zhenqing; Wang, Ping; Shen, Lisong; Zhang, Dawei; Yamaguchi, Yoshinori

2018-04-15

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is an effective tool for protein separation and analysis. Compared with capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE), non-gel sieving capillary electrophoresis (NGSCE) processes the superiority on operation, repeatability and automaticity. Herein, we investigated the effect of polymer molecular weight and concentration, electric field strength, and the effective length of the capillary on the separation performance of proteins, and find that (1) polymer with high molecular weight and concentration favors the separation of proteins, although concentrated polymer hinders its injection into the channel of the capillary due to its high viscosity. (2) The resolution between the adjacent proteins decreases with the increase of electric field strength. (3) When the effective length of the capillary is long, the separation performance improves at the cost of separation time. (4) 1.4% (w/v) hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), 100 V/cm voltage and 12 cm effective length offers the best separation for the proteins with molecular weight from 14,400 Da to 97,400 Da. Finally, we employed the optimal electrophoretic conditions to resolve Lysozyme, Ovalbumin, BSA and their mixtures, and found that they were baseline resolved within 15 min. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Potential of solar-simulator-pumped alexandrite lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deyoung, Russell J.

1990-01-01

An attempt was made to pump an alexandrite laser rod using a Tamarak solar simulator and also a tungsten-halogen lamp. A very low optical laser cavity was used to achieve the threshold minimum pumping-power requirement. Lasing was not achieved. The laser threshold optical-power requirement was calculated to be approximately 626 W/sq cm for a gain length of 7.6 cm, whereas the Tamarak simulator produces 1150 W/sq cm over a gain length of 3.3 cm, which is less than the 1442 W/sq cm required to reach laser threshold. The rod was optically pulsed with 200 msec pulses, which allowed the alexandrite rod to operate at near room temperature. The optical intensity-gain-length product to achieve laser threshold should be approximately 35,244 solar constants-cm. In the present setup, this product was 28,111 solar constants-cm.

SU-F-I-33: Estimating Radiation Dose in Abdominal Fat Quantitative CT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, X; Yang, K; Liu, B

Purpose: To compare size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) in abdominal fat quantitative CT with another dose estimate D{sub size,L} that also takes into account scan length. Methods: This study complied with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. At our institution, abdominal fat CT is performed with scan length = 1 cm and CTDI{sub vol} = 4.66 mGy (referenced to body CTDI phantom). A previously developed CT simulation program was used to simulate single rotation axial scans of 6–55 cm diameter water cylinders, and dose integral of the longitudinal dose profile over the central 1 cm length wasmore » used to predict the dose at the center of one-cm scan range. SSDE and D{sub size,L} were assessed for 182 consecutive abdominal fat CT examinations with mean water-equivalent diameter (WED) of 27.8 cm ± 6.0 (range, 17.9 - 42.2 cm). Patient age ranged from 18 to 75 years, and weight ranged from 39 to 163 kg. Results: Mean SSDE was 6.37 mGy ± 1.33 (range, 3.67–8.95 mGy); mean D{sub size,L} was 2.99 mGy ± 0.85 (range, 1.48 - 4.88 mGy); and mean D{sub size,L}/SSDE ratio was 0.46 ± 0.04 (range, 0.40 - 0.55). Conclusion: The conversion factors for size-specific dose estimate in AAPM Report No. 204 were generated using 15 - 30 cm scan lengths. One needs to be cautious in applying SSDE to small length CT scans. For abdominal fat CT, SSDE was 80–150% higher than the dose of 1 cm scan length.« less

Maternal height and length of gestation: does this impact on preterm labour in Asian women?

PubMed

Chan, Ben Chong-Pun; Lao, Terence Tzu-Hsi

2009-08-01

Both maternal height and ethnicity may influence the gestation length, but their independent effect is unclear. This study was performed to examine the relationship between maternal height and gestational length in women with singleton pregnancies in a Chinese and southeast Asian population. A retrospective cohort study was performed on women carrying singleton pregnancies with spontaneous labour in a 48-month period managed under our department to determine the relationship between maternal height, expressed in quartiles, with the mean gestational age and incidence of preterm labour. Of the 16 384 women who delivered within this period, the 25th, 50th and 75th percentile values of maternal height were 153 cm, 156 cm and 160 cm respectively. Excluded from analysis were 6597 women because of multifetal pregnancy, teenage pregnancy (maternal age < or = 19 years old), induction of labour or elective caesarean section, or incomplete data due to no antenatal booking in our hospital. Significant differences were found in the maternal weight and body mass index, incidences of multiparity and smokers, gestational age and birthweight among the four quartiles. There was significantly increased incidence of preterm birth between 32 and 37 weeks gestation in women with shorter stature. In our population, maternal height has an influence on gestational length, and the lower three quartiles was associated with increased odds of labour at > 32 to < 37 weeks. This effect should be taken into consideration in the adoption of international recommendations in obstetric management and intervention.

Numerical approach to describe complementary drying of banana slices osmotically dehydrated

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Silva Júnior, Aluízio Freire; da Silva, Wilton Pereira; de Farias Aires, Juarez Everton; Farias Aires, Kalina Lígia C. A.

2018-02-01

In this work, diffusion model was used to describe the water loss in the complementary drying process of cylindrical slices of banana pretreated by osmotic dehydration. A numerical solution has been proposed for the diffusion equation in cylindrical coordinates, which was obtained through the Finite Volume Method. The diffusion equation was discretized assuming that the effective water diffusivity and the dimensions of a finite cylinder may vary; also considering the boundary condition of the third kind. The banana slices were cut in length of about 1.00 cm and average radius 1.70 cm before osmotic pretreatment, and completed the pretreatment with length of about 0.74 cm and average radius 1.40 cm. The complementary drying was carried out in a kiln with circulation and air exchange. Drying temperatures were the same as used in the osmotic pretreatment (40 to 70 °C). The proposed model described well the water loss, with good statistical indicators for all fits.

Stick balancing with reflex delay in case of parametric forcing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Insperger, Tamas

2011-04-01

The effect of parametric forcing on a PD control of an inverted pendulum is analyzed in the presence of feedback delay. The stability of the time-periodic and time-delayed system is determined numerically using the first-order semi-discretization method in the 5-dimensional parameter space of the pendulum's length, the forcing frequency, the forcing amplitude, the proportional and the differential gains. It is shown that the critical length of the pendulum (that can just be balanced against the time-delay) can significantly be decreased by parametric forcing even if the maximum forcing acceleration is limited. The numerical analysis showed that the critical stick length about 30 cm corresponding to the unforced system with reflex delay 0.1 s can be decreased to 18 cm with keeping maximum acceleration below the gravitational acceleration.

End-compensated magnetostatic cavity for polarized 3He neutron spin filters.

PubMed

McIver, J W; Erwin, R; Chen, W C; Gentile, T R

2009-06-01

We have expanded upon the "Magic Box" concept, a coil driven magnetic parallel plate capacitor constructed out of mu-metal, by introducing compensation sections at the ends of the box that are tuned to limit end-effects similar to those of short solenoids. This ability has reduced the length of the magic box design without sacrificing any loss in field homogeneity, making the device far more applicable to the often space limited neutron beam line. The appeal of the design beyond affording longer polarized 3He lifetimes is that it provides a vertical guide field, which facilitates neutron spin transport for typical polarized beam experiments. We have constructed two end-compensated magic boxes of dimensions 28.4 x 40 x 15 cm3 (length x width x height) with measured, normalized volume-averaged transverse field gradients ranging from 3.3 x 10(-4) to 6.3 x 10(-4) cm(-1) for cell sizes ranging from 8.1 x 6.0 to 12.0 x 7.9 cm2 (diameter x length), respectively.

Effect of hoof boots and toe-extension shoes on the forelimb kinetics of horses during walking.

PubMed

Amitrano, Fernando N; Gutierrez-Nibeyro, Santiago D; Schaeffer, David J

2016-05-01

OBJECTIVE To determine and compare the effect of hoof boots (HBs) and shoes with a toe extension on stance duration, ground reaction force, and sole length in contact with the ground in nonlame horses during walking. ANIMALS 6 nonlame Standardbreds. PROCEDURES Force plate gait analyses of the forelimbs were performed while the horses were walking barefoot before manipulation of feet (baseline), while the horses were walking fitted with HBs, while the horses were walking shod with toe-extension shoes, and while the horses were walking barefoot after shoe removal. Horses underwent radiography of both forelimb feet to determine the sole length in contact with the ground when barefoot, wearing HBs, and shod with toe-extension shoes. Stance duration, ground reaction force, and sole length were compared among the various walking sessions. RESULTS Compared with baseline findings, stance duration increased significantly when horses were fitted with HBs (7%) or toe-extension shoes (5%). Peak forelimb ground reaction force was similar among walking sessions; however, time of braking force peak was significantly greater during the stance phase only when horses wore HBs. Also, the sole length in contact with the ground was significantly longer in horses fitted with HBs (14.3 cm) or shod with the toe-extension shoes (17.6 cm), compared with that for one of the barefoot hooves (12.7 cm). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In nonlame horses, use of HBs prolonged the stance time and time of braking force peak, which is indicative of a slower deceleration phase during limb impact with the ground. Also, the use of HBs prolonged the deceleration phase of the stride and increased the sole length in contact with the ground.

Biodegradation of toluene by a lab-scale biofilter inoculated with Pseudomonas putida DK-1.

PubMed

Park, D W; Kim, S S; Haam, S; Ahn, I S; Kim, E B; Kim, W S

2002-03-01

The biodegradation of toluene by biofiltration inoculated with Pseudomonas putida DK-1 was investigated with variation of the several environmental parameters, such as temperature, bed length, gas flow rate and optimal humidity zone. The optimal temperature range to treat toluene gas was found to be 32-35 degrees C. Increasing the gas flow rate showed an inverse effect on the elimination capacity and the removal efficiency. The optimal gas flow rate was obtained at 65 ml min(-1) from the relation between the removal efficiency and the elimination capacity. The biodegradation rate of the toluene with respect to the bed lengths (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 cm) increased up to 80 h but was then independent of the bed lengths after 80 h except for the 3 cm bed length. The elimination capacity was improved by about 70% compared with that reported in other literature and was also in agreement with theoretical models.

External hyphal production of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in pasture and tallgrass prairie communities.

PubMed

Miller, R M; Jastrow, J D; Reinhardt, D R

1995-07-01

External hyphae of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi were quantified over a growing season in a reconstructed tallgrass prairie and an ungrazed cool-season pasture. In both sites, hyphal lengths increased throughout the growing season. Peak external hyphal lengths were 111 m cm -3 of soil in the prairie and 81 m cm -3 of soil in the pasture. These hyphal lengths calculate to external hyphal dry weights of 457 μg cm -3 and 339 μg cm -3 of soil for prairie and pasture communities, respectively. The relationships among external hyphal length, root characteristics, soil P and soil moisture were also determined. Measures of gross root morphology [e.g., specific root length (SRL) and root mass] have a strong association with external hyphal length. Over the course of the study, both grassland communities experienced a major drought event in late spring. During this period a reduction in SRL occurred in both the pasture and prairie without a measured reduction in external hyphal length. Recovery for both the pasture and prairie occurred not by increasing SRL, but rather by increasing external hyphal length. This study suggests that growth is coordinated between VAM hyphae and root morphology, which in turn, are constrained by plant community composition and soil nutrient and moisture conditions.

Experimental investigation of the effect of insulator sleeve length on the time to pinch and multipinch formation in the plasma focus facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Momenei, M.; Khodabakhshei, Z.; Panahi, N.; Mohammadi, M. A.

2017-03-01

The length of insulator sleeve is varied to investigate its effect on the pinch formation in the plasma focus facility. In this paper, the effect of insulator length on the time to pinch at various pressures and working voltages in the 1.15 kJ Mather type plasma focus is investigated. The results show that with 4.5 cm insulator length the time to pinch at all pressures is minimum. Other results also confirm that with increasing of pressure the time to pinch is increased. Moreover, with increasing working voltage the time to pinch is decreased. Pictures, captured using a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) Canon EOS 7D system, show that multipinch phenomenon is formed.

Palm top plasma focus device as a portable pulsed neutron source.

PubMed

Rout, R K; Niranjan, Ram; Mishra, P; Srivastava, R; Rawool, A M; Kaushik, T C; Gupta, Satish C

2013-06-01

Development of a palm top plasma focus device generating (5.2 ± 0.8) × 10(4) neutrons∕pulse into 4π steradians with a pulse width of 15 ± 3 ns is reported for the first time. The weight of the system is less than 1.5 kg. The system comprises a compact capacitor bank, a triggered open air spark gap switch, and a sealed type miniature plasma focus tube. The setup is around 14 cm in diameter and 12.5 cm in length. The energy driver for the unit is a capacitor bank of four cylindrical commercially available electrolytic capacitors. Each capacitor is of 2 μF capacity, 4.5 cm in diameter, and 9.8 cm in length. The cost of each capacitor is less than US$ 10. The internal diameter and the effective length of the plasma focus unit are 2.9 cm and 5 cm, respectively. A DC to DC converter power supply powered by two rechargeable batteries charges the capacitor bank to the desired voltage and also provides a trigger pulse of -15 kV to the spark gap. The maximum energy of operation of the device is 100 J (8 μF, 5 kV, 59 kA) with deuterium gas filling pressure of 3 mbar. The neutrons have also been produced at energy as low as 36 J (3 kV) of operation. The neutron diagnostics are carried out with a bank of (3)He detectors and with a plastic scintillator detector. The device is portable, reusable, and can be operated for multiple shots with a single gas filling.

Palm top plasma focus device as a portable pulsed neutron source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rout, R. K.; Niranjan, Ram; Mishra, P.; Srivastava, R.; Rawool, A. M.; Kaushik, T. C.; Gupta, Satish C.

2013-06-01

Development of a palm top plasma focus device generating (5.2 ± 0.8) × 104 neutrons/pulse into 4π steradians with a pulse width of 15 ± 3 ns is reported for the first time. The weight of the system is less than 1.5 kg. The system comprises a compact capacitor bank, a triggered open air spark gap switch, and a sealed type miniature plasma focus tube. The setup is around 14 cm in diameter and 12.5 cm in length. The energy driver for the unit is a capacitor bank of four cylindrical commercially available electrolytic capacitors. Each capacitor is of 2 μF capacity, 4.5 cm in diameter, and 9.8 cm in length. The cost of each capacitor is less than US 10. The internal diameter and the effective length of the plasma focus unit are 2.9 cm and 5 cm, respectively. A DC to DC converter power supply powered by two rechargeable batteries charges the capacitor bank to the desired voltage and also provides a trigger pulse of -15 kV to the spark gap. The maximum energy of operation of the device is 100 J (8 μF, 5 kV, 59 kA) with deuterium gas filling pressure of 3 mbar. The neutrons have also been produced at energy as low as 36 J (3 kV) of operation. The neutron diagnostics are carried out with a bank of 3He detectors and with a plastic scintillator detector. The device is portable, reusable, and can be operated for multiple shots with a single gas filling.

Quantitative Infrared Image Analysis Of Simultaneous Upstream and Downstream Microgravity Flame Spread over Thermally-Thin Cellulose in Low Speed Forced Flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olson, S. L.; Lee, J. R.; Fujita, O.; Kikuchi, M.; Kashiwagi, T.

2013-01-01

The effect of low velocity forced flow on microgravity flame spread is examined using quantitative analysis of infrared video imaging. The objective of the quantitative analysis is to provide insight into the mechanisms of flame spread in microgravity where the flame is able to spread from a central location on the fuel surface, rather than from an edge. Surface view calibrated infrared images of ignition and flame spread over a thin cellulose fuel were obtained along with a color video of the surface view and color images of the edge view using 35 mm color film at 2 Hz. The cellulose fuel samples were mounted in the center of a 12 cm wide by 16 cm tall flow duct and were ignited in microgravity using a straight hot wire across the center of the 7.5 cm wide by 14 cm long samples. Four cases, at 1 atm. 35%O2 in N2, at forced flows from 2 cm/s to 20 cm/s are presented here. This flow range captures flame spread from strictly upstream spread at low flows, to predominantly downstream spread at high flow. Surface temperature profiles are evaluated as a function of time, and temperature gradients for upstream and downstream flame spread are measured. Flame spread rates from IR image data are compared to visible image spread rate data. IR blackbody temperatures are compared to surface thermocouple readings to evaluate the effective emissivity of the pyrolyzing surface. Preheat lengths and pyrolysis lengths are evaluated both upstream and downstream of the central ignition point. A surface energy balance estimates the net heat flux from the flame to the fuel surface along the length of the fuel. Surface radiative loss and gas-phase radiation from soot are measured relative to the net heat feedback from the flame. At high surface heat loss relative to heat feedback, the downstream flame spread does not occur.

GATE Simulations of Small Animal SPECT for Determination of Scatter Fraction as a Function of Object Size

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konik, Arda; Madsen, Mark T.; Sunderland, John J.

2012-10-01

In human emission tomography, combined PET/CT and SPECT/CT cameras provide accurate attenuation maps for sophisticated scatter and attenuation corrections. Having proven their potential, these scanners are being adapted for small animal imaging using similar correction approaches. However, attenuation and scatter effects in small animal imaging are substantially less than in human imaging. Hence, the value of sophisticated corrections is not obvious for small animal imaging considering the additional cost and complexity of these methods. In this study, using GATE Monte Carlo package, we simulated the Inveon small animal SPECT (single pinhole collimator) scanner to find the scatter fractions of various sizes of the NEMA-mouse (diameter: 2-5.5 cm , length: 7 cm), NEMA-rat (diameter: 3-5.5 cm, length: 15 cm) and MOBY (diameter: 2.1-5.5 cm, length: 3.5-9.1 cm) phantoms. The simulations were performed for three radionuclides commonly used in small animal SPECT studies:99mTc (140 keV), 111In (171 keV 90% and 245 keV 94%) and 125I (effective 27.5 keV). For the MOBY phantoms, the total Compton scatter fractions ranged (over the range of phantom sizes) from 4-10% for 99mTc (126-154 keV), 7-16% for 111In (154-188 keV), 3-7% for 111In (220-270 keV) and 17-30% for 125I (15-45 keV) including the scatter contributions from the tungsten collimator, lead shield and air (inside and outside the camera heads). For the NEMA-rat phantoms, the scatter fractions ranged from 10-15% (99mTc), 17-23% 111In: 154-188 keV), 8-12% (111In: 220-270 keV) and 32-40% (125I). Our results suggest that energy window methods based on solely emission data are sufficient for all mouse and most rat studies for 99mTc and 111In. However, more sophisticated methods may be needed for 125I.

Does smooth muscle in an intact airway undergo length adaptation during a sustained change in transmural pressure?

PubMed

Ansell, Thomas K; McFawn, Peter K; McLaughlin, Robert A; Sampson, David D; Eastwood, Peter R; Hillman, David R; Mitchell, Howard W; Noble, Peter B

2015-03-01

In isolated airway smooth muscle (ASM) strips, an increase or decrease in ASM length away from its current optimum length causes an immediate reduction in force production followed by a gradual time-dependent recovery in force, a phenomenon termed length adaptation. In situ, length adaptation may be initiated by a change in transmural pressure (Ptm), which is a primary physiological determinant of ASM length. The present study sought to determine the effect of sustained changes in Ptm and therefore, ASM perimeter, on airway function. We measured contractile responses in whole porcine bronchial segments in vitro before and after a sustained inflation from a baseline Ptm of 5 cmH2O to 25 cmH2O, or deflation to -5 cmH2O, for ∼50 min in each case. In one group of airways, lumen narrowing and stiffening in response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) were assessed from volume and pressure signals using a servo-controlled syringe pump with pressure feedback. In a second group of airways, lumen narrowing and the perimeter of the ASM in situ were determined by anatomical optical coherence tomography. In a third group of airways, active tension was determined under isovolumic conditions. Both inflation and deflation reduced the contractile response to EFS. Sustained Ptm change resulted in a further decrease in contractile response, which returned to baseline levels upon return to the baseline Ptm. These findings reaffirm the importance of Ptm in regulating airway narrowing. However, they do not support a role for ASM length adaptation in situ under physiological levels of ASM lengthening and shortening. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Racial/ethnic variations in perineal length and association with perineal lacerations: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Yeaton-Massey, Amanda; Wong, Luchin; Sparks, Teresa N; Handler, Stephanie J; Meyer, Michelle R; Granados, Jesus M; Stasenko, Marina; Sit, Anita; Caughey, Aaron B

2015-02-01

To examine the association between race/ethnicity, perineal length and the risk of perineal laceration. This is a prospective cohort study of a diverse group of women with singleton gestations in the third trimester of pregnancy. Perineal length was measured and mean values calculated for several racial/ethnic groups. Chi-squared analyses were used to examine rates of severe perineal laceration (third or fourth degree laceration) by race/ethnicity among women considered to have a short perineal length. Further, subgroup analyses were performed comparing nulliparas to multiparas. Among 344 study participants, there was no statistically significant difference in mean perineal length by race/ethnicity (White 4.0 ± 1.1 cm, African-American 3.7 ± 1.0 cm, Latina 4.1 ± 1.1 cm, Asian 3.8 ± 1.0 cm, and other/unknown 4.0 ± 0.9 cm). Considering parity, more multiparous Asian and African-American women had a short perineal length (20.7 and 23.5%, respectively, p = 0.05). Finally, the rate of severe perineal lacerations in our cohort was 2.6% overall, but was 8.2% among Asian women (p = 0.04). We did not find a relationship between short perineal length and risk of severe perineal laceration with vaginal delivery, or a difference in mean perineal length by maternal race/ethnicity. However, we did find that women of different racial/ethnic groups have varying rates of severe perineal laceration, with Asian women comprising the highest proportion.

Leg length, sitting height, and body proportions references for achondroplasia: New tools for monitoring growth.

PubMed

Del Pino, Mariana; Ramos Mejía, Rosario; Fano, Virginia

2018-04-01

Achondroplasia is the most common form of inherited disproportionate short stature. We report leg length, sitting height, and body proportion curves for achondroplasia. Seven centile format of sitting height, leg length, sitting height/leg length ratio, sitting height/height ratio, and head circumference/height ratio were estimated by the LMS method. The Q-test was applied to assess the goodness of fit. For comparison, centiles of sitting height and leg length were graphed using Argentine national growth references for achondroplasia and non-achondroplasia populations. The sample consisted of 342 children with achondroplasia (171 males, 171 females) aged 0-18 years. The median (interquartile range) number of measurements per child was 6 (3, 12) for sitting height and 8 (3, 13) for head circumference. Median leg length increased from 14 cm at age 1 week to 44 and 40 cm (males and females, respectively) in achondroplasia adolescents which is 3.5 cm shorter than non-achondroplasia children at age 1 week and, 38 cm shorter at adolescence. Median sitting height increased from 34 cm at birth to 86 and 81 in adolescents' boys and girls respectively, only 5 cm shorter than non-achondroplasia children. Sitting height/leg length decreased from 2.61 at birth to approximately 1.90 at adolescent. Median head circumference/height ratio decreased from 0.79 at birth to 0.46 at 18 years in both sexes. Growth of lower limbs is affected early in life and becomes more noticeable throughout childhood. The disharmonic growth between the less affected trunk and the severely affected limbs determine body disproportion in achondroplasia. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Microdose acquisition in adolescent leg length discrepancy using a low-dose biplane imaging system.

PubMed

Jensen, Janni; Mussmann, Bo R; Hjarbæk, John; Al-Aubaidi, Zaid; Pedersen, Niels W; Gerke, Oke; Torfing, Trine

2017-09-01

Background Children with leg length discrepancy often undergo repeat imaging. Therefore, every effort to reduce radiation dose is important. Using low dose preview images and noise reduction software rather than diagnostic images for length measurements might contribute to reducing dose. Purpose To compare leg length measurements performed on diagnostic images and low dose preview images both acquired using a low-dose bi-planar imaging system. Material and Methods Preview and diagnostic images from 22 patients were retrospectively collected (14 girls, 8 boys; mean age, 12.8 years; age range, 10-15 years). All images were anonymized and measured independently by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Three sets of measurements were performed on all images; the mechanical axis lines of the femur and the tibia as well as the anatomical line of the entire extremity. Statistical significance was tested with a paired t-test. Results No statistically significant difference was found between measurements performed on the preview and on the diagnostic image. The mean tibial length difference between the observers was -0.06 cm (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.12 to 0.01) and -0.08 cm (95% CI, -0.21 to 0.05), respectively; 0.10 cm (95% CI, 0.02-0.17) and 0.06 cm (95% CI, -0.02 to 0.14) for the femoral measurements and 0.12 cm (95% CI, -0.05 to 0.26) and 0.08 cm (95% CI, -0.02 to 0.19) for total leg length discrepancy. ICCs were >0.99 indicating excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability. Conclusion The data strongly imply that leg length measurements performed on preview images from a low-dose bi-planar imaging system are comparable to measurements performed on diagnostic images.

A Novel Concept of Amino Acid Supplementation to Improve the Growth of Young Malnourished Male Rats.

PubMed

Furuta, Chie; Murakami, Hitoshi

2018-01-01

This study was aimed at understanding the relationship between plasma amino acids and protein malnutrition and at determining whether amino acid supplementation associated with malnutrition and growth improves linear growth in growing rats. Body length and plasma amino acids were measured in young male rats that were fed the following diet for 3 weeks, mimicking a low and imbalanced protein diets based on maize, a major staple consumed in developing countries: a 70% calorically restricted cornmeal-based diet (C), C + micronutrients (CM), CM + casein (CMC), CM + soy protein (CMS) or CMS + 0.3% lysine. A correlation analysis of linear growth and plasma amino acids indicated that lysine, tryptophan, branched-chain amino acids, methionine, and phenylalanine significantly correlated with body length. Supplementation with these 5 amino acids (AA1) significantly improved the body length in rats compared to CMC treatment whereas, nitrogen-balanced amino acid supplemented controls (AA2) did not (CM +1.2 ± 0.2, CMC +2.7 ± 0.3, CMS +2.1 ± 0.3, AA1 +2.8 ± 0.2, and AA2 +2.5 ± 0.3 cm). With securing proper amino acid balance, supplementing growth-related amino acids is more effective in improving linear growth in malnourished growing male rats. Analysis of the correlation between plasma amino acids and growth represents a powerful tool to determine candidate amino acids for supplementation to prevent malnutrition. This technology is adaptable to children in developing countries. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

WE-AB-207B-10: On Spinal Nerve Toxicity from Single-Session SAbR in Pigs and the Translation of Small Animal NTCP Models

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hrycushko, B; Medin, P

Purpose: The incidence of peripheral neuropathy has risen with increased utilization of SAbR. There is no consensus regarding the dose-tolerance of the peripheral nervous system. In 2015, we commenced an investigation to test the hypotheses that single-session irradiation to the pig spinal nerves exhibit a similar dose-tolerance as that of the spinal cord and that a dose-length effect exists. This work evaluates the direct application of small animal NTCP models to both large animal spinal cord and preliminary peripheral nerve data. Methods: To date, 16 of 25 Yucatan minipigs have received single-session SAbR to a 1.5cm length and 4 ofmore » 25 have received irradiation to a 0.5cm length of left-sided C6-C8 spinal nerves. Toxicity related gait change has been observed in 13 animals (9 from the long length group and 4 from the short). This preliminary data is overlaid on several dose-response models which have been fit to rodent spinal cord tolerance experiments. Model parameters define a toxicity profile between a completely serial or parallel behaving organ. Adequacy of model application, including how length effects are handled, to published minipig spinal cord dose-response data and to preliminary peripheral nerve response data was evaluated through residual analysis. Results: No rodent-derived dose-response models were directly applicable to all pig data for the different lengths irradiated. Several models fit the long-length irradiated spinal cord data well, with the more serial-like models fitting best. Preliminary data on the short-length irradiation suggests no length effect exists, disproving our hypothesis. Conclusion: Direct application of small-animal NTCP models to pig data suggests dose-length effect predictions from small animal data may not translate clinically. However, the small animal models used have not considered dose heterogeneity and it is expected that including the low-to-mid dose levels in the penumbral region will improve this match. This work was funded by the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).« less

Approximate sample sizes required to estimate length distributions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miranda, L.E.

2007-01-01

The sample sizes required to estimate fish length were determined by bootstrapping from reference length distributions. Depending on population characteristics and species-specific maximum lengths, 1-cm length-frequency histograms required 375-1,200 fish to estimate within 10% with 80% confidence, 2.5-cm histograms required 150-425 fish, proportional stock density required 75-140 fish, and mean length required 75-160 fish. In general, smaller species, smaller populations, populations with higher mortality, and simpler length statistics required fewer samples. Indices that require low sample sizes may be suitable for monitoring population status, and when large changes in length are evident, additional sampling effort may be allocated to more precisely define length status with more informative estimators. ?? Copyright by the American Fisheries Society 2007.

Mars - VLA observations of the northern hemisphere and the north polar region at wavelengths of 2 and 6 cm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rudy, Donald J.; Muhleman, Duane O.; Berge, Glenn L.; Jakosky, Bruce M.; Christensen, Philip R.

1987-01-01

Calculations based on 2- and 6-cm observations of Mars with the A configuration of the VLA have yielded a whole-disk effective dielectric constant of 2.34 + or - 0.05, implying a subsurface density of 1.24 + or - 0.11 g/cu cm at 2 cm, as well as 1.45 + or - 0.10 g/cu cm effective density and 2.70 + or - 0.10 dielectric constant at 6 cm. These parameters have also been estimated as a function of latitude over the 15 deg S - 60 deg N range; subsurface radio absorption length was estimated to be about 15 wavelengths at most of these latitudes. Most of the subsurface density calculations yielded results in the 1-2-g/cu cm range, implying that the subsurface is not very different from the surface observed by Viking and Mariner spacecraft; the decrease in correlation with depth is in keeping with slow variation of the subsurface in the near-subsurface region.

Do parental heights influence pregnancy length?: a population-based prospective study, HUNT 2

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The objective of this study was to examine the association of maternal and paternal height with pregnancy length, and with the risk of pre- and post-term birth. In addition we aimed to study whether cardiovascular risk factors could explain possible associations. Methods Parents who participated in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT 2; 1995–1997) were linked to offspring data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (1997–2005). The main analyses included 3497 women who had delivered 5010 children, and 2005 men who had fathered 2798 pregnancies. All births took place after parental participation in HUNT 2. Linear regression was used to estimate crude and adjusted differences in pregnancy length according to parental heights. Logistic regression was used to estimate crude and adjusted associations of parental heights with the risk of pre- and post-term births. Results We found a gradual increase in pregnancy length by increasing maternal height, and the association was essentially unchanged after adjustment for maternal cardiovascular risk factors, parental age, offspring sex, parity, and socioeconomic measures. When estimated date of delivery was based on ultrasound, the difference between mothers in the lower height quintile (<163 cm cm) and mothers in the upper height quintile (≥ 173 cm) was 4.3 days, and when estimated date of delivery was based on last menstrual period (LMP), the difference was 2.8 days. Shorter women (< 163 cm) had lower risk of post-term births, and when estimated date of delivery was based on ultrasound they also had higher risk of pre-term births. Paternal height was not associated with pregnancy length, or with the risks of pre- and post-term births. Conclusions Women with shorter stature had shorter pregnancy length and lower risk of post-term births than taller women, and when EDD was based on ultrasound, they also had higher risk of preterm births. The effect of maternal height was generally stronger when pregnancy length was based on second trimester ultrasound compared to last menstrual period. The association of maternal height with pregnancy length could not be explained by cardiovascular risk factors. Paternal height was neither associated with pregnancy length nor with the risk of pre- and post-term birth. PMID:23383756

The effects of the length of rain boots on balance during treadmill walking

PubMed Central

Yang, Hee-Ra; Kim, Mi-Kyoung; Yoo, Kyung-Tae

2015-01-01

[Purpose] Effects of muscle fatigue on lower-extremity balance were evaluated in 12 healthy young women in their 20s while they walked on a treadmill wearing rain boots of different lengths. [Methods] The rain boots were divided into three groups based on the shaft length (Long, Middle, Short). Romberg’s test was applied and limits of stability were measured before and after treadmill walking. [Results] Romberg’s test showed a significant main effect for time. There were significant differences between the center of gravity area, length, and velocity when the eyes were open and the center of gravity length, velocity, and length/cm2 when the eyes were closed. Changes in the limits of stability also showed a significant main effect of time. There were significant differences in pre-test and post-test values in the left, right, forward, and total directions. [Conclusion] It was found that muscle fatigue in the lower extremities generated by walking in rain boots affected the joints and the adjuster muscles, depending on shaft lengths. Compensation due to visual feedback and the length of the boot shaft affected movement of the distal joints, resulting in a reduced ability to balance. PMID:26644688

Tolerability and efficacy of newly developed penile injection of cross-linked dextran and polymethylmethacrylate mixture on penile enhancement: 6 months follow-up.

PubMed

Yang, D Y; Lee, W K; Kim, S C

2013-05-01

Cross-linked dextran and polymethylmethacrylate mixture (Lipen-10) is newly developed tissue filler. The purpose of this study was to evaluate tolerability and efficacy of Lipen-10 on penile enhancement. Twenty adult males were included in this study. Lipen-10 was injected into the subcutaneous tissue of the penile shaft. The penile girth and length were measured in the flaccid state, before and 1, 3 and 6 months after the injection. The circumference increased by 3.7±1.2 cm (50.8%, P<0.0001) at penile base, 4.2±0.9 cm (59.0%, P<0.001) at mid-shaft, and 3.8±1.0 cm (53.2%, P<0.0001) at distal shaft and the length increased by 2.3±1.4 cm (63.2%, P<0.001). There was, however, no significant difference between 3 and 6 months post-treatment in girth and length (P-values: 0.796, 0.498, 0.600 and 0.084 for penile base, mid- and distal-shaft and length, respectively). The complications were only one mild asymmetry of penile shape and one 5-mm-sized nodule in the injected site. There were no clinically significant adverse events in all subjects. Penile injection of Lipen-10 led to a significant increase in penile size, showed a good durability and was well-tolerated, without serious adverse events. These results suggest that penile injection of Lipen-10 may be a new effective method for penile enhancement.

Predicting paddlefish roe yields using an extension of the Beverton–Holt equilibrium yield-per-recruit model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Colvin, M.E.; Bettoli, Phillip William; Scholten, G.D.

2013-01-01

Equilibrium yield models predict the total biomass removed from an exploited stock; however, traditional yield models must be modified to simulate roe yields because a linear relationship between age (or length) and mature ovary weight does not typically exist. We extended the traditional Beverton-Holt equilibrium yield model to predict roe yields of Paddlefish Polyodon spathula in Kentucky Lake, Tennessee-Kentucky, as a function of varying conditional fishing mortality rates (10-70%), conditional natural mortality rates (cm; 9% and 18%), and four minimum size limits ranging from 864 to 1,016mm eye-to-fork length. These results were then compared to a biomass-based yield assessment. Analysis of roe yields indicated the potential for growth overfishing at lower exploitation rates and smaller minimum length limits than were suggested by the biomass-based assessment. Patterns of biomass and roe yields in relation to exploitation rates were similar regardless of the simulated value of cm, thus indicating that the results were insensitive to changes in cm. Our results also suggested that higher minimum length limits would increase roe yield and reduce the potential for growth overfishing and recruitment overfishing at the simulated cm values. Biomass-based equilibrium yield assessments are commonly used to assess the effects of harvest on other caviar-based fisheries; however, our analysis demonstrates that such assessments likely underestimate the probability and severity of growth overfishing when roe is targeted. Therefore, equilibrium roe yield-per-recruit models should also be considered to guide the management process for caviar-producing fish species.

Reproductive biology of the two deep-sea chimaerids, longnose spookfish (Harriotta raleighana) and Pacific spookfish (Rhinochimaera pacifica)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finucci, B.; Dunn, M. R.; Jones, E. G.; Anderson, J.

2017-02-01

The family Rhinochimaeridae, the long-nose chimaerids, consists of eight species across three genera, two of which occur in New Zealand waters. Very little is known about the biology of the rhinochimaerids. Longnose spookfish, (Harriotta raleighana, Goode and Bean, 1895), and Pacific spookfish, (Rhinochimaera pacifica,Mitsukuri, 1895), were collected from research trawl surveys and by commercial fishing vessels around New Zealand at depths between 400 and 1300 m. A total of 300 H. raleighana were caught which varied in length from 18.7 to 90.4 cm chimaera length (CL), and 168 R. pacifica at lengths of 20.9-139.9 cm CL. External assessment of male claspers and female gonad mass and oviducal gland width were the best indicators for maturity. Both species matured at a large proportion of their maximum length. Length at maturity was estimated at 62.8 cm CL and 75.8 cm CL for male and female H. raleighana respectively, and 105.3 cm CL and 125.0 cm CL for male and female R. pacifica. Fecundity was low and measured up to 27 eggs for H. raleighana, and 31 eggs for R. pacifica. Sperm storage was confirmed in females of both species. Sexual dimorphism in snout length was found in H. raleighana, where male relative snout size increased at sexual maturity, suggesting the snout is a secondary sexual characteristic. This study contributes to a better understanding of the life histories of H. raleighana and R. pacifica and their vulnerability to exploitation as fisheries bycatch.

Effect of high-pitch dual-source CT to compensate motion artifacts: a phantom study.

PubMed

Farshad-Amacker, Nadja A; Alkadhi, Hatem; Leschka, Sebastian; Frauenfelder, Thomas

2013-10-01

To evaluate the potential of high-pitch, dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) for compensation of motion artifacts. Motion artifacts were created using a moving chest/cardiac phantom with integrated stents at different velocities (from 0 to 4-6 cm/s) parallel (z direction), transverse (x direction), and diagonal (x and z direction combined) to the scanning direction using standard-pitch (SP) (pitch = 1) and high-pitch (HP) (pitch = 3.2) 128-detector DSCT (Siemens, Healthcare, Forchheim, Germany). The scanning parameters were (SP/HP): tube voltage, 120 kV/120 kV; effective tube current time product, 300 mAs/500 mAs; and a pitch of 1/3.2. Motion artifacts were analyzed in terms of subjective image quality and object distortion. Image quality was rated by two blinded, independent observers using a 4-point scoring system (1, excellent; 2, good with minor object distortion or blurring; 3, diagnostically partially not acceptable; and 4, diagnostically not acceptable image quality). Object distortion was assessed by the measured changes of the object's outer diameter (x) and length (z) and a corresponding calculated distortion vector (d) (d = √(x(2) + z(2))). The interobserver agreement was excellent (k = 0.91). Image quality using SP was diagnostically not acceptable with any motion in x direction (scores 3 and 4), in contrast to HP DSCT where it remained diagnostic up to 2 cm/s (scores 1 and 2). For motion in the z direction only, image quality remained diagnostic for SP and HP DSCT (scores 1 and 2). Changes of the object's diameter (x), length (z), and distortion vectors (d) were significantly greater with SP (overall: x = 1.9 cm ± 1.7 cm, z = 0.6 cm ± 0.8 cm, and d = 1.4 cm ± 1.5 cm) compared to HP DSCT (overall: x = 0.1 cm ± 0.1 cm, z = 0.0 cm ± 0.1 cm, and d = 0.1 cm ± 0.1 cm; each P < .05). High-pitch DSCT significantly decreases motion artifacts in various directions and improves image quality. Copyright © 2013 AUR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Life-stages, exploitation status and habitat use of Lutjanus goreensis (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) in coastal marine environments of Lagos, SW Nigeria.

PubMed

Kafayat, A Fakoya; Martins, A Anetekhai; Shehu, L Akintola; Abdulwakil, O Sabal; Abass, Mikhail A

2015-03-01

The Gorean snapper, Lutanus goreensis is an important component of artisanal fisheries and trawl landings in the Gulf of Guinea. Despite its economic importance, there is a dearth of information on size structure and life history strategies of the species. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to provide baseline data on the life stages, exploitation status and habitat use for the species in Nigeria. Monthly samples were obtained from artisanal and trawl catches in Five Cowrie Creek and Lagos coastal waters between December 2008 and December 2010, respectively. Length-frequency distributions of the fishes caught were analysed to provide preliminary information on mean and modal lengths at capture and life-history strategies based on habitat use and estuarine-dependency for L. goreensis. A total of 822 specimens of L. goreensis were collected from Five Cowrie Creek while 377 specimens were collected from Lagos coastal waters. Total length varied between 7.90-34.90 cm for creek samples and from 21.90-56.10 cm for marine samples. Length-frequency histograms showed polymodal size distributions in creek and marine samples. Length-frequency distributions of L. goreensis showed a high abundance ofjuveniles (<20 cm) and sub-adults (20-35 cm) which accounted for 84.1% and 68.4% of creek and marine samples examined, respectively. For the creek samples, fish in modal length class of 13.00-13.99 cm were the most exploited while in the marine samples, length classes of 29.00-30.99 cm and 31.00-32.99cm constituted the most frequently exploited fishes. Increase in total lengths from the creek (mean +/- SD; 16.19 +/- 3.73 cm) to the marine habitat samples (32.89 +/- 6.14 cm) indicated ontogenetic shift in habitat use. Occurrence of a predominant juvenile population in Five Cowrie Creek by L. goreensis suggests estuarine-dependency and is indicative of a temporary juvenile habitat or a migratory corridor. In conclusion, data from the presently reported study and previous studies demonstrated that juvenile L. goreensis displays estuarine dependency and habitat flexibility. Hence, this underscores the importance of preserving estuarine environments as essential fish habitats to prevent overfishing. The study also concludes that the species is vulnerable to recruitment overfishing in the marine environment especially as a consequence of shrimping. Consequently, it advocates for ban on all fishing activities during peak spawning periods in breeding grounds and shrimp ground assemblage.

Palm top plasma focus device as a portable pulsed neutron source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rout, R. K.; Niranjan, Ram; Srivastava, R.

2013-06-15

Development of a palm top plasma focus device generating (5.2 {+-} 0.8) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 4} neutrons/pulse into 4{pi} steradians with a pulse width of 15 {+-} 3 ns is reported for the first time. The weight of the system is less than 1.5 kg. The system comprises a compact capacitor bank, a triggered open air spark gap switch, and a sealed type miniature plasma focus tube. The setup is around 14 cm in diameter and 12.5 cm in length. The energy driver for the unit is a capacitor bank of four cylindrical commercially available electrolytic capacitors. Each capacitor is ofmore » 2 {mu}F capacity, 4.5 cm in diameter, and 9.8 cm in length. The cost of each capacitor is less than US$ 10. The internal diameter and the effective length of the plasma focus unit are 2.9 cm and 5 cm, respectively. A DC to DC converter power supply powered by two rechargeable batteries charges the capacitor bank to the desired voltage and also provides a trigger pulse of -15 kV to the spark gap. The maximum energy of operation of the device is 100 J (8 {mu}F, 5 kV, 59 kA) with deuterium gas filling pressure of 3 mbar. The neutrons have also been produced at energy as low as 36 J (3 kV) of operation. The neutron diagnostics are carried out with a bank of {sup 3}He detectors and with a plastic scintillator detector. The device is portable, reusable, and can be operated for multiple shots with a single gas filling.« less

Heat dissipation sensors of variable length for the measurement of sap flow in trees with deep sapwood.

PubMed

James, Shelley A; Clearwater, Michael J; Meinzer, Frederick C; Goldstein, Guillermo

2002-03-01

Robust thermal dissipation sensors of variable length (3 to 30 cm) were developed to overcome limitations to the measurement of radial profiles of sap flow in large-diameter tropical trees with deep sapwood. The effective measuring length of the custom-made sensors was reduced to 1 cm at the tip of a thermally nonconducting shaft, thereby minimizing the influence of nonuniform sap flux density profiles across the sapwood. Sap flow was measured at different depths and circumferential positions in the trunks of four trees at the Parque Natural Metropolitano canopy crane site, Panama City, Republic of Panama. Sap flow was detected to a depth of 24 cm in the trunks of a 1-m-diameter Anacardium excelsum (Bertero & Balb. ex Kunth) Skeels tree and a 0.65-m-diameter Ficus insipida Willd. tree, and to depths of 7 cm in a 0.34-m-diameter Cordia alliodora (Ruiz & Pav.) Cham. trunk, and 17 cm in a 0.47-m-diameter Schefflera morototoni (Aubl.) Maguire, Steyerm. & Frodin trunk. Sap flux density was maximal in the outermost 4 cm of sapwood and declined with increasing sapwood depth. Considerable variation in sap flux density profiles was observed both within and among the trees. In S. morototoni, radial variation in sap flux density was associated with radial variation in wood properties, particularly vessel lumen area and distribution. High variability in radial and circumferential sap flux density resulted in large errors when measurements of sap flow at a single depth, or a single radial profile, were used to estimate whole-plant water use. Diurnal water use ranged from 750 kg H2O day-1 for A. excelsum to 37 kg H2O day-1 for C. alliodora.

Plantar fascia coronal length: a new parameter for plantar fascia assessment.

PubMed

Sari, Ahmet Sinan; Demircay, Emre; Cakmak, Gokhan; Sahin, M Sukru; Tuncay, I Cengiz; Altun, Suleyman

2015-01-01

The effects of gender and various anthropometric variables were previously reported as significant predictors of plantar fascia thickness. Although a strong correlation between either the body weight or body mass index (BMI) and plantar fascia thickness were not demonstrated, a moderate relation was stated. We retrospectively investigated the role of gender, height, weight, and body mass index on plantar fascia thickness at the calcaneal origin (PFCO) and 1 cm distal from the calcaneal origin (PF1cm) and the coronal length of the plantar fascia at the calcaneal origin (CLPF) in healthy subjects. The PFCO, PF1cm, and CLPF were retrospectively measured from magnetic resonance images of 100 healthy subjects. The gender, height, weight, and body mass index of the participants were also noted. Gender was a predictive factor for the length of the CLPF. The subjects with a BMI >25 kg/m(2) had a significantly greater PFCO, PF1cm, and CLPF. Height was mildly and BMI and weight were moderately related to the PFCO. However the CLPF showed a better correlation with height, BMI, and weight than that of plantar fascia thickness. CLPF better reflected the role of weight, BMI, and height than its thickness. It is a new parameter that could be valuable in the evaluation of plantar fascia disorders. Copyright © 2015 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Experimental and numerical investigations of effect of column length on retardation factor determination: a case study of cesium transport in crushed granite.

PubMed

Li, Ming-Hsu; Wang, Tsing-Hai; Teng, Shi-Ping

2009-02-15

This study investigated breakthrough curves (BTCs) from a series of column experiments, including different column lengths and flow rates, of a conservative tracer, tritium oxide (HTO), and a radionuclide, cesium, in crushed granite using a reactive transport model. Results of the short column, with length of 2cm, showed an underestimation of the retardation factor and the corresponding HTO BTCs cannot be successfully modeled even with overestimated fluid dispersivity. Column supporting elements, including filters and rings, on both ends of packed granite were shown to be able to induce additional dispersive mixing, thus significantly affecting BTCs of short columns while those of the long column, with length of 8cm, were less affected. By increasing flow rates from 1mL/min to 5mL/min, the contribution of structural dispersive mixing to the false tilting of short column BTCs still cannot be detached. To reduce the influence of structural dispersivity on BTCs, the equivalent pore volume of column supporting materials should be much smaller than that of packed porous medium. The total length of column supporting structures should be greatly shorter than that of porous medium column.

Micropropagation and assessment of genetic fidelity of Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) nees using RAPD and ISSR markers.

PubMed

Goyal, Arvind Kumar; Pradhan, Sushen; Basistha, Bharat Chandra; Sen, Arnab

2015-08-01

Dendrocalamus strictus popularly known as 'Male bamboo' is a multipurpose bamboo which is extensively utilized in pharmaceutical, paper, agricultural and other industrial implements. In this study, in vitro regeneration of D. strictus through nodal culture has been attempted. Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with 4 mg/l BAP was found to be most effective in shoot regeneration with 3.68 ± 0.37 shoots per explant. The effect of Kn was found to be moderate. These hormones also had considerable effect on the shoot length. The highest shoot length after 6 weeks (3.11 ± 0.41 cm) was noted with 5 mg/l BAP followed by 3.07 ± 0.28 cm with 5 mg/l Kn, while decrease in the shoot length was noted with other treatments. The effect of IBA and NAA individually or in combination at different concentrations on rooting was evaluated. The highest number of root (1.36 ± 0.04) was regenerated on full-strength MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/l NAA, while maximum length of 1.64 ± 0.03 cm of roots was recorded with combination of 1 mg/l IBA and 3 mg/l NAA. Tissue-cultured plants thus obtained were successfully transferred to the soil. The clonal fidelity among the in vitro-regenerated plantlets was assessed by RAPD and ISSR markers. The ten RAPD decamers produced 58 amplicons, while nine ISSR primers generated a total of 66 bands. All the bands generated were monomorphic. These results confirmed the clonal fidelity of the tissue culture-raised D. strictus plantlets and corroborated the fact that nodal culture is perhaps the safest mode for multiplication of true to type plants.

Efficient Carrier Multiplication in Colloidal Silicon Nanorods

DOE PAGES

Stolle, Carl Jackson; Lu, Xiaotang; Yu, Yixuan; ...

2017-08-01

In this study, auger recombination lifetimes, absorption cross sections, and the quantum yields of carrier multiplication (CM), or multiexciton generation (MEG), were determined for solvent-dispersed silicon (Si) nanorods using transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS). Nanorods with an average diameter of 7.5 nm and aspect ratios of 6.1, 19.3, and 33.2 were examined. Colloidal Si nanocrystals of similar diameters were also studied for comparison. The nanocrystals and nanorods were passivated with organic ligands by hydrosilylation to prevent surface oxidation and limit the effects of surface trapping of photoexcited carriers. All samples used in the study exhibited relatively efficient photoluminescence. The Auger lifetimesmore » increased with nanorod length, and the nanorods exhibited higher CM quantum yield and efficiency than the nanocrystals with a similar band gap energy E g. Beyond a critical length, the CM quantum yield decreases. Finally, nanorods with the aspect ratio of 19.3 had the highest CM quantum yield of 1.6 ± 0.2 at 2.9E g, which corresponded to a multiexciton yield that was twice as high as observed for the spherical nanocrystals.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stolle, Carl Jackson; Lu, Xiaotang; Yu, Yixuan

In this study, auger recombination lifetimes, absorption cross sections, and the quantum yields of carrier multiplication (CM), or multiexciton generation (MEG), were determined for solvent-dispersed silicon (Si) nanorods using transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS). Nanorods with an average diameter of 7.5 nm and aspect ratios of 6.1, 19.3, and 33.2 were examined. Colloidal Si nanocrystals of similar diameters were also studied for comparison. The nanocrystals and nanorods were passivated with organic ligands by hydrosilylation to prevent surface oxidation and limit the effects of surface trapping of photoexcited carriers. All samples used in the study exhibited relatively efficient photoluminescence. The Auger lifetimesmore » increased with nanorod length, and the nanorods exhibited higher CM quantum yield and efficiency than the nanocrystals with a similar band gap energy E g. Beyond a critical length, the CM quantum yield decreases. Finally, nanorods with the aspect ratio of 19.3 had the highest CM quantum yield of 1.6 ± 0.2 at 2.9E g, which corresponded to a multiexciton yield that was twice as high as observed for the spherical nanocrystals.« less

16 CFR 500.12 - Measurement of commodities by length and width, how expressed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... square foot (929 cm2) be expressed in terms of length and width in linear measure. The customary inch... of 1 square foot (929 cm2) or more, but less than 4 square feet (37.1 dm2), be expressed in terms of... in square inches with length and width expressed in the largest whole unit (yard or foot) with any...

16 CFR 500.12 - Measurement of commodities by length and width, how expressed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... square foot (929 cm2) be expressed in terms of length and width in linear measure. The customary inch... of 1 square foot (929 cm2) or more, but less than 4 square feet (37.1 dm2), be expressed in terms of... in square inches with length and width expressed in the largest whole unit (yard or foot) with any...

16 CFR 500.12 - Measurement of commodities by length and width, how expressed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... square foot (929 cm2) be expressed in terms of length and width in linear measure. The customary inch... of 1 square foot (929 cm2) or more, but less than 4 square feet (37.1 dm2), be expressed in terms of... in square inches with length and width expressed in the largest whole unit (yard or foot) with any...

16 CFR 500.12 - Measurement of commodities by length and width, how expressed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... square foot (929 cm2) be expressed in terms of length and width in linear measure. The customary inch... of 1 square foot (929 cm2) or more, but less than 4 square feet (37.1 dm2), be expressed in terms of... in square inches with length and width expressed in the largest whole unit (yard or foot) with any...

Anthropometry in Klinefelter syndrome--multifactorial influences due to CAG length, testosterone treatment and possibly intrauterine hypogonadism.

PubMed

Chang, Simon; Skakkebæk, Anne; Trolle, Christian; Bojesen, Anders; Hertz, Jens Michael; Cohen, Arieh; Hougaard, David Michael; Wallentin, Mikkel; Pedersen, Anders Degn; Østergaard, John Rosendahl; Gravholt, Claus Højbjerg

2015-03-01

Klinefelter syndrome, 47, XXY (KS), is underdiagnosed partly due to few clinical signs complicating identification of affected individuals. Certain phenotypic traits are common in KS. However, not all aspects of the KS phenotype are well described. To describe anthropometry and body composition in KS and relate findings to biochemistry and X-chromosome related genetic markers. Seventy three KS males referred to our clinic and 73 age-matched controls underwent comprehensive measurements of anthropometry and body composition in a cross-sectional, case-controlled study. Furthermore, genetic analysis for parental origin of the supernumerary X-chromosome, skewed X-chromosome inactivation and androgen receptor (AR) CAG repeat length was done. Anthropometry and body composition in KS and the effect of genotype hereon. KS males were taller (absolute difference: 5.1 cm, P < .001) with longer legs (5.7 cm, P < .001) compared with controls. Furthermore, 2D:4D was increased in KS males (relative effect size: Cohen's d = 0.40), reflecting reduced fetal testosterone exposure. Also, bi-iliac width (0.41), waist (0.52), and hip circumference (0.47) (P < .02 for all), as well as total fat mass (0.74), abdominal fat mass (0.67), and total body fat percentage (0.84) was increased in KS males (P < .001 for all), while bitesticular volume was reduced (4.6). AR CAG repeat length was comparable in KS and controls, and among KS CAG correlated to arm length (P = .04), arm span (P = .01), and leg length (P = .04). Effects of parental origin of the supernumerary X-chromosome and skewed X-chromosome inactivation were negligible. Anthropometry and body composition in KS is specific and dysmorphic and affected by AR CAG repeat length and decreased exposure to testosterone already during fetal life.

Injuries and Illnesses of Vietnam War POWs Revisited: 2. Army Risk Factors

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-12

concerning symptoms and conditions which occurred during captivity (as described in the history section of the IMEF). Berg and Richlin emphasized...evaluated the effects of captivity from the perspective of ICD9-CM diagnostic categories (i.e., systems level). From this perspective, the relationship...included age at time of captivity , length of captivity (months), length of solitary confinement (weeks), self-reported captivity medical problems

Injuries and Illnesses of Vietnam War POWs Revisited: I. Navy Risk Factors

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-05

concerning symptoms and conditions which occurred during captivity (as described in the history section of the IMEF). Berg and Richlin emphasized...individual diagnoses, we evaluated the effects of captivity from the perspective of ICD9-CM diagnostic categories (i.e., systems level). From this...These risk factors included age at time of captivity , length of captivity (months), length of solitary confinement (weeks), self-reported captivity

Injuries and Illnesses of Vietnam War POWs Revisited: 3. Marine Corps Risk Factors

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-12

also presented concerning symptoms and conditions which occurred during captivity (as described in the history section of the IMEF). Berg and...diagnoses, we evaluated the effects of captivity from the perspective of ICD9-CM diagnostic categories (i.e., systems level). From this perspective...risk factors included age at time of captivity , length of captivity (months), length of solitary confinement (weeks), self-reported captivity

NASA-STD-6001B Test 1 Upward Flame Propagation; Sample Length Impact on MOC Investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harper, Susana Tapia; Juarez, Alfredo; Woods, Brenton L.; Beeson, Harold D.

2017-01-01

Understanding the combustion behavior of materials in the elevated oxygen environments of habitable spacecraft is of utmost importance to crew safety and mission success. Currently, certification for unrestricted flight usage of a material with respect to flammability involves passing the Upward Flame Propagation Test of NASA-STD-6001B (Test 1). This test evaluates materials in a standardized test configuration for two failure criteria: self-extinguishment within 15 cm (6 in.) and the propensity of flame propagation by means of flaming material transfer. By the NASA standard, full-length samples are 30 cm (12 in.) in length; however, factors independent of the test method such as limited material availability or various nonstandard test configurations limit the full pretest sample lengths available for test. This paper characterizes the dependence, if any, of pretest sample length on NASA-STD-6001B Test 1 results. Testing was performed using the Maximum Oxygen Concentration (MOC) Threshold Method to obtain a data set for each sample length tested. In addition, various material types, including cloth (Nomex), foam (TA-301) and solids (Ultem), were tested to investigate potential effects of test specimen types. Though additional data needs to be generated to provide statistical confidence, preliminary findings are that use of variable sample lengths has minimal impact on NASA-STD-6001B flammability performance and MOC determination.

A statistical model that predicts the length from the left subclavian artery to the celiac axis; towards accurate intra aortic balloon sizing.

PubMed

Parissis, Haralabos; Soo, Alan; Leotsinidis, Michalis; Dougenis, Dimitrios

2011-08-09

Ideally the length of the Intraaortic balloon membrane (22-27.5 cm) should match to the distance from the left subclavian artery (LSA) to the celiac axis (CA), (LSA - CA). By being able to estimate this distance, better guidance regarding IABP sizing could be recommended. Internal aortic lengths and demographic values were collected from a series of 40 cadavers during autopsy. External somatometric measurements were also obtained.There were 23 males and 17 females. The mean age was 73.1+/-13.11 years, weight 56.75+/-12.51 kg and the height 166+/-9.81 cm. Multiple regression analysis revealed the following predictor variables (R2 > 0.70) for estimating the length from LSA to CA: height (standardized coefficient (SRC) = 0.37, p = 0.004), age (SRC = 0.35, p < 0.001), sex (SRC = 0.21, p = 0.088) and the distance from the jugular notch to trans-pyloric plane (SRC = 0.61, p < 0.001). If LSA-CA < 21.9 cm use 34 cc IABP & if LSA-CA > 26.3 cm use 50 cc IABP. However if LSA-CA = 21.9- 26.3 cm use 40 cc, but be aware that it could be "aortic length-balloon membrane length" mismatching. Routinely, IABP size selection is being dictated by the patient's height. Inevitably, this leads to pitfalls. We reported a mathematical model of accurate intraaortic balloon sizing, which is easy to be applied and has a high predictive value.

High-performance a-IGZO thin-film transistor with conductive indium-tin-oxide buried layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahn, Min-Ju; Cho, Won-Ju

2017-10-01

In this study, we fabricated top-contact top-gate (TCTG) structure of amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) with a thin buried conductive indium-tin oxide (ITO) layer. The electrical performance of a-IGZO TFTs was improved by inserting an ITO buried layer under the IGZO channel. Also, the effect of the buried layer's length on the electrical characteristics of a-IGZO TFTs was investigated. The electrical performance of the transistors improved with increasing the buried layer's length: a large on/off current ratio of 1.1×107, a high field-effect mobility of 35.6 cm2/Vs, a small subthreshold slope of 116.1 mV/dec, and a low interface trap density of 4.2×1011 cm-2eV-1 were obtained. The buried layer a-IGZO TFTs exhibited enhanced transistor performance and excellent stability against the gate bias stress.

Dorsal Phalloplasty to Preserve Penis Length after Penile Prosthesis Implantation

PubMed Central

Shaeer, Osama; Shaeer, Kamal; Rahman, Islam A.

2017-01-01

Objectives Following penile prosthesis implantation (PPI), patients may complain of a decrease in visible penis length. A dorsal phalloplasty defines the penopubic junction by tacking pubic skin to the pubis, revealing the base of the penis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a dorsal phalloplasty in increasing the visible penis length following PPI. Methods An inflatable penile prosthesis was implanted in 13 patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) at the Kamal Shaeer Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, from January 2013 to May 2014. During the surgery, nonabsorbable tacking sutures were used to pin the pubic skin to the pubis through the same penoscrotal incision. Intraoperative penis length was measured before and after the dorsal phalloplasty. Overall patient satisfaction was measured on a 5-point rating scale and patients were requested to subjectively compare their postoperative penis length with memories of their penis length before the onset of ED. Results Intraoperatively, the dorsal phalloplasty increased the visible length of the erect penis by an average of 25.6%. The average length before and after tacking was 10.2 ± 2.9 cm and 13.7 ± 2.8 cm, respectively (P <0.002). Postoperatively, seven patients (53.8%) reported a longer penis, five patients (38.5%) reported no change in length and one patient (7.7%) reported a slightly shorter penis. The mean overall patient satisfaction score was 4.9 ± 0.3. None of the patients developed postoperative complications. Conclusion A dorsal phalloplasty during PPI is an effective method of increasing visible penis length, therefore minimising the impression of a shorter penis after implantation. PMID:28417025

Phototherapy of Barrett's esophagus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kenneth K.; Gutta, Kumar; Laukka, Mark A.

1994-07-01

Barrett's esophagus is a common premalignant disease. The aim of this study is to determine if low dose photodynamic therapy is capable of ablating Barrett's epithelium allowing regrowth of normal squamous mucosa. Methods: Patients with specialized Barrett's esophagus of at least 3 cm length were given 1.5-1.75 mg/kg of hematoporphyrin derivative intravenously. After 48 hours, esophagoscopy and videotaping of the Barrett's was performed. A 1.0-1.5 cm cylindrical diffusing fiber delivered light of 630 nm in a dose of 150-200 J/cm using a tunable dye laser at a power of 400 mW/cm. Following entry, patients were placed on omeprazole 20 mg/day for six months. Results: Twelve patients (8 men) mean age of 62 +/- 4 have had repeat endoscopy performed at 25 +/- 2 weeks following entry. The Barrett's segment length decreased from 8+/- 1 to 5+/- 1 cm after PDT (p < 0.01) with a corresponding change in the appearance and location of the squamocolumnar junction. Six (50%) of the patients had a 4 cm or more decrease in the length of their Barrett's esophagus with normal squamous mucosa on biopsy. Adverse events included transient odynophagia, minor sunburn, and transient chest pain. Conclusions: Photodynamic therapy of Barrett's esophagus can cause a regression in length of the Barrett's segment with replacement by normal squamous epithelium.

Development of a clinical algorithm for treating urethral strictures based on a large retrospective single-center cohort

PubMed Central

Tolkach, Yuri; Herrmann, Thomas; Merseburger, Axel; Burchardt, Martin; Wolters, Mathias; Huusmann, Stefan; Kramer, Mario; Kuczyk, Markus; Imkamp, Florian

2017-01-01

Aim: To analyze clinical data from male patients treated with urethrotomy and to develop a clinical decision algorithm. Materials and methods: Two large cohorts of male patients with urethral strictures were included in this retrospective study, historical (1985-1995, n=491) and modern cohorts (1996-2006, n=470). All patients were treated with repeated internal urethrotomies (up to 9 sessions). Clinical outcomes were analyzed and systemized as a clinical decision algorithm. Results: The overall recurrence rates after the first urethrotomy were 32.4% and 23% in the historical and modern cohorts, respectively. In many patients, the second procedure was also effective with the third procedure also feasible in selected patients. The strictures with a length ≤ 2 cm should be treated according to the initial length. In patients with strictures ≤ 1 cm, the second session could be recommended in all patients, but not with penile strictures, strictures related to transurethral operations or for patients who were 31-50 years of age. The third session could be effective in selected cases of idiopathic bulbar strictures. For strictures with a length of 1-2 cm, a second operation is possible for the solitary low-grade bulbar strictures, given that the age is > 50 years and the etiology is not post-transurethral resection of the prostate. For penile strictures that are 1-2 cm, urethrotomy could be attempted in solitary but not in high-grade strictures. Conclusions: We present data on the treatment of urethral strictures with urethrotomy from a single center. Based on the analysis, a clinical decision algorithm was suggested, which could be a reliable basis for everyday clinical practice. PMID:28529689

Determination of Nitrate Carry-Over on Bytac(registered) Strips Via Capillary Electrophoresis

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-19

Beckman Coulter P/ ACE MDQ capillary electrophoresis instrument. A 60 cm long (10 cm effective length), 75 µm i.d. bare fused-silica capillary was used...the separation. Due to the high concentration of the BGE, electroosmotic flow (EOF) is significantly reduced allowing for the application of a...bromide) are not seen in the electropherogram due to the reversed polarity; electroosmotic flow suppression is sufficient to cause the ammonium and

Burst Speed of Wild Fishes under High-Velocity Flow Conditions Using Stamina Tunnel with Natural Guidance System in River

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izumi, Mattashi; Yamamoto, Yasuyuki; Yataya, Kenichi; Kamiyama, Kohhei

Swimming experiments were conducted on wild fishes in a natural guidance system stamina tunnel (cylindrical pipe) installed in a fishway of a local river under high-velocity flow conditions (tunnel flow velocity : 211 to 279 cm·s-1). In this study, the swimming characteristics of fishes were observed. The results show that (1) the swimming speeds of Tribolodon hakonensis (Japanese dace), Phoxinus lagowshi steindachneri (Japanese fat-minnow), Plecoglossus altivelis (Ayu), and Zacco platypus (Pale chub) were in proportion to their body length under identical water flow velocity conditions; (2) the maximum burst speed of Japanese dace and Japanese fat-minnow (measuring 4 to 6 cm in length) was 262 to 319 cm·s-1 under high flow velocity conditions (225 to 230 cm·s-1), while the maximum burst speed of Ayu and Pale chub (measuring 5 cm to 12 cm in length) was 308 to 355 cm·s-1 under high flow velocity conditions (264 to 273 cm·s-1) ; (3) the 50cm-maximum swimming speed of swimming fishes was 1.07 times faster than the pipe-swimming speed; (4) the faster the flow velocity, the shorter the swimming distance became.

Scaling behavior of fully spin-coated TFT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondal, Sandip; Kumar, Arvind; Rao, K. S. R. Koteswara; Venkataraman, V.

2017-05-01

We studied channel scaling behavior of fully spin coated, low temperature solution processed thin film transistor (TFT) fabricated on p++ - Si (˜1021 cm-3) as bottom gate. The solution processed, spin coated 40 nm thick amorphous Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (a-IGZO) and 50 nm thick amorphous zirconium di-oxide (a-ZrO2) has been used as channel and low leakage dielectric at 350°C respectively. The channel scaling effect of the TFT with different width/length ratio (W/L= 2.5, 5 and 15) for same channel length (L = 10 μm) has been demonstrated. The lowest threshold voltage (Vth) is 6.25 V for the W/L=50/10. The maximum field effect mobility (μFE) has been found to be 0.123 cm2/Vs from W/L of 50/10 with the drain to source voltage (VD) of 10V and 20V gate to source voltage (VG). We also demonstrated that there is no contact resistance effect on the mobility of the fully sol-gel spin coated TFT.

Electromigration Critical Product to Measure Effect of Underfill Material in Suppressing Bi Segregation in Sn-58Bi Solder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xu; Takaya, Satoshi; Muraoka, Mikio

2017-08-01

Recently, we detected length-dependent electromigration (EM) behavior in Sn-58Bi (SB) solder and revealed the existence of Bi back-flow, which retards EM-induced Bi segregation and is dependent on solder length. The cause of the back-flow is attributed to an oxide layer formed on the SB solder. At present, underfill (UF) material is commonly used in flip-chip packaging as filler between chip and substrate to surround solder bumps. In this study, we quantitatively investigated the effect of UF material as a passivation layer on EM in SB solder strips. EM tests on SB solder strips with length of 50 μm, 100 μm, and 150 μm were conducted simultaneously. Some samples were coated with commercial thermosetting epoxy UF material, which acted as a passivation layer on the Cu-SB-Cu interconnections. The value of the critical product for SB solder was estimated to be 38 A/cm to 43 A/cm at 353 K to 373 K without UF coating and 59 A/cm at 373 K with UF coating. The UF material acting as a passivation layer suppressed EM-induced Bi segregation and increased the threshold current density by 37% to 55%. However, at very high current density, this effect became very slight. In addition, Bi atoms can diffuse to the anode side through the Sn phase, hence addition of microelements to the Sn phase to form obstacles, such as intermetallic compounds, may retard Bi segregation in SB solder.

Genome-wide association study reveals genetic architecture of coleoptile length in wheat.

PubMed

Li, Genqiao; Bai, Guihua; Carver, Brett F; Elliott, Norman C; Bennett, Rebecca S; Wu, Yanqi; Hunger, Robert; Bonman, J Michael; Xu, Xiangyang

2017-02-01

Eight QTL for coleoptile length were identified in a genome-wide association study on a set of 893 wheat accessions, four of which are novel loci. Wheat cultivars with long coleoptiles are preferred in wheat-growing regions where deep planting is practiced. However, the wide use of gibberellic acid (GA)-insensitive dwarfing genes, Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b, makes it challenging to breed dwarf wheat cultivars with long coleoptiles. To understand the genetic basis of coleoptile length, we performed a genome-wide association study on a set of 893 landraces and historical cultivars using 5011 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Structure analysis revealed four subgroups in the association panel. Association analysis results suggested that Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b genes significantly reduced coleoptile length, and eight additional quantitative trait loci (QTL) for coleoptile length were also identified. These QTL explained 1.45-3.18 and 1.36-3.11% of the phenotypic variation in 2015 and 2016, respectively, and their allelic substitution effects ranged from 0.31 to 1.75 cm in 2015, and 0.63-1.55 cm in 2016. Of the eight QTL, QCL.stars-1BS1, QCL.stars-2DS1, QCL.stars-4BS2, and QCL.stars-5BL1 are likely novel loci for coleoptile length. The favorable alleles in each accession ranged from two to eight with an average of 5.8 at eight loci in the panel, and more favorable alleles were significantly associated with longer coleoptile, suggesting that QTL pyramiding is an effective approach to increase wheat coleoptile length.

The Effect of Commonly Performed Exercises on the Levator Hiatus Area and the Length and Strength of Pelvic Floor Muscles in Postpartum Women.

PubMed

Siff, Lauren N; Hill, Audra J; Walters, Samantha J; Walters, Ginny; Walters, Mark D

2018-05-02

The aim oft his study was to compare the effects of 10 common exercises to traditional pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions (Kegel) on levator hiatus (LH) area and PFM length and strength. This is a cross-sectional study of 15 healthy postpartum women. Ten exercises were studied. These were common variations of leg, core, and back exercises used in yoga, Pilates, strength training, and physical therapy. Each participant performed all 10 exercises at a single visit in 2 examination settings: transperineal ultrasound and perineometry. Ultrasound measured the LH area and PFM length, and perineometry measured the muscle strength (peak squeeze pressure). Kegel generates an increase in squeeze pressure (24.3 cm H2O), shortens the muscles (-0.46 cm) and narrows the LH (-0.13 cm). The bird-dog and plank exercises were not different from Kegel in any measurement. While the leg-lift ultrasound dimensions are similar to Kegel, leg lifts generated peak squeeze pressures stronger than any other exercise (including Kegel). Whereas ultrasound dimensions were similar to Kegel, tucked and untucked squats and thigh adductions generated weaker contractions than Kegel. While crunch generated a squeeze pressure similar to Kegel, the ultrasound dimensions showed a significantly wider LH and longer muscle than Kegel. Bridge, clam, and plié exercises affected the PFMs differently than Kegel in all measures. Bird-dog, plank, and leg-lift exercises should be evaluated as alternative exercises to Kegel as they affect PFM strength and length and LH area similarly to Kegel, and leg lifts generate a stronger contraction than Kegel.

Effects of hurricane-felled tree trunks on soil carbon, nitrogen, microbial biomass, and root length in a wet tropical forest

Treesearch

D. Jean Lodge; Dirk Winter; Grizelle Gonzalez; Naomi Clum

2016-01-01

Decaying coarse woody debris can affect the underlying soil either by augmenting nutrients that can be exploited by tree roots, or by diminishing nutrient availability through stimulation of microbial nutrient immobilization. We analyzed C, N, microbial biomass C and root length in closely paired soil samples taken under versus 20–50 cm away from large trunks of two...

Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15,521 men.

PubMed

Veale, David; Miles, Sarah; Bramley, Sally; Muir, Gordon; Hodsoll, John

2015-06-01

To systematically review and create nomograms of flaccid and erect penile size measurements. Study key eligibility criteria: measurement of penis size by a health professional using a standard procedure; a minimum of 50 participants per sample. samples with a congenital or acquired penile abnormality, previous surgery, complaint of small penis size or erectile dysfunction. Synthesis methods: calculation of a weighted mean and pooled standard deviation (SD) and simulation of 20,000 observations from the normal distribution to generate nomograms of penis size. Nomograms for flaccid pendulous [n = 10,704, mean (SD) 9.16 (1.57) cm] and stretched length [n = 14,160, mean (SD) 13.24 (1.89) cm], erect length [n = 692, mean (SD) 13.12 (1.66) cm], flaccid circumference [n = 9407, mean (SD) 9.31 (0.90) cm], and erect circumference [n = 381, mean (SD) 11.66 (1.10) cm] were constructed. Consistent and strongest significant correlation was between flaccid stretched or erect length and height, which ranged from r = 0.2 to 0.6. relatively few erect measurements were conducted in a clinical setting and the greatest variability between studies was seen with flaccid stretched length. Penis size nomograms may be useful in clinical and therapeutic settings to counsel men and for academic research. © 2014 The Authors. BJU International © 2014 BJU International.

Radiation Genetics in Wheat, VI

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

MATSUMURA, Seiji

1961-01-01

The thermal and fast neutron irradiations of dormant seeds of Triticum monococcum flavescens were conducted in the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute's Nuclear Reactor, JRR-1, and in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's accelerator (14 Mev), respectively. The higher the dosage of the thermal and fast neutrons, the more delayed were germination and growth of seedlings. The seeds were almost uniformly injured in each treatment. There was almost no germination at 37.5 x 10 12 n th/cm 2 of thermal neutrons and at 5 krad fast neutrons. Even at about 30 x 10 12 n th/cm 2 and at 2.5 kradmore » the seedlings did not grow and died in early stage. Also the higher the dosage, the more reduced were survival rate, height of mature plants, and seed fertility. The frequency of chromosome aberrations and chlorophyll and other mutations increased with the increase of dosage, as expected. In comparison with the resuils obtained from x and gamma-irradiations, 1 r equivalent effects of x rays are produced by about 2 x 10 9 n th/cm 2 of thermal neutrons for seedling length and seed fertility. Also the 1 r equivalent effects correspond roughly to those of the order of 10 n th/cm 2 for chromosome aberrations and chlorophyll mutations. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of fast neutrons to x rays was found to be for germination rate 4, for seedling length 10, for seed fertility 12, for chromosome aberrations 8, and for chlorophyll mutations 10.« less

SU-E-T-579: Impact of Cylinder Size in High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDRBT) for Primary Cancer in the Vagina

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, H; Gopalakrishnan, M; Lee, P

2014-06-01

Purpose: To evaluate the dosimetric impact of cylinder size in high dose rate Brachytherapy for primary vaginal cancers. Methods: Patients treated with HDR vaginal vault radiation in a list of cylinders ranging from 2.5 to 4 cm in diameter at 0.5 cm increment were analyzed. All patients’ doses were prescribed at the 0.5 cm from the vaginal surface with different treatment lengths. A series of reference points were created to optimize the dose distribution. The fraction dose was 5.5 Gy, the treatment was repeated for 4 times in two weeks. A cylinder volume was contoured in each case according tomore » the prescribed treatment length, and then expanded to 5 mm to get a volume Cylinder-5mm-exp. A volume of PTV-Eval was obtained by subtracting the cylinder volume from the Cylinder-5mm-exp. The shell volume, PTV-Eval serves as the target volume for dosimetric evaluation. Results: DVH curves and average doses of PTV-Eval were obtained. Our results indicated that the DVH curves shifted toward higher dose side when larger cylinder was used instead of smaller ones. When 3.0 cm cylinder was used instead of 2.5 cm, for 3.0 cm treatment length, the average dose only increased 1%, from 790 to 799 cGy. However, the average doses for 3.5 and 4 cm cylinders respectively are 932 and 1137 cGy at the same treatment length. For 5.0 cm treatment length, the average dose is 741 cGy for 2.5 cm cylinder, and 859 cGy for 3 cm cylinder. Conclusion: Our data analysis suggests that for the vaginal intracavitary HDRBT, the average dose is at least 35% larger than the prescribed dose in the studied cases; the size of the cylinder will impact the dose delivered to the target volume. The cylinder with bigger diameter tends to deliver larger average dose to the PTV-Eval.« less

Management of fibular hemimelia using the Ilizarov method at Siriraj Hospital in Thailand.

PubMed

Unprasert, Prangthong; Kaewpornsawan, Kamolporn; Chotigavanichaya, Chatupon; Eamsobhana, Perajit

2014-09-01

Fibular hemimelia is one of the most common congenital longitudinal bone deficiencies. Previous treatment protocols called for amputation of the deficient limb; while others made attempts to save the limb. The objective of treatment is to restore function and achieve patient satisfaction. The authors evaluated the outcomes of the Ilizarov technique for the treatment of leg-length discrepancy and bone associated deformities in patients with fibular hemimelia. The present study also evaluated and assessed complications, knee and ankle function, and patient satisfaction with the treatment. Nine patients with fibular hemimelia who underwent tibial lengthening using the Ilizarov method were reviewed in the present study. Initial condition data, including age, gender type offibular hemimelia, initial limb-length discrepancy, predicted limb-length discrepancy, and the data were collected and analyzed. Activity level, patient satisfaction, complications, and residual leg-length discrepancy were assessed at the end of treatment. According to Achterman and Kalamchi classification, there were 4 patients with Type IA, 3 patients with Type IB, and 2 patients with Type II. In Type IA, the affected leg-length discrepancy and mean age at the initial treatment were 3.25 cm and 7.75 years, respectively. In type IB, the affected leg-length discrepancy and mean age at the initial treatment were 5.83 cm and 4.3 years, respectively. In Type II, the affected leg-length discrepancy and mean age at the initial treatment were 5.5 cm and 5 years, respectively. The mean follow-up was 5 years (range: 7-10). The mean lengthening was 7.52 cm (range: 4-13). The lengthening index was 1.28 mo/cm. The mean residual leg-length discrepancy was 0.94 cm. There was ankle joint stiffness and mild equinous foot in type II cases, but patients could walk well without gait aid. No patients were experiencing pain by the end of treatment. All patients expressed satisfaction with this technique. The Ilizarov technique for bone lengthening of the tibia has shown satisfactory results in the treatment of all types of congenital fibular hemimelia and should be considered an attractive alternative to amputation, as measureable functional improvement can be expected.

Effects of maternal omega-3 fatty acids supplementation during pregnancy/lactation on body composition of the offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Li, Gai-Ling; Chen, Hui-Jian; Zhang, Wan-Xia; Tong, Qiang; Yan, You-E

2017-08-10

The effect of maternal omega-3 fatty acids intake on the body composition of the offspring is unclear. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to confirm the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation during pregnancy and/or lactation on body weight, body length, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat mass and sum of skinfold thicknesses of offspring. Human intervention studies were selected by a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and references of related reviews and studies. Randomized controlled trials of maternal omega-3 fatty acids intake during pregnancy or lactation for offspring's growth were included. The data were analyzed with RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0. Effect sizes were presented as weighted mean differences (WMD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Twenty-six studies comprising 10,970 participants were included. Significant increases were found in birth weight (WMD = 42.55 g, 95% CI: 21.25, 63.85) and waist circumference (WMD = 0.35 cm, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.67) in the omega-3 fatty acids group. There were no effects on birth length (WMD = 0.09 cm, 95% CI: -0.03, 0.21), postnatal length (WMD = 0.13 cm, 95% CI: -0.11, 0.36), postnatal weight (WMD = 0.04 kg, 95% CI: -0.07, 0.14), BMI (WMD = 0.09, 95% CI: -0.05, 0.23), the sum of skinfold thicknesses (WMD = 0.45 mm, 95% CI: -0.30, 1.20), fat mass (WMD = 0.05 kg, 95% CI: -0.01, 0.11) and the percentage of body fat (WMD = 0.04%, 95% CI: -0.38, 0.46). This meta-analysis showed that maternal omega-3 fatty acids supplementation can increase offspring's birth weight and postnatal waist circumference. However, it did not appear to influence children's birth length, postnatal weight/length, BMI, sum of skinfold thicknesses, fat mass and the percentage of body fat during postnatal period. Larger, well-designed studies are recommended to confirm this conclusion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

A methodology for direct quantification of over-ranging length in helical computed tomography with real-time dosimetry.

PubMed

Tien, Christopher J; Winslow, James F; Hintenlang, David E

2011-01-31

In helical computed tomography (CT), reconstruction information from volumes adjacent to the clinical volume of interest (VOI) is required for proper reconstruction. Previous studies have relied upon either operator console readings or indirect extrapolation of measurements in order to determine the over-ranging length of a scan. This paper presents a methodology for the direct quantification of over-ranging dose contributions using real-time dosimetry. A Siemens SOMATOM Sensation 16 multislice helical CT scanner is used with a novel real-time "point" fiber-optic dosimeter system with 10 ms temporal resolution to measure over-ranging length, which is also expressed in dose-length-product (DLP). Film was used to benchmark the exact length of over-ranging. Over-ranging length varied from 4.38 cm at pitch of 0.5 to 6.72 cm at a pitch of 1.5, which corresponds to DLP of 131 to 202 mGy-cm. The dose-extrapolation method of Van der Molen et al. yielded results within 3%, while the console reading method of Tzedakis et al. yielded consistently larger over-ranging lengths. From film measurements, it was determined that Tzedakis et al. overestimated over-ranging lengths by one-half of beam collimation width. Over-ranging length measured as a function of reconstruction slice thicknesses produced two linear regions similar to previous publications. Over-ranging is quantified with both absolute length and DLP, which contributes about 60 mGy-cm or about 10% of DLP for a routine abdominal scan. This paper presents a direct physical measurement of over-ranging length within 10% of previous methodologies. Current uncertainties are less than 1%, in comparison with 5% in other methodologies. Clinical implantation can be increased by using only one dosimeter if codependence with console readings is acceptable, with an uncertainty of 1.1% This methodology will be applied to different vendors, models, and postprocessing methods--which have been shown to produce over-ranging lengths differing by 125%.

Long-Term Effects of Liming on Health and Growth of a Masson Pine Stand Damaged by Soil Acidification in Chongqing, China

PubMed Central

Li, Zhiyong; Wang, Yanhui; Liu, Yuan; Guo, Hao; Li, Tao; Li, Zhen-Hua; Shi, Guoan

2014-01-01

In the last decades, the Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) forests in Chongqing, southwest China, have increasingly declined. Soil acidification was believed to be an important cause. Liming is widely used as a measure to alleviate soil acidification and its damage to trees, but little is known about long-term effects of liming on the health and growth of declining Masson pine forests. Soil chemical properties, health condition (defoliation and discoloration), and growth were evaluated following application of limestone powder (0 (unlimed control), 1, 2, 3, and 4 t ha−1) in an acidified and declining Masson pine stand at Tieshanping (TSP) of Chongqing. Eight years after liming, in the 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm mineral soil layers, soil pH values, exchangeable calcium (Ca) contents, and Ca/Al molar ratios increased, but exchangeable aluminum (Al) levels decreased, and as a result, length densities of living fine roots of Masson pine increased, with increasing dose. Mean crown defoliation of Masson pines (dominant, codominant and subdominant pines, according to Kraft classes 1–3) decreased with increasing dose, and it linearly decreased with length densities of living fine roots. However, Masson pines (Kraft classes 1–3) in all treatments showed no symptoms of discoloration. Mean current-year twig length, twig dry weight, needle number per twig, needle length per twig, and needle dry weight per twig increased with increasing dose. Over 8 years, mean height increment of Masson pines (Kraft classes 1–3) increased from 5.5 m in the control to 5.8, 6.9, 8.3, and 9.5 m in the 1, 2, 3, and 4 t ha−1 lime treatments, and their mean DBH (diameter at breast height) increment increased from 3.1 to 3.2, 3.8, 4.9, and 6.2 cm, respectively. The values of all aboveground growth parameters linearly increased with length densities of living fine roots. Our results show that liming improved tree health and growth, and these effects increased with increasing dose. PMID:24728089

Long-term effects of liming on health and growth of a Masson pine stand damaged by soil acidification in Chongqing, China.

PubMed

Li, Zhiyong; Wang, Yanhui; Liu, Yuan; Guo, Hao; Li, Tao; Li, Zhen-Hua; Shi, Guoan

2014-01-01

In the last decades, the Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) forests in Chongqing, southwest China, have increasingly declined. Soil acidification was believed to be an important cause. Liming is widely used as a measure to alleviate soil acidification and its damage to trees, but little is known about long-term effects of liming on the health and growth of declining Masson pine forests. Soil chemical properties, health condition (defoliation and discoloration), and growth were evaluated following application of limestone powder (0 (unlimed control), 1, 2, 3, and 4 t ha(-1)) in an acidified and declining Masson pine stand at Tieshanping (TSP) of Chongqing. Eight years after liming, in the 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm mineral soil layers, soil pH values, exchangeable calcium (Ca) contents, and Ca/Al molar ratios increased, but exchangeable aluminum (Al) levels decreased, and as a result, length densities of living fine roots of Masson pine increased, with increasing dose. Mean crown defoliation of Masson pines (dominant, codominant and subdominant pines, according to Kraft classes 1-3) decreased with increasing dose, and it linearly decreased with length densities of living fine roots. However, Masson pines (Kraft classes 1-3) in all treatments showed no symptoms of discoloration. Mean current-year twig length, twig dry weight, needle number per twig, needle length per twig, and needle dry weight per twig increased with increasing dose. Over 8 years, mean height increment of Masson pines (Kraft classes 1-3) increased from 5.5 m in the control to 5.8, 6.9, 8.3, and 9.5 m in the 1, 2, 3, and 4 t ha(-1) lime treatments, and their mean DBH (diameter at breast height) increment increased from 3.1 to 3.2, 3.8, 4.9, and 6.2 cm, respectively. The values of all aboveground growth parameters linearly increased with length densities of living fine roots. Our results show that liming improved tree health and growth, and these effects increased with increasing dose.

All-optical intensity modulation based on graphene-coated microfibre waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ruiduo; Li, Diao; Jiang, Man; Wu, Hao; Xu, Xiang; Ren, Zhaoyu

2018-03-01

We investigate graphene-covered microfibre (GCM) waveguides, and analyse the microfibres' evanescent field distributions in different diameters and lengths by numerically simulation. According to the simulation results, we designed a graphene-based all-optical modulator using 980 nm and Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) lasers, employing the microfibre's evanescent field induced light-graphene interaction. We studied the modulation effect that is influenced by the microfibre's diameter, number of graphene layers, and effective graphene length. Compared to a single graphene layer of shorter length, the double graphene layer with longer length presents stronger absorption and higher modulation depth. Using a 2- μm diameter microfibre covered by ∼0.3 cm double graphene sheets, we achieved a modulation depth of 8.45 dB. This modulator features ease of fabrication, low cost, and a controllable modulation depth.

EFFECT OF SIZE OF INTESTINAL DIVERSIONS IN OBESE PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME SUBMITTED TO GASTRIC BYPASS.

PubMed

Ramos, Rafael Jacques; Mottin, Cláudio Corá; Alves, Letícia Biscaino; Benzano, Daniela; Padoin, Alexandre Vontobel

There is no consensus on the ideal size of intestinal loops in gastric bypass of bariatric surgeries. To evaluate the metabolic outcome of patients submitted to gastric bypass with alimentary and biliopancreatic loops of different sizes. Was conducted a retrospective cohort study in diabetic obese patients (BMI≥35 kg/m2) with metabolic syndrome submitted to gastric bypass. The patients were divided into three groups according to the size of the intestinal loop: group 1, biliopancreatic limb 50 cm length and alimentary limb 100 cm length; group 2 , biliopancreatic limb 50 cm length and alimentary limb 150 cm length; and group 3, biliopancreatic limb 100 cm length and alimentary limb 150 cm length. The effect of gastric bypass with different sizes of intestinal loops in relation to the parameters that define metabolic syndrome was determined. Sixty-three patients were evaluated, and they had a mean age of 44.7±9.4 years. All were diabetics, with 62 (98.4%) being hypertensive and 51 (82.2%) dyslipidemic. The three groups were homogeneous in relation to the variables. In 24 months, there was a remission of systemic arterial hypertension in 65% of patients in group 1, 62.5% in group 2 and 68.4% in group 3. Remission of diabetes occurred in 85% of patients in group 1, 83% in group 2 and 84% in group 3. There was no statistical difference in %LEW between the groups, and waist measurements decreased in a homogeneous way in all groups. The size of loops also had no influence on the improvement in dyslipidemia. Variation in size of intestinal loops does not appear to influence improvement in metabolic syndrome in this group of patients. Não há consenso sobre o tamanho ideal das alças intestinais no bypass gástrico em Y-de-Roux em cirurgias bariátricas. Avaliar os desfechos metabólicos de pacientes submetidos ao bypass gástrico com alça intestinal alimentar e biliopancreática de tamanhos diferentes. Realizou-se coorte retrospectiva em pacientes obesos (IMC≥35 kg/m2) diabéticos com síndrome metabólica submetidos ao bypass gástrico em Y-de-Roux. Foram divididos em três grupos conforme a dimensão das alças intestinais: grupo 1, alça biliopancreática de 50 cm e alça alimentar de 100 cm; grupo 2, alça biliopancreática de 50 cm e alça alimentar de 150 cm e grupo 3, alça biliopancreática de 100 cm e alça alimentar de 150 cm. Foram avaliados os parâmetros que compõem a síndrome metabólica. Incluíram-se 63 pacientes, com média de idade de 44.7±9.4 anos. Todos eram diabéticos, 62 (98.4%) hipertensos e 51 (82.2%) dislipidêmicos. Os três grupos eram homogêneos em relação às variáveis estudadas. Em 24 meses houve remissão da hipertensão arterial sistêmica em 65% do grupo 1, 62.5% no grupo 2 e 68.4% no grupo 3. A remissão do diabete melito tipo 2 ocorreu em 85% dos pacientes do grupo 1, 83% no grupo 2, e 84% no grupo 3. Não houve diferença estatística na porcentagem de perda do excesso de peso entre os grupos e as medidas da cintura abdominal reduziram de forma homogênea em todos os grupos. A dimensão das alças também não influenciou na melhora da dislipidemia. A variação da dimensão das alças intestinais não influenciou na melhora da síndrome metabólica neste grupo de pacientes.

[Longitudinal preputial pedicled flap urethroplasty for chordee of Donnahoo type IV].

PubMed

Zeng, Li; Shan, Wei; Yuan, Miao; Huang, Guizhen; Huang, Lugang

2012-11-01

To investigate the effectiveness of longitudinal preputial pedicled flap urethroplasty for chordee of Donnahoo IV type. Between June 1994 and October 2011, 30 patients with chordee (Donnahoo type IV) underwent longitudinal preputial pedicled flap urethroplasty. The patients' age ranged from 2 to 16 years (mean, 5.8 years). The morphology of the balanus-navicular fossa-external urethral orifice ranged normal; the penis length was 2.5-6.8 cm (mean, 4.3 cm); the penis bending angle was 35-70 degrees (mean, 40.1 degrees). Primary and secondary operation was 27 cases and 3 cases, respectively. The size of flap ranged from 1.5 cm x 1.3 cm to 4.0 cm x 2.0 cm. After correction, the penis length was 3.0-8.5 cm (mean, 6.6 cm); the penis bending angle was 0-10 degrees (mean, 1.2 degrees). All patients were followed up 6 months to 12 years (mean, 33 months). No recurrence, stabbing pain of the balanus, or foreign body sensation occurred during follow-up. Of them, 4 patients (13.33%) had urinary fistular, they had satisfactory results after the second operation; 2 patients (6.67%) had urethral stricture 1 month after operation, they also had satisfactory results after arethral dilatation. The other patients showed no scattering urinary flow and good direction without complication. Six patients had satisfactory sexual function after puberty without erection disorder, pain, or dyspareunia. Longitudinal preputial pedicled flap urethroplasty can achieve maximum utilization of prepuce and aesthetic and functional improvement with less complication, so it is a relatively ideal mean for treating chordee of Donnahoo type IV.

Measuring New Born Foot Length to Identify Small Babies in Need of Extra Care: a Cross-Sectional Hospital Based Study

PubMed Central

Mukherjee, Satarupa; Roy, Prithwish; Mitra, Souvik; Samanta, Moumita; Chatterjee, Sukanta

2013-01-01

Objective The neonatal mortality rate (NMR) continues to remain quite high, one important cause being preterm deliveries. The main obstacle in the pathway towards decreasing NMR is identification of babies in need of extra care. To analyze the utility of newborn foot length as a proxy measure for birth weight and gestational age. Methods A cross-sectional study done in a hospital of eastern India with 351 babies during 4 months. Right foot length of each recorded using a plastic, stiff ruler. Findings 48.1% babies were preterm, 51.8% low birth weight (LBW) and 33.3% very low birth weight (VLBW). Foot length less than 7.75 cm has 92.3% sensitivity and 86.3% specificity for identification of preterm neonates. For identification of LBW babies (<2500 gm) a foot length less than 7.85cm has 100% sensitivity and 95.3% specificity. Foot length less than 6.85 cm has 100% sensitivity and 94.9% specifity for identification of VLBW babies (<1500 gm). Conclusion Foot length may be used in the identification of LBW and preterm babies who are in need of extra care. PMID:24800008

Detection of tightly closed flaws by nondestructive testing (NDT) methods in steel and titanium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rummel, W. D.; Rathke, R. A.; Todd, P. H., Jr.; Tedrow, T. L.; Mullen, S. J.

1976-01-01

X-radiographic, liquid penetrant, ultrasonic, eddy current and magnetic particle testing techniques were optimized and applied to the evaluation of 4340 steel (180 KSI-UTS) and 6Al-4V titanium (STA) alloy specimens. Sixty steel specimens containing a total of 176 fatigue cracks and 60 titanium specimens containing a total of 135 fatigue cracks were evaluated. The cracks ranged in length from .043 cm (0.017 inch) to 1.02 cm (.400 inch) and in depth from .005 cm (.002 inch) to .239 cm (.094 inch) for steel specimens. Lengths ranged from .048 cm (0.019 inch) to 1.03 cm (.407 inch) and depths from 0.010 cm (.004 inch) to .261 cm (0.103 inch) for titanium specimens. Specimen thicknesses were nominally .152 cm (0.060 inch) and 0.635 cm (0.250 inch) and surface finishes were nominally 125 rms. Specimens were evaluated in the "as machined" surface condition, after etch surface and after proof loading in a randomized inspection sequence.

Neonatal outcomes following exposure in utero to fallout from Chernobyl.

PubMed

Hatch, Maureen; Little, Mark P; Brenner, Alina V; Cahoon, Elizabeth K; Tereshchenko, Valery; Chaikovska, Ludmyla; Pasteur, Igor; Likhtarov, Ilya; Bouville, Andre; Shpak, Victor; Bolshova, Olena; Zamotayeva, Galyna; Grantz, Katherine; Sun, Liping; Mabuchi, Kiyohiko; Albert, Paul; Tronko, Mykola

2017-12-01

Iodine 131 (I-131), the principal component of nuclear fallout from the Chernobyl accident, concentrates in the thyroid gland and may pose risks to fetal development. To evaluate this, neonatal outcomes following the accident in April of 1986 were investigated in a cohort of 2582 in utero-exposed individuals from northern Ukraine for whom estimates of fetal thyroid I-131 dose were available. We carried out a retrospective review of cohort members' prenatal, delivery and newborn records. The relationships of dose with neonatal anthropometrics and gestational length were modeled via linear regression with adjustment for potentially confounding variables. We found similar, statistically significant dose-dependent reductions in both head circumference (-1.0 cm/Gy, P = 0.005) and chest circumference (-0.9 cm/Gy, P = 0.023), as well as a similar but non-significant reduction in neonatal length (-0.6 cm/Gy, P = 0.169). Gestational length was significantly increased with increasing fetal dose (0.5 wks/Gy, P = 0.007). There was no significant (P > 0.1) effect of fetal dose on birth weight. The observed associations of radioiodine exposure with decreased head and chest circumference are consistent with those observed in the Japanese in utero-exposed atomic bomb survivors.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhou, Q. G.; Chen, N.; Zhang, M.

Five IDs will be built for the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF). Two identical mini-gap undulators with the period length 25mm and the minimum gap 6mm will use the in-vacuum technology and can operate in tapered mode. Two wigglers with the period lengths 7.9cm and 14cm and the same minimum gap 14mm will produce the peak fields of 1.2T and 1.94T. A variable polarization undulator of the APPLE-II type with 4.2m long and the period length 10cm can provide linearly, circularly and elliptically polarized radiation in a wide spectral range. This paper describes the magnet designs and the mechanical structuremore » designs of these IDs.« less

Study of the Q branch structure of the 14N and 15N isotopologues of the ν4 band of ammonia using frequency chirped quantum cascade lasers.

PubMed

Duxbury, Geoffrey; Wilson, David; Hay, Kenneth; Langford, Nigel

2013-10-03

Intrapulse quantum cascade (QC) laser spectrometers are able to produce both saturation and molecular alignment of a gas sample owing to the rapid sweep of the radiation through the absorption features. In the QC lasers used to study the (14)N and (15)N isotopologues of the ν4 band of ammonia centered near 1625 cm(-1), the variation of the chirp rate during the scan is very large, from ca. 85 to ca. 15 MHz ns(-1). In the rapid chirp zone the collisional interaction time of the laser radiation with the gas molecules is short, and large rapid passage effects are seen, whereas at the slow chirp end the line shape resembles that of a Doppler broadened line. The total scan range of the QC laser of ca. 10 cm(-1) is sufficient to allow the spectra of both isotopologues to be recorded and the rapid and slow interactions with the laser radiation to be seen. The rapid passage effects are enhanced by the use of an off axis Herriott cell with an effective path length of 62 m, which allows a buildup of polarization to occur. The effective resolution of the chirped QC laser is ca. 0.012 cm(-1) full width at half-maximum in the 1625 cm(-1) region. The results of these experiments are compared with those of other studies of the ν4 band of ammonia carried out using Fourier transform and Laser Stark spectroscopy. They also demonstrate the versatility of the down chirped QC laser for investigating collisional effects in low pressure gases using long absorbing path lengths.

The effect of catalyst length and downstream reactor distance on catalytic combustor performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, D.

1980-01-01

A study was made to determine the effects on catalytic combustor performance which resulted from independently varying the length of a catalytic reactor and the length available for gas-phase reactions downstream of the catalyst. Monolithic combustion catalysts from three manufacturers were tested in a combustion test rig with no. 2 diesel fuel. Catalytic reactor lengths of 2.5 and 5.4 cm, and downstream gas-phase reaction distances of 7.3, 12.4, 17.5, and 22.5 cm were evaluated. Measurements of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and pressure drop were made. The catalytic-reactor pressure drop was less than 1 percent of the upstream total pressure for all test configurations and test conditions. Nitrogen oxides and unburned hydrocarbons emissions were less than 0.25 g NO2/kg fuel and 0.6 g HC/kg fuel, respectively. The minimum operating temperature (defined as the adiabatic combustion temperature required to obtain carbon monoxide emissions below a reference level of 13.6 g CO/kg fuel) ranged from 1230 K to 1500 K for the various conditions and configurations tested. The minimum operating temperature decreased with increasing total (catalytic-reactor-plus-downstream-gas-phase-reactor-zone) residence time but was independent of the relative times spent in each region when the catalytic-reactor residence time was greater than or equal to 1.4 ms.

Effects of spatiotemporal variation of soil salinity on fine root distribution in different plant configuration modes in new reclamation coastal saline field.

PubMed

Jiang, Hong; Du, Hongyu; Bai, Yingying; Hu, Yue; Rao, Yingfu; Chen, Chong; Cai, Yongli

2016-04-01

In order to study the effects of salinity on plant fine roots, we considered three different plant configuration modes (tree stand model (TSM), shrub stand model (SSM), and tree-shrub stand model (TSSM)). Soil samples were collected with the method of soil drilling. Significant differences of electrical conductivity (EC) in the soil depth of 0-60 cm were observed among the three modes (p < 0.05). In the above three modes, the variation of soil salinity among various soil layers and monthly variation of soil salinity were the highest in SSM and reached 2.30 and 2.23 mS/cm (EC1:5), respectively. Due to the effect of salinity, fine root biomass (FRB) showed significant differences in different soil depths (p < 0.05). More than 60% of FRB was concentrated in the soil depth above 30 cm. FRB showed exponential decline with soil depth (p < 0.05). FRB showed spatial heterogeneity in the 40-cm soil depth. In the above three modes, compared with FRB, specific root length (SRL) and fine root length density (FRLD) showed the similar changing trend. Fine roots showed significant seasonal differences among different modes (p < 0.05). FRB showed the bimodal variation and was the highest in July. However, we found that the high content of salts had obvious inhibitory effect on the distribution of FRB. Therefore, the salinity should be below 1.5 mS/cm, which was suitable for the growth of plant roots. Among the three modes, TSSM had the highest FRB, SRL, and FRLD and no obvious soil salt accumulation was observed. The results indicated that fine root biomass was affected by high salt and that TSSM had the strong effects of salt suppression and control. In our study, TSSM may be the optimal configuration mode for salt suppression and control in saline soil.

Root diversity in alpine plants: root length, tensile strength and plant age

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pohl, M.; Stroude, R.; Körner, C.; Buttler, A.; Rixen, C.

2009-04-01

A high diversity of plant species and functional groups is hypothesised to increase the diversity of root types and their subsequent effects for soil stability. However, even basic data on root characteristics of alpine plants are very scarce. Therefore, we determined important root characteristics of 13 plant species from different functional groups, i.e. grasses, herbs and shrubs. We excavated the whole root systems of 62 plants from a machine-graded ski slope at 2625 m a.s.l. and analysed the rooting depth, the horizontal root extension, root length and diameter. Single roots of plant species were tested for tensile strength. The age of herbs and shrubs was determined by growth-ring analysis. Root characteristics varied considerably between both plant species and functional groups. The rooting depth of different species ranged from 7.2 ± 0.97 cm to 20.5 ± 2.33 cm, but was significantly larger in the herb Geum reptans (70.8 ± 10.75 cm). The woody species Salix breviserrata reached the highest horizontal root extensions (96.8 ± 25.5 cm). Most plants had their longest roots in fine diameter classes (0.5

SBIR-Long fluoride fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaeger, Raymond E.; Vacha, Lubos J.

1987-08-01

This report summarizes results obtained under a program aimed at developing new techniques for fabricating long lengths of heavy metal fluoride glass (HMFG) optical fiber. A new method for overcladding conventional HMFG preforms with a low melting oxide glass was developed, and improvements in the rotational casting method were made to increase preform length. The resulting composite glass canes consist of a fluoride glass overcoat layer to enhance strength and chemical durability. To show feasibility, prototype optical fiber preforms up to 1.6 cm in diameter with lengths of 22 cm were fabricated. These were drawn into optical fibers with lengths up to 900 meters.

Dismantling of Radium-226 Coal Level Gauges: Encountered Problems and How to Solve

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Punnachaiya, M.; Nuanjan, P.; Moombansao, K.

2006-07-01

This paper describes the techniques for dismantling of disused-sealed Radium-226 (Ra-226) coal level gauges which the source specifications and documents were not available, including problems occurred during dismantling stage and the decision making in solving all those obstacles. The 2 mCi (20 pieces), 6 mCi (20 pieces) and 6.6 mCi (30 pieces) of Ra-226 hemi-spherically-shaped with lead-filled coal level gauges were used in industrial applications for electric power generation. All sources needed to be dismantled for further conditioning as requested by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). One of the 2 mCi Ra-226 source was dismantled under the supervision ofmore » IAEA expert. Before conditioning period, each of the 6 mCi and 6.6 mCi sources were dismantled and inspected. It was found that coal level gauges had two different source types: the sealed cylindrical source (diameter 2 cm x 2 cm length) locked with spring in lead housing for 2 mCi and 6.6 mCi; while the 6 mCi was an embedded capsule inside source holder stud assembly in lead-filled housing. Dismantling Ra-226 coal level gauges comprised of 6 operational steps: confirmation of the surface dose rate on each source activity, calculation of working time within the effective occupational dose limit, cutting the weld of lead container by electrical blade, confirmation of the Ra-226 embedded capsule size using radiation scanning technique and gamma radiography, automatic sawing of the source holder stud assembly, and transferring the source to store in lead safe box. The embedded length of 6 mCi Ra-226 capsule in its diameter 2 cm x 14.7 cm length stud assembly was identified, the results from scanning technique and radiographic film revealed the embedded source length of about 2 cm, therefore all the 6 mCi sources were safely cut at 3 cm using the automatic saw. Another occurring problem was one of the 6.6 mCi spring type source stuck inside its housing because the spring was deformed and there was previously a leakage on inner source housing. Thus, during manufacturing the filled-lead for shielding passed through this small hole and fixed the deformed spring together with the source. The circular surface of inner hole was measured and slowly drilled at a diameter 2.2 cm behind shielding, till the spring and the fixed lead sheet were cut, therefore the source could be finally hammered out. The surface dose rate of coal level gauges before weld cutting was 10-15 mR/hr and the highest dose rate at the position of the weld cutter was 2.5 mR/hr. The total time for each weld cutting and automatic sawing was 2-3 minutes and 1 minute, respectively. The source was individually and safely transferred to store in lead safe box using a 1-meter length tong and a light container with 1 meter length handle. The total time for Ra-226 (70 pieces) dismantling, including the encountered problems and their troubles shooting took 4 days operation in which the total dose obtained by 18 operators were ranged from 1-38 {mu}Sv. The dismantling team safely completed the activities within the effective dose limit for occupational exposure of 20 mSv/year (80 {mu}Sv/day). (authors)« less

Women's Preferences for Penis Size: A New Research Method Using Selection among 3D Models

PubMed Central

Park, Jaymie; Leung, Shannon

2015-01-01

Women’s preferences for penis size may affect men’s comfort with their own bodies and may have implications for sexual health. Studies of women’s penis size preferences typically have relied on their abstract ratings or selecting amongst 2D, flaccid images. This study used haptic stimuli to allow assessment of women’s size recall accuracy for the first time, as well as examine their preferences for erect penis sizes in different relationship contexts. Women (N = 75) selected amongst 33, 3D models. Women recalled model size accurately using this method, although they made more errors with respect to penis length than circumference. Women preferred a penis of slightly larger circumference and length for one-time (length = 6.4 inches/16.3 cm, circumference = 5.0 inches/12.7 cm) versus long-term (length = 6.3 inches/16.0 cm, circumference = 4.8 inches/12.2 cm) sexual partners. These first estimates of erect penis size preferences using 3D models suggest women accurately recall size and prefer penises only slightly larger than average. PMID:26332467

Women's Preferences for Penis Size: A New Research Method Using Selection among 3D Models.

PubMed

Prause, Nicole; Park, Jaymie; Leung, Shannon; Miller, Geoffrey

2015-01-01

Women's preferences for penis size may affect men's comfort with their own bodies and may have implications for sexual health. Studies of women's penis size preferences typically have relied on their abstract ratings or selecting amongst 2D, flaccid images. This study used haptic stimuli to allow assessment of women's size recall accuracy for the first time, as well as examine their preferences for erect penis sizes in different relationship contexts. Women (N = 75) selected amongst 33, 3D models. Women recalled model size accurately using this method, although they made more errors with respect to penis length than circumference. Women preferred a penis of slightly larger circumference and length for one-time (length = 6.4 inches/16.3 cm, circumference = 5.0 inches/12.7 cm) versus long-term (length = 6.3 inches/16.0 cm, circumference = 4.8 inches/12.2 cm) sexual partners. These first estimates of erect penis size preferences using 3D models suggest women accurately recall size and prefer penises only slightly larger than average.

[Effects of water level fluctuation on the inter- and intra-specific relationships between Wedelia trilobata and W. chinensis].

PubMed

Bu, Xiang Qi; Liu, Lin; Mu, Ya Nan; Guan, Yu Ting; Li, Hong Li; Yu, Fei Hai

2017-03-18

A controlled greenhouse experiment was designed with the invasive Wedelia trilobata and native W. chinensis. Three water level fluctuation treatments (no fluctuation, change pattern by 15 cm-0 cm-15 cm, change pattern by 0 cm-15 cm-0 cm) were crossed with five plant arrangement treatments (an individual invasive plant per pot, an individual native plant per pot, 6 invasive plants per pot, 6 native plants per pot, six plants per pot with three invasive and three native plants) to explore the effects of water level fluctuation on inter- and intra-specific relationships between W. trilobata and W. chinensis. The results showed that water level fluctuation decreased signifi-cantly the total biomass, stem biomass, leaf biomass, root biomass, stem length, number of nodes, number of leaves and leaf area of W. trilobata and W. chinensis. Meantime it had significant effects on the inter- and intra-specific competition between W. trilobata and W. chinensis. Water level fluctuation changed the inter- and intra-specific competition of W. trilobata. It indicated that W. trilobata was more sensitive to water level fluctuation with stronger adaptability.

Severe perineal lacerations in nulliparous women and episiotomy type.

PubMed

Aytan, Hakan; Tapisiz, Omer L; Tuncay, Gorkem; Avsar, Filiz A

2005-07-01

To determine the patient-related factors associated with severe perineal lacerations in nulliparous women and to evaluate the effect of episiotomy type on the risk of severe perineal tears. In all, 400 nulliparous women admitted in labor between June and December 2001 were prospectively enrolled. Maternal height, perineal length, fetal birth weight, fetal head circumference, and severe perineal lacerations (third and fourth degrees) were recorded. The rate of severe perineal lacerations was 2% (8/400); 3% with midline, 1% with mediolateral groups. In patients with severe lacerations, perineal length was significantly (p < 0.001) shorter and the head circumference of their babies in the midline significantly (p < 0.05) greater than normal, and birth weights were also significantly (p < 0.05) greater in the mediolateral group. A cut-off value for perineal length of 3.05 cm was found for severe lacerations in the midline group. If episiotomy is to be performed, it must be borne in mind that patients with a perineal length of < or = 3 cm have an elevated risk of severe perineal lacerations, and if clinical or ultrasound examination suggests that the fetal head is large, mediolateral episiotomy may be preferred. Otherwise, midline episiotomy must be considered.

DNA electrophoresis in agarose gels: effects of field and gel concentration on the exponential dependence of reciprocal mobility on DNA length.

PubMed

Rill, Randolph L; Beheshti, Afshin; Van Winkle, David H

2002-08-01

Electrophoretic mobilities of DNA molecules ranging in length from 200 to 48 502 base pairs (bp) were measured in agarose gels with concentrations T = 0.5% to 1.3% at electric fields from E = 0.71 to 5.0 V/cm. This broad data set determines a range of conditions over which the new interpolation equation nu(L) = (beta+alpha(1+exp(-L/gamma))(-1) can be used to relate mobility to length with high accuracy. Mobility data were fit with chi(2) > 0.999 for all gel concentrations and fields ranging from 2.5 to 5 V/cm, and for lower fields at low gel concentrations. Analyses using so-called reptation plots (Rousseau, J., Drouin, G., Slater, G. W., Phys. Rev. Lett. 1997, 79, 1945-1948) indicate that this simple exponential relation is obeyed well when there is a smooth transition from the Ogston sieving regime to the reptation regime with increasing DNA length. Deviations from this equation occur when DNA migration is hindered, apparently by entropic-trapping, which is favored at low fields and high gel concentrations in the ranges examined.

Asymmetry in the Discrimination of Length During Spatial Learning

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

The ability of rats to solve a discrimination between two objects that differ in length was investigated in five experiments. Using a rectangular swimming pool, Experiment 1 revealed it is easier to locate a submerged platform when it is near the center of a long rather than a short wall. For Experiments 2–4, the objects were black or white panels pasted onto the gray walls of a square pool, with two long panels pasted to two opposing walls and two short panels pasted to the remaining walls. The platform was easier to locate when it was placed near the middle of a long rather than a short panel. This effect was found when the long panels were twice (Experiments 2–4) or four times the length of the short panels (Experiment 4). Experiment 5 demonstrated that rats can solve a discrimination between panels of length 15 and 45 cm more readily than when they are 70 and 100 cm. The results are consistent with the claim that generalization gradients based on stimulus magnitude are steeper for stimuli that are weaker rather than stronger than the stimulus used for the original training. PMID:23668184

Creation of short microwave ablation zones: in vivo characterization of single and paired modified triaxial antennas.

PubMed

Lubner, Meghan G; Ziemlewicz, Tim J; Hinshaw, J Louis; Lee, Fred T; Sampson, Lisa A; Brace, Christopher L

2014-10-01

To characterize modified triaxial microwave antennas configured to produce short ablation zones. Fifty single-antenna and 27 paired-antenna hepatic ablations were performed in domestic swine (N = 11) with 17-gauge gas-cooled modified triaxial antennas powered at 65 W from a 2.45-GHz generator. Single-antenna ablations were performed at 2 (n = 16), 5 (n = 21), and 10 (n = 13) minutes. Paired-antenna ablations were performed at 1-cm and 2-cm spacing for 5 (n = 7 and n = 8, respectively) and 10 minutes (n = 7 and n = 5, respectively). Mean transverse width, length, and aspect ratio of sectioned ablation zones were measured and compared. For single antennas, mean ablation zone lengths were 2.9 cm ± 0.45, 3.5 cm ± 0.55, and 4.2 cm ± 0.40 at 2, 5, and 10 minutes, respectively. Mean widths were 1.8 cm ± 0.3, 2.0 cm ± 0.32, and 2.5 cm ± 0.25 at 2, 5, and 10 minutes, respectively. For paired antennas, mean length at 5 minutes with 1-cm and 2-cm spacing and 10 minutes with 1-cm and 2-cm spacing was 4.2 cm ± 0.9, 4.9 cm ± 1.0, 4.8 cm ± 0.5, and 4.8 cm ± 1.3, respectively. Mean width was 3.1 cm ± 1.0, 4.4 cm ± 0.7, 3.8 cm ± 0.4, and 4.5 cm ± 0.7, respectively. Paired-antenna ablations were more spherical (aspect ratios, 0.72-0.79 for 5-10 min) than single-antenna ablations (aspect ratios, 0.57-0.59). For paired-antenna ablations, 1-cm spacing appeared optimal, with improved circularity and decreased clefting compared with 2-cm spacing (circularity, 0.85 at 1 cm, 0.78 at 2 cm). Modified triaxial antennas can generate relatively short, spherical ablation zones. Paired-antenna ablations were rounder and larger in transverse dimension than single antenna ablations, with 1-cm spacing optimal for confluence of the ablation zone. Copyright © 2014 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Extreme ionization of Xe clusters driven by ultraintense laser fields

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Heidenreich, Andreas; Last, Isidore; Jortner, Joshua

We applied theoretical models and molecular dynamics simulations to explore extreme multielectron ionization in Xe{sub n} clusters (n=2-2171, initial cluster radius R{sub 0}=2.16-31.0 A ring ) driven by ultraintense infrared Gaussian laser fields (peak intensity I{sub M}=10{sup 15}-10{sup 20} W cm{sup -2}, temporal pulse length {tau}=10-100 fs, and frequency {nu}=0.35 fs{sup -1}). Cluster compound ionization was described by three processes of inner ionization, nanoplasma formation, and outer ionization. Inner ionization gives rise to high ionization levels (with the formation of (Xe{sup q+}){sub n} with q=2-36), which are amenable to experimental observation. The cluster size and laser intensity dependence of themore » inner ionization levels are induced by a superposition of barrier suppression ionization (BSI) and electron impact ionization (EII). The BSI was induced by a composite field involving the laser field and an inner field of the ions and electrons, which manifests ignition enhancement and screening retardation effects. EII was treated using experimental cross sections, with a proper account of sequential impact ionization. At the highest intensities (I{sub M}=10{sup 18}-10{sup 20} W cm{sup -2}) inner ionization is dominated by BSI. At lower intensities (I{sub M}=10{sup 15}-10{sup 16} W cm{sup -2}), where the nanoplasma is persistent, the EII contribution to the inner ionization yield is substantial. It increases with increasing the cluster size, exerts a marked effect on the increase of the (Xe{sup q+}){sub n} ionization level, is most pronounced in the cluster center, and manifests a marked increase with increasing the pulse length (i.e., becoming the dominant ionization channel (56%) for Xe{sub 2171} at {tau}=100 fs). The EII yield and the ionization level enhancement decrease with increasing the laser intensity. The pulse length dependence of the EII yield at I{sub M}=10{sup 15}-10{sup 16} W cm{sup -2} establishes an ultraintense laser pulse length control mechanism of extreme ionization products.« less

Single-incision retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy: a North American experience.

PubMed

Sho, Shonan; Yeh, Michael W; Li, Ning; Livhits, Masha J

2017-07-01

Endoscopic adrenalectomy is currently performed using multiple ports placed either transabdominally or retroperitoneally. We report our initial experience with single-incision retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (SIRA). A prospective database of patients undergoing adrenalectomy from December 2013 through March 2016 was analyzed. We adopted conventional retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (CORA) in December 2013 and transitioned to SIRA in March 2015. SIRA was performed using three trocars placed through a single 2-cm incision below the 12th rib. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between patients undergoing SIRA and CORA. One hundred and five adrenalectomies were performed in 102 patients: 34 laparoscopic transperitoneal, 24 CORA, 37 SIRA and 7 open. The SIRA and CORA groups were similar with respect to clinical characteristics (SIRA vs. CORA: mean BMI 27.0 vs. 28.8 kg/m 2 , maximum BMI 38.9 vs. 44.3 kg/m 2 ; mean nodule size 3.2 vs. 3.2 cm, maximum nodule size 8.0 vs. 6.0 cm). One patient undergoing SIRA required placement of an additional 5-mm port because of extensive adhesions. No patients who underwent SIRA or CORA required conversion to open adrenalectomy. There were no deaths, and blood loss remained <10 mL for all cases. Operative length was similar between SIRA and CORA (105 vs. 92 min, P = 0.26). In multivariable linear regression analysis, nodule size > 5 cm (effect = 1.75, P < 0.001) and pheochromocytoma (effect = 1.30, P = 0.05) were significant predictors of increased operative length for SIRA. BMI and laterality (right vs. left) did not affect operative length. Rates of postoperative temporary abdominal wall relaxation, length of stay and postoperative pain medication use were similar between the two groups. SIRA is safe and feasible to implement as a refinement of CORA and may be applied to technically challenging cases involving obese patients or large nodules. The use of three ports allows for two-handed dissection, which may shorten the learning curve for many surgeons.

Effect of rhythmic auditory cueing on gait in people with Alzheimer disease.

PubMed

Wittwer, Joanne E; Webster, Kate E; Hill, Keith

2013-04-01

To determine whether rhythmic music and metronome cues alter spatiotemporal gait measures and gait variability in people with Alzheimer disease (AD). A repeated-measures study requiring participants to walk under different cueing conditions. University movement laboratory. Of the people (N=46) who met study criteria (a diagnosis of probable AD and ability to walk 100m) at routine medical review, 30 (16 men; mean age ± SD, 80±6y; revised Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination range, 26-79) volunteered to participate. Participants walked 4 times over an electronic walkway synchronizing to (1) rhythmic music and (2) a metronome set at individual mean baseline comfortable speed cadence. Gait spatiotemporal measures and gait variability (coefficient of variation [CV]). Data from individual walks under each condition were combined. A 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare uncued baseline, cued, and retest measures. Gait velocity decreased with both music and metronome cues compared with baseline (baseline, 110.5cm/s; music, 103.4cm/s; metronome, 105.4cm/s), primarily because of significant decreases in stride length (baseline, 120.9cm; music, 112.5cm; metronome, 114.8cm) with both cue types. This was coupled with increased stride length variability compared with baseline (baseline CV, 3.4%; music CV, 4.3%; metronome CV, 4.5%) with both cue types. These changes did not persist at (uncued) retest. Temporal variability was unchanged. Rhythmic auditory cueing at comfortable speed tempo produced deleterious effects on gait in a single session in this group with AD. The deterioration in spatial gait parameters may result from impaired executive function associated with AD. Further research should investigate whether these instantaneous cue effects are altered with more practice or with learning methods tailored to people with cognitive impairment. Copyright © 2013 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

THE DIFFUSION LENGTH OF THERMAL NEUTRONS IN PORTLAND CONCRETE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dugdale, R.A.; Healy, E.

1957-10-01

A measurement of the diffusion length of thermal neutrons in Portland concrete, originally raade by Salmon two years previously, has been repeated. An apparent decrease from 7.04 cm to 6.61 cm has oocurred. This change, which is only four times the standard deviation of the result, could be due to a small increase in water content. In assessing the amount required, a discrepancy between calculated and measured diffusion length was found. Possible explanations of the discrepancy are discussed. (auth)

Species Profiles: Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Pacific Southwest). Pile Perch, Striped Seaperch, and Rubberlip Seaperch

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-07-01

The largest of the teeth on vomer or palatines . surfperches, reaching a maximum length Branchiostegals 5-6; gill membranes of 47 cm TL (Eschmeyer et...Fritzsche 1982). dorsal surface. Fins dusky (Tarp 1952). Maximum length 44 cm total length (TL) (Eschmeyer et al. 1983). LIFE HISTORY Embiotoca lateralis...developed, shore. From 1958 to 1961, sport fused pharyngeal tooth plates that fishermen caught an estimated 5,000 enable the fish to crush hard-shelled

High Efficiency Large Area Polysilicon Solar Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, S. M.; Winter, C.

1985-01-01

Large area (100 sq cm) polysilicon solar cells having efficiencies of up to 14.1% (100 mW/sq cm, 25 C) were fabricated and a detailed analysis was performed to identify the efficiency loss mechanisms. The 1-5 characteristics of the best cell were dominated by recombination in the quasi-neutral base due to the combination of minority carrier diffusion length and base resistivity. An analysis of the microstructural defects present in the material and their effect on the electrical properties is presented.

Experiment of Burst Speed of Fingerling Masu salmon, Oncorhynchus, with Stamina Tunnel in The River

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izumi, Mattashi; Yamamoto, Yasuyuki; Yataya, Kenichi; Kamiyama, Kohhei

A swimming experiment of cultured fingerling masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou masou) (measuring 3cm to 6cm in length) was conducted in a round stamina tunnel (cylindrical pipe) installed in a fishway of a local river with a water flow velocity of 64cm·s-1 to 218cm·s-1 in order to study the burst speed of the masu salmon.The results show that: (1) the faster the swimming speed,the swimming time of the fingerling masu salmon shortened, and the ground speed also decreased as the flow velocity increased; (2)the faster the flow velocity,the shorter the swimming distance became; (3) the burst speed was calculated for the fingerling masu salmon with the considerably excellent swimming ability(measuring 4.6cm to 6.2cm in mean length) in conditions of a high velocity(218cm·s-1), and the result was: mean burst speed:229cm·s-1(S.D.8cm·s-1) to 232cm·s-1(S.D.:8cm·s-1).

Experimental study on burning rates of square/rectangular gasoline and methanol pool fires under longitudinal air flow in a wind tunnel.

PubMed

Hu, L H; Liu, S; Peng, W; Huo, R

2009-09-30

Square pool fires with length of 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 cm and rectangular pool fires with dimensions of 10 cm x 20 cm and 10 cm x 40 cm were burned in a wind tunnel, under a longitudinal air flow ranged from 0 to 3m/s with incremental change of about 0.5m/s. Methanol and gasoline were burned and compared, with results indicated that their burning rates showed different response to the longitudinal air flow. With the increase of the longitudinal air flow speed, the burning rates of methanol pool fires, except the 5 cm square one, first decreased and then increased, but those of the 5 cm methanol square one and the gasoline pool fires increased monotonously. The burning rate of smaller square pool fires increased more significantly than that of the larger ones, as well as the enlargement of their flame attachment length along the ground. The burning rate of a rectangular pool fire with longer rim parallel to the longitudinal flow increased faster, but the flame attachment length seemed to increase more gradually, with the increase of the longitudinal air flow speed than that perpendicular to.

Growth performance, hematology, and meat quality characteristics of Mutton Merino lambs fed canola-based diets.

PubMed

Sekali, M; Marume, U; Mlambo, V; Strydom, P E

2016-08-01

A 56-day feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of feeding canola meal (CM) on growth performance, hematology, and meat quality parameters of lambs. Twenty lambs with an average body weight of 23 ± 2.64 kg were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments and fed in individual cages for 56 days. The soya bean meal (SBM) in the control ration was replaced with canola meal at 0 (CM0), 25 (CM25), 50 (CM50), 75 (CM75), and 100 % (CM100) inclusion levels. Average daily weight gain (ADWG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were significantly higher in the CM25 and CM50, respectively. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) (3.09-3.41) and slaughter weight (SLW) (33.2-34.7 kg) were, however, similar among the treatment groups. Diet had no effect on carcass length (78.7-83.7 cm) and ultimate meat pH (pHu) (5.70-5.81). Nevertheless, hot carcass weight (HCW) (16.5-18.7 kg) and cold carcass weight (CCW) (16.2-18.2 kg) were higher (P < 0.05) in the CM0 and CM50 treatment groups. The shear force measurements (1.67-2.17 kg) differed (P < 0.05) across treatments. There was no dietary effect on the lightness (L*) (33.5-35.8), redness (a*) (11.35-12.7), and yellowness (b*) (13.4-14.8) of meat. In conclusion, CM can completely replace SBM in lamb diets without any negative effects on growth performance, general health, and meat quality of Mutton Merino lambs.

Diffusion lengths in irradiated N/P InP-on-Si solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wojtczuk, Steven; Colerico, Claudia; Summers, Geoffrey P.; Walters, Robert J.; Burke, Edward A.

1996-01-01

Indium phosphide (InP) solar cells were made on silicon (Si) wafers (InP/Si) by to take advantage of both the radiation-hardness properties of the InP solar cell and the light weight and low cost of Si wafers. The InP/Si cell application is for long duration and/or high radiation orbit space missions. Spire has made N/P InP/Si cells of sizes up to 2 cm by 4 cm with beginning-of-life (BOL) AM0 efficiencies over 13% (one-sun, 28C). These InP/Si cells have higher absolute efficiency and power density after a high radiation dose than gallium arsenide (GaAs) or silicon (Si) solar cells after a fluence of about 2e15 1 MeV electrons/sq. cm. In this work, we investigate the minority carrier (electron) base diffusion lengths in the N/P InP/Si cells. A quantum efficiency model was constructed for a 12% BOL AM0 N/P InP/Si cell which agreed well with the absolutely measured quantum efficiency and the sun-simulator measured AM0 photocurrent (30.1 mA/sq. cm). This model was then used to generate a table of AM0 photocurrents for a range of base diffusion lengths. AM0 photocurrents were then measured for irradiations up to 7.7e16 1 MeV electrons/sq. cm (the 12% BOL cell was 8% after the final irradiation). By comparing the measured photocurrents with the predicted photocurrents, base diffusion lengths were assigned at each fluence level. A damage coefficient K of 4e-8 and a starting (unirradiated) base electron diffusion length of 0.8 microns fits the data well. The quantum efficiency was measured again at the end of the experiment to verify that the photocurrent predicted by the model (25.5 mA/sq. cm) agreed with the simulator-measured photocurrent after irradiation (25.7 mA/sq. cm).

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a retrograde intramedullary nail: a biomechanical analysis of the effect of nail length.

PubMed

Noonan, Timothy; Pinzur, Michael; Paxinos, Odysseas; Havey, Robert; Patwardhin, Avinash

2005-04-01

Fatigue fractures of the tibia have been observed at the level of the proximal end of the nail after successful tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with a retrograde intramedullary device. To study the effect of nail length, five matched pairs of cadaver tibiae were instrumented with strain gauges and potted in methylmethacrylate from a level 3 cm proximal to the distal medial malleolus to simulate a successful tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis. A standard length (15 cm) ankle arthrodesis nail and an identical longer device terminating in the proximal tibial metaphysis were inserted in each paired tibia using appropriate technique. The strain of the posterior cortex of the tibia was recorded under bending moments of up to 50 Nm for each intact specimen after nail insertion and after proximal locking of the nail. The nails were then exchanged between the specimens of the same pairs and the experiment was repeated to insure uniformity. The standard length locked nail increased the principal strain of the posterior cortex of the tibia at the level of the proximal screw holes 5.3 times more than the locked long nail (353 and 67 microstrains), respectively. This stress concentration was not observed when the proximal extent of the nail terminated within the proximal tibial metaphysis. A successful tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with a standard length locked intramedullary nail creates stress concentration around the proximal screw holes that may be responsible for the fractures observed clinically. This study supports the use of a "long" retrograde locked intramedullary nail for tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis in patients with systemic or localized osteopenia.

Observations of fibropapillomatosis in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Indonesia.

PubMed

Adnyana, W; Ladds, P W; Blair, D

1997-10-01

To determine the prevalence and manifestations of fibropapillomatosis in green turtles in Indonesia, to identify any relationship between fibropapillomatosis and concurrent parasitic infection, to ascertain the effect of fibropapillomatosis on health, and to examine whether environment might have an effect on the prevalence of fibropapillomatosis. 4407 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and 401 hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) were examined. The occurrence of fibropapillomatosis was correlated with sex, maturity, curved carapace length, body weight/curved carapace length ratio, the number and distribution of tumours on the skin, parasite burdens, some haematological variables and the region of capture. Fibropapillomatosis was seen only in green turtles, and the overall prevalence in these was 21.5%. This prevalence increased with the curved carapace length up to 85 cm. The average number of tumours per affected turtle was 5 +/- SD 4.1 (range, 1 to 29), and was negatively correlated with the body weight/curved carapace length ratio (rs = -0.8; P = 0.001). The red blood cell count in turtles with fibropapilloma was lower than in non-fibropapilloma turtles captured and examined at the same time (P = 0.001). The prevalence of fibropapilloma in turtles captured near densely populated, industrial regions (26.3%) was greater than in turtles from sparsely populated areas (17.7%). Fibropapillomatosis in green sea turtles in Indonesia is of moderate occurrence: young mature turtles (curved carapace length = 85 cm) are most frequently affected. Fibropapilloma adversely affects health of turtles. Fluke infestation seems not to be a causal factor, but viral infection, perhaps with concurrent stress of environmental origin, seems likely.

Effect of early realignment on length and delayed repair of postpelvic fracture urethral injury.

PubMed

Koraitim, Mamdouh M

2012-04-01

To determine the effect of early realignment of posterior urethral injury on the length and delayed repair of ensuing urethral defect. We reviewed the medical records of 120 patients with a pelvic fracture urethral defect who were referred for delayed repair from elsewhere from 1995 to 2009. The review was focused on 5 variables: initial management of urethral injury, length of urethral defect, type of delayed repair, continence, and erectile function. Of the patients, 26 were excluded from the study and 94 were categorized as having been initially treated by realignment (42 patients, group 1) or suprapubic cystostomy (52 patients, group 2). Urethral defects ≤ 2 cm in length were found in 28 patients (67%) in group 1 versus 22 (42%) in group 2. Defects >2 cm were found in 14 patients (33%) in group 1 versus 30 (58%) in group 2. The repair was accomplished by a simple perineal operation in 32 (76%) and 30 (58%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. An elaborated perineal or perineo-abdominal procedure was required in 10 (24%) and 22 (42%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (all P < .05). Incontinence occurred in 1 patient in group 1. Impotence developed in 10 (28%) of 36 realigned adults and in 2 (5%) of 38 adults with suprapubic cystostomy. Early realignment of posterior urethral injury decreases the length of the ensuing urethral defect and facilitates its delayed repair. Incontinence and impotence appear to result from the injury itself and not the treatment. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Factors that influence the outcome of open urethroplasty for pelvis fracture urethral defect (PFUD): an observational study from a single high-volume tertiary care center.

PubMed

Fu, Qiang; Zhang, Yu-meng; Barbagli, Guido; Zhang, Jiong; Xie, Hong; Sa, Ying-long; Jin, San-bao; Xu, Yue-min

2015-12-01

To report the clinical features of pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) and assess the real effect of factors that are believed to have adverse effects on delayed urethroplasty. An observational descriptive study in a single urological center examined 376 male patients diagnosed with PFUI who underwent open urethroplasty from 2009 to 2013. Analyzed factors included patient age at the time of injury, etiology of PFUI, type of emergency treatment, concomitant injuries, length and position of stricture, type of urethroplasty and the outcome of surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied, together with analytical statistic methods such as t test and Chi-square test. The overall success rate of delayed urethroplasty was 80.6 %. Early realignment was associated with reduced stricture length and had beneficial effect on delayed surgery. Concomitant rectum rupture, strictures longer than 1.6 cm and strictures closer than 3 cm to the bladder neck were indicators of poor outcome. Age, type of injury, urethral fistula and bladder rupture were not significant predicators of surgery outcome. Failed direct vision internal urethrotomy and urethroplasty had no significant influence on salvage operation. The outcome of posterior urethroplasty is affected by multiple factors. Early realignment has beneficial effect; while the length and position of stricture and its distance to bladder neck plays the key role, rectum rupture at the time of injury is also an indicator of poor outcome. The effect of other factors seems insignificant.

The measured performance of a grazing incidence relay optics telescope for solar X-ray astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moses, Dan; Krieger, Allen S.; Davis, John M.

1986-01-01

The design, fabrication, and test performance of a grazing-incidence diverging magnifier (GIDM) for use in high-resolution X-ray imaging of the solar corona are described. The GIDM, designed to be mounted in front of the focus of a 30.48-cm Wolter-Schwarzschild primary, is an Ni-coated Be hyperboloid-hyperboloid structure of principal diameter 3.15 cm; the two components are mounted on a central steel plate which acts as a support and spacer. The combined instrument has overall length 1.9 m, effective focal length 5.4 m, and plate scale 26.0 micron/arcsec. In point- and line-source measurements in an 89.5-m vacuum test facility, the on-axis resolution is shown to be equal to that of the primary alone. The field of view for 1-arcsec resolution is limited to 1.25 arcmin in radius, but the effective-area limitation is less significant when CCD detectors of high quantum efficiency are used instead of film.

16 CFR § 1220.1 - Scope, compliance dates, and definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... affecting commerce and other purposes; (iii) Has an interior length dimension either greater than 139.7 cm (55 in.) or smaller than 126.3 cm (49 3/4 in.), or, an interior width dimension either greater than 77... components. (D) Undersize crib—a non-full-size baby crib with an interior length dimension smaller than 126.3...

16 CFR 1220.1 - Scope, compliance dates, and definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... affecting commerce and other purposes; (iii) Has an interior length dimension either greater than 139.7 cm (55 in.) or smaller than 126.3 cm (49 3/4 in.), or, an interior width dimension either greater than 77... components. (D) Undersize crib—a non-full-size baby crib with an interior length dimension smaller than 126.3...

16 CFR 1220.1 - Scope, compliance dates, and definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... affecting commerce and other purposes; (iii) Has an interior length dimension either greater than 139.7 cm (55 in.) or smaller than 126.3 cm (49 3/4 in.), or, an interior width dimension either greater than 77... components. (D) Undersize crib—a non-full-size baby crib with an interior length dimension smaller than 126.3...

50 CFR 660.704 - Vessel identification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (CONTINUED) FISHERIES OFF WEST COAST STATES Highly Migratory Fisheries... (25.40 cm) in height for vessels more than 25 ft (7.62 m) but equal to or less than 65 ft (19.81 m) in length; and 18 inches (45.72 cm)in height for vessels longer than 65 ft (19.81 m) in length. Markings...

Single daily dosing ceftriaxone and metronidazole vs standard triple antibiotic regimen for perforated appendicitis in children: a prospective randomized trial.

PubMed

St Peter, Shawn D; Tsao, Kuojen; Spilde, Troy L; Holcomb, George W; Sharp, Susan W; Murphy, J Patrick; Snyder, Charles L; Sharp, Ronald J; Andrews, Walter S; Ostlie, Daniel J

2008-06-01

Appendicitis is the most common emergency condition in children. Historically, a 3-drug regimen consisting of ampicillin, gentamicin, and clindamycin (AGC) has been used postoperatively for perforated appendicitis. A retrospective review at our institution has found single day dosing of ceftriaxone and metronidazole (CM) to be a more simple and cost-effective antibiotic strategy. Therefore, we performed a prospective, randomized trial to compare efficacy and cost-effectiveness of these 2 regimens. After internal review board approval (IRB no. 04 12-149), children found to have perforated appendicitis at appendectomy were randomized to either once daily dosing of CM (2 total doses per day) or standard dosing of AGC (11 total doses per day). Perforation was defined as an identifiable hole in the appendix. The operative approach (laparoscopic), length of antibiotic use, and criteria for discharge were standardized for the groups. Based on our retrospective analysis using length of postoperative hospitalization as a primary end point, a sample size of 100 patients was calculated for an alpha of .5 and a power of 0.82. One hundred patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis. On presentation, there were no differences in sex distribution, days of symptoms, temperature, or leukocyte count. There was no difference in abscess rate or wound infections between groups. The CM group resulted in significantly less antibiotic charges then the AGC group. Once daily dosing with the 2-drug regimen (CM) offers a more efficient, cost-effective antibiotic management in children with perforated appendicitis without compromising infection control when compared to a traditional 3-drug regimen.

Environmental tobacco smoke exposure and perinatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

PubMed

Salmasi, Giselle; Grady, Rosheen; Jones, Jennifer; McDonald, Sarah D

2010-01-01

While active maternal tobacco smoking has well established adverse perinatal outcomes, the effects of passive maternal smoking, also called environmental tobacco exposure (ETS), are less well studied and less consistent. To determine to the effect of ETS on perinatal outcomes. Medline, EMBASE and reference lists were searched. Studies comparing ETS-exposed pregnant women with those unexposed which adequately addressed active maternal smoking. Two reviewers independently assessed titles, abstracts, full studies, extracted data and assessed quality. Dichotomous data were pooled using odds ratios (OR) and continuous data with weighted mean differences (WMD) using a random effects model. Seventy-six articles were included with a total of 48,439 ETS-exposed women and 90,918 unexposed women. ETS-exposed infants weighed less [WMD -60 g, 95% confidence interval (CI) -80 to -39 g], with a trend towards increased low birthweight (LBW, < 2,500 g; RR 1.16; 95% CI 0.99-1.36), although the duration of gestation and preterm delivery were similar (WMD 0.02 weeks, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.12 weeks and RR 1.07; 95% CI 0.93-1.22). ETS-exposed infants had longer infant lengths (1.75 cm; 95% CI 1.37-2.12 cm), increased risks of congenital anomalies (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.03-1.34) and a trend towards smaller head circumferences (-0.11 cm; 95% CI -0.22 to 0.01 cm). ETS-exposed women have increased risks of infants with lower birthweight, congenital anomalies, longer lengths, and trends towards smaller head circumferences and LBW.

Effect of Crystal Defects on Minority Carrier Diffusion Length in 6H SiC Measured Using the Electron Beam Induced Current Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tabib-Azar, Massood

1997-01-01

We report values of minority carrier diffusion length in n-type 6H SiC measured using a planar Electron Beam Induced Current (EBIC) method. Values of hole diffusion length in defect free regions of n-type 6H SiC, with a doping concentration of 1.7El7 1/cu cm, ranged from 1.46 microns to 0.68 microns. We next introduce a novel variation of the planar method used above. This 'planar mapping' technique measured diffusion length along a linescan creating a map of diffusion length versus position. This map is then overlaid onto the EBIC image of the corresponding linescan, allowing direct visualization of the effect of defects on minority carrier diffusion length. Measurements of the above n-type 6H SiC resulted in values of hole diffusion length ranging from 1.2 micron in defect free regions to below 0.1 gm at the center of large defects. In addition, measurements on p-type 6H SiC resulted in electron diffusion lengths ranging from 1.42 micron to 0.8 micron.

Gate length variation effect on performance of gate-first self-aligned In₀.₅₃Ga₀.₄₇As MOSFET.

PubMed

Mohd Razip Wee, Mohd F; Dehzangi, Arash; Bollaert, Sylvain; Wichmann, Nicolas; Majlis, Burhanuddin Y

2013-01-01

A multi-gate n-type In₀.₅₃Ga₀.₄₇As MOSFET is fabricated using gate-first self-aligned method and air-bridge technology. The devices with different gate lengths were fabricated with the Al2O3 oxide layer with the thickness of 8 nm. In this letter, impact of gate length variation on device parameter such as threshold voltage, high and low voltage transconductance, subthreshold swing and off current are investigated at room temperature. Scaling the gate length revealed good enhancement in all investigated parameters but the negative shift in threshold voltage was observed for shorter gate lengths. The high drain current of 1.13 A/mm and maximum extrinsic transconductance of 678 mS/mm with the field effect mobility of 364 cm(2)/Vs are achieved for the gate length and width of 0.2 µm and 30 µm, respectively. The source/drain overlap length for the device is approximately extracted about 51 nm with the leakage current in order of 10(-8) A. The results of RF measurement for cut-off and maximum oscillation frequency for devices with different gate lengths are compared.

Gate Length Variation Effect on Performance of Gate-First Self-Aligned In0.53Ga0.47As MOSFET

PubMed Central

Mohd Razip Wee, Mohd F.; Dehzangi, Arash; Bollaert, Sylvain; Wichmann, Nicolas; Majlis, Burhanuddin Y.

2013-01-01

A multi-gate n-type In0.53Ga0.47As MOSFET is fabricated using gate-first self-aligned method and air-bridge technology. The devices with different gate lengths were fabricated with the Al2O3 oxide layer with the thickness of 8 nm. In this letter, impact of gate length variation on device parameter such as threshold voltage, high and low voltage transconductance, subthreshold swing and off current are investigated at room temperature. Scaling the gate length revealed good enhancement in all investigated parameters but the negative shift in threshold voltage was observed for shorter gate lengths. The high drain current of 1.13 A/mm and maximum extrinsic transconductance of 678 mS/mm with the field effect mobility of 364 cm2/Vs are achieved for the gate length and width of 0.2 µm and 30µm, respectively. The source/drain overlap length for the device is approximately extracted about 51 nm with the leakage current in order of 10−8 A. The results of RF measurement for cut-off and maximum oscillation frequency for devices with different gate lengths are compared. PMID:24367548

Determination of carrier lifetime and diffusion length in Al-doped 4H-SiC epilayers by time-resolved optical techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liaugaudas, Gediminas; Dargis, Donatas; Kwasnicki, Pawel; Arvinte, Roxana; Zielinski, Marcin; Jarašiūnas, Kęstutis

2015-01-01

A series of p-type 4H-SiC epilayers with aluminium concentration ranging from 2  ×  1016 to 8  ×  1019 cm-3 were investigated by time-resolved optical techniques in order to determine the effect of aluminium doping on high-injection carrier lifetime at room temperature and the diffusion coefficient at different injections (from ≈3  ×  1018 to ≈5  ×  1019 cm-3) and temperatures (from 78 to 730 K). We find that the defect limited carrier lifetime τSRH decreases from 20 ns in the low-doped samples down to ≈0.6 ns in the heavily doped epilayers. Accordingly, the ambipolar diffusion coefficient decreases from Da = 3.5 cm2 s-1 down to ≈0.6 cm2 s-1, corresponding to the hole mobility of µh = 70 cm2 Vs-1 and 12 cm2 Vs-1, respectively. In the highly doped epilayers, the injection-induced decrease of the diffusion coefficient, due to the transition from the minority carrier diffusion to the ambipolar diffusion, provided the electron diffusion coefficient of De ≈ 3 cm2 s-1. The Al-doping resulted in the gradual decrease of the ambipolar diffusion length, from LD = 2.7 µm down to LD = 0.25 µm in the epilayers with the lowest and highest aluminium concentrations.

Fully covered self-expanding metallic stent placement for benign refractory esophageal strictures.

PubMed

Kahalekar, Vinit; Gupta, Deepak Trilokinath; Bhatt, Pratin; Shukla, Akash; Bhatia, Shobna

2017-05-01

Treatment options for benign refractory esophageal stricture are limited. We retrospectively analyzed data of 11 patients who underwent fully covered self-expanding metallic stent (FC-SEMS) placement for refractory benign esophageal stricture at our institute. Refractory benign esophageal stricture was defined as inability to dilate a stricture to a diameter of 14 mm after a minimum of five sessions at 2-week intervals or inability to maintain diameter of 14 mm for at least 4 weeks. Eleven patients with refractory benign esophageal stricture (corrosive-6, peptic-3, and post-sclerotherapy-2) underwent FC-SEMS placement. The stent was removed after 4-6 weeks as per manufacturer's recommendation. Patients were followed up for 1 year. Three patients with peptic strictures [length of stricture 2, 3, and 3 cm] and two patients with post-sclerotherapy stricture [length 2 and 1.5 cm] had complete response. Two of 6 patients with corrosive stricture (10 cm, 12 cm) developed recurrence of symptoms within 1 month of stent removal, and two after 2 months (8 cm, 3 cm). One patient with corrosive stricture (6 cm) had recurrence after 6 months, and responded to single session of dilatation. One patient with corrosive stricture was asymptomatic for last 12 months. Four stents were migrated. Four patients developed severe retrosternal pain following stent placement, which was managed with analgesics. There were no serious adverse events after placement of stent and removal of stent. Fully covered SEMS is safe and effective for refractory benign non-corrosive esophageal strictures.

Inhibitory effect of jasmonic acid and ethylene on epicotyl growth and bud induction in the maritime pine, Pinus pinaster Soland. in ait.

PubMed

Martin, Maria Teresa; Pedranzani, Hilda; García-Molinero, Patricia; Pando, Valentin; Sierra-de-Grado, Rosario

2009-12-01

Two independent parameters, epicotyl height (cm) and number of induced buds were studied on Pinus pinaster explants to analyse the effects of three phytohormones (6-benzylaminopurine, jasmonic acid, ethylene) which were combined or not in 11 different treatments. Epicotyle length diminished significantly in relation to the control medium (medium without exogen phytohormones) in presence of jasmonic acid, 6-benzylaminopurine or Ethephon (which is converted to ethylene in plants) in any of treatments. Concentrations of 100 microM of jasmonic acid and Ethephon had a greater inhibitory effect than the treatments with 10 microM. In addition to that, jasmonic acid was a stronger inhibitor than Ethephon in any of the tried combinations. There were no significant differences between the control treatment and the treatments with only 10 microM of jasmonic acid or Ethephon. However, 10 microM 6-benzylaminopurine induced bud formation. The different combinations of 6-benzylaminopurine with jasmonic acid and Ethephon showed that concentrations of 10 to 100 microM did not affect the number of induced buds. Jasmonic acid had an inhibitory effect which Ethephon only showed when combined with 100 microM of jasmonic acid and 10 microM of 6-benzylaminopurine. Three response groups were defined by cluster analysis: group 1 produced the greatest mean number of buds (4 to 5) and a mean epicotyl growth of 1 to 1.5 cm; group 2 produced 2 to 4 buds and a mean growth of 0.5 to 1.2 cm; group 3 produced only one bud and a mean epicotyl length of 1.2 to 2 cm.

Charge transfer efficiency improvement of 4T pixel for high speed CMOS image sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Xiangliang; Liu, Weihui; Yang, Hongjiao; Tang, Lizhen; Yang, Jia

2015-03-01

The charge transfer efficiency improvement method is proposed by optimizing the electrical potential distribution along the transfer path from the PPD to the FD. In this work, we present a non-uniform doped transfer transistor channel, with the adjustments to the overlap length between the CPIA layer and the transfer gate, and the overlap length between the SEN layer and transfer gate. Theory analysis and TCAD simulation results show that the density of the residual charge reduces from 1e11 /cm3 to 1e9 /cm3, and the transfer time reduces from 500 ns to 143 ns, and the charge transfer efficiency is about 77 e-/ns. This optimizing design effectively improves the charge transfer efficiency of 4T pixel and the performance of 4T high speed CMOS image sensor.

50 CFR 648.83 - Multispecies minimum fish sizes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... vessels are subject to the following minimum fish sizes, determined by total length (TL): Minimum Fish Sizes (TL) for Commercial Vessels Species Size(inches) Cod 22 (55.9 cm) Haddock 18 (45.7 cm) Pollock 19 (48.3 cm) Witch flounder (gray sole) 14 (35.6 cm) Yellowtail flounder 13 (33.0 cm) American plaice...

50 CFR 648.83 - Multispecies minimum fish sizes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... vessels are subject to the following minimum fish sizes, determined by total length (TL): Minimum Fish Sizes (TL) for Commercial Vessels Species Size(inches) Cod 19 (48.3 cm) Haddock 16 (40.6 cm) Pollock 19 (48.3 cm) Witch flounder (gray sole) 13 (33 cm) Yellowtail flounder 12 (30.5 cm) American plaice (dab...

50 CFR 648.83 - Multispecies minimum fish sizes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... vessels are subject to the following minimum fish sizes, determined by total length (TL): Minimum Fish Sizes (TL) for Commercial Vessels Species Size(inches) Cod 19 (48.3 cm) Haddock 16 (40.6 cm) Pollock 19 (48.3 cm) Witch flounder (gray sole) 13 (33 cm) Yellowtail flounder 12 (30.5 cm) American plaice (dab...

50 CFR 648.83 - Multispecies minimum fish sizes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... vessels are subject to the following minimum fish sizes, determined by total length (TL): Minimum Fish Sizes (TL) for Commercial Vessels Species Size(inches) Cod 22 (55.9 cm) Haddock 18 (45.7 cm) Pollock 19 (48.3 cm) Witch flounder (gray sole) 14 (35.6 cm) Yellowtail flounder 13 (33.0 cm) American plaice...

Large area Czochralski silicon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rea, S. N.; Gleim, P. S.

1977-01-01

The overall cost effectiveness of the Czochralski process for producing large-area silicon was determined. The feasibility of growing several 12 cm diameter crystals sequentially at 12 cm/h during a furnace run and the subsequent slicing of the ingot using a multiblade slurry saw were investigated. The goal of the wafering process was a slice thickness of 0.25 mm with minimal kerf. A slice + kerf of 0.56 mm was achieved on 12 cm crystal using both 400 grit B4C and SiC abrasive slurries. Crystal growth experiments were performed at 12 cm diameter in a commercially available puller with both 10 and 12 kg melts. Several modifications to the puller hoz zone were required to achieve stable crystal growth over the entire crystal length and to prevent crystallinity loss a few centimeters down the crystal. The maximum practical growth rate for 12 cm crystal in this puller design was 10 cm/h, with 12 to 14 cm/h being the absolute maximum range at which melt freeze occurred.

Development of the areola in the early placenta of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): a light, scanning and transmission electron microscopical study.

PubMed

Abd-Elnaeim, M M M; Saber, A; Hassan, A; Abou-Elmagd, A; Klisch, K; Jones, C J P; Leiser, R

2003-12-01

This study aimed to elucidate development of the areola in the early dromedary placenta in comparison with that of the pig and mare. Placental tissues from 25 pregnant camels were obtained from Cairo abattoir and prepared for light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy by routine methods. Vascular casts were made by injection of 4 : 1 liquid plastic mixture of mercox and methylmethacrylate. Areolar formation was first observed at 4.5 cm curved-crown-rump CVR length, while by 5-9 cm CVR length, the endometrial surface was uneven and studded with numerous uterine gland openings, where corresponding foetal areolae were barely detectable and the foetal areolar cells were of variable appearance and covered with long microvilli. At 10-13 cm CVR length the uterine gland openings developed irregular folds and the maternal areolar cells showed numerous apical blebs. At 14-29 cm CVR length the foetal areolae showed a great increase in height at the expense of their width. At 30-34 cm (CVR) length the maternal areolae appeared discoid and sharply demarcated from the surrounding inter-areolar tissues and the foetal areolae were rounded to irregular in shape with well-developed areolar rims. The vascular casts showed a widely meshed capillary network on the maternal areola, connecting with the pre- and post-capillary vessels, whereas the foetal side showed a relatively dense capillary meshwork. These studies indicate that the areola in the placenta of the one-humped camel is of the regular type like in the pig, and is poorly vascularized.

In situ growth rates of deep-water octocorals determined from 3D photogrammetric reconstructions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennecke, Swaantje; Kwasnitschka, Tom; Metaxas, Anna; Dullo, Wolf-Christian

2016-12-01

Growth rates of deep-water corals provide important information on the recovery potential of these ecosystems, for example from fisheries-induced impacts. Here, we present in situ growth dynamics that are currently largely unknown for deep-water octocorals, calculated by applying a non-destructive method. Videos of a boulder harbouring multiple colonies of Paragorgia arborea and Primnoa resedaeformis in the Northeast Channel Coral Conservation Area at the entrance to the Gulf of Maine at 863 m depth were collected in 2006, 2010 and 2014. Photogrammetric reconstructions of the boulder and the fauna yielded georeferenced 3D models for all sampling years. Repeated measurements of total length and cross-sectional area of the same colonies allowed the observation of growth dynamics. Growth rates of total length of Paragorgia arborea decreased over time with higher rates between 2006 and 2010 than between 2010 and 2014, while growth rates of cross-sectional area remained comparatively constant. A general trend of decreasing growth rates of total length with size of the coral colony was documented. While no growth was observed for the largest colony (165 cm in length) between 2010 and 2014, a colony 50-65 cm in length grew 3.7 cm yr-1 between 2006 and 2010. Minimum growth rates of 1.6-2.7 cm yr-1 were estimated for two recruits (<23 cm in 2014) of Primnoa resedaeformis. We successfully extracted biologically meaningful data from photogrammetric models and present the first in situ growth rates for these coral species in the Northwest Atlantic.

Perceived distance depends on the orientation of both the body and the visual environment.

PubMed

Harris, Laurence R; Mander, Charles

2014-10-15

Models of depth perception typically omit the orientation and height of the observer despite the potential usefulness of the height above the ground plane and the need to know about head position to interpret retinal disparity information. To assess the contribution of orientation to perceived distance, we used the York University Tumbled and Tumbling Room facilities to modulate both perceived and actual body orientation. These facilities are realistically decorated rooms that can be systematically arranged to vary the relative orientation of visual, gravity, and body cues to upright. To assess perceived depth we exploited size/distance constancy. Observers judged the perceived length of a visual line (controlled by a QUEST adaptive procedure) projected on to the wall of the facilities, relative to the length of an unseen iron rod held in their hands. In the Tumbled Room (viewing distance 337 cm) the line was set about 10% longer when participants were supine compared to when they were upright. In the Tumbling Room (viewing distance 114 cm), the line was set about 11% longer when participants were either supine or made to feel that they were supine by the orientation of the room. Matching a longer visual line to the reference rod is compatible with the opposite wall being perceived as closer. The effect was modulated by whether viewing was monocular or binocular at a viewing distance of 114 cm but not at 337 cm suggesting that reliable binocular cues can override the effect. © 2014 ARVO.

[Growth in terms of length of Chilean infants of low socioeconomic status: 1978-1992].

PubMed

Pizarro, F; Olivares, M; Hertrampf, E; Walter, T

1996-06-01

In Chile infant malnutrition is better reflected by the length/age indicator than by weight/length. In this study we will present the progression of length during the first year of life from the year 1978 through 1992 of infants of low socioeconomic status. We selected healthy infants with > 3000 g birth weight and birth length > 0.5 z. According to type of milk feedings they were defined as CM (cow milk) those who were weaned before 4 months of life and EM (exclusive breast milk) those who continued exclusive breast milk (as only source of milk solids permitted) past 6 months. Infants CM of the 1978-80 cohort had a length at birth z +0.21 reaching 1 year with z -0.65, a loss of 0.86 z. Infants from the cohorts of 1982-86 and 1988-92 fell from z +0.15 to z -0.37 (a loss of -0.52 z) and +0.16 to -0.19 (a loss of -0.45 z) between birth and 12 months respectively. EBM infants length also fell significantly (delta z: -1.12, -0.69 and 0.59 respectively). Proteincalorie nutrition was adequate confirmed with weight/age or length/weight curves with means of +0.52 throughout the first year. Analysis of the length curves by regression shows that the slopes of the 3 cohorts are significantly different (< 0.01) for CM and EBM favoring the most recent cohorts. Multiple regression analysis identified association of length at 1 year with birth weight (p < 0.05), birth length (p < 0.01) and socioeconomic index (p < 0.01). We suggest that there is an improvement in the trend of Chilean infants growth in length for the past 20 years, likely due to improvement in socioeconomic level.

Electricity production and benzene removal from groundwater using low-cost mini tubular microbial fuel cells in a monitoring well.

PubMed

Chang, Shih-Hsien; Wu, Chih-Hung; Wang, Ruei-Cyun; Lin, Chi-Wen

2017-05-15

A low-cost mini tubular microbial fuel cell (MFC) was developed for treating groundwater that contained benzene in monitoring wells. Experimental results indicate that increasing the length and density, and reducing the size of the char particles in the anode effectively reduced the internal resistance. Additionally, a thinner polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel separator and PVA with a higher molecular weight improved electricity generation. The optimal parameters for the MFC were an anode density of 1.22 g cm -3 , a coke of 150 μm, an anode length of 6 cm, a PVA of 105,600 g mol -1 , and a separator thickness of 1 cm. Results of continuous-flow experiments reveal that the increasing the sets of MFCs and connecting them in parallel markedly improved the degradation of benzene. More than 95% of benzene was removed and electricity of 38 mW m -2 was generated. The MFC ran continuously up to 120 days without maintenance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antimicrobial activity and agricultural properties of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) grown in northern parts of Turkey: a case study for adaptation.

PubMed

Yaldız, Gülsüm; Sekeroglu, Nazım; Kulak, Muhittin; Demirkol, Gürkan

2015-01-01

This study was designed to determine the adaptation capability of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.), which is widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates, in northern parts of Turkey. In this study, plant height, number of fruits, fruit length, fruit width, number of seeds and fruit weight of bitter melon grown in field conditions were determined. The antimicrobial effect of the ethanol extract of fruit and seeds against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans microorganisms was tested in vitro by the disc diffusion method. In conclusion, plant height (260 cm), number of fruits (16 per  plant), number of seeds (30.2  per fruit), fruit width (3.8 cm), fruit length (10.6 cm) and fruit weight (117.28 g fruit(- 1)) were determined; fruits were found to have antimicrobial activity against A. niger; oil and seeds were found to have antimicrobial activity against A. niger and E. coli.

Physical Models of Layered Polar Firn Brightness Temperatures from 0.5 to 2 GHz

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tan, Shurun; Aksoy, Mustafa; Brogioni, Marco; Macelloni, Giovanni; Durand, Michael; Jezek, Kenneth C.; Wang, Tian-Lin; Tsang, Leung; Johnson, Joel T.; Drinkwater, Mark R.;

Prenatal Exposure to Organophosphorous Pesticides and Fetal Growth: Pooled Results from Four Longitudinal Birth Cohort Studies.

PubMed

Harley, Kim G; Engel, Stephanie M; Vedar, Michelle G; Eskenazi, Brenda; Whyatt, Robin M; Lanphear, Bruce P; Bradman, Asa; Rauh, Virginia A; Yolton, Kimberly; Hornung, Richard W; Wetmur, James G; Chen, Jia; Holland, Nina T; Barr, Dana Boyd; Perera, Frederica P; Wolff, Mary S

2016-07-01

Organophosphorous (OP) pesticides are associated with reduced fetal growth in animals, but human studies are inconsistent. We pooled data from four cohorts to examine associations of prenatal OP exposure with birth weight (n = 1,169), length (n = 1,152), and head circumference (n = 1,143). Data were from the CHAMACOS, HOME, Columbia, and Mount Sinai birth cohorts. Concentrations of three diethyl phosphate (ΣDEP) and three dimethyl phosphate (ΣDMP) metabolites of OP pesticides [summed to six dialkyl phosphates (ΣDAPs)] were measured in maternal urine. Linear regression and mixed-effects models were used to examine associations with birth outcomes. We found no significant associations of ΣDEP, ΣDMP, or ΣDAPs with birth weight, length, or head circumference overall. However, among non-Hispanic black women, increasing urinary ΣDAP and ΣDMP concentrations were associated with decreased birth length (β = -0.4 cm; 95% CI: -0.9, 0.0 and β = -0.4 cm; 95% CI: -0.8, 0.0, respectively, for each 10-fold increase in metabolite concentration). Among infants with the PON1192RR genotype, ΣDAP and ΣDMP were negatively associated with length (β = -0.4 cm; 95% CI: -0.9, 0.0 and β = -0.5 cm; 95% CI: -0.9, -0.1). This study confirms previously reported associations of prenatal OP exposure among black women with decreased infant size at birth, but finds no evidence of smaller birth weight, length, or head circumference among whites or Hispanics. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found stronger inverse associations of DAPs and birth outcome in infants with the less susceptible PON1192RR genotype. The large pooled data set facilitated exploration of interactions by race/ethnicity and PON1 genotype, but was limited by differences in study populations. Harley KG, Engel SM, Vedar MG, Eskenazi B, Whyatt RM, Lanphear BP, Bradman A, Rauh VA, Yolton K, Hornung RW, Wetmur JG, Chen J, Holland NT, Barr DB, Perera FP, Wolff MS. 2016. Prenatal exposure to organophosphorous pesticides and fetal growth: pooled results from four longitudinal birth cohort studies. Environ Health Perspect 124:1084-1092; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409362.

50 CFR 32.28 - Florida.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... one bass may be over 14 inches (35 cm) in length. 3. We allow fishing south of a line of latitude of... archery season. 18. Hunters may take deer, with one or more antlers at least 5 inches (12.5 cm) in length... limited deer gun hunt and limited youth gun deer hunt, except only one deer may be a buck for each of the...

Ultra-High Performance, High-Temperature Superconducting Wires via Cost-effective, Scalable, Co-evaporation Process

PubMed Central

Kim, Ho-Sup; Oh, Sang-Soo; Ha, Hong-Soo; Youm, Dojun; Moon, Seung-Hyun; Kim, Jung Ho; Dou, Shi Xue; Heo, Yoon-Uk; Wee, Sung-Hun; Goyal, Amit

2014-01-01

Long-length, high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wires capable of carrying high critical current, Ic, are required for a wide range of applications. Here, we report extremely high performance HTS wires based on 5 μm thick SmBa2Cu3O7 − δ (SmBCO) single layer films on textured metallic templates. SmBCO layer wires over 20 meters long were deposited by a cost-effective, scalable co-evaporation process using a batch-type drum in a dual chamber. All deposition parameters influencing the composition, phase, and texture of the films were optimized via a unique combinatorial method that is broadly applicable for co-evaporation of other promising complex materials containing several cations. Thick SmBCO layers deposited under optimized conditions exhibit excellent cube-on-cube epitaxy. Such excellent structural epitaxy over the entire thickness results in exceptionally high Ic performance, with average Ic over 1,000 A/cm-width for the entire 22 meter long wire and maximum Ic over 1,500 A/cm-width for a short 12 cm long tape. The Ic values reported in this work are the highest values ever reported from any lengths of cuprate-based HTS wire or conductor. PMID:24752189

Life-history traits of the long-nosed skate Dipturus oxyrinchus.

PubMed

Bellodi, A; Porcu, C; Cannas, R; Cau, Al; Marongiu, M F; Mulas, A; Vittori, S; Follesa, M C

2017-03-01

This work investigates life-history traits of the long-nosed skate Dipturus oxyrinchus, which is a common by-catch in Sardinian waters. The reproductive variables were analysed from 979 specimens sampled during scientific and commercial hauls. Females (10·4-117·5 cm total length, L T ) attained larger sizes than males (14·5-99·5 cm L T ). To evaluate age and growth, a sub-sample of 130 individuals (76 females and 54 males) were used. The age was estimated by annuli counts of sectioned vertebral centra. Four models were used for the length-at-age data: the von Bertalanffy, the exponential, the Gompertz and the logistic functions. According to the Akaike's information criterion, the Gompertz model seemed to provide the best fitting curve (L ∞ mean ± s.e.: 127·55 ± 4·90 cm, k: 0·14 ± 0·09, IP: 3·97 ± 0·90 years). The oldest female and male were aged 17 (115·5 cm L T ) and 15 years (96·0 cm L T ), respectively. Lengths at maturity were 103·5 cm for females and 91·0 cm for males, corresponding to 90% of the maximum observed length in both sexes. The monthly distribution of maturity stages highlighted an extended reproductive cycle, with spawning females and active males being present almost throughout the year, as confirmed by the gonado-somatic index. Ovarian fecundity reached a maximum of 26 yolked follicles with a mean ± s.e. size of 19·7 ± 6·5 mm. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

The estimation of the propagation delay through the troposphere from microwave radiometer data. [very long base interferometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moran, J. M.; Rosen, B. R.

1980-01-01

The uncertainity in propagation delay estimates is due primarily to tropospheric water, the total amount and vertical distribution of which is variable. Because water vapor both delays and attenuates microwave signals, the propagation delay, or wet path length, can be estimated from the microwave brightness temperature near the 22.235 GHz transition of water vapor. The data from a total of 240 radiosonde launches taken simultaneously were analyzed. Estimates of brightness temperature at 19 and 22 GHz and wet path length were made from these data. The wet path length in the zenith direction could be estimated from the surface water vapor density to an accuracy of 5 cm for the summer data and 2 cm for winter data. Using the brightness temperatures, the wet path could be estimated to an accuracy of 0.3 cm. Two dual frequency radiometers were refurbished in order to test these techniques. These radiometers were capable of measuring the difference in the brightness temperature at 30 deg elevation angle and at the zenith to an accuracy of about 1 K. In August 1975, 45 radiosondes were launched over an 11 day period. Brightness temperature measurements were made simultaneously at 19 and 22 GHz with the radiometers. The rms error for the estimation of wet path length from surface meteorological parameters was 3.2 cm, and from the radiometer brightness temperatures, 1.5 cm.

AN EVALUATION OF THE BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A PLASTIC SCINTILLATING FIBRE DETECTOR IN CT RADIATION FIELDS.

PubMed

Terasaki, Kento; Fujibuchi, Toshioh; Toyoda, Takatoshi; Yoshida, Yutaka; Akasaka, Tsutomu; Nohtomi, Akihiro; Morishita, Junji

2016-12-01

The ionisation chamber for computed tomography (CT) is an instrument that is most commonly used to measure the computed tomography dose index. However, it has been reported that the 10 cm effective detection length of the ionisation chamber is insufficient due to the extent of the dose distribution outside the chamber. The purpose of this study was to estimate the basic characteristics of a plastic scintillating fibre (PSF) detector with a long detection length of 50 cm in CT radiation fields. The authors investigated position dependence using diagnostic X-ray equipment and dependencies for energy, dose rate and slice thickness using an X-ray CT system. The PSF detector outputs piled up at a count rate of 10 000 counts ms -1 in dose rate dependence study. With calibration, this detector may be useful as a CT dosemeter with a long detection length except for the measurement at high dose rate. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Effects of ridge-cultivation and plastic film mulching on root distribution and yield of spring maize in hilly area of central Sichuan basin, China.

PubMed

Zha, Li; Xie, Meng Lin; Zhu, Min; Dou, Pan; Cheng, Qiu Bo; Wang, Xing Long; Yuan, Ji Chao; Kong, Fan Lei

2016-03-01

A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of planting pattern (ridge culture, flatten culture, furrow culture) and film mulching on the distribution of spring maize root system and their influence on the yield of spring maize in the hilly area of central Sichuan basin. The results showed that ridge and film mulching had great influence on root morphology and root distribution of maize. The root length, root surface area and root volume of film mulching was 42.3%, 50.0%, 57.4% higher than those of no film mulching at jointing stage. The film mulching significantly increased the dry mass of root in vertical and horizontal distribution, and increased the root allocation ratio in deeper soil layer (20-40 cm) and the allocation ratio of wide row (0-20 cm) in horizontal direction. The effects of planting pattern on root growth and root distribution differed by film mulching. With film mulching, the ridge culture significantly increased the root dry mass in each soil layer and enlarged the distribution percentage of wide row (20-40 cm) in horizontal direction, as well as the dry mass of root in horizontal distribution and the root allocation ratio of wide row. The root mass under film mulching was in the order of ridge culture>flatten culture>furrow culture. Without film mulching, the furrow culture significantly increased root dry mass of narrow row (0-40 cm), and the root mass under no film mulching was in the order of furrow culture > ridge culture >flatten culture. As for the spike characteristics and maize yield, the filming mulching mea-sures reduced the corn bald length while increased the spike length, grain number, 1000-grain mass and yield. The yield under film mulching was in the order of ridge culture>flatten culture> furrow culture, while it was furrow culture > flatten culture > ridge culture under no film mulching. The reason for yield increase under ridge culture with film mulching was that it increased root weight especially in deep soil, and promoted the root allocation ratio in deeper soil and wide row (20-40 cm) in horizontal direction. The ridge-furrow culture without film mulching was helpful to root growth and increased the maize yield.

The First Genetic and Comparative Map of White Lupin (Lupinus albus L.): Identification of QTLs for Anthracnose Resistance and Flowering Time, and a Locus for Alkaloid Content

PubMed Central

Phan, Huyen T. T.; Ellwood, Simon R.; Adhikari, Kedar; Nelson, Matthew N.; Oliver, Richard P.

2007-01-01

Abstract We report the first genetic linkage map of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.). An F8 recombinant inbred line population developed from Kiev mutant × P27174 was mapped with 220 amplified fragment length polymorphism and 105 gene-based markers. The genetic map consists of 28 main linkage groups (LGs) that varied in length from 22.7 cM to 246.5 cM and spanned a total length of 2951 cM. There were seven additional pairs and 15 unlinked markers, and 12.8% of markers showed segregation distortion at P < 0.05. Syntenic relationships between Medicago truncatula and L. albus were complex. Forty-five orthologous markers that mapped between M. truncatula and L. albus identified 17 small syntenic blocks, and each M. truncatula chromosome aligned to between one and six syntenic blocks in L. albus. Genetic mapping of three important traits: anthracnose resistance, flowering time, and alkaloid content allowed loci governing these traits to be defined. Two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with significant effects were identified for anthracnose resistance on LG4 and LG17, and two QTLs were detected for flowering time on the top of LG1 and LG3. Alkaloid content was mapped as a Mendelian trait to LG11. PMID:17526914

Sex Reversal and Masculinization according to Growth in Longtooth Grouper Epinephelus bruneus

PubMed Central

Oh, Seong-Rip; Kang, Hyeong-Cheol; Lee, Chi-Hoon; Hur, Sang-Woo; Lee, Young-Don

2013-01-01

To understand the sex reversal characteristics in the longtooth grouper (Epinephelus bruneus), this study examined the sex reversal and artificial masculinization of wild caught E. bruneus reared in indoor rearing tank after a 17α-methyltestosterone injection. To domesticate a broodstock, 64 wild caught E. bruneus, between 47.0 to 110.0 cm in total length and from 1.5 to 21.4 kg in body weight, were reared in indoor rearing tank (4.0 to 5.0 m wide, and 2.5 to 3.0 m depth) for four years. Seven specimens showed sex reversal from female to male during indoor rearing condition, whose total length and body weights were from 63.0 to 99.0 cm and from 4.4 to 13.2 kg, respectively. After inducing artificial masculinization in 14 female E. bruneus with a 17α-methyltestosterone (2.0 mg/kg BW) implants for 3 years, spermiation occurred in 9 specimens (total length: 54.0 to 68.0 cm, body weight: 2.3 to 4.3 kg). Among the female to male sex reversals, two specimens returned back to being female, whose body weights were 2.8 kg (initially 2.6 kg) and 2.7 kg (initially 2.3 kg). Therefore, this study suggested that E. bruneus (> 3.0 kg) was more effective in masculinizing by 17α-methyltestosterone implants. PMID:25949124

Long axial imaging range using conventional swept source lasers in optical coherence tomography via re-circulation loops

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradu, Adrian; Jackson, David A.; Podoleanu, Adrian

2018-03-01

Typically, swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) imaging instruments are capable of a longer axial range than their camera based (CB) counterpart. However, there are still various applications that would take advantage for an extended axial range. In this paper, we propose an interferometer configuration that can be used to extend the axial range of the OCT instruments equipped with conventional swept-source lasers up to a few cm. In this configuration, the two arms of the interferometer are equipped with adjustable optical path length rings. The use of semiconductor optical amplifiers in the two rings allows for compensating optical losses hence, multiple paths depth reflectivity profiles (Ascans) can be combined axially. In this way, extremely long overall axial ranges are possible. The use of the recirculation loops produces an effect equivalent to that of extending the coherence length of the swept source laser. Using this approach, the achievable axial imaging range in SS-OCT can reach values well beyond the limit imposed by the coherence length of the laser, to exceed in principle many centimeters. In the present work, we demonstrate axial ranges exceeding 4 cm using a commercial swept source laser and reaching 6 cm using an "in-house" swept source laser. When used in a conventional set-up alone, both these lasers can provide less than a few mm axial range.

Dynamic mechanical properties of straight titanium alloy arch wires.

PubMed

Kusy, R P; Wilson, T W

1990-10-01

Eight straight-wire materials were studied: an orthodontic titanium-molybdenum (Ti-Mo) product, TMA; three orthodontic nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) products, Nitinol, Titanal, and Orthonol; three prototype alloys, a martensitic, an austenitic, and a biphasic alloy; and a hybrid shape-memory-effect product, Biometal. Each wire was prepared with a length-to-cross-sectional area of at least 3600 cm-1. With an Autovibron Model DDV-II-C used in the tensile mode, each sample was scanned from -120 to +200 degrees C at 2 degrees C/min. From the data base, plots of the log storage modulus, log tan delta, and percent change in length vs. temperature were generated. Results showed that the dynamic mechanical properties of the alloys within this TI system are quite different. The Ti-Mo alloy, TMA, was invariant with temperature, having a modulus of 7.30 x 10(11) dyne/cm2 (10.6 x 10(6) psi). The three cold-worked alloys--Nitinol, Titanal, and Orthonol--appeared to be similar, having a modulus of 5.74 x 10(11) dyne/cm2 (8.32 x 10(6) psi). The biphasic shape-memory alloy displayed a phase transformation near ambient temperature; whereas the hybrid shape-memory product, Biometal, underwent a 3-5% change in length during its transformation between 95 and 125 degrees C. Among the Ni-Ti wires tested, several different types of alloys were represented by this intermetallic material.

Shape and size dependent nonlinear refraction and absorption in citrate-stabilized, near-IR plasmonic silver nanopyramids.

PubMed

Dadhich, Bhavesh Kumar; Kumar, Indrajit; Choubey, Ravi Kant; Bhushan, Bhavya; Priyam, Amiya

2017-10-11

Using a combination of a mild stabilizer and a mild reductant, sodium citrate and hydrazine hydrate, anisotropic silver nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized with tunable plasmon peaks at 550 nm, 700 nm, 800 nm, 900 nm and 1010 nm (the samples are named Ag-550, Ag-700, Ag-800, Ag-900 and Ag-1010, respectively). TEM investigations revealed that Ag-550 NCs were pentagonal nanoplates while the other four samples were nanopyramids with a pentagonal base with the edge length varying between 15 and 30 nm. The non-linear optical (NLO) properties of these NCs were studied by the Z-scan technique using the CW He-Ne laser (632.8 nm, 15 mW). The shape change from 2D nanoplates (Ag-550) to 3D nanopyramids (Ag-700) resulted in sign reversal of the non-linear refractive index, n 2 , from a negative (-3.164 × 10 -8 cm 2 W -1 ) to a positive one (1.195 × 10 -8 cm 2 W -1 ). This corresponds to a change from a self-defocussing effect to a self-focussing one. Besides shape, the size effect is also prominently observed. Amongst nanopyramids, as the edge length increases, n 2 increases linearly and reaches a maximum of 3.124 × 10 -8 cm 2 W -1 . Doubling the edge length from 15 nm to 30 nm resulted in 162% increase in n 2 . On moving from Ag-550 to Ag-900 NCs, with the increasing plasmon wavelength, the non-linear absorption (NLA) coefficient increased exponentially to a high value of 8.52 × 10 -4 cm W -1 . However, Ag-1010 showed 29% decrease in NLA which is attributed to twinning present in the crystal structure as seen in the HR-TEM images. Due to the tunable NLO properties, these anisotropic Ag NCs hold great potential for applications in optical limiting, switching and data storage.

Use of Peroxyacetic Acid as Green Chemical on Yield and Sensorial Quality in Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) Under Soilless Culture

PubMed Central

Carrasco, Gilda; Moggia, Claudia; Osses, Ingrid Jennifer; Álvaro, Juan Eugenio; Urrestarazu, Miguel

2011-01-01

The goal of this research was to evaluate the effect of different doses of peroxyacetic acid on the productivity of watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) cultivated hydroponically using a constant nutritive solution. Green chemistry in protected horticulture seeks compatibility with the environment through the creation of biodegradable byproducts. In hydroponics, appropriate doses of peroxyacetic mixtures deliver these byproducts while also oxygenating the roots. Watercress producers who recirculate the nutritive solution can use these mixtures in order to increase oxygenation in the hydroponic system. The experiment took place between August and December 2009, beginning with the planting of the watercress seeds and concluding with the completion of the sensory panels. A completely random design was used, including three treatments and four repetitions, with applications of 0, 20 and 40 mg L−1 of the peroxyacetic mixture. Measured variables were growth (plant height, leaf length and stem diameter), yield (weight per plant and dry matter) and organoleptic quality (color and sensory panel). The application of 40 mg L−1 of the peroxyacetic mixture had a greater effect on the growth and development of the plants, which reached an average height of 29.3 cm, stem diameter of 3.3 mm and leaf length of 7.6 cm, whereas the control group reached an average height of only 20.2 cm, stem diameter of 1.9 mm and leaf length of 5.7 cm. The application of the peroxyacetic mixtures resulted in an improvement in growth parameters as well as in yield. Individual weights achieved using the 40 mg L−1 dose were 1.3 g plant−1 in the control group and 3.4 g plant−1 in the experimental group (62% yield increase). Sensory analysis revealed no differences in organoleptic quality. PMID:22272143

Ion propulsion cost effectivity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zafran, S.; Biess, J. J.

1978-01-01

Ion propulsion modules employing 8-cm thrusters and 30-cm thrusters were studied for Multimission Modular Spacecraft (MMS) applications. Recurring and nonrecurring cost elements were generated for these modules. As a result, ion propulsion cost drivers were identified to be Shuttle charges, solar array, power processing, and thruster costs. Cost effective design approaches included short length module configurations, array power sharing, operation at reduced thruster input power, simplified power processing units, and power processor output switching. The MMS mission model employed indicated that nonrecurring costs have to be shared with other programs unless the mission model grows. Extended performance missions exhibited the greatest benefits when compared with monopropellant hydrazine propulsion.

Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis for Deep-Sowing Germination Ability in the Maize IBM Syn10 DH Population

PubMed Central

Liu, Hongjun; Zhang, Lin; Wang, Jiechen; Li, Changsheng; Zeng, Xing; Xie, Shupeng; Zhang, Yongzhong; Liu, Sisi; Hu, Songlin; Wang, Jianhua; Lee, Michael; Lübberstedt, Thomas; Zhao, Guangwu

2017-01-01

Deep-sowing is an effective measure to ensure seeds absorbing water from deep soil layer and emerging normally in arid and semiarid regions. However, existing varieties demonstrate poor germination ability in deep soil layer and some key quantitative trait loci (QTL) or genes related to deep-sowing germination ability remain to be identified and analyzed. In this study, a high-resolution genetic map based on 280 lines of the intermated B73 × Mo17 (IBM) Syn10 doubled haploid (DH) population which comprised 6618 bin markers was used for the QTL analysis of deep-sowing germination related traits. The results showed significant differences in germination related traits under deep-sowing condition (12.5 cm) and standard-germination condition (2 cm) between two parental lines. In total, 8, 11, 13, 15, and 18 QTL for germination rate, seedling length, mesocotyl length, plumule length, and coleoptile length were detected for the two sowing conditions, respectively. These QTL explained 2.51–7.8% of the phenotypic variance with LOD scores ranging from 2.52 to 7.13. Additionally, 32 overlapping QTL formed 11 QTL clusters on all chromosomes except for chromosome 8, indicating the minor effect genes have a pleiotropic role in regulating various traits. Furthermore, we identified six candidate genes related to deep-sowing germination ability, which were co-located in the cluster regions. The results provide a basis for molecular marker assisted breeding and functional study in deep-sowing germination ability of maize. PMID:28588594

Modulating peripersonal and extrapersonal reach space via tool use: a comparison between 6- to 12-year-olds and young adults.

PubMed

Caçola, Priscila; Gabbard, Carl

2012-04-01

This study examined age-related characteristics associated with tool use in the perception and modulation of peripersonal and extrapersonal space. Seventy-six (76) children representing age groups 7-, 9-, 11 years and 36 adults were presented with two experiments using an estimation of reach paradigm involving arm and tool conditions and a switch-block of the opposite condition. Experiment 1 tested Arm and Tool (20 cm length) estimation and found a significant effect for Age, Space, and an Age × Space interaction (ps < 0.05). Both children and adults were less accurate in extrapersonal space, indicating an overestimation bias. Interestingly, the adjustment period during the switch-block condition was immediate and similar across age. Experiment 2 was similar to Experiment 1 with the exception of using a 40-cm-length tool. Results also revealed an age effect and a difference in Space (ps < 0.05), however, participants underestimated. Speculatively, participants were less confident when presented with a longer tool, even though the adjustment period with both tool lengths was similar. Considered together, these results hint that: (1) children as young as 6 years of age are capable of being as accurate when estimating reach with a tool as they are with their arm, (2) the adjustment period associated with extending and retracting spaces is immediate rather than gradual, and (3) tool length influences estimations of reach.

Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis for Deep-Sowing Germination Ability in the Maize IBM Syn10 DH Population.

PubMed

Liu, Hongjun; Zhang, Lin; Wang, Jiechen; Li, Changsheng; Zeng, Xing; Xie, Shupeng; Zhang, Yongzhong; Liu, Sisi; Hu, Songlin; Wang, Jianhua; Lee, Michael; Lübberstedt, Thomas; Zhao, Guangwu

2017-01-01

Deep-sowing is an effective measure to ensure seeds absorbing water from deep soil layer and emerging normally in arid and semiarid regions. However, existing varieties demonstrate poor germination ability in deep soil layer and some key quantitative trait loci (QTL) or genes related to deep-sowing germination ability remain to be identified and analyzed. In this study, a high-resolution genetic map based on 280 lines of the intermated B73 × Mo17 (IBM) Syn10 doubled haploid (DH) population which comprised 6618 bin markers was used for the QTL analysis of deep-sowing germination related traits. The results showed significant differences in germination related traits under deep-sowing condition (12.5 cm) and standard-germination condition (2 cm) between two parental lines. In total, 8, 11, 13, 15, and 18 QTL for germination rate, seedling length, mesocotyl length, plumule length, and coleoptile length were detected for the two sowing conditions, respectively. These QTL explained 2.51-7.8% of the phenotypic variance with LOD scores ranging from 2.52 to 7.13. Additionally, 32 overlapping QTL formed 11 QTL clusters on all chromosomes except for chromosome 8, indicating the minor effect genes have a pleiotropic role in regulating various traits. Furthermore, we identified six candidate genes related to deep-sowing germination ability, which were co-located in the cluster regions. The results provide a basis for molecular marker assisted breeding and functional study in deep-sowing germination ability of maize.

Urethroplasty for treatment of long anterior urethral stricture: buccal mucosa graft versus penile skin graft-does the stricture length matter?

PubMed

Hussein, Mohamed M; Almogazy, Hazem; Mamdouh, Ahmed; Farag, Fawzy; Rashed, Elnesr; Gamal, Wael; Rashed, Ahmed; Zaki, Mohamed; Salem, Esam; Ryad, Ahmed

2016-11-01

To investigate the surgical outcomes of dorsal onlay urethroplasty (DOU) using buccal mucosa graft (BMG) or penile skin graft (PSG) and to assess the effect of stricture length in men with anterior urethral strictures. A prospective cohort included men with anterior urethral strictures between 2008 and 2015. Patients underwent DOU using PSG or BMG. Patients had urethrography and uroflowmetry at 0, 3, 6, 12 months, and urethroscopy when needed. Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Pearson's Chi-square test were used for analysis. Sixty-nine patients (43 ± 14 year) were included, 31 received BMG, and 38 received PSG. Mean stricture length was 8 ± 3 cm, mean operative time was 145 ± 31 min, and mean follow-up was 56 ± 10 mo. Success rate was 87 % (90 % BMG vs. 84 % PSG, p = 0.4). Mean operative time was significantly shorter in PSG group (136 ± 29 min vs. 256 ± 58 min, p = 0.0005). Complications of grade I developed in 36 % (wound infection = 10 %, postvoiding dribbling = 18.8 %). Thirty of 69 patients (43 %) had strictures ≥8 cm, and 39 (57 %) had strictures <8 cm-success rate was equal for both subgroups (87 %). Mean blood loss, mean operative time, and incidence of postvoid dribbling were significantly lower in strictures <8 cm. BMG and PSG have comparable success rates in treatment of long anterior urethral strictures. Operative time is significantly longer in BMG. Long-segment strictures are associated with longer operative time, more blood loss, and more occurrence of postvoid dribbling. However, the length of the stricture has no influence on the success rate and functional outcomes of DOU.

Effects of Including Misidentified Sharks in Life History Analyses: A Case Study on the Grey Reef Shark Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos from Papua New Guinea

PubMed Central

Smart, Jonathan J.; Chin, Andrew; Baje, Leontine; Green, Madeline E.; Appleyard, Sharon A.; Tobin, Andrew J.; Simpfendorfer, Colin A.; White, William T.

2016-01-01

Fisheries observer programs are used around the world to collect crucial information and samples that inform fisheries management. However, observer error may misidentify similar-looking shark species. This raises questions about the level of error that species misidentifications could introduce to estimates of species’ life history parameters. This study addressed these questions using the Grey Reef Shark Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos as a case study. Observer misidentification rates were quantified by validating species identifications using diagnostic photographs taken on board supplemented with DNA barcoding. Length-at-age and maturity ogive analyses were then estimated and compared with and without the misidentified individuals. Vertebrae were retained from a total of 155 sharks identified by observers as C. amblyrhynchos. However, 22 (14%) of these were sharks were misidentified by the observers and were subsequently re-identified based on photographs and/or DNA barcoding. Of the 22 individuals misidentified as C. amblyrhynchos, 16 (73%) were detected using photographs and a further 6 via genetic validation. If misidentified individuals had been included, substantial error would have been introduced to both the length-at-age and the maturity estimates. Thus validating the species identification, increased the accuracy of estimated life history parameters for C. amblyrhynchos. From the corrected sample a multi-model inference approach was used to estimate growth for C. amblyrhynchos using three candidate models. The model averaged length-at-age parameters for C. amblyrhynchos with the sexes combined were  L¯∞ = 159 cm TL and  L¯0 = 72 cm TL. Females mature at a greater length (l50 = 136 cm TL) and older age (A50 = 9.1 years) than males (l50 = 123 cm TL; A50 = 5.9 years). The inclusion of techniques to reduce misidentification in observer programs will improve the results of life history studies and ultimately improve management through the use of more accurate data for assessments. PMID:27058734

Effects of Including Misidentified Sharks in Life History Analyses: A Case Study on the Grey Reef Shark Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos from Papua New Guinea.

PubMed

Smart, Jonathan J; Chin, Andrew; Baje, Leontine; Green, Madeline E; Appleyard, Sharon A; Tobin, Andrew J; Simpfendorfer, Colin A; White, William T

2016-01-01

Fisheries observer programs are used around the world to collect crucial information and samples that inform fisheries management. However, observer error may misidentify similar-looking shark species. This raises questions about the level of error that species misidentifications could introduce to estimates of species' life history parameters. This study addressed these questions using the Grey Reef Shark Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos as a case study. Observer misidentification rates were quantified by validating species identifications using diagnostic photographs taken on board supplemented with DNA barcoding. Length-at-age and maturity ogive analyses were then estimated and compared with and without the misidentified individuals. Vertebrae were retained from a total of 155 sharks identified by observers as C. amblyrhynchos. However, 22 (14%) of these were sharks were misidentified by the observers and were subsequently re-identified based on photographs and/or DNA barcoding. Of the 22 individuals misidentified as C. amblyrhynchos, 16 (73%) were detected using photographs and a further 6 via genetic validation. If misidentified individuals had been included, substantial error would have been introduced to both the length-at-age and the maturity estimates. Thus validating the species identification, increased the accuracy of estimated life history parameters for C. amblyrhynchos. From the corrected sample a multi-model inference approach was used to estimate growth for C. amblyrhynchos using three candidate models. The model averaged length-at-age parameters for C. amblyrhynchos with the sexes combined were L∞ = 159 cm TL and L0 = 72 cm TL. Females mature at a greater length (l50 = 136 cm TL) and older age (A50 = 9.1 years) than males (l50 = 123 cm TL; A50 = 5.9 years). The inclusion of techniques to reduce misidentification in observer programs will improve the results of life history studies and ultimately improve management through the use of more accurate data for assessments.

Model predictions for atmospheric air breakdown by radio-frequency excitation in large gaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, H. K.; Mankowski, J.; Dickens, J. C.; Neuber, A. A.; Joshi, R. P.

2017-07-01

The behavior of the breakdown electric field versus frequency (DC to 100 MHz) for different gap lengths has been studied numerically at atmospheric pressure. Unlike previous reports, the focus here is on much larger gap lengths in the 1-5 cm range. A numerical analysis, with transport coefficients obtained from Monte Carlo calculations, is used to ascertain the electric field thresholds at which the growth and extinction of the electron population over time are balanced. Our analysis is indicative of a U-shaped frequency dependence, lower breakdown fields with increasing gap lengths, and trends qualitatively similar to the frequency-dependent field behavior for microgaps. The low frequency value of ˜34 kV/cm for a 1 cm gap approaches the reported DC Paschen limit.

Light Irradiation And Response Of The Living Body - Effect Of Pain Relief And Promotion Of Wound Healing -

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taguchi, Yoshio; Kurokawa, Yoshimochi; Ohara, Itaru; Ueki, Hamaichi; Inaba, Humio

1989-09-01

The first report of laser irradiation for wound healing was done by Mester, E., et al. in 1968. From their reports, we can get many knowledges and suggestions as for laser irradiation. At that time he used ruby laser (694.3 nm wave length) for surgical wounds and burns on the back skin of mice. The condition of irradiation was studied with energy density between 0.5-10 J/cm2 twice a week. As a result, they noticed 1 J/cm2 irradiation was effective for those wounds. After a few experimental reports, they published their clinical studies in 1975. Clinically, they used He-Ne laser (632.8 nm wave length) irradiation. Human leg ulcers due to peripheral circulatory disturbance were treated with energy density of 4 J/cm2 twice a week. And they got good results, obtaining complete healing in two-thirds of the cases. We became strongly stimulated by those reports. We have been studying the effect of light on experimental and clinical wound healing as well as on various kinds of biological phenomena since 1980. Particularly, its effect according to the difference of light has been studied. In October 1982, the first clinical case was tried by Argon laser (514.5 nm wave length) irradiation for therapeutic purpose. A man had a chronic ulcer of the left first toe due to Buerger's disease for 5 months. Surprizingly, on the 14th day after 6 treatments of the light irradiation, his ulcer completely healed. During these treatments, the patient noticed that the pain completely disappeared after 2 treatments. Fifty Argon laser treatments were carried out on clinical cases after these experiences, we reached to a conclusion that light irradiation stimulated something in the injured tissues and lead to good clinical results. Several studies concerning mechanism for these effects i.e. peripheral circulation, histology of granulation, cell proliferation, chemistry and other studies were carried out. From these investigations, peripheral circulation was improved when in those who were suffering from vascular disorders but was not effective in normal subjects. From a study of cellular electrophoretic mobility, irradiated G0G1 cells increased their mobility, but irradiated G2M cells decreased. These results suggested light irradiation contributed to homeostasis of living cells, tissues, and body. Experiments concerning the light sources, i.e. wave length, energy density and polarization were done. As a result, linear polarization and right circular polarization improved wound healing, but incoherent light itself did not. ,According to our studies, no distinguished differences among various kinds of wave length were noticed. And light irradiation with energy density was very effective between 2 to 6 J/cm2. We strongly suggest the role of coherency is very important to do light irradiation on the living body. In conclusion, we like to propose our new viewpoint. That is, the light irradiation should be discussed with the structure of high molecular substances in the living body.

Describing differences in weight and length growth trajectories between white and Pakistani infants in the UK: analysis of the Born in Bradford birth cohort study using multilevel linear spline models.

PubMed

Fairley, Lesley; Petherick, Emily S; Howe, Laura D; Tilling, Kate; Cameron, Noel; Lawlor, Debbie A; West, Jane; Wright, John

2013-04-01

To describe the growth pattern from birth to 2 years of UK-born white British and Pakistani infants. Birth cohort. Bradford, UK. 314 white British boys, 383 Pakistani boys, 328 white British girls and 409 Pakistani girls. Weight and length trajectories based on repeat measurements from birth to 2 years. Linear spline multilevel models for weight and length with knot points at 4 and 9 months fitted the data well. At birth Pakistani boys were 210 g lighter (95% CI -290 to -120) and 0.5 cm shorter (-1.04 to 0.02) and Pakistani girls were 180 g lighter (-260 to -100) and 0.5 cm shorter (-0.91 to -0.03) than white British boys and girls, respectively. Pakistani infants gained length faster than white British infants between 0 and 4 months (+0.3 cm/month (0.1 to 0.5) for boys and +0.4 cm/month (0.2 to 0.6) for girls) and gained more weight per month between 9 and 24 months (+10 g/month (0 to 30) for boys and +30 g/month (20 to 40) for girls). Adjustment for maternal height attenuated ethnic differences in weight and length at birth, but not in postnatal growth. Adjustment for other confounders did not explain differences in any outcomes. Pakistani infants were lighter and had shorter predicted mean length at birth than white British infants, but gained weight and length quicker in infancy. By age 2 years both ethnic groups had similar weight, but Pakistani infants were on average taller than white British infants.

The phototoxic effects of fluoranthene on bullfrog tadpoles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Walker, S.E.; Taylor, D.H.; Oris, J.T.

1995-12-31

The objective of this study was to determine the phototoxic effects of fluoranthene on bullfrog larvae by examining the relationship between median time to death and fluoranthene concentration and by examining the effects of short-term sublethal fluoranthene exposure on behavior and body condition. To determine the relationship between median time to death and fluoranthene concentration, tadpoles were exposed to either 0, 60, 80, 100 or 120 mg fluoranthene/L, and monitored for 144h under SUVR (40--50 mW/cm{sup 2} UVA, 4--6 mW/cm{sup 2} UVB). To examine the effects of fluoranthene on behavior and body condition, 20 tadpoles were exposed to either 0,more » 10, or 40 mg fluoranthene/L with simulated SUVR for either 48 or 96 h. At either 48 or 96 h ten individuals were removed and their locomotor activity was monitored and the body length and mass determined. Median time to death decreased with increased fluoranthene concentration and appears to do so in a linear fashion. Body condition was determined using a ratio index (mass/length{sup 3}) and a residual index was determined using the residuals of a regression of body length and body mass. Both exposure time and concentration affected both condition indices. Body burden was significantly affected at 10 mg fluoranthene/L. Exposure to fluoranthene for 48 h caused no significant effect on locomotor activity. However, at 96 h hyperactivity was noted in the highest fluoranthene exposure concentration. These results indicate that exposure to fluoranthene under environmentally realistic conditions can cause both lethal and sublethal effects on amphibian larvae.« less

Towards GPS orbit accuracy of tens of centimeters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lichten, Stephen M.

1990-01-01

In this paper, CASA Uno orbit results are presented utilizing data from four continents. Refinements in orbit modeling, combined with the availability of a worldwide tracking network and the dense distribution of tracking sites in North and South America, have improved orbit determination precision to about 60 cm (per component) for four of the seven GPS satellites tracked in CASA Uno. The orbit results are consistent with California baseline repeatabilities, which are at the few mm level in horizontal and length, and 1-2 cm in the vertical. Baseline comparisons with VLBI provide a measure of orbit accuracy, showing sub-cm agreement in length and 1.5 cm agreement in the horizontal.

Nonlinear optical properties of flux growth KTiOPO4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stolzenberger, Richard A.

1988-09-01

The properties of large flux grown KTiOPO4 second harmonic generators were measured. A technique which provides a sensitive assessment of crystal uniformity is described. Optically perfect second harmonic generation crystals of up to 1 cu cm were found to have nonlinear optical properties comparable with those grown by other methods. A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was used to determine temperature acceptance width-length product (20 C cm), angular acceptance width-length product (13 mrad cm), and doubling efficiency (50 percent). Spectral bandwidth (4.5 A cm) and wavefront distortion (1/4 wave at 633 nm) were also measured. The dependence of these properties on crystal homogeneity is demonstrated.

Laser guiding of Tesla coil high voltage discharges.

PubMed

Henriksson, Markus; Daigle, Jean-Francois; Théberge, Francis; Châteauneuf, Marc; Dubois, Jacques

2012-06-04

We have investigated the guiding and triggering of discharges from a Tesla coil type 280 kHz AC high voltage source using filaments created by a femtosecond Terawatt laser pulse. Without the laser the discharges were maximum 30 cm long. With the laser straight, guided discharges up to 110 cm length were detected. The discharge length was limited by the voltage amplitude of the Tesla coil.

16 CFR 500.12 - Measurement of commodities by length and width, how expressed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... remainder in inches or common or decimal fractions of the yard or foot except that a dimension of less than... dimension of less than 2 feet (60.96 cm) may be stated in inches. (4) For any commodity for which the... square foot (929 cm2) be expressed in terms of length and width in linear measure. The customary inch...

Impact of dietary fiber and physical form on performance of lactating dairy cows.

PubMed

Woodford, J A; Jorgensen, N A; Barrington, G P

1986-04-01

Two trials were conducted to study the effects of forage intake and physical form on lactating cow performance. In trial 1, four cows in a 4 X 4 Latin square were fed long alfalfa hay at 28, 36, 45, and 53% of total dry matter plus concentrate. Total dry matter intake was not affected by forage percent. Total chewing time and milk fat percentage increased linearly with increasing forage consumption. Maximum 4% fat-corrected milk production occurred when diets contained 27% neutral detergent fiber and 18% acid detergent fiber. In trial 2, four cows in a 4 X 4 Latin square were fed diets of chopped alfalfa hay and concentrate in proportions to supply 27.4% total ration neutral detergent fiber. Mean particle length measured with an oscillating screen particle separator of the chopped hay was .26, .46, .64, and .90 cm. Total dry matter and forage dry matter intakes and total chewing were not influenced by forage mean particle length. Mean particle length did not affect actual milk or 4% fat-corrected milk production. Depression of milk fat percentage was prevented when forage mean particle length was greater than or equal .64 cm. Apparent digestibility of dietary constituents and rate of passage of hay and concentrate was not influenced by forage intake or physical form.

Maternal body burden of cadmium and offspring size at birth

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Romano, Megan E., E-mail: megan_romano@brown.edu; Enquobahrie, Daniel A.; Center for Perinatal Studies, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA

Increasing evidence suggests an inverse association between cadmium (Cd) and size at birth, potentially greatest among female neonates. We evaluated whether greater maternal body burden of Cd is associated with reduced neonatal anthropometry (birthweight, birth length, head circumference, and ponderal index) and assessed whether these associations differ by infant sex. The analytic sample for the present study (n=396) was derived from a subcohort of 750 women randomly drawn from among all participants (N=4344) in the Omega Study, a prospective pregnancy cohort. Creatinine-corrected Cd in maternal clean-catch spot urine samples (U-Cd) was quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Continuous log{submore » 2}-transformed Cd (log{sub 2}-Cd) and U-Cd tertiles (low<0.29 μg/g creatinine, middle 0.29–0.42 μg/g creatinine, high≥0.43 μg/g creatinine) were used in multivariable linear regression models. Females had reduced birth length with greater U-Cd tertile, whereas males birth length marginally increased [β(95% CI) females: low=reference, middle=−0.59 cm (−1.37, 0.19), high=−0.83 cm (−1.69, 0.02), p-trend=0.08; males: low=reference, middle=0.18 cm (−0.59, 0.95), high=0.78 cm (–0.04, 1.60), p-trend=0.07; p for interaction=0.03]. The log{sub 2}-Cd by infant sex interaction was statistically significant for ponderal index [p=0.003; β(95% CI): female=0.25 kg/m{sup 3} (−0.20, 0.70); male=−0.63 kg/m{sup 3} (−1.01, −0.24)] and birth length [p<0.001; β(95% CI): female=−0.47 cm (−0.74, −0.20), male=0.32 cm (0.00, 0.65)]. Our findings suggest potential sex-specific reversal of Cd’s associations on birth length and contribute to the evidence suggesting Cd impairs fetal growth. - Highlights: • Cadmium levels in the general population potentially adversely affect size at birth. • Maternal urinary cadmium was inversely related to birth length among female infants. • For male infants, maternal cadmium was positively associated with birth length. • Maternal cadmium was also inversely related to ponderal index among male infants.« less

An in vitro study of magnetic particle targeting in small blood vessels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Udrea, Laura Elena; Strachan, Norval J. C.; Bădescu, Vasile; Rotariu, Ovidiu

2006-10-01

The magnetic guidance and capture of particles inside the human body, via the circulatory system, is a novel method for the targeted delivery of drugs. This experimental study confirms in vitro that a dipolar capturing device, based on high-energy magnets with an active space of 8.7 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm, retains colloidal magnetic particles (MPs) (<30 nm) injected in the capillary tubes, where flow velocities are comparable to that encountered in the capillary beds of tumours (<0.5 cm s-1). The build-up of the deposition of the MPs was investigated using video imaging techniques that enabled continuous monitoring of the blocking of the vessel whilst simultaneously recording the colloid's flow rate. The parameters of practical importance (length of MP deposit, time of capillary blocking) were estimated and were found to be dependent on the initial fluid velocity, the MP concentration and the distance between the capillary tube and the polar magnetic pieces. Although the tube used in this experiment is larger (diameter = 0.75 mm, length = 100 mm) than that of real capillaries (diameter = 0.01 mm, length ~1.5 mm), the flow velocities chosen were similar to those encountered in the capillary beds of tumours and the length/diameter ratio was approximately equal (133 for the present set-up, 100-150 for real capillaries). In these circumstances and using the same magnetic field conditions (intensity, gradient) and MPs, there is close similarity with magnetic capture in a microscopic capillary system. Moreover, the macroscopic system permits analysis of the distribution of MPs in the active magnetic space, and consequently the maximum targetable volume. This study revealed that the capture of particles within the active space was strongly influenced by the gradient of the magnetic field and the flow velocity. Thus, when the magnetic field gradient had medium values (0.1-0.3 T cm-1) and the fluid velocity was small (0.15 cm s-1), the particles were captured in small, compact and stable deposits (L < 4 cm) and the time necessary for blocking of the capillary was <150 s. Doubling the value for the flow velocity did not influence significantly either the length of MP deposits nor the blocking time. However, lower gradients (<0.1 T cm-1) and larger velocities (0.3-0.9 cm s-1) result in the formation of larger deposits (4 cm < L < 10 cm) that are unstable at the beginning of the capture process. These large deposits do become stable given sufficient time for the deposition process to take place in conjunction with a decrease in the flow rate. As a consequence, the time necessary for blocking of the capillary increased up to 450 s. Decreasing the MP concentration from 0.02 g cm-3 to 0.005 g cm-3 decreased the deposit lengths by approximately 20% and doubled the values of the blocking time. The maximum targetable volume obtained by the present method is ~350 cm3, which corresponds to medium-sized tumours. The capillary vessels were blocked only for the situation that occurs for microcirculation within a tumour. This reduces the concentration of MPs trapped within the normal tissues, which occurs when using particles of micrometre size. This work showed the potential of using colloidal MPs and dipolar magnetic devices for treatment of human patients, when the affected sites are positioned at medium distances from the surface of the body (e.g. head, neck, breast, hands and legs).

Weight-for-length/height growth curves for children and adolescents in China in comparison with body mass index in prevalence estimates of malnutrition.

PubMed

Zong, Xinnan; Li, Hui; Zhang, Yaqin; Wu, Huahong

2017-05-01

It is important to update weight-for-length/height growth curves in China and re-examine their performance in screening malnutrition. To develop weight-for-length/height growth curves for Chinese children and adolescents. A total of 94 302 children aged 0-19 years with complete sex, age, weight and length/height data were obtained from two cross-sectional large-scaled national surveys in China. Weight-for-length/height growth curves were constructed using the LMS method before and after average spermarcheal/menarcheal ages, respectively. Screening performance in prevalence estimates of wasting, overweight and obesity was compared between weight-for-height and body mass index (BMI) criteria based on a test population of 21 416 children aged 3-18. The smoothed weight-for-length percentiles and Z-scores growth curves with length 46-110 cm for both sexes and weight-for-height with height 70-180 cm for boys and 70-170 cm for girls were established. The weight-for-height and BMI-for-age had strong correlation in screening wasting, overweight and obesity in each age-sex group. There was no striking difference in prevalence estimates of wasting, overweight and obesity between two indicators except for obesity prevalence at ages 6-11. This set of smoothed weight-for-length/height growth curves may be useful in assessing nutritional status from infants to post-pubertal adolescents.

Comparative morphometry of the antebrachial and crural interosseous membranes: preliminary study for the use of the crural interosseous membrane in the surgical repair of the antebrachial interosseous membrane tears.

PubMed

Elamrani, Driss; Aumar, Aurélien; Wavreille, Guillaume; Fontaine, Christian

2014-05-01

Traumatic tears of the antebrachial interosseous membrane (AIOM) on its whole length are difficult to treat, particularly in the Essex-Lopresti syndrome. The number of ligamentoplasty techniques described in the literature witnesses the difficulty of its reconstruction and the absence of reliable and satisfying procedure. The aim of this study was to explore a new way of treatment, which consists in replacing the AIOM by the crural interosseous membrane (CIOM), harvested from the same patient. A morphometric study of the AIOM and CIOM has been conducted on both sides of 15 formalin preserved corpses (i.e. 30 AIOM and 30 CIOM). Studied data were: length of forearms and legs, length and width (at different locations) of the membranes, in situ and after harvesting, and orientation of their fibers. The thickness of membrane was also measured but only after harvesting. Concerning the AIOM, the mean length was 13.3 cm in situ and 12.8 cm after harvesting. Its width was maximal at the union of middle and distal thirds with an average value of 1.7 cm in situ and 1.45 cm after harvesting. Mean thickness was 1 mm. Anterior fibers were oblique distally and medially (20.5° ± 0.95°), and posterior fibers were oblique distally and laterally (40° ± 3.4°). Concerning the CIOM, the mean length was 24.75 cm in situ and 23.9 cm after harvesting. Its width was maximal at the union of proximal and middle thirds with an average value of 2.3 cm in situ and 1.85 cm after harvesting. Mean thickness was 0.5 mm. Obliquity of its fibers was reverse of that of the AIOM: the anterior fibers were quite oblique distally and laterally (13° ± 2.6°), and the posterior fibers oblique were oblique distally and medially (24.2° ± 2.48°). From these results, one may conclude that the largest length and width of the CIOM allow its use as substitute for the injured AIOM. The orientation of its fibers should necessitate either its reversal while using the same side or the use of the CIOM of the opposite side; its relative sharpness could signify that its biomechanical properties could be worse. A biomechanical study is necessary to evaluate how this new way of replacing the AIOM could resist to the strains imposed on the forearm.

Opportunistic use of a Foley catheter to provide a common electrocautery with a water-irrigating channel for hepatic parenchymal transection.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Yuzo; Yoshioka, Masato; Watanabe, Go; Uchinami, Hiroshi

2015-11-01

High-tech surgical energy devices that are used during a single surgery have increased in number and the expense for such disposable units is by no means negligible. We developed a handmade water-irrigating monopolar electrocautery using a Foley catheter to perform liver parenchymal transection. A commonly used 20-24 Fr Foley catheter was cut at a length of about 8 cm. The shaft of the 5 mm ball electrode measuring 13.5 cm in length was then inlaid into the urine drainage channel. The target tissues were cauterized without making an eschar, thereby preventing the adhesion of the electrode to the tissues. A ball electrode with our handmade water irrigation sheath can be made in only a few minutes at a very low cost, using common medical supplies and yielding satisfactory effects comparable to the use of specialized high-tech devices.

Is short stature associated with short cervical length?

PubMed

Gagel, Caroline K; Rafael, Timothy J; Berghella, Vincenzo

2010-10-01

We sought to estimate if there is a correlation between maternal height and cervical length in women at high risk for preterm birth. We studied a retrospective cohort of women with singleton gestation and risk factors for preterm birth. Maternal height was categorized as short (<157.5 cm) or not short stature (≥157.5 cm). Cervical length at 14 to 24 weeks was evaluated. Primary outcomes were incidence of initial cervical length <30 mm and incidence of shortest cervical length <25 mm. Four hundred sixteen women met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-two (22.6%) of the short women and 79 (24.5%) of the nonshort women had an initial cervical length <30 mm ( P = 0.81). Twenty-two (23.7%) of the short women and 104 (32.2%) of the nonshort women had a cervical length <25 mm for shortest cervical length measurement ( P = 0.15). In women with singleton gestation and risk factors for preterm birth, no statistically significant relationship exists between maternal height and initial or shortest cervical length. © Thieme Medical Publishers.

Impact of direct substitution of arm span length for current standing height in elderly COPD.

PubMed

Pothirat, Chaicharn; Chaiwong, Warawut; Phetsuk, Nittaya

2015-01-01

Arm span length is related to standing height and has been studied as a substitute for current standing height for predicting lung function parameters. However, it has never been studied in elderly COPD patients. To evaluate the accuracy of substituting arm span length for current standing height in the evaluation of pulmonary function parameters and severity classification in elderly Thai COPD patients. Current standing height and arm span length were measured in COPD patients aged >60 years. Postbronchodilator spirometric parameters, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), and ratio of FEV1/FVC (FEV1%), were used to classify disease severity according to global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease criteria. Predicted values for each parameter were also calculated separately utilizing current standing height or arm span length measurements. Student's t-tests and chi-squared tests were used to compare differences between the groups. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. A total of 106 COPD patients with a mean age of 72.1±7.8 years, mean body mass index of 20.6±3.8 kg/m(2), and mean standing height of 156.4±8.3 cm were enrolled. The mean arm span length exceeded mean standing height by 7.7±4.6 cm (164.0±9.0 vs 156.4±8.3 cm, P<0.001), at a ratio of 1.05±0.03. Percentages of both predicted FVC and FEV1 values based on arm span length were significantly lower than those using current standing height (76.6±25.4 vs 61.6±16.8, P<0.001 and 50.8±25.4 vs 41.1±15.3, P<0.001). Disease severity increased in 39.6% (42/106) of subjects using arm span length over current standing height for predicted lung function. Direct substitution of arm span length for current standing height in elderly Thai COPD patients should not be recommended in cases where arm span length exceeds standing height by more than 4 cm.

Measuring newborn foot length to identify small babies in need of extra care: a cross sectional hospital based study with community follow-up in Tanzania.

PubMed

Marchant, Tanya; Jaribu, Jennie; Penfold, Suzanne; Tanner, Marcel; Armstrong Schellenberg, Joanna

2010-10-19

Neonatal mortality because of low birth weight or prematurity remains high in many developing country settings. This research aimed to estimate the sensitivity and specificity, and the positive and negative predictive values of newborn foot length to identify babies who are low birth weight or premature and in need of extra care in a rural African setting. A cross-sectional study of newborn babies in hospital, with community follow-up on the fifth day of life, was carried out between 13 July and 16 October 2009 in southern Tanzania. Foot length, birth weight and gestational age were estimated on the first day and foot length remeasured on the fifth day of life. In hospital 529 babies were recruited and measured within 24 hours of birth, 183 of whom were also followed-up at home on the fifth day. Day one foot length <7 cm at birth was 75% sensitive (95%CI 36-100) and 99% specific (95%CI 97-99) to identify very small babies (birth weight <1500 grams); foot length <8 cm had sensitivity and specificity of 87% (95%CI 79-94) and 60% (95%CI 55-64) to identify those with low birth weight (<2500 grams), and 93% (95%CI 82-99) and 58% (95%CI 53-62) to identify those born premature (<37 weeks). Mean foot length on the first day was 7.8 cm (standard deviation 0.47); the mean difference between first and fifth day foot lengths was 0.1 cm (standard deviation 0.3): foot length measured on or before the fifth day of life identified more than three-quarters of babies who were born low birth weight. Measurement of newborn foot length for home births in resource poor settings has the potential to be used by birth attendants, community volunteers or parents as a screening tool to identify low birth weight or premature newborns in order that they can receive targeted interventions for improved survival.

The effect of keyboard key spacing on typing speed, error, usability, and biomechanics, Part 2: Vertical spacing.

PubMed

Pereira, Anna; Hsieh, Chih-Ming; Laroche, Charles; Rempel, David

2014-06-01

The objective was to evaluate the effects of vertical key spacing on a conventional computer keyboard on typing speed, percentage error, usability, forearm muscle activity, and wrist posture for both females with small fingers and males with large fingers. Part I evaluated primarily horizontal key spacing and found that for male typists with large fingers, productivity and usability were similar for spacings of 17, 18, and 19 mm but were reduced for spacings of 16 mm. Few other key spacing studies are available, and the international standards that specify the spacing between keys on a keyboard have been mainly guided by design convention. Experienced female typists (n = 26) with small fingers (middle finger length < or = 7.71 cm or finger breadth of < or = 1.93 cm) and male typists (n = 26) with large fingers (middle finger length > or = 8.37 cm or finger breadth of > or = 2.24 cm) typed on five keyboards that differed primarily in vertical key spacing (17 x 18, 17 x 17, 17 x 16, 17 x 15.5, and 18 x 16 mm) while typing speed, error, fatigue, preference, forearm muscle activity, and wrist posture were recorded. Productivity and usability ratings were significantly worse for the keyboard with 15.5 mm vertical spacing compared to the other keyboards for both groups.There were few significant differences on usability ratings between the other keyboards. Reducing vertical key spacing,from 18 to 17 to 16 mm, had no significant effect on productivity or usability. The findings support the design of keyboards with vertical key spacings of 16, 17, or 18 mm. These findings may influence keyboard design and standards.

Modelling fully convective stars in eclipsing binaries: KOI-126 and CM Draconis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spada, F.; Demarque, P.

2012-05-01

We present models of the components of the systems KOI-126 and CM Draconis, the two eclipsing binary systems known to date to contain stars with masses low enough to have fully convective interiors. We are able to model satisfactorily the system KOI-126, finding consistent solutions for the radii and surface temperatures of all three components, using a solar-like value of the mixing-length parameter α in the convection zone and PHOENIX NextGen 1D model atmospheres for the surface boundary conditions. Depending on the chemical composition, we estimate the age of the system to be in the range 3-5 Gyr. For CM Draconis, on the other hand, we cannot reconcile our models with the observed radii and Teff using the current metal-poor composition estimate based on kinematics. Higher metallicities lessen but do not remove the discrepancy. We then explore the effect of varying the mixing-length parameter α. As previously noted in the literature, a reduced α can be used as a simple measure of the lower convective efficiency due to rotation and induced magnetic fields. Our models show a sensitivity to α (for α < 1.0) sufficient to partially account for the radius discrepancies. It is, however, impossible to reconcile the models with the observations on the basis of the effect of the reduced α alone. We therefore suggest that the combined effects of high metallicity and α reduction could explain the observations of CM Draconis. For example, increasing the metallicity of the system towards super-solar values (i.e. Z= 2 Z⊙) yields an agreement within 2σ with α= 1.0.

Some observations on the biology of two rarely seen deep-sea chimaerids, Chimaera carophila and Hydrolagus homonycteris.

PubMed

Finucci, B; Stevens, D W; Jones, E G; Dunn, M R

2017-05-01

Chimaera carophila (n = 45) and Hydrolagus homonycteris (n = 11), two deep-sea chimaerids rarely caught in the waters off New Zealand, were collected from research trawl catches and commercial fishery catches around New Zealand at depths between 400 and 1300 m, between 2014 and 2016. Additional preserved specimens of both species (n = 58) from museum collections were analysed for size, sex and maturity. External assessment of male claspers and a combination of internal assessments of female gonad mass and oviducal gland width, were used to determine maturity. For both species, length at first maturity was 0·70-0·82 of their maximum observed chimaera length (L C ), with females maturing at a larger size. Length at maturity for C. carophila (L C range: 28·7-103·9 cm) was estimated at 72·5 cm L C for males (n = 163) and 82·5 L C for females (n = 58). In H. homonycteris, length at maturity (length range: 78·6-99·8 cm L C ) was estimated at 79·1 cm L C for males (n = 51) and 80·1 cm L C for females (n = 17). Ovarian fecundity was up to 31 for C. carophila and sperm storage was confirmed in the oviducal gland of this species. Both species preyed on benthic invertebrates. Some C. carophila and H. homonycteris inhabit depths beyond most current fisheries, but both species appear to be relatively rare and have reproductive parameters characteristic of low productivity, which may make these species vulnerable to population decline if mortality was to increase in the future. © 2017 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

The deep layer of the tractus iliotibialis and its relevance when using the direct anterior approach in total hip arthroplasty: a cadaver study.

PubMed

Putzer, David; Haselbacher, Matthias; Hörmann, Romed; Klima, Günter; Nogler, Michael

2017-12-01

Surgical approaches through smaller incisions reveal less of the underlying anatomy, and therefore, detailed knowledge of the local anatomy and its variations is important in minimally invasive surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the location, extension, and histomorphology of the deep layer of the iliotibial band during minimally invasive hip surgery using the direct anterior approach (DAA). The morphology of the iliotibial tract was determined in this cadaver study on 40 hips with reference to the anterior superior iliac spine and the tibia. The deep layer of the tractus iliotibialis was exposed up to the hip-joint capsule and length and width measurements taken. Sections of the profound iliotibial tract were removed from the hips and the thickness of the sections was determined microscopically after staining. The superficial tractus iliotibialis had a length of 50.1 (SD 3.8) cm, while tensor fasciae latae total length was 18 (SD 2) cm [unattached 15 (SD 2.5) cm]. Length and width of the deep layer of the tractus iliotibialis were 10.4 (SD 1.3) × 3.3 (SD 0.6) cm. The deep iliotibial band always extended from the distal part of the tensor fascia latae (TFL) muscle to the lateral part of the hip capsule (mean maximum thickness 584 μm). Tractus iliotibialis deep layer morphology did not correlate to other measurements taken (body length, thigh length, and TFL length). The length of the deep layer is dependent on the TFL, since the profound part of the iliotibial band reaches from the TFL to the hip-joint capsule. The deep layer covers the hip-joint capsule, rectus, and lateral vastus muscles in the DAA interval. To access the precapsular fat pad and the hip-joint capsule, the deep layer has to be split in all approaches that use the direct anterior interval.

Study of the amplified spontaneous emission spectral width and gain coefficient for a KrF laser in unsaturated and saturated conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hariri, A.; Sarikhani, S.

2014-01-01

On the basis of a model of a geometrically dependent gain coefficient, the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) spectral width was calculated analytically for the nearly resonant transition of ν ˜ ν0, and also numerically for a wide range of transition frequencies. For this purpose, the intensity rate equation was used under unsaturated and saturated conditions. For verifying the proposed model, reported measurements of the ASE energy versus the excitation length for a KrF laser were used. For the excitation length of l = 84 cm corresponding to single-path propagation, the ASE spectral width for the homogeneously broadened transition was calculated to be 6.28 Å, to be compared with the measured 4.1 Å spectral width reported for a KrF oscillator utilizing a two-mirror resonator. With the gain parameters obtained from the ASE energy measurements, the unsaturated and saturated gain coefficients for l = 84 cm were calculated to be 0.042 cm-1 and 0.014 cm-1, respectively. These values of the gain coefficient are comparable to but slightly lower than the measured gain coefficient for laser systems of 80-100 cm excitation lengths reported from different laboratories.

Laser Ablation Mass Spectrometer (LAMS) as a Standoff Analyzer in Space Missions for Airless Bodies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, X.; Brinckerhoff, W. B.; Managadze, G. G.; Pugel, D. E.; Corrigan, C. M.; Doty, J. H.

2012-01-01

A laser ablation mass spectrometer (LAMS) based on a time-of-flight (TOF) analyzer with adjustable drift length is proposed as a standoff elemental composition sensor for space missions to airless bodies. It is found that the use of a retarding potential analyzer in combination with a two-stage reflectron enables LAMS to be operated at variable drift length. For field-free drift lengths between 33 cm to 100 cm, at least unit mass resolution can be maintained solely by adjustment of internal voltages, and without resorting to drastic reductions in sensitivity. Therefore, LAMS should be able to be mounted on a robotic arm and analyze samples at standoff distances of up to several tens of cm, permitting high operational flexibility and wide area coverage of heterogeneous regolith on airless bodies.

Design study of imaging techniques for the Starprobe mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bottema, M.

1981-01-01

A 10 cm aperture, off-axis aplanatic gregorian telescope is investigated as a candidate instrument for imaging from Starprobe in the 115 nm to 900 nm wavelength range. Focal lengths of 300 cm (f/30) and 150 cm (f/15) are compared in terms of optical performance, compatibility with the Starprobe spacecraft and response to the thermal environment in a 20-hour time interval, centered on perihelion. Ultraviolet/visible imaging from Starprobe concluded should be technically feasible. A 10 cm aperture telescope with focal length close to 300 cm is recommended for further study. This instrument should be capable of a detector-limited angular resoluton of about 2 arc sec. The estimated overall dimensions should not exceed 105 cm by 40 cm by 25 cm and its mass be less than 28 kg. The recommended concept assumes solid blank ULE mirrors, a graphite-epoxy optical bench, and an aluminum thermal enclosure, covered with multilayer insulation. These materials must be carefully selected to minimize the risk of UV photopolymerization of contaminants at the mirror surfaces during observtions.

Chiral spiral waveguides based on MMI crossings: theory and experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherchi, Matteo; Ylinen, Sami; Harjanne, Mikko; Kapulainen, Markku; Vehmas, Tapani; Aalto, Timo

2016-03-01

We introduce a novel type of chiral spiral waveguide where the usual waveguide crossings are replaced by 100:0 Multimode Interferometers (MMIs), i.e. 2x2 splitters that couple all the input light in the cross output port. Despite the topological equivalence with the standard configuration, we show how resorting to long MMIs has non-trivial advantages in terms of footprint and propagation length. An accurate analytic model is also introduced to show the impact of nonidealities on the spiral performances, including propagation loss and cross-talk. We have designed and fabricated three chiral spirals on our platform, based on 3 μm thick silicon strip waveguides with 0.13 dB/cm propagation loss, and 1.58 mm long MMIs. The fabricated spirals have 7, 13 and 49 loops respectively, corresponding to the effective lengths 6.6 cm, 12.5 cm and 47.9 cm. The proposed model is successfully applied to the experimental results, highlighting MMI extinction ratio of about 16.5 dB and MMI loss of about 0.08 dB, that are much worse compared to the simulated 50 dB extinction and 0.01 dB loss. This imposes an upper limit to the number of rounds, because light takes shortcuts through the bar MMI ports. Nevertheless, the novel chiral spiral waveguides outperform what is achievable in mainstream silicon photonics platforms based on submicron waveguides in terms of length and propagation losses, and they are promising candidates for the realization of integrated gyroscopes. They can be significantly further improved by replacing the MMIs with adiabatic 100:0 splitters, ensuring lower cross-talk and broader bandwidth.

Variation in the total lengths of abutment/implant assemblies generated with a function of applied tightening torque in external and internal implant-abutment connection.

PubMed

Kim, Ki-Seong; Lim, Young-Jun; Kim, Myung-Joo; Kwon, Ho-Beom; Yang, Jae-Ho; Lee, Jai-Bong; Yim, Soon-Ho

2011-08-01

Settling (embedment relaxation), which is the main cause for screw loosening, is developed by microroughness between implant and abutment metal surface. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the relationship between the level of applied torque and the settling of abutments into implants in external and internal implant-abutment connection. Five different implant-abutment connections were used (Ext, External butt joint + two-piece abutment; Int-H2, Internal hexagon + two-piece abutment; Int-H1, Internal hexagon + one-piece abutment; Int-O2, Internal octagon + two-piece abutment; Int-O1, Internal octagon + one-piece abutment). All abutments of each group were assembled and tightened with corresponding implants by a digital torque gauge. The total lengths of implant-abutment samples were measured at each torque (5, 10, 30 N cm and repeated 30 N cm with 10-min interval) by an electronic digital micrometer. The settling values were calculated by changes between the total lengths of implant-abutment samples. All groups developed settling with repeated tightening. The Int-H2 group showed markedly higher settling for all instances of tightening torque and the Ext group was the lowest. Statistically significant differences were found in settling values between the groups and statistically significant increases were observed within each group at different tightening torques (P<0.05). After the second tightening of 30 N cm, repeated tightening showed almost constant settling values. Results from the present study suggested that to minimize the settling effect, abutment screws should be retightened at least twice at 30 N cm torque at a 10-min interval in all laboratory and clinical procedures. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of qFL-chr1, a fiber length QTL in cotton.

PubMed

Xu, Peng; Gao, Jin; Cao, Zhibin; Chee, Peng W; Guo, Qi; Xu, Zhenzhen; Paterson, Andrew H; Zhang, Xianggui; Shen, Xinlian

2017-06-01

A fiber length QTL, qFL-chr1, was fine mapped to a 0.9 cM interval of cotton chromosome 1. Two positional candidate genes showed positive correlation between gene expression level and fiber length. Prior analysis of a backcross-self mapping population derived from a cross between Gossypium hirsutum L. and G. barbadense L. revealed a QTL on chromosome 1 associated with increased fiber length (qFL-chr1), which was confirmed in three independent populations of near-isogenic introgression lines (NIILs). Here, a single NIIL, R01-40-08, was used to develop a large population segregating for the target region. Twenty-two PCR-based polymorphic markers used to genotype 1672 BC 4 F 2 plants identified 432 recombinants containing breakpoints in the target region. Substitution mapping using 141 informative recombinants narrowed the position of qFL-chr1 to a 1.0-cM interval between SSR markers MUSS084 and CIR018. To exclude possible effects of non-target introgressions on fiber length, different heterozygous BC 4 F 3 plants introgressed between SSR markers NAU3384 and CGR5144 were selected to develop sub-NILs. The qFL-chr1 was further mapped at 0.9-cM interval between MUSS422 and CIR018 by comparisons of sub-NIL phenotype, and increased fiber length by ~1 mm. The 2.38-Mb region between MUSS422 and CIR018 in G. barbadense contained 19 annotated genes. Expression levels of two of these genes, GOBAR07705 (encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase) and GOBAR25992 (encoding amino acid permease), were positively correlated with fiber length in a small F 2 population, supporting these genes as candidates for qFL-chr1.

Evaluation of popliteal artery branching patterns and a new subclassification of the 'usual' branching pattern.

PubMed

Celtikci, Pinar; Ergun, Onur; Durmaz, Hasan Ali; Conkbayir, Isik; Hekimoglu, Baki

2017-09-01

To determine the frequency of popliteal artery branching variations in a wide study cohort and to investigate the relationship between these variations and infrapopliteal peripheral arterial disease (PAD). A subclassification was proposed for the most encountered type I-A, utilizing tibio-fibular trunk (TFT) length. A total number of 1184 lower extremity digital subtraction angiography (DSA) studies of 669 patients were evaluated. Following exclusion, 863 lower extremity DSA studies (431 right, 432 left) of 545 patients were enrolled. Popliteal artery branching type, patency of anterior tibial artery (ATA), fibular artery (FA) and posterior tibial artery (PTA) in each extremity and TFT length for type I-A extremities were recorded. Percentages of branching patterns, mean length and cut-off value of TFT and incidence of PAD in different types of branching were calculated. Type I-A was the most common type of branching (81.3%). Frequency of branching pattern variation was 18.7%, the most common variation category was category III (12.2%) and the most common variation type was type III-A (5.6%). ATA and PTA had higher percentages of PAD in extremities with variant branching types. Cut-off value of 3 cm for TFT length was proposed in order to subclassify type I-A. Our study cohort presents a higher incidence of popliteal artery branching variations. Some branching variations might have effect on the involvement pattern of the infrapopliteal arteries by PAD. We propose a subclassification for type I-A; type I-A-S (TFT < 3 cm) and type I-A-L (TFT ≥ 3 cm) which might have impact on interventional procedures.

COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING WITH FORTIFIED SPREAD IS LIKELY TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF SEVERE STUNTING AMONG 6–18 MONTH OLD RURAL MALAWIAN INFANTS

PubMed Central

Phuka, John C.; Maleta, Kenneth; Thakwalakwa, Chrissie; Cheung, Yin Bun; Briend, André; Manary, Mark J.; Ashorn, Per

2013-01-01

Objective To compare growth and incidence of malnutrition among infants receiving long-term dietary complementation with ready-to-use fortified spread (FS) or micronutrient fortified maize-soy flour (LP). Design Randomized, controlled, single-blind trial Setting Rural Malawian population with high incidence of malnutrition Participants 182 six-month-old infants. Intervention Participants were randomized to receive 1-year-long daily supplementation with either 71g of LP (282 kcal energy / day), 50g FS50 (256 kcal), or 25g FS25 (127 kcal). Main outcome measures Weight and length gain, incidence of severe stunting, underweight, and wasting. Results The mean weight and length gains in LP, FS50 and FS25 groups were 2.37, 2.47, and 2.37 kg (p= 0.658) and 12.7, 13.5, and 13.2 cm (p=0.234), respectively. In the same groups, cumulative 12-month incidence of severe stunting was 14.0%, 0.0% and 4.0% (p=0.011), severe underweight 15.0%, 22.5% and 16.9% (p=0.706), and severe wasting 1.8%, 1.9% and 1.8% (p=0.999). Compared to LP-supplemented infants, those given FS50 gained on average (95%CI;p) 100 g (−143 to 343; p=0.419) more weight and 0.8 cm (−0.1 to 1.7; p=0.091) more length. There was a significant interaction between baseline length and intervention (p=0.042); among children with below-median length at enrolment, those given FS50 gained on average 1.9 cm (0.3 to 3.5; p=0.020) more than individuals receiving LP. Conclusions One-year-long complementary feeding with FS does not have significantly larger effect than maize-soy flour on the average weight gain of all infants, but it seems to boost linear growth in the disadvantaged individuals and hence decrease the incidence of severe stunting. PMID:18606932

A morphological and morphometric study of proximal and distal ends of dry radii with its clinical implications.

PubMed

Gupta, Chandni; Kalthur, Sneha Guruprasad; Malsawmzuali, J C; D'souza, Antony Sylvan

2015-01-01

Knowledge of the size and shape of radial head is essential for construction of radial head prosthesis. Further, the measurements of bicipital tuberosity and its angular relationship to radial head are significant in surgical techniques, like in the reconstruction of biceps tendon. Even the morphometry of the distal radius is significant in numerous clinical orthopedic situations such as reduction of distal radius fractures and in the design of distal radius prosthesis. So, the aim of the study was to determine the morphometric parameters of proximal and distal radius in dry adult Indian radius. Fifty intact adult Indian radius (right = 23, left = 27) were chosen, and the various parameters of proximal and distal ends of radius were studied. Student's t-test was done to correlate all these parameters on the right and left sides. The mean length of radius, height of head at medial and lateral ends, head anteroposterior and transverse diameter, head thickness at ventral, dorsal, and lateral ends were 23.5, 0.90, 0.75, 1.91, 1.85, 0.42, 0.32, and 0.30 cm, respectively. The mean depth of articular facet, length of neck, proximal and distal neck diameter, width and length of bicipital tuberosity, and radial circumference at bicipital tuberosity were 0.19, 1.19, 1.36, 1.31, 1.23, 1.97, and 4.54 cm, respectively. The mean length of styloid process, oblique and transverse width of lower end, anteroposterior diameter of lower end, and angle of radial inclination were 0.98cm, 2. 81cm, 2.59cm, 1.86cm, and 25.05°, respectively. This study will be useful for orthopedic surgeons in making prosthesis for the proximal and distal ends of radius.

Effect of preventive zinc supplementation on linear growth in children under 5 years of age in developing countries: a meta-analysis of studies for input to the lives saved tool

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Introduction Zinc plays an important role in cellular growth, cellular differentiation and metabolism. The results of previous meta-analyses evaluating effect of zinc supplementation on linear growth are inconsistent. We have updated and evaluated the available evidence according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria and tried to explain the difference in results of the previous reviews. Methods A literature search was done on PubMed, Cochrane Library, IZiNCG database and WHO regional data bases using different terms for zinc and linear growth (height). Data were abstracted in a standardized form. Data were analyzed in two ways i.e. weighted mean difference (effect size) and pooled mean difference for absolute increment in length in centimeters. Random effect models were used for these pooled estimates. We have given our recommendations for effectiveness of zinc supplementation in the form of absolute increment in length (cm) in zinc supplemented group compared to control for input to Live Saves Tool (LiST). Results There were thirty six studies assessing the effect of zinc supplementation on linear growth in children < 5 years from developing countries. In eleven of these studies, zinc was given in combination with other micronutrients (iron, vitamin A, etc). The final effect size after pooling all the data sets (zinc ± iron etc) showed a significant positive effect of zinc supplementation on linear growth [Effect size: 0.13 (95% CI 0.04, 0.21), random model] in the developing countries. A subgroup analysis by excluding those data sets where zinc was supplemented in combination with iron showed a more pronounced effect of zinc supplementation on linear growth [Weighed mean difference 0.19 (95 % CI 0.08, 0.30), random model]. A subgroup analysis from studies that reported actual increase in length (cm) showed that a dose of 10 mg zinc/day for duration of 24 weeks led to a net a gain of 0.37 (±0.25) cm in zinc supplemented group compared to placebo. This estimate is recommended for inclusion in Lives Saved Tool (LiST) model. Conclusions Zinc supplementation has a significant positive effect on linear growth, especially when administered alone, and should be included in national strategies to reduce stunting in children < 5 years of age in developing countries. PMID:21501440

Effects of pulsed, high-velocity water flow on larval robust redhorse and V-lip redhorse

USGS Publications Warehouse

Weyers, R.S.; Jennings, C.A.; Freeman, Mary C.

2003-01-01

The pulsed, high-velocity water flow characteristic of water-flow patterns downstream from hydropower-generating dams has been implicated in the declining abundance of both aquatic insects and fishes in dam-regulated rivers. This study examined the effects of 0, 4, and 12 h per day of pulsed, high-velocity water flow on the egg mortality, hatch length, final length, and survival of larval robust redhorse Moxostoma robusturn, a presumedly extinct species that was rediscovered in the 1990s, and V-lip redhorse M. collapsum (previously synonomized with the silver redhorse M. anisurum) over a 3-5 week period in three separate experiments. Twelve 38.0-L aquaria (four per treatment) were modified to simulate pulsed, high-velocity water flow (>35 cm/s) and stable, low-velocity water flow (<10 cm/s). Temperature, dissolved oxygen, zooplankton density, and water quality variables were kept the same across treatments. Fertilized eggs were placed in gravel nests in each aquarium. Hatch success was estimated visually at greater than 90%, and the mean larval length at 24 h posthatch was similar in each experiment. After emergence from the gravel nest, larvae exposed to 4 and 12 h of pulsed, high-velocity water flow grew significantly more slowly and had lower survival than those in the 0-h treatment. These results demonstrate that the altered water-flow patterns that typically occur when water is released during hydropower generation can have negative effects on the growth and survival of larval catostomid suckers.

Adult height variants affect birth length and growth rate in children.

PubMed

Paternoster, Lavinia; Howe, Laura D; Tilling, Kate; Weedon, Michael N; Freathy, Rachel M; Frayling, Timothy M; Kemp, John P; Smith, George Davey; Timpson, Nicholas J; Ring, Susan M; Evans, David M; Lawlor, Debbie A

2011-10-15

Previous studies identified 180 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with adult height, explaining ∼10% of the variance. The age at which these begin to affect growth is unclear. We modelled the effect of these SNPs on birth length and childhood growth. A total of 7768 participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children had data available. Individual growth trajectories from 0 to 10 years were estimated using mixed-effects linear spline models and differences in trajectories by individual SNPs and allelic score were determined. The allelic score was associated with birth length (0.026 cm increase per 'tall' allele, SE = 0.003, P = 1 × 10(-15), equivalent to 0.017 SD). There was little evidence of association between the allelic score and early infancy growth (0-3 months), but there was evidence of association between the allelic score and later growth. This association became stronger with each consecutive growth period, per 'tall' allele per month effects were 0.015 SD (3 months-1 year, SE = 0.004), 0.023 SD (1-3 years, SE = 0.003) and 0.028 SD (3-10 years, SE = 0.003). By age 10, the mean height difference between individuals with ≤170 versus ≥191 'tall' alleles (the top and bottom 10%) was 4.7 cm (0.8 SD), explaining ∼5% of the variance. There was evidence of associations with specific growth periods for some SNPs (rs3791675, EFEMP1 and rs6569648, L3MBTL3) and supportive evidence for previously reported age-dependent effects of HHIP and SOCS2 SNPs. SNPs associated with adult height influence birth length and have an increasing effect on growth from late infancy through to late childhood. By age 10, they explain half the height variance (∼5%) of that explained in adults (∼10%).

Compressible pulsating convection through regular and random porous media: the thermoacoustic case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tasnim, Syeda Humaira; Mahmud, Shohel; Fraser, Roydon Andrew

2012-02-01

The effects of material, geometry, length and position of the porous channels on energy transfer in air-filled enclosures carrying a compressible pulsating wave are investigated. The pulsating fluid motion is created by an acoustic driver in a resonant chamber. Three different porous materials (Corning Celcor, Reticulated Vitreous Carbon (RVC), and Mylar plastic), three different geometries (square, open foam, and circular cross-section), six different lengths, " L" (varying between 1 and 6.5 cm, L = 0.01-0.068 λ, where λ is the wavelength of the fundamental acoustic mode), and eight different positions (hot end of the channel, varying between 0.5 and 8 cm) of the channels from the pressure anti-node is experimentally measured. The surface temperature distribution on the channel wall and temperature difference generated across the channel walls are measured while energy flow along the channel walls is calculated analytically. The experimental results are compared with a 1-D numerical code and found excellent agreement. The material, geometry, length, and position of the porous channel strongly affect the energy interactions between the porous channel and the working fluid. The temperature difference generated across the porous RVC channel increases as the porosity increases form 20 to 80 PPI; but decreases if the porosity increases further. Corning Celcor shows improved temperature difference generated across the channel as the length of the channel increases; but then decreases if the length is further increased. The results of this study are applicable to the design of thermoacoustic devices.

Effect of MMF stub on the sensitivity of a photonic crystal fiber interferometer sensor at 1550 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhara, P.; Singh, Vinod K.

2015-01-01

A simple photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based Mach-Zehnder interferometric sensor is reported for sensing the refractive index and level of liquid. The sensing head is formed by all-fiber in-line single mode-multi mode-photonic crystal-single mode fiber structure using the fusion splicing method. The interferometric pattern, observed in the PCF interferometer using monochromatic source and temperature sensing arrangement, is novel and reported for the first time to the best of our knowledge. The refractive index sensitivity of the interferometric device is increased by using multimode fiber. The output intensity at the end of lead-out single mode fiber decreases with increase in refractive index of surrounding. The index sensitivities of the interferometric devices are 440.32 μw/RIU, 267.48 μw/RIU and 195.36 μw/RIU with sensing length 2.10 cm, 5.50 cm and 7.20 cm respectively. A 7.20 cm longed PCF sensor exhibits liquid level sensitivities -1.032 μw/cm, -1.197 μw/cm, and -1.489 μw/cm for three different liquid respectively.

Impact of Preoperative Patient Characteristics on Posturethroplasty Recurrence: The Significance of Stricture Length and Prior Treatments

PubMed Central

Bello, Jibril Oyekunle

2016-01-01

Introduction: Urethral strictures are common in urologic practice of Sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. We determine the rate of stricture recurrence following urethroplasty for anterior urethral strictures and evaluate preoperative variables that predict of stricture recurrence in our practice. Subjects and Methods: Thirty-six men who had urethroplasty for proven anterior urethral stricture disease between February 2012 and January 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative factors including age, socioeconomic factors, comorbidities, etiology of strictures, stricture location, stricture length, periurethral spongiofibrosis, and prior stricture treatments were assessed for independent predictors of stricture recurrence. Results: The median age was 49.5 years (range 21-90), median stricture length was 4 cm (range 1-18 cm) and the overall recurrence rate was 27.8%. Postinfectious strictures, pan urethral strictures or multiple strictures involving the penile and bulbar urethra were more common. Most patients had penile circular fasciocutaneous flap urethroplasty. Following univariate analysis of potential preoperative predictors of stricture recurrence, stricture length, and prior treatments with dilations or urethrotomies were found to be significantly associated with stricture recurrence. On multivariate analysis, they both remained statistically significant. Patients who had prior treatments had greater odds of having a recurrent stricture (odds ratio 18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–224.3). Stricture length was dichotomized based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and strictures of length ≥5 cm had significantly greater recurrence (area under ROC curve of 0.825, 95% CI 0.690–0.960, P = 0.032). Conclusion: Patients who had prior dilatations or urethrotomies and those with long strictures particularly strictures ≥5 cm have significantly greater odds of developing a recurrence following urethroplasty in Nigerian urology practice. PMID:27843271

SU-E-I-16: Scan Length Dependency of the Radial Dose Distribution in a Long Polyethylene Cylinder

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bakalyar, D; McKenney, S; Feng, W

Purpose: The area-averaged dose in the central plane of a long cylinder following a CT scan depends upon the radial dose distribution and the length of the scan. The ICRU/TG200 phantom, a polyethylene cylinder 30 cm in diameter and 60 cm long, was the subject of this study. The purpose was to develop an analytic function that could determine the dose for a scan length L at any point in the central plane of this phantom. Methods: Monte Carlo calculations were performed on a simulated ICRU/TG200 phantom under conditions of cylindrically symmetric conditions of irradiation. Thus, the radial dose distributionmore » function must be an even function that accounts for two competing effects: The direct beam makes its weakest contribution at the center while the scatter begins abruptly at the outer radius and grows as the center is approached. The scatter contribution also increases with scan length with the increase approaching its limiting value at the periphery faster than along the central axis. An analytic function was developed that fit the data and possessed these features. Results: Symmetry and continuity dictate a local extremum at the center which is a minimum for the ICRU/TG200 phantom. The relative depth of the minimum decreases as the scan length grows and an absolute maximum can occur between the center and outer edge of the cylinders. As the scan length grows, the relative dip in the center decreases so that for very long scan lengths, the dose profile is relatively flat. Conclusion: An analytic function characterizes the radial and scan length dependency of dose for long cylindrical phantoms. The function can be integrated with the results expressed in closed form. One use for this is to help determine average dose distribution over the central cylinder plane for any scan length.« less

Effect of choline carboxylate ionic liquids on biological membranes

PubMed Central

Rengstl, Doris; Kraus, Birgit; Van Vorst, Matthew; Elliott, Gloria D.; Kunz, Werner

2015-01-01

Choline carboxylates, ChCm, with m = 2–10 and choline oleate are known as biocompatible substances, yet their influence on biological membranes is not well-known, and the effect on human skin has not previously been investigated. The short chain choline carboxylates ChCm with m = 2, 4, 6 act as hydrotropes, solubilizing hydrophobic compounds in aqueous solution, while the longer chain choline carboxylates ChCm with m = 8,10 and oleate are able to form micelles. In the present study, the cytotoxicity of choline carboxylates was tested using HeLa and SK-MEL-28 cells. The influence of these substances on liposomes prepared from dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) was also evaluated to provide insights on membrane interactions. It was observed that the choline carboxylates with a chain length of m > 8 distinctly influence the bilayer, while the shorter ones had minimal interaction with the liposomes. PMID:25444662

Neo-phalloplasty with re-innervated latissimus dorsi free flap: a functional study of a novel technique.

PubMed

Ranno, R; Veselý, J; Hýza, P; Stupka, I; Justan, I; Dvorák, Z; Monni, N; Novák, P; Ranno, S

2007-01-01

Twenty two patients with gender dysphoria underwent neo-phalloplasties using a novel technique. Latissimus dorsi musculocutaneus re-innervated free flap was used to allow voluntary rigidity of the neo-penis. From the first 22 patients, 18 have obtained motoric function of reconstructed penis; the "paradox erection" was obtained. 14 patients came for examination after a follow-up period of mean 26.4 months. We evaluated the motility and shape changes of neo-phallus measuring its different size and dimension during relax and muscle contraction. The range of neo-phallus length in relaxed position was between 7 and 17 cm (mean 12.2 cm), its circumference in the same position had a range between 13 and 20 cm (mean 13.7 cm). All patients were able to contract the muscle with an average length reduction of 3.08 cm and an average circumference enlargement of 4 cm. In this study, the dimensions and motility were quantified demonstrating the neo-phallus function and size changes during sexual intercourse.

Effect of cytokinins on in vitro multiplication of Sophora tonkinensis

PubMed Central

Jana, Sonali; Sivanesan, Iyyakkannu; Jeong, Byoung Ryong

2013-01-01

Objective To determine the effects of different cytokinins at various concentrations on in vitro shoot multiplication of an important medicinal plant. Methods Nodal explants (1.5-2.0 cm) of Sophora tonkinensis were used. Multiple shoots were induced from nodal explants cultured on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, or 16.0 µmol 2-isopentyladenine (2iP), N6 benzyladenine, kinetin or thiadiazuron. Results Among the four investigated cytokinins, 2iP showed the best response for shoot multiplication. Maximum shoot induction (75%) was achieved on the MS medium supplemented with 2.0 µmol 2iP, with a mean number of 5.0 shoots per explant. In comparison to other cytokinins tried, 2iP showed the highest shoot elongation with a mean shoot length of 4.8 cm. Root initiation was observed within 15 d within the transfer of shoots onto the MS basal medium, and the rooting percentage was 100% with a mean number of 5.4 roots per shoot and root length of 6.2 cm over a period of 4 weeks. The healthy plants, hardened and transferred to a greenhouse for proper acclimatization, exhibited 100% survival. Conclusions It can be summarized that 2iP is the optimal plant growth regulator for Sophora multiplication. PMID:23836310

Relationship of the length of the first stage of labor to the length of the second stage.

PubMed

Nelson, David B; McIntire, Donald D; Leveno, Kenneth J

2013-07-01

To evaluate the relationship between the lengths of the first and second stages of labor. In this observational study of women delivering at our hospital, the onset of the first stage of labor was defined as admission at 3-cm to 4-cm dilatation in the presence of uterine contractions with or without rupture of membranes. This study was limited to nulliparous women with a singleton, cephalic live birth at 37 0/7 weeks of gestation or more. Women presenting with more advanced cervical dilatation (greater than 4 cm), prior cesarean delivery, diabetes, hypertension, and placental accidents were excluded. Each woman was analyzed based on her specific lengths of first and second stages of labor, that is, paired observations for each woman. Between January 1, 2001, and June 30, 2012, a total of 172,522 women were delivered and 12,523 (7.3%) met the inclusion criteria. The 95 percentile was 15.6 and 2.9 hours for the first and second stages, respectively. Women with first stages greater than the 95 percentile had a 16.3% rate of a second-stage length greater than the 95 percentile compared with 4.5% (P<.001) in women with first stages less than the 95 percentile. This relationship persisted when analyzed for variables influencing labor to include neonate birth weight, epidural analgesia, or maternal size. Overall, the length of the second stage significantly increased concomitantly with increasing length of the first stage (P<.001). II.

The effect of on-line position correction on the dose distribution in focal radiotherapy for bladder cancer

PubMed Central

van Rooijen, Dominique C; van de Kamer, Jeroen B; Pool, René; Hulshof, Maarten CCM; Koning, Caro CE; Bel, Arjan

2009-01-01

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the dosimetric effect of on-line position correction for bladder tumor irradiation and to find methods to predict and handle this effect. Methods For 25 patients with unifocal bladder cancer intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with 5 beams was planned. The requirement for each plan was that 99% of the target volume received 95% of the prescribed dose. Tumor displacements from -2.0 cm to 2.0 cm in each dimension were simulated, using 0.5 cm increments, resulting in 729 simulations per patient. We assumed that on-line correction for the tumor was applied perfectly. We determined the correlation between the change in D99% and the change in path length, which is defined here as the distance from the skin to the isocenter for each beam. In addition the margin needed to avoid underdosage was determined and the probability that an underdosage occurs in a real treatment was calculated. Results Adjustments for tumor displacement with perfect on-line position correction resulted in an altered dose distribution. The altered fraction dose to the target varied from 91.9% to 100.4% of the prescribed dose. The mean D99% (± SD) was 95.8% ± 1.0%. There was a modest linear correlation between the difference in D99% and the change in path length of the beams after correction (R2 = 0.590). The median probability that a systematic underdosage occurs in a real treatment was 0.23% (range: 0 - 24.5%). A margin of 2 mm reduced that probability to < 0.001% in all patients. Conclusion On-line position correction does result in an altered target coverage, due to changes in average path length after position correction. An extra margin can be added to prevent underdosage. PMID:19775479

Effects of discharge chamber length on the negative ion generation in volume-produced negative hydrogen ion source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chung, Kyoung-Jae; Jung, Bong-Ki; An, YoungHwa

2014-02-15

In a volume-produced negative hydrogen ion source, control of electron temperature is essential due to its close correlation with the generation of highly vibrationally excited hydrogen molecules in the heating region as well as the generation of negative hydrogen ions by dissociative attachment in the extraction region. In this study, geometric effects of the cylindrical discharge chamber on negative ion generation via electron temperature changes are investigated in two discharge chambers with different lengths of 7.5 cm and 11 cm. Measurements with a radio-frequency-compensated Langmuir probe show that the electron temperature in the heating region is significantly increased by reducingmore » the length of the discharge chamber due to the reduced effective plasma size. A particle balance model which is modified to consider the effects of discharge chamber configuration on the plasma parameters explains the variation of the electron temperature with the chamber geometry and gas pressure quite well. Accordingly, H{sup −} ion density measurement with laser photo-detachment in the short chamber shows a few times increase compared to the longer one at the same heating power depending on gas pressure. However, the increase drops significantly as operating gas pressure decreases, indicating increased electron temperatures in the extraction region degrade dissociative attachment significantly especially in the low pressure regime. It is concluded that the increase of electron temperature by adjusting the discharge chamber geometry is efficient to increase H{sup −} ion production as long as low electron temperatures are maintained in the extraction region in volume-produced negative hydrogen ion sources.« less

The effect of Nordic hamstring strength training on muscle architecture, stiffness, and strength.

PubMed

Seymore, Kayla D; Domire, Zachary J; DeVita, Paul; Rider, Patrick M; Kulas, Anthony S

2017-05-01

Hamstring strain injury is a frequent and serious injury in competitive and recreational sports. While Nordic hamstring (NH) eccentric strength training is an effective hamstring injury-prevention method, the protective mechanism of this exercise is not understood. Strength training increases muscle strength, but also alters muscle architecture and stiffness; all three factors may be associated with reducing muscle injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of NH eccentric strength training on hamstring muscle architecture, stiffness, and strength. Twenty healthy participants were randomly assigned to an eccentric training group or control group. Control participants performed static stretching, while experimental participants performed static stretching and NH training for 6 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention measurements included: hamstring muscle architecture and stiffness using ultrasound imaging and elastography, and maximal hamstring strength measured on a dynamometer. The experimental group, but not the control group, increased volume (131.5 vs. 145.2 cm 3 , p < 0.001) and physiological cross-sectional area (16.1 vs. 18.1 cm 2 , p = 0.032). There were no significant changes to muscle fascicle length, stiffness, or eccentric hamstring strength. The NH intervention was an effective training method for muscle hypertrophy, but, contrary to common literature findings for other modes of eccentric training, did not increase fascicle length. The data suggest that the mechanism behind NH eccentric strength training mitigating hamstring injury risk could be increasing volume rather than increasing muscle length. Future research is, therefore, warranted to determine if muscle hypertrophy induced by NH training lowers future hamstring strain injury risk.

Fetal laceration injury during cesarean section and its long-term sequelae: a case report.

PubMed

Gajjar, Ketan; Spencer, Chris

2009-10-01

This case report illustrates the cosmetic outcome of a scalpel-related laceration injury sustained to a newborn infant that occurred during the course of an elective cesarean section for breech presentation. This buttock laceration was noted to be 2 cm in length at the time of birth. Twelve years later, the same scar had migrated in a cephalad direction and had increased to 10 cm in length.

Maternal urinary iodine concentration up to 1.0 mg/L is positively associated with birth weight, length, and head circumference of male offspring.

PubMed

Rydbeck, Filip; Rahman, Anisur; Grandér, Margaretha; Ekström, Eva-Charlotte; Vahter, Marie; Kippler, Maria

2014-09-01

Adequate iodine status in early life is crucial for neurodevelopment. However, little is known about the effects of maternal iodine status during pregnancy on fetal growth. The present study investigated the potential impact of maternal iodine status during pregnancy on offspring birth size. This large prospective cohort study was nested in a Bangladeshi population-based randomized supplementation trial in pregnant women [MINIMat (Maternal and Infant Nutrition Interventions in Matlab)]. Urine samples obtained at 8 wk of gestation from 1617 women were analyzed for iodine and other elements, such as arsenic and cadmium, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Anthropometric measurements at birth included weight, length, and head and chest circumference. Maternal urinary iodine concentrations (UICs) ranged from 0.020 to 10 mg/L, with a median of 0.30 mg/L. Below ∼1.0 mg/L, UIC was significantly positively associated with birth weight and length. Birth weight and length increased by 9.3 g (95% CI: 2.9, 16) and 0.042 cm (95% CI: 0.0066, 0.076), respectively, for each 0.1-mg/L increase in maternal UIC. No associations were observed between UIC and head or chest circumference. When we stratified the analyses by newborn sex, the positive associations between maternal UIC (<1 mg/L) and measurements of size at birth were restricted to boys, with no evidence in girls. Among boys, the mean weight, length, and head circumference increased by 70 g (P = 0.019), 0.41 cm (P = 0.013), and 0.28 cm (P = 0.031) for every 0.5-mg/L increase in maternal UIC. Maternal iodine status was positively associated with weight, length, and head circumference in boys up to ∼1 mg/L, which is well above the recommended maximum concentration of 0.5 mg/L. The associations leveled off at UIC ≥ 1 mg/L. Our findings support previous conclusions that the advantages of correcting potential iodine deficiency outweigh the risks of excess exposure. © 2014 American Society for Nutrition.

Compression member response of double steel angles on truss structure with member length variation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasibuan, Purwandy; Panjaitan, Arief; Haiqal, Muhammad

2018-05-01

One type of structures that implements steel angles as its members is truss system of telecommunication tower. For this structure, reinforcements on tower legs are also needed when antennas and microwaves installation placed on the peak of tower increases in quantity. One type of reinforcement methods commonly used is by increasing areas section capacity, where tower leg consisted of single angle section will be reinforced to be double angle sections. Regarding this case, this research discussed behavior two types of double angle steel section 2L 30.30.3 that were designed identically in area section but vary in length: 103 cm and 83 cm. At the first step, compression member together with tension member was formed to be a truss system, where compression and tension member were met at the joint plate. Schematic loading was implemented by giving tension loading on the joint plate, and this loading was terminated when each specimen reached its failure. Research findings showed that implementing shorter double angle (83 cm) sections, increased compression strength of steel angle section up to 13 %. Significant deformation occurring only on the flange for both of specimens indicated that implementing double angle is effective to prevent lateral-torsional buckling.

Multi-chord fiber-coupled interferometer with a long coherence length laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merritt, Elizabeth C.; Lynn, Alan G.; Gilmore, Mark A.; Hsu, Scott C.

2012-03-01

This paper describes a 561 nm laser heterodyne interferometer that provides time-resolved measurements of line-integrated plasma electron density within the range of 1015-1018 cm-2. Such plasmas are produced by railguns on the plasma liner experiment, which aims to produce μs-, cm-, and Mbar-scale plasmas through the merging of 30 plasma jets in a spherically convergent geometry. A long coherence length, 320 mW laser allows for a strong, sub-fringe phase-shift signal without the need for closely matched probe and reference path lengths. Thus, only one reference path is required for all eight probe paths, and an individual probe chord can be altered without altering the reference or other probe path lengths. Fiber-optic decoupling of the probe chord optics on the vacuum chamber from the rest of the system allows the probe paths to be easily altered to focus on different spatial regions of the plasma. We demonstrate that sub-fringe resolution capability allows the interferometer to operate down to line-integrated densities of the order of 5 × 1015 cm-2.

Induction of strand breaks by low-energy electrons (8-68 eV) in a self-assembled monolayer of oligonucleotides: Effective cross sections and attenuation lengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Zhongli; Dextraze, Marie-Eve; Cloutier, Pierre; Hunting, Darel; Sanche, Léon

2006-01-01

Self-assembled monolayers of 5'-P32-labeled 3'-thiolated oligonucleotides chemisorbed on gold were bombarded by low-energy electrons (LEE) of 8-68eV. Shorter 5'-P32-oligonucleotides produced by LEE-induced strand breaks were separated with denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and quantified by phosphor imaging. The yields of short oligonucleotides (y) decrease exponentially with their length (n), following the equation y =ae-bn, where a and b are constants, which are related to the average effective cross section per nucleotide for DNA strand break (σeff) and the attenuation length (AL=1/b) of LEE, respectively. The AL decreases with LEE energies from 2.5±0.6nm at 8eVto0.8±0.1nm at 68eV, whereas σeff increases from (3±1)×10-18to(5.1±1.6)×10-17cm2 within the same energy range. The energy dependence of σeff shows a resonance peak of (2.8±0.9)×10-17cm2 at 18eV superimposed on a monotonically rising curve. Transient electron attachment to a σ* anion state of the deoxyribose group, followed by dipolar dissociation into H- and the corresponding positive-ion radical, leading to C-O bond cleavage, is proposed to account for this maximum.

The use of experimental design for the development of a capillary zone electrophoresis method for the quantitation of captopril.

PubMed

Mukozhiwa, S Y; Khamanga, S M M; Walker, R B

2017-09-01

A capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method for the quantitation of captopril (CPT) using UV detection was developed. Influence of electrolyte concentration and system variables on electrophoretic separation was evaluated and a central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize the method. Variables investigated were pH, molarity, applied voltage and capillary length. The influence of sodium metabisulphite on the stability of test solutions was also investigated. The use of sodium metabisulphite prevented degradation of CPT over 24 hours. A fused uncoated silica capillary of 67.5cm total and 57.5 cm effective length was used for analysis. The applied voltage and capillary length affected the migration time of CPT significantly. A 20 mM phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 7.0 was used as running buffer and an applied voltage of 23.90 kV was suitable to effect a separation. The optimized electrophoretic conditions produced sharp, well-resolved peaks for CPT and sodium metabisulphite. Linear regression analysis of the response for CPT standards revealed the method was linear (R2 = 0.9995) over the range 5-70 μg/mL. The limits of quantitation and detection were 5 and 1.5 μg/mL. A simple, rapid and reliable CZE method has been developed and successfully applied to the analysis of commercially available CPT products.

Inert gas ion thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramsey, W. D.

1980-01-01

Inert gas performance with three types of 12 cm diameter magnetoelectrostatic containment (MESC) ion thrusters was tested. The types tested included: (1) a hemispherical shaped discharge chamber with platinum cobalt magnets; (2) three different lengths of the hemispherical chambers with samarium cobalt magnets; and (3) three lengths of the conical shaped chambers with aluminum nickel cobalt magnets. The best argon performance was produced by a 8.0 cm long conical chamber with alnico magnets. The best xenon high mass utilization performance was obtained with the same 8.0 cm long conical thruster. The hemispherical thruster obtained 75 to 87% mass utilization at 185 to 205 eV/ion of singly charged ion equivalent beam.

Length-weight and length-length relationships of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) in the middle and southern Iraq provinces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-jebory, Taymaa A.; Das, Simon K.; Usup, Gires; Bakar, Y.; Al-saadi, Ali H.

2018-04-01

In this study, length-weight and length-length relationships of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) in the middle and southern Iraq provinces were determined. Fish specimens were procured from seven provinces from July to December, 2015. A negative and positive allometric growth pattern was obtained, where the total length (TL) ranged from 25.60 cm to 33.53 cm, and body weight (BW) ranged from 700 g to 1423 g. Meanwhile, the lowest of 1.03 and highest of 3.54 in "b" value was recorded in group F and group C, respectively. Therefore, Fulton condition factor (K) range from 2.57 to 4.94. While, relative condition factor (Kn) was in the ranged of 0.95 to 1.01. A linear relationship between total length (TL) and standard length (SL) among the provinces for fish groups was obtained. The variances in "b" value ranged from 0.10 to 0.93 with correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.02 to 0.97. This research could be used as a guide to study the ecology and biology of common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) in the middle and southern Iraq provinces.

Detecting cm-scale hot spot over 24-km-long single-mode fiber by using differential pulse pair BOTDA based on double-peak spectrum.

PubMed

Diakaridia, Sanogo; Pan, Yue; Xu, Pengbai; Zhou, Dengwang; Wang, Benzhang; Teng, Lei; Lu, Zhiwei; Ba, Dexin; Dong, Yongkang

2017-07-24

In distributed Brillouin optical fiber sensor when the length of the perturbation to be detected is much smaller than the spatial resolution that is defined by the pulse width, the measured Brillouin gain spectrum (BGS) experiences two or multiple peaks. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a technique using differential pulse pair Brillouin optical time-domain analysis (DPP-BOTDA) based on double-peak BGS to enhance small-scale events detection capability, where two types of single mode fiber (main fiber and secondary fiber) with 116 MHz Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) difference have been used. We have realized detection of a 5-cm hot spot at the far end of 24-km single mode fiber by employing a 50-cm spatial resolution DPP-BOTDA with only 1GS/s sampling rate (corresponding to 10 cm/point). The BFS at the far end of 24-km sensing fiber has been measured with 0.54 MHz standard deviation which corresponds to a 0.5°C temperature accuracy. This technique is simple and cost effective because it is implemented using the similar experimental setup of the standard BOTDA, however, it should be noted that the consecutive small-scale events have to be separated by a minimum length corresponding to the spatial resolution defined by the pulse width difference.

Analysis of the electron-beam-induced current of a polycrystalline p-n junction when the diffusion lengths of the material on either side of a grain boundary differ

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Von Roos, O.; Luke, K. L.

1984-01-01

The short circuit current generated by the electron beam of a scanning electron microscope in p-n junctions is reduced by enhanced recombination at grain boundaries in polycrystalline material. Frequently, grain boundaries separate the semiconductor into regions possessing different minority carrier life times. This markedly affects the short circuit current I(sc) as a function of scanning distance from the grain boundary. It will be shown theoretically that (1) the minimum of the I(sc) in crossing the grain boundary with the scanning electron beam is shifted away from the grain boundary toward the region with smaller life time (shorter diffusion length), (2) the magnitude of the minimum differs markedly from those calculated under the assumption of equal diffusion lengths on either side of the grain boundary, and (3) the minimum disappears altogether for small surface recombination velocities (s less than 10,000 cm/s). These effects become negligible, however, for large recombination velocities s at grain boundaries. For p-type silicon this happens for s not less than 100,000 cm/s.

Is it important to know the load mass in lifting tasks to prevent falls?

PubMed

Azevedo, Rui; Mourão, Paulo; Abade, Eduardo; Carvalho, Alberto

2015-01-01

Lifting objects without knowing its weight may result in postural imbalances and be a risk factor for falls. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the load knowledge in postural balance when lifting different weight loads. Thirteen male subjects (23.8 ± 3.1 years; 73.5 ± 7.8 kg; 179.1 ± 7.5 cm; foot length, 25.7 ± 1.2 cm) participated in the study. The effect of the weight overestimation on the postural stability was measured by the Index of Proximity to Stability Boundary (IPSB) and through the anterior-posterior and medio-lateral lengths displacements of the Center of Pressure (CoP). The results showed an increase in the IPSB when the 5 kg lifting task was performed with load knowledge. Moreover, the length of the antero-posterior and medio-lateral CoP displacement was reduced in the 5 kg lift with knowledge. Results showed that the lack of the loads' knowledge may lead to balance loss. Thus, when the preparation processes are not adequate, picking up similar objects with different loads may increase the risk of fall, mainly when a light weight is suddenly lifted up after a heavy one.

Proper catheter selection for needle thoracostomy: a height and weight-based criteria.

PubMed

Powers, William F; Clancy, Thomas V; Adams, Ashley; West, Tonnya C; Kotwall, Cyrus A; Hope, William W

2014-01-01

Obesity increases the incidence of mortality in trauma patients. Current Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines recommend using a 5-cm catheter at the second intercostal (ICS) space in the mid-clavicular line to treat tension pneumothoraces. Our study purpose was to determine whether body mass index (BMI) predicted the catheter length needed for needle thoracostomy. We retrospectively reviewed trauma patients undergoing chest computed tomography scans January 2004 through September 2006. A BMI was calculated for each patient, and the chest wall thickness (CWT) at the second ICS in the mid-clavicular line was measured bilaterally. Patients were grouped by BMI as underweight (≤ 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.6-24.9 kg/m(2)), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m(2)), or obese (≥ 30 kg/m(2)). Three hundred twenty-six patients were included in the study; 70% were male. Ninety-four percent of patients experienced blunt trauma. Sixty-three percent of patients were involved in a motor vehicle collision. The average BMI was 29 [SD 7.8]. The average CWT was 6.2 [SD 1.9]cm on the right and 6.3 [SD 1.9]cm on the left. As BMI increased, a statistically significant (p<0.0001) CWT increase was observed in all BMI groups. There were no significant differences in ISS, ventilator days, ICU length of stay, or overall length of stay among the groups. As BMI increases, there is a direct correlation to increasing CWT. This information could be used to quickly select an appropriate needle length for needle thoracostomy. The average patient in our study would require a catheter length of 6-6.5 cm to successfully decompress a tension pneumothorax. There are not enough regionally available data to define the needle lengths needed for needle thoracostomy. Further study is required to assess the feasibility and safety of using varying catheter lengths. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prognostic role of initial pan-endoscopic tumor length at diagnosis in operable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing esophagectomy with or without neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy

PubMed Central

Lin, Chen-Sung; Liu, Chao-Yu; Cheng, Chih-Tao; Tsai, Yu-Chen; Chiou, Lun-Wei; Lee, Ming-Yuan

2017-01-01

Background The objective of this study was to appraise the prognostic role of initial pan-endoscopic tumor length at diagnosis within or between operable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) undergoing upfront esophagectomy or neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (nCCRT) followed by esophagectomy. Methods Between Jan 2001 and Dec 2013 in Koo-Foundation Sun Yat-sen Cancer Center in Taiwan, 101 ESCC patients who underwent upfront esophagectomy (surgery group) and 128 nCCRT followed by esophagectomy (nCCRT-surgery group) were retrospectively collected. Prognostic variables, including initial pan-endoscopic tumor length at diagnosis (sub-grouped ≤3, 3–5 and >5 cm), status of circumferential resection margin (CRM), and pathological T/N/M-status and cancer stage, were appraised within or between surgery and nCCRT-surgery groups. Results Within surgery group, longer initial pan-endoscopic tumor length at diagnosis (≤3, 3–5 and >5 cm; HR =1.000, 1.688 and 4.165; P=0.007) was an independent prognostic factor that correlated with advanced T/N/M-status, late cancer stage, and CRM invasion (all’s P<0.001). Based on the initial pan-endoscopic tumor length at diagnosis ≤3, 3–5 and >5 cm, nCCRT-surgery group had a poorer (P=0.039), similar (P=0.447) and better (P<0.001) survivals than did surgery group, respectively. For those with initial pan-endoscopic tumor length at diagnosis >5 cm, nCCRT-surgery group had more percentage of T0/N0-status and stage 0 (all’s P<0.05), and fewer rate of CRM invasion (P=0.036) than did surgery group. Conclusions Initial pan-endoscopic tumor length at diagnosis could be a criterion to select proper ESCC cases for nCCRT followed by esophagectomy to improve survival and reduce CRM invasion. PMID:29221296

Evaluation of Kidney Stones with Reduced-Radiation Dose CT: Progress from 2011-2012 to 2015-2016-Not There Yet.

PubMed

Weisenthal, Karrin; Karthik, Priyadarshini; Shaw, Melissa; Sengupta, Debapriya; Bhargavan-Chatfield, Mythreyi; Burleson, Judy; Mustafa, Adel; Kalra, Mannudeep; Moore, Christopher

2018-02-01

Purpose To determine if the use of reduced-dose computed tomography (CT) for evaluation of kidney stones increased in 2015-2016 compared with that in 2011-2012, to determine variability in radiation exposure according to facility for this indication, and to establish a current average radiation dose for CT evaluation for kidney stones by querying a national dose registry. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was exempt from institutional review board approval. Data were obtained from the American College of Radiology dose registry for CT examinations submitted from July 2015 to June 2016. Study descriptors consistent with single-phase unenhanced CT for evaluation of kidney stones and associated RadLex® Playbook identifiers (RPIDs) were retrospectively identified. Facilities actively submitting data on kidney stone-specific CT examinations were included. Dose metrics including volumetric CT dose index, dose-length product, and size-specific dose estimate, when available, were reported, and a random effects model was run to account for clustering of CT examinations at facilities. A z-ratio was calculated to test for a significant difference between the proportion of reduced-radiation dose CT examinations (defined as those with a dose-length product of 200 mGy · cm or less) performed in 2015-2016 and the proportion performed in 2011-2012. Results Three hundred four study descriptors for kidney stone CT corresponding to data from 328 facilities that submitted 105 334 kidney stone CT examinations were identified. Reduced-dose CT examinations accounted for 8040 of 105 334 (7.6%) CT examinations, a 5.6% increase from the 1010 of 49 903 (2%) examinations in 2011-2012 (P < .001). Mean overall dose-length product was 689 mGy · cm (95% confidence interval: 667, 712), decreased from the mean of 746 mGy · cm observed in 2011-2012. Median facility dose-length product varied up to sevenfold, from less than 200 mGy · cm to greater than 1600 mGy · cm. Conclusion Use of reduced-radiation dose CT for evaluation of kidney stones has increased since 2011-2012, but remains low; variability of radiation dose according to facility continues to be wide. National mean CT radiation exposure for evaluation of renal colic during 2015-2016 decreased relative to 2011-2012 values, but remained well above what is reasonably achievable. © RSNA, 2017.

Fourier transform spectroscopy of the nu3 band of the N3 radical

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brazier, C. R.; Bernath, P. F.; Burkholder, James B.; Howard, Carleton J.

1988-01-01

The nu3 transitions of N3 radicals produced by HN3-Cl reactions in a multipass cell (effective path length 100 m) are investigated experimentally using a Fourier-transform spectrometer with maximum resolution 0.004/cm. A total of 176 rotation-vibration lines are listed in a table and used, in combination with published data on 240 optical lines (Douglas and Jones, 1965), to determine the nu3 molecular constants. The lower-than-expected value of the nu3 fundamental frequency (1644.6784/cm) is attributed to the vibronic interaction discussed by Kawaguchi et al. (1981).

Tapered fluorotellurite microstructured fibers for broadband supercontinuum generation.

PubMed

Wang, Fang; Wang, Kangkang; Yao, Chuanfei; Jia, Zhixu; Wang, Shunbin; Wu, Changfeng; Qin, Guanshi; Ohishi, Yasutake; Qin, Weiping

2016-02-01

Fluorotellurite microstructured fibers (MFs) based on TeO2-BaF2-Y2O3 glasses are fabricated by using a rod-in-tube method. Tapered fluorotellurite MFs with varied transition region lengths are prepared by employing an elongation machine. By using a tapered fluorotellurite MF with a transition region length of ∼3.3  cm as the nonlinear medium and a 1560 nm femtosecond fiber laser as the pump source, broadband supercontinuum generation covering from 470 to 2770 nm is obtained. The effects of the transition region length of the tapered fluorotellurite MF on supercontinuum generation are also investigated. Our results show that tapered fluorotellurite MFs are promising nonlinear media for generating broadband supercontinuum light expanding from visible to mid-infrared spectral region.

Watt-level short-length holmium-doped ZBLAN fiber lasers at 1.2  μm.

PubMed

Zhu, Xiushan; Zong, Jie; Wiersma, Kort; Norwood, R A; Prasad, Narasimha S; Obland, Michael D; Chavez-Pirson, Arturo; Peyghambarian, N

2014-03-15

In-band core-pumped Ho3+-doped ZBLAN fiber lasers at the 1.2 μm region were investigated with different gain fiber lengths. A 2.4 W 1190 nm all-fiber laser with a slope efficiency of 42% was achieved by using a 10 cm long gain fiber pumped at a maximum available 1150 nm pump power of 5.9 W. A 1178 nm all-fiber laser was demonstrated with an output power of 350 mW and a slope efficiency of 6.5%. High Ho3+ doping in ZBLAN is shown to be effective in producing single-frequency fiber lasers and short-length fiber amplifiers immune from stimulated Brillouin scattering.

The dynamics of complex formation between amylose brushes on gold and fatty acids by QCM-D.

PubMed

Cao, Zheng; Tsoufis, Theodoros; Svaldo-Lanero, Tiziana; Duwez, Anne-Sophie; Rudolf, Petra; Loos, Katja

2013-10-14

Amylose brushes were synthesized by enzymatic polymerization with glucose-1-phosphate as monomer and rabbit muscle phosphorylase b as catalyst on gold-covered surfaces of a quartz crystal microbalance. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra confirmed the presence of the characteristic absorption peaks of amylose between 3100 cm(-1) and 3500 cm(-1). The thickness of the amylose brushes-measured by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry--can be tailored from 4 to 20 nm, depending on the reaction time. The contour length of the stretched amylose chains on gold surfaces has been evaluated by single molecule force spectroscopy, and a total chain length of about 20 nm for 16.2 nm thick amylose brushes was estimated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to characterize the amylose brushes before and after the adsorption of fatty acids. The dynamics of inclusion complex formation between amylose brushes and two fatty acids (octanoic acid and myristic acid) with different chain length was investigated as a function of time using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) immersed in the liquid phase. QCM-D signals including the frequency and dissipation shifts elucidated the effects of the fatty acid concentration, the solvent types, the chain length of the fatty acids and the thickness of the amylose brushes on the dynamics of fatty acid molecule adsorption on the amylose brush-modified sensor surfaces.

Randomized trial of nutrient-enriched formula versus standard formula for postdischarge preterm infants.

PubMed

Lucas, A; Fewtrell, M S; Morley, R; Singhal, A; Abbott, R A; Isaacs, E; Stephenson, T; MacFadyen, U M; Clements, H

2001-09-01

Preterm infants are frequently discharged from the hospital growth retarded and show reduced growth throughout childhood. In a large efficacy and safety trial, we tested the hypothesis that nutritional intervention in the first 9 months postterm would reverse postdischarge growth deficits and improve neurodevelopment without adverse safety outcomes. Two hundred eighty-four infants (mean gestation: 30.9 weeks) were studied; 229 were randomly assigned a protein, energy, mineral, and micronutrient-enriched postdischarge formula (PDF; N = 113) or standard term formula (TF; N = 116) from discharge (mean 36.5 weeks' postmenstrual age). A reference group (N = 65) was breastfed until at least 6 weeks' postterm. Outcome measures. Anthropometry was performed at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 9, and 18 months. Development was measured at 9 months (Knobloch, Passamanick, and Sherrard's developmental screening inventory) and 18 months (Bayley Scales of Infant Development II; primary outcome) postterm. At 9 months, compared with the TF group, those fed PDF were heavier (difference 370 g; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 84-660) and longer (difference 1.1 cm; 95% CI: 0.3-1.9); the difference in length persisted at 18 months (difference 0.82 cm; 95% CI: -0.04-1.7). There was no effect on head circumference. The effect of diet was greatest in males; at 9 months length deficit with TF was 1.5cm (95% CI: 0.3-2.7), and this remained at 18 months (1.5cm [95% CI: 0.3-2.7]). There was no significant difference in developmental scores at 9 or 18 months, although PDF infants had a 2.8 (-1.3-6.8) point advantage in Bayley motor score scales. At 6 weeks' postterm, exclusively breastfed infants were already 513 g (95% CI: 310-715) lighter and 1.6cm (95% CI: 0.8-2.3) shorter than the PDF group, and they remained smaller up to 9 months' postterm. 1) Improving postdischarge nutrition in the first 9 months may "reset" subsequent growth-at least until 18 months for body length. We intend to follow-up the children at older ages. The observed efficacy of PDF was not associated with adverse safety outcomes. 2) We cannot reject the hypothesis that postdischarge nutrition benefits motor development and this requires additional study. 3) Our data raise the possibility that breastfed postdischarge preterm infants may require nutritional supplementation, currently under investigation.

Creation of short microwave ablation zones: In Vivo Characterization of single and paired Modified Triaxial Antennas Laboratory Investigation

PubMed Central

Lubner, Meghan G.; Ziemlewicz, Tim J; Hinshaw, J. Louis; Lee, Fred T.; Sampson, Lisa J.; Brace, Chris L.

2014-01-01

Purpose To characterize modified triaxial microwave antennas configured to produce short ablation zones. Materials and Methods 50 single- and 27 paired-antenna hepatic ablations were performed in domestic swine (n=11) with 17-gauge, gas-cooled modified triaxial antennas powered at 65W from a 2.45 GHz generator. Single-antenna ablations were performed at 2 (n=16), 5 (n=21), and 10 (n=13) minutes. Paired-antenna ablations were performed at 1-cm and 2-cm spacing for 5 (n=7, n=8) and 10 minutes (n=7, n=5). Mean transverse width, length and aspect ratio of sectioned ablation zones were measured and compared. Results For single antennas, mean ablation zone length was 2.9±0.45, 3.5±0.55 and 4.2±0.40 cm at 2, 5, and 10 minutes respectively. Mean width was 1.8±0.3, 2.0±0.32, 2.5±0.25 cm at 2, 5, and 10 minutes. For paired antennas, mean length at 5 min 1 and 2 cm and 10 min 1 and 2 cm spacing was 4.2±0.9, 4.4±0.9, 4.8±0.5 and 4.3±0.9 cm respectively. Mean width was 3.1±1.0, 4.0±0.8 and 3.8±0.4, 4.2±0.6 cm respectively. Paired-antenna ablations were more spherical (aspect ratios 0.72-0.79 for 5-10 min) than single-antenna ablations (0.57-0.59). For paired-antenna ablations, 1 cm spacing appeared optimal, with improved circularity and decreased clefting compared to 2 cm spacing (circ 1 cm 0.85, 2 cm 0.78). Conclusion Modified triaxial antennas can generate relatively short, spherical ablation zones. Paired-antenna ablations were rounder and larger in transverse dimension compared to single antenna ablations, with 1 cm spacing optimal for confluence of the ablation zone. PMID:25156644

Stereological and Morphometric Analysis of MRI Chiari Malformation Type-1

PubMed Central

Alkoç, Ozan Alper; Songur, Ahmet; Eser, Olcay; Toktas, Muhsin; Esi, Ertap; Haktanir, Alpay

2015-01-01

Objective In this study, we aimed to investigate the underlying ethiological factors in chiari malformation (CM) type-I (CMI) via performing volumetric and morphometric length-angle measurements. Methods A total of 66 individuals [33 patients (20-65 years) with CMI and 33 control subjects] were included in this study. In sagittal MR images, tonsillar herniation length and concurrent anomalies were evaluated. Supratentorial, infratentorial, and total intracranial volumes were measured using Cavalieri method. Various cranial distances and angles were used to evaluate the platybasia and posterior cranial fossa (PCF) development. Results Tonsillar herniation length was measured 9.09±3.39 mm below foramen magnum in CM group. Tonsillar herniation/concurrent syringomyelia, concavity/defect of clivus, herniation of bulbus and fourth ventricle, basilar invagination and craniovertebral junction abnormality rates were 30.3, 27, 18, 2, 3, and 3 percent, respectively. Absence of cisterna magna was encountered in 87.9% of the patients. Total, IT and ST volumes and distance between Chamberlain line and tip of dens axis, Klaus index, clivus length, distance between internal occipital protuberance and opisthion were significantly decreased in patient group. Also in patient group, it was found that Welcher basal angle/Boogard angle increased and tentorial slope angle decreased. Conclusion Mean cranial volume and length-angle measurement values significantly decreased and there was a congenital abnormality association in nearly 81.5 percent of the CM cases. As a result, it was concluded that CM ethiology can be attributed to multifactorial causes. Moreover, congenital defects can also give rise to this condition. PMID:26713146

A parametric study of the copper chloride laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nerheim, N. M.

1977-01-01

A parametric study of the double-pulsed copper chloride laser is reported. The effects of a wide range of variables on the laser energy density and on three characteristic time intervals (the minimum, maximum, and optimum delay time) between the two electrical-discharge pulses were studied. The geometric variables investigated included a tube diameter of 2.3 to 40 mm and a tube length of 3 to 60 cm. Three buffer gases, helium, neon, and argon, were studied over the pressure range 0.5-50 torr, and the tube temperature was varied from 270 to 500 C. The energy density and voltage of both the dissociation and pumping pulse were varied independently from less than 1 mJ/cu cm at 8.5 kV to over 500 mJ/cu cm at 20 kV. The optimum conditions for maximum laser energy density were found to be with 20 torr neon in a 10-mm by 30-cm tube at 400 C. The maximum energy density obtained was 22 microjoules/cu cm.

B-mode ultrasonography biometry of the Amazon Parrot (Amazona aestiva) eye.

PubMed

Lehmkuhl, Ricardo C; Almeida, Mariana F; Mamprim, Maria J; Vulcano, Luiz C

2010-09-01

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the eye is a relatively recent addition to routine ophthalmic diagnostics in small animal ophthalmology. Some parameters for ophthalmic biometry have been established. There are few studies in clinical avian ophthalmology that describe ultrasound images of eye in some nocturnal avian species and in other birds that do not belong to the Brazilian fauna, but the psittacine family is not represented. The purpose of this study was to describe the following measurements: the distances between cornea and anterior lens capsule (D1) between the anterior and posterior lens capsule (D2), between posterior lens capsule and optic papilla (D3) and the axial length. Sixty four transpalpebral ocular ultrasound examinations were performed on 32 Blue fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) with no history of previous ophthalmic disease. The measurements were taken in sagital planes using a 10 MHz linear probe without a standoff pad. The mean values for the left eye were; D1 0.17 ± 0.03 cm, D2 0.35 ± 0.02 cm, D3 0.73 ± 0.04 cm and the axial length 1.26 ± 0.06 cm. In the right eye D1 0.17 ± 0.02 cm, D2 0.34 ± 0.02 cm, D3 0.74 ± 0.03 cm and the axial length 1.25 ± 0.05 cm. No significant statistical difference was observed among the birds or between the left and right eye. The description of these parameters will allow the veterinary practitioner to evaluate the structural changes that specific diseases may cause in these animals.

Reconstruction with distraction osteogenesis for juxta-articular nonunions with bone loss.

PubMed

Kabata, Tamon; Tsuchiya, Hiroyuki; Sakurakichi, Keisuke; Yamashiro, Teruhisa; Watanabe, Koji; Tomita, Kasuro

2005-06-01

Nonunions of a juxta-articular lesion with bone loss, which represent a challenging therapeutic problem, were treated using external fixation and distraction osteogenesis. Seven juxta-articular nonunions (five septic and two aseptic) were treated. The location of the nonunion was the distal femur in four patients, the proximal tibia in one patient, and the distal tibia in two patients. All of them were located within 5 cm from the affected joints. Preoperative limb shortening was present in six cases, averaging 2.9 cm (range, 1-7 cm). The reconstructive procedure consisted of refreshment of the nonunion site, deformity correction, stabilization by external fixation, and lengthening to eliminate leg length discrepancy or to fill the defect. Shortening-distraction was applied to six patients and bone transport to one patient for reconstruction. Intramedullary nailing to reduce the duration of external fixation was simultaneously performed in two cases. All the patients had at least 1 year of follow-up evaluation. Osseous union without angular deformity or leg length discrepancy greater than 1 cm was achieved in all patients. The mean amount of lengthening was 5.8 cm (range, 2.2-10.0 cm). The mean external fixation period was 219 days (range, 98-317 days), and the mean external fixation index was 34.4 days/cm (range, 24.5-47.6 days/cm). All patients reported excellent pain reduction. There were no recurrences of infection in five patients with prior history of osteomyelitis. The functional results were categorized as excellent in two, good in three, and fair in two. Despite the length of postoperative external fixation, distraction osteogenesis can be a valuable alternative for the treatment of juxta-articular nonunions.

Effect of water management and silicon on germination, growth, phosphorus and arsenic uptake in rice.

PubMed

Zia, Zahida; Bakhat, Hafiz Faiq; Saqib, Zulfiqar Ahmad; Shah, Ghulam Mustafa; Fahad, Shah; Ashraf, Muhammad Rizwan; Hammad, Hafiz Mohkum; Naseem, Wajid; Shahid, Muhammad

2017-10-01

Silicon (Si) is the 2nd most abundant element in soil which is known to enhance stress tolerance in wide variety of crops. Arsenic (As), a toxic metalloid enters into the human food chain through contaminated water and food or feed. To alleviate the deleterious effect of As on human health, it is a need of time to find out an effective strategy to reduce the As accumulation in the food chain. The experiments were conducted during September-December 2014, and 2016 to optimize Si concentration for rice (Oryza sativa L.) exposed to As stress. Further experiment were carried out to evaluate the effect of optimum Si on rice seed germination, seedling growth, phosphorus and As uptake in rice plant. During laboratory experiment, rice seeds were exposed to 150 and 300µM As with and without 3mM Si supplementation. Results revealed that As application, decreased the germination up to 40-50% as compared to control treatment. Arsenic stress also significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the seedling length but Si supplementation enhanced the seedlings length. Maximum seedling length (4.94cm) was recorded for 3mM Si treatment while, minimum seedling length (0.60cm) was observed at day7 by the application of 300µM As. Silicon application resulted in 10% higher seedling length than the control treatment. In soil culture experiment, plants were exposed to same concentrations of As and Si under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Irrigation water management, significantly (P˂0.05) affected the plant growth, Si and As concentrations in the plant. Arsenic uptake was relatively less under aerobic conditions. The maximum As concentration (9.34 and 27.70mgkg DW -1 in shoot and root, respectively) was found in plant treated with 300µM As in absence of Si under anaerobic condition. Similarly, anaerobic condition resulted in higher As uptake in the plants. The study demonstrated that aerobic cultivation is suitable to decrease the As uptake and in rice exogenous Si supply is beneficial to decrease As uptake under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spatial orientation and mechanical properties of the human trachea: a computed tomography study.

PubMed

Zanella, Alberto; Cressoni, Massimo; Ferlicca, Daniela; Chiurazzi, Chiara; Epp, Myra; Rovati, Cristina; Chiumello, Davide; Pesenti, Antonio; Gattinoni, Luciano; Kolobow, Theodor

2015-04-01

The literature generally describes the trachea as oriented toward the right and back, but there is very little detailed characterization. Therefore, the aim of this study was to precisely determine the spatial orientation and to better characterize the physical properties of the human trachea. We analyzed lung computed tomography scans of 68 intubated and mechanically ventilated subjects suffering from acute lung injury/ARDS at airway pressures (Paw) of 5, 15, and 45 cm H2O. At each Paw, the inner edge of the trachea from the subglottal space to the carina was captured. Tracheal length and diameter were measured. Tracheal orientation and compliance were estimated from processing barycenter and surface tracheal sections. Tracheal orientation at a Paw of 5 cm H2O showed a 4.2 ± 5.3° angle toward the right and a 20.6 ± 6.9° angle downward toward the back, which decreased significantly while increasing Paw (19.4 ± 6.9° at 15 cm H2O and 17.1 ± 6.8° at 45 cm H2O, P < .001). Tracheal compliance was 0.0113 ± 0.0131 mL/cm H2O/cm of trachea length from 5 to 15 cm H2O and 0.004 ± 0.0041 mL/cm H2O/cm of trachea length from 15 to 45 cm H2O (P < .001). Tracheal diameter was 19.6 ± 3.4 mm on the medial-lateral axis and 21.0 ± 4.3 mm on the sternal-vertebral axis. The trachea is oriented downward toward the back at a 20.6 ± 6.9° angle and slightly toward the right at a 4.2 ± 5.3° angle. Understanding tracheal orientation may help in enhancing postural drainage and respiratory physiotherapy, and knowing the physical properties of the trachea may aid in endotracheal tube cuff design. Copyright © 2015 by Daedalus Enterprises.

Minimizing Leg Length Discrepancy After Intramedullary Nailing of Comminuted Femoral Shaft Fractures: A Quality Improvement Initiative Using the Scout Computed Tomography Scanogram.

PubMed

Gheraibeh, Petra; Vaidya, Rahul; Hudson, Ian; Meehan, Robert; Tonnos, Frederick; Sethi, Anil

2018-05-01

To prevent leg length discrepancy (LLD) after locked femoral nailing in patients with comminuted femoral shaft fractures. Prospective consecutive case series aimed at quality improvement. Level 1 Trauma Center PATIENTS:: Ninety-eight consecutive patients with a comminuted femoral shaft fracture underwent statically locked intramedullary nailing, with a focused attempt at minimizing LLD during surgery. A computed tomography scanogram of both legs was performed on postoperative day 1 to assess for residual LLD. Patients were offered the option to have LLD >1.5 cm corrected before discharge. LLD >1.5 cm. Twenty-one patients (21.4%) were found to have an LLD >1.5 cm. An LLD >1.5 cm occurred in 10/55 (18%) antegrade nail patients and 11/43 (26%) retrograde nail patients (P = 0.27). No difference was noted based on the mechanism of injury, surgeon training and OTA/AO type B versus C injury. Ninety of 98 patients left with <1.5 cm LLD, 13/21 had a correction all to ≤0.6 cm, and 8 decided to accept the LLD and declined early correction. No patient left the hospital with an LLD >1.5 cm after locked intramedullary nailing for a comminuted femoral shaft fracture without being informed and the option of early correction. We recommend using a full-length computed tomography scanogram after IM nailing of comminuted femur fractures to prevent iatrogenic LLD. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

50 CFR Appendix D to Part 622 - Specifications for Certified BRDs

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... (7.6-cm) piece of 1/2-inch (1.3-cm) aluminum pipe and pressed with a 3/8-inch (0.95-cm) die to form a... must be constructed of either number 60 twine 80 inches (203.2 cm) in length or 3/8-inch (0.95-cm... excluder device (TED) grid; and, (4) the area of the escape opening must total at least 864 in2 (5,574.2...

Architectural properties of the neuromuscular compartments in selected forearm skeletal muscles

PubMed Central

Liu, An-Tang; Liu, Ben-Li; Lu, Li-Xuan; Chen, Gang; Yu, Da-Zhi; Zhu, Lie; Guo, Rong; Dang, Rui-Shan; Jiang, Hua

2014-01-01

The purposes f this study were to (i) explore the possibility of splitting the selected forearm muscles into separate compartments in human subjects; (ii) quantify the architectural properties of each neuromuscular compartment; and (iii) discuss the implication of these properties in split tendon transfer procedures. Twenty upper limbs from 10 fresh human cadavers were used in this study. Ten limbs of five cadavers were used for intramuscular nerve study by modified Sihler's staining technique, which confirmed the neuromuscular compartments. The other 10 limbs were included for architectural analysis of neuromuscular compartments. The architectural features of the compartments including muscle weight, muscle length, fiber length, pennation angle, and sarcomere length were determined. Physiological cross-sectional area and fiber length/muscle length ratio were calculated. Five of the selected forearm muscles were ideal candidates for splitting, including flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor carpi radials, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi ulnaris and pronator teres. The humeral head of pronator teres contained the longest fiber length (6.23 ± 0.31 cm), and the radial compartment of extensor carpi ulnaris contained the shortest (2.90 ± 0.28 cm). The ulnar compartment of flexor carpi ulnaris had the largest physiological cross-sectional area (5.17 ± 0.59 cm2), and the ulnar head of pronator teres had the smallest (0.67 ± 0.06 cm2). Fiber length/muscle length ratios of the neuromuscular compartments were relatively low (average 0.27 ± 0.09, range 0.18–0.39) except for the ulnar head of pronator teres, which had the highest one (0.72 ± 0.05). Using modified Sihler's technique, this research demonstrated that each compartment of these selected forearm muscles has its own neurovascular supply after being split along its central tendon. Data of the architectural properties of each neuromuscular compartment provide insight into the ‘design’ of their functional capability. In addition to improving our understanding of muscle anatomy and function, elucidation of forearm neuromuscular compartments architecture may ultimately provide information useful for selection of muscle subdivisions used in tendon transfer. PMID:24836406

Cutting efficiency of conventional and martensitic nickel-titanium instruments for coronal flaring.

PubMed

Morgental, Renata Dornelles; Vier-Pelisser, Fabiana Vieira; Kopper, Patrícia Maria Poli; de Figueiredo, José Antonio Poli; Peters, Ove A

2013-12-01

This study aimed at evaluating the influence of rotational speed and number of uses on the cutting efficiency of 4 nickel-titanium coronal flaring instruments against 2 substrates, bovine dentin and acrylic blocks. BioRaCe BR0, HyFlex CM1, ProFile OS#2, and ProTaper Sx were used in simulated lateral action against both substrates at 250 and 500 rpm up to 5 times, producing 5 notches in each block. Notch areas and lengths were measured under a stereomicroscope, and data were compared by using parametric tests (α = 0.05). Against both substrates, HyFlex CM1 and ProFile OS#2 were the most and the least cutting efficient instruments, respectively (P < .05). Against acrylic, area and length values at 500 rpm were significantly higher than those at 250 rpm for all brands. Against dentin, significant differences were detected between 250 and 500 rpm for HyFlex CM1 and ProTaper Sx (area) and for BioRace BR0, HyFlex CM1, and ProTaper Sx (length). Regarding cutting efficiency loss, area and length for notches 1 and 2 (first notches) and 4 and 5 (last notches) were similar against acrylic. Against dentin, length values for notches 1 and 2 were significantly higher than those for notches 4 and 5 in ProFile OS#2 and ProTaper Sx. A strong correlation was detected between the overall results obtained on acrylic and dentin for area and length (P < .0001), although further analysis showed that data against acrylic were a poor predictor of data against dentin after repeated use. HyFlex CM1 was the most cutting efficient instrument in lateral action. An increase in rotational speed improved the cutting efficiency. Results against acrylic showed a high correlation to data against dentin, but acrylic may not be a proper substrate when the intention is to assess cutting efficiency loss with repeated use. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thermal probe design for Europa sample acquisition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horne, Mera F.

2018-01-01

The planned lander missions to the surface of Europa will access samples from the subsurface of the ice in a search for signs of life. A small thermal drill (probe) is proposed to meet the sample requirement of the Science Definition Team's (SDT) report for the Europa mission. The probe is 2 cm in diameter and 16 cm in length and is designed to access the subsurface to 10 cm deep and to collect five ice samples of 7 cm3 each, approximately. The energy required to penetrate the top 10 cm of ice in a vacuum is 26 Wh, approximately, and to melt 7 cm3 of ice is 1.2 Wh, approximately. The requirement stated in the SDT report of collecting samples from five different sites can be accommodated with repeated use of the same thermal drill. For smaller sample sizes, a smaller probe of 1.0 cm in diameter with the same length of 16 cm could be utilized that would require approximately 6.4 Wh to penetrate the top 10 cm of ice, and 0.02 Wh to collect 0.1 g of sample. The thermal drill has the advantage of simplicity of design and operations and the ability to penetrate ice over a range of densities and hardness while maintaining sample integrity.

Automated estimation of abdominal effective diameter for body size normalization of CT dose.

PubMed

Cheng, Phillip M

2013-06-01

Most CT dose data aggregation methods do not currently adjust dose values for patient size. This work proposes a simple heuristic for reliably computing an effective diameter of a patient from an abdominal CT image. Evaluation of this method on 106 patients scanned on Philips Brilliance 64 and Brilliance Big Bore scanners demonstrates close correspondence between computed and manually measured patient effective diameters, with a mean absolute error of 1.0 cm (error range +2.2 to -0.4 cm). This level of correspondence was also demonstrated for 60 patients on Siemens, General Electric, and Toshiba scanners. A calculated effective diameter in the middle slice of an abdominal CT study was found to be a close approximation of the mean calculated effective diameter for the study, with a mean absolute error of approximately 1.0 cm (error range +3.5 to -2.2 cm). Furthermore, the mean absolute error for an adjusted mean volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) using a mid-study calculated effective diameter, versus a mean per-slice adjusted CTDIvol based on the calculated effective diameter of each slice, was 0.59 mGy (error range 1.64 to -3.12 mGy). These results are used to calculate approximate normalized dose length product values in an abdominal CT dose database of 12,506 studies.

[Renal length measured by ultrasound in adult mexican population].

PubMed

Oyuela-Carrasco, J; Rodríguez-Castellanos, F; Kimura, E; Delgado-Hernández, R; Herrera-Félix, J P

2009-01-01

Renal length estimation by ultrasound is an important parameter in clinical evaluation of kidney disease and healthy donors. Changes in renal volume may be a sign of kidney disease. Correct interpretation of renal length requires the knowledge of normal limits, these have not been described for Latin American population. To describe normal renal length (RL) by ultrasonography in a group of Mexican adults. Ultrasound measure of RL in 153 healthy Mexican adults stratified by age. Describe the association of RL to several anthropometric variables. A total of 77 males and 76 females were scanner. The average age for the group was 44.12 +/- 15.44 years. The mean weight, body mass index (BMI) and height were 68.87 +/- 11.69 Kg, 26.77 +/- 3.82 kg/m2 and 160 +/- 8.62 cm respectively. Dividing the population by gender, showed a height of 166 +/- 6.15 cm for males and 154.7 +/- 5.97 cm for females (p =0.000). Left renal length (LRL) in the whole group was 105.8 +/- 7.56 mm and right renal length (RRL) was 104.3 +/- 6.45 mm (p = 0.000.) The LRL for males was 107.16 +/- 6.97 mm and for females was 104.6 +/- 7.96 mm. The average RRL for males was 105.74 +/- 5.74 mm and for females 102.99 +/- 6.85 mm (p = 0.008.) We noted that RL decreased with age and the rate of decline accelerates alter 60 years of age. Both lengths correlated significantly and positively with weight, BMI and height. The RL was significantly larger in males than in females in both kidneys (p = 0.036) in this Mexican population. Renal length declines after 60 years of age and specially after 70 years.

Comparison of small intestinal submucosa graft with split-thickness skin graft for cervicovaginal reconstruction of congenital vaginal and cervical aplasia.

PubMed

Shen, Fang; Zhang, Xu-Yin; Yin, Chu-Yang; Ding, Jing-Xin; Hua, Ke-Qin

2016-11-01

What is the difference in vaginal-length gain and resumption of menstruation following cervicovaginal reconstruction using split-thickness skin (STS) graft versus small intestinal submucosa (SIS) graft for patients with congenital vaginal and cervical aplasia? No difference was found in the number of patients who resumed menstruation between the two groups; however, significantly greater vaginal-length gain was found in the STS group. Hysterectomy and vaginoplasty are typically recommended for patients without a cervix or without a sufficient cervix to avoid postoperative re-obstruction. Advances in surgical techniques have enabled the use of autologous tissues or heterologous biological grafts for reconstructive procedures, allowing patients undergoing these procedures to preserve the possibility of conception. This was a retrospective study of 26 women who were diagnosed with congenital vaginal and cervical aplasia with a functional endometrial cavity and underwent cervicovaginal reconstruction using STS or SIS grafts between January 2012 and October 2015 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. 15 women underwent cervicovaginal reconstruction using SIS graft and 11 underwent cervicovaginal reconstruction using STS graft. Clinical characteristics, perioperative data, resumption of menstruation, vaginal stenosis, length of the neovagina, vaginal-length gain, stricture of the cervix and body image were postoperatively assessed. At a median follow-up of 21 (2-46) months, all but one of the patients experienced relief of abdominal pain and resumed menstruation. Re-obstruction of the cervix occurred in only one patient in the SIS group. The SIS group reported significantly higher body image scores and cosmetic satisfaction. Although the two groups had a similar vaginal length before surgery, the vaginal-length gain was significantly greater in the STS group (4.9 ± 1.7 cm in the SIS group versus 7.5 ± 0.7 cm in the STS group, P = 0.004) and the neovagina length at 6 months post-operation was significantly shorter in the SIS group (6.5 ± 0.7 cm in SIS the group versus 8.0 ± 0.5 cm in the STS group, P < 0.0001). Due to a lack of long-term follow-up, patient satisfaction with sex life, pregnancy rates and outcomes after the two approaches require further evaluation. Combined laparoscopic and vaginal cervicovaginal reconstruction using SIS or STS graft is a safe and effective treatment for preserving uterus function in women with congenital vaginal and cervical aplasia. However, SIS graft must still be improved to achieve satisfactory vaginal length. This study was supported by the Chinese National Nature Sciences Foundation (grant number 81471416) and the National Key Clinical Faculty Construction Program of China. No competing interests are declared. N/A. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Consistent latencies of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials.

PubMed

Wang, Shou-Jen; Yeh, Te-Huei; Chang, Chun-Hsiang; Young, Yi-Ho

2008-12-01

This study investigated the association between neck length and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) latencies in healthy children, adolescents, and adults to elucidate when VEMP latencies reach consistent levels. Findings of VEMP tests in 14 healthy children, seven healthy adolescents, and 14 healthy adults were analyzed for correlations with neck length, which was measured as the distance of a line dropping vertically from the mastoid tip to the horizontal plane passing through the clavicle. All healthy children, adolescents, and adults exhibited present VEMP responses. Children, adolescents, and adults significantly differed in p13 latency, n23 latency, and p13-n23 interval. According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff values of p13 and n23 latencies between children and adults were 12.6 and 19.8 msec, respectively. Because the odds ratio of p13 latency was less than that of n23 latency, n23 latency was used to discriminate VEMP latencies between children and adults. Accordingly, a cutoff value of 15.3 cm for neck length was proposed as a criterion for predicting VEMP latency within the adult range. Consequently, a positive correlation between neck length and VEMP latency was observed when neck length was <15.3 cm, while above which level one need not account for neck length in evaluating VEMP latency. The intra-subject variability of norms can be enhanced if the normative data for VEMP characteristic parameters take structural variance into account. This study suggests that the adult range of VEMP latencies can be anticipated if neck length is >15.3 cm.

Thermal neutron flux mapping in a head phantom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, C. L.; Zhou, X.-L.; Harmon, J. F.; Bartholomay, R. W.; Harker, Y. D.; Kudchadker, R. J.

1999-02-01

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a binary cancer treatment modality in which a boron-containing compound is preferentially loaded into a tumor, followed by irradiation by thermal neutrons. In accelerator-based BNCT, neutrons are produced by charged particle-induced reactions such as 7Li(p, n) 7Be. For deeply seated brain tumors, epithermal (1 eV to 10 kev) neutrons are needed to penetrate the skull cap and subsequently thermalize at the tumor location. Cell damage in BNCT is caused by the high linear energy transfer (LET) products from the 10B(n, α) 7Li reaction. Because the cross section for this reaction is of 1/ v character, the dose due to 10B has essentially the same spatial distribution as the thermal neutron flux. A cylindrical acrylic head phantom (15.24 cm diameter by 21.59 cm length) has been constructed to simulate the patient's head and neck, and acrylic spacers of varying width allow placement of small (active sizes: 0.635 cm diameter by 1.27 cm length and 1.5875 cm diameter by 2.54 cm length) BF 3 proportional counters at nearly all radial and axial locations. Measurements of the thermal flux have also been benchmarked with gold and indium foils (bare and cadmium covered), as well as MCNP simulations. Measurement of the thermal neutron flux using these small BF 3 counters is shown to be adequate for experimentally determining the spatial variation of the 10B dose in head phantoms for accelerator-based BNCT.

Critical swimming speeds of wild bull trout

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mesa, M.G.; Weiland, L.K.; Zydlewski, G.B.

2004-01-01

We estimated the critical swimming speeds (Ucrit) of wild bull trout at 6??, 11??, and 15??C in laboratory experiments. At 11??C, 5 fish ranging from 11 to 19 cm in length had a mean Ucrit of 48.24 cm/s or 3.22 body lengths per second (BL/s). Also at 11??C , 6 fish from 32 to 42 cm had a mean Ucrit of 73.99 cm/s or 2.05 BL/s. At 15??C, 5 fish from 14 to 23 cm had a mean Ucrit of 54.66 cm/s or 2.88 BL/s. No fish successfully swam at 6??C. Swim speed was significantly influenced by fish length. Many bull trout performed poorly in our enclosed respirometers: of 71 Ucrit tests we attempted, only the 16 described above were successful. Bull trout that refused to swim held station within tunnels by using their pectoral fins as depressors, or they rested and later became impinged against a downstream screen. Several common techniques did not stimulate consistent swimming activity in these fish. Our estimates of U crit for bull trout provide an understanding of their performance capacity and will be useful in modeling efforts aimed at improving fish passage structures. We recommend that fishway or culvert designers concerned with bull trout passage maintain velocities within their structures at or below our estimates of Ucrit, thus taking a conservative approach to ensuring that these fish can ascend migratory obstacles safely.

Fifteen cm mercury ion thruster research, 1976. [performance as effected by the use of shag optics at 33 v discharge voltage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilbur, P. J.

1976-01-01

Improvements in 15 cm diameter, SERT II, mercury ion thruster performance effected by the use of SHAG optics at 33 V discharge voltage were discussed. At a 200 eV/ion discharge power, 90 percent propellant utilization and 660 mA beam current condition a doubly-to-singly charged ion current ratio of about 4 percent was measured. Performance of the 15 cm multipole mercury thruster (optimized for length and the point of electron injection) was compared to that of divergent (SERT II) and cusped field designs and found to be comparable. The need for a magnetic baffle in the multipole thruster was identified and the preferred point of electron injection was at the upstream end of the discharge chamber. Results of preliminary tests on the effects of discharge voltage and total accelerating voltage on perveance and beam divergence characteristics of two grid ion optics were examined. Experimental data showing the effect of target temperature on sputtering rates in a mercury discharge environment were presented and a deficiency in the tests procedure was identified.

[Free vascularized popliteal artery cutaneous branch flap for repair of wound on foot and ankle].

PubMed

Shen, Lilin; Song, Suping; Lin, Cuixia; Li, Wenlong; Sun, Xuesheng; Zhu, Tao; Li, Qiang

2014-01-01

To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of free popi iteal artery cutaneous branch flap anastomosed with lateral tarsal artery and vein for the repair of wound on the foot and ankle by anatomical observation and clinical application. Latex was poured into the blood vessels of 8 cadavers, then perforator vessel of posterolateral upper calf was dissected, and the popl iteal artery cutaneous branch flap was designed with a pedicle of 2.5 cm in length; the lateral tarsal artery of the foot was dissected, could be freed to 6 cm in length; the diameter of these vessels was measured, and the number of the accompanying veins was counted. Between March 2010 and January 2013, 13 cases of foot and ankle wounds were repaired with popliteal artery cutaneous branch flap anastomosed with lateral tarsal artery and vein. The size of flaps ranged from 6.0 cm x 4.0 cm to 7.5 cm x 5.5 cm. There were 11 males and 2 females, aged from 41 to 65 years (mean, 47.3 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident in 8 cases, crushing in 4 cases, and twist by machine in 1 case. The size of wounds, ranged from 5.0 cm x 3.5 cm to 7.0 cm x 5.0 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly. According to anatomical observation, the popliteal artery cutaneous branch flap was designed by using the lateral popliteal artery perforator for shaft. The vessel of the pedicle perforator flaps from the popliteal artery cutaneous branch flap matched well with the lateral tarsal artery. vascular crisis occurred in 2 flaps, which survived after symptomatic treatment; the other flaps survived, with primary healing of wound and incision at donor site. The patients were all followed up 5-18 months (mean, 11 months). The flap had normal color and good elasticity. Second stage operation was performed to make the flap thinner in 3 female patients because of bulky flaps. The remaining patients had no obvious fat flap. According to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score for evaluation of the ankle function at 6 months after operation, the results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 92.3%. Free popliteal artery cutaneous branch flap anastomosed with lateral tarsal artery and vein for the repair of wound on the foot and ankle is simple and effective. The donor site is hidden.

Topical dihydrotestosterone to treat micropenis secondary to partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) before, during, and after puberty - a case series.

PubMed

Becker, David; Wain, Lisa M; Chong, Yih Harng; Gosai, Sonal J; Henderson, Nina K; Milburn, Jacqui; Stott, Victoria; Wheeler, Benjamin J

2016-02-01

X-linked partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) causes under-virilization at all stages of development. In two thirds of males, this results in micropenis. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen that is critical for male genital development, which when applied topically, has been shown to increase penile length with micropenis of varying etiologies. We present the first case series using topical DHT gel to treat micropenis in 46,XY males with PAIS, before, during, and after puberty. Three related 46,XY males with confirmed p.L712F androgen receptor mutations exhibited varying degrees of micropenis post-surgical correction. They were of pre-pubertal, peri-pubertal and adult ages, respectively. Following baseline clinical and laboratory assessments all completed a 4-month course of daily DHT gel 2.5% (androstanolone) topically to penis (0.3 mg/kg body weight), with monitoring for adverse effects. Primary outcome was change in stretched penile length (SPL) following treatment. Mixed results were obtained following topical DHT therapy. In the pre- and peri- pubertal patients, SPL changed from 2.5 cm to 3.5 cm (+40%), and 3.5 cm to 5.7 cm (+63%), respectively. In the adult patient with 1 year of prior high-dose weekly testosterone therapy, no additional change in SPL was seen. No adverse effects of topical DHT were reported or observed throughout the 4 months of treatment. Topical DHT treatment appears to be a safe and well-tolerated method of virilising micropenis both prior to and during puberty in children with PAIS. Questions remain about long-term outcomes into adulthood, and efficacy in adults with prior lengthy exposure to high-dose testosterone.

Gel phantom study of a cryosurgical probe with a thermosiphon effect and liquid nitrogen-cooled aluminum thermal storage blocks

PubMed Central

Isoda, Haruo; Takehara, Yasuo; Fujino, Hitoshi; Sone, Kazuya; Suzuki, Takeshi; Tsuzaki, Yoshinari; Miyazaki, Kouji; Fujie, Michio; Sakahara, Harumi; Maekawa, Yasuaki

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Cryosurgery is a minimally invasive treatment for certain types of cancers. Argon-based cryosurgical devices are available at present, however a large compressed gas cylinder with the pressure of 300 atmospheres is needed. To overcome these drawbacks, we developed a new cryosurgical probe measuring about 50 cm in length with separate lumens inside for liquid and gaseous ethylene to be used as a thermosiphon and liquid nitrogen-cooled aluminum thermal storage blocks. The probe needle was 8 cm in length and 3 mm in outer diameter. To investigate the freezing capabilities of our new cryosurgical system we inserted the needle 5cm into a poly-acrylamide gel phantom warmed to 36.5 ℃. Thermal storage blocks made of aluminum, cooled at –196 ℃ in liquid nitrogen, were attached to the condenser of the probe and replaced with thermal storage blocks every 4 to 5 minutes to compensate for warming. We took digital camera images of the ice ball at the needle and measured the temperature in certain locations of the cryoprobe. Ice ball formation started at one minute after cooling. The sizes (longest diameter × minimum diameter) at 10, 20 and 30 minutes after the start of the procedure were 4.5×2.1, 4.5×3.1 and 4.6×3.7 cm, respectively. During the procedure the minimum temperature of the condenser was –85 ℃ and the needle was –65 ℃. This newly developed compact cryosurgical probe with thermosiphon effect and cooled thermal storage blocks created an ice ball that can be used for cryosurgery within 20 minutes. PMID:26412886

Hamstring injury prevention in soccer: Before or after training?

PubMed

Lovell, R; Knox, M; Weston, M; Siegler, J C; Brennan, S; Marshall, P W M

2018-02-01

We examined the effects of a 12-week program of Nordic hamstring exercises (NHE), administered before or after football training, upon eccentric hamstring strength, muscle activity, and architectural adaptations. Amateur soccer players were randomized into three groups. The control group (CON; n=11) undertook core stability exercises, whereas a periodized NHE program was delivered either before (NHE BEF ; n=10) or after (NHE AFT ; n=14) biweekly training sessions. Outcome measures included peak torque and concomitant normalized peak surface electromyography signals (sEMG) of the biceps femoris (BF) and medial hamstring (MH) muscles during knee flexor maximal eccentric contractions, performed at 30°·s -1 . Ultrasonography was used to determine BF muscle thickness, muscle fiber pennation angle, and fascicle length. Performing the NHE derived likely moderate peak torque increases in both NHE BEF (+11.9%; 90% confidence interval: 3.6%-20.9%) and NHE AFT (+11.6%; 2.6%-21.5%) vs CON. Maximum sEMG increases were moderately greater in the BF of both NHE training groups vs CON. There were likely moderate increases in BF muscle thickness (+0.17 cm; 0.05-0.29 cm) and likely small pennation angle increases (+1.03°; -0.08° to 2.14°) in NHE AFT vs CON and NHE BEF . BF fascicle length increases were likely greater in NHE BEF (+1.58 cm; 0.48-2.68 cm; small effect) vs CON and NHE AFT . A 12-week eccentric hamstring strengthening program increased strength and sEMG to a similar magnitude irrespective of its scheduling relative to the football training session. However, architectural adaptations to support the strength gains differed according to the timing of the injury prevention program. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Limb lengthening in achondroplasia.

PubMed

Chilbule, Sanjay K; Dutt, Vivek; Madhuri, Vrisha

2016-01-01

Stature lengthening in skeletal dysplasia is a contentious issue. Specific guidelines regarding the age and sequence of surgery, methods and extent of lengthening at each stage are not uniform around the world. Despite the need for multiple surgeries, with their attendant complications, parents demanding stature lengthening are not rare, due to the social bias and psychological effects experienced by these patients. This study describes the outcome and complications of extensive stature lengthening performed at our center. Eight achondroplasic and one hypochondroplasic patient underwent bilateral transverse lengthening for tibiae, humeri and femora. Tibia lengthening was carried out using a ring fixator and bifocal corticotomy, while a monolateral pediatric limb reconstruction system with unifocal corticotomy was used for the femur and humerus. Lengthening of each bone segment, height gain, healing index and complications were assessed. Subgroup analysis was carried out to assess the effect of age and bone segment on the healing index. Nine patients aged five to 25 years (mean age 10.2 years) underwent limb lengthening procedures for 18 tibiae, 10 femora and 8 humeri. Four patients underwent bilateral lengthening of all three segments. The mean length gain for the tibia, femur and humerus was 15.4 cm (100.7%), 9.9 cm (52.8%) and 9.6 cm (77.9%), respectively. Healing index was 25.7, 25.6 and 20.6 days/cm, respectively, for the tibia, femur and humerus. An average of 33.3% height gain was attained. Lengthening of both tibia and femur added to projected height achieved as the 3(rd) percentile of standard height in three out of four patients. In all, 33 complications were encountered (0.9 complications per segment). Healing index was not affected by age or bone segment. Extensive limb lengthening (more than 50% over initial length) carries significant risk and should be undertaken only after due consideration.

Does pelvicaliceal system anatomy affect success of percutaneous nephrolithotomy?

PubMed

Binbay, Murat; Akman, Tolga; Ozgor, Faruk; Yazici, Ozgur; Sari, Erhan; Erbin, Akif; Kezer, Cem; Sarilar, Omer; Berberoglu, Yalcın; Muslumanoglu, Ahmet Yaser

2011-10-01

To investigate the effect of the pelvicaliceal system (PCS) anatomy on the percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) success rate. Although the caliceal anatomy is effective for stone clearance after shock wave lithotripsy and retrograde intrarenal lithotripsy, the effect of the caliceal anatomy after PCNL has not been evaluated to date. A total of 498 patients who had undergone PCNL and preoperative intravenous urography were enrolled in our study. Kidney-related anatomic factors, such as the PCS surface area and type, degree of hydronephrosis, infundibulopelvic angle, upper-lower calix angle, infundibular length, and infundibular width were calculated using intravenous urography. The association between the PCNL success rate and kidney-related anatomic factors was retrospectively analyzed using chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, and forward stepwise regression analysis. A success rate of 78.1% was achieved. No difference was seen the success rates among the PCS types. The mean PCS surface area was 20.1 ± 9.7 cm(2) in patients with successful outcomes and 24.5 ± 10.2 cm(2) in patients with remaining stones (P = .001). The mean infundibulopelvic angle, upper-lower calix angle, infundibular length, and infundibular width were similar in both groups. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that stone configuration and PCS surface area were independent factors affecting the PCNL success rates. The results of our study have shown that the PCS surface area is the only anatomic factor that affects the PCNL success rate and patients with a PCS surface area <20.5 cm(2) have greater PCNL success. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association between the Infant and Child Feeding Index (ICFI) and nutritional status of 6- to 35-month-old children in rural western China.

PubMed

Qu, Pengfei; Mi, Baibing; Wang, Duolao; Zhang, Ruo; Yang, Jiaomei; Liu, Danmeng; Dang, Shaonong; Yan, Hong

2017-01-01

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the quality of feeding practices and children's nutritional status in rural western China. A sample of 12,146 pairs of 6- to 35-month-old children and their mothers were recruited using stratified multistage cluster random sampling in rural western China. Quantile regression was used to analyze the relationship between the Infant and Child Feeding Index (ICFI) and children's nutritional status. In rural western China, 24.37% of all infants and young children suffer from malnutrition. Of this total, 19.57%, 8.74% and 4.63% of infants and children are classified as stunting, underweight and wasting, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, the quantile regression results suggested that qualified ICFI (ICFI > 13.8) was associated with all length and HAZ quantiles (P<0.05) and had a greater effect on the following: poor length and HAZ, the β-estimates (length) from 0.76 cm (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.99 cm) to 0.34 cm (95% CI: 0.09 to 0.59 cm) and the β-estimates (HAZ) from 0.17 (95% CI: 0.10 to 0.24) to 0.11 (95% CI: 0.04 to 0.19). Qualified ICFI was also associated with most weight quantiles (P<0.05 except the 80th and 90th quantiles) and poor and intermediate WAZ quantiles (P<0.05 including the 10th, 20th 30th and 40th quantiles). Additionally, qualified ICFI had a greater effect on poor weight and WAZ quantiles in which the β-estimates (weight) were from 0.20 kg (95% CI: 0.14 to 0.26 kg) to 0.06 kg (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.12 kg) and the β-estimates (WAZ) were from 0.14 (95% CI: 0.08 to 0.21) to 0.05 (95% CI: 0.01 to 0.10). Feeding practices were associated with the physical development of infants and young children, and proper feeding practices had a greater effect on poor physical development in infants and young children. For mothers in rural western China, proper guidelines and messaging on complementary feeding practices are necessary.

Simultaneous determination of rifabutin and human serum albumin in pharmaceutical formulations by capillary electrophoresis.

PubMed

Ermolenko, Yu; Anshakova, A; Osipova, N; Kamentsev, M; Maksimenko, O; Balabanyan, V; Gelperina, S

Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) was used for determination of rifabutin (RFB), an anti-tuberculosis antibiotic drug, in various pharmaceutical formulations. Apart from that, simultaneous determination of RFB and human serum albumin (HSA) was performed. Electrophoretic behaviour of RFB was examined at various pH levels. CE conditions: a quartz capillary tube (internal diameter 75mm, effective length 50cm, total length 60cm), the capillary temperature was 25°С, the voltage applied to the capillary tube was +20kV, the UV detection wavelength was 214nm, hydrodynamic injection of the sample was performed at 30mbar for 5s, tetraborate buffer solution (0.01М, рН9.2). The obtained results are characterized by high efficiency (number of theoretical plates up to 260,000) and sufficient sensitivity (LOQ starting from 0.02μg/ml for RFB). The obtained data are in good accord with both HPLC results (for RFB) and spectrophotometry (for HSA). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Arthrodesis without bone fusion with an intramedullary modular nail for revision of infected total knee arthroplasty].

PubMed

Miralles-Muñoz, F A; Lizaur-Utrilla, A; Manrique-Lipa, C; López-Prats, F A

2014-01-01

To evaluate the outcome of knee fixation without bone fusion using an intramedullary modular nail and interposed cement. Retrospective study of 29 infected total knee arthroplasties with prospective data collection and a mean follow-up of 4.2 years (3-5). Complications included 2 recurrent infections, 1 peri-implant fracture, and 1 cortical erosion due to the tip of the femoral component. All of these were revised with successful results. The mean limb length discrepancy was 0.8 cm, with 24<1cm. Twenty-five patients reported no pain. The mean WOMAC-pain was 86.9, WOMAC-function 56.4, SF12-physical 45.1, and SF12-mental 53.7. Four patients needed a walking frame, and only two were dependent for daily activities. The Endo-Model Link nail is an effective method for knee fixation that restores the anatomical alignment of the limb with adequate leg length. Copyright © 2014 SECOT. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Electrospray of 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Dicyanamide Under Variable Flow Rate Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-27

cm length. The capillary needle is stainless steel with a tapered tip of 50 μm inner diameter and 3.5 cm length. Both capillaries are commercially...connected. Figure 8 shows the emission current results of a 50 μm stainless - steel tip over the same IL flow rate range as Fig. 5. The emitter... fuming nitric acid, resulting in an ignition delay time of 47 ms, longer than the desired maximumof 5ms.Numerical predictions byBerg andRovey [18,19

Plasma influence on the dispersion properties of finite-length, corrugated waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shkvarunets, A.; Kobayashi, S.; Weaver, J.; Carmel, Y.; Rodgers, J.; Antonsen, T. M., Jr.; Granatstein, V. L.; Destler, W. W.; Ogura, K.; Minami, K.

1996-03-01

We present an experimental study of the electromagnetic properties of transverse magnetic modes in a corrugated-wall cavity filled with a radially inhomogeneous plasma. The shifts of the resonant frequencies of a finite-length, corrugated cavity were measured as a function of the background plasma density and the dispersion diagram was reconstructed up to a peak plasma density of 1012 cm-3. Good agreement with a calculated dispersion diagram is obtained for plasma densities below 5×1011 cm-3.

Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS) Heavy Metal Sensors

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-04-01

gigawatts per square centimeter (GW/cm2). Within the small volume about the focal point, rapid heating, vaporization, and ionization of a small amount of the...2001). Briefly, the light emitted from the fiber in the probe is collimated, turned by a quartz prism, and focused by a short- focal -length quartz 5...are decoupled using the configuration shown in Figure 1. The excitation beam is focused by a 25-cm focal length lens through a 2-inch aluminum mirror

Effect of helium-neon laser irradiation on hair follicle growth cycle of Swiss albino mice.

PubMed

Shukla, S; Sahu, K; Verma, Y; Rao, K D; Dube, A; Gupta, P K

2010-01-01

We report the results of a study carried out to investigate the effect of helium-neon (He-Ne) laser (632.8 nm) irradiation on the hair follicle growth cycle of testosterone-treated and untreated mice. Both histology and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were used for the measurement of hair follicle length and the relative percentage of hair follicles in different growth phases. A positive correlation (R = 0.96) was observed for the lengths of hair follicles measured by both methods. Further, the ratios of the lengths of hair follicles in the anagen and catagen phases obtained by both methods were nearly the same. However, the length of the hair follicles measured by both methods differed by a factor of 1.6, with histology showing smaller lengths. He-Ne laser irradiation (at approximately 1 J/cm(2)) of the skin of both the control and the testosterone-treated mice was observed to lead to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in % anagen, indicating stimulation of hair growth. The study also demonstrates that OCT can be used to monitor the hair follicle growth cycle, and thus hair follicle disorders or treatment efficacy during alopecia. (c) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Design of a variable-focal-length optical system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ricks, D.; Shannon, R. R.

1984-01-01

Requirements to place an entire optical system with a variable focal length ranging from 20 to 200 cm within a overall length somewhat less than 100 cm placed severe restrictions on the design of a zoom lens suitable for use on a comet explorer. The requirements of a wavelength range of 0.4 to 1.0 microns produced even greater limitations on the possibilities for a design that included a catadioptric (using mirrors and glass) front and followed by a zooming refractive portion. Capabilities available commercial zoom lenses as well as patents of optical systems are reviewed. Preliminary designs of the refractive optics zoom lens and the catadioptric system are presented and evaluated. Of the two, the latter probably has the best chance of success, so long as the shortest focal lengths are not really needed.

[Pedicle flaps based on the sphenopalatine artery: anatomical and surgical study].

PubMed

Gras-Cabrerizo, Juan R; Gras-Albert, Juan R; Monjas-Canovas, Irene; García-Garrigós, Elena; Montserrat-Gili, Joan R; Sánchez del Campo, Francisco; Kolanczak, Katarzyna; Massegur-Solench, Humbert

2014-01-01

Local pedicle flaps based on the sphenopalatine artery make it possible to reconstruct large defects of the skull base (SB). From January 2008 to January 2013, 64 lesions with involvement of SB were analysed. These lesions were treated using endoscopic endonasal approach and required a pedicle flap based on the sphenopalatine artery. In addition, measurements and flexibility of the flaps were examined in 4 cadaveric nasal cavities. Surgical group. Sixty-four nasoseptal flaps (NSF) were used, in 4 cases associated with a middle turbinate flap (MTF), and in 1 case supplemented with an inferior turbinate flap (ITF). Five cerebrospinal fluid fistulas (8%) were noted. Among patients with initial lesions, 7% presented an anosmia. Cadaveric group. The length of the NSF varied between 5.2 cm and 7.7 cm and the width ranged from 3 cm to 4.5 cm. The ITF provided an anterior-posterior distance between 4.2 cm and 5 cm, with a width between 1.2 cm and 2.8 cm. The mean length of MTFs varied between 3.5 cm and 4.2 cm, with a width between 1.4 cm and 1.9 cm. The most versatile local flap for the reconstruction of skull base defects is the NSF, and flaps pedicled to the posterolateral nasal artery offer an excellent alternative. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. y Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial. All rights reserved.

Characterization and optimization of the HyperV PLX- α coaxial-gun plasma jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Case, Andrew; Brockington, Sam; Cruz, Edward; Witherspoon, F. Douglas

2017-10-01

We present results from characterizing and optimizing performance of the contoured gap coaxial plasma guns under development for the ARPA-E Accelerating Low-Cost Plasma Heating And Assembly (ALPHA) program. Plasma jet diagnostics include fast photodiodes for velocimetry and interferometry for line integrated density. Additionally we present results from spectroscopy, both time resolved high resolution spectroscopy using a novel detector and time integrated survey spectroscopy, for measurements of velocity and temperature as well as impurities. Fast imaging gives plume geometry and time integrated imaging gives overall light emission. Results from a novel long record length camera developed by HyperV will also be presented. Experimental results are compared to the desired target parameters for the plasma jets. The target values for the plasmoid are velocity of 50 km/s, mass of 3.5 mg, and length of 10 cm. The best results so far from the exploration of parameter space for gun operation are: 4 mg at >50 km/s, with a length of 10 cm. Peak axial density 34 cm downstream from the muzzle is 2 ×1016 cm-3. This work supported by the ARPA-E ALPHA Program under contract DE-AR0000566.

Diet quality in early pregnancy and its effects on fetal growth outcomes: the Infancia y Medio Ambiente (Childhood and Environment) Mother and Child Cohort Study in Spain.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Bernal, Clara L; Rebagliato, Marisa; Iñiguez, Carmen; Vioque, Jesús; Navarrete-Muñoz, Eva M; Murcia, Mario; Bolumar, Francisco; Marco, Alfredo; Ballester, Ferran

2010-06-01

Maternal diet has been associated with fetal growth outcomes; however, evidence is scarce on the role of dietary quality. The objective was to assess the effect of diet quality during the first trimester of pregnancy, as measured by the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) adapted for pregnancy, on fetal growth. We studied 787 women and their newborns from a Spanish cohort study. Diet quality was assessed by using a modification of the AHEI. Adjusted birth weight, birth length, and head circumference were used as continuous outcomes. We used a customized model to define fetal growth restriction in weight, length, and head circumference. After adjustment of multivariate models, a positive association was observed between diet quality and adjusted birth weight and adjusted birth length. The greatest differences were found between the fourth and first quintiles of the AHEI. Newborns of women in the fourth quintile were on average 126.3 g (95% CI: 38.5, 213.9 g) heavier and 0.47 cm (95% CI: 0.08, 0.86 cm) longer than those in the lowest quintile (P for trend = 0.009 and 0.013, respectively). Women with the highest AHEI scores had a significantly lower risk of delivering a fetal growth-restricted infant for weight (odds ratio: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.55; P for trend = 0.001) than did women in the lowest quintile, but this was not the case for fetal growth restriction in length (P for trend = 0.538) or head circumference (P for trend = 0.070). A high-quality diet in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with birth size and the risk of fetal growth restriction.

Aspect ratio dependence of auger recombination and carrier multiplication in PbSe nanorods.

PubMed

Padilha, Lazaro A; Stewart, John T; Sandberg, Richard L; Bae, Wan Ki; Koh, Weon-Kyu; Pietryga, Jeffrey M; Klimov, Victor I

2013-03-13

Nanomaterials with efficient carrier multiplication (CM), that is, generation of multiple electron-hole pairs by single photons, have been the object of intense scientific interest as potential enablers of high efficiency generation-III photovoltaics. In this work, we explore nanocrystal shape control as a means for enhancing CM. Specifically, we investigate the influence of aspect ratio (ρ) of PbSe nanorods (NRs) on both CM and the inverse of this process, Auger recombination. We observe that Auger lifetimes in NRs increase with increasing particle volume and for a fixed cross-sectional size follow a linear dependence on the NR length. For a given band gap energy, the CM efficiency in NRs shows a significant dependence on aspect ratio and exhibits a maximum at ρ ∼ 6-7 for which the multiexciton yields are a factor of ca. 2 higher than those in quantum dots with a similar bandgap energy. To rationalize our experimental observations, we analyze the influence of dimensionality on both CM and non-CM energy-loss mechanisms and offer possible explanations for the seemingly divergent effects the transition from zero- to one-dimensional confinement has on the closely related processes of Auger recombination and CM.

The Effects of ISM1 Medium on Embryo Quality and Outcomes of IVF/ICSI Cycles.

PubMed

Hassani, Fatemeh; Eftekhari-Yazdi, Poopak; Karimian, Leila; Rezazadeh Valojerdi, Mojtaba; Movaghar, Bahar; Fazel, Mohammad; Fouladi, Hamid Reza; Shabani, Fatemeh; Johansson, Lars

2013-07-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of ISM1 culture medium on embryo development, quality and outcomes of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles. This study compares culture medium commonly used in the laboratory setting for oocyte recovery and embryo development with a medium from MediCult. We have assessed the effects of these media on embryo development and newborn characteristics. In this prospective randomized study, fertilized oocytes from patients were randomly assigned to culture in ISM1 (MediCult, cycles: n=293) or routine lab culture medium (G-1TM v5; Vitrolife, cycles: n=290) according to the daily media schedule for oocyte retrieval. IVF or ICSI and embryo transfer were performed with either MediCult media or routine lab media. Embryo quality on days 2/3, cleavage, pregnancy and implantation rates, baby take home rate (BTHR), in addition to the weight and length of newborns were compared between groups. There were similar cleavage rates for ISM1 (86%) vs. G-1TM v5 (88%). We observed a significantly higher percentage of excellent embryos in ISM1 (42.7%) compared to G-1TM v5 (39%, p<0.05). Babies born after culture in ISM1 had both higher birth weight (3.03 kg) and length (48.8 cm) compared to G-1TM v5 babies that had a birth weight of 2.66 kg and a length of 46.0 cm (p<0.001 for both). This study suggests that ISM1 is a more effective culture medium in generating higher quality embryos, which may be reflected in the characteristics of babies at birth.

The Effects of ISM1 Medium on Embryo Quality and Outcomes of IVF/ICSI Cycles

PubMed Central

Hassani, Fatemeh; Eftekhari-Yazdi, Poopak; Karimian, Leila; Rezazadeh Valojerdi, Mojtaba; Movaghar, Bahar; Fazel, Mohammad; Fouladi, Hamid Reza; Shabani, Fatemeh; Johansson, Lars

2013-01-01

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of ISM1 culture medium on embryo development, quality and outcomes of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles. This study compares culture medium commonly used in the laboratory setting for oocyte recovery and embryo development with a medium from MediCult. We have assessed the effects of these media on embryo development and newborn characteristics. Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomized study, fertilized oocytes from patients were randomly assigned to culture in ISM1 (MediCult, cycles: n=293) or routine lab culture medium (G-1TM v5; Vitrolife, cycles: n=290) according to the daily media schedule for oocyte retrieval. IVF or ICSI and embryo transfer were performed with either MediCult media or routine lab media. Embryo quality on days 2/3, cleavage, pregnancy and implantation rates, baby take home rate (BTHR), in addition to the weight and length of newborns were compared between groups. Results: There were similar cleavage rates for ISM1 (86%) vs. G-1TM v5 (88%). We observed a significantly higher percentage of excellent embryos in ISM1 (42.7%) compared to G-1TM v5 (39%, p<0.05). Babies born after culture in ISM1 had both higher birth weight (3.03 kg) and length (48.8 cm) compared to G-1TM v5 babies that had a birth weight of 2.66 kg and a length of 46.0 cm (p<0.001 for both). Conclusion: This study suggests that ISM1 is a more effective culture medium in generating higher quality embryos, which may be reflected in the characteristics of babies at birth. PMID:24520472

Putting POP-Q to the test: does C - D = cervical length?

PubMed

Williams, Kathryn S; Rosen, Lisa; Pilkinton, Marjorie L; Dhariwal, Laura; Winkler, Harvey A

2018-06-01

We investigated the correlation between calculated cervical length (CCL) and gross specimen cervical length (GCL) after total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH) at the time of surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This was a retrospective chart review of patients who had undergone TVH with reconstructive surgery for POP between 2013 and 2015. Patients without an intact specimen or documented cervical length in the pathology report were excluded. CCL was defined as the absolute difference between Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) points C and D. GCL was obtained from the pathology report as the distance from the external to the internal os. The Bland-Altman method was used to assess the accuracy of POP-Q measurements with a priori ranges. Symptom severity was evaluated using the PFDI-20 questionnaire. Analysis of variance was used to model both GCL and CCL as a function of prolapse stage and the leading compartment. The final analysis included 202 subjects. Of the CCL measurements, 56.93% were within ±2 cm of GCL, while 36.14% were within ±1 cm. POP stage was significantly associated with GCL (P < 0.0024). CCL was significantly longer in patients with stage 4 POP (3.57 cm, 95% CI 3.13-4.00) than in those with stage 2 POP (P < 0.0017; mean 2.68 cm, 95% CI 2.45-2.92) and stage 3 POP (P < 0.0300; mean 2.94 cm, 95% CI 2.73-3.15). There were no significant correlations between PFDI scores and CCL or GCL. The agreement between POP-Q CCL (|C - D|) and GCL decreases with increasing POP-Q stage. There was no correlation between POP symptom severity and GCL or CCL. GCL significantly increased with increasing POP stage.

Searching for Last Glacial Deep-Sea Polar Carbonates in the Ross Sea Continental slope and Their Relevance to Chronological Constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brambati, A.; Bonaccorsi, R.; Quaia, T.; Busetti, M.

2003-12-01

Ice-proximal glacial marine sediments from the Antarctic continental margin retain ice rafting events as proxy record for change in the volume and extension of the Antarctic ice sheet throughout glacial-interglacial cycles. However, the sedimentary sequences from the Ross Sea continental margin remain relatively poorly understood and most research has been focused mainly on continental shelf sequences during the last past decades. We present a data set (i.e., X-ray lithology, Multi Sensor Core Logger physical data, and preservation of biogenic carbonates), obtained from six deep-sea cores (1991-1999 Italian Antarctic Research Programme, PNRA - Summer cruises). Specifically, the cores were collected from a) the central Eastern sector (i.e., Core ANTA95-89C, depth: 2056 m, length: 401 cm and Core ANTA99-c22, depth: 2650 m, length: 851 cm); b) the central Western sector (i.e., Core ANTA99-c23; water depth: 2158 m, length: 548 cm; and ANTA99-c24, water depth: 2750 m, length: 811 cm); and c) the North Western sector (i.e., Core ANTA91-08C, and ANTA91-02C) of the Ross Sea Continental slope. Well-preserved calcareous foraminifers (N. pachyderma, sx) in coarse-grained IRD materials sparsely occur and/or are concentrated in discrete layers (i.e., up to 22 cm-thick) of at least three cores (i.e., Cores ANTA91-08, ANTA91-02, and ANTA95-89C, e.g., at 217-238 cm-depth). Some carbonate layers were deposited during a period of time bracketing Stage3/Stage2. In Core 89C foraminifers are associated to multiple ice rafting episodes and likely occurred with oceanographic changes in the properties of slope water masses. The search of well-preserved, in situ-deposited, polar carbonates is demanded for a reliable C-14 AMS dating of late Pleistocene events in the Ross Sea.

Penile Girth Enhancement With Polymethylmethacrylate-Based Soft Tissue Fillers.

PubMed

Casavantes, Luis; Lemperle, Gottfried; Morales, Palmira

2016-09-01

An unknown percentage of men will take every risk to develop a larger penis. Thus far, most injectables have caused serious problems. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres have been injected as a wrinkle filler and volumizer with increasing safety since 1989. To report on a safe and permanently effective method to enhance penile girth and length with an approved dermal filler (ie, PMMA). Since 2007, the senior author has performed penile augmentation in 752 men mainly with Metacrill, a suspension of PMMA microspheres in carboxymethyl-cellulose. The data of 729 patients and 203 completed questionnaires were evaluated statistically. The overall satisfaction rate was 8.7 on a scale of 1 to 10. After one to three injection sessions, average girth increased by 3.5 cm, or 134% (10.2 to 13.7 cm = 134.31%). Penile length also increased by weight and stretching force of the implant from an average of 9.8 to 10.5 cm. Approximately half the patients perceived some irregularities of the implant, which caused no problems. Complications occurred in 0.4%, when PMMA nodules had to be surgically removed in three of the 24% of patients who had a non-circumcised penis. After 5 years of development, penile augmentation with PMMA microspheres appears to be a natural, safe, and permanently effective method. The only complication of nodule formation and other irregularities can be overcome by an improved injection technique and better postimplantation care. Copyright © 2016 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of modified penoplasty for concealed penis in children.

PubMed

Chen, Chao; Li, Ning; Luo, Yi-Ge; Wang, Hong; Tang, Xian-Ming; Chen, Jia-Bo; Dong, Chun-Qiang; Liu, Qiang; Dong, Kun; Su, Cheng; Yang, Ti-Quan

2016-10-01

To evaluate the effect of modified penoplasty in the management of concealed penis. We retrospectively reviewed 96 consecutive patients with concealed penis, which had been surgically corrected between July 2013 and July 2015. All patients underwent modified Shiraki phalloplasty. All patients were scheduled for regular follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months after the surgery. Data on the patients' age, operative time, postoperative complications, and parents' satisfaction grade were collected and analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 17.4 months (range 7-31 months). The mean operative time was 63.2 ± 8.7 min. The mean perpendicular penile length was 1.89 ± 0.77 cm preoperatively and 4.42 ± 0.87 cm postoperatively, with an improved mean length of 2.5 ± 0.68 cm in the flaccid state postoperatively (p < 0.05). The patients' satisfaction grades after the surgery were improved significantly (p < 0.05). Fifty-two patients had penile lymphedema postoperatively; however, it disappeared spontaneously within 3 months. Additionally, postoperative wound infection occurred in two patients. There were no complications such as flap necrosis, penile shaft contracture, voiding difficulty, and erection difficulties. The modified Shiraki phalloplasty for concealed penis can achieve maximum utilization of prepuce to assure coverage of the exposed penile shaft. It has fewer complications, achieving marked asthetics, and functional improvement. It is a relatively ideal means for treating concealed penis.

Colonic exclusion and combined therapy for refractory constipation.

PubMed

Peng, Hong-Yun; Xu, Ai-Zhong

2006-12-28

To investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of colonic exclusion and combined therapy for refractory constipation. Thirty-two patients with refractory constipation were randomly divided into treatment group (n = 14) and control group (n = 18). Fourteen patients in treatment group underwent colonic exclusion and end-to-side colorectal anastomosis. Eighteen patients in control group received subtotal colectomy and end-to-end colorectal anastomosis. The therapeutic effects of the operations were assessed by comparing the surgical time, incision length, volume of blood losses, hospital stay, recovery rate and complication incidence. All patients received long-term follow-up. All operations were successful and patients recovered fully after the operations. In comparison of treatment group and control group, the surgical time (h), incision length (cm), volume of blood losses (mL), hospital stay (d) were 87 +/- 16 min vs 194 +/- 23 min (t = 9.85), 10.4 +/- 0.5 cm vs 21.2 +/- 1.8 cm (t = 14.26), 79.5 +/- 31.3 mL vs 286.3 +/- 49.2 mL (t = 17.24), and 11.8 +/- 2.4 d vs 18.6 +/- 2.6 d (t = 6.91), respectively (P < 0.001 for all). The recovery rate and complication incidence were 85.7% vs 88.9% (P = 0.14 > 0.05), 21.4% vs 33.3% (P = 0.73 > 0.05), respectively. Colonic exclusion has better therapeutic efficacy on refractory constipation. It has many advantages such as shorter surgical time, smaller incision, fewer blood losses and shorter hospital stay.

Conservation status of an endangered annual fish Hypsolebias antenori (Rivulidae) from Northeastern Brazil.

PubMed

Nascimento, W S; Yamamoto, M E; Chellappa, N T; Rocha, O; Chellappa, S

2015-05-01

This work presents information regarding the biology and state of conservation of an endangered annual fish Hypsolebias antenori. Fish were captured from small seasonal pools located in Northeastern Brazil. The total body length, body mass, sex ratio, first sexual maturity were investigated. The sampled population showed sexual dimorphism. There was a predominance of females (60%) over males (40%) with a sex ratio of 1: 1.4 and males were bigger and heavier than the females. Amplitude of total length of males ranged from 2.6 to 7.1cm (4.1 ± 1.15) and that of females from 2.2 to 5.4 cm (3.6 ± 0.9). Amplitude of body mass of males varied from 0.25 to 7 g (1.3 g ± 1.4) and that of females from 0.12 to 2.1g (0.7 g ± 0.5). The total weight-length equation of males was Wt = 0.0108Lt3.172 with r = 0.9826 and of females was Wt = 0.0122Lt3.0114 with r = 0.9608. Females attained first sexual maturity at 3.2 cm (± 0.25) total length and males at 3.3 cm (± 0.08) total length. All temporary pools surveyed in Northeastern Brazil were in a high degree of degradation, suffering due to anthropogenic action. Reduced rainfall resulting from global climate change prevents the filling up of these pools, thus preventing the completion of the reproductive cycle of annual fishes. One factor hindering development of conservation strategies is limited literature on biology and conservation status of annual fishes. There is a need for conservation measures to protect annual fish populations, especially creation of protected areas in the Brazilian semiarid region.

Importance of colonic support for energy absorption as small-bowel failure proceeds.

PubMed

Nordgaard, I; Hansen, B S; Mortensen, P B

1996-08-01

Digestive processes in the human colon are affected by the bacterial fermentation of malabsorbed carbohydrates and protein to short-chain fatty acids, which are absorbed and supply energy. Energy absorption was measured by assessing fecal bomb calorimetry in 148 patients with extremely different small-bowel lengths. Colectomy increased fecal loss of energy by 0.8 MJ/d and carbohydrate excretion fivefold in patients with a small-bowel length between normal and 150-200 cm. Patients with 100-150 cm small bowel, with and without a colon, excreted 1.3 +/- 0.3 and 4.7 +/- 0.5 MJ/d, respectively (P = 0.002), a difference of 3.4 MJ/d. Patients with < 100 cm small bowel excreted 3.1 +/- 0.4 and 8.0 +/- 1.3 MJ/d, respectively (P = 0.03), a difference of 4.9 MJ/d. Similar and highly significant differences were calculated by linear-regression analysis. Considerably less energy was excreted as carbohydrate than as fat in patients with preserved colonic function, probably because fermentation removed carbohydrate as absorbed short-chain fatty acids, whereas a comparable amount of energy was lost as carbohydrate and fat in patients without colonic function. The correlation between malabsorbed energy and small-bowel length was poor (r = -0.41) but increased when data for patients with and without a colon were separated (r = -0.56 and r = -0.58, respectively). Small-bowel length, however, was still an inaccurate measure of intestinal failure to absorb nutrient energy. In conclusion, colonic digestion may support energy supply with up to approximately 4.2 MJ/d as small-bowel failure proceeds, but it is of minor importance in patients with a small-bowel length > 200 cm or malabsorption < 2.1 MJ/d.

The GLC8 - A miniature low cost ring laser gyroscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godart, D.-F.; Peghaire, J.-P.

SAGEM is enlarging its family of ring laser gyros (RLG) which already includes a triangular 32-cm path-length gyro and a square 16-cm path-length gyro, in order to meet the increasing demand for low cost, medium accuracy strap-down inertial measurement units for applications such as short- and medium-range tactical missiles as well as aided navigation systems for aircrafts and land vehicles. Based on the experience acquired in the past 13 years in the RLG field, and especially in mirror manufacturing, SAGEM developed the GLC8 which has a square 8-cm path length cavity, central piezoelectric dither. It incorporates two cathodes, a single anode, and is technologically designed to minimize production-costs while optimizing the performance to global device size ratio. This gyro is characterized by a bias and a scale-factor stability respectively better than 0.5 deg/h and 100 ppm (1 sigma), and has an operating lifetime compatible with the most demanding relevant applications and a high robustness to mechanical environments.

Electromigration in Sn-Cu intermetallic compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, C. C.; Chen, C. F.; Liu, P. C.; Chen, Chih

2009-01-01

As the shrinking in bump size continues, the effect of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) on electromigration becomes more pronounced. Electromigration in Sn-Cu intermetallic compounds was examined using edge displacement method. It was found that Cu6Sn5 compounds are more susceptible to electromigration than Cu3Sn compounds. The lower solidus temperature and higher resistivity of the Cu6Sn5 IMCs are responsible for its higher electromigration rate. Length-dependent electromigration behavior was found in the stripes of various lengths and the critical length was determined to be between 5 and 10 μm at 225 °C, which corresponded to a critical product between 2.5 and 5 A/cm. Furthermore, the Sn-Cu compounds were proven to have better electromigration resistance than eutectic SnAgCu solder.

Nanometer-thick flat lens with adjustable focus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Son, T. V.; Haché, A.; Ba, C. O. F.

2014-12-08

We report laser beam focusing by a flat, homogeneous film with a thickness of less than 100 nm. The effect relies on refractive index changes occurring in vanadium dioxide as it undergoes a phase transition from insulator to metal. Phase front curvature is achieved by means of temperature gradients, and adjustable focal lengths from infinity to 30 cm are attained.

Effect of boattail geometry on the acoustics of parallel baffles in ducts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soderman, P. T.; Unnever, G.; Dudley, M. R.

1984-01-01

Sound attenuation and total pressure drop of parallel duct baffles incorporating certain boattail geometries were measured in the NASA Ames Research Center 7- by 10-Foot Wind Tunnel. The baseline baffles were 1.56 m long and 20 cm thick, on 45-cm center-to-center spacings, and spanned the test section from floor to ceiling. Four different boattails were evaluated: a short, smooth (nonacoustic) boattail; a longer, smooth boattail; and two boattails with perforated surfaces and sound-absorbent filler. Acoustic measurements showed the acoustic boattails improved the sound attenuation of the baffles at approximately half the rate to be expected from constant-thickness sections of the same length; that is, 1.5 dB/n, where n is the ratio of acoustic treatment length to duct passage width between baffles. The aerodynamic total pressure loss was somewhat sensitive to tail geometry. Lengthening the tails to reduce the diffusion half-angle from 11 to 5 degrees reduced the total pressure loss approximately 9%. Perforating the boattails, which increased the surface roughness, did not have a large effect on the total pressure loss. Aerodynamic results are compared with a published empirical method for predicting baffle total pressure drop.

Toxicity of sediment cores collected from the Ashtabula River in northeastern Ohio, USA, to the amphipod Hyalella azteca

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ingersoll, C.G.; Kemble, N.E.; Kunz, J.L.; Brumbaugh, W.G.; MacDonald, D.D.; Smorong, D.

2009-01-01

This study was conducted to support a Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration project associated with the Ashtabula River in Ohio. The objective of the study was to evaluate the chemistry and toxicity of 50 sediment samples obtained from five cores collected from the Ashtabula River (10 samples/core, with each 10-cm-diameter core collected to a total depth of about 150 cm). Effects of chemicals of potential concern (COPCs) measured in the sediment samples were evaluated by measuring whole-sediment chemistry and whole-sediment toxicity in the sediment samples (including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs], polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], organochlorine pesticides, and metals). Effects on the amphipod Hyalella azteca at the end of a 28-day sediment toxicity test were determined by comparing survival or length of amphipods in individual sediment samples in the cores to the range of responses of amphipods exposed to selected reference sediments that were also collected from the cores. Mean survival or length of amphipods was below the lower limit of the reference envelope in 56% of the sediment samples. Concentrations of total PCBs alone in some samples or concentrations of total PAHs alone in other samples were likely high enough to have caused the reduced survival or length of amphipods (i.e., concentrations of PAHs or PCBs exceeded mechanistically based and empirically based sediment quality guidelines). While elevated concentrations of ammonia in pore water may have contributed to the reduced length of amphipods, it is unlikely that the reduced length was caused solely by elevated ammonia (i.e., concentrations of ammonia were not significantly correlated with the concentrations of PCBs or PAHs and concentrations of ammonia were elevated both in the reference sediments and in the test sediments). Results of this study show that PAHs, PCBs, and ammonia are the primary COPCs that are likely causing or substantially contributing to the toxicity to sediment-dwelling organisms. ?? 2009 US Government.

Across-Gimbal and Miniaturized Cryogenic Loop Heat Pipes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bugby, D.; Marland, B.; Stouffer, C.; Kroliczek, E.

2003-01-01

This paper describes the development status of three advanced cryogenic loop heat pipes (CLHP) for solving important problems in cryogenic integration. The three devices described herein are: (1) an across-gimbal CLHP; (2) a short transport length miniaturized CLHP; and (3) a long transport length miniaturized CLHP. The across-gimbal CLHP, which is baselined for operation from 80-100 K with nitrogen, provides a low weight, low torque, high conductance solution for gimbaled cryogenic systems wishing to mount their cryocoolers off-gimbal. The short transport length miniaturized CLHP, which is baselined for operation near 35 K with neon, combines localized thermal transport, flexibility, and thermal switching into one device that can be directly mounted to a cryocooler cold head and a cryogenic component just a short distance (10-20 cm) away. The long transport length miniaturized CLHP, which is also baselined for operation near 35 K with neon, adds to the capabilities of the short transport length miniaturized CLHP by increasing the transport length to over 250 cm to meet cryogenic heat transport device requirements of future NASA and DoD spacecraft.

Dual-layer electrode-driven liquid crystal lens with electrically tunable focal length and focal plane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Y. A.; Lin, C. F.; Lin, J. P.; Zeng, X. Y.; Yan, Q.; Zhou, X. T.; Guo, T. L.

2018-04-01

Electric-field-driven liquid crystal (ELC) lens with tunable focal length and their depth of field has been extensively applied in 3D display and imaging systems. In this work, a dual-layer electrode-driven liquid crystal (DELC) lens with electrically tunable focal length and controllable focal plane is demonstrated. ITO-SiO2-AZO electrodes with the dual-layer staggered structure on the top substrate are used as driven electrodes within a LC cell, which permits the establishment of an alternative controllability. The focal length of the DELC lens can be adjusted from 1.41 cm to 0.29 cm when the operating voltage changes from 15 V to 40 V. Furthermore, the focal plane of the DELC lens can selectively move by changing the driving method of the applied voltage to the next driven electrodes. This work demonstrates that the DELC lens has potential applications in imaging systems because of electrically tunable focal length and controllable focal plane.

Contamination levels of mercury in the muscle of female and male spiny dogfishes (Squalus acanthias) caught off the coast of Japan.

PubMed

Endo, Tetsuya; Hisamichi, Yohsuke; Kimura, Osamu; Kotaki, Yuichi; Kato, Yoshihisa; Ohta, Chiho; Koga, Nobuyuki; Haraguchi, Koichi

2009-11-01

We analyzed the total mercury (T-Hg) and stable isotopes of (13)C and (15)N in the muscle of spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) caught off the coast of Japan. The average body length of the female spiny dogfish sampled (94.9+/-20.2 cm, 50.5-131.0 cm, n=40) was significantly larger than that of the males sampled (77.8+/-10.8 cm, 55.5-94.0 cm, n=35), although the ages of the samples were unknown. The T-Hg concentration in the muscle samples rapidly increased after maturity in the females (larger than about 120 cm) and males (larger than about 90 cm), followed by a continued gradual increase. Contamination level of T-Hg in female muscle samples (0.387+/-0.378 microg(wet g)(-1), n=40) was slightly higher than that in male muscle samples (0.316+/-0.202 microg(wet g)(-1), n=35), probably due to the greater longevity of females. In contrast, the contamination level of T-Hg in females smaller than 94.0 cm in length (0.204+/-0.098 microg(wet g)(-1), n=20) was slightly lower than that in the males, probably due to the faster growth rate of females. Although the partial differential(13)C and partial differential(15)N values in the muscle samples increased with an increase in body length, there were no significant differences between the females (-17.2+/-0.4 per thousand and 12.4+/-0.9 per thousand, respectively) and males (-17.3+/-0.4 per thousand and 12.4+/-0.8 per thousand, respectively). A positive correlation was found between partial differential(13)C and partial differential(15)N values, suggesting trophic enrichment due to the growth.

Influence of position and length of uterus on implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in IVF and embryo transfer treatment cycles.

PubMed

Egbase, P E; Al-Sharhan, M; Grudzinskas, J G

2000-09-01

In a prospective study of 807 consecutive women shown to have an apparently normal uterus after hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy or pelvic ultrasonography prior to IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo transfer, the position and length of the uterine cavity was measured routinely at a pre-treatment mock transfer procedure. The apparent length of the uterine cavity was <7 cm in 128 women (group 1), 7-9 cm in 594 women (group 2) and >9 cm in 85 women (group 3). The uterus was noted to be retroverted in 38. 2% (308) women. The embryo transfer catheter was advanced to 5 mm from the uterine fundus based on the previously determined cavity length in all the embryo transfer procedures at 48 h after oocyte collection. Implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were not significantly different with respect to position of the uterus, difficulties encountered in passage of the catheter, mean age of the women, aetiology or duration of infertility or embryology events. An apparently greater cavity length was seen in older and/or parous women, but the difference was not statistically significant. Although the highest implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were seen in women with a cavity length of 7-9 cm (group 2) the differences were not statistically significant: group 1, 18.9 and 36. 7%; group 2, 21.0 and 46.5%; and group 3, 17.3 and 32.9% respectively. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy per reported clinical pregnancy was highest in group 1 women, being 14.9% (7/47) in comparison with group 2 (1.8%, 5/276) and group 3 (0%, 0/27) (P: < 0.0005), suggesting that the size of the uterus is a critical factor in the aetiology of ectopic pregnancy in IVF/ICSI-embryo transfer.

Computational Analysis Supporting the Design of a New Beamline for the Mines Neutron Radiography Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, C.; King, J.

The Colorado School of Mines installed a neutron radiography system at the United States Geological Survey TRIGA reactor in 2012. An upgraded beamline could dramatically improve the imaging capabilities of this system. This project performed computational analyses to support the design of a new beamline, with the major goals of minimizing beam divergence and maximizing beam intensity. The new beamline will consist of a square aluminum tube with an 11.43 cm (4.5 in) inner side length and 0.635 cm (0.25 in) thick walls. It is the same length as the original beam tube (8.53 m) and is composed of 1.22 m (4 ft) and 1.52 m (5 ft) flanged sections which bolt together. The bottom 1.22 m of the beamline is a cylindrical aluminum pre-collimator which is 0.635 cm (0.25 in) thick, with an inner diameter of 5.08 cm (2 in). Based on Monte Carlo model results, when a pre-collimator is present, the use of a neutron absorbing liner on the inside surface of the beam tube has almost no effect on the angular distribution of the neutron current at the collimator exit. The use of a pre-collimator may result in a non-uniform flux profile at the image plane; however, as long as the collimator is at least three times longer than the pre-collimator, the flux distortion is acceptably low.

Ultrasonographic assessment of splenic volume and its correlation with body parameters in a Jordanian population.

PubMed

Badran, Darwish H; Kalbouneh, Heba M; Al-Hadidi, Maher T; Shatarat, Amjad T; Tarawneh, Emad S; Hadidy, Azmy M; Mahafza, Waleed S

2015-08-01

To estimate normal linear dimensions and volume of spleen in Jordanians using ultrasonography, and to correlate splenic volume with age and body parameters: height, weight, body surface area (BSA), and body mass index (BMI). A prospective pilot study was conducted on 205 volunteers (115 males and 90 females) not known to have any conditions likely to be associated with splenomegaly. The study was performed at the Radiology Department, Jordanian University Hospital, Amman, Jordan, between December 2013 and August 2014. All linear dimensions of spleen were measured, and splenic volume (index) was calculated using the standard prolate ellipsoid formula (length × width × depth × 0.523). The splenic volume was then analyzed with age and body parameters using the Pearson's correlation coefficient. The mean (± SD) splenic dimensions were 10.72±1.37 cm in length, 7.40±1.52 cm in width, 4.40±1.47 cm in depth, and 184.15±79.56 cm3 in volume. Men had larger spleens than women (p less than 0.0001). Age had no significant effect on spleen volume (r=0.11, p=0.12). There was a significant moderate positive correlation (p less than 0.0001), using Pearson's correlation coefficient, between the spleen volume, and other parameters (height, weight, BSA, and BMI), with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.3. A local reference of spleen dimensions was established with a different range of values reported previously.

[Management of moderate to severe pediatric concealed penis in children by Devine's technique via incision between the penis and scrotum].

PubMed

Zhang, Xin-Sheng; Liu, Shi-Xiong; Xiang, Xue-Yan; Zhang, Wen-Gang; Tang, Da-Xing

2014-04-01

To search for a simple and effective surgical approach to the management of moderate to severe pediatric concealed penis in children. We used Devine's technique via incision between the penis and scrotum in the treatment of 68 cases of moderate to severe pediatric concealed penis. The patients were aged 3 -13 (mean 6.5) years, 30 with moderate and 38 with severe pediatric concealed penis. This strategy achieved good near- and long-term effects and satisfactory appearance of the penis, which was similar to that of circumcision. At 3 months after surgery, the penile length was 3 - 5.2 cm, averaging (2.35 +/- 0.35) cm. Devine's technique via incision between the penis and scrotum is a simple and effective surgical option for moderate to severe pediatric concealed penis in children.

Microwave transmission efficiency and simulations of electron plasma in ELTRAP device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikram, M.; Mushtaq, A.; Ali, S.

2017-11-01

A Thomson backscattering experiment has been performed in a Penning-Malmberg device ELTRAP. To estimate the minimum sensitivity of diagnostics, we have computed the signal to noise ratio and found that the present bunch has a number density of 4.3 × 108 cm-3, which is three orders of magnitude less than the desired density of 1011 cm-3. To increase the signal level from the RF studies to the GHz range, the transmission efficiency from the rectangular waveguide orthogonally coupled to a prototype circular waveguide was experimentally analyzed on a test-bench. It is observed that the lengths of waveguides play an important role in the transmission efficiency and return loss. When the length of the optimum rectangular waveguide (>2 λg = 31 cm) is reduced to 7 cm, due to geometrical constraints of the ELTRAP device, consequently, the transmission efficiency is also reduced and shifts away from the maximum 3 GHz operating frequency. The useful frequency band is then reduced with the increasing length of the prototype circular waveguide (102 cm). Using the electromagnetic Particle-In-Cell simulations involving the electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH), we have utilized a magnetic field of 0.1 T resonating with 2.8 GHz RF drive during each time step (1 ps) having the power level of 0.04 V to the middle and to the end of the trap. A more efficient increase in the radial and azimuthal temperature profiles is observed as compared to the axial temperature profile. The reason is the use of ECRH to heat electrons in cyclotron motion, which is completely kinetic and magnetron motion which is almost entirely potential based. The axial motion interchanges in between the kinetic and potential with a slight enhancement in axial motion to maintain the total canonical angular momentum conserved. The temperature profile of the confined electron plasma increases with the variation of densities from 5 × 107 m-3 to 1012 m-3. The major heating effect occurs when the RF power is injected from the position close to one end with respect to the middle position of the trap.

Pylorus preserving loop duodeno-enterostomy with sleeve gastrectomy - preliminary results

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Bariatric operations mostly combine a restrictive gastric component with a rerouting of the intestinal passage. The pylorus can thereby be alternatively preserved or excluded. With the aim of performing a “pylorus-preserving gastric bypass”, we present early results of a proximal postpyloric loop duodeno-jejunostomy associated with a sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) compared to results of a parallel, but distal LSG with a loop duodeno-ileostomy as a two-step procedure. Methods 16 patients underwent either a two-step LSG with a distal loop duodeno-ileostomy (DIOS) as revisional bariatric surgery or a combined single step operation with a proximal duodeno-jejunostomy (DJOS). Total small intestinal length was determined to account for inter-individual differences. Results Mean operative time for the second-step of the DIOS operation was 121 min and 147 min for the combined DJOS operation. The overall intestinal length was 750.8 cm (range 600-900 cm) with a bypassed limb length of 235.7 cm in DJOS patients. The mean length of the common channel in DIOS patients measured 245.6 cm. Overall excess weight loss (%EWL) of the two-step DIOS procedure came to 38.31% and 49.60%, DJOS patients experienced an %EWL of 19.75% and 46.53% at 1 and 6 months, resp. No complication related to the duodeno-enterostomy occurred. Conclusions Loop duodeno-enterosomies with sleeve gastrectomy can be safely performed and may open new alternatives in bariatric surgery with the possibility for inter-individual adaptation. PMID:24725654

50 CFR 622.436 - Size limits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... intact. (a) Yellowtail snapper. The minimum size limit for yellowtail snapper is 12 inches (30.5 cm), TL... inches (20.3 cm), fork length. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 45896, July 30, 2013] ...

50 CFR 622.436 - Size limits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... intact. (a) Yellowtail snapper. The minimum size limit for yellowtail snapper is 12 inches (30.5 cm), TL... inches (20.3 cm), fork length. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 45896, July 30, 2013] ...

Snare-assisted anterograde balloon mitral and aortic valvotomy using Inoue balloon catheter.

PubMed

Krishnan, Mangalath N; Syamkumar, M D; Sajeev, C G; Venugopal, K; Johnson, Francis; Vinaykumar, D; Velayudhan, C C; Jayakumar, T G

2007-01-02

We performed concurrent antegrade mitral and aortic valvotomy using Inoue dilatation catheter in 3 cases of combined rheumatic mitral and aortic stenosis. Following mitral valvotomy by standard procedure, aortic valve was crossed with the help of a floatation catheter. Stiff long length guide wire was fixed in descending aorta using a snare. Inoue catheter was threaded over the wire across the aortic valve and aortic valvotomy completed. Mitral valve area increased from mean 1 cm2 to 2 cm2; aortic gradient dropped from mean of 97 mm to 36 mm. Concurrent anterograde balloon mitral and aortic valvotomy may be effective and safe.

Is increased residual shank length a competitive advantage for elite transtibial amputee long jumpers?

PubMed

Nolan, Lee; Patritti, Benjamin L; Stana, Laura; Tweedy, Sean M

2011-07-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which residual shank length affects long jump performance of elite athletes with a unilateral transtibial amputation. Sixteen elite, male, long jumpers with a transtibial amputation were videoed while competing in major championships (World Championships 1998, 2002 and Paralympic Games, 2004). The approach, take-off, and landing of each athlete's best jump was digitized to determine residual and intact shank lengths, jump distance, and horizontal and vertical velocity of center of mass at touchdown. Residual shank length ranged from 15 cm to 38 cm. There were weak, nonsignificant relationships between residual shank length and (a) distance jumped (r = 0.30), (b) horizontal velocity (r = 0.31), and vertical velocity (r = 0.05). Based on these results, residual shank length is not an important determinant of long jump performance, and it is therefore appropriate that all long jumpers with transtibial amputation compete in the same class. The relationship between residual shank length and key performance variables was stronger among athletes that jumped off their prosthetic leg (N = 5), and although this result must be interpreted cautiously, it indicates the need for further research.

Morphological leaf variability in natural populations of Pistacia atlantica Desf. subsp. atlantica along climatic gradient: new features to update Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica key.

PubMed

El Zerey-Belaskri, Asma; Benhassaini, Hachemi

2016-04-01

The effect of bioclimate range on the variation in Pistacia atlantica Desf. subsp. atlantica leaf morphology was studied on 16 sites in Northwest Algeria. The study examined biometrically mature leaves totaling 3520 compound leaves. Fifteen characters (10 quantitative and 5 qualitative) were assessed on each leaf. For each quantitative character, the nested analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine relative magnitude of variation at each level of the nested hierarchy. The correlation between the climatic parameters and the leaf morphology was examined. The statistical analysis applied on the quantitative leaf characters showed highly significant variation at the within-site level and between-site variation. The correlation coefficient (r) showed also an important correlation between climatic parameters and leaf morphology. The results of this study exhibited several values reported for the first time on the species, such as the length and the width of the leaf (reaching up to 24.5 cm/21.9 cm), the number of leaflets (up to 18 leaflets/leaf), and the petiole length of the terminal leaflet (reaching up to 3.4 cm). The original findings of this study are used to update the P. atlantica subsp. atlantica identification key.

[In vitro flowering of cultures from a hybrid of Cymbidium goeringii and C. hybridium].

PubMed

Zheng, Li-Ming; Pang, Ji-Liang

2006-06-01

Wild-type female spring orchid (Cymbidium goeringii) was crossed with male Cymbidium hybridium. Over eight hundred protocorm clones were obtained from hybrid offsprings. Among them, one protocorm clone was identified to differentiate visible floral buds two months after subculture in vitro (Plate I). The protocorms and shoots derived from this clone were further used in studying the effects of abscisic acid (ABA) and paclobutrazol (PP333) pretreatment as well as different concentrations of 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) on floral bud differentiation. The optimum combination of hormones in floral bud induction was 6-BA 1.0 mg/L and NAA 0.1 mg/L, and total frequency of floral bud formation was up to 31% (Table 1). The optimum length of shoots used in floral bud induction was 1-2 cm, and the frequency of floral bud formation was 19% (Table 1). The increase in total frequency was not significant in floral bud induction from protocorms and shoots with length of 1-2 cm or 2-4 cm cultured on MS medium containing 6-BA 1.0 mg/L and NAA 0.1 mg/L after pretreatment on MS medium supplemented with ABA 0.5 mg/L and PP333 0.5 mg/L for 35 d (Table 2).

Integrating cell on chip—Novel waveguide platform employing ultra-long optical paths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fohrmann, Lena Simone; Sommer, Gerrit; Pitruzzello, Giampaolo; Krauss, Thomas F.; Petrov, Alexander Yu.; Eich, Manfred

2017-09-01

Optical waveguides are the most fundamental building blocks of integrated optical circuits. They are extremely well understood, yet there is still room for surprises. Here, we introduce a novel 2D waveguide platform which affords a strong interaction of the evanescent tail of a guided optical wave with an external medium while only employing a very small geometrical footprint. The key feature of the platform is its ability to integrate the ultra-long path lengths by combining low propagation losses in a silicon slab with multiple reflections of the guided wave from photonic crystal (PhC) mirrors. With a reflectivity of 99.1% of our tailored PhC-mirrors, we achieve interaction paths of 25 cm within an area of less than 10 mm2. This corresponds to 0.17 dB/cm effective propagation which is much lower than the state-of-the-art loss of approximately 1 dB/cm of single mode silicon channel waveguides. In contrast to conventional waveguides, our 2D-approach leads to a decay of the guided wave power only inversely proportional to the optical path length. This entirely different characteristic is the major advantage of the 2D integrating cell waveguide platform over the conventional channel waveguide concepts that obey the Beer-Lambert law.

Morphological Evolution of Vertically Standing Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheets by Chemical Vapor Deposition.

PubMed

Zhang, Song; Liu, Jiajia; Ruiz, Karla Hernandez; Tu, Rong; Yang, Meijun; Li, Qizhong; Shi, Ji; Li, Haiwen; Zhang, Lianmeng; Goto, Takashi

2018-04-20

In this study, we demonstrated the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of vertically standing molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets, with an unconventional combination of molybdenum hexacarbonyl (Mo(CO)₆) and 1,2-ethanedithiol (C₂H₆S₂) as the novel kind of Mo and S precursors respectively. The effect of the distance between the precursor’s outlet and substrates (denoted as d ) on the growth characteristics of MoS₂, including surface morphology and nanosheet structure, was investigated. Meanwhile, the relationship between the structure characteristics of MoS₂ nanosheets and their catalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was elucidated. The formation of vertically standing nanosheets was analyzed and verified by means of an extrusion growth model. The crystallinity, average length, and average depth between peak and valley ( R z) of MoS₂ nanosheets differed depending on the spatial location of the substrate. Good crystalized MoS₂ nanosheets grown at d = 5.5 cm with the largest average length of 440 nm, and the highest R z of 162 nm contributed to a better HER performance, with a respective Tafel slope and exchange current density of 138.9 mV/decade, and 22.6 μA/cm² for raw data (127.8 mV/decade and 19.3 μA/cm² for iR-corrected data).

Cardiac-Specific Conversion Factors to Estimate Radiation Effective Dose From Dose-Length Product in Computed Tomography.

PubMed

Trattner, Sigal; Halliburton, Sandra; Thompson, Carla M; Xu, Yanping; Chelliah, Anjali; Jambawalikar, Sachin R; Peng, Boyu; Peters, M Robert; Jacobs, Jill E; Ghesani, Munir; Jang, James J; Al-Khalidi, Hussein; Einstein, Andrew J

2018-01-01

This study sought to determine updated conversion factors (k-factors) that would enable accurate estimation of radiation effective dose (ED) for coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and calcium scoring performed on 12 contemporary scanner models and current clinical cardiac protocols and to compare these methods to the standard chest k-factor of 0.014 mSv·mGy -1 cm -1 . Accurate estimation of ED from cardiac CT scans is essential to meaningfully compare the benefits and risks of different cardiac imaging strategies and optimize test and protocol selection. Presently, ED from cardiac CT is generally estimated by multiplying a scanner-reported parameter, the dose-length product, by a k-factor which was determined for noncardiac chest CT, using single-slice scanners and a superseded definition of ED. Metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor radiation detectors were positioned in organs of anthropomorphic phantoms, which were scanned using all cardiac protocols, 120 clinical protocols in total, on 12 CT scanners representing the spectrum of scanners from 5 manufacturers (GE, Hitachi, Philips, Siemens, Toshiba). Organ doses were determined for each protocol, and ED was calculated as defined in International Commission on Radiological Protection Publication 103. Effective doses and scanner-reported dose-length products were used to determine k-factors for each scanner model and protocol. k-Factors averaged 0.026 mSv·mGy -1 cm -1 (95% confidence interval: 0.0258 to 0.0266) and ranged between 0.020 and 0.035 mSv·mGy -1 cm -1 . The standard chest k-factor underestimates ED by an average of 46%, ranging from 30% to 60%, depending on scanner, mode, and tube potential. Factors were higher for prospective axial versus retrospective helical scan modes, calcium scoring versus coronary CTA, and higher (100 to 120 kV) versus lower (80 kV) tube potential and varied among scanner models (range of average k-factors: 0.0229 to 0.0277 mSv·mGy -1 cm -1 ). Cardiac k-factors for all scanners and protocols are considerably higher than the k-factor currently used to estimate ED of cardiac CT studies, suggesting that radiation doses from cardiac CT have been significantly and systematically underestimated. Using cardiac-specific factors can more accurately inform the benefit-risk calculus of cardiac-imaging strategies. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Heterogeneous multiscale Monte Carlo simulations for gold nanoparticle radiosensitization.

PubMed

Martinov, Martin P; Thomson, Rowan M

2017-02-01

To introduce the heterogeneous multiscale (HetMS) model for Monte Carlo simulations of gold nanoparticle dose-enhanced radiation therapy (GNPT), a model characterized by its varying levels of detail on different length scales within a single phantom; to apply the HetMS model in two different scenarios relevant for GNPT and to compare computed results with others published. The HetMS model is implemented using an extended version of the EGSnrc user-code egs_chamber; the extended code is tested and verified via comparisons with recently published data from independent GNP simulations. Two distinct scenarios for the HetMS model are then considered: (a) monoenergetic photon beams (20 keV to 1 MeV) incident on a cylinder (1 cm radius, 3 cm length); (b) isotropic point source (brachytherapy source spectra) at the center of a 2.5 cm radius sphere with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) diffusing outwards from the center. Dose enhancement factors (DEFs) are compared for different source energies, depths in phantom, gold concentrations, GNP sizes, and modeling assumptions, as well as with independently published values. Simulation efficiencies are investigated. The HetMS MC simulations account for the competing effects of photon fluence perturbation (due to gold in the scatter media) coupled with enhanced local energy deposition (due to modeling discrete GNPs within subvolumes). DEFs are most sensitive to these effects for the lower source energies, varying with distance from the source; DEFs below unity (i.e., dose decreases, not enhancements) can occur at energies relevant for brachytherapy. For example, in the cylinder scenario, the 20 keV photon source has a DEF of 3.1 near the phantom's surface, decreasing to less than unity by 0.7 cm depth (for 20 mg/g). Compared to discrete modeling of GNPs throughout the gold-containing (treatment) volume, efficiencies are enhanced by up to a factor of 122 with the HetMS approach. For the spherical phantom, DEFs vary with time for diffusion, radionuclide, and radius; DEFs differ considerably from those computed using a widely applied analytic approach. By combining geometric models of varying complexity on different length scales within a single simulation, the HetMS model can effectively account for both macroscopic and microscopic effects which must both be considered for accurate computation of energy deposition and DEFs for GNPT. Efficiency gains with the HetMS approach enable diverse calculations which would otherwise be prohibitively long. The HetMS model may be extended to diverse scenarios relevant for GNPT, providing further avenues for research and development. © 2016 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Ductility of polystyrene waste panel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sulistyorini, Dewi; Yasin, Iskandar

2018-03-01

Polystyrene waste panel is one of alternative materials that uses polystyrene waste. This experiment is to utilize the polystyrene waste as a non structural panel to be evaluated the ductility. The specimen consisted of cement 250 kg/m3, polystyrene waste was as aggregate, water cement ratio was 0.4 and wire mesh diameter was 0.6 mm with the grid 6 mm × 6 mm placed on the top and bottom of the panels. The polystyrene panels were compressed at 2 MPa. Six specimens had dimension 80 cm length, 30 cm width and the thickness planned were two varieties, they were 0.5 cm and 1 cm. Flexural testing is used to examine load and deflection to measure the ductility. The load and the deflection showed that the maximum load for the specimen with 0.5 cm thickness is 0.4, 0.56 and 0.37. And for 1 cm thickness is 0.4, 0.36, 0.64. It shows that the thickness variation does not give effect on the maximum load. Result showed the average of Displacement Ductility Index of polystyrene waste panels with 0.5 cm thickness was 1.692 and for 1 cm thickness, the average was 4.043. So the average of the panel with 0.5 cm thickness planned is under 1.99 and the panel with 1 cm thickness planned is upper 3, therefore, it is considered imperative for adequate ductility.

Maternal serum markers of lipid metabolism in relation to neonatal anthropometry

PubMed Central

Boghossian, Nansi S.; Mendola, Pauline; Liu, Aiyi; Robledo, Candace; Yeung, Edwina H.

2017-01-01

Objective To examine associations between lipids (HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein (a)) measured on average three time-points during pregnancy and neonatal anthropometrics. Study Design Stored samples from a preeclampsia trial measured as part of a case-control study from five US centers (1992-1995) were used. The sample included women without pregnancy complications (n=136), and cases of gestational diabetes (n=93), abnormal glucose tolerance (n=76), gestational hypertension (n=170), and preeclampsia (n=177). Linear regression and linear mixed-effects models estimated adjusted associations between lipids and birth weight z-score, ponderal index, length, and head circumference. Results Among women without complications, cross-sectional associations between total cholesterol measured at different gestational ages increased ponderal index 2.23 to 2.55 kg/m3 per-unit increase in cholesterol. HDL was inversely associated with birth length (β's=-2.21 and -2.56 cm). For gestational hypertension, triglycerides were associated with birth weight z-score (β's=0.24 to 0.31). For preeclampsia, HDL was associated with lower birth weight z-scores (β's=-0.49 and -0.82). Women with gestational diabetes or abnormal glucose tolerance had inconsistent associations. Examining the level changes across pregnancy, each 0.0037 mmol/L increase in HDL was associated with decreased birth weight z-score (β=-0.22), length (β=-0.24 cm), and head circumference (β=-0.24 cm) whereas each 0.028 mmol/L increase in triglycerides was associated with increased birth weight z-score (β=0.13) and head circumference (β=0.19 cm). Conclusion Although associations varied by complications, in general, growth promoting fuels as total cholesterol and triglycerides were associated with increased neonatal size whereas high HDL was associated with smaller size. Maternal HDL that failed to decrease over pregnancy was associated with smaller neonate size. PMID:28333159

Progress in second-generation HTS wire development and manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selvamanickam, V.; Chen, Y.; Xiong, X.; Xie, Y.; Zhang, X.; Rar, A.; Martchevskii, M.; Schmidt, R.; Lenseth, K.; Herrin, J.

2008-09-01

2007 has marked yet another year of continued rapid progress in developing and manufacturing high-performance, long-length second-generation (2G) HTS wires at high speeds. Using ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD) MgO and associated buffer sputtering processes, SuperPower has now exceeded piece lengths of 1000 m of fully buffered tape reproducibly with excellent in-plane texture of 6-7 degrees and uniformity of about 2%. These kilometer lengths are produced at high speeds of about 350 m/h of 4 mm wide tape. In combination with metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), 2G wires up to single piece lengths to 790 m with a minimum critical current value of 190 A/cm corresponding to a Critical current × Length performance of 150,100 Am have been achieved. Tape speeds up to 180 m/h have been reached MOCVD while maintaining critical currents above 200 A/cm in 100+ m lengths. Thick film MOCVD technology has been transitioned to Pilot manufacturing system where a minimum critical current of 320 A/cm has been demonstrated over a length of 155 m processed at a speed of 70 m/h in 4 mm width. Finally, nearly 10,000 m of 2G wire has been produced, exhaustively tested, and delivered to the Albany Cable project. The average minimum critical current of the wire delivered in 225 segments of 43-44 m is 70 A in 4 mm widths. A 30 m cable has been fabricated with this wire by Sumitomo Electric and has been installed in the power grid of National Grid in downtown Albany and is the world’s first 2G device installed in the grid.

Propagation of Some Local Fig (Ficus carica L.) Cultivars by Hardwood Cuttings under the Field Conditions in Tunisia

PubMed Central

Aljane, Fateh; Nahdi, Sabrine

2014-01-01

This research was carried out in Southeast of Tunisia in 2009 and 2010, in order to study the propagation of six (Ficus carica L.) cultivars by using hardwood cuttings under the field conditions. The effect of the cultivars and the type of buds, shoots age, shoots length, and shoots diameter were recorded. Ten cuttings per cultivar and/or cutting types with three replications were planted in rooting unit. Percentage of root emergence and six morphological parameters of young fig plants were measured. Results showed that the responses of cuttings as fig nursery plants presented a high variability among the five cultivars. The most widely varied characters were % root emergence (RE) and cumulative growth of young plant (CG). The first one ranged from 10% to 90%, the second varied within 32 and 112 cm. Concerning the ‘‘BITHER” cultivar, 6 cutting types with different age, length, and diameter were evaluated. Results showed a great variation in % of root emergence (0–90%), length of nursery plant (3–77 cm), and number of roots/nursery plant (0–29 roots). The present research showed that the hardwood cutting of local fig cultivars can be propagated under field conditions in Southeast of Tunisia. PMID:27437458

Length of Barrett's segment predicts failure of eradication in radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's esophagus: a retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

Luckett, Tyler; Allamneni, Chaitanya; Cowley, Kevin; Eick, John; Gullick, Allison; Peter, Shajan

2018-05-21

We aim to investigate factors that may contribute to failure of eradication of dysplastic Barrett's Esophagus among patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation treatment. A retrospective review of patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for treatment of Barrett's Esophagus was performed. Data analyzed included patient demographics, medical history, length of Barrett's Esophagus, number of radiofrequency ablation sessions, and histopathology. Subsets of patients achieving complete eradication were compared with those not achieving complete eradication. A total of 107 patients underwent radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's Esophagus, the majority white, overweight, and male. Before treatment, 63 patients had low-grade dysplasia, and 44 patients had high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma. Complete eradication was achieved in a majority of patients (57% for metaplasia, and 76.6% for dysplasia). Failure of eradication occurred in 15.7% of patients. The median number of radiofrequency ablation treatments in patients achieving complete eradication was 3 sessions, compared to 4 sessions for failure of eradication (p = 0.06). Barrett's esophagus length of more than 5 cm was predictive of failure of eradication (p < 0.001). Radiofrequency ablation for dysplastic Barrett's Esophagus is a proven and effective treatment modality, associated with a high rate of complete eradication. Our rates of eradication from a center starting an ablation program are comparable to previously published studies. Length of Barrett's segment > 5 cm was found to be predictive of failure of eradication in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation.

PbCl2-tuned inorganic cubic CsPbBr3(Cl) perovskite solar cells with enhanced electron lifetime, diffusion length and photovoltaic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bo; Zhang, Yanan; Zhang, Luyuan; Yin, Longwei

2017-08-01

Inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite is arousing great interest following after organic-inorganic hybrid halide perovskites, and is found as a good candidate for photovoltaic devices for its prominent photoelectric property and stability. Herein, we for the first time report on PbCl2-tuned inorganic Cl-doped CsPbBr3(Cl) perovskite solar cells with adjustable crystal structure and Cl doping for enhanced carrier lifetime, extraction rate and photovoltaic performance. The effect of PbCl2 on the morphologies, structures, optical, and photovoltaic performance of CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells is investigated systemically. Compared with orthorhombic CsPbBr3, cubic CsPbBr3 demonstrates a significant improvement for electron lifetime (from 6.7 ns to 12.3 ns) and diffusion length (from 69 nm to 197 nm), as well as the enhanced electron extraction rate from CsPbBr3 to TiO2. More importantly, Cl doping benefits the further enhancement of carrier lifetime (14.3 ns) and diffusion length (208 nm). The Cl doped cubic CsPbBr3(Cl) perovskite solar cell exhibits a Jsc of 8.47 mA cm-2 and a PCE of 6.21%, superior to that of pure orthorhombic CsPbBr3 (6.22 mA cm-2 and 3.78%). The improvement of photovoltaic performance can be attributed to enhanced carrier lifetime, diffusion length and extraction rates, as well as suppressed nonradiative recombination.

A Simple Laparoscopic Procedure to Restore a Normal Vaginal Length After Colpohysterectomy With Large Upper Colpectomy for Cervical and/or Vaginal Neoplasia.

PubMed

Leblanc, Eric; Bresson, Lucie; Merlot, Benjamin; Puga, Marco; Kridelka, Frederic; Tsunoda, Audrey; Narducci, Fabrice

2016-01-01

Colpohysterectomy is sometimes associated with a large upper colpectomy resulting in a shortened vagina, potentially impacting sexual function. We report on a preliminary experience of a laparoscopic colpoplasty to restore a normal vaginal length. Patients with shortened vaginas after a laparoscopic colpohysterectomy were considered for a laparoscopic modified Davydov's procedure to create a new vaginal vault using the peritoneum of the rectum and bladder. From 2010 to 2014, 8 patients were offered this procedure, after informed preoperative consent. Indications were 2 extensive recurrent vaginal intraepithelial neoplasias grade 3 and 6 radical hysterectomies for cervical cancer. Mean vaginal length before surgery was 3.8 cm (standard deviation, 1.6). Median operative time was 50 minutes (range, 45-90). Blood loss was minimal (50-100 mL). No perioperative complications occurred. Median vaginal length at discharge was 11.3 cm (range, 9-13). Sexual intercourse could be resumed around 10 weeks after surgery. At a median follow-up of 33.8 months (range, 2.4-51.3), 6 patients remained sexually active but 2 had stopped. Although this experience is small, this laparoscopic modified Davydov's procedure seems to be an effective procedure, adaptable to each patient's anatomy. If the initial postoperative regular self-dilatation is carefully observed, vaginal patency is durably restored and enables normal sexual function. Copyright © 2016 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

To compare growth outcomes and cost-effectiveness of "Kangaroo ward care" with "intermediate intensive care" in stable extremely low birth weight infants: randomized control trial.

PubMed

Sharma, Deepak; Murki, Srinivas; Pratap, Oleti Tejo

2017-07-01

To compare growth outcome and cost-effectiveness of "Kangaroo ward care" (KWC) with "Intermediate intensive care" (IIC) in stable extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. This is secondary analysis of the study and we analyzed 62 ELBW infants, 33 were randomized to KWC and 29 to IIC once the infant reached a weight of 1150 g. Infants in the KWC group were shifted to the Kangaroo ward immediately after randomization and in the IIC group received IIC care till they attain a weight of 1250 g before shifting to Kangaroo ward. The gain in weight (g/day), length (cm/week), and head circumference (cm/week) were comparable between the two groups. The mean weight, length, and head circumference were comparable at term gestational age. The infants in KWC group were shifted five days earlier to Kangaroo ward when compared to IIC group. The cost-effective analysis using "top-down" and "bottom-up" accounting method showed that there was significant reduction of hospital and parents expenditure in KWC group (p < 0.001) with approximate saving of 452 USD for each patient in the KWC group. Early shifting of ELBW infants for KWC is very efficacious and cost-effective intervention when compared to IIC. (CTRI/2014/05/004625).

A High-Density Linkage Map Reveals Sexual Dimorphism in Recombination Landscapes in Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

PubMed Central

Johnston, Susan E.; Huisman, Jisca; Ellis, Philip A.; Pemberton, Josephine M.

2017-01-01

High-density linkage maps are an important tool to gain insight into the genetic architecture of traits of evolutionary and economic interest, and provide a resource to characterize variation in recombination landscapes. Here, we used information from the cattle genome and the 50 K Cervine Illumina BeadChip to inform and refine a high-density linkage map in a wild population of red deer (Cervus elaphus). We constructed a predicted linkage map of 38,038 SNPs and a skeleton map of 10,835 SNPs across 34 linkage groups. We identified several chromosomal rearrangements in the deer lineage relative to sheep and cattle, including six chromosome fissions, one fusion, and two large inversions. Otherwise, our findings showed strong concordance with map orders in the cattle genome. The sex-averaged linkage map length was 2739.7 cM and the genome-wide autosomal recombination rate was 1.04 cM/Mb. The female autosomal map length was 1.21 longer than that of males (2767.4 cM vs. 2280.8 cM, respectively). Sex differences in map length were driven by high female recombination rates in peri-centromeric regions, a pattern that is unusual relative to other mammal species. This effect was more pronounced in fission chromosomes that would have had to produce new centromeres. We propose two hypotheses to explain this effect: (1) that this mechanism may have evolved to counteract centromeric drive associated with meiotic asymmetry in oocyte production; and/or (2) that sequence and structural characteristics suppressing recombination in close proximity to the centromere may not have evolved at neo-centromeres. Our study provides insight into how recombination landscapes vary and evolve in mammals, and will provide a valuable resource for studies of evolution, genetic improvement, and population management in red deer and related species. PMID:28667018

Hydrostatic pulpal pressure effect upon microleakage.

PubMed

Roberts, Howard W; Pashley, David H

2012-02-01

To evaluate if hydrostatic pulpal pressure plays a role in reducing microleakage. Uniform Class 5 preparations were accomplished on human molars with one margin on root dentin. Prepared teeth were randomly placed in one of three groups: (1) Hydrostatic pressure simulation at 20 cm pulpal pressure; (2) Hydrostatic pressure simulation but no pressure applied (positive control); and (3) Conventional microleakage method. Specimens were subjected to 24 hours methylene blue dye, sectioned, and microleakage assessed as a function of microleakage length versus entire preparation wall length using a traveling microscope. Hydrostatic pressure specimens demonstrated less gingival wall microleakage than the control groups while no difference was found between occlusal preparation walls.

Development of plasma sources for ICRF heating experiment in KMAX mirror device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Xuan; Liu, Ming; Yi, Hongshen; Lin, Munan; Shi, Peiyun

2016-10-01

KMAX, Keda Mirror with AXisymmeticity, is a tandem mirror machine with a length of 10 meters and diameters of 1.2 meters in the central cell and 0.3 meters in the mirror throat. In the past experiments, the plasma was generated by helicon wave launched from the west end. We obtained the blue core mode in argon discharge, however, it cannot provide sufficient plasma for hydrogen discharge, which is at least 1012 cm-3 required for effective ICRF heating. Several attempts have thus been tried or under design to increase the central cell's plasma density: (1) a washer gun with aperture of 1cm has been successfully tested, and a plasma density of 1013 cm-3 was achieved in the west cell near the gun, however, the plasma is only 1011 cm-3 in the central cell possible due to the mirror trapping and/or neutral quenching effect (2) a larger washer gun with aperture of 2.5 cm and a higher power capacitor bank are being assembled in order to generate more plasmas. In addition, how to mitigate the neutrals is under consideration (3) A hot cathode is been designed and will be tested in combination with plasma gun or alone. Preliminary results from those plasma sources will be presented and discussed.

Growth disturbance after lengthening of the lower limb and quantitative assessment of physeal closure in skeletally immature patients with achondroplasia.

PubMed

Song, S H; Kim, S E; Agashe, M V; Lee, H; Refai, M A; Park, Y E; Choi, H J; Park, J H; Song, H R

2012-04-01

This study evaluated the effect of limb lengthening on longitudinal growth in patients with achondroplasia. Growth of the lower extremity was assessed retrospectively by serial radiographs in 35 skeletally immature patients with achondroplasia who underwent bilateral limb lengthening (Group 1), and in 12 skeletally immature patients with achondroplasia who did not (Group 2). In Group 1, 23 patients underwent only tibial lengthening (Group 1a) and 12 patients underwent tibial and femoral lengthening sequentially (Group 1b). The mean lengthening in the tibia was 9.2 cm (59.5%) in Group 1a, and 9.0 cm (58.2%) in the tibia and 10.2 cm (54.3%) in the femur in Group 1b. The mean follow-up was 9.3 years (8.6 to 10.3). The final mean total length of lower extremity in Group 1a was 526.6 mm (501.3 to 552.9) at the time of skeletal maturity and 610.1 mm (577.6 to 638.6) in Group 1b, compared with 457.0 mm (411.7 to 502.3) in Group 2. However, the mean actual length, representing the length solely grown from the physis without the length of distraction, showed that there was a significant disturbance of growth after limb lengthening. In Group 1a, a mean decrease of 22.4 mm (21.3 to 23.1) (4.9%) was observed in the actual limb length when compared with Group 2, and a greater mean decrease of 38.9 mm (37.2 to 40.8) (8.5%) was observed in Group 1b when compared with Group 2 at skeletal maturity. In Group 1, the mean actual limb length was 16.5 mm (15.8 to 17.2) (3.6%) shorter in Group 1b when compared with Group 1a at the time of skeletal maturity. Premature physeal closure was seen mostly in the proximal tibia and the distal femur with relative preservation of proximal femur and distal tibia. We suggest that significant disturbance of growth can occur after extensive limb lengthening in patients with achondroplasia, and therefore, this should be included in pre-operative counselling of these patients and their parents.

Pahoehoe toe dimensions, morphology, and branching relationships at Mauna Ulu, Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crown, David A.; Baloga, Stephen M.

Pahoehoe toe dimensions, morphology, and branching relationships were analyzed in flows emplaced during 1972 at Mauna Ulu, a satellitic shield on the east rift zone of Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i. In order to characterize regions within flow fields dominated by networks of pahoehoe toes, measurements of toe length, width, thickness, and orientation were completed for 445 toes at 13 sites. Variations in site characteristics, including slope, substrate, and position in the flow field allow an evaluation of the effects of such parameters on toe dimensions. Toe surface morphology (ropy or smooth), local flow lobe position (interior or margin), and connective relationships between toes were documented in the form of detailed toe maps. These maps show the number of branches connecting a given toe to other toes in its local pahoehoe network and illustrate branching patterns. Statistical analyses of toe dimensions and comparisons of pahoehoe toe study sites and sub-populations combined with field observations, evaluation of toe maps, and qualitative examination of toe dimension size distributions show the following: (a) Although there are significant variations at a given site, toes typically have mean lengths (101cm) greater than mean widths (74cm) and mean widths greater than mean thicknesses (19cm) sites that have mean widths greater than mean lengths are those with lower slopes. (b) Where significant site-to-site variations in mean values of a given toe dimension were apparent, these differences could not be directly related to site characteristics. (c) Ropy toes have significantly larger mean values of length, width, and number of branches than smooth toes, and toes with three or more branches have greater lengths, widths, and thicknesses than toes with two or fewer branches, suggesting concentration of flow in these toe types. (d) The skewness of all size distributions of toe length and width to larger values suggests that toes are transitional to larger sheets and channels, consistent with field observations; and (e) Two distinct types of branching patterns (called monolayer and centrally ridged) were observed in preserved pahoehoe flow lobes. The significant variability in measured toe dimensions at Mauna Ulu suggests that toe dimensions are influenced by numerous locally defined, random factors, and that an approach based on stochastic methods can be used to model pahoehoe flow emplacement.

[Fire behavior of Mongolian oak leaves fuel bed under no-wind and zero-slope conditions. II. Analysis of the factors affecting flame length and residence time and related prediction models].

PubMed

Zhang, Ji-Li; Liu, Bo-Fei; Di, Xue-Ying; Chu, Teng-Fei; Jin, Sen

2012-11-01

Taking fuel moisture content, fuel loading, and fuel bed depth as controlling factors, the fuel beds of Mongolian oak leaves in Maoershan region of Northeast China in field were simulated, and a total of one hundred experimental burnings under no-wind and zero-slope conditions were conducted in laboratory, with the effects of the fuel moisture content, fuel loading, and fuel bed depth on the flame length and its residence time analyzed and the multivariate linear prediction models constructed. The results indicated that fuel moisture content had a significant negative liner correlation with flame length, but less correlation with flame residence time. Both the fuel loading and the fuel bed depth were significantly positively correlated with flame length and its residence time. The interactions of fuel bed depth with fuel moisture content and fuel loading had significant effects on the flame length, while the interactions of fuel moisture content with fuel loading and fuel bed depth affected the flame residence time significantly. The prediction model of flame length had better prediction effect, which could explain 83.3% of variance, with a mean absolute error of 7.8 cm and a mean relative error of 16.2%, while the prediction model of flame residence time was not good enough, which could only explain 54% of variance, with a mean absolute error of 9.2 s and a mean relative error of 18.6%.

Design and evaluation of high performance rocket engine injectors for use with hydrocarbon fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pavli, A. J.

1979-01-01

The feasibility of using a heavy hydrocarbon fuel as a rocket propellant is examined. A method of predicting performance of a heavy hydrocarbon in terms of vaporization effectiveness is described and compared to other fuels and to experimental test results. Experiments were done at a chamber pressure of 4137 KN/sq M (600 psia) with RP-1, JP-10, and liquefied natural gas as fuels, and liquid oxygen as the oxidizer. Combustion length effects were explored over a range of 21.6 cm (8 1/2 in) to 55.9 cm (22 in). Four injector types were tested, each over a range of mixture ratios. Further configuration modifications were obtained by reaming each injector several times to provide test data over a range of injector pressure drop.

A clinical correlation between stature and posterior tooth length.

PubMed

Reddy, Smitha; Shome, Bhuvan; Patil, Jayaprakash; Koppolu, Pradeep

2017-01-01

Exploration and determination of the relationship between stature and length of tooth is essential in Paleontology, Forensic Odontology and Endodontology. This study aimed to determine any association between stature and posterior tooth length in a group of patients who required root canal treatment. Age, sex and standing height of adults were considered for posterior tooth length measurement. Molars and Premolars of apparently normal males (n=115 for molars, n= 75 for premolars) and females (n=124 for molars, n=80 for premolars), aged 20-50 years with intact cuspal morphology, which required RCT were selected for this study. Females and males were divided into 2 groups each based on their heights females > 155 cm and ≤ 155 cm, males > 165.10 and ≤ 165.10cm. The tooth length of permanent molars and premolars in both groups were measured using RVG and Electronic apex locator. Measurements obtained were compared separately for males and females using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient. In females MB, ML, D roots of molar showed significant association (P=0.021), (P=0.027), (P=0.010) and roots of premolars showed significant association (P=0.002), (P=0.006) between both the groups respectively In males MB, ML, D roots of molar showed significant association (P=0.009), (P=0.004), (P=0.015) and roots of premolars showed significant association (P=0.006), (P=0.020) between both the groups respectively. The present clinical study reveals that there is a positive association between stature and posterior tooth length in both males and females.

Turbulent boundary layer heat transfer experiments: Convex curvature effects, including introduction and recovery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, T. W.; Moffat, R. J.; Johnston, J. P.; Kays, W. M.

1980-01-01

Heat transfer rates were measured through turbulent and transitional boundary layers on an isothermal, convexly curved wall and downstream flat plate. The effect of convex curvature on the fully turbulent boundary layer was a reduction of the local Stanton numbers 20-50% below those predicted for a flat wall under the same circumstances. The recovery of the heat transfer rates on the downstream flat wall was extremely slow. After 60 cm of recovery length, the Stanton number was still typically 15-20% below the flat wall predicted value. Various effects important in the modeling of curved flows were studied separately. These are: (1) the effect of initial boundary layer thickness; (2) the effect of freestream velocity; (3) the effect of freestream acceleration; (4) the effect of unheated starting length; and (5) the effect of the maturity of the boundary layer. Regardless of the initial state, curvature eventually forced the boundary layer into an asymptotic curved condition. The slope, minus one, is believed to be significant.

Turbulent boundary layer heat transfer experiments: Convex curvature effects including introduction and recovery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, T. W.; Moffat, R. J.; Johnston, J. P.; Kays, W. M.

1982-01-01

Measurements were made of the heat transfer rate through turbulent and transitional boundary layers on an isothermal, convexly curved wall and downstream flat plate. The effect of convex curvature on the fully turbulent boundary layer was a reduction of the local Stanton numbers 20% to 50% below those predicted for a flat wall under the same circumstances. The recovery of the heat transfer rates on the downstream flat wall was extremely slow. After 60 cm of recovery length, the Stanton number was still typically 15% to 20% below the flat wall predicted value. Various effects important in the modeling of curved flows were studied separately. These are: the effect of initial boundary layer thickness, the effect of freestream velocity, the effect of freestream acceleration, the effect of unheated starting length, and the effect of the maturity of the boundary layer. An existing curvature prediction model was tested against this broad heat transfer data base to determine where it could appropriately be used for heat transfer predictions.

Magnetic Design Guidelines for Electronic Power Supplies.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-30

henries ",= peak flux density in gauss d = wire (conductor) dia in mils CM = d2 = circular mi’s Irms = RMS current in amperes Idc = DC current in...component lac = RMS ac current in the inductor f = minimum frequency in hertz L = inductance in henries Then Eac 2 16.83 x 2, x 760 x .05 10 Eac 1 168.3 x 2...duty cycle x 1/f L inductance in henries *permeability in gauss/oersted H magnetizing force in oersteds ’. i g length of air gap in cm ic length of

Mechanism of Action of the Transobturator Sling for Post-Radical Prostatectomy Incontinence: A Multi-institutional Prospective Study Using Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PubMed

Kahokehr, Arman A; Selph, John P; Belsante, Michael J; Bashir, Mustafa; Sofue, Keitaro; Tausch, Timothy J; Brand, Timothy C; Lloyd, Jessica C; Goldsmith, Zachariah G; Walter, Jack R; Peterson, Andrew C

2018-06-01

To compare the length of the membranous (functional) urethra in male patients who underwent the male transobturator sling (TOS) for postradical prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI). The TOS is in established use for treatment of PPI; however, the precise mechanism of action is unknown. This is a prospective case-controlled study on men undergoing male TOS surgery from 2008 to 2014. The comparison arm included patients without incontinence after radical prostatectomy. All participants underwent dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and this was repeated after TOS placement for those who underwent the procedure. Three standardized points were measured using MRI and compared in both groups in addition to clinical measures. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled and 31 patients completed the protocols. The controls (N = 14) had a longer vesicourethral anastomosis to urethra measured at the penile bulb (functional urethral length) distance compared to the pre-TOS group at rest (1.92 cm controls vs 1.27 cm pre-TOS, P = .0018) and at Valsalva (2.13 cm controls vs 1.72 cm pre-TOS, P = .0371). Placement of the sling (N = 17) increased the functional urethral length distance at rest (1.92 cm control vs 1.53 cm post-TOS, P = .09) and at Valsalva (1.94 cm post-TOS vs 2.13 cm control, P = .61), so that the difference was no longer statistically significant. We identified that one possible mechanism in improvement in stress urinary incontinence post-TOS placement is the lengthening of the vesicourethral anastomosis to bulbar-urethra distance. This is the first such study utilizing dynamics MRI in post prostatectomy controls, incontinent pre-TOS, and post-TOS to assess and show these findings. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic accuracy of maternal anthropometric measurements as predictors for dystocia in nulliparous women

PubMed Central

Alijahan, Rahele; Kordi, Masoumeh; Poorjavad, Munira; Ebrahimzadeh, Saeed

2014-01-01

Background: Dystocia is one of the important causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. This study was aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of maternal anthropometric measurements as predictors for dystocia in nulliparous women. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on 447 nulliparous women who referred to Omolbanin hospital. Several maternal anthropometric measurements such as height, transverse and vertical diameters of Michaelis sacral rhomboid area, foot length, head circumference, vertebral and lower limb length, symphysio-fundal height, and abdominal girth were taken in cervical dilatation ≤ 5 cm. Labor progression was controlled by a researcher blind to these measurements. After delivery, the accuracy of individual and combined measurements in prediction of dystocia was analyzed. Dystocia was defined as cesarean section and vacuum or forceps delivery for abnormal progress of labor (cervical dilatation less than 1 cm/h in the active phase for 2 h, and during the second stage, beyond 2 h or fetal head descend less than 1 cm/h). Results: Among the different anthropometric measurements, transverse diameter of the Michaelis sacral rhomboid area ≤9.6 cm, maternal height ≤ 155 cm, height to symphysio-fundal height ratio ≤4.7, lower limb length ≤78 cm, and head circumference to height ratio ≥ 35.05 with accuracy of 81.2%, 68.2%, 65.5%, 63.3%, and 61.5%, respectively, were better predictors. The best predictor was obtained by combination of maternal height ≤155 cm or the transverse diameter of the Michaelis sacral rhomboid area ≤9.6 cm and Johnson's formula estimated fetal weight ≥3255 g, with an accuracy of 90.5%, sensitivity of 70%, and specificity of 93.7%. Conclusions: Combination of other anthropometric measurements and estimated fetal weight with maternal height in comparison to maternal height alone leads to a better predictor for dystocia. PMID:24554954

Diagnostic accuracy of maternal anthropometric measurements as predictors for dystocia in nulliparous women.

PubMed

Alijahan, Rahele; Kordi, Masoumeh; Poorjavad, Munira; Ebrahimzadeh, Saeed

2014-01-01

Dystocia is one of the important causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. This study was aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of maternal anthropometric measurements as predictors for dystocia in nulliparous women. This prospective cohort study was conducted on 447 nulliparous women who referred to Omolbanin hospital. Several maternal anthropometric measurements such as height, transverse and vertical diameters of Michaelis sacral rhomboid area, foot length, head circumference, vertebral and lower limb length, symphysio-fundal height, and abdominal girth were taken in cervical dilatation ≤ 5 cm. Labor progression was controlled by a researcher blind to these measurements. After delivery, the accuracy of individual and combined measurements in prediction of dystocia was analyzed. Dystocia was defined as cesarean section and vacuum or forceps delivery for abnormal progress of labor (cervical dilatation less than 1 cm/h in the active phase for 2 h, and during the second stage, beyond 2 h or fetal head descend less than 1 cm/h). Among the different anthropometric measurements, transverse diameter of the Michaelis sacral rhomboid area ≤9.6 cm, maternal height ≤ 155 cm, height to symphysio-fundal height ratio ≤4.7, lower limb length ≤78 cm, and head circumference to height ratio ≥ 35.05 with accuracy of 81.2%, 68.2%, 65.5%, 63.3%, and 61.5%, respectively, were better predictors. The best predictor was obtained by combination of maternal height ≤155 cm or the transverse diameter of the Michaelis sacral rhomboid area ≤9.6 cm and Johnson's formula estimated fetal weight ≥3255 g, with an accuracy of 90.5%, sensitivity of 70%, and specificity of 93.7%. Combination of other anthropometric measurements and estimated fetal weight with maternal height in comparison to maternal height alone leads to a better predictor for dystocia.

Influence of the effective lens position, as predicted by axial length and keratometry, on the near add power of multifocal intraocular lenses.

PubMed

Savini, Giacomo; Hoffer, Kenneth J; Lombardo, Marco; Serrao, Sebastiano; Schiano-Lomoriello, Domenico; Ducoli, Pietro

2016-01-01

To calculate the near focal distance of different multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) as a function of the 2 parameters that are measured before cataract surgery; that is, axial length (AL) and refractive corneal power (keratometry [K]). GB Bietti Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy. Noninterventional theoretical study. The IOL power for emmetropia was first calculated in an eye model with the AL ranging from 20 to 30 mm and K from 38 to 48 diopters (D). Then, the predicted myopic refraction for any given IOL add power (from +1.5 to +4.0 D) was calculated, and from this value the near focal distance was obtained. Calculations were also performed for the average eye (K = 43.81 D; AL = 23.65 mm). The near focal distance increased with increasing values of K and AL for each near power add. The near focal distance ranged between 53 cm and 72 cm (21 inches and 28 inches) for a multifocal IOL with +2.50 D, between 44 cm and 60 cm (17 inches and 24 inches) for a multifocal IOL with +3.00 D add, and between 33 cm and 44 cm (13 inches and 18 inches) for a multifocal IOL with +4.00 D add. In the average eye, the near focal distance ranges between 36 cm (near add power = 4.00 D) and 99 cm (near add power = 1.5 D). Longer eyes with steeper corneas showed the longest near focal distance and could experience more difficulties in focusing near objects after surgery. The opposite was true for short hyperopic eyes. Dr. Hoffer receives licensing fees for the commercial use of the registered trademark Hoffer from all biometry manufacturers using the Hoffer Q formula to ensure that it is programmed correctly and book royalties from Slack, Inc., for the textbook IOL Power. None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Copyright © 2016 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

LCGTO-Xα model cluster study for the chemisorption of CO on twofold sites of Ni surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jörg, H.; Rösch, N.

The cluster Ni 2CO is studied as a simplified model for the chemisorption of CO on twofold bridging sites of transition metal surfaces. Using the LCGTO-Xα method we have calculated the potential energy surface for the totally symmetric stretching motion keeping the Ni-Ni distance fixed at the bulk value. The minimum energy is found at a Ni-C distance of 1.72 Å and a C-O bond length of 1.19 Å. The vibrational frequency for the CO bond (1850 cm -1) shows reasonable agreement with EELS data (1810, 1870 cm -1), whereas the (Ni 2)-C frequency of 495 cm -1 is remarkably higher than the experimental values (380, 400 cm -1) indicating an overestimation of the chemisorption bond strength in this simple cluster model. The bonding between CO and Ni is analyzed using orbital correlations, ionization energies and Mulliken population analysis. Important bonding contributions from π backdonation are identified while the a 1 orbital manifold exhibits strong antibonding effects.

LCGTO-Xα model cluster study for the chemisorption of CO on twofold sites of Ni surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jörg, H.; Rösch, N.

1985-11-01

The cluster Ni 2CO is studied as a simplified model for the chemisorption of CO on twofold bridging sites of transition metal surfaces. Using the LCGTO-Xα method we have calculated the potential energy surface for the totally symmetric stretching motion keeping the NiNi distance fixed at the bulk value. The minimum energy is found at a NiC distance of 1.72 Å and a CO bond length of 1.19 Å. The vibrational frequency for the CO bond (1850 cm -1) shows reasonable agreement with EELS data (1810, 1870 cm -1), whereas the (Ni 2)C frequency of 495 cm -1 is remarkably higher than the experimental values (380, 400 cm -1) indicating an overestimation of the chemisorption bond strength in this simple cluster model. The bonding between CO and Ni is analyzed using orbital correlations, ionization energies and Mulliken population analysis. Important bonding contributions from π backdonation are identified while the a 1orbital manifold exhibits strong antibonding effects.

Electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide via the reduction of oxygen assisted by power ultrasound.

PubMed

González-García, José; Banks, Craig E; Sljukić, Biljana; Compton, Richard G

2007-04-01

The electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide using the oxygen reduction reaction has been studied in the absence and presence of power ultrasound in a non-optimized sono-electrochemical flow reactor (20 cm cathodic compartment length with 6.5 cm inner diameter) with reticulated vitreous glassy carbon electrode (30 x 40 x 10 mm, 10 ppi, 7 cm(2)cm(-3)) as the cathode. The effect of several electrochemical operational variables (pH, volumetric flow, potential) and of the sono-electrochemical parameters (ultrasound amplitude and horn-to-electrode distance) on the cumulative concentration of hydrogen peroxide and current efficiency of the electrosynthesis process have been explored. The application of power ultrasound was found to increase both the cumulative concentration of hydrogen peroxide and the current efficiency. The application of ultrasound is therefore a promising approach to the increased efficiency of production of hydrogen peroxide by electrosynthesis, even in the solutions of lower pH (<12). The results demonstrate the feasibility of at-site-of-use green synthesis of hydrogen peroxide.

Comparison of Path Length and Ranges of Movement of the Center of Pressure and Reaction Time and Between Paired-Play and Solo-Play of a Virtual Reality Game.

PubMed

Portnoy, Sigal; Hersch, Ayelet; Sofer, Tal; Tresser, Sarit

2017-06-01

To test whether paired-play will induce longer path length and ranges of movement of the center of pressure (COP), which reflects on balance performance and stability, compared to solo-play and to test the difference in the path length and ranges of movement of the COP while playing the virtual reality (VR) game with the dominant hand compared to playing it with the nondominant hand. In this cross-sectional study 20 children (age 6.1 ± 0.7 years old) played an arm movement controlled VR game alone and with a peer while each of them stood on a pressure measuring pad to track the path length and ranges of movement of the COP. The total COP path was significantly higher during the paired-play (median 295.8 cm) compared to the COP path during the solo-play (median 189.2 cm). No significant differences were found in the reaction time and the mediolateral and anterior-posterior COP ranges between solo-play and paired-play. No significant differences were found between the parameters extracted during paired-play with the dominant or nondominant hand. Our findings imply that the paired-play is advantageous compared to solo-play since it induces a greater movement for the child, during which, higher COP velocities are reached that may contribute to improving the balance control of the child. Apart from the positive social benefits of paired-play, this positive effect on the COP path length is a noteworthy added value in the clinical setting when treating children with balance disorder.

Parameter estimation of extended free-burning electric arc within 1 kA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Qiuqin; Liu, Hao; Wang, Feng; Chen, She; Zhai, Yujia

2018-05-01

A long electric arc, as a common phenomenon in the power system, not only damages the electrical equipment but also threatens the safety of the system. In this work, a series of tests on a long electric arc in free air have been conducted. The arc voltage and current data were obtained, and the arc trajectories were captured using a high speed camera. The arc images were digitally processed by means of edge detection, and the length is formulated and achieved. Based on the experimental data, the characteristics of the long arc are discussed. It shows that the arc voltage waveform is close to the square wave with high-frequency components, whereas the current is almost sinusoidal. As the arc length elongates, the arc voltage and the resistance increase sharply. The arc takes a spiral shape with the effect of magnetic forces. The arc length will shorten briefly with the occurrence of the short-circuit phenomenon. Based on the classical Mayr model, the parameters of the long electric arc, including voltage gradient and time constant, with different lengths and current amplitudes are estimated using the linear least-square method. To reduce the computational error, segmentation interpolation is also employed. The results show that the voltage gradient of the long arc is mainly determined by the current amplitude but almost independent of the arc length. However, the time constant is jointly governed by these two variables. The voltage gradient of the arc with the current amplitude at 200-800 A is in the range of 3.9 V/cm-20 V/cm, and the voltage gradient decreases with the increase in current.

Comparative effect of the sites of anterior cervical pressure on the geometry of the upper esophageal sphincter high-pressure zone.

PubMed

Mei, Ling; Jiao, Hongmei; Sharma, Tarun; Dua, Arshish; Sanvanson, Patrick; Jadcherla, Sudarshan R; Shaker, Reza

2017-11-01

External cricoid pressure is increasingly used to augment the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). Our objective was to determine the effect of 1) pressures applied to cricoid, supracricoid, and subcricoid regions on the length and amplitude of the UES high-pressure zone (UESHPZ), and 2) the external cricoid pressure on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone. Case-control study. We studied 11 patients with supraesophageal reflux (mean age 58 ± 12 years) and 10 healthy volunteers (mean age 47 ± 19 years). We tested 20, 30, and 40 mm Hg pressures to cricoid, 1 cm proximal and 1 cm distal to the cricoid. In an additional 15 healthy volunteers (mean age 46 ± 23 years), we studied the effect of external cricoid pressure on LES tone. UES and LES pressures were determined using high-resolution manometry. There was significant increase of UESHPZ length with application of pressure at all sites. The increase of UESHPZ length was relatively symmetric, more orad, and more caudad when the pressure was applied at the cricoid, supracricoid, and subcricoid levels, respectively. The magnitude of pressure increase was greatest at the middle and orad part of the UESHPZ when the pressure was applied at the cricoid and supracricoid levels, respectively. The corresponding magnitude of increase in the caudad part of the UESHPZ was not observed with pressure at the subcricoid level. There was no change of the LES pressure with application of cricoid pressure. The effect of external pressure on the UESHPZ is site dependent. Subcricoid pressure has the least effect on UESHPZ. External cricoid pressure at 20 to 40 mm Hg has no effect on the LES pressure. 3b. Laryngoscope, 127:2466-2474, 2017. © 2017 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

An AFLP genetic linkage map of pacific abalone ( Haliotis discus hannai)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Li; Yanhong, Xu; Ruihai, Yu; Akihiro, Kijima

2007-07-01

A genetic linkage map of Pacific abalone ( Haliotis discus hannai) was constructed using AFLP markers based on a two-way pseudo-testeross strategy in a full-sib family. With 33 primer combinations, a total of 455 markers (225 from the female parent and 230 from the male parent) segregated in a 1:1 ratio, corresponding to DNA polymorphism: heterozygous in one parent and null in the other. The female framework map consisted of 174 markers distributed in 18 linkage groups, equivalent to the H. discus hannai haploid chromosome number, and spanning a total length of 2031.4 cM, with an average interval of 13.0 cM between adjacent markers. The male framework map consisted of 195 markers mapped on 19 linkage groups, spanning a total length of 2273.4 cM, with an average spacing of 12.9 cM between adjacent markers. The estimated coverage for the framework linkage maps was 81.2% for the female and 82.1% for the male, on the basis of two estimates of genome length. Fifty-two markers (11.4%) remained unlinked. The level of segregation distortion observed in this cross was 20.4%. These linkage maps will serve as a starting point for linkage studies in the Pacific abalone with potential application for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs.

Multidetector row computed tomography evaluation of the micropig kidney as a potential renal donor.

PubMed

Yoon, Woong; Lee, Min Young; Ryu, Jung Min; Moon, Yong Ju; Lee, Sang Hun; Park, Jae Hong; Yun, Seung Pil; Jang, Min Woo; Park, Sung Su; Han, Ho Jae

2010-03-01

Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) provides anatomical information about the kidney and other internal organs. Presently, the suitability of 64-channel MDCT to assess the kidney of healthy micropigs was evaluated. Morphological evaluations of the kidney and the major renal vessels of six healthy micropigs were carried out using MDCT, recording kidney volume and the diameter and length of renal arteries and veins. The mean diameters and lengths of the renal artery were 0.44 +/- 0.05 and 4.51 +/- 0.55 cm on the right side and 0.46 +/- 0.06 and 3.36 +/- 0.27 cm on the left side, respectively. The mean diameters and lengths of the renal vein were 1.44 +/- 0.52 and 4.22 +/- 1.29 cm on the right side and 1.38 +/- 0.17 and 5.15 +/- 0.87 cm on the left side, respectively. The mean volume of the right kidney was 79.3 +/- 14.5 mL and of the left kidney was 78.0 +/- 13.9 mL. The data presented in this study suggest that the MDCT offers a noninvasive, rapid, and accurate method for the evaluation of the renal anatomy in living kidney donors. It also provides sufficient information about extra-renal anatomy important for donor surgery and determination of organ suitability.

Application of Atmospheric-Pressure Microwave Line Plasma for Low Temperature Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Haruka; Nakano, Suguru; Itoh, Hitoshi; Sekine, Makoto; Hori, Masaru; Toyoda, Hirotaka

2015-09-01

Atmospheric pressure (AP) plasmas have been given much attention because of its high cost benefit and a variety of possibilities for industrial applications. In various kinds of plasma production technique, pulsed-microwave discharge plasma using slot antenna is attractive due to its ability of high-density and stable plasma production. In this plasma source, however, size of the plasma has been limited up to a few cm in length due to standing wave inside a waveguide. To solve this, we have proposed a newly-developed AP microwave plasma source that utilizes not standing wave but travelling wave. By using this plasma source, spatially-uniform AP line plasma with 40 cm in length was realized by pure helium discharge in 60 cm slot and with nitrogen gas additive of 1%. Furthermore, gas temperature as low as 400 K was realized in this device. In this study, as an example of low temperature processes, hydrophilic treatment of PET films was performed. Processing speed increased with pulse frequency and a water contact angle of ~20° was easily obtained within 5 s with no thermal damage to the substrate. To evaluate treatment-uniformity of long line length, PET films were treated by 90 cm slot-antenna plasma and uniform treatment performance was confirmed.

[The importance of handprint morphometry for determining the human body length].

PubMed

Grigor'eva, M A

2018-01-01

Handprint morphometry for the purpose of personality identification still remains a relatively novel approach. The methods employed for the measurements are not infrequently difficult to reproduce and therefore cause controversy. The objective of the present study was to introduce the system of methods for the measurement of handprints suitable for the reliable determination of the human body length. The study included the measurement of the size of 40 handprints left by124 adult subjects (52 men and 72 women). Two methods of the regression analysis, stepwise and forced inclusion, were applied to the combined group of handprints to select the equations with the high (R>0.800) coefficients of multiple correlation with the body length. 13 equations of multiple regression were obtained and analyzed. The standard error of estimating (SEE) varied from 4.30 to 5.19 cm. The best results were obtained with the equations constructed from the sizes I, II, and III of the rays without their distal phalanges. It was shown that the body length can be successfully reconstructed within the height range from 168 to 183 cm for men and from 157 to 176 cm for women. The examples of the use of the equations for the purpose of expertise of illegible and incomplete handprints are presented.

Life history of the silvertip shark Carcharhinus albimarginatus from Papua New Guinea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smart, Jonathan J.; Chin, Andrew; Baje, Leontine; Tobin, Andrew J.; Simpfendorfer, Colin A.; White, William T.

2017-06-01

Growth and maturity of the silvertip shark Carcharhinus albimarginatus from Papua New Guinea were estimated to form the basis of future population assessments. Samples were collected from commercial longline vessels targeting sharks in the Bismarck and Solomon Seas. A total of 48 C. albimarginatus—28 males (95-219 cm total length, TL) and 20 females (116-250 cm TL)—provided data for the analyses. Employing back-calculation techniques accounted for missing juvenile length classes and supplemented the sample size. A multi-model framework incorporating the Akaike information criterion was used to estimate growth parameters. The von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) provided the best-fit growth estimates. Parameter estimates were L 0 = 72.1 cm TL, k = 0.04 yr-1 and L ∞ = 311.3 cm TL for males; and L 0 = 70.8 cm TL, k = 0.02 yr-1 and L ∞ = 497.9 cm TL for females. The biologically implausible L ∞ occurred for females as their growth did not asymptote; a typical trait of large shark species. The maximum age estimated from vertebral analysis was 18 yr for both sexes, while the calculated longevity from the VBGF parameters was 27.4 yr for males and 32.2 yr for females. Males matured at 174.7 cm TL and 10.5 yr old, while females matured at 208.9 cm TL and 14.8 yr old.

Natural Fiber Cut Machine Semi-Automatic Linear Motion System for Empty Fiber Bunches: Re-designing for Local Use

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asfarizal; Kasim, Anwar; Gunawarman; Santosa

2017-12-01

Empty Palm bunches of fiber is local ingredient in Indonesia that easy to obtain. Empty Palm bunches of fiber can be obtained from the palm oil industry such as in West Pasaman. The character of the empty Palm bunches of fiber that is strong and pliable has high-potential for particle board. To transform the large quantities of fiber become particles in size 0-10 mm requires a specially designed cut machine. Therefore, the machine is designed in two-stage system that is mechanical system, structure and cutting knife. Components that have been made, assembled and then tested to reveal the ability of the machine to cut. The results showed that the straight back and forth motion cut machine is able to cut out the empty oil palm bunches of fiber with a length 0-1 cm, 2 cm, 8 cm and the surface of the cut is not stringy. The cutting capacity is at a length of 2 cm in the result 24.4 (kg/h) and 8 cm obtained results of up to 84 (kg/h)

Maternal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system activity and stress during pregnancy: Effects on gestational age and infant's anthropometric measures at birth.

PubMed

Gilles, Maria; Otto, Henrike; Wolf, Isabell A C; Scharnholz, Barbara; Peus, Verena; Schredl, Michael; Sütterlin, Marc W; Witt, Stephanie H; Rietschel, Marcella; Laucht, Manfred; Deuschle, Michael

2018-04-22

Prenatal maternal stress might be a risk for the developing fetus and may have long-lasting effects on child and adult vulnerability to somatic and psychiatric disease. Over-exposure of the unborn to excess glucocorticoids and subsequent alteration of fetal development is hypothesized to be one of the key mechanisms linking prenatal stress with negative child outcome. In this prospective longitudinal study, mothers-to-be (n = 405) in late pregnancy (36.8 ± 1.9 weeks of gestational age) and their singleton neonates were studied. We investigated the impact of different prenatal stress indices derived from six stress variables (perceived stress, specific prenatal worries, negative life events, symptoms of depression, trait anxiety, neuroticism) and diurnal maternal saliva cortisol secretion on gestational age and anthropometric measures at birth. Maternal prenatal distress during late gestation was associated with significant reduction in birth weight (-217 g; p = .005), birth length (-1.2 cm; p = .005) and head circumference (-0.8 cm; p = .001). Prenatal stress was modestly but significantly associated with altered diurnal cortisol pattern (flattened cortisol decline and higher evening cortisol), which in turn was significantly related to reduced length of gestation. No evidence for a profound interaction between maternal cortisol level in late pregnancy and infant's anthropometric measures at birth (i.e., birth weight, length, head circumference) was found. Prenatal stress is associated with flattened circadian saliva cortisol profiles and reduced infant's anthropometric measures at birth. HPA system activity during pregnancy may be related to low gestational age. The effect of prenatal stress might be partly mediated by maternal-placental-fetal neuroendocrine mechanisms especially the dysregulation of diurnal cortisol profile. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Should Roux-en-Y gastric bypass biliopancreatic limb length be tailored to achieve improved diabetes outcomes?

PubMed

Nora, Mário; Morais, Tiago; Almeida, Rui; Guimarães, Marta; Monteiro, Mariana P

2017-12-01

The objective is to access the role of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) biliopancreatic limb (BPL) length in type 2 diabetes (T2D) outcomes.RYGB is more effective than medical intervention for T2D treatment in obese patients. Despite the scarcity of available data, previous reports suggest that modifications of the RYGB limb lengths could improve the antidiabetic effects of the surgery.A cohort of obese T2D patients (n = 114) were submitted to laparoscopic RYGB, either with a standard BPL (SBPL) (n = 41; BPL 84 ± 2 cm) or long BPL (LBPL) (n = 73; BPL = 200 cm) and routinely monitored for weight loss and diabetic status up to 5 years after surgery.Baseline clinical features in the 2 patient subgroups were similar. After surgery, there was a significant reduction of body mass index (BMI) in both the groups, although the percentage of excess BMI loss (%EBMIL) after 5 years was higher for LBPL (75.50 ± 2.63 LBPL vs 65.90 ± 3.61 SBPL, P = .04). T2D remission rate was also higher (73% vs 55%, P < .05), while disease relapse rate (13.0% vs 32.5%; P < .05) and antidiabetic drug requirement in patients with persistent diabetes were lower after LBPL. Preoperative T2D duration predicted disease remission, but only for SBPL.RYGB with a longer BPL improves %EBMIL, T2D remission, and glycemic control in those with persistent disease, while it decreases diabetes relapse rate over time. The antidiabetic effects of LBPL RYGB also are less influenced by the preoperative disease duration. These data suggest the RYGB procedure could be tailored to improve T2D outcomes.

Genetic Mutations, Birth Lengths, Weights and Head Circumferences of Children with IGF-I Receptor Defects. Comparison with other Congenital Defects in the GH/IGF-I axis.

PubMed

Essakow, Jenna Lee; Lauterpacht, Aharon; Lilos, Pearl; Kauli, Rivka; Laron, Zvi

2016-09-01

In recent years more and more genetic defects along the GHRH-GH-IGF-I axis have been reported. Mutations of the IGF-I receptor (R) are a rare abnormality of whom only the heterozygote progenies survive. To summarize, from the literature, data on birth length, weight and head circumference of neonates with IGF-I-R mutations, and to correlate the data with that of other types of mutations in the GH/IGF-I axis. Sixty seven neonates from 24 published articles were included and forty seven different mutations of the IGF-I (R) located on chromosome 15 have been identified. Mean (±SD) birth length (BL), available for 26, (10 M, 16F) neonates with a gestational age of 34-41weeks, was 44.2±4cm; one was premature (30cm at 31 weeks). There was a significant correlation between birth length and gestational age (GA) r=0.71 (p>.001). Mean birth weight (BW) of 41 neonates (18M, 23F) was 2388±743gr. Two premature neonates weighed 650gr and 950gr respectively. The BW correlated significantly with gestational age, (males: r=0.68; p=0.007, females: r=0.49; p=0.024). The BMI of 25 neonates ranged from 6 to 13. In 22 records marked microcephaly was ascertained or stated. Nine of 16 mothers were short (133 -148cm), m±SD = 150.5±7.3cm. Copyright© of YS Medical Media ltd.

Musculoaponeurotic Area of the Hip and Clinicophotographic Scaling System

PubMed Central

Mena-Chávez, J. Alejandro

2015-01-01

Background: With the evolution of body contouring, few innovative alternatives have been developed for cosmetic treatment in the hip area. Methods: A multicenter controlled study was conducted, including a prior review of the literature regarding the hip area. Dissections were performed on 4 male cadavers, outlining the “musculoaponeurotic area of the hip.” The area was subdivided into anterior and posterior surfaces. A clinical study was conducted in 79 patients, obtaining a scale by using the most prominent points on the sides of both thighs as the main reference. With the lines marked on photographs and the measurements, a “clinicophotographic scaling system” was designed. Results: The anterior surface corresponds to the tensor fasciae latae and its tendon as well as to the aponeurosis of the gluteus medius. The posterior surface corresponds with the iliotibial tract and the tendon insertions of the gluteus maximus. The average dimensions of the cadaver “musculoaponeurotic area of the hip” are as follows: length, 17.5 cm, and width, 11.5 cm. Using the “clinicophotographic scaling system,” the dimensions are as follows: length, 14.9 cm, and width, 10.3 cm. Conclusions: The “musculoaponeurotic area of the hip” was defined involving muscles, tendons, aponeurosis, fascia, subcutaneous cellular tissue, and skin. The borders were established using important anatomical points that determine the length and width of the area. The “clinicophotographic scaling system” was used to clinically calculate the length and width of the area. By examination and palpation, the borders and dimensions of this area could be determined. PMID:26180724

Characterization of the HCNCO complex and its radiation-induced transformation to HNCCO in cold media: an experimental and theoretical investigation.

PubMed

Kameneva, Svetlana V; Tyurin, Daniil A; Feldman, Vladimir I

2017-09-13

The HCNCO complex and its X-ray induced transformation to HNCCO in solid noble gas (Ng) matrices (Ng = Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe) was first characterized by matrix isolation FTIR spectroscopy at 5 K. The HCNCO complex was obtained by deposition of HCN/CO/Ng gaseous mixtures. The assignment was based on extensive quantum chemical calculations at the CCSD(T) level of theory. The calculations predicted two computationally stable structures for HCNCO and three stable structures for HNCCO. However, only the most energetically favorable linear structures corresponding to the co-ordination between the H atom of HCN (HNC) and the C atom of CO have been found experimentally. The HCNCO complex demonstrates a considerable red shift of the H-C stretching vibrations (-24 to -38 cm -1 , depending on the matrix) and a blue shift of the HCN bending vibrations (+29 to +32 cm -1 ) with respect to that of the HCN monomer, while the C[double bond, length as m-dash]O stretching mode is blue-shifted by 15 to 20 cm -1 as compared to the CO monomer. The HNCCO complex reveals a strong red shift of the H-N bending (-77 to -118 cm -1 ) and a strong blue shift of the HNC bending mode (ca. +100 cm -1 ) as compared to the HNC monomer, whereas the C[double bond, length as m-dash]O stretching is blue-shifted by 24 to 29 cm -1 with respect to that of the CO monomer. The interaction energies were determined to be 1.01 and 1.87 kcal mol -1 for HCNCO and HNCCO, respectively. It was found that the formation of complexes with CO had a remarkable effect on the radiation-induced transformations of HCN. While the dissociation of HCN to H and CN is suppressed in complexes, the isomerization of HCN to HNC is strongly catalyzed by the complexation with CO. The astrochemical implications of the results are discussed.

Optimizing the balance between radiation dose and image quality in pediatric head CT: findings before and after intensive radiologic staff training.

PubMed

Paolicchi, Fabio; Faggioni, Lorenzo; Bastiani, Luca; Molinaro, Sabrina; Puglioli, Michele; Caramella, Davide; Bartolozzi, Carlo

2014-06-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the radiation dose and image quality of pediatric head CT examinations before and after radiologic staff training. Outpatients 1 month to 14 years old underwent 215 unenhanced head CT examinations before and after intensive training of staff radiologists and technologists in optimization of CT technique. Patients were divided into three age groups (0-4, 5-9, and 10-14 years), and CT dose index, dose-length product, tube voltage, and tube current-rotation time product values before and after training were retrieved from the hospital PACS. Gray matter conspicuity and contrast-to-noise ratio before and after training were calculated, and subjective image quality in terms of artifacts, gray-white matter differentiation, noise, visualization of posterior fossa structures, and need for repeat CT examination was visually evaluated by three neuroradiologists. The median CT dose index and dose-length product values were significantly lower after than before training in all age groups (27 mGy and 338 mGy ∙ cm vs 107 mGy and 1444 mGy ∙ cm in the 0- to 4-year-old group, 41 mGy and 483 mGy ∙ cm vs 68 mGy and 976 mGy ∙ cm in the 5- to 9-year-old group, and 51 mGy and 679 mGy ∙ cm vs 107 mGy and 1480 mGy ∙ cm in the 10- to 14-year-old group; p < 0.001). The tube voltage and tube current-time values after training were significantly lower than the levels before training (p < 0.001). Subjective posttraining image quality was not inferior to pretraining levels for any item except noise (p < 0.05), which, however, was never diagnostically unacceptable. Radiologic staff training can be effective in reducing radiation dose while preserving diagnostic image quality in pediatric head CT examinations.

Volumetric CT measurement of the ischial tuberosities for designing analytical models of decubitus ulcers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmes, David R., III; Robb, Richard A.

2006-03-01

Decubitus ulcers can have a deleterious effect on the quality of life for some patients, particularly those prone to chronic development of skin ulcerations. The bones of the pelvis are particularly relevant as nearly half of all ulcerations observed in the hospital are in the pelvic region. This research focuses on the development of methods to extract the ischium and adjacent anatomy from volumetric CT data of the pelvis which will be used for patient-specific modeling of high-pressure regions and the treatment of associated ulcers. Six volumetric CT scans were evaluated to determine the size and shape of the ischial tuberosities. Using oblique images computed from the CT data, cross-sectional measurements (approximately Superior-Inferior, Anterior-Posterior, and Left-Right) were made to estimate the size of the ischial tuberosities. Similar measurements were made on the ischial ramus. The mean length of the ischial tuberosities (S-I direction) is 12.35 cm. The mean dimension in the L-R and A-P directions are 2.97 cm and 3.78 cm, respectively. For the ischial ramus, the S-I, L-R, and A-P mean lengths are 6.57 cm, 1.72 cm, and 1.49 cm. Due to a limited field of view for the CT datasets, the thickness of the soft tissue (i.e. Gluteus Maximus and subcutaneous fat) could not be measured. Using the bony measurements and adjacent soft tissue measurements, an investigator would be able estimate the posterior pelvis forces for calculations of pressure on the proximal skin, which could then be used to predict ulcerations in patients, or to design new ulcer-inhibiting seating devices. Current efforts are focused on collecting a large cohort of data with both bony and soft tissue measurements. Future work will incorporate the physical properties of the soft tissue to specifically predict high-pressure regions.

Electron-hole diffusion lengths >175 μm in solution-grown CH 3NH 3PbI 3 single crystals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dong, Qingfeng; Fang, Yanjun; Shao, Yuchuan

Long, balanced electron and hole diffusion lengths greater than 100 nanometers in the polycrystalline organolead trihalide compound CH 3NH 3PbI 3 are critical for highly efficient perovskite solar cells. We found that the diffusion lengths in CH 3NH 3PbI 3 single crystals grown by a solution-growth method can exceed 175 micrometers under 1 sun (100 mW cm –2) illumination and exceed 3 millimeters under weak light for both electrons and holes. The internal quantum efficiencies approach 100% in 3-millimeter-thick single-crystal perovskite solar cells under weak light. These long diffusion lengths result from greater carrier mobility, longer lifetime, and much smallermore » trap densities in the single crystals than in polycrystalline thin films. As a result, the long carrier diffusion lengths enabled the use of CH 3NH 3PbI 3 in radiation sensing and energy harvesting through the gammavoltaic effect, with an efficiency of 3.9% measured with an intense cesium-137 source.« less

Electron-hole diffusion lengths >175 μm in solution-grown CH 3NH 3PbI 3 single crystals

DOE PAGES

Dong, Qingfeng; Fang, Yanjun; Shao, Yuchuan; ...

2015-02-27

Long, balanced electron and hole diffusion lengths greater than 100 nanometers in the polycrystalline organolead trihalide compound CH 3NH 3PbI 3 are critical for highly efficient perovskite solar cells. We found that the diffusion lengths in CH 3NH 3PbI 3 single crystals grown by a solution-growth method can exceed 175 micrometers under 1 sun (100 mW cm –2) illumination and exceed 3 millimeters under weak light for both electrons and holes. The internal quantum efficiencies approach 100% in 3-millimeter-thick single-crystal perovskite solar cells under weak light. These long diffusion lengths result from greater carrier mobility, longer lifetime, and much smallermore » trap densities in the single crystals than in polycrystalline thin films. As a result, the long carrier diffusion lengths enabled the use of CH 3NH 3PbI 3 in radiation sensing and energy harvesting through the gammavoltaic effect, with an efficiency of 3.9% measured with an intense cesium-137 source.« less

Historical trend in heavy metal pollution in core sediments from the Masan Bay, Korea.

PubMed

Cho, Jinhyung; Hyun, Sangmin; Han, J-H; Kim, Suhyun; Shin, Dong-Hyeok

2015-06-15

The spatiotemporal distribution and their mass accumulation rate (MAR) of heavy metals were investigated to evaluate the time-dependent historical trends of heavy metal concentration. The three short cores used for this study were collected from the catchment area (MS-PC5, 60cm length), the central part (MS-PC4, 40cm length) and the offshore (MS-PC2, 60cm length) of the Masan Bay, Korea. The concentration of heavy metals (Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr and Pb) in catchment area is as much as 1.5-2 times higher than central part of the Bay, and about 2 times higher than offshore area approximately. In particular, MAR of metals (Cu, Zn and Pb) show clear spatiotemporal variation, so that MAR's of heavy metal may provide more accurate information in evaluating the degree of pollution. Temporally, the heavy metal concentration had been increased since the late 1970s, but it seems to decrease again since the 2004yr in catchment area. This may came from concentrated efforts for the government to reduce industrial waste release. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A high-sensitivity temperature sensor based on Sagnac interferometer employing photonic crystal fiber fully filled with ethanol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Min; Li, Shuguang; Chen, Hailiang

2018-06-01

A high-sensitivity temperature sensor based on photonic crystal fiber Sagnac interferometer is proposed and studied. All holes of the PCF are filled with ethanol with capillarity. The cladding air holes are uniform arrangements. The two air holes around the core are removed to form new core modes with high birefringence. The sensitivities of the temperature can be up to -8.7657 and 16.8142 nm/°C when temperature rises from 45 to 75 °C and the fiber length is 5.05 cm. And when temperature rises from 10 to 45 °C, the sensitivity can reach -7.848 and 16.655 nm/°C with fiber length 2.11 cm. The performance of the selective-filled and the fully-filled PCF with temperature from 45 to 75 °C and fiber length 5.05 cm are analyzed and compared. The fully filling can better achieve PCF's sensing performance. The simple structure and high sensitivities make the temperature sensor easy to achieve. The temperature sensor with high sensitivities and good linearity has great application value for environmental temperature detecting.

A 10-cm Discharge-Length He-ZnII White Light Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasaki, Wakao; Itani, Kimihiko; Ohta, Tatehisa

1989-06-01

We demonstrate a unique, efficient white light laser source realized by the He-Zn mixture with substantially short discharge length of 10 cm. The white laser light can be made up of only two wavelengths at simultaneous oscillation --- 492.4 nm (4f2Fo712_4d2D5/2) and 610.2 nm (5d 2D 512 -5 2p03/2 The ideal white color region for human eyes lies just between these two wavelengths in the chromaticity diagram. Therefore, such a compact white light laser will be useful for some specific purposes such as a white color standard. Moreover, we have analyzed the proper relation between the electron energy and the discharge sustaining voltage which appears as a function of the Zn vapor pressure measured at the terminal of the tube, considering the Druyvesteyn distribution of electron energy. Then we succeeded to operate a He-Zn laser tube in white light with 10-cm discharge length. The derived output beam was estimated to be about 0.5 mW.

Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion and Its Association with Mortality in Critically Ill Patients.

PubMed

Gajanana, Deepakraj; Seetha Rammohan, Harish; Alli, Oluseun; Romero-Corral, Abel; Purushottam, Bhaskar; Ponamgi, Shiva; Figueredo, Vincent M; Pressman, Gregg S

2015-08-01

Transient left ventricular dysfunction can occur under conditions of extreme emotional or physiological stress. There is little data on right ventricular function in such situations. One hundred twenty patients admitted to an ICU with a noncardiac illness were studied. Those with documented coronary disease, ejection fraction <40%, sepsis, or intracranial hemorrhage were excluded. Echocardiograms were performed within 24 hours of admission. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was measured to assess right ventricular systolic function. Plasma catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine) were measured on admission. Clinical and demographic data were collected, along with data on ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and in-hospital and long-term mortality. TAPSE was tested for correlation with adverse outcomes and length of stay. Mean TAPSE for the group was 2.05 ± 0.66 cm. Based on area under the ROC curve analysis, TAPSE <2.4 cm was the best cutoff for predicting in-hospital and long-term mortality. There were 13 in-hospital deaths, 12 in the group with TAPSE <2.4 cm and one among those with TAPSE ≥2.4 cm. On multivariate analysis, TAPSE <2.4 cm was a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality (χ(2)  = 4.6, P = 0.03). When tested against hospital LOS, an inverse correlation was found (P = 0.04). No association was found between TAPSE and catecholamine levels. Right ventricular systolic function, as assessed by TAPSE, has important prognostic value in critically ill patients. Mean values were lower in patients who died in-hospital versus those who survived to discharge. In addition, patients with TAPSE <2.4 cm had a longer hospital length of stay. © 2015, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Synthesis of ZnO nanowires for thin film network transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalal, S. H.; Unalan, H. E.; Zhang, Y.; Hiralal, Pritesh; Gangloff, L.; Flewitt, Andrew J.; Amaratunga, Gehan A. J.; Milne, William I.

2008-08-01

Zinc oxide nanowire networks are attractive as alternatives to organic and amorphous semiconductors due to their wide bandgap, flexibility and transparency. We demonstrate the fabrication of thin film transistors (TFT)s which utilize ZnO nanowires as the semiconducting channel. These thin film transistors can be transparent and flexible and processed at low temperatures on to a variety of substrates. The nanowire networks are created using a simple contact transfer method that is easily scalable. Apparent nanowire network mobility values can be as high as 3.8 cm2/Vs (effective thin film mobility: 0.03 cm2/Vs) in devices with 20μm channel lengths and ON/OFF ratios of up to 104.

Determination of the appropriate catheter length for needle thoracostomy by using computed tomography scans of trauma patients in Japan.

PubMed

Yamagiwa, Takeshi; Morita, Seiji; Yamamoto, Rie; Seki, Tomoko; Sugimoto, Katsuhiko; Inokuchi, Sadaki

2012-01-01

Previous studies reported a high failure rate in relieving tension pneumothorax by needle thoracostomy, because the catheter was not sufficiently long to access the pleural space. The Advanced Trauma Life Support guideline recommends needle thoracostomy at the second intercostal space in the middle clavicular line using a 5.0-cm catheter, whereas the corresponding guideline in Japan does not mention a catheter length. It is necessary to measure the chest wall thickness (CWT) and determine the appropriate catheter length taking the differences of habitus in race and region into consideration. This study was designed to analyse CWT in Japanese trauma patients by computed tomography and to determine the percentage of patients whose pleural space would be accessible using a 5.0-cm catheter. We performed a retrospective review of chest computed tomography of 256 adult Japanese trauma patients who were admitted to the level 1 trauma centre of Tokai University Hospital in Kanagawa, Japan between January and July 2008. In 256 patients, the CWT at 512 sites (left and right sides) was measured by chest computed tomography at the second intercostal space in the middle clavicular line. The frequency of measurement sites <5.0 cm was calculated simultaneously. The samples were divided according to gender, side (left and right), abbreviated injury scale (<3, ≧3), arm position during examination (up/down), and the existence or non-existence of associated injuries (pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, and fracture of the sternum and ribs); the CWT of each group was compared. The mean CWT measured in 192 males and 64 females was 3.06±1.02 cm. The CWT values at 483 sites (94.3%) were less than 5.0 cm. The CWT of females was significantly greater than that of males (3.66 cm vs. 2.85 cm, p<0.0001), and patients with subcutaneous emphysema had greater CWTs than those without it (4.16 cm vs. 3.01 cm, p<0.0001). The mean CWT at the second intercostal space in the middle clavicular line was 3.06 cm. It is likely that over 94% of Japanese trauma patients could be treated with a 5.0-cm catheter. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tracing Gas Motions in the Centaurus Cluster

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Graham, James; Fabian, A.C.; Sanders, J.S.

2006-03-01

We apply the stochastic model of iron transport developed by Rebusco et al. (2005) to the Centaurus cluster. Using this model, we find that an effective diffusion coefficient D in the range 2 x 10{sup 28} - 4 x 10{sup 28} cm{sup 2}s{sup -1} can approximately reproduce the observed abundance distribution. Reproducing the flat central profile and sharp drop around 30-70 kpc, however, requires a diffusion coefficient that drops rapidly with radius so that D > 4 x 10{sup 28} cm{sup 2}s{sup -1} only inside about 25 kpc. Assuming that all transport is due to fully-developed turbulence, which is alsomore » responsible for offsetting cooling in the cluster core, we calculate the length and velocity scales of energy injection. These length scales are found to be up to a factor of {approx} 10 larger than expected if the turbulence is due to the inflation and rising of a bubble. We also calculate the turbulent thermal conductivity and find it is unlikely to be significant in preventing cooling.« less

The epidemiology of traumatic brain injury in civilian inpatients of Chinese Military Hospitals, 2001-2007.

PubMed

Li, Yunming; Gu, Jianwen; Zhou, Jihong; Xia, Xun; Wang, Kuiying; Zheng, Xiushan; Kuang, Yongqin; Zhang, Xinyan; Ou, Shan; He, Ci; Zhu, Hui; Qiu, Jun

2015-01-01

To investigate the epidemiology of TBI in Chinese inpatients. Civilian inpatients of Chinese military hospitals diagnosed with TBI between 2001-2007 were identified using ICD-9-CM codes. Demographic characteristics, admission time, injury cause, injury severity, length of stay and outcomes were compared between ICD-9-CM diagnosis groups. In total, 203 553 civilian patients with TBI (74.86% male, 25.14% female) were identified from >200 Chinese military hospitals. TBI diagnoses increased by a mean of 4.67% each year. Admission peaked during the third quarter of the year and October annually. The leading causes of TBI were motor vehicle-traffic (51.41%), falls (21.49%) and assaults (15.77%). TBI was categorized by abbreviated injury scale score as mild in 36.64%, serious in 20.13%, severe in 26.81% and critical in 15.68% of inpatients. The mean length of stay was 17.8 ± 24.1 days. Recovery rate was 93.06% and mortality was 4.14%. The epidemiological data may contribute to the development of effective, targeted strategies to prevent TBI.

Effect of soil nursery mixtures and hormone on the growth of Tetrastigma rafflesiae (Miq.) planch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arshad, Syamsurina; Talip, Noraini; Adam, Jumaat

2018-04-01

Tetrastigma rafflesiae (Miq.) Planch is one of the sole host species of parasitic plants in the family Rafflesiaceae. A study was conducted in order to propagate this species using vegetative propagation. This propagation technique was done using stem cuttings and was conducted in the nursery at the National University of Malaysia (UKM). The propagation medium were made using four types of soil nursery mixtures of topsoil, organic matter and sand (7:3:1, 3:2:1, 2:1:1 and 1:1:1), mixture of topsoil, organic matter, sand and three different hormones treatments (0:0:IAA, 0:0:IBA and 0:0:NAA) and without any hormone treatment in basic soil (1:0:0, 0:1:0 and 0:0:1) was treated as a control. Approximately, stem cutting was used in 15 cm length. The base of each cutting was treated with root powdered hormones before being planted in soil. After 180 days of planting, the high number of leaf quantity (>12 leaves) was produced from stem cutting planted in 3:2:1 soil mixtures and the same results was obtained from stem cutting more than 15 cm to 18.78 cm in length, significantly. Soil mixture with 7:3:1 has significantly increased the leaf chlorophyll contents (10.22 nm) and also increased in leaf area index (16.375 cm²). Treatment hormones do not have any significant result in this study. The study has showed that T. rafflesiae can be propagated using cuttings as alternative source of planting materials for conservation purposes.

Measurement of the length of pedestrian crossings from image data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uddin, Mohammad S.; Shioyama, Tadayoshi

2004-10-01

A computer vision based new method for the measurement of the length of pedestrian crossings using a single camera is described. The main objective of this research is to develop a travel aid for the blind people. In a crossing, the usual black road surface is painted with constant width periodic white bands. In Japan, this width is 45 cm. The crossing region as well as its length is detected using this concept. At first, the crossing direction is determined from the power spectrum using fast Fourier transform. The periodic white and black bands are detected using integration along the crossing direction and then differentiation of the integral data perpendicular to crossing. This detection may be erroneous due to adverse effects of the neighboring region of crossing, as the intensity of the whole image is used for bands detection. To remove the neighboring effects, the crossing region is extracted. Then the crossing bands are detected from the image intensity using the crossing region only. Experiment is performed using 32 real road scenes with pedestrian crossing. The rms error is found 2.28 m. The technique determines the crossing length with good accuracy for crossings marked clearly with white paintings as well as fine image resolution.

Effects of Chain Length and Saturability of Fatty Acids on Phospholipids and Proteins in Plasma Membranes of Bovine Mammary Gland.

PubMed

Yan, Qiongxian; Tang, Shaoxun; Han, Xuefeng; Bamikole, Musibau Adungbe; Zhou, Chuanshe; Kang, Jinhe; Wang, Min; Tan, Zhiliang

2016-12-01

Free fatty acids (FFAs) in plasma are essential substrates for de novo synthesis of milk fat, or directly import into mammary cells. The physico-chemical properties of mammary cells membrane composition affected by FFAs with different chain lengths and saturability are unclear yet. Employing GC, FTIR and fluorescence spectroscopy, the adsorption capacity, phospholipids content, membrane proteins conformation, lipid peroxidation product, and free sulfhydryl of plasma membranes (PMs) interacted with different FFAs were determined. The mammary cells PMs at 38 and 39.5 °C showed different adsorption capacities: acetic acid (Ac) > stearic acid (SA) > β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) > trans10, cis12 CLA. In the FTIR spectrum, the major adsorption peaks appeared at 2920 and 2850 cm -1 for phospholipids, and at 1628 and 1560 cm -1 for membrane proteins. The intensities of PMs-FFAs complexes were varied with the FFAs species and their initial concentrations. The β-sheet and turn structures of membrane proteins were transferred into random coil and α-helix after BHBA, SA and trans10, cis12 CLA treatments compared with Ac treatment. The quenching effects on the fluorescence of endogenous membrane protein, 1, 8-ANS, NBD-PE, and DHPE entrapped in PMs by LCFA were different from those of short chain FFAs. These results indicate that the adsorption of FFAs could change membrane protein conformation and polarity of head group in phospholipids. This variation of the mammary cells PMs was regulated by carbon chain length and saturability of FFAs.

Role of morphologic characteristics of the uterine septum in the prediction and prevention of abnormal healing outcomes after hysteroscopic metroplasty

PubMed Central

Ludwin, A.; Ludwin, I.; Pityński, K.; Banas, T.; Jach, R.

2014-01-01

STUDY QUESTION Can morphologic measurements (width, length and surface area) of the uterine septum predict healing-dependent abnormal anatomic results [ARs; residual septum (RS) and intrauterine adhesions in other locations (IUA-OLs)] after complete hysteroscopic metroplasty (HM)? SUMMARY ANSWER Significant predictors of ARs are the septal width and, to a lesser extent, septal surface area. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Anatomic results after hysteroscopic metroplasty have very large variation. A RS >1 cm and IUA-OLs can aggravate reproductive outcomes, resulting in the need for reoperation. New criteria for diagnosing a uterine septum according to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) have been suggested (ESHRE-ESGE criteria). Autocross-linked hyaluronic acid gel (autocross-linked polysaccharide) has an antiadhesive effect. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective, observational cohort study was performed with 96 women consecutively enrolled between 2007 and 2012. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women who had uterine septum and previous miscarriage or infertility presented for evaluation at a university hospital, private hospital or private medical center were included. Preoperative septal width, length and surface area were determined with three-dimensional sonohysterography. Women were treated by hysteroscopy in a standardized manner with three- or four-dimensional transrectal ultrasound guidance (complete resection). Patients received either no adhesion barrier (49 patients) or adhesion barrier with autocross-linked polysaccharide (47 patients). Anatomic results were assessed with three-dimensional sonohysterography and second-look hysteroscopy. Healing-dependent ARs were reported using both American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) criterion of RS length >1 cm (ASRM>1 cm criterion) and ESHRE-ESGE criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify predictors of RS, IUA-OLs and ARs. MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF CHANCE In patients who had no adhesion barrier, ARs were diagnosed in 11 of 49 patients (23%) using the ASRM > 1 cm criterion and in 20 of 49 patients (41%) using the ESHRE-ESGE criteria for RS [odds ratio (OR)ESHRE-ESGE:ASRM, 2.4, P = 0.05]. In the patients who had autocross-linked polysaccharide, ARsASRM > 1 cm were diagnosed in 2 of 47 patients (4%) and ARsESHRE-ESGE in 4 of 47 patients (9%). RSESHRE-ESGE was diagnosed significantly more often than RSASRM > 1 cm 19 of 96 (20%) versus 5 of 96 (5%) in all patients (ORESHRE-ESGE:ASRM > 1 cm = 4.5, P < 0.01). In patients who had no adhesion barrier, logistic regression with ASRM > 1 cm and ESHRE-ESGE criteria showed that the width and surface area were predictors of ARs. Models adjusted by patient group confirmed the significance of width as a predictor of ARsASRM > 1 cm [OR for width, 3.5 (P < 0.01); OR for group, 0.22 (P < 0.01)], width as a predictor of ARsESHRE-ESGE [OR for width, 2.2 (P < 0.01); OR for group, 0.26 (P < 0.01)] and surface area as a predictor of ARsASRM > 1 cm [OR for surface area, 1.5 (P < 0.01)]; OR for group, 0.32 (P < 0.01). In patients who had autocross-linked polysaccharide, these predictors were not significant. Receiver-operating characteristic curves showed cutoff values for ARsASRM > 1 cm (septal width, 3.42 cm; septal surface area, 4.68cm2) and ARsESHRE-ESGE (septal width, 3.42 cm; septal surface area, 3.51cm2). LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION Patients were enrolled in the adhesion barrier group in a time-dependent, consecutive and non-randomized manner. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS A wide septum and large surface area may be indications for adhesion barrier. The use of autocross-linked polysaccharide reduces the risk of ARs. The ESHRE-ESGE criteria may cause greater frequency of recognition of RS than the ASRM > 1 cm criterion, which could result in more frequent reoperations with use of the ESHRE-ESGE criteria, possibly without any significant effect on reproductive performance. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by Jagiellonian University (grant no. K/ZDS/003821). The authors have no competing interest to declare. PMID:24838703

Excitation-dependent carrier lifetime and diffusion length in bulk CdTe determined by time-resolved optical pump-probe techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ščajev, Patrik; Miasojedovas, Saulius; Mekys, Algirdas; Kuciauskas, Darius; Lynn, Kelvin G.; Swain, Santosh K.; JarašiÅ«nas, Kestutis

2018-01-01

We applied time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy based on free carrier absorption and light diffraction on a transient grating for direct measurements of the carrier lifetime and diffusion coefficient D in high-resistivity single crystal CdTe (codoped with In and Er). The bulk carrier lifetime τ decreased from 670 ± 50 ns to 60 ± 10 ns with increase of excess carrier density N from 1016 to 5 × 1018 cm-3 due to the excitation-dependent radiative recombination rate. In this N range, the carrier diffusion length dropped from 14 μm to 6 μm due to lifetime decrease. Modeling of in-depth (axial) and in-plane (lateral) carrier diffusion provided the value of surface recombination velocity S = 6 × 105 cm/s for the untreated surface. At even higher excitations, in the 1019-3 × 1020 cm-3 density range, D increase from 5 to 20 cm2/s due to carrier degeneracy was observed.

Eye lens radiocarbon reveals centuries of longevity in the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus).

PubMed

Nielsen, Julius; Hedeholm, Rasmus B; Heinemeier, Jan; Bushnell, Peter G; Christiansen, Jørgen S; Olsen, Jesper; Ramsey, Christopher Bronk; Brill, Richard W; Simon, Malene; Steffensen, Kirstine F; Steffensen, John F

2016-08-12

The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus), an iconic species of the Arctic Seas, grows slowly and reaches >500 centimeters (cm) in total length, suggesting a life span well beyond those of other vertebrates. Radiocarbon dating of eye lens nuclei from 28 female Greenland sharks (81 to 502 cm in total length) revealed a life span of at least 272 years. Only the smallest sharks (220 cm or less) showed signs of the radiocarbon bomb pulse, a time marker of the early 1960s. The age ranges of prebomb sharks (reported as midpoint and extent of the 95.4% probability range) revealed the age at sexual maturity to be at least 156 ± 22 years, and the largest animal (502 cm) to be 392 ± 120 years old. Our results show that the Greenland shark is the longest-lived vertebrate known, and they raise concerns about species conservation. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Lava flow topographic measurements for radar data interpretation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Bruce A.; Garvin, James B.

1993-01-01

Topographic profiles at 25- and 5-cm horizontal resolution for three sites along a lava flow on Kilauea Volcano are presented, and these data are used to illustrate techniques for surface roughness analysis. Height and slope distributions and the height autocorrelation function are evaluated as a function of varying lowpass filter wavelength for the 25-cm data. Rms slopes are found to increase rapidly with decreasing topographic scale and are typically much higher than those found by modeling of Magellan altimeter data for Venus. A more robust description of the surface roughness appears to be the ratio of rms height to surface height correlation length. For all three sites this parameter falls within the range of values typically found from model fits to Magellan altimeter waveforms. The 5-cm profile data are used to estimate the effect of small-scale roughness on quasi-specular scattering.

Organic Power Electronics: Transistor Operation in the kA/cm2 Regime.

PubMed

Klinger, Markus P; Fischer, Axel; Kaschura, Felix; Widmer, Johannes; Kheradmand-Boroujeni, Bahman; Ellinger, Frank; Leo, Karl

2017-03-17

In spite of interesting features as flexibility, organic thin-film transistors have commercially lagged behind due to the low mobilities of organic semiconductors associated with hopping transport. Furthermore, organic transistors usually have much larger channel lengths than their inorganic counterparts since high-resolution structuring is not available in low-cost production schemes. Here, we present an organic permeable-base transistor (OPBT) which, despite extremely simple processing without any high-resolution structuring, achieve a performance beyond what has so far been possible using organic semiconductors. With current densities above 1 kA cm -2 and switching speeds towards 100 MHz, they open the field of organic power electronics. Finding the physical limits and an effective mobility of only 0.06 cm 2  V -1  s -1 , this OPBT device architecture has much more potential if new materials optimized for its geometry will be developed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Qin, Kun; Hu, Shuren; Retterer, Scott T.

Our design, fabrication, and characterization of a label-free Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) optical biosensor that incorporates a highly dispersive one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystal in one arm are presented. The sensitivity of this slow light MZI-based sensor scales with the length of the slow light photonic crystal region. The numerically simulated sensitivity of a MZI sensor with a 16 μm long slow light region is 115,000 rad/RIU-cm, which is sevenfold higher than traditional MZI biosensors with millimeter-length sensing regions. Moreover, the experimental bulk refractive index detection sensitivity of 84,000 rad/RIU-cm is realized and nucleic acid detection is also demonstrated.

Effect of 1.5 MeV electron irradiation on β-Ga2O3 carrier lifetime and diffusion length

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jonathan; Flitsiyan, Elena; Chernyak, Leonid; Yang, Jiancheng; Ren, Fan; Pearton, Stephen J.; Meyler, Boris; Salzman, Y. Joseph

2018-02-01

The influence of 1.5 MeV electron irradiation on minority transport properties of Si doped β-Ga2O3 vertical Schottky rectifiers was observed for fluences up to 1.43 × 1016 cm-2. The Electron Beam-Induced Current technique was used to determine the minority hole diffusion length as a function of temperature for each irradiation dose. This revealed activation energies related to shallow donors at 40.9 meV and radiation-induced defects with energies at 18.1 and 13.6 meV. Time-resolved cathodoluminescence measurements showed an ultrafast 210 ps decay lifetime and reduction in carrier lifetime with increased irradiation.

High-power terahertz quantum cascade lasers with ∼0.23 W in continuous wave mode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Xuemin; Shen, Changle; Jiang, Tao

2016-07-15

Terahertz quantum cascade lasers with a record output power up to ∼0.23 W in continuous wave mode were obtained. We show that the optimal 2.9-mm-long device operating at 3.11 THz has a low threshold current density of 270 A/cm{sup 2} at ∼15 K. The maximum operating temperature arrived at ∼65 K in continuous wave mode and the internal quantum efficiencies decreased from 0.53 to 0.19 for the devices with different cavity lengths. By using one convex lens with the effective focal length of 13 mm, the beam profile was collimated to be a quasi Gaussian distribution.

The effects of wind on the flame characteristics of individual leaves

Treesearch

W. J. Cole; McKaye H. Dennis; Thomas H. Fletcher; David R. Weise

2011-01-01

Individual cuttings from five shrub species were burned over a flat-flame burner under wind conditions of 0.75–2.80 m s–1. Both live and dead cuttings were used. These included single leaves from broadleaf species as well as 3 to 5 cm-long branches from coniferous and small broadleaf species. Flame angles and flame lengths were determined by semi...

A Structure Design Method for Reduction of MRI Acoustic Noise.

PubMed

Nan, Jiaofen; Zong, Nannan; Chen, Qiqiang; Zhang, Liangliang; Zheng, Qian; Xia, Yongquan

2017-01-01

The acoustic problem of the split gradient coil is one challenge in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Linear Accelerator (MRI-LINAC) system. In this paper, we aimed to develop a scheme to reduce the acoustic noise of the split gradient coil. First, a split gradient assembly with an asymmetric configuration was designed to avoid vibration in same resonant modes for the two assembly cylinders. Next, the outer ends of the split main magnet were constructed using horn structures, which can distribute the acoustic field away from patient region. Finally, a finite element method (FEM) was used to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of the above acoustic noise reduction scheme. Simulation results found that the noise could be maximally reduced by 6.9 dB and 5.6 dB inside and outside the central gap of the split MRI system, respectively, by increasing the length of one gradient assembly cylinder by 20 cm. The optimized horn length was observed to be 55 cm, which could reduce noise by up to 7.4 dB and 5.4 dB inside and outside the central gap, respectively. The proposed design could effectively reduce the acoustic noise without any influence on the application of other noise reduction methods.

Design and evaluation of high performance rocket engine injectors for use with hydrocarbon fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pavli, A. J.

1979-01-01

An experimental program to determine the feasibility of using a heavy hydrocarbon fuel as a rocket propellant is reported herein. A method of predicting performance of a heavy hydrocarbon in terms of vaporization effectiveness is described and compared to other fuels and to experimental test results. The work was done at a chamber pressure of 4137 KN/sq M (600 psia) with RP-1, JP-10, and liquefied natural gas as fuels, and liquid oxygen as the oxidizer. Combustion length effects were explored over a range of 21.6 cm (8 1/2 in.) to 55.9 cm (22 in.). Four injector types were tested, each over a range of mixture ratios. Further configuration modifications were obtained by 'reaming' each injector several times to provide test data over a range of injector pressure drop.

On the Use of Quartic Force Fields in Variational Calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fortenberry, Ryan C.; Huang, Xinchuan; Yachmenev, Andrey; Thiel, Walter; Lee, Timothy J.

2013-01-01

The use of quartic force fields (QFFs) has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to efficiently compute vibrational frequencies for small molecules. In this paper we outline and discuss how the simple-internal or bond-length bond-angle (BLBA) coordinates can be transformed into Morse-cosine(-sine) coordinates which produce potential energy surfaces from QFFs that possess proper limiting behavior and can effectively describe the vibrational (or rovibrational) energy levels of an arbitrary molecular system. We investigate parameter scaling in the Morse coordinate, symmetry considerations, and examples of transformed QFFs making use of the MULTIMODE, TROVE, and VTET variational vibrational methods. Cases are referenced where variational computations coupled with transformed QFFs produce accuracies compared to experiment for fundamental frequencies on the order of 5 cm(exp -1) and often as good as 1 cm(exp -1).

Effects of design geometry on SU8 polymer waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holland, Anthony S.; Balkunje, Vishal S.; Mitchell, Arnan; Austin, Michael W.; Raghunathan, Mukund K.; Kostovski, Gorgi

2005-02-01

The spin-on photoresist SU8 from MicroChem has a relatively high refractive index (n=1.57 at 1550nm) compared with other polymers. It is stable and has high optical transmission at optical communication wavelengths. In this paper we study rib waveguides fabricated using SU8 as the core layer and thermoset polymers UV15 (n=1.50 at 1550nm) from Master Bond and NOA61 (n=1.54 at 1550nm) from Gentec as the cladding layers. The rib height is varied from 0.3 to 1.7μm high. This is part of the SU8 layer sandwiched between the cladding layers. The waveguides are tested to determine the effects of varying this geometry for single mode optical transmission. The lengths of the waveguides were 1.5 cm to 5 cm.

Factors affecting poor nutritional status after small bowel resection in patients with Crohn disease.

PubMed

Jang, Ki Ung; Yu, Chang Sik; Lim, Seok-Byung; Park, In Ja; Yoon, Yong Sik; Kim, Chan Wook; Lee, Jong Lyul; Yang, Suk-Kyun; Ye, Byong Duk; Kim, Jin Cheon

2016-07-01

In Crohn disease, bowel-preserving surgery is necessary to prevent short bowel syndrome due to repeated operations. This study aimed to determine the remnant small bowel length cut-off and to evaluate the clinical factors related to nutritional status after small bowel resection in Crohn disease.We included 394 patients (69.3% male) who underwent small bowel resection for Crohn disease between 1991 and 2012. Patients who were classified as underweight (body mass index < 17.5) or at high risk of nutrition-related problems (modified nutritional risk index < 83.5) were regarded as having a poor nutritional status. Preliminary remnant small bowel length cut-offs were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves. Variables associated with poor nutritional status were assessed retrospectively using Student t tests, chi-squared tests, Fisher exact tests, and logistic regression analyses.The mean follow-up period was 52.9 months and the mean patient ages at the time of the last bowel surgery and last follow-up were 31.2 and 35.7 years, respectively. The mean remnant small bowel length was 331.8 cm. Forty-three patients (10.9%) underwent ileostomy, 309 (78.4%) underwent combined small bowel and colon resection, 111 (28.2%) had currently active disease, and 105 (26.6%) underwent at least 2 operations for recurrent disease. The mean body mass index and modified nutritional risk index were 20.6 and 100.8, respectively. The independent factors affecting underweight status were remnant small bowel length ≤240 cm (odds ratio: 4.84, P < 0.001), ileostomy (odds ratio: 4.70, P < 0.001), and currently active disease (odds ratio: 4.16, P < 0.001). The independent factors affecting high nutritional risk were remnant small bowel length ≤230 cm (odds ratio: 2.84, P = 0.012), presence of ileostomy (odds ratio: 3.36, P = 0.025), and currently active disease (odds ratio: 4.90, P < 0.001).Currently active disease, ileostomy, and remnant small bowel length ≤230 cm are risk factors affecting the poor nutritional status of patients with Crohn disease after small bowel resection.

Effect of utilization of tomato extract and foliar fertilizer as media on shoots multiplication of banana cv Ambon in vitro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bidhari, L. A.; Purwanto, E.; Yunus, A.

2018-03-01

The good quality banana seeds are still difficult to obtain. There are two ways to provide seeds, namely conventional and tissue culture (in vitro). Tomato extract contains natural ZPT or phytohormone which can be utilized in modification of banana tissue culture media. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of media types and tomato extracts in various concentrations for multiplication of banana cv. Ambon in vitro. The study was conducted from October - December 2016 at the Tissue Culture Laboratory of Horticulture Seed Center, Salaman, Magelang. The experimental design used was completely randomized design with two treatment factors. The firs factor was media type with the addition of foliar fertilizer, the second factor was modification of tomato extract with 4 levels. The results showed that the different of the treated media treatment did not affect the emerge of leaf and leaf length, the number of roots and root length. The emerge of the leaves of all treatments occurred at 6 days after planting with the highest average length was obtained in MS treatment with a combination of tomato extract 50 ml/l (10.3 cm). The use of MS medium with a combination of tomato extract 50 ml/l generated the average root number 15.5 with a root lengths 7.5 cm. Substitution of MS medium with tomato extract and foliar fertilizer did not show better results compared to the use of MS media in the multiplication of banana shoots in tissue culture.

Disturbed gastric emptying in the short bowel syndrome. Evidence for a 'colonic brake'.

PubMed Central

Nightingale, J M; Kamm, M A; van der Sijp, J R; Morris, G P; Walker, E R; Mather, S J; Britton, K E; Lennard-Jones, J E

1993-01-01

Gastric emptying of liquid (orange juice containing technetium-99m (99mTc) labelled antimony sulphide colloid) and solid (570 kcal pancake containing 0.5 mm resin microspheres labelled with Indium-111 (111-In)) was measured in seven patients with jejunum and no colon (jejunal lengths 30-160 cm), six patients with jejunum in continuity with the colon (jejunal length 25-75 cm), and in 12 normal subjects. In patients with no colon early emptying of liquid was rapid (median 25% emptying: 7 v 25 min, no colon v normal, p < 0.05); early gastric emptying of solid was rapid in two (each with less than 100 cm jejunum) and normal in the other five. Gastric emptying of liquid and solid for patients with jejunum in continuity with the colon was normal for the first three hours. There was increased liquid and solid retained in the stomach at six hours in both groups of patients (p < 0.01). Small bowel transit time was faster than in normal subjects for liquid in both groups of patients (p < 0.05) and for solid in those with no colon (p < 0.05). Rapid gastric emptying of liquid may contribute to the large stomal output in patients with a high jejunostomy. Preservation of the colon after a major small intestinal resection exerts a braking effect on the rate of early gastric emptying of liquid. PMID:8406148

The reliability of a newborn foot length measurement tool used by community volunteers to identify low birth weight or premature babies born at home in southern Tanzania.

PubMed

Marchant, Tanya; Penfold, Suzanne; Mkumbo, Elibariki; Shamba, Donat; Jaribu, Jennie; Manzi, Fatuma; Schellenberg, Joanna

2014-08-20

Low birthweight babies need extra care, and families need to know whether their newborn is low birthweight in settings where many births are at home and weighing scales are largely absent. In the context of a trial to improve newborn health in southern Tanzania, a counselling card was developed that incorporated a newborn foot length measurement tool to screen newborns for low birth weight and prematurity. This was used by community volunteers at home visits and shows a scale picture of a newborn foot with markers for a 'short foot' (<8 cm). The tool built on previous hospital based research that found newborn foot length <8 cm to have sensitivity and specificity to identify low birthweight (<2500 g) of 87% and 60% respectively. Reliability of the tool used by community volunteers to identify newborns with short feet was tested. Between July-December 2010 a researcher accompanied volunteers to the homes of babies younger than seven days and conducted paired measures of newborn foot length using the counselling card tool and using a plastic ruler. Intra-method reliability of foot length measures was assessed using kappa scores, and differences between measurers were analysed using Bland and Altman plots. 142 paired measures were conducted. The kappa statistic for the foot length tool to classify newborns as having small feet indicated that it was moderately reliable when applied by volunteers, with a kappa score of 0.53 (95% confidence interval 0.40 - 0.66) . Examination of differences revealed that community volunteers systematically underestimated the length of newborn feet compared to the researcher (mean difference -0.26 cm (95% confidence interval -0.31-0.22), thus overestimating the number of newborns needing extra care. The newborn foot length tool used by community volunteers to identify small babies born at home was moderately reliable in southern Tanzania where a large number of births occur at home and scales are not available. Newborn foot length is not the best anthropometric proxy for birthweight but was simple to implement at home in the first days of life when the risk of newborn death is highest.

Global geodesy using GPS without fiducial sites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heflin, Michael; Bertiger, Willy; Blewitt, Geoff; Freedman, Adam; Hurst, Ken; Lichten, Steve; Lindqwister, Ulf; Vigue, Yvonne; Webb, Frank; Yunck, Tom

1992-01-01

Baseline lengths and geocentric radii have been determined from GPS data without the use of fiducial sites. Data from the first GPS experiment for the IERS and Geodynamics (GIG '91) have been analyzed with a no-fiducial strategy. A baseline length daily repeatability of 2 mm + 4 parts per billion was obtained for baselines in the Northern Hemisphere. Comparison of baseline lengths from GPS and the global VLBI solution GLB659 (Caprette et al. 1990) show rms agreement of 2.1 parts per billion. The geocentric radius mean daily repeatability for all sites was 15 cm. Comparison of geocentric radii from GPS and SV5 (Murray et al. 1990) show rms agreement of 3.8 cm. Given n globally distributed stations, the n(n - 1)/2 baseline lengths and n geocentric radii uniquely define a rigid closed polyhedron with a well-defined center of mass. Geodetic information can be obtained by examining the structure of the polyhedron and its change with time.

Size of testes, ovaries, uterus and breast buds by ultrasound in healthy full-term neonates ages 0–3 days

PubMed Central

Kaplan, SL; Edgar, JC; Ford, EG; Adgent, MA; Schall, JI; Kelly, A; Umbach, DM; Rogan, WJ; Stallings, VA; Darge, K

2017-01-01

Background Hormonally-sensitive organs in the neonate can change size within days of birth as circulating maternal estrogen wanes. Although several reports document the size of these organs through infancy, few focus on the near-birth period. Clinical and research evaluation of hormonal and genitourinary disorders would benefit from reference size standards. Objective We describe the size of the uterus, ovaries, testes, and breast buds in healthy term neonates. Materials and Methods As part of the Infant Feeding and Early Development (IFED) study, we sonographically measured the largest diameter of these organs in sagittal, transverse, and anterior-posterior planes for 194 female and 204 male newborns up to 3 days old. We calculated mean, median, and percentiles for longest axis length and for volume calculated from measured diameters. We evaluated size differences by laterality, sex, and race and compared our observations to published values. Results Mean length and volume, respectively, were: uterus, 4.2 cm and 10.0 cm3; ovary, 1.0 cm and 0.2 cm3; testis, 1.1 cm and 0.3 cm3 (0.4 cm3 Lambert volume); female breast bud, 1.2 cm and 0.7 cm3; male breast bud, 1.1 cm and 0.6 cm3. Breast buds were larger in females than males. Laterality differences were typically below the precision of clinical measurement. No significant race differences were detected. Conclusion Using data from our large cohort together with published values, we provide guidelines for evaluating the size of reproductive organs within the first 3 days of life. Discrepancies between our results and published values are likely attributable to technique. PMID:27580909

Correlation and path coefficient analysis of quantitative characters in spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.).

PubMed

Aliya, F; Begum, H; Reddy, M T; Sivaraj, N; Pandravada, S R; Narshimulu, G

2014-05-01

Fifty genotypes of spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.) were evaluated in a randomized block design with two replications at the Vegetable Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India during kharif, 2012. Correlation and path coefficient analysis were carried out to study the character association and contribution, respectively for twelve quantitative characters namely vine length (m), number of stems per plant, days to first female flower appearance, first female flowering node, days to first fruit harvest, days to last fruit harvest, fruiting period (days), fruit length (cm), fruit width (cm), fruit weight (g), number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant (kg) for identification of the potential selection indices. Correlation and path coefficient analyses revealed that fruiting period and number of fruits per plant not only had positively significant correlation with fruit yield but also had positively high direct effect on it and are regarded as the main determinants of fruit yield. Days to first fruit harvest had positively moderate direct effect on fruit yield and its association was negatively significant, days to last fruit harvest had negatively high direct effect on fruit yield and its association was significant positively, hence restricted simultaneous selection can be made for days to first fruit harvest and days to last fruit harvest. The improvement in fruit yield can be effective if selection is based on days to first fruit harvest, days to last fruit harvest, fruiting period and number of fruits per plant.

A Performance Comparison for Two Versions of the Vulcan Photometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Borucki, W. J.; Caldwell, D. A.; Koch, D. G.; Jenkins, J. M.; Showen, R. L.

2001-01-01

Analysis of the images produced by the first version (V1) of the Vulcan photometer indicated that two major sources of noise were sky brightness and image motion. To reduce the effect of the sky brightness, a second version (V2) with a longer focal length and a larger format detector was developed and tested. The first version consisted of 15-centimeter (cm) focal length, F/1.5 Aerojet Delft reconnaissance lens, and a 2048 x 2048 format front-illuminated charged coupled device (CCD) with 9 microns micropixels (Mpixels). The second version used a 30-cm focal length, F/2.5 Kodak AeroEktar lens, and a 4096 x 4096 format CCD with 9 micro pixels. Both have a 49-square-degree field of view (FOV) but the area of the sky subtended by each pixel in the V2 version is one-fourth that of the V1 version. This modification substantially reduces the shot noise due to the sky background and allows fainter stars to be monitored for planetary transits. To remove the data gap and consequent signal-level change caused by flipping the photometer around the declination axis and to reduce image movement on the detector, several other modifications were incorporated. These include modifying the mount and stiffening the photometer and autoguider structures to reduce flexure. This paper compares the performance characteristics of each photometer and discusses tests to identify sources of systematic noise.

Development of a New Growth Standard for Breastfed Chinese Infants: What Is the Difference from the WHO Growth Standards?

PubMed

Huang, Xiaona; Chang, Jenjen; Feng, Weiwei; Xu, Yiqun; Xu, Tao; Tang, He; Wang, Huishan; Pan, Xiaoping

2016-01-01

The objectives of this longitudinal study were to examine the trajectory of breastfed infants' growth in China to update growth standards for early childhood, and to compare these updated Chinese growth standards with the growth standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2006.This longitudinal cohort study enrolled 1,840 healthy breastfed infants living in an "optimal" environment favorable to growth and followed up until one year of age from 2007 to 2010. The study subjects were recruited from 60 communities in twelve cities in China. A participating infant's birth weight was measured within the first hour of the infant's life, and birth length and head circumference within 24 hours after birth. Repeated weekly and monthly anthropometric measurements were also taken. Multilevel (ML) modelling via MLwiN2.25 was fitted to estimate the growth curves of weight-for-age (WFA), length-for-age (LFA), and head circumference-for-age (HFA) for the study sample as a whole and by child sex, controlling for mode of delivery, the gravidity and parity of the mother, infant's physical measurements at birth, infant's daily food intaking frequency per day, infant's medical conditions, the season when the infant's physical measurement was taken, parents' ages, heights, and attained education, and family structure and income per month. During the first four weeks after birth, breastfed infants showed an increase in weight, length, and head circumference of 1110g, 4.9 cm, and 3.2 cm, respectively, among boys, and 980 g, 4.4 cm, and 2.8 cm, respectively, among girls. Throughout infancy, the total growth for these three was 6930 g, 26.4 cm, and 12.5 cm, respectively, among boys, and 6480 g, 25.5 cm, and 11.7 cm, respectively, among girls. As expected, there was a significant sex difference in growth during the first year. In comparison with the WHO growth standards, breastfed children in our study were heavier in weight, longer in length, and bigger in head circumference, with the exception of a few age points during the first two to four months on the upper two percentile curves.Our data suggested the growth curves for breastfed infants in China were significantly different in comparison with those based on the WHO standards. The adoption of the WHO infant growth standards among Chinese infants, as well as the methods used in the development of such growth standards in China, need careful and coordinated consideration.

Development of a New Growth Standard for Breastfed Chinese Infants: What Is the Difference from the WHO Growth Standards?

PubMed Central

Chang, Jenjen; Feng, Weiwei; Xu, Yiqun; Xu, Tao; Tang, He; Wang, Huishan; Pan, Xiaoping

2016-01-01

The objectives of this longitudinal study were to examine the trajectory of breastfed infants’ growth in China to update growth standards for early childhood, and to compare these updated Chinese growth standards with the growth standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2006.This longitudinal cohort study enrolled 1,840 healthy breastfed infants living in an "optimal" environment favorable to growth and followed up until one year of age from 2007 to 2010. The study subjects were recruited from 60 communities in twelve cities in China. A participating infant’s birth weight was measured within the first hour of the infant’s life, and birth length and head circumference within 24 hours after birth. Repeated weekly and monthly anthropometric measurements were also taken. Multilevel (ML) modelling via MLwiN2.25 was fitted to estimate the growth curves of weight-for-age (WFA), length-for-age (LFA), and head circumference-for-age (HFA) for the study sample as a whole and by child sex, controlling for mode of delivery, the gravidity and parity of the mother, infant’s physical measurements at birth, infant’s daily food intaking frequency per day, infant’s medical conditions, the season when the infant’s physical measurement was taken, parents’ ages, heights, and attained education, and family structure and income per month. During the first four weeks after birth, breastfed infants showed an increase in weight, length, and head circumference of 1110g, 4.9 cm, and 3.2 cm, respectively, among boys, and 980 g, 4.4 cm, and 2.8 cm, respectively, among girls. Throughout infancy, the total growth for these three was 6930 g, 26.4 cm, and 12.5 cm, respectively, among boys, and 6480 g, 25.5 cm, and 11.7 cm, respectively, among girls. As expected, there was a significant sex difference in growth during the first year. In comparison with the WHO growth standards, breastfed children in our study were heavier in weight, longer in length, and bigger in head circumference, with the exception of a few age points during the first two to four months on the upper two percentile curves.Our data suggested the growth curves for breastfed infants in China were significantly different in comparison with those based on the WHO standards. The adoption of the WHO infant growth standards among Chinese infants, as well as the methods used in the development of such growth standards in China, need careful and coordinated consideration. PMID:27977706

Limb lengthening in achondroplasia

PubMed Central

Chilbule, Sanjay K; Dutt, Vivek; Madhuri, Vrisha

2016-01-01

Background: Stature lengthening in skeletal dysplasia is a contentious issue. Specific guidelines regarding the age and sequence of surgery, methods and extent of lengthening at each stage are not uniform around the world. Despite the need for multiple surgeries, with their attendant complications, parents demanding stature lengthening are not rare, due to the social bias and psychological effects experienced by these patients. This study describes the outcome and complications of extensive stature lengthening performed at our center. Materials and Methods: Eight achondroplasic and one hypochondroplasic patient underwent bilateral transverse lengthening for tibiae, humeri and femora. Tibia lengthening was carried out using a ring fixator and bifocal corticotomy, while a monolateral pediatric limb reconstruction system with unifocal corticotomy was used for the femur and humerus. Lengthening of each bone segment, height gain, healing index and complications were assessed. Subgroup analysis was carried out to assess the effect of age and bone segment on the healing index. Results: Nine patients aged five to 25 years (mean age 10.2 years) underwent limb lengthening procedures for 18 tibiae, 10 femora and 8 humeri. Four patients underwent bilateral lengthening of all three segments. The mean length gain for the tibia, femur and humerus was 15.4 cm (100.7%), 9.9 cm (52.8%) and 9.6 cm (77.9%), respectively. Healing index was 25.7, 25.6 and 20.6 days/cm, respectively, for the tibia, femur and humerus. An average of 33.3% height gain was attained. Lengthening of both tibia and femur added to projected height achieved as the 3rd percentile of standard height in three out of four patients. In all, 33 complications were encountered (0.9 complications per segment). Healing index was not affected by age or bone segment. Conclusion: Extensive limb lengthening (more than 50% over initial length) carries significant risk and should be undertaken only after due consideration. PMID:27512222

The effect of impeller type on silica sol formation in laboratory scale agitated tank

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurtono, Tantular; Suprana, Yayang Ade; Latif, Abdul; Dewa, Restu Mulya; Machmudah, Siti; Widiyastuti, Winardi, Sugeng

2016-02-01

The multiphase polymerization reaction of the silica sol formation produced from silicic acid and potassium hydroxide solutions in laboratory scale agitated tank was studied. The reactor is equipped with four segmental baffle and top entering impeller. The inside diameter of reactor is 9 cm, the baffle width is 0.9 cm, and the impeller position is 3 cm from tank bottom. The diameter of standard six blades Rushton and three blades marine propeller impellers are 5 cm. The silicic acid solution was made from 0.2 volume fraction of water glass (sodium silicate) solution in which the sodium ion was exchanged by hydrogen ion from cation resin. The reactor initially filled with 286 ml silicic acid solution was operated in semi batch mode and the temperature was kept constant in 60 °C. The 3 ml/minute of 1 M potassium hydroxide solution was added into stirred tank and the solution was stirred. The impeller rotational speed was varied from 100 until 700 rpm. This titration was stopped if the solution in stirred tank had reached the pH of 10-The morphology of the silica particles in the silica sol product was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The size of silica particles in silica sol was measured based on the SEM image. The silica particle obtained in this research was amorphous particle and the shape was roughly cylinder. The flow field generated by different impeller gave significant effect on particle size and shape. The smallest geometric mean of length and diameter of particle (4.92 µm and 2.42 µm, respectively) was generated in reactor with marine propeller at 600 rpm. The reactor with Rushton impeller produced particle which the geometric mean of length and diameter of particle was 4.85 µm and 2.36 µm, respectively, at 150 rpm.

The effect of impeller type on silica sol formation in laboratory scale agitated tank

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nurtono, Tantular; Suprana, Yayang Ade; Latif, Abdul

2016-02-08

The multiphase polymerization reaction of the silica sol formation produced from silicic acid and potassium hydroxide solutions in laboratory scale agitated tank was studied. The reactor is equipped with four segmental baffle and top entering impeller. The inside diameter of reactor is 9 cm, the baffle width is 0.9 cm, and the impeller position is 3 cm from tank bottom. The diameter of standard six blades Rushton and three blades marine propeller impellers are 5 cm. The silicic acid solution was made from 0.2 volume fraction of water glass (sodium silicate) solution in which the sodium ion was exchanged by hydrogen ion from cationmore » resin. The reactor initially filled with 286 ml silicic acid solution was operated in semi batch mode and the temperature was kept constant in 60 °C. The 3 ml/minute of 1 M potassium hydroxide solution was added into stirred tank and the solution was stirred. The impeller rotational speed was varied from 100 until 700 rpm. This titration was stopped if the solution in stirred tank had reached the pH of 10-The morphology of the silica particles in the silica sol product was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The size of silica particles in silica sol was measured based on the SEM image. The silica particle obtained in this research was amorphous particle and the shape was roughly cylinder. The flow field generated by different impeller gave significant effect on particle size and shape. The smallest geometric mean of length and diameter of particle (4.92 µm and 2.42 µm, respectively) was generated in reactor with marine propeller at 600 rpm. The reactor with Rushton impeller produced particle which the geometric mean of length and diameter of particle was 4.85 µm and 2.36 µm, respectively, at 150 rpm.« less

Rod Photopigment Kinetics After Photodisruption of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium

PubMed Central

Masella, Benjamin D.; Hunter, Jennifer J.; Williams, David R.

2014-01-01

Purpose. Advances in retinal imaging have led to the discovery of long-lasting retinal changes caused by light exposures below published safety limits, including disruption of the RPE. To investigate the functional consequences of RPE disruption, we combined adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy with retinal densitometry. Methods. A modified adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) measured the apparent density and regeneration rate of rhodopsin in two macaques before and after four different 568-nm retinal radiant exposures (RREs; 400–3200 J/cm2). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to measure the optical path length through the photoreceptor outer segments before and after RPE disruption. Results. All tested RREs caused visible RPE disruption. Apparent rhodopsin density was significantly reduced following 1600 (P = 0.01) and 3200 J/cm2 (P = 0.007) exposures. No significant change in apparent density was observed in response to 800 J/cm2. Surprisingly, exposure to 400 J/cm2 showed a significant increase in apparent density (P = 0.047). Rhodopsin recovery rate was not significantly affected by these RREs. Optical coherence tomography measurements showed a significant decrease in the optical path length through the photoreceptor outer segments for RREs above 800 J/cm2 (P < 0.001). Conclusions. At higher RREs, optical path length through the outer segments was reduced. However, the rate of photopigment regeneration was unchanged. While some ambiguity remains as to the correlation between measured reflectivity and absolute rhodopsin density; at the lowest RREs, RPE disruption appears not to be accompanied by a loss of apparent rhodopsin density, which would have been indicative of functional loss. PMID:25316724

Reproduction and growth of the painted comber Serranus scriba (Serranidae) of the Marine Reserve of Lanzarote Island (Central-Eastern Atlantic)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuset, V. M.; García-Díaz, M. M.; González, J. A.; Lorente, M. J.; Lozano, I. J.

2005-08-01

The population biology of painted comber Serranus scriba (Linnaeus, 1758) of the Canary Islands coast was studied to estimate gonad morphology, sexuality, age and growth. Analysis of gonad organization and development revealed that it is a functional simultaneous hermaphrodite. Its anatomy and growth pattern of the reproductive cells is similar to that described in other species of the genus Serranus, although the sequence of vesicles appearing varies during vitellogenesis. Spawning season occurred from January to September with a peak in June. Individuals reached 50% maturity at 17.3 cm TL and 95% at 22.7 cm TL. Length-weight relationship was described by the following parameters: a = 0.01 and b = 3.10, being allometric positive. Age was determined from annuli in whole forming an opaque zone and a translucent zone in each annulus per year. The high percentage of otoliths with translucent zone during the annual cycle indicated that this species presents continuous growth throughout the year. Age range was 2-11 years for fish measuring 15.0-29.4 cm TL. This species is slow-growing and long lived. The growth parameters obtained were L∞ = 34.18 cm TL, k = 0.13 years -1, and to = -2.50 years. Otolith length was the best predictor of fish length, while the otolith weight was the best predictor of age.

Comparative Dispositions of Ofloxacin in Human Head, Axillary, and Pubic Hairs

PubMed Central

Kosuge, Kazuhiro; Uematsu, Toshihiko; Araki, Sei-Ichi; Matsuno, Hiroyuki; Ohashi, Kyoichi; Nakashima, Mitsuyoshi

1998-01-01

The distribution of ofloxacin (OFLX) along the shaft of each of three hair types, i.e., head, axillary and pubic, was investigated and compared among five healthy male volunteers 1 to 4 months after ingestion of OFLX for 1 or 2 days (total dose, 200 or 600 mg). Five strands of each hair type were sectioned together into successive 0.5-cm lengths starting from the dermal end, over a length of ≤6 cm, and the OFLX concentration in each hair section was measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The distribution of OFLX along the head hair shaft was narrow, having a single peak even 3 to 4 months after administration, suggesting a rather uniform growth rate among hair strands. On the other hand, the OFLX distribution along axillary or pubic hair shafts tended to be broad, even having two apparent peaks, and the growth rate did not seem uniform. Since axillary hair seemed to stop growing after having gained a length of ≤4 to 5 cm, it was suggested to enter a resting stage after the growth of ≤3 cm over the 2 to 4 months after OFLX incorporation. These findings indicate that head hair is the most suitable for analysis of individual drug use and the larger growth rate and cycle stage variabilities of strands of the other types of hair should be taken into account. PMID:9593174

Comparative dispositions of ofloxacin in human head, axillary, and pubic hairs.

PubMed

Kosuge, K; Uematsu, T; Araki, S I; Matsuno, H; Ohashi, K; Nakashima, M

1998-05-01

The distribution of ofloxacin (OFLX) along the shaft of each of three hair types, i.e., head, axillary and pubic, was investigated and compared among five healthy male volunteers 1 to 4 months after ingestion of OFLX for 1 or 2 days (total dose, 200 or 600 mg). Five strands of each hair type were sectioned together into successive 0.5-cm lengths starting from the dermal end, over a length of < or = 6 cm, and the OFLX concentration in each hair section was measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The distribution of OFLX along the head hair shaft was narrow, having a single peak even 3 to 4 months after administration, suggesting a rather uniform growth rate among hair strands. On the other hand, the OFLX distribution along axillary or pubic hair shafts tended to be broad, even having two apparent peaks, and the growth rate did not seem uniform. Since axillary hair seemed to stop growing after having gained a length of < or = 4 to 5 cm, it was suggested to enter a resting stage after the growth of < or = 3 cm over the 2 to 4 months after OFLX incorporation. These findings indicate that head hair is the most suitable for analysis of individual drug use and the larger growth rate and cycle stage variabilities of strands of the other types of hair should be taken into account.

Gravitational lensing effects of vacuum strings - Exact solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gott, J. R., III

1985-01-01

Exact interior and exterior solutions to Einstein's field equations are derived for vacuum strings. The exterior solution for a uniform density vacuum string corresponds to a conical space while the interior solution is that of a spherical cap. For Mu equals 0-1/4 the external metric is ds-squared = -dt-squared + dr-squared + (1-4 Mu)-squared r-squared dphi-squared + dz-squared, where Mu is the mass per unit length in the string in Planck masses per Planck length. A maximum mass per unit length for a string is 6.73 x 10 to the 27th g/cm. It is shown that strings cause temperature fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background and produce equal brightness double QSO images separated by up to several minutes of arc. Formulae for lensing probabilities, image splittings, and time delays are derived for strings in a realistic cosmological setting. String searches using ST, the VLA, and the COBE satellite are discussed.

Metallic single-walled carbon nanotube for ionized radiation detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banadaki, Yaser M.; Srivastava, Ashok; Sharifi, Safura

2016-04-01

In this paper, we have explored the feasibility of a metallic single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) as a radiation detector. The effect of SWCNTs' exposure to different ion irradiations is considered with the displacement damage dose (DDD) methodology. The analytical model of the irradiated resistance of metallic SWCNT has been developed and verified by the experimental data for increasing DDD from 1012 MeV/g to 1017 MeV/g. It has been found that the resistance variation of SWCNT by increasing DDD can be significant depending on the length and diameter of SWCNT, such that the DDD as low as 1012 (MeV/g) can be detected using the SWCNT with 1cm length and 5nm diameter. Increasing the length and diameter of SWCNT can result in both the higher radiation sensitivity of resistance and the extension of detection range to lower DDD.

Effect of Channel Thickness, Annealing Temperature and Channel Length on Nanoscale Ga2O3-In2O3-ZnO Thin Film Transistor Performance.

PubMed

Kumaresan, Yogeenth; Pak, Yusin; Lim, Namsoo; Lee, Ryeri; Song, Hui; Kim, Tae Heon; Choi, Boran; Jung, Gun Young

2016-06-01

We demonstrated the effect of active layer (channel) thickness and annealing temperature on the electrical performances of Ga2O3-In2O3-ZnO (GIZO) thin film transistor (TFT) having nanoscale channel width (W/L: 500 nm/100 μm). We found that the electron carrier concentration of the channel was decreased significantly with increasing the annealing temperature (100 degrees C to 300 degrees C). Accordingly, the threshold voltage (V(T)) was shifted towards positive voltage (-12.2 V to 10.8 V). In case of channel thickness, the V(T) was shifted towards negative voltage with increasing the channel thickness. The device with channel thickness of 90 nm annealed at 200 degrees C revealed the best device performances in terms of mobility (10.86 cm2/Vs) and V(T) (0.8 V). The effect of channel length was also studied, in which the channel width, thickness and annealing temperature were kept constant such as 500 nm, 90 nm and 200 degrees C, respectively. The channel length influenced the on-current level significantly with small variation of V(T), resulting in lower value of on/off current ratio with increasing the channel length. The device with channel length of 0.5 μm showed enhanced on/off current ratio of 10(6) with minimum V(T) of 0.26 V.

Micro-computed Tomographic Analysis of Apical Microcracks before and after Root Canal Preparation by Hand, Rotary, and Reciprocating Instruments at Different Working Lengths.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Bruna Paloma; Câmara, Andréa Cruz; Duarte, Daniel Amancio; Heck, Richard John; Antonino, Antonio Celso Dantas; Aguiar, Carlos Menezes

2017-07-01

This study aimed to compare apical microcrack formation after root canal shaping by hand, rotary, and reciprocating files at different working lengths using micro-computed tomographic analysis. Sixty mandibular incisors were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups (n = 10) according to the systems and working lengths used for the root canal preparation: ProTaper Universal for Hand Use (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), HyFlex CM (Coltene-Whaledent, Allstetten, Switzerland), and Reciproc (VDW, Munich, Germany) files working at the apical foramen (AF) and 1 mm short of the AF (AF - 1 mm). The teeth were imaged with micro-computed tomographic scanning at an isotropic resolution of 14 μm before and after root canal preparation, and the cross-sectional images generated were assessed to detect microcracks in the apical portion of the roots. Overall, 17 (28.3%) specimens presented microcracks before instrumentation. Apical microcracks were present in 1 (ProTaper Universal for Hand Use), 3 (Hyflex CM), and 2 (Reciproc) specimens when the instrumentation terminated at the AF. When instrumentation was terminated at AF - 1 mm, apical microcracks were detected in 3 (ProTaper Universal for Hand Use) and 4 (Hyflex CM and Reciproc) specimens. All these microcracks detected after root canal preparation were already present before instrumentation, and no new apical microcrack was visualized. For all groups, the number of slices presenting microcracks after root canal preparation was the same as before canal preparation. Root canal shaping with ProTaper Universal for Hand Use, HyFlex CM, and Reciproc systems, regardless of the working length, did not produce apical microcracks. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of a 1-m plasma source for heavy ion beam charge neutralization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efthimion, Philip C.; Gilson, Erik P.; Grisham, Larry; Davidson, Ronald C.; Yu, Simon; Waldron, William; Grant Logan, B.

2005-05-01

Highly ionized plasmas are being employed as a medium for charge neutralizing heavy ion beams in order to focus to a small spot size. Calculations suggest that plasma at a density of 1-100 times the ion beam density and at a length ˜0.1-1 m would be suitable for achieving a high level of charge neutralization. A radio frequency (RF) source was constructed at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) in support of the joint Neutralized Transport Experiment (NTX) at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to study ion beam neutralization. Pulsing the source enabled operation at pressures ˜10 -6 Torr with plasma densities of 10 11 cm -3. Near 100% ionization was achieved. The plasma was 10 cm in length, but future experiments require a source 1 m long. The RF source does not easily scale to the length. Consequently, large-volume plasma sources based upon ferroelectric ceramics are being considered. These sources have the advantage of being able to increase the length of the plasma and operate at low neutral pressures. The source will utilize the ferroelectric ceramic BaTiO 3 to form metal plasma. A 1 m long section of the drift tube inner surface of NTX will be covered with ceramic. A high voltage (˜1-5 kV) is applied between the drift tube and the front surface of the ceramic by placing a wire grid on the front surface. Plasma densities of 10 12 cm -3 and neutral pressures ˜10 -6 Torr are expected. A test stand to produce 20 cm long plasma is being constructed and will be tested before a 1 m long source is developed.

Staged lengthening arthroplasty for pediatric osteosarcoma around the knee.

PubMed

Kong, Chang-Bae; Lee, Soo-Yong; Jeon, Dae-Geun

2010-06-01

Orthopaedic oncologists often must address leg-length discrepancy after resection of tumors in growing patients with osteosarcoma. There are various alternatives to address this problem. We describe a three-stage procedure: (1) temporary arthrodesis, (2) lengthening by Ilizarov apparatus, and (3) tumor prosthesis. We asked (1) to what extent are affected limbs actually lengthened; (2) how many of the patients who undergo a lengthening procedure eventually achieve joint arthroplasty; and (3) can the three-stage procedure give patients a functioning joint with equalization of limb length? We reviewed 56 patients (younger than 14 years) with osteosarcoma who had staged lengthening arthroplasty between 1991 and 2004. Thirty-five of the 56 patients (63%) underwent soft tissue lengthening, and of these 35, 28 (50% of the original group of 56) had implantation of a mobile joint. Three of the 28 prostheses were later removed owing to infection after arthroplasty. The overall average length gained was 7.8 cm (range, 4-14 cm), and 25 (71%) of the 35 patients had a mobile joint at final followup. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 23.2 (range, 15-28) and limb-length discrepancy at final followup was 2.6 cm (range, 0-6.5 cm). Although most mobile joints had an acceptable ROM (average, 74.2 degrees ; range, 35 degrees -110 degrees ), extension lag was frequent. Our approach is one option for skeletally immature patients, especially in situations where an expandable prosthesis is not available. However, this technique requires multiple stages and would be inappropriate for patients who cannot accept prolonged functional deficit owing to a limited lifespan or other reasons. Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

[Treatment of juvenile scoliosis: Increasing the lengthening interval with the growing rod technique should not necessarily compromise thoracic growth].

PubMed

Pizones, J; Rodríguez-López, T; Zúñiga, L; Sánchez-Mariscal, F; Álvarez-González, P; Izquierdo, E

2014-01-01

Serial lengthening with growing rods is recommended every six months for the treatment of early onset scoliosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal growth of the thorax and control of the deformity in a series of patients with juvenile scoliosis when time intervals were increased between lengthenings. Retrospective study of eight patients. The following variables were measured: the Cobb angle, the apical vertebral translation, the coronal balance, thoracic T1-L1 length, thoracic T5-T12 kyphosis, the proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) angle, and the lumbar lordosis. Complications were recorded. Five idiopathic and three syndromic scoliosis cases (mean age 9.4 ± 1.5 years) were evaluated. The initial surgery was followed by with an average of two distractions per patient. The mean time between distractions was 15.7 months. The final coronal main curve correction was 58%. Apical translation and coronal balance were improved and maintained after the surgeries. The thoracic (T1-L1) preoperative length was 20.8 cm, the postoperative length was 24.4 cm, and the final length was 26 cm. At the end of follow-up, the average growth of the thorax was 5.2 cm. The preoperative (T5-T12) kyphosis was 33.5°, and final 32.1°. The change in the PJK angle was 2.5° at the end of follow-up. Most complications were related to instrumentation. Two superficial wound infections were encountered. For less severe juvenile scoliosis patients treated with growing rods, spacing out lengthenings over more than a year can decrease the number of surgeries, while still controlling the deformity and allowing longitudinal thoracic growth. Copyright © 2014 SECOT. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Body height and ocular dimensions in the adult population in rural Central India. The Central India Eye and Medical Study.

PubMed

Nangia, Vinay; Jonas, Jost B; Matin, Arshia; Kulkarni, Maithili; Sinha, Ajit; Gupta, Rajesh

2010-11-01

To investigate associations between anthropomorphic parameters and ocular dimensions in a typical rural society untouched by the effects of urbanization. The Central India Eye and Medical Study performed in rural Central India included 4,711 participants aged 30 or more years. The participants underwent a detailed ophthalmic and medical examination. After controlling for age, gender, level of education, and body mass index (BMI), taller subjects were more likely to have larger eyes with a longer axial length (+0.23 mm for each 10 cm increase in height), lower corneal refractive power (-0.50 diopters for each 10 cm increase in height), deeper anterior chambers (+0.03 mm for each 10 cm increase in height), and longer vitreous cavity (+0.20 mm for each 10 cm increase in height). Central corneal thickness (P = 0.97) and lens thickness (P = 0.08) were not significantly associated with body height. After controlling for age, gender, level of education and height, subjects with a higher BMI had shorter globes (-0.02 mm for each unit increase in BMI), flatter corneas (-0.03 diopters for each unit increase in BMI) and thicker corneas (+0.49 μm for each unit increase in BMI), thicker lenses and longer vitreous cavities. Body height as compared with the BMI had a stronger influence on the ocular biometric data. After correcting for age, gender, level of education and axial length, for each increase in body height by 10 cm or for each increase in BMI by one unit, the refractive error significantly increased by 0.23 diopters (P < 0.001) and by 0.40 diopters (P < 0.001) respectively. In the rural population of Central India without urbanization-associated myopization, body height and size of the eye were associated with each other: taller subjects had larger eyes with a flatter cornea. An increase in body height per 10 cm was associated with an increase in anterior chamber depth by 1% and an increase in vitreous cavity length by 1%. Subjects with a higher body mass index had shorter eyes, flatter and thicker corneas, and thicker lenses. Taller subjects and subjects with a higher BMI were more hyperopic. Since the occurrence of some ocular diseases depends on eye size and refractive error, the results may be helpful for screening examinations and for elucidating pathogenic associations.

Cracking of Clay Due to Contact with Waste Chlorinated Solvents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otero, M.; Ayral, D.; Shipan, J.; Goltz, M. N.; Huang, J.; Demond, A. H.

2012-12-01

Clays are known to crack upon desiccation. Desiccation cracks of up to 3 cm wide have been reported in natural soils. This raises the question if a similar behavior is seen when a dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPL) waste is in contact with clay. The contact with organic liquids causes the clay structure to shrink, leading to the formation of cracks. Moreover, DNAPL waste not only contains the organic liquid solvent but also includes surface-active solutes or surfactants. Such solutes can enhance the interaction of the organic solvents with the clay. This research will assess whether or not contact with chlorinated organic waste causes cracking. In order to evaluate the possibility of cracking in the clay, microcosms have been constructed that mimic aquifer systems, consisting of a saturated layer of sand, a saturated layer of bentonite clay and a 2.5 cm layer of either pure chlorinated solvents or DNAPL waste. The onset of cracking for the microcosm with tetrachloroethylene (PCE) waste as the DNAPL layer occurred after ten days of contact. Similarly, at eight days, cracks were observed in a microcosm containing trichloroethylene (TCE) waste . Forty-four days later, the length and number of cracks have grown considerably; with a total crack length of 50 cm on a surface of 80 cm2 in the microcosm containing PCE waste. On the other hand it took approximately 161 days for the clay layer in the microcosm containing pure PCE to crack. To quantity the degree of cracking, crack maps were developed using the image software, Image J. Characteristics like crack length, crack aperture, and the percentage of total length for a range of apertures were calculated using this software. For example, for the PCE waste microcosm, it was calculated that 3.7% of the crack length had an aperture of 100-300 microns, 15.1% of the crack length had an aperture of 300-500 microns, 29.7% of the crack length had an aperture of 500-700 microns, 40.1% of the crack length had an aperture of 700-900 microns, 6.3% had an aperture of 900-1,100 microns and 5.1% had an aperture of over 1,100 microns. These data suggest that aquitards in the field might crack when in contact with the DNAPL waste. Moreover, it is apparent that the waste contains solutes that accelerate the cracking of the clay layer. Thus, models examining the impact of storage in low permeability layers need to consider the possible impact of cracking.

Effect of Cutting Velocity / Stem Size on the Efficiency of NRCRI Cassave Stem Cutting Machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikejiofor, M. C.

2012-11-01

The developed NRCRI (National Root Crops Research Institute) cassava stem cutting machine was evaluated. The cassava stems from the variety TME 419 were used. The sizes of the stem used were 1.8, 2.0, 2.3 and 2.6cm. Also, different cutting velocities of 1.20, 1.23 and 1.32m/s were used. The stakes produced has length of 2.5cm. Analysis of variance in RCBD was used to evaluate the effect of the cutting velocity and the stem size on the efficiency of the cutting machine. The result of the analysis showed that the cutting velocity had very highly significant effect, while the stem size had no significant effect at 5% level on the efficiency of the cutting machine. The data obtained also showed that the highest and least cutting efficiencies of 99.42 and 94.71% were obtained with the machine cutting velocities of 1.2 and 1.32m/s respectively.

Experimental verification of a gain reduction model for the space charge effect in a wire chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagakura, Naoki; Fujii, Kazuki; Harayama, Isao; Kato, Yu; Sekiba, Daiichiro; Watahiki, Yumi; Yamashita, Satoru

2018-01-01

A wire chamber often suffers significant saturation of the multiplication factor when the electric field around its wires is strong. An analytical model of this effect has previously been proposed [Y. Arimoto et al., Nucl. Instrum. Meth. Phys. Res. A 799, 187 (2015)], in which the saturation was described by the multiplication factor, energy deposit density per wire length, and one constant parameter. In order to confirm the validity of this model, a multi-wire drift chamber was developed and irradiated by a MeV-range proton beam at the University of Tsukuba. The saturation effect was compared for energy deposits ranging from 70 keV/cm to 180 keV/cm and multiplication factors 3× 103 to 3× 104. The chamber was rotated with respect to the proton beam in order to vary the space charge density around the wires. The energy deposit distribution corrected for the effect was consistent with the result of a Monte Carlo simulation, thus validating the proposed model.

Latent heat effects of the major mantle phase transitions on low-angle subduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Hunen, Jeroen; van den Berg, Arie P.; Vlaar, Nico J.

2001-08-01

Very low to zero shallow dip angles are observed at several moderately young subduction zones with an active trenchward moving overriding plate. We have investigated the effects of latent heat for this situation, where mantle material is pushed through the major mantle phase transitions during shallow low-angle subduction below the overriding plate. The significance of the buoyancy forces, arising from the latent heat effects, on the dynamics of the shallowly subducting slab is examined by numerical modeling. When a 32-Ma-old slab is overridden with 2.5 cm/yr by a continent, flat subduction occurs with a 4-5 cm/yr convergence rate. When latent heat is included in the model, forced downwellings cause a thermal anomaly and consequently thermal and phase buoyancy forces. Under these circumstances, the flat slab segment subducts horizontally about 350 km further and for about 11 Ma longer than in the case without latent heat, before it breaks through the 400-km phase transition. The style of subduction strongly depends on the mantle rheology: increasing the mantle viscosity by one order of magnitude can change the style of subduction from steep to shallow. Similarly, an overriding velocity of less than 1 cm/yr leads to steep subduction, which gradually changes to flat subduction when increasing the overriding velocity. However, these model parameters do not change the aforementioned effect of the latent heat, provided that low-angle subduction occurs. In all models latent heat resulted in a substantial increase of the flat slab length by 300-400 km. Varying the olivine-spinel transition Clapeyron slope γ from 1 to 6 MPa/K reveals a roughly linear relation between γ and the horizontal length of the slab. Based on these results, we conclude that buoyancy forces due to latent heat of phase transitions play an important role in low-angle subduction below an overriding plate.

Plasma Deposited SiO2 for Planar Self-Aligned Gate Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors on Semi-Insulating InP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tabory, Charles N.; Young, Paul G.; Smith, Edwyn D.; Alterovitz, Samuel A.

1994-01-01

Metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) field effect transistors were fabricated on InP substrates using a planar self-aligned gate process. A 700-1000 A gate insulator of Si02 doped with phosphorus was deposited by a direct plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition at 400 mTorr, 275 C, 5 W, and power density of 8.5 MW/sq cm. High frequency capacitance-voltage measurements were taken on MIS capacitors which have been subjected to a 700 C anneal and an interface state density of lxl0(exp 11)/eV/cq cm was found. Current-voltage measurements of the capacitors show a breakdown voltage of 107 V/cm and a insulator resistivity of 10(exp 14) omega cm. Transistors were fabricated on semi-insulating InP using a standard planar self-aligned gate process in which the gate insulator was subjected to an ion implantation activation anneal of 700 C. MIS field effect transistors gave a maximum extrinsic transconductance of 23 mS/mm for a gate length of 3 microns. The drain current drift saturated at 87.5% of the initial current, while reaching to within 1% of the saturated value after only 1x10(exp 3). This is the first reported viable planar InP self-aligned gate transistor process reported to date.

Benchtop Energetics: Research Progress, Concept Evaluation, and Apparatus Development

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-31

have removed the relay imaging optics, and currently use a single 40 cm focal length lens, placed ≈ 48 cm from the target surface, to image the...24 1. Photographic Flyer Velocity Measurements ......................................... 24 2. Impact Luminescence Flyer...27 4. Time-Resolved Impact Luminescence Spectroscopy ........................... 28 E. Mass Spectrometric Diagnostics

Evaluation of Interference of Cellular Phones on Electronic Apex Locators: An In Vitro Study.

PubMed

Sidhu, Preena; Shankargouda, Swapnil; Dicksit, Daniel DevaPrakash; Mahdey, Haydar Majeed; Muzaffar, Danish; Arora, Shelly

2016-04-01

Use of mobile phone has been prohibited in many hospitals to prevent interference with medical devices. Electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular phones might interfere with electronic working length determination. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of a smart phone (Samsung Galaxy Note Edge) on working length determination of electronic apex locators (EALs) Propex II and Rootor. Fifteen intact, non-carious single-rooted teeth were decoronated at the cementoenamel junction. Visually, working length was determined by using a #15 K-file under stereomicroscope (×20). The effect of cellular phones on electronic working length (EWL) was determined under 2 experimental settings: (1) in a closed room with poor signal strength and (2) in a polyclinic set up with good signal strength and 5 conditions: (1) electronically, without cellular phone in room; (2) electronically, with cellular phone in physical contact with EAL; (3) electronically, with mobile phone in physical contact with EAL and in calling mode for a period of 25 seconds; (4) electronically, mobile phone placed at a distance of 40 cm from the EAL; and (5) electronically, mobile phone placed at a distance of 40 cm and in calling mode for a period of 25 seconds. The EWL was measured 3 times per tooth under each condition. Stability of the readings was scored from 1 to 3: (1) good stability, (2) stable reading after 1 attempt, and (3) stable reading after 2 attempts. The data were compared by using analysis of variance. The EWL measurements were not influenced by the presence of cellular phone and could be determined under all experimental conditions. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that mobile phones do not interfere with the EWL determination. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Wire-type MnO2/Multilayer graphene/Ni electrode for high-performance supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Minglei; Liu, Yuhao; Zhang, Min; Wei, Helin; Gao, Yihua

2016-12-01

Commercially available wearable energy storage devices need a wire-type electrode with high strength, conductivity and electrochemical performance, as well as stable structure under deformation. Herein, we report a novel wire-type electrode of hierarchically structure MnO2 on Ni wire with multilayer graphene (MGr) as a buffer layer to enhance the electrical conductivity of the MnO2 and interface contact between the MnO2 and Ni wire. Thus, the wire-type MnO2/MGr/Ni electrode has a stable and high quality interface. The wire-type supercapacitor (WSC) based on wire-type MnO2/MGr/Ni electrode exhibits good electrochemical performance, high rate capability, extraordinary flexibility, and superior cycle lifetime. Length (area, volumetric) specific capacitance of the WSC reaches 6.9 mF cm-1 (73.2 mF cm-2, 9.8 F cm-3). Maximum length (volumetric) energy density of the WSC based on MnO2/MGr/Ni reaches 0.62 μWh cm-1 (0.88 mWh cm-3). Furthermore, the WSC has a short time constant (0.5-400 ms) and exhibits minimal change in capacitance under different bending shapes.

Composition of Apollo 17 core 76001

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korotev, Randy L.; Bishop, Kaylynn M.

1993-01-01

Core 76001 is a single drive tube containing a column of regolith taken at the base of the North Massif, station 6, Apollo 17. The core material is believed to have accumulated through slow downslope mass wasting from the massif. As a consequence, the core soil is mature throughout its length. Results of INAA for samples taken every half centimeter along the length of the core indicate that there is only minor systematic compositional variation with depth. Concentrations of elements primarily associated with mare basalt (Sc, Fe) and noritic impact melt breccia (Sm) decrease slightly with depth, particularly between 20 cm and the bottom of the core at 32 cm depth. This is consistent with petrographic studies that indicate a greater proportion of basalt and melt breccia in the top part of the core. However, Sm/Sc and La/Sm ratios are remarkably constant with depth, indicating no variation in the ratio of mare material to Sm-rich highlands material with depth. Other than these subtle changes, there is no compositional evidence for the two stratigraphic units (0-20 cm and 20-32 cm) defined on the basis of modal petrography, although all samples with anomalously high Ni concentrations (Fe-Ni metal nuggets) occur above 20 cm depth.

Ecology of juvenile hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata) at Buck Island Reef National Monument, US Virgin Islands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hart, Kristen M.; Sartain-Iverson, Autumn R.; Hillis-Starr, Zandy; Phillips, Brendalee; Mayor, Philippe A.; Roberson, Kimberly; Pemberton, Roy A.; Allen, Jason B.; Lundgren, Ian; Musick, Susanna

2013-01-01

Surveys of juvenile hawksbills around Buck Island Reef National Monument, US Virgin Islands from 1994 to 1999 revealed distributional patterns and resulted in a total of 75 individual hawksbill captures from all years; turtles ranged from 23.2 to 77.7 cm curved carapace length (CCL; mean 42.1 ± 12.3 cm SD). Juveniles concentrated where Zoanthid cover was highest. Length of time between recaptures, or presumed minimum site residency, ranged from 59 to 1,396 days (mean 620.8 ± 402.4 days SD). Growth rates for 23 juveniles ranged from 0.0 to 9.5 cm year−1 (mean 4.1 ± 2.4 cm year−1SD). Annual mean growth rates were non-monotonic, with the largest mean growth rate occurring in the 30–39 cm CCL size class. Gastric lavages indicated that Zoanthids were the primary food source for hawksbills. These results contribute to our understanding of juvenile hawksbill ecology and serve as a baseline for future studies or inventories of hawksbills in the Caribbean.

Design, performance, and calculated error of a Faraday cup for absolute beam current measurements of 600-MeV protons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beck, S. M.

1975-01-01

A mobile self-contained Faraday cup system for beam current measurments of nominal 600 MeV protons was designed, constructed, and used at the NASA Space Radiation Effects Laboratory. The cup is of reentrant design with a length of 106.7 cm and an outside diameter of 20.32 cm. The inner diameter is 15.24 cm and the base thickness is 30.48 cm. The primary absorber is commercially available lead hermetically sealed in a 0.32-cm-thick copper jacket. Several possible systematic errors in using the cup are evaluated. The largest source of error arises from high-energy electrons which are ejected from the entrance window and enter the cup. A total systematic error of -0.83 percent is calculated to be the decrease from the true current value. From data obtained in calibrating helium-filled ion chambers with the Faraday cup, the mean energy required to produce one ion pair in helium is found to be 30.76 + or - 0.95 eV for nominal 600 MeV protons. This value agrees well, within experimental error, with reported values of 29.9 eV and 30.2 eV.

The effects of magnesium doping on the modal loss in AlGaN-based deep UV lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martens, M.; Kuhn, C.; Simoneit, T.; Hagedorn, S.; Knauer, A.; Wernicke, T.; Weyers, M.; Kneissl, M.

2017-02-01

Absorption losses in the Mg-doped layers significantly contribute to the modal losses in group-III-nitride-based lasers. In this paper, we investigate the influence of Mg-doping on the modal absorption of optically pumped UVC lasers grown on epitaxially laterally overgrown AlN/sapphire substrates with an averaged threading dislocation density of 1 × 109 cm-2. By varying the setback of the Mg-doping (˜1 × 1020 cm-3) within the upper Al0.70Ga0.30N waveguide layer, the overlap of the optical mode with the Mg-doped region increases. For all structures, internal losses were derived from gain spectra obtained by the variable stripe length method. The internal losses increase from 10 cm-1 for lasers without Mg-doping to 28 cm-1 for lasers with a fully Mg-doped upper waveguide layer. The overlap of the optical mode with the Mg-doped waveguide ΓMg clearly correlates with the modal losses. This allows to calculate the Mg-induced losses in current injection laser diodes by αm o d M g = Γ M g × 50 cm - 1 .

Modulation of gut perception in humans by spatial summation phenomena

PubMed Central

Serra, Jordi; Azpiroz, Fernando; Malagelada, Juan-R

1998-01-01

We have recently shown that perception of intestinal stimuli increases by spatial summation phenomena. Our aim was to determine in humans whether intestinal perception depends on (a) the length of gut stimulated, and (b) the distance between stimuli. In a first series of studies, we compared perception of isobaric intestinal distensions applied over a 3 cm segment and a 36 cm segment by means of two separate barostats (n = 8). In a second series of studies we compared perception of intestinal distensions applied simultaneously by two balloons sited 3, 12 or 48 cm apart (n = 6). Distension of the 36 cm segment induced significantly greater perception than distension of the 3 cm intestinal segment (discomfort perceived at 20 ± 2 mmHg and 31 ± 2 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.05). Perception of intestinal balloon distension increased when a second stimulus was simultaneously applied, independently of the distance between the two balloons (the discomfort thresholds were 30 ± 11, 20 ± 6 and 28 ± 7% lower with simultaneous distensions 3, 12 and 48 cm apart, respectively). We conclude that perception of intestinal distension is determined by the extension of the field of stimulation, and the summation effect is similar whether adjacent or distant fields are stimulated. PMID:9490880

Minnesota wolf ear lengths as possible indicators of taxonomic differences

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mech, L. David

2011-01-01

Genetic findings suggest that 2 types of wolves, Canis lupus (Gray Wolf) and C. lycaon (Eastern Wolf), and/or their hybrids occupy Minnesota (MN), and this study examines adult wolf ear lengths as a possible distinguisher between these two. Photographic evidence suggested that the Eastern Wolf possesses proportionately longer ears than Gray Wolves. Ear lengths from 22 northwestern MN wolves from the early 1970s and 22 Alaskan wolves were used to represent Gray Wolves, and the greatest length of the sample (12.8 cm) was used as the least length to demarcate Eastern Wolf from Gray Wolf influence in the samples. Twenty-three percent of 112 adult wolves from Algonquin Park in eastern Ontario and 30% of 106 recent adult wolves in northeastern MN possessed ears >12.8 cm. The northeastern MN sample differed significantly from that of current and past northwestern MN wolves. Ear-lengths of wolves in the eastern half of the northeastern MN wolf population were significantly longer than those in the western half of that study area, even though the mean distance between the 2 areas was only 40 km, and the mean length of my 2004–2009 sample was significantly longer than that of 1999–2003. These findings support the hypothesis that Eastern Wolves tend to possess longer ears than do Gray Wolves and suggest a dynamic hybridization process is still underway in MN.

African hair length in a school population: a clue to disease pathogenesis?

PubMed

Khumalo, N P; Gumedze, F

2007-09-01

Anecdotal data suggest that combed natural African hair reaches a length steady state. Easier grooming and anticipated long hair have made relaxers popular. These hypotheses were tested in a cross-sectional survey of 1042 school children using a piloted questionnaire and hair length measurements done on four scalp regions. Participants included 45% boys and 55% girls. Girls consider length important for hairstyle choice (P < 0.0001). There was no difference in mean length at 2 to 5 vs. > 5 years (P = 0.3) and at 1 to < 2 vs. 2 to 5 years (P = 0.99), suggesting that a steady state is reached within 1 year after a hair cut for combed natural hair [mean, 5.1 cm (4.3)]. Relaxed hair reached length steady state > 2 years after a haircut [mean, 10.9 cm (3.6)], was longer than natural hair (P < 0.0001), shorter than expected, and significantly shorter on the occiput than the rest of the scalp (P < 0.0001). Persistently short combed natural hair years after a hair cut suggests that breakage eventually equals new growth (i.e., steady state), which is likely to be variable. Relaxed hair, irrespective of last haircut, is also short; chemical damage as a limit to potential lengths needs confirmation. Relatively short occipital relaxed hair could be a clue to disease pathogenesis.

Analysis of the arterial anatomical variations of thyroid gland: anatomic guide for surgical neck dissection.

PubMed

Ray, B; Pugazhandhi, B; D'Souza, A S; Saran, S; Fasil, M; Srinivasa, R S

2012-01-01

Aim of this study was to establish preliminary data on the variations of arterial supply of thyroid gland in Karnataka population. The anterior triangles in the neck of formalin fixed cadavers were dissected. The length, branching pattern, number and length of branches of superior thyroid artery (STA) were noted. We measured the length of inferior thyroid artery (ITA) from its point of emergence from thyrocervical trunk (TCT) to lower pole of thyroid gland. The length of the external carotid artery (ECA), TCT from the point of its emergence to the point of its branching was noted. We noted the number of branches from ITA and TCT. Presence of any additional artery supplying the thyroid gland was searched for. Difference in the length of STA and ITA between the two sexes and sides were noted. Statistical analysis was done by Student's t-test. In our study the maximum length of STA was 5.34cm and that of ITA was 5.07cm and there were no statistically significant side-to-side differences in level of bifurcation. Observations of the present study on the course and branching pattern of arteries around thyroid gland will help in easier approach during thyroid surgeries and interventional techniques (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 38).

Effect of prophylactic trochanteric epiphyseodesis in older children with Perthes' disease.

PubMed

Shah, Hitesh; Siddesh, Nandi D; Joseph, Benjamin; Nair, Sreekumaran N

2009-12-01

To evaluate the effect of prophylactic epiphyseodesis of the greater trochanter in Perthes' disease, 62 children with unilateral Perthes' disease who underwent trochanteric epiphyseodesis combined with varus osteotomy of the femur during the active stage of the disease (mean age at surgery: 8.4 y) and 20 controls were followed up until skeletal maturity. On radiographs taken at skeletal maturity, the articulo-trochanteric distance, the center-trochanteric distance, the length of the abductor lever arm, the neck-shaft angle, the radius of the femoral head, and the Reimer's migration index of normal and affected hips were measured. The shape of the femoral head was assessed according to the criteria of Mose. The range of hip motion, the strength of hip abduction, and limb lengths were measured and the Trendelenburg sign was elicited. The mean values of articulo-trochanteric distance and center-trochanteric distance were greater and the frequency of a positive Trendelenburg sign was less in children who had undergone trochanteric epiphyseodesis than in children who had no surgery (P<0.01). Trochanteric epiphyseodesis achieved optimal trochanteric growth arrest in 60% of operated children; the procedure was not effective in 30%, and in 10% of children there was overcorrection. Logistic regression analysis showed that the size of the femoral head at healing and the age at surgery were variables that significantly influenced the effectiveness of trochanteric growth arrest. At skeletal maturity, the mean shortening of the affected limb in operated children was 0.44 cm (SD 0.68 cm), whereas that of non-operated children was 0.86 cm (SD 0.78 cm) (P<0.05). The range of motion of the hip was excellent and there were no significant differences in the range of motion among children with optimal correction, under-correction, and overcorrection. A probability curve plotted on the basis of a logistic regression model suggests that effective trochanteric arrest may be achieved in a high proportion of children operated at or before 8.5 years of age and in half the children operated between the age of 8.5 years and 10 years. On the basis of this study, we recommend prophylactic epiphyseodesis of the greater trochanter as a means of minimizing trochanteric overgrowth and resultant Trendelenburg gait in older child with Perthes' disease.

Fetal Growth and Birth Anthropometrics in Metformin-Exposed Offspring Born to Mothers With PCOS.

PubMed

Hjorth-Hansen, Anna; Salvesen, Øyvind; Engen Hanem, Liv Guro; Eggebø, Torbjørn; Salvesen, Kjell Å; Vanky, Eszter; Ødegård, Rønnaug

2018-02-01

Metformin is used in an attempt to reduce pregnancy complications associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Little is known about the effect of metformin on fetal development and growth. To compare the effect of metformin versus placebo on fetal growth and birth anthropometrics in PCOS offspring compared with a reference population in relation to maternal body mass index (BMI). Post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. 258 offspring born to mothers with PCOS. 2000 mg metformin (n = 131) or placebo (n = 121) from first trimester to delivery. Mean abdominal diameter and biparietal diameter (BPD) at gestational weeks 19 and 32. Head circumference (HC), birth length, and weight related to a reference population of healthy offspring, expressed as gestational age- and sex-adjusted z-scores. Metformin- versus placebo-exposed offspring had larger heads at gestational week 32 (BPD, 86.1 mm versus 85.2 mm; P = 0.03) and at birth (HC, 35.6 cm versus 35.1 cm; P < 0.01). Analyses stratified by maternal prepregnancy BMI, larger heads were observed only among offspring of overweight/obese mothers. Among normal-weight mothers, the effect of metformin compared with placebo was reduced length (z-score = -0.96 versus -0.42, P = 0.04) and weight (z-score = -0.44 versus 0.02; P = 0.03). Compared with the reference population, offspring born to PCOS mothers (placebo group) had reduced length (z-score = -0.40; 95% confidence interval, -0.60 to -0.40), but similar birth weight and HC. Metformin exposure resulted in larger head size in offspring of overweight mothers, traceable already in utero. Maternal prepregnancy BMI modified the effect of metformin on offspring anthropometrics. Anthropometrics of offspring born to PCOS mothers differed from those of the reference population. Copyright © 2017 Endocrine Society

Definitions of apical vaginal support loss: a systematic review.

PubMed

Meister, Melanie R L; Sutcliffe, Siobhan; Lowder, Jerry L

2017-03-01

We sought to identify and summarize definitions of apical support loss utilized for inclusion, success, and failure in surgical trials for treatment of apical vaginal prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition affecting more than 3 million women in the US, and the prevalence is increasing. Prolapse may occur in the anterior compartment, posterior compartment or at the apex. Apical support is considered paramount to overall female pelvic organ support, yet apical support loss is often underrecognized and there are no guidelines for when an apical support procedure should be performed or incorporated into a procedure designed to address prolapse. A systematic literature search was performed in 8 search engines: PubMed 1946-, Embase 1947-, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Database of Abstracts of Review Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, Proquest Dissertations and Theses, and FirstSearch Proceedings, using key words for apical pelvic organ prolapse and apical suspension procedures through April 2016. Searches were limited to human beings using human filters and articles published in English. Study authors (M.R.L.M., J.L.L.) independently reviewed publications for inclusion based on predefined variables. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they satisfied any of the following criteria: (1) apical support loss was an inclusion criterion in the original study, (2) apical support loss was a surgical indication, or (3) an apical support procedure was performed as part of the primary surgery. A total of 4469 publications were identified. After review, 35 articles were included in the analysis. Prolapse-related inclusion criteria were: (1) apical prolapse (n = 20, 57.1%); (2) overall prolapse (n = 8, 22.8%); or (3) both (n = 6, 17.1%). Definitions of apical prolapse (relative to the hymen) included: (1) apical prolapse >-1 cm (n = 13, 50.0%); (2) apical prolapse >+1 cm (n = 7, 26.9%); (3) apical prolapse >50% of total vaginal length (-[total vaginal length/2]) (n = 4, 15.4%); and (4) cervix/apex >0 cm (n = 2, 7.7%). Sixteen of the 35 studies (45.7%) required the presence of symptoms for inclusion. A measurement of the apical compartment (relative to the hymen) was used as a measure of surgical success or failure in 17 (48.6%) studies. Definitions for surgical success included: (1) prolapse stage >2 in each compartment (n = 5, 29.4%); (2) prolapse >-[total vaginal length/2] (n = 2, 11.8%); (3) apical support >-[total vaginal length/3] (n = 1, 5.9%); (4) absence of prolapse beyond the hymen (n = 1, 5.9%); and (5) point C at ≥-5 cm (n = 2, 11.8%). Surgical failure was defined as: (1) apical prolapse ≥0 cm (n = 2, 11.8%); (2) apical prolapse ≥-1 cm (n = 2, 11.8%); (3) apical prolapse >-[total vaginal length/2] (n = 3, 17.6%); and (4) recurrent apical prolapse surgery (n = 1, 5.9%). Ten (28.6%) of the 35 studies also included symptomatic outcomes in the definition of success or failure. Among randomized, controlled surgical trials designed to address apical vaginal support loss, definitions of clinically significant apical prolapse for study inclusion and surgical success or failure are either highly variable or absent. These findings provide limited evidence of consensus and little insight into current expert opinion. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of marine reserves versus nursery habitat availability on structure of reef fish communities.

PubMed

Nagelkerken, Ivan; Grol, Monique G G; Mumby, Peter J

2012-01-01

No-take marine fishery reserves sustain commercial stocks by acting as buffers against overexploitation and enhancing fishery catches in adjacent areas through spillover. Likewise, nursery habitats such as mangroves enhance populations of some species in adjacent habitats. However, there is lack of understanding of the magnitude of stock enhancement and the effects on community structure when both protection from fishing and access to nurseries concurrently act as drivers of fish population dynamics. In this study we test the separate as well as interactive effects of marine reserves and nursery habitat proximity on structure and abundance of coral reef fish communities. Reserves had no effect on fish community composition, while proximity to nursery habitat only had a significant effect on community structure of species that use mangroves or seagrass beds as nurseries. In terms of reef fish biomass, proximity to nursery habitat by far outweighed (biomass 249% higher than that in areas with no nursery access) the effects of protection from fishing in reserves (biomass 21% lower than non-reserve areas) for small nursery fish (≤ 25 cm total length). For large-bodied individuals of nursery species (>25 cm total length), an additive effect was present for these two factors, although fish benefited more from fishing protection (203% higher biomass) than from proximity to nurseries (139% higher). The magnitude of elevated biomass for small fish on coral reefs due to proximity to nurseries was such that nursery habitats seem able to overrule the usually positive effects on fish biomass by reef reserves. As a result, conservation of nursery habitats gains importance and more consideration should be given to the ecological processes that occur along nursery-reef boundaries that connect neighboring ecosystems.

Effects of Marine Reserves versus Nursery Habitat Availability on Structure of Reef Fish Communities

PubMed Central

Nagelkerken, Ivan; Grol, Monique G. G.; Mumby, Peter J.

2012-01-01

No-take marine fishery reserves sustain commercial stocks by acting as buffers against overexploitation and enhancing fishery catches in adjacent areas through spillover. Likewise, nursery habitats such as mangroves enhance populations of some species in adjacent habitats. However, there is lack of understanding of the magnitude of stock enhancement and the effects on community structure when both protection from fishing and access to nurseries concurrently act as drivers of fish population dynamics. In this study we test the separate as well as interactive effects of marine reserves and nursery habitat proximity on structure and abundance of coral reef fish communities. Reserves had no effect on fish community composition, while proximity to nursery habitat only had a significant effect on community structure of species that use mangroves or seagrass beds as nurseries. In terms of reef fish biomass, proximity to nursery habitat by far outweighed (biomass 249% higher than that in areas with no nursery access) the effects of protection from fishing in reserves (biomass 21% lower than non-reserve areas) for small nursery fish (≤25 cm total length). For large-bodied individuals of nursery species (>25 cm total length), an additive effect was present for these two factors, although fish benefited more from fishing protection (203% higher biomass) than from proximity to nurseries (139% higher). The magnitude of elevated biomass for small fish on coral reefs due to proximity to nurseries was such that nursery habitats seem able to overrule the usually positive effects on fish biomass by reef reserves. As a result, conservation of nursery habitats gains importance and more consideration should be given to the ecological processes that occur along nursery-reef boundaries that connect neighboring ecosystems. PMID:22675474

[Effects of field border length for irrigation on the water consumption characteristics and grain yield of wheat].

PubMed

Ma, Shang-Yu; Yu, Zhen-Wen; Wang, Dong; Zhang, Yong-Li; Shi, Yu

2012-09-01

In the wheat growth seasons of 2009 -2010 and 2010-2011, six border lengths of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 m were installed in a wheat field to study the effects of different border lengths for irrigation on the water consumption characteristics and grain yield of wheat. The results showed that with the increasing border length from 10 to 80 m, the irrigation amount and the proportion of irrigation amount to total water consumption amount, the water content in 0-200 cm soil layers and the soil water supply capacity at anthesis stage, as well as the wheat grain yield and water use efficiency increased, while the soil water consumption amount and the water consumption amount of wheat from jointing to anthesis stages as well as the total water consumption amount decreased. At the border length of <80 m, the irrigation amount was smaller, and the water content in upper soil layers was lower, as compared with those at the border length of 80 m, which led to the wheat to absorb more water from deeper soil layers, and thus, the total water consumption increased. At the border length of 100 m, the irrigation amount, soil water consumption amount, and total water consumption amount all increased, and, due to the excessive irrigation amount and the uneven distribution of irrigation water when irrigated once, the 1000-grain mass, grain yield, and water use efficiency decreased significantly, which was not conductive to the water-saving and high-yield cultivation.

Relationship between the surrogate anthropometric measures, foot length and chest circumference and birth weight among newborns of Sarlahi, Nepal.

PubMed

Mullany, L C; Darmstadt, G L; Khatry, S K; Leclerq, S C; Tielsch, J M

2007-01-01

Classification of infants into low birth weight (LBW, <2500 g) or very low birth weight (VLBW, <2000 g) categories is a crucial step in targeting interventions to high-risk infants. To compare the validity of chest circumference and foot length as surrogate anthropometric measures for the identification of LBW and VLBW infants. Newborn infants (n=1640) born between March and June 2004 in 30 Village Development Committees of Sarlahi district, Nepal. Chest circumference, foot length and weight (SECA 727, precise to 2 g) of newborns were measured within 72 h after birth. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for a range of cutoff points of the anthropometric measures were estimated using the digital scale measurements as the gold standard. Among LBW infants (469/1640, 28.6%), chest circumference measures <30.3 cm were 91% sensitive and 83% specific. Similar levels of sensitivity for foot length were achieved only with considerable loss of specificity (<45%). Foot length measurements <6.9 cm were 88% sensitive and 86% specific for the identification of VLBW infants. Chest circumference was superior to foot length in classification of infants into birth weight categories. For the identification of VLBW infants, foot length performed well, and may be preferable to chest circumference, as the former measure does not require removal of infant swaddling clothes. In the absence of more precise direct measures of birth weight, chest circumference is recommended over foot length for the identification of LBW infants.

ELECTRICAL AEROSOL DETECTOR (EAD) MEASUREMENTS AT THE ST. LOUIS SUPERSITE

EPA Science Inventory

The Model 3070A Electrical Aerosol Detector (EAD) measures a unique aerosol parameter called total aerosol length. Reported as mm/cm3, aerosol length can be thought of as a number concentration times average diameter, or simply as d1 weighting. This measurement falls between nu...

Trough Coating Solar Cells Without Spillover

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heaps, J. D.

1986-01-01

Problem with trough coating of silicon on ceramic - spillover of molten silicon - overcome by combination of redesigned heaters and tiltable trough. Modifications make it possible to coat virtually any length of ceramic with film of solar-cell-grade silicon. Previously, maximum length coated before spillover occurred was 2 inches (5.1 cm).

[Growth assessment of children with neonatal short bowel syndrome (SBS)].

PubMed

Dalieri, M; Fabeiro, M; Prozzi, M; Barcellandi, P; Martínez, M; Galarraga, M; Fernández, A

2007-01-01

SBS is a complex entity with high morbimortality. Survival following extent intestinal resection during the neonatal period is higher than 90%. Nutritional support is paramount during the periods of high growth. To assess growth of children with neonatal SBS neonatal having received during the first two years of life. A retrospective study was done on patients assisted at the Nutrition Department of the Children's Hospital of La Plata. The following parameters were gathered: gestational age (GA), diagnosis, length of the remnant bowel, liver impairment, duration of PN and EN, and socio-economical profile of the patients. Growth assessment was done by: weight (W), height (H) at two years (Control I), and at the last follow-up visit done at the Department (Control II), using the NCHS tables. Weight and height were expressed as the Z score (Z) and the percentage of W/H, and were related to need of long-term NS. Patients were categorized into three groups according to NS requirement at the time of Control II: PN-dependent, EN-dependent, and those not requiring nutritional support (WOS). Eighteen patients were included. Length of the remnant bowel was: 45 cm. (r 10-80 cm.), length was < 40 cm in 11 pts. (61%) (massive resection). The ileocecal valve was resected in 9 pts. (50%) and 3 pts. (16 %) required partial colon resection and 2 pts. (11%) total resection. Mean Z scores for W/A, H/A, %W/H, Z W/H yielded values < -2 SD, and the percentage of W/H appropriateness was > 90% in both controls. Twenty seven percent of the patients at two years of age, and 33% at the last control showed height < -2 SD. Two patients (11%) died while on PN from liver failure, both with 10 cm of remnant bowel and without VIC. At Control II, 4 patients (22%) remained PN-dependent. Mean length of the remnant bowel in this group was 33 cm (r: 17-50) and mean follow-up duration with PN was 2176 days (r: 750-4380). Six patients (33%) remained EN-dependent at Control II, with a mean intestinal length of 41 cm (r: 20-75) and 2 out of 6 pts. did not have VIC. This group of patients required PN as the initial therapy with a mean duration of 629 days. Follow-up time while on EN was 627 days (r: 210-3010). Six patients (33%) achieved nutritional support independence (WOS) with a mean intestinal length of 60 cm (r: 27-80) after a mean duration of NS of 791 days, being assisted with dietary recommendations and vitamins and minerals supplementation. The group showing the greatest growth impairment was the EN-dependent group since we consider that early withdrawal of PN was decided based on inappropriate socio-environmental conditions. According to the present study, we conclude that is may be possible to achieve a normal growth in children with neonatal SBS under nutritional support and that complications related to this nutritional therapy or difficulties for adequately implementing it at home may affect the final height.

The influence of water resistance therapy on vocal fold vibration: a high-speed digital imaging study.

PubMed

Guzman, Marco; Laukkanen, Anne-Maria; Traser, Louisa; Geneid, Ahmed; Richter, Bernhard; Muñoz, Daniel; Echternach, Matthias

2017-10-01

This study investigated the influence of tube phonation into water on vocal fold vibration. Eight participants were analyzed via high-speed digital imaging while phonating into a silicon tube with the free end submerged into water. Two test sequences were studied: (1) phonation pre, during, and post tube submerged 5 cm into water; and (2) phonation into tube submerged 5 cm, 10 cm, and 18 cm into water. Several glottal area parameters were calculated using phonovibrograms. The results showed individual differences. However, certain trends were possible to identify based on similar results found for the majority of participants. Amplitude-to-length ratio, harmonic-to-noise ratio, and spectral flatness (derived from glottal area) decreased for all tube immersion depths, while glottal closing quotient increased for 10 cm immersion and contact quotient for 18 cm immersion. Closed quotient decreased during phonation into the tube at 5 cm depth, and jitter decreased during and after it. Results suggest that the depth of tube submersion appears to have an effect on phonation. Shallow immersion seems to promote smoother and more stable phonation, while deeper immersion may involve increased respiratory and glottal effort to compensate for the increased supraglottal resistance. This disparity, which is dependent upon the degree of flow resistance, should be considered when choosing treatment exercises for patients with various diagnoses, namely hyperfunctional or hypofunctional dysphonia.

An Experimental Study of Upward Burning Over Long Solid Fuels: Facility Development and Comparison

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kleinhenz, Julie; Yuan, Zeng-Guang

2011-01-01

As NASA's mission evolves, new spacecraft and habitat environments necessitate expanded study of materials flammability. Most of the upward burning tests to date, including the NASA standard material screening method NASA-STD-6001, have been conducted in small chambers where the flame often terminates before a steady state flame is established. In real environments, the same limitations may not be present. The use of long fuel samples would allow the flames to proceed in an unhindered manner. In order to explore sample size and chamber size effects, two large chambers were developed at NASA GRC under the Flame Prevention, Detection and Suppression (FPDS) project. The first was an existing vacuum facility, VF-13, located at NASA John Glenn Research Center. This 6350 liter chamber could accommodate fuels sample lengths up to 2 m. However, operational costs and restricted accessibility limited the test program, so a second laboratory scale facility was developed in parallel. By stacking additional two chambers on top of an existing combustion chamber facility, this 81 liter Stacked-chamber facility could accommodate a 1.5 m sample length. The larger volume, more ideal environment of VF-13 was used to obtain baseline data for comparison with the stacked chamber facility. In this way, the stacked chamber facility was intended for long term testing, with VF-13 as the proving ground. Four different solid fuels (adding machine paper, poster paper, PMMA plates, and Nomex fabric) were tested with fuel sample lengths up to 2 m. For thin samples (papers) with widths up to 5 cm, the flame reached a steady state length, which demonstrates that flame length may be stabilized even when the edge effects are reduced. For the thick PMMA plates, flames reached lengths up to 70 cm but were highly energetic and restricted by oxygen depletion. Tests with the Nomex fabric confirmed that the cyclic flame phenomena, observed in small facility tests, continued over longer sample. New features were also observed at the higher oxygen/pressure conditions available in the large chamber. Comparison of flame behavior between the two facilities under identical conditions revealed disparities, both qualitative and quantitative. This suggests that, in certain ranges of controlling parameters, chamber size and shape could be one of the parameters that affect the material flammability. If this proves to be true, it may limit the applicability of existing flammability data.

Opposed-flow Flame Spread Over Solid Fuels in Microgravity: the Effect of Confined Spaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shuangfeng; Hu, Jun; Xiao, Yuan; Ren, Tan; Zhu, Feng

2015-09-01

Effects of confined spaces on flame spread over thin solid fuels in a low-speed opposing flow is investigated by combined use of microgravity experiments and computations. The flame behaviors are observed to depend strongly on the height of the flow tunnel. In particular, a non-monotonic trend of flame spread rate versus tunnel height is found, with the fastest flame occurring in the 3 cm high tunnel. The flame length and the total heat release rate from the flame also change with tunnel height, and a faster flame has a larger length and a higher heat release rate. The computation analyses indicate that a confined space modifies the flow around the spreading flame. The confinement restricts the thermal expansion and accelerates the flow in the streamwise direction. Above the flame, the flow deflects back from the tunnel wall. This inward flow pushes the flame towards the fuel surface, and increases oxygen transport into the flame. Such a flow modification explains the variations of flame spread rate and flame length with tunnel height. The present results suggest that the confinement effects on flame behavior in microgravity should be accounted to assess accurately the spacecraft fire hazard.

A national survey of Chinese medicine doctors and clinical practice guidelines in China.

PubMed

Liu, Mengyu; Zhang, Chi; Zha, Qinglin; Yang, Wei; Yuwen, Ya; Zhong, Linda; Bian, Zhaoxiang; Han, Xuejie; Lu, Aiping

2017-09-06

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for Chinese medicine (CM) are being developed to assist doctors with appropriate decisions concerning CM care. To date, there has been little investigation on the perspectives of those to whom the guidelines are directed. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to 4503 doctors in 28 provinces of China in the latter half of 2012. Questions were organized around the topics of knowledge, application, practice changes, beliefs and outcomes of implementation. Basic classificatory data on specialties and years of qualification were also collected. Replies were received from 4495 CM doctors (99.82%). Of these, 85.56% of CM doctors reported being familiar with CPG recommendations, but the overall adherence rate was only 50.39%. The length of time practicing CM may influence the rate of adherence, since 709 doctors (51.90%) with less than 5 years of experience reported never having followed CPGs. Doctors in nine specialties showed a modest degree of homogeneity in their attitudes towards CM diagnosis and treatment, which were generally positive. Most doctors regarded CPG-recommended therapies as safe (92%), economic (84%), and effective (76%). Approximately four-fifths of those questioned selected 'acceptable' (60.84%) and 'acceptable after revision' (19.23%) regarding their comprehensive assessment of the CPGs. An encouraging result from this survey is that the majority of CM doctors support the concept of CPGs for the practice of CM. However, the results of this survey also suggest that improving the adherence of CM doctors to the guidelines remains a major challenge to improving the practice standards for CM.

Spontaneous ignition temperature limits of jet A fuel in research-combustor segment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ingebo, R. D.

1974-01-01

The effects of inlet-air pressure and reference velocity on the spontaneous-ignition temperature limits of Jet A fuel were determined in a combustor segment with a primary-zone length of 0.076 m (3 in.). At a constant reference velocity of 21.4 m/sec (170 ft/sec), increasing the inlet-air pressure from 21 to 207 N/sq cm decreased the spontaneous-ignition temperature limit from approximately 700 to 555 K. At a constant inlet-air pressure of 41 N/sq cm, increasing the reference velocity from 12.2 to 30.5 m/sec increased the spontaneous-ignition temperature limit from approximately 575 to 800 K. Results are compared with other data in the literature.

To what extent is coherence lost in tissue?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hode, Tomas; Jenkins, Peter; Jordison, Stefan; Hode, Lars

2011-03-01

In a series of experiments we investigated the extent to which coherence is preserved in tissue. We investigated whether the decrease in coherence length is dependent upon the coherence length of the illuminating light and possibly also if the light is polarized. We compared highly coherent light from a HeNe laser, and less coherent light from a semiconductor laser, in scattering media such as raw ground beef. We studied the laser speckle contrast after passing through 1 - 2 cm of meat. The conclusion is that the laser light is still coherent enough to form laser speckles after passing through a 2 cm thickness of meat.

Cavity ring-down spectroscopy in the liquid phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Shucheng; Sha, Guohe; Xie, Jinchun

2002-02-01

A new application for cavity ring-down spectroscopic (CRDS) technique using a pulsed polarized light source has been developed in the absorption measurement of liquids for "colorless" organic compounds using both a single sample cell and double sample cells inserted in an optical cavity at Brewster angle. At present an experimental capability of measuring absorption coefficients as small as 2-5×10-7 cm-1 has been demonstrated by measurement of the absorption baselines. The first spectra for CRDS in the liquid phase, the C-H stretching fifth vibrational overtones of benzene in the pure liquid and hexane solution are obtained. The optical absorption length for liquids in both a single sample cell and double sample cells of 1 cm length is up to 900 cm due to multipass of light within an optical cavity. Compared to the thermal lens and optoacoustic spectroscopic techniques, the sensitivity for CRDS mainly depends on the optical absorption path of the sample (single passing path of the sample times multipass times), is not determined by the laser power and the length of the sample cell. The absolute absorption coefficient and band intensity for the sample are determined directly by the spectroscopy.

Relative dosimetrical verification in high dose rate brachytherapy using two-dimensional detector array IMatriXX

PubMed Central

Manikandan, A.; Biplab, Sarkar; David, Perianayagam A.; Holla, R.; Vivek, T. R.; Sujatha, N.

2011-01-01

For high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, independent treatment verification is needed to ensure that the treatment is performed as per prescription. This study demonstrates dosimetric quality assurance of the HDR brachytherapy using a commercially available two-dimensional ion chamber array called IMatriXX, which has a detector separation of 0.7619 cm. The reference isodose length, step size, and source dwell positional accuracy were verified. A total of 24 dwell positions, which were verified for positional accuracy gave a total error (systematic and random) of –0.45 mm, with a standard deviation of 1.01 mm and maximum error of 1.8 mm. Using a step size of 5 mm, reference isodose length (the length of 100% isodose line) was verified for single and multiple catheters of same and different source loadings. An error ≤1 mm was measured in 57% of tests analyzed. Step size verification for 2, 3, 4, and 5 cm was performed and 70% of the step size errors were below 1 mm, with maximum of 1.2 mm. The step size ≤1 cm could not be verified by the IMatriXX as it could not resolve the peaks in dose profile. PMID:21897562

Near infrared cavity enhanced absorption spectra of atmospherically relevant ether-1, 4-Dioxane.

PubMed

Chandran, Satheesh; Varma, Ravi

2016-01-15

1, 4-Dioxane (DX) is a commonly found ether in industrially polluted atmosphere. The near infrared absorption spectra of this compound has been recorded in the region 5900-8230 cm(-1) with a resolution of 0.08 cm(-1) using a novel Fourier transform incoherent broadband cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometer (FT-IBBCEAS). All recorded spectra were found to contain regions that are only weakly perturbed. The possible combinations of fundamental modes and their overtone bands corresponding to selected regions in the measured spectra are tabulated. Two interesting spectral regions were identified as 5900-6400 cm(-1) and 8100-8230 cm(-1). No significant spectral interference due to presence of water vapor was observed suggesting the suitability of these spectral signatures for spectroscopic in situ detection of DX. The technique employed here is much more sensitive than standard Fourier transform spectrometer measurements on account of long effective path length achieved. Hence significant enhancement of weaker absorption lines above the noise level was observed as demonstrated by comparison with an available measurement from database. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Techniques For Measuring Absorption Coefficients In Crystalline Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klein, Philipp H.

1981-10-01

Absorption coefficients smaller than 0.001 cm-1 can, with more or less difficulty, be measured by several techniques. With diligence, all methods can be refined to permit measurement of absorption coefficients as small as 0.00001 cm-1. Spectral data are most readily obtained by transmission (spectrophotometric) methods, using multiple internal reflection to increase effective sample length. Emissivity measurements, requiring extreme care in the elimination of detector noise and stray light, nevertheless afford the most accessible spectral data in the 0.0001 to 0.00001 cm-1 range. Single-wavelength informa-tion is most readily obtained with modifications of laser calorimetry. Thermo-couple detection of energy absorbed from a laser beam is convenient, but involves dc amplification techniques and is susceptible to stray-light problems. Photoacoustic detection, using ac methods, tends to diminish errors of these types, but at some expense in experimental complexity. Laser calorimetry has been used for measurements of absorption coefficients as small as 0.000003 cm-1. Both transmission and calorimetric data, taken as functions of intensity, have been used for measurement of nonlinear absorption coefficients.

Genetic Parameters And Selection Response For Yield Traits In Bread Wheat Under Irrigated And Rainfed Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalil, Iftikhar Hussain; at-ur-Rahman, Hiday; Khan, Imran

2008-01-01

A set of 22 F5:7 experimental wheat lines along with four check cultivars (Dera-98, Fakhr-e-Sarhad, Ghaznavi-98 and Tatara) were evaluated as independent experiments under irrigated and rainfed environments using a randomized complete block design at NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar during 2004-05. The two environments were statistically different for days to heading and spike length only. Highly significant genetic variability existed among the wheat lines (P<0.01) in the combined analysis across environments for all traits. Genotype×environment interactions were non-significant for all traits except 1000-grain weight indicating consistent performance of wheat genotypes across the two environments. Wheat lines and check cultivars were 2 to 5 days early in heading under rainfed environment compared to the irrigated. Plant height, spike length, 1000-grain weight, biological and grain yields were generally reduced under rainfed environment. Genetic variances were of greater magnitude than environmental variances for most of the traits in both environments. The heritability estimates were of higher magnitude (0.74 to 0.96) for days to heading, plant height, spike length, biological and grain yield, while medium (0.31 to 0.51) for 1000-grain weight. Selection differentials were negative for heading (-7.3 days in irrigated vs -9.4 days in rainfed) and plant height (-9.0 cm in irrigated vs -8.7 cm in rainfed) indicating possibility of selecting wheat genotypes with early heading and short plant stature. Positive selection differentials of 1.3 vs 1.6 cm for spike length, 3.8 vs 3.4 g for 1000-grain weight, 2488.2 vs 3139.7 kg ha-1 for biological yield and 691.6 vs 565.4 kg ha-1 for grain yield at 20% selection intensity were observed under irrigated and rainfed environments, respectively. Expected selection responses were 7.98 vs 8.91 days for heading, 8.20 vs 9.52 cm for plant height, 1.01 vs 1.61 cm for spike length, 2.12 vs 1.15 g for 1000-grain weight, 1655.8 vs 2317.2 kg ha-1 for biological yield and 691.6 vs 565.4 kg ha-1 for grain yield under the two test environments, respectively. The differential heritability and selection responses for yield and related traits suggest the simultaneous evaluation and selection of wheat lines under the two environments.

[Efficacy of compression knee-high socks ULCER X in treatment of venous-genesis trophic ulcers].

PubMed

Bogdanets, L I; Bogachev, V Iu; Lobanov, V N; Smirnova, E S

2013-01-01

The study was aimed at comparatively assessing the efficacy of treatment for venous trophic ulcers at stages II-III of the wound process using special compression knee-length socks of the ULCER X kit (Sigvaris AG, St. Gallen, Switzerland) and long-stretch bandages Lauma. Compression therapy was included into the programme of outpatient treatment of forty 31-to-74-year-old patients presenting with trophic ulcers (stage II-III of the wound process) with an average area of 5,36±1,1 cm2. The Study Group consisting of 20 patients used compression knitted fabrics in the form of knee-length socks ULCER X and the comparison group (n=20) used long-stretch bandages Lauma. The obtained findings (6 months) demonstrated that using compression therapy exerted a positive effect on the process of healing of venous trophic ulcers, also proving advantages of compression therapy with the knee-length socks ULCER X that create an adequate level of pressure on the crus and maintain it in long-term daily use, reliably accelerating the healing of venous trophic ulcers as compared with elastic long-stretch bandages. The use of long-stretch elastic bandages in treatment of venous trophic ulcers turned out to be not only ineffective but fraught with a possibility of the development of various complications. During 6 months of follow up the patients using the special knee-length socks ULCER X were found to have 80 % of ulcers healed (16 patients), mainly within the first 2 months, whereas using elastic bandages resulted in only 30 % of healing (6 patients) by the end of the study. Along with it, we documented a considerable decrease in the malleolar circumference in the study group patients (from 30,05±0,78 to 28,35±0,86 cm) and in the control group from 31,2±30,35 to 30,25±0,75 cm), accompanied and followed by more than a two-fold increase in quality of life of the patients along all the parameters in the study group and a 1.4-fold increase in the control group patients.

Estimating age from recapture data: integrating incremental growth measures with ancillary data to infer age-at-length

USGS Publications Warehouse

Eaton, Mitchell J.; Link, William A.

2011-01-01

Estimating the age of individuals in wild populations can be of fundamental importance for answering ecological questions, modeling population demographics, and managing exploited or threatened species. Significant effort has been devoted to determining age through the use of growth annuli, secondary physical characteristics related to age, and growth models. Many species, however, either do not exhibit physical characteristics useful for independent age validation or are too rare to justify sacrificing a large number of individuals to establish the relationship between size and age. Length-at-age models are well represented in the fisheries and other wildlife management literature. Many of these models overlook variation in growth rates of individuals and consider growth parameters as population parameters. More recent models have taken advantage of hierarchical structuring of parameters and Bayesian inference methods to allow for variation among individuals as functions of environmental covariates or individual-specific random effects. Here, we describe hierarchical models in which growth curves vary as individual-specific stochastic processes, and we show how these models can be fit using capture–recapture data for animals of unknown age along with data for animals of known age. We combine these independent data sources in a Bayesian analysis, distinguishing natural variation (among and within individuals) from measurement error. We illustrate using data for African dwarf crocodiles, comparing von Bertalanffy and logistic growth models. The analysis provides the means of predicting crocodile age, given a single measurement of head length. The von Bertalanffy was much better supported than the logistic growth model and predicted that dwarf crocodiles grow from 19.4 cm total length at birth to 32.9 cm in the first year and 45.3 cm by the end of their second year. Based on the minimum size of females observed with hatchlings, reproductive maturity was estimated to be at nine years. These size benchmarks are believed to represent thresholds for important demographic parameters; improved estimates of age, therefore, will increase the precision of population projection models. The modeling approach that we present can be applied to other species and offers significant advantages when multiple sources of data are available and traditional aging techniques are not practical.

Micropillar Compression Technique Applied to Micron-Scale Mudstone Elasto-Plastic Deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dewers, T. A.; Boyce, B.; Buchheit, T.; Heath, J. E.; Chidsey, T.; Michael, J.

2010-12-01

Mudstone mechanical testing is often limited by poor core recovery and sample size, preservation and preparation issues, which can lead to sampling bias, damage, and time-dependent effects. A micropillar compression technique, originally developed by Uchic et al. 2004, here is applied to elasto-plastic deformation of small volumes of mudstone, in the range of cubic microns. This study examines behavior of the Gothic shale, the basal unit of the Ismay zone of the Pennsylvanian Paradox Formation and potential shale gas play in southeastern Utah, USA. Precision manufacture of micropillars 5 microns in diameter and 10 microns in length are prepared using an ion-milling method. Characterization of samples is carried out using: dual focused ion - scanning electron beam imaging of nano-scaled pores and distribution of matrix clay and quartz, as well as pore-filling organics; laser scanning confocal (LSCM) 3D imaging of natural fractures; and gas permeability, among other techniques. Compression testing of micropillars under load control is performed using two different nanoindenter techniques. Deformation of 0.5 cm in diameter by 1 cm in length cores is carried out and visualized by a microscope loading stage and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Axisymmetric multistage compression testing and multi-stress path testing is carried out using 2.54 cm plugs. Discussion of results addresses size of representative elementary volumes applicable to continuum-scale mudstone deformation, anisotropy, and size-scale plasticity effects. Other issues include fabrication-induced damage, alignment, and influence of substrate. This work is funded by the US Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences. Sandia is a multiprogram laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company, for the United States Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Properties of coronal arches

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, J. M.; Krieger, A. S.

1982-01-01

The properties of coronal arches located on the peripheries of active regions, observed during a sounding rocket flight on March 8, 1973, are discussed. The arches are found to overlie filament channels and their footpoints are traced on locations on the perimeters of supergranulation cells. The arches have a wide range of lengths although their widths are well approximated by the value 2.2 x 10 to the 9th cm. Comparison of the size of the chromospheric footprint with the arc width indicates that arches do not always expand as they ascend into the corona. The electron temperatures and densities of the plasma contained in the arches were measured and the pressure calculated; typical values are 2-million K, 1 x 10 to the 9th/cu cm, and 0.2 dyne/sq cm, respectively. The variation of these parameters with position along the length of the arch indicates that the arches are not in hydrostatic equilibrium.

Fabrication of Bi2223 bulks with high critical current properties sintered in Ag tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Yasuaki; Shimoyama, Jun-ichi; Motoki, Takanori; Kishio, Kohji; Nakashima, Takayoshi; Kagiyama, Tomohiro; Kobayashi, Shin-ichi; Hayashi, Kazuhiko

2017-03-01

Randomly grain oriented Bi2223 sintered bulks are one of the representative superconducting materials having weak-link problem due to very short coherence length particularly along the c-axis, resulting in poor intergrain Jc properties. In our previous studies, sintering and/or post-annealing under moderately reducing atmospheres were found to be effective for improving grain coupling in Bi2223 sintered bulks. Further optimizations of the synthesis process for Bi2223 sintered bulks were attempted in the present study to enhance their intergrain Jc. Effects of applied pressure of uniaxial pressing and sintering conditions on microstructure and superconducting properties have been systematically investigated. The best sample showed intergrain Jc of 2.0 kA cm-2 at 77 K and 8.2 kA cm-2 at 20 K, while its relative density was low ∼65%. These values are quite high as for a randomly oriented sintered bulk of cuprate superconductors.

Experimental Observation of Near-Field Deterioration Induced by Stimulated Rotational Raman Scattering in Long Air Paths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jing; Zhang, Xiao-Min; Han, Wei; Li, Fu-Quan; Zhou, Li-Dan; Feng, Bin; Xiang, Yong

2011-08-01

We report the experimental investigation of a stimulated rotational Raman scattering effect in long air paths on SG-III TIL, with a 1053 nm, 20-cm-diameter, linearly polarized, 3 ns flat-topped laser pulse. An intense speckle pattern of near field with thickly dotted hot spots is observed at the end of propagation with an intensity-length product above 17TW/cm. The Stokes developing from the scattering of the laser beam by quantum fluctuations is characterized by a combination of high spatial frequency components. The observed speckle pattern with small-diameter hot spots results from the combination of the nonlinear Raman amplification and the linear diffraction propagation effect of the Stokes with a noise pattern arising from the spontaneous Raman scattering. A new promising suppression concept based on the special characteristic of the Stokes, called active and selective filtering of Stokes, is proposed.

The Effect of Antenna Position Errors on Redundant-Baseline Calibration of HERA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orosz, Naomi; Dillon, Joshua; Ewall-Wice, Aaron; Parsons, Aaron; HERA Collaboration

2018-01-01

HERA (the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array) is a large, highly-redundant radio interferometer in South Africa currently being built out to 350 14-m dishes. Its mission is to probe large scale structure during and prior to the epoch of reionization using the 21 cm hyperfine transition of neutral hydrogen. The array is designed to be calibrated using redundant baselines of known lengths. However, the dishes can deviate from ideal positions, with errors on the order of a few centimeters. This potentially increases foreground contamination of the 21 cm power spectrum in the cleanest part of Fourier space. The calibration algorithm treats groups of baselines that should be redundant, but are not due to position errors, as if they actually are. Accurate, precise calibration is critical because the foreground signals are 100,000 times stronger than the reionization signal. We explain the origin of this effect and discuss weighting strategies to mitigate it.

Production and Purification of Bioethanol from Molasses and Cassava

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maryana, Roni; Wahono, Satriyo Krido

2009-09-01

This research aim to analysis bioethanol purification process. Bioethanol from cassava has been produced in previous research and the ethanol from molasses was taken from Bekonang region. The production of bioethanol from cassava was carried out through several processes such as homogenization, adding of α-amylase, β-amylase and yeast (Saccharomyces c). Two types of laboratory scale distillator have been used, the first type is 50 cm length and 4 cm diameter. The second type distillator is 30 cm length and 9 cm diameter. Both types have been used to distill bioethanol The initial concentration after the fermentation process is 15% for bioethanol from cassava and 20-30% ethanol from molasses. The results of first type distillator are 90% of bioethanol at 50° C and yield 2.5%; 70% of bioethanol at 60° C and yield 11.2%. 32% of bioethanol at 70° C and yield 42%. Meanwhile the second distillator results are 84% of bioethanol at 50° C with yield 12%; 51% of bioethanol at 60° C with yield 35.5%; 20% of bioethanol at 70° C with yield 78.8%; 16% of bioethanol at 80° C with yield 81.6%. The ethanol from molasses has been distillated once times in Bekonang after the fermentation process, the yield was about 20%. In this research first type distillator and the initial concentration is 20% has been used. The results are 95% of bioethanol at 75° C with yield 8%; 94% of bioethanol at 85° C with yield 13% when vacuum pump was used. And 94% of bioethanol at 90° C with yield 3.7% and 94% of bioethanol at 96° C with yield 10.27% without vacuum pump. The bioethanol purification use second type distillator more effective than first type distillator.