Photo-anthropometric study on face among Garo adult females of Bangladesh.

PubMed

Akhter, Z; Banu, M L A; Alam, M M; Hossain, S; Nazneen, M

2013-08-01

Facial anthropometry has well-known implications in health-related fields. Measurement of human face is used in identification of person in Forensic medicine, Plastic surgery, Orthodontics, Archeology, Hair-style design and examination of the differences between races and ethnicities. Facial anthropometry provides an indication of the variations in facial shape in a specified population. Bangladesh harbours many cultures and people of different races because of the colonial rules of the past regimes. Standards based on ethnic or racial data are desirable because these standards reflect the potentially different patterns of craniofacial growth resulting from racial, ethnic and sexual differences. In the above context, the present study was attempted to establish ethnic specific anthropometric data for the Christian Garo adult females of Bangladesh. The study was an observational, cross-sectional and primarily descriptive in nature with some analytical components and it was carried out with a total number of 100 Christian Garo adult females aged between 25-45 years. Three vertical facial dimensions such as facial height from 'trichion' to 'gnathion', nasal length and total vermilion height were measured by photographic method. Though these measurements were taken by photographic method but they were converted into actual size using one of the physically measured variables between two angles of the mouth (chilion to chilion). The data were then statistically analyzed by computation to find out its normatic value. The study also observed the possible 'correlation' between the facial height from 'trichion' to 'gnathion' with nasal length and total vermilion height. Multiplication factors were estimated for estimating facial height from nasal length and total vermilion height. Comparison were made between 'estimated' values with the 'measured' values by using't' test. The mean (+/- SD) of nasal length and total vermilion height were 4.53 +/- 0.36 cm and 1.63 +/- 0.23 cm respectively and the mean (+/- SD) of facial height from 'trichion' to 'gnathion' was 16.88 +/- 1.11 cm. Nasal length and total vermilion height showed also a significant positive correlation with facial height from 'trichion' to 'gnathion'. No significant difference was found between the 'measured' and 'estimated' facial height from 'trichion' to 'gnathion' for nasal length and total vermilion height.

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...

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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...

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.

Maize varieties released in different eras have similar root length density distributions in the soil, which are negatively correlated with local concentrations of soil mineral nitrogen.

PubMed

Ning, Peng; Li, Sa; White, Philip J; Li, Chunjian

2015-01-01

Larger, and deeper, root systems of new maize varieties, compared to older varieties, are thought to have enabled improved acquisition of soil resources and, consequently, greater grain yields. To compare the spatial distributions of the root systems of new and old maize varieties and their relationships with spatial variations in soil concentrations of available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), two years of field experiments were performed using six Chinese maize varieties released in different eras. Vertical distributions of roots, and available N, P and K in the 0-60 cm soil profile were determined in excavated soil monoliths at silking and maturity. The results demonstrated that new maize varieties had larger root dry weight, higher grain yield and greater nutrient accumulation than older varieties. All varieties had similar total root length and vertical root distribution at silking, but newer varieties maintained greater total root length and had more roots in the 30-60 cm soil layers at maturity. The spatial variation of soil mineral N (Nmin) in each soil horizon was larger than that of Olsen-P and ammonium-acetate-extractable K, and was inversely correlated with root length density (RLD), especially in the 0-20 cm soil layer. It was concluded that greater acquisition of mineral nutrients and higher yields of newer varieties were associated with greater total root length at maturity. The negative relationship between RLD and soil Nmin at harvest for all varieties suggests the importance of the spatial distribution of the root system for N uptake by maize.

Maize Varieties Released in Different Eras Have Similar Root Length Density Distributions in the Soil, Which Are Negatively Correlated with Local Concentrations of Soil Mineral Nitrogen

PubMed Central

Ning, Peng; Li, Sa; White, Philip J.; Li, Chunjian

2015-01-01

Larger, and deeper, root systems of new maize varieties, compared to older varieties, are thought to have enabled improved acquisition of soil resources and, consequently, greater grain yields. To compare the spatial distributions of the root systems of new and old maize varieties and their relationships with spatial variations in soil concentrations of available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), two years of field experiments were performed using six Chinese maize varieties released in different eras. Vertical distributions of roots, and available N, P and K in the 0–60 cm soil profile were determined in excavated soil monoliths at silking and maturity. The results demonstrated that new maize varieties had larger root dry weight, higher grain yield and greater nutrient accumulation than older varieties. All varieties had similar total root length and vertical root distribution at silking, but newer varieties maintained greater total root length and had more roots in the 30–60 cm soil layers at maturity. The spatial variation of soil mineral N (Nmin) in each soil horizon was larger than that of Olsen-P and ammonium-acetate-extractable K, and was inversely correlated with root length density (RLD), especially in the 0–20 cm soil layer. It was concluded that greater acquisition of mineral nutrients and higher yields of newer varieties were associated with greater total root length at maturity. The negative relationship between RLD and soil Nmin at harvest for all varieties suggests the importance of the spatial distribution of the root system for N uptake by maize. PMID:25799291

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

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

Life history of the bathyal octopus Pteroctopus tetracirrhus (Mollusca, Cephalopoda) in the Mediterranean Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quetglas, Antoni; Ordines, Francesc; González, María; Franco, Ignacio

2009-08-01

The life cycle of the deep-sea octopus Pteroctopus tetracirrhus was studied from monthly samples obtained throughout the year in different areas of the western Mediterranean (mainly around the Balearic Islands and along the coast of the Iberian Peninsula). A total of 373 individuals (205 females, 168 males) were analyzed; females ranged from 4.5 to 14.0 cm mantle length (ML) and males from 4.5 to 11.5 cm ML. There were few small-sized octopuses (<7 cm ML) in the samples, which might indicate that these individuals inhabit rocky grounds that are not accessible to trawlers or waters deeper than the maximum depth sampled (800 m). The species occurred more frequently around the Balearic Islands than along the Iberian Peninsula as they appeared in 20% and 7%, respectively, of the hauls in these areas. The octopus inhabits the lower continental shelf and upper slope in both areas, primarily between 200 and 500 m depth. Modal lengths were followed from autumn, when recruits were caught by trawlers, to summer, when reproduction took place. Females grew from 8 to 10 cm ML from winter to spring, but this modal size did not increase further in summer; males grew from 7 to 9 cm ML from winter to spring. The total disappearance of large individuals after summer suggests a life cycle lasting a single year. The evolution of the monthly mean sizes showed that the growth was best described by log-linear functions in both sexes. The length at first maturity was clearly higher in females (12 cm ML) than in males (8 cm ML). A total of 30 different prey items, belonging to four major taxonomic groups (crustaceans, osteichthyes, cephalopods and gastropods), were identified in the stomach contents. The diet of the octopus was based on crustaceans and teleosts, which accounted for 75% and 23% of the prey items, respectively. Cephalopods and gastropods were accessory prey as they only represented 1.6% and 0.7%, respectively, of the total. The octopus showed a marked preference for the benthic fish Symphurus nigrescens and the endobenthic crustacean Alpheus glaber. The bathymetric distribution of P. tetracirrhus coincides with those of these two main prey, which suggests that the distribution of the octopus might be strongly linked to its trophic resources.

The risk of finding focal cancer (less than 3 mm) remains high on re-biopsy of patients with persistently increased prostate specific antigen but the clinical significance is questionable.

PubMed

Zackrisson, Bjørn; Aus, Gunnar; Bergdahl, Svante; Lilja, Hans; Lodding, Pär; Pihl, Carl-Gustav; Hugosson, Jonas

2004-04-01

We evaluated the significance of focal prostate cancer found in sextant biopsies in men participating in a biennial prostate specific antigen (PSA) based screening program. In 1995, 10000 men 50 to 65 years old were randomized to biennial screening with PSA testing. Sextant biopsies were recommended when total PSA was 3 ng/ml or greater at screening rounds 1 and 2, and 2.54 ng/ml or greater at subsequent screening rounds. Focal cancer was defined as total a core cancer length of less than 3 mm in the biopsy specimen. Low volume cancer was defined as a total tumor volume of less than 0.5 cm in the radical retropubic prostatectomy specimen. The number of men who underwent biopsy and the number of cancers detected in the 5 possible sets of biopsies were 1725 and 402, 706 and 124, 307 and 36, 103 and 9, and 13 and 0, respectively. The risk of detecting focal cancer was 7.9%, 10.2%, 7.5%, 5.8% and 0%, respectively, but the relative ratio (focal-to-all cancers) increased 34%, 58%, 64%, 67% and, not applicable, respectively. In men with a total core cancer length of less than 10 mm there was no correlation between core cancer length and total tumor volume, as measured in the prostatectomy specimen. Two-thirds of men with a total core cancer length of less than 3 mm had a tumor volume of greater than 0.5 cm, while the risk of low volume cancer was less than 5% only in men with a total core cancer length of greater than 10 mm. In a repeat PSA based screening program sextant biopsies are of little or no value for predicting tumor volume.

Components of height and blood pressure in childhood

PubMed Central

Regnault, Nolwenn; Kleinman, Ken P; Rifas-Shiman, Sheryl L; Langenberg, Claudia; Lipshultz, Steven E; Gillman, Matthew W

2014-01-01

Background In children being taller is associated with higher blood pressure (BP), but few studies have divided height into its components: trunk and leg length. We examined the associations of total height, trunk length and leg length with systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and pulse pressure (PP) at early childhood and mid-childhood visits, as well as change between the two visits. Methods We obtained five measures of SBP and DBP at the early childhood visit (N = 1153, follow-up rate = 54%) and at the mid-childhood visit (N = 1086, follow-up rate = 51%) respectively, in Project Viva, a US cohort study. We measured total height and sitting height (a measure of trunk length that includes head and neck) and calculated leg length as the difference between the two. Using mixed models, we adjusted the cross-sectional analyses for leg length when trunk length was the exposure of interest, and vice versa. We also adjusted for maternal race/ethnicity, child age, sex, overall adiposity and BP measurement conditions. Results At the mid-childhood visit, total height was positively associated with SBP [0.34 (0.24; 0.45) mmHg/cm] but not with DBP [0.07 (−0.003; 0.15)]. In models examining trunk and leg length separately, each was positively associated with SBP [0.72 (0.52; 0.92) and 0.33 (0.16; 0.49) respectively]. In a fully adjusted model with both leg and trunk length, only trunk length remained associated with BP. For a given leg length, a 1-cm increment in trunk length was associated with a 0.63-mmHg (0.42; 0.83) higher SBP and a 0.17-mmHg (0.02; 0.31) higher DBP. For a given trunk length, however, the associations of leg length with SBP [0.13 (−0.03; 0.30)] and with DBP [0.002 (−0.11; 0.12)] were null. These patterns were similar at the early childhood visit. Conclusions Children with greater trunk lengths have higher BPs, perhaps because of the additional pressure needed to overcome gravity to perfuse the brain. PMID:24413933

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.

[Reproductive biology of Lutjanus guttatus (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) in Utria National Park, Colombian Pacific].

PubMed

Correa-Herrera, Tatiana; Jiménez-Segura, Luz Fernanda

2013-06-01

Protected areas are important for natural population conservation since they work as refuge, feeding and breeding areas, where specimens should be exempt from human pressure. The generation of better criteria for management decisions and conservation of fishery resources, is based on the reproductive aspects of species that support fishing activities, since this information is related to the abundance, size and frequency of capture. With this aim, the reproductive biology of the spotted snapper Lutjanus guttatus was studied from April 2008 and February 2009 at the Utría National Park, Colombian Pacific. For this, we analyzed the volume of catch, size structure, sex ratio, fecundity, maturity size, breeding areas and seasons (n = 278), of daily landings of 21 units of artisanal fisheries in ten fishing grounds in the Park. Form all landings, we evaluated a total of 4319 individuals belonging to 84 species. Based on the number of individuals, Lutjanus guttatus ranked third in catches representing 6.4% (278 individuals), and 16th with 1.8% (95.79kg), based on catch biomass. The average weight was 0.34 kg +/- 0.25 kg, while 29 cm +/- 6.4 cm for total length. The total length-weight relationship had the best fit (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.05, n = 272) with the equation P(T) = 0.00000885* LT3.09. The occurrence of mature fish and high condition factors suggested a spawning season in June, September and October in sandy and rocky shores. This species showed an asynchronical gonadal development, with a mean sexual maturity size estimated in 23.5cm total length, and an absolute fecundity of 156 253.11 oocytes (mode of 4 microm diameter). We concluded that L. guttatus medium sizes observed indicated a fishing pressure on small size specimens (the minimum size being 18cm); thus, we recommend the implementation of minimum catch sizes based on the criterion of size at maturity LT100 (25.5 cm) and to apply seasonal fishing closures during the highest reproductive activity (June-October). However, it is necessary to obtain additional biological information with multi-year monitoring to improve fisheries management criteria in the area.

Longer biopsy cores do not increase prostate cancer detection rate: A large-scale cohort study refuting cut-off values indicated in the literature

PubMed Central

Yılmaz, Hasan; Yavuz, Ufuk; Üstüner, Murat; Çiftçi, Seyfettin; Yaşar, Hikmet; Müezzinoğlu, Bahar; Uslubaş, Ali Kemal; Dillioğlugil, Özdal

2017-01-01

Objective Only a few papers in the literature aimed to evaluate biopsy core lengths. Additionally, studies evaluated the core length with different approaches. We aimed to determine whether prostate cancer (PCa) detection is affected from core lengths according to three different approaches in a large standard cohort and compare our cut-off values with the published cut-offs. Material and methods We retrospectively analyzed 1,523 initial consecutive transrectal ultrasound-guided 12-core prostate biopsies. Biopsies were evaluated with respect to total core length (total length of each patients’ core) average core length (total core length divided by total number of cores in each patient), and mean core length (mean length of all cores pooled), and compared our cut-off values with the published cut-offs. The prostate volumes were categorized into four groups (<30, 30–59.99, 60–119.99, ≥120 cm3) and PCa detection rates in these categories were examined. Results PCa was found in 41.5% patients. There was no difference between benign and malignant mean core lengths of the pooled cores (p>0.05). Total core length and average core length were not significantly associated with PCa in multivariate logistic regression analyses (p>0.05). The core lengths (mean, average and total core lengths) increased (p<0.001) and PCa rates decreased (p<0.001) steadily with increasing prostate volume categories. PCa percentages decreased in all categories above the utilized cut-offs for mean (p>0.05), average (p<0.05), and total core lengths (p>0.05). Conclusion There was no difference between mean core lengths of benign and malignant cores. Total core length and average core length were not significantly associated with PCa. Contrary to the cut-offs used for mean and average core lengths in the published studies, PCa rates decrease as these core lengths increase. Larger studies are necessary for the determination and acceptance of accurate cut-offs. PMID:28861301

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.

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.

Histogenesis and disappearance of the teeth of the Mekong giant catfish, Pangasianodon gigas (Teleostei).

PubMed

Kakizawa, Yoshiko; Meenakarn, Wanpen

2003-12-01

Juveniles of the Mekong giant catfish, Pangasianodon gigas (Teleostei), have 3 sorts of tooth-upper and lower jaw teeth, palatal teeth, and pharyngeal teeth--but adults are toothless. To investigate the histogenesis and disappearance of the teeth, we made serial sections of the mouth and teeth of juvenile fish at 10 developmental stages (from ca. 8.5 to ca. 30 cm in total length) and examined them under scanning electron microscope and light microscope. Observations of teeth and surrounding tissues in the serial sections revealed the process of tooth resorption by active odontoclast-like cells. Numbers of jaw and palatal teeth decreased with age. When the fish reached ca. 14 cm in total length, the numbers of functional upper jaw teeth and successional tooth germs decreased rapidly, and the developmental rate of successional tooth germs slowed. When the fish reached ca. 24 cm, no teeth existed in the upper jaw. It is clear that tooth disappearance results from the shedding of functional teeth and the lack of replacement tooth germs.

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 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.

Associations between birth size and later height from infancy through adulthood: An individual based pooled analysis of 28 twin cohorts participating in the CODATwins project.

PubMed

Jelenkovic, Aline; Yokoyama, Yoshie; Sund, Reijo; Hur, Yoon-Mi; Harris, Jennifer R; Brandt, Ingunn; Nilsen, Thomas Sevenius; Ooki, Syuichi; Ullemar, Vilhelmina; Almqvist, Catarina; Magnusson, Patrik K E; Saudino, Kimberly J; Stazi, Maria A; Fagnani, Corrado; Brescianini, Sonia; Nelson, Tracy L; Whitfield, Keith E; Knafo-Noam, Ariel; Mankuta, David; Abramson, Lior; Cutler, Tessa L; Hopper, John L; Llewellyn, Clare H; Fisher, Abigail; Corley, Robin P; Huibregtse, Brooke M; Derom, Catherine A; Vlietinck, Robert F; Bjerregaard-Andersen, Morten; Beck-Nielsen, Henning; Sodemann, Morten; Krueger, Robert F; McGue, Matt; Pahlen, Shandell; Alexandra Burt, S; Klump, Kelly L; Dubois, Lise; Boivin, Michel; Brendgen, Mara; Dionne, Ginette; Vitaro, Frank; Willemsen, Gonneke; Bartels, Meike; van Beijsterveld, Catharina E M; Craig, Jeffrey M; Saffery, Richard; Rasmussen, Finn; Tynelius, Per; Heikkilä, Kauko; Pietiläinen, Kirsi H; Bayasgalan, Gombojav; Narandalai, Danshiitsoodol; Haworth, Claire M A; Plomin, Robert; Ji, Fuling; Ning, Feng; Pang, Zengchang; Rebato, Esther; Tarnoki, Adam D; Tarnoki, David L; Kim, Jina; Lee, Jooyeon; Lee, Sooji; Sung, Joohon; Loos, Ruth J F; Boomsma, Dorret I; Sørensen, Thorkild I A; Kaprio, Jaakko; Silventoinen, Karri

2018-05-01

There is evidence that birth size is positively associated with height in later life, but it remains unclear whether this is explained by genetic factors or the intrauterine environment. To analyze the associations of birth weight, length and ponderal index with height from infancy through adulthood within mono- and dizygotic twin pairs, which provides insights into the role of genetic and environmental individual-specific factors. This study is based on the data from 28 twin cohorts in 17 countries. The pooled data included 41,852 complete twin pairs (55% monozygotic and 45% same-sex dizygotic) with information on birth weight and a total of 112,409 paired height measurements at ages ranging from 1 to 69 years. Birth length was available for 19,881 complete twin pairs, with a total of 72,692 paired height measurements. The association between birth size and later height was analyzed at both the individual and within-pair level by linear regression analyses. Within twin pairs, regression coefficients showed that a 1-kg increase in birth weight and a 1-cm increase in birth length were associated with 1.14-4.25 cm and 0.18-0.90 cm taller height, respectively. The magnitude of the associations was generally greater within dizygotic than within monozygotic twin pairs, and this difference between zygosities was more pronounced for birth length. Both genetic and individual-specific environmental factors play a role in the association between birth size and later height from infancy to adulthood, with a larger role for genetics in the association with birth length than with birth weight. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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.

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.

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.

77 FR 4754 - Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery off the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-31

... recreational annual catch limits (ACLs) have been met before the end of the fishing year for the past 3 fishing... lb (1,134 kg), round weight; and (3) the South Atlantic Unlimited Snapper-Grouper Permit must have... minimum size limit from 12 inches (30.5 cm), total length (TL) to 13 inches (33 cm), TL, and to increase...

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.

Estimation of laceration length by emergency department personnel.

PubMed

Bourne, Christina L; Jenkins, M Adams; Brewer, Kori L

2014-11-01

Documentation and billing for laceration repair involves a description of wound length. We designed this study to test the hypothesis that emergency department (ED) personnel can accurately estimate wound lengths without the aid of a measuring device. This was a single-center prospective observational study performed in an academic ED. Seven wounds of varying lengths were simulated by creating lacerations on purchased pigs' ears and feet. We asked healthcare providers, defined as nurses and physicians working in the ED, to estimate the length of each wound by visual inspection. Length estimates were given in centimeters (cm) and inches. Estimated lengths were considered correct if the estimate was within 0.5 cm or 0.2 inches of the actual length. We calculated the differences between estimated and actual laceration lengths for each laceration and compared the accuracy of physicians to nurses using an unpaired t-test. Thirty-two physicians (nine faculty and 23 residents) and 16 nurses participated. All subjects tended to overestimate in cm and inches. Physicians were able to estimate laceration length within 0.5 cm 36% of the time and within 0.2 inches 29% of the time. Physicians were more accurate at estimating wound lengths than nurses in both cm and inches. Both physicians and nurses were more accurate at estimating shorter lengths (<5.0 cm) than longer (>5.0 cm). ED personnel are often unable to accurately estimate wound length in either cm or inches and tend to overestimate laceration lengths when based solely on visual inspection.

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

Atherectomy-Associated Complications in the Southern California Vascular Outcomes Improvement Collaborative.

PubMed

Azar, Yara; DeRubertis, Brian; Baril, Donald; Woo, Karen

2018-05-01

Atherectomy has become an increasingly utilized modality for the endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for atherectomy-associated complications. A retrospective review was performed for all atherectomy procedures performed between January 2011 and December 2015 in the Southern California Vascular Outcomes Improvement Collaborative. Atherectomy was defined as laser, orbital, or excisional atherectomy. Complications were dissection, perforation, and distal embolization. Seven hundred twenty-nine atherectomy procedures were performed at 7 institutions by 27 practitioners. The mean age was 73 years with 415 (57%) males. Four hundred nineteen (57%) were diabetic, 673 (92%) hypertensive, 457 (63%) smokers, and 244 (34%) had coronary artery disease. Dissection occurred in 51 (7%) procedures, embolization in 23 (3.1%), and perforation in 12 (1.6%). The mean number of lesions treated per artery was the same at 1.6 in patients with any complication and no complication (P = 0.77). The total occluded length was 7.4 cm for complications versus 7.2 cm for no complication (P = 0.73). The total treated length was 12.9 cm for complications versus 11.3 cm for no complication (P = 0.03). The incidence of complications for Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C/D lesions were 13% compared to 10% for TASC A/B lesions (P = 0.05). The incidence of complications in superficial femoral/popliteal lesions was 12.9% vs. 10.4% in tibial lesions (P = 0.13). In multivariable analysis, treatment length was associated with a small increased risk of complication (odds ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.0-1.04). Increased treatment length is associated with an increased risk of atherectomy-associated complications. Demographic factors and comorbidities were not predictors of complications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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.

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.

Imaging of patent foramen ovale with 64-section multidetector CT.

PubMed

Saremi, Farhood; Channual, Stephanie; Raney, Aidan; Gurudevan, Swaminatha V; Narula, Jagat; Fowler, Steven; Abolhoda, Amir; Milliken, Jeffrey C

2008-11-01

To investigate the feasibility of 64-section multidetector computed tomography (CT) by using CT angiography (a) to demonstrate anatomic detail of the interatrial septum pertinent to the patent foramen ovale (PFO), and (b) to visually detect left-to-right PFO shunts and compare these findings in patients who also underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). In this institutional review board-approved HIPAA-compliant study, electrocardiographically gated coronary CT angiograms in 264 patients (159 men, 105 women; mean age, 60 years) were reviewed for PFO morphologic features. The length and diameter of the opening of the PFO tunnel, presence of atrial septal aneurysm (ASA), and PFO shunts were evaluated. A left-to-right shunt was assigned a grade according to length of contrast agent jet (grade 1, 1 cm to 2 cm; grade 3, >2 cm). In addition, 23 patients who underwent both modalities were compared (Student t test and linear regression analysis). A difference with P < .05 was significant. A flap valve, seen in 101 (38.3%) patients, was patent at the entry into the right atrium (PFO) in 62 patients (61.4% of patients with flap valve, 23.5% of total patients). A left-to-right shunt was detected in 44 (16.7% of total) patients (grade 1, 61.4%; grade 2, 34.1%; grade 3, 4.5%). No shunt was seen in patients without a flap valve. Mean length of PFO tunnel was 7.1 mm in 44 patients with a shunt and 12.1 mm in 57 patients with a flap valve without a shunt (P < .0001). In patients with a tunnel length of 6 mm or shorter, 92.6% of the shunts were seen. ASA was seen in 11 (4.2%) patients; of these patients, a shunt was seen in seven (63.6%). In 23 patients who underwent CT angiography and TEE, both modalities showed a PFO shunt in seven. Multidetector CT provides detailed anatomic information about size, morphologic features, and shunt grade of the PFO. Shorter tunnel length and septal aneurysms are frequently associated with left-to-right shunts in patients with PFO. (c) RSNA, 2008.

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

[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.

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

[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.

Therapeutic strategies for patients with micropenis or penile dysmorphic disorder.

PubMed

Kayes, Oliver; Shabbir, Majid; Ralph, David; Minhas, Suks

2012-09-01

Micropenis in adults is defined as a stretched length of <7.5 cm. Many aetiologies exist, including congenital and endocrinological causes as well as pathological conditions, such as penile lichen sclerosus, trauma and genital cancer. The resulting reduction in functional penile length can lead to considerable psychosexual morbidity. Furthermore, the subset of patients with micropenis who also suffer from penile dysmorphic disorder require careful and intensive psychological counselling. Corrective surgery for micropenis can be performed in patients with realistic expectations. Total phalloplasty using radial-artery-based forearm skin flaps can offer restoration of normal penile length in selected patients. More-conservative surgical techniques to improve length or girth are limited by minimal enhancement but associated with a significantly lower rate of complications and comorbidity compared to total phalloplasty. Emerging tissue engineering techniques might represent a suitable alternative to penile replacement surgery in the future.

Genetic Map Construction and Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) Detection of Growth-Related Traits in Litopenaeus vannamei for Selective Breeding Applications

PubMed Central

Andriantahina, Farafidy; Liu, Xiaolin; Huang, Hao

2013-01-01

Growth is a priority trait from the point of view of genetic improvement. Molecular markers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been regarded as useful for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in complex traits as growth. Using an intermediate F2 cross of slow and fast growth parents, a genetic linkage map of Pacific whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeusvannamei , based on amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers was constructed. Meanwhile, QTL analysis was performed for growth-related traits. The linkage map consisted of 451 marker loci (429 AFLPs and 22 SSRs) which formed 49 linkage groups with an average marker space of 7.6 cM; they spanned a total length of 3627.6 cM, covering 79.50% of estimated genome size. 14 QTLs were identified for growth-related traits, including three QTLs for body weight (BW), total length (TL) and partial carapace length (PCL), two QTLs for body length (BL), one QTL for first abdominal segment depth (FASD), third abdominal segment depth (TASD) and first abdominal segment width (FASW), which explained 2.62 to 61.42% of phenotypic variation. Moreover, comparison of linkage maps between L . vannamei and Penaeus japonicus was applied, providing a new insight into the genetic base of QTL affecting the growth-related traits. The new results will be useful for conducting MAS breeding schemes in L . vannamei . PMID:24086466

Game Performance Evaluation in Male Goalball Players

PubMed Central

Molik, Bartosz; Morgulec-Adamowicz, Natalia; Kosmol, Andrzej; Perkowski, Krzysztof; Bednarczuk, Grzegorz; Skowroński, Waldemar; Gomez, Miguel Angel; Koc, Krzysztof; Rutkowska, Izabela; Szyman, Robert J

2015-01-01

Goalball is a Paralympic sport exclusively for athletes who are visually impaired and blind. The aims of this study were twofold: to describe game performance of elite male goalball players based upon the degree of visual impairment, and to determine if game performance was related to anthropometric characteristics of elite male goalball players. The study sample consisted of 44 male goalball athletes. A total of 38 games were recorded during the Summer Paralympic Games in London 2012. Observations were reported using the Game Efficiency Sheet for Goalball. Additional anthropometric measurements included body mass (kg), body height (cm), the arm span (cm) and length of the body in the defensive position (cm). The results differentiating both groups showed that the players with total blindness obtained higher means than the players with visual impairment for game indicators such as the sum of defense (p = 0.03) and the sum of good defense (p = 0.04). The players with visual impairment obtained higher results than those with total blindness for attack efficiency (p = 0.04), the sum of penalty defenses (p = 0.01), and fouls (p = 0.01). The study showed that athletes with blindness demonstrated higher game performance in defence. However, athletes with visual impairment presented higher efficiency in offensive actions. The analyses confirmed that body mass, body height, the arm span and length of the body in the defensive position did not differentiate players’ performance at the elite level. PMID:26834872

Development of LOX/LH2 tank system for H-I launch vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nozaki, Y.; Takamatsu, H.; Morino, Y.; Imagawa, K.

Design features of the second stage of the prospective Japanese H-1 launch vehicle are described. The stage will use an LO2/LH2 fueled engine. The fuels will be contained in a 2219 Al alloy tank insulated with sprayed polyurethane foam. The total stage length will be 5.5 m, the volume 6.8 m, pressure 3.2 kg/sq cm (LOX) and 2.5 kg/sq cm (LH2). The diameter is 2.5 m and total fuel mass is 8.7 tons. Design verification tests, consisting of burning tests and thermal evaluation, are scheduled for the near future.

Morphometry of white muscle fibers and performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings treated with methyltestosterone or a homeopathic complex.

PubMed

Júnior, R P; Vargas, L; Valentim-Zabott, M; Ribeiro, R P; da Silva, A V; Otutumi, L K

2012-07-01

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), are widely used in fish farming, hormonal treatments are used to increase productivity. Studies of the characteristics of the fiber types are important in species that have well developed muscle mass, such as Nile tilapia. A total of 4800 post-larval fish were randomly assigned by tank to receive one of three treatments: Control (30°GL alcohol), Homeopathic complex (Homeopatila RS) or Hormone (17-α-methyltestosterone) supplemented in the feed for 28 days. Survival and morphological parameters were measured at day 45. At day 45, the survival rates were 54.1% (Control), 87.8% (Homeopathy), 50.3% (Hormone). The mean final weight for Homeopathy was statistically significantly lower (1.07 g) than the other two groups: Control (1.81 g) and Hormone (2.04 g). Mean total lengths were Control (4.75 cm), Hormone (4.49 cm), statistically significantly different from Homeopathy (3.83 cm). Average partial length, trunk length, height and body width were significantly lower for Homeopathy than Control or Hormone (p<0.05) Homeopathy treated fish had significantly greater muscle fiber diameter than the other two groups. Fish treated with the homeopathic complex had improved survival and muscle fiber hypertrophy, but were smaller (probably related to increased survival and overcrowding) compared to fingerlings treated with synthetic hormone or control. Copyright © 2012 The Faculty of Homeopathy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A microsatellite genetic linkage map of black rockfish ( Sebastes schlegeli)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Guannan; Jiang, Liming; He, Yan; Yu, Haiyang; Wang, Zhigang; Jiang, Haibin; Zhang, Quanqi

2014-12-01

Ovoviviparous black rockfish ( Sebastes schlegeli) is an important marine fish species for aquaculture and fisheries in China. Genetic information of this species is scarce because of the lack of microsatellite markers. In this study, a large number of microsatellite markers of black rockfish were isolated by constructing microsatellite-enriched libraries. Female- and male-specific genetic linkage maps were constructed using 435 microsatellite markers genotyped in a full-sib family of the fish species. The female linkage map contained 140 microsatellite markers, in which 23 linkage groups had a total genetic length of 1334.1 cM and average inter-marker space of 13.3 cM. The male linkage map contained 156 microsatellite markers, in which 25 linkage groups had a total genetic length of 1359.6 cM and average inter-marker distance of 12.4 cM. The genome coverage of the female and male linkage maps was 68.6% and 69.3%, respectively. The female-to-male ratio of the recombination rate was approximately 1.07:1 in adjacent microsatellite markers. This paper presents the first genetic linkage map of microsatellites in black rockfish. The collection of polymorphic markers and sex-specific linkage maps of black rockfish could be useful for further investigations on parental assignment, population genetics, quantitative trait loci mapping, and marker-assisted selection in related breeding programs.

[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.

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.

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.

The Development of a High Density Linkage Map for Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) Based on cSNPs

PubMed Central

Baranski, Matthew; Gopikrishna, Gopalapillay; Robinson, Nicholas A.; Katneni, Vinaya Kumar; Shekhar, Mudagandur S.; Shanmugakarthik, Jayakani; Jothivel, Sarangapani; Gopal, Chavali; Ravichandran, Pitchaiyappan; Kent, Matthew; Arnyasi, Mariann; Ponniah, Alphis G.

2014-01-01

Transcriptome sequencing using Illumina RNA-seq was performed on populations of black tiger shrimp from India. Samples were collected from (i) four landing centres around the east coastline (EC) of India, (ii) survivors of a severe WSSV infection during pond culture (SUR) and (iii) the Andaman Islands (AI) in the Bay of Bengal. Equal quantities of purified total RNA from homogenates of hepatopancreas, muscle, nervous tissue, intestinal tract, heart, gonad, gills, pleopod and lymphoid organs were combined to create AI, EC and SUR pools for RNA sequencing. De novo transcriptome assembly resulted in 136,223 contigs (minimum size 100 base pairs, bp) with a total length 61 Mb, an average length of 446 bp and an average coverage of 163× across all pools. Approximately 16% of contigs were annotated with BLAST hit information and gene ontology annotations. A total of 473,620 putative SNPs/indels were identified. An Illumina iSelect genotyping array containing 6,000 SNPs was developed and used to genotype 1024 offspring belonging to seven full-sibling families. A total of 3959 SNPs were mapped to 44 linkage groups. The linkage groups consisted of between 16–129 and 13–130 markers, of length between 139–10.8 and 109.1–10.5 cM and with intervals averaging between 1.2 and 0.9 cM for the female and male maps respectively. The female map was 28% longer than the male map (4060 and 2917 cM respectively) with a 1.6 higher recombination rate observed for female compared to male meioses. This approach has substantially increased expressed sequence and DNA marker resources for tiger shrimp and is a useful resource for QTL mapping and association studies for evolutionarily and commercially important traits. PMID:24465553

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.

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.

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.

Using specific length amplified fragment sequencing to construct the high-density genetic map for Vitis (Vitis vinifera L. × Vitis amurensis Rupr.).

PubMed

Guo, Yinshan; Shi, Guangli; Liu, Zhendong; Zhao, Yuhui; Yang, Xiaoxu; Zhu, Junchi; Li, Kun; Guo, Xiuwu

2015-01-01

In this study, 149 F1 plants from the interspecific cross between 'Red Globe' (Vitis vinifera L.) and 'Shuangyou' (Vitis amurensis Rupr.) and the parent were used to construct a molecular genetic linkage map by using the specific length amplified fragment sequencing technique. DNA sequencing generated 41.282 Gb data consisting of 206,411,693 paired-end reads. The average sequencing depths were 68.35 for 'Red Globe,' 63.65 for 'Shuangyou,' and 8.01 for each progeny. In all, 115,629 high-quality specific length amplified fragments were detected, of which 42,279 were polymorphic. The genetic map was constructed using 7,199 of these polymorphic markers. These polymorphic markers were assigned to 19 linkage groups; the total length of the map was 1929.13 cm, with an average distance of 0.28 cm between each maker. To our knowledge, the genetic maps constructed in this study contain the largest number of molecular markers. These high-density genetic maps might form the basis for the fine quantitative trait loci mapping and molecular-assisted breeding of grape.

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.

Kinematic and kinetic analysis of the knee joint before and after a PCL retaining total knee replacement during gait and single step ascent.

PubMed

Apostolopoulos, Alexandros; Lallos, Stergios; Mastrokalos, Dimitrios; Michos, Ioannis; Darras, Nikolaos; Tzomaki, Magda; Efstathopoulos, Nikolaos

2011-01-01

The objective of this study was to capture and analyze the kinetics and kinematics and determine the functional performance of the osteoarthritic knee after a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining total knee arthroplasty. Kinematic and kinetic gait analysis of level walking was performed in 20 subjects (12 female and 8 male) with knee ostoarthritis. These patients were free of any neurological diseases that could affect their normal gait. Mean age was 69.6 ± 6.6 years; mean height was 157.6 cm ± 7.6 cm; and mean weight was 77.2 ± 12.1 kg. Full body gait analyses were performed using the BIOKIN 3D motion analysis system before and 9 months after total knee arthroplasty procedures. Single-step ascending kinetic analyses and plantar pressure distribution analyses were also performed for all subjects. International Knee Society Scores (IKSSs) were also assessed pre- and postoperatively. Significant increases were noted postoperatively in average cadence (preoperative mean = 99.26, postoperative mean = 110.5; p < 0.004), step length (preoperative mean = 0.49, postoperative mean = 0.54; p < 0.01) , and walking velocity (preoperative mean = 0.78, preoperatively, postoperative mean = 0.99; p < 0.001). Decreases in stance duration percentage and knee adduction moment were also reported postoperatively. All patients showed a significant improvement of knee kinetics and kinematics after a PCL retaining total knee arthroplasty. Significant differences were found in the cadence, step length, stride length, and walk velocity postoperatively. IKSSs also significantly improved. Further research is warranted to determine the clinical relevance of these findings.

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.

Genotypic variability for root/shoot parameters under water stress in some advanced lines of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

PubMed

Riaz, M; Farooq, J; Sakhawat, G; Mahmood, A; Sadiq, M A; Yaseen, M

2013-02-27

Research pertaining to genetic variability parameters, heritability, and genotypic, phenotypic, simple, and environmental correlations for various seedling traits in five elite advanced cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) lines (FH-113, FH-114, FH-941, FH-942, and FH-2015) and one check (CIM-496) was carried out during October and November 2010 under greenhouse conditions at the Cotton Research Institute (Faisalabad, Pakistan). Material was raised in plastic tubes with a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Three drought shocks were applied by withholding water from the tube-sown plants for 8-, 10-, and 12-day intervals. After 60 days of sowing, data on root/shoot traits like root length (cm), shoot length (cm), root weight (g), shoot fresh weight (g), lateral root number, root dry weight (g) shoot dry weight (g), and total plant weight (g) were recorded. Considerable genotypic variations existed between genotypes for all seedling characters. Higher broad-sense heritability estimates were found for all traits studied. Maximum broad-sense heritability coupled with high genetic advance in root length (0.99, 17.34), lateral root number (0.91, 2.89), and shoot length (0.90, 4.35) suggested a potential for genetic improvement through breeding and selection. The correlation coefficients among root length, shoot length, root dry weight, fresh shoot weight, and total plant weight were positively and significantly correlated; thus, they can be selected simultaneously as drought tolerance selection indexes owing to the absence of undesired relationships. Genotypes FH-942 and FH-113 had the lowest excised leaf water loss during the first 4 h and also for the next 4 h. Therefore, these two advanced lines (FH-942 and FH-113) with high initial water content and lower excised leaf water loss had better adaptation to water stress.

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.

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.

[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).

A Picea abies Linkage Map Based on SNP Markers Identifies QTLs for Four Aspects of Resistance to Heterobasidion parviporum Infection

PubMed Central

Lind, Mårten; Källman, Thomas; Chen, Jun; Ma, Xiao-Fei; Bousquet, Jean; Morgante, Michele; Zaina, Giusi; Karlsson, Bo; Elfstrand, Malin; Lascoux, Martin; Stenlid, Jan

2014-01-01

A consensus linkage map of Picea abies, an economically important conifer, was constructed based on the segregation of 686 SNP markers in a F1 progeny population consisting of 247 individuals. The total length of 1889.2 cM covered 96.5% of the estimated genome length and comprised 12 large linkage groups, corresponding to the number of haploid P. abies chromosomes. The sizes of the groups (from 5.9 to 9.9% of the total map length) correlated well with previous estimates of chromosome sizes (from 5.8 to 10.8% of total genome size). Any locus in the genome has a 97% probability to be within 10 cM from a mapped marker, which makes the map suited for QTL mapping. Infecting the progeny trees with the root rot pathogen Heterobasidion parviporum allowed for mapping of four different resistance traits: lesion length at the inoculation site, fungal spread within the sapwood, exclusion of the pathogen from the host after initial infection, and ability to prevent the infection from establishing at all. These four traits were associated with two, four, four and three QTL regions respectively of which none overlapped between the traits. Each QTL explained between 4.6 and 10.1% of the respective traits phenotypic variation. Although the QTL regions contain many more genes than the ones represented by the SNP markers, at least four markers within the confidence intervals originated from genes with known function in conifer defence; a leucoanthocyanidine reductase, which has previously been shown to upregulate during H. parviporum infection, and three intermediates of the lignification process; a hydroxycinnamoyl CoA shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyltransferase, a 4-coumarate CoA ligase, and a R2R3-MYB transcription factor. PMID:25036209

Factors influencing mercury concentrations in walleyes in northern Wisconsin lakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wiener, J.G.; Martini, R.E.; Sheffy, T.B.; Glass, G.E.

1990-01-01

The authors examined relations between mercury concentrations in walleyes Stizostedion vitreum and the characteristics of clear-water Wisconsin lakes, which spanned a broad range of pH values (5.0-8.1) and acid- neutralizing capacities (-9 to 1,017 mu eq/L). Total concentrations of mercury in axial muscle tissue of walleyes (total length, 25-56 cm) varied from 0.12 to 1.74 mu g/g wet weight. Concentrations were greatest in fish from the eight lakes with pH less than 7.0; concentrations in these fish equaled or exceeded 0.5 mu g/g in 88% of the samples analyzed and 1.0 mu g/g in 44%. In the five lakes with pH of 7.0 and above, concentrations exceeded 0.5 mu g/g in only 1 of 21 walleyes. Multiple regression revealed that lake pH and total length of fish accounted for 69% of the variation in mercury concentration in walleyes. Regression models with total length and either waterborne calcium or acid-neutralizing capacity as independent variables accounted for 67% of the variation in concentration.

Intersexuality of Scomberomorus niphonius from the Coastal Area around Jeju Island, Korea (Teleostei: Scombridae)

PubMed Central

Kim, Jong Bin; Chang, Dae Soo; Kim, Hyejin; Jeon, Mi Ae; Ku, Kayeon; Lee, Jung Sick

2013-01-01

This study histologically describes the intersexuality of Scomberomorus niphonius collected from the coastal area near Jeju Island. A total of 126 S. niphonius, collected from March to July 2012 with a total length of 62.4 cm (±17.5) and a total weight of 1,701.9 g (±1,528.9) were used for analyses. From a histological perspective, two types of intersex were confirmed. One type had scattered germ cells from the opposite sex within the gonad. The second type developed germ cells from the opposite sex in the connective tissue of the outer gonadal membrane. The intersexuality was 14.3% (n=18/126), with females (21.3%; n=16/75) exhibiting a higher rate than males (3.9%; n=2/51). There was no displayed correlation between intersexuality and the total length and weight. PMID:25949123

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.

[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.

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.

High-density linkage mapping revealed suppression of recombination at the sex determination locus in papaya.

PubMed Central

Ma, Hao; Moore, Paul H; Liu, Zhiyong; Kim, Minna S; Yu, Qingyi; Fitch, Maureen M M; Sekioka, Terry; Paterson, Andrew H; Ming, Ray

2004-01-01

A high-density genetic map of papaya (Carica papaya L.) was constructed using 54 F(2) plants derived from cultivars Kapoho and SunUp with 1501 markers, including 1498 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, the papaya ringspot virus coat protein marker, morphological sex type, and fruit flesh color. These markers were mapped into 12 linkage groups at a LOD score of 5.0 and recombination frequency of 0.25. The 12 major linkage groups covered a total length of 3294.2 cM, with an average distance of 2.2 cM between adjacent markers. This map revealed severe suppression of recombination around the sex determination locus with a total of 225 markers cosegregating with sex types. The cytosine bases were highly methylated in this region on the basis of the distribution of methylation-sensitive and -insensitive markers. This high-density genetic map is essential for cloning of specific genes of interest such as the sex determination gene and for the integration of genetic and physical maps of papaya. PMID:15020433

Estimation of total Length of Femur From Its Fragments in South Indian Population.

PubMed

Solan, Shweta; Kulkarni, Roopa

2013-10-01

Establishment of identity of deceased person also assumes a great medicolegal importance. To establish the identity of a person, stature is one of the criteria. To know stature of individual, length of long bones is needed. To determine the lengths of the femoral fragments and to compare with the total length of femur in south Indian population, which will help to estimate the stature of the individual using standard regression formulae. A number of 150, 72 left and 78 right adult fully ossified dry processed femora were taken. The femur bone was divided into five segments by taking predetermined points. Length of five segments and maximum length of femur were measured to the nearest millimeter. The values were obtained in cm [mean±S.D.] and the mean total length of femora on left and right side was measured. The proportion of segments to the total length was also calculated which will help for the stature estimation using standard regression formulae. The mean total length of femora on left side was 43.54 ± 2.7 and on right side it was 43.42 ± 2.4. The measurements of the segments-1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 8.06± 0.71, 8.25± 1.24, 10.35 ± 2.21, 13.94 ± 1.93 and 2.77 ± 0.53 on left side and 8.09 ± 0.70, 8.30 ± 1.34, 10.44 ± 1.91, 13.50 ± 1.54 and 3.09 ± 0.41 on right side of femur. The sample size was 150, 72 left and 78 right and 'p' value of all the segments was significant (‹0.001). When comparison was made between segments of right and left femora, the 'p' value of segment-5 was found to be ‹0.001. Comparison between different segments of femur showed significance in all the segments.

Ultrasound attenuation estimation using backscattered echoes from multiple sources.

PubMed

Bigelow, Timothy A

2008-08-01

The objective of this study was to devise an algorithm that can accurately estimate the attenuation along the propagation path (i.e., the total attenuation) from backscattered echoes. It was shown that the downshift in the center frequency of the backscattered ultrasound echoes compared to echoes obtained in a water bath was calculated to have the form Deltaf=mf(o)+b after normalizing with respect to the source bandwidth where m depends on the correlation length, b depends on the total attenuation, and f(o) is the center frequency of the source as measured from a reference echo. Therefore, the total attenuation can be determined independent of the scatterer correlation length by measuring the downshift in center frequency from multiple sources (i.e., different f(o)) and fitting a line to the measured shifts versus f(o). The intercept of the line gives the total attenuation along the propagation path. The calculations were verified using computer simulations of five spherically focused sources with 50% bandwidths and center frequencies of 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 MHz. The simulated tissue had Gaussian scattering structures with effective radii of 25 mum placed at a density of 250 mm(3). The attenuation of the tissue was varied from 0.1 to 0.9 dB / cm-MHz. The error in the attenuation along the propagation path ranged from -3.5+/-14.7% for a tissue attenuation of 0.1 dB / cm-MHz to -7.0+/-3.1% for a tissue attenuation of 0.9 dB / cm-MHz demonstrating that the attenuation along the propagation path could be accurately determined using backscattered echoes from multiple sources using the derived algorithm.

Growth, feeding and reproduction of the catfish Eremophilus mutisii (Pisces: Trichomycteridae), from artificial reservoirs in Colombia.

PubMed

Pinilla, Gabriel; Abril, Maritza; González, Esperanza

2006-06-01

The catfish, Eremophilus mutisii, was cultured under different densities in artificial rainfall reservoirs at Caldas, Boyacá, Colombia. At capture, the average total length of the animals was 10 cm and the weight ranged between 9 and 10 g. These fish were in initial stages of sexual development. After a year in the reservoirs, they had increased in length and weight as follows (densities in parentheses): 5.22 cm and 27.23 g (0.5 individuals/m2); 1.98 cm and 8.79 g (1 individual/m2), and 2.45 cm and 0.82 g (2 individuals/m2). They were at the early stages of sexual maturity, and their condition factor fluctuated between 0.61 and 0.96. They preferably ingested insect larvae that were found in benthic and littoral communities of the reservoirs. The benthos was dominated by ephippia of Daphnia, lumbriculids, and chironomid larvae. The biomass of benthic organisms ranged between 0.1126 and 1.3847 g/m2. In the littoral community aquatic insects were the most important component, especially the hemipterans. The biomass of the littoral fauna ranged between 0.14 and 4.05 g/m2.

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.

Intraspecific variation in gill morphology of juvenile Nile perch, Lates niloticus, in Lake Nabugabo, Uganda

USGS Publications Warehouse

Paterson, Jaclyn A.; Chapman, Lauren J.; Schofield, Pamela J.

2010-01-01

Several studies have demonstrated intraspecific variation in fish gill size that relates to variation in dissolved oxygen (DO) availability across habitats. In Lake Nabugabo, East Africa, ecological change over the past 12 years has coincided with a shift in the distribution of introduced Nile perch such that a larger proportion of the population now inhabits waters in or near wetland ecotones where DO is lower than in open waters of the lake. In this study, we compared gill size of juvenile Nile perch between wetland and exposed (open-water) habitats of Lake Nabugabo in 2007, as well as between Nile perch collected in 1996 and 2007. For Nile perch of Lake Nabugabo [<20 cm total length (TL)], there was a significant habitat effect on some gill traits. In general, fish from wetland habitats were characterized by a longer total gill filament length and average gill filament length than conspecifics from exposed habitats. Nile perch collected from wetland areas in 2007 had significantly larger gills (total gill filament length) than Nile perch collected in 1996, but there was no difference detected between Nile perch collected from exposed sites in 2007 and conspecifics collected in 1996.

Comparison of preparation of curved root canals with Hyflex CM and Revo-S rotary nickel-titanium instruments.

PubMed

Bürklein, S; Börjes, L; Schäfer, E

2014-05-01

To compare the shaping ability of three different nickel-titanium rotary instruments during the preparation of curved root canals in extracted teeth. A total of 60 root canals with curvatures ranging between 25° and 35° were divided into three groups of 20 canals. Based on radiographs taken prior to instrumentation, the groups were balanced with respect to the angle and the radius of canal curvature. Canals were prepared to a final apical size of 35 using Mtwo, Hyflex CM, and Revo-S. Using pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis program. Preparation time, changes of working length and instrument failures were also recorded. These data were analysed statistically using anova and Student-Newman-Keuls test. During preparation, no file fractured. Mtwo and Hyflex CM maintained the original canal curvature significantly better than Revo-S (P < 0.05). Instrumentation with Mtwo and Hyflex CM was significantly faster than with Revo-S and resulted in less loss of working length (P < 0.05), whilst no significant differences were obtained between Mtwo and Hyflex CM (P > 0.05). Under the conditions of this study, Mtwo and Hyflex CM respected the original canal curvature well and were safe to use. The use of Revo-S instruments required more time to prepare the curved canals and resulted in more pronounced canal straightening compared with Mtwo and Hyflex CM. © 2013 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Mechanism of Suppression and Extinguishment of Communication Cable Fire by Ultra Fine Water Mist in Cross-Flow

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-14

gasification rate is expected to be lower and this results in a shorter flame length . In the lateral direction, the copper mesh at both ends is cooled...the cylinder. The visible flame length and width are of the order of the cylinder diameter (1.9 cm) at atmospheric pressure and air velocity of 10...6a is the side-view of the self-sustaining base case flame right after ignition. It shows a long plume downstream of the cable. The total flame

Fish entrainment rates through towboat propellers in the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jack, Killgore K.; Miranda, L.E.; Murphy, C.E.; Wolff, D.M.; Hoover, J.J.; Keevin, T.M.; Maynord, S.T.; Cornish, M.A.

2011-01-01

Aspecially designed netwas used to study fish entrainment and injury through towboat propellers in 13 pools of the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers. The net was attached to the stern of a 48.8-m-long towboat with twin propellers (in Kort propulsion nozzles), and sampling typically took place while the towboat pushed 15 loaded barges upstream at a time. In total, 254 entrainment samples over 894 km of the 13 study pools were collected. The sampling efforts produced 16,005 fish representing 15 families and at least 44 species; fish ranged in total length from 3 to 123 cm, but only 12.5-cm or longer fish were analyzed because smaller fish could escape through the mesh of the trawl. Clupeidae (68% of total catch) and Sciaenidae (21%) were the dominant families. We detected no effects of towboat operation variables (speed and engine [i.e., propeller] revolutions per minute [RPM]) on entrainment rate (i.e., fish/km), but entrainment rate showed a wedge-shaped distribution relative to hydraulic and geomorphic characteristics of the channel. Entrainment rate was low (30 fish/km). Although total entrainment rate was not related to engine RPM, the probability of being struck by a propeller increased with fish length and engine RPM. Limits on engine RPM in narrow, shallow, and sluggish reaches could reduce entrainment impact, particularly for large-bodied fish. ?? American Fisheries Society 2011.

Using specific length amplified fragment sequencing to construct the high-density genetic map for Vitis (Vitis vinifera L. × Vitis amurensis Rupr.)

PubMed Central

Guo, Yinshan; Shi, Guangli; Liu, Zhendong; Zhao, Yuhui; Yang, Xiaoxu; Zhu, Junchi; Li, Kun; Guo, Xiuwu

2015-01-01

In this study, 149 F1 plants from the interspecific cross between ‘Red Globe’ (Vitis vinifera L.) and ‘Shuangyou’ (Vitis amurensis Rupr.) and the parent were used to construct a molecular genetic linkage map by using the specific length amplified fragment sequencing technique. DNA sequencing generated 41.282 Gb data consisting of 206,411,693 paired-end reads. The average sequencing depths were 68.35 for ‘Red Globe,’ 63.65 for ‘Shuangyou,’ and 8.01 for each progeny. In all, 115,629 high-quality specific length amplified fragments were detected, of which 42,279 were polymorphic. The genetic map was constructed using 7,199 of these polymorphic markers. These polymorphic markers were assigned to 19 linkage groups; the total length of the map was 1929.13 cm, with an average distance of 0.28 cm between each maker. To our knowledge, the genetic maps constructed in this study contain the largest number of molecular markers. These high-density genetic maps might form the basis for the fine quantitative trait loci mapping and molecular-assisted breeding of grape. PMID:26089826

Simple, safe, and satisfactory secondary penile enhancement after near-total oncologic amputation.

PubMed

Hage, J Joris

2009-06-01

After oncologic penile amputation, the penile stump may prove of insufficient length, causing poor personal hygiene and scrotal excoriation and an inability to void while standing. In these cases, penile enhancement by uncovering its subcutaneous parts may offer a simple and satisfactory solution.From August 2003 to August 2007, penile enhancement was performed in 6 patients with a mean age of 63 years (range, 51-69 years) and only 1 cm (range, 0-1.5 cm) of remaining penile length when standing up.The skin on the penile stump was used to recreate a neoglans. The subcutaneously covered penile shaft was dissected deep to Buck's fascia up into the deep suspensory ligament. Ventrally, the bulbospongeous muscle was laid bare over 1 to 2 cm. After resection of pubic subcutaneous fat, the pubic and scrotal skin edges were anchored to the suspensory ligament, bulbospongious fascia, and tunica albuginea. The resulting bare surface of the penile shaft was covered by a skin graft.Partial neoglandular skin slough was observed in 2 patients and could be treated conservatively in both. Penile lymphedema was observed in the 1 patient whom had previously undergone radiotherapy. This was treated by secondary subcutaneous resection and skin tightening. At a mean follow-up of 2.5 years (range, 1-5 years), the cosmetic appearance was acceptable in all patients and their penile length ranged from 7.5 to 9 cm. All were able to void while standing without soiling themselves.

Shortened penis post penile prosthesis implantation treated with subcutaneous soft silicone penile implant: case report.

PubMed

Shirvanian, V; Lemperle, G; Araujo Pinto, C; Elist, J J

2014-01-01

Penile prosthesis surgery for erectile dysfunction has the highest satisfaction rates among all treatment options but is often associated with subjective and objective loss of penile length and girth following surgery. To present a novel technique using a subcutaneous soft silicone implant for reversal of penile shortening and narrowing after prosthesis surgery, with additional gains in overall penile length and girth. Nine patients were treated with the insertion of a subcutaneous soft silicone penile implant. All patients had previously reported a loss in penile length (0.5-2 cm), and seven of nine patients also reported a loss in penile girth (0.5-2.6 cm) after penile prosthesis surgery. During a follow-up period of 4-24 months, penile length and girth measurements showed a mean increase in length of 2.4 cm (±0.75 cm) and a mean increase in girth of 3.4 cm (±0.94 cm). The additional insertion of a subcutaneous soft silicone implant in patients with decreased penile length and girth after penile prosthesis surgery is an effective treatment option that provides reversal of lost penile length and girth.

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.

Fish measurement using Android smart phone: the example of swamp eel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Baisong; Fu, Zhuo; Ouyang, Haiying; Sun, Yingze; Ge, Changshui; Hu, Jing

The body length and weight are critical physiological parameters for fishes, especially eel-like fishes like swamp eel(Monopterusalbus).Fast and accurate measuring of body length is significant for swamp eel culturing as well as its resource investigation and protection. This paper presents an Android smart phone-based photogrammetry technology for measuring and estimating the length and weight of swamp eel. This method utilizes the feature that the ratio of lengths of two objects within an image is equal to that of in reality to measure the length of swamp eels. And then, it estimates the weight via a pre-built length-weight regression model. Analysis and experimental results have indicated that this method is a fast and accurate method for length and weight measurements of swamp eel. The cross-validation results shows that the RMSE (root-mean-square error) of total length measurement of swamp eel is0.4 cm, and the RMSE of weight estimation is 11 grams.

Long-term outcomes in males with disorders of sex development.

PubMed

van der Zwan, Yvonne G; Callens, Nina; van Kuppenveld, Jet; Kwak, Karen; Drop, Stenvert L S; Kortmann, Barbara; Dessens, Arianne B; Wolffenbuttel, Katja P

2013-09-01

Indications that the prenatal action of testosterone in the brain is an important determinant of gender development and improved reconstructive techniques have caused a shift in male gender assignments in patients with 46XY disorders of sex development. We report long-term outcome data on psychosexual development and sexual function of these individuals in a cross-sectional study. Physical status of 14 men with a mean age of 25 years with disorders of sex development was assessed by structured interview and physical examination. Psychosexual outcome was evaluated by questionnaires and compared to a control group of 46 healthy, age matched men. A total of 13 men underwent 1 to 6 (mean 2) genital surgeries. Mean age at first surgery was 2.7 years. Mean penile length was 6.6 cm. All men reported erections and were able to experience orgasms. Ejaculatory dysfunction was reported by 7 men. Mean penile length was 7.9 cm in patients who were able to achieve penetrative intercourse and 4.9 cm in those who were not. Meatus was glanular in 5 patients, coronal in 7 and at the distal shaft in 1. Compared to controls, men with disorders of sex development were less satisfied with the appearance of the penis and scrotum but not with total body image. These patients reported decreased sexual desire and activities. Outcome in this group of men with disorders of sex development was poor regarding penile length, ejaculation, satisfaction with external genitalia and frequency of sexual activity. Other aspects, such as overall body image and psychosexual functioning, showed no difference from controls. Copyright © 2013 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Utilization of by-products from the tequila industry. Part 2: Potential value of Agave tequilana Weber azul leaves.

PubMed

Iñiguez-Covarrubias, G; Díaz-Teres, R; Sanjuan-Dueñas, R; Anzaldo-Hernández, J; Rowell, R M

2001-04-01

The leaves of the agave plant are left in the field after harvesting the heads for tequila production. Different types of agave leaves were isolated, classified, and their content in the total plant determined. The usable fractions were collected and their properties determined. Of the total wet weight of the agave plant, 54% corresponds to the agave head, 32% corresponds to materials which could be usable for sugar and fiber production which leaves 14% of the wet plant without apparent utility. The fractions with higher total reducing sugars (TRS) content were the fresh fraction of partially dry leaves stuck to the head and the leaf bases with a TRS content of 16.1% and 13.1%, respectively. The highest TRS concentration (16-28%) is in the agave head which is used for tequila production. The leaves are 90-120 cm long and 8-12 cm wide and contain fiber bundles that are 23-52 cm long and 0.6-13 mm wide. The ultimate fiber length is approximately 1.6 mm with an average width of 25 microns. There are several types of leaf fibers that can be utilized depending on what part of the plant they come from and what product is desired. Agave leaf fibers were pulped using a soda pulping process and the pulp was hand formed into test sheets. Test sheets made from pulped agave leaf fibers had a breaking length comparable to paper made from both pine and eucalyptus fibers, but the tear index and burst index were lower than the other two papers.

50 CFR 648.147 - Black sea bass minimum fish sizes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 12 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Black sea bass minimum fish sizes. 648... Measures for the Black Sea Bass Fishery § 648.147 Black sea bass minimum fish sizes. (a) Moratorium (commercially) permitted vessels. The minimum size for black sea bass is 11 inches (27.94 cm) total length for...

50 CFR 648.147 - Black sea bass minimum fish sizes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 12 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Black sea bass minimum fish sizes. 648... Measures for the Black Sea Bass Fishery § 648.147 Black sea bass minimum fish sizes. (a) Moratorium (commercially) permitted vessels. The minimum size for black sea bass is 11 inches (27.94 cm) total length for...

50 CFR 648.147 - Black sea bass minimum fish sizes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 12 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Black sea bass minimum fish sizes. 648... Measures for the Black Sea Bass Fishery § 648.147 Black sea bass minimum fish sizes. (a) Moratorium (commercially) permitted vessels. The minimum size for black sea bass is 11 inches (27.94 cm) total length for...

An Analytic Model for the Compression of Plasma Toroids

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-10-01

chamber are only 18 cm apart in the formation section, and the total chamber length can be several meters. The concept is to form a confined plasma ring , and...Focusing of Magnetically Confined Plasma Rings ," Physical Review Letters, Vol. 61, No. 25, pp.2843-2846, 19 December 1988. 2. Turner, W. C., Goldenbaum, G

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.

Construction of an SNP-based high-density linkage map for flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) using specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology.

PubMed

Yi, Liuxi; Gao, Fengyun; Siqin, Bateer; Zhou, Yu; Li, Qiang; Zhao, Xiaoqing; Jia, Xiaoyun; Zhang, Hui

2017-01-01

Flax is an important crop for oil and fiber, however, no high-density genetic maps have been reported for this species. Specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) is a high-resolution strategy for large scale de novo discovery and genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms. In this study, SLAF-seq was employed to develop SNP markers in an F2 population to construct a high-density genetic map for flax. In total, 196.29 million paired-end reads were obtained. The average sequencing depth was 25.08 in male parent, 32.17 in the female parent, and 9.64 in each F2 progeny. In total, 389,288 polymorphic SLAFs were detected, from which 260,380 polymorphic SNPs were developed. After filtering, 4,638 SNPs were found suitable for genetic map construction. The final genetic map included 4,145 SNP markers on 15 linkage groups and was 2,632.94 cM in length, with an average distance of 0.64 cM between adjacent markers. To our knowledge, this map is the densest SNP-based genetic map for flax. The SNP markers and genetic map reported in here will serve as a foundation for the fine mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs), map-based gene cloning and marker assisted selection (MAS) for flax.

Design of a portable artificial heart drive system based on efficiency analysis.

PubMed

Kitamura, T

1986-11-01

This paper discusses a computer simulation of a pneumatic portable piston-type artificial heart drive system with a linear d-c-motor. The purpose of the design is to obtain an artificial heart drive system with high efficiency and small dimensions to enhance portability. The design employs two factors contributing the total efficiency of the drive system. First, the dimensions of the pneumatic actuator were optimized under a cost function of the total efficiency. Second, the motor performance was studied in terms of efficiency. More than 50 percent of the input energy of the actuator with practical loads is consumed in the armature circuit in all linear d-c-motors with brushes. An optimal design is: the piston cross-sectional area of 10.5 cm2 cylinder longitudinal length of 10 cm. The total efficiency could be up to 25 percent by improving the gasket to reduce the frictional force.

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.

A Numerical Model of Laser-Induced Fluorescence in a Hydrogen Plasma

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-10

cross-sections. Lee, et al., cited screened Coulomb potential calculations by several groups to place an up- per limit of 30 A on the Debye length...intensity: RL(t)(1/sec) = B,,(cir 2/erg . sec) . (J,)(erg/sec .cm -. liz) (3.5) 35 The Einstein coefficients are related by the statistical weights of the...impact processes.) These rate matrices were then added together to obtain the total rate matrix for both groups of electrons. The total electron density

Waardenburg syndrome with extended aganglionosis: report of 3 new cases.

PubMed

Karaca, Irfan; Turk, Erdal; Ortac, Ragip; Kandirici, Aliye

2009-06-01

The Waardenburg-Shah syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease with varied penetration where Hirschsprung's disease and the Waardenburg syndrome are seen together. Although the length of the involved intestinal segment varies in this syndrome, most patients had total colonic aganglionosis with or without small bowel involvement. We present in this study 2 siblings and one first-degree relative for a total of 3 male patients with Waardenburg syndrome and total colonic aganglionosis with or without small bowel involvement, together with their clinical characteristics and treatment methods. The patients who presented with intestinal obstruction findings within the first 48 hours after birth were operated on with 2 patients under elective conditions and 1 as an emergency. The ganglionic segment lengths were 6, 8, and 20 cm, respectively. Aganglionic enterostomy was performed, and the Ziegler operation was used for these patients. The enterostomies started to function on the third postoperative week, and they started to gain weight. However, all died because of sepsis on the 5th to 12th month. Waardenburg-Shah syndrome patients have a higher incidence of total colonic aganglionosis with or without small bowel involvement. The Ziegler operation may be used in patients with inadequate ganglionic bowel length to gain some time for the child to grow and to decrease total parenteral nutrition complications.

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).

[Reproduction of the fish Brotula clarkae (Pisces: Ophidiidae) in the Colombian Pacific].

PubMed

Acevedo, Jenny; Angulo, Wilberto; Ramírez, Manuel; Zapata, Luis A

2007-01-01

We studied the reproductive ecology of the fish Brotula clarkae based on 754 individuals obtained from the industrial and artisanal fisheries in the Colombian Pacific (March 1994 to December 1996). Histological sections (paraplast embedding and Harris's hematoxylin-eosin stain) were made from 151 females (26-100 cm total length). Additionally, mean diameter and particular features are described for oocyte phases and ovarian development stages. The mean size at initial sexual maturity of females was determined with two methods (graphic and statistic) in 61.3 cm and 62.3 cm respectively. The general sex ratio was 1:1. There are several spawn pulses between May and October. The mean fecundity by spawn pulse was 1,005,657 eggs. We recommend a fishing ban during the reproduction period and a minimal catch size above 62.3 cm.

Effect on fan flow characteristics of length and axial location of a cascade thrust reverser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dietrich, D. A.

1975-01-01

A series of static tests were conducted on a model fan with a diameter of 14.0 cm to determine the fan operating characteristics, the inlet static pressure contours, the fan-exit total and static pressure contours, and the fan-exit pressure distortion parameters associated with the installation of a partial-circumferential-emission cascade thrust reverser. The tests variables included the cascade axial length, the axial location of the reverser, and the type of fan inlet. It was shown that significant total and static pressure distortions were produced in the fan aft duct, and that some configurations induced a static pressure distortion at the fan face. The amount of flow passed by the fan and the level of the flow distortions were dependent upon all the variables tested.

Morphometric Correlates of the Ovary and Ovulatory Corpora in the Bowhead Whale, Balaena mysticetus.

PubMed

Tarpley, Raymond J; Hillmann, Daniel J; George, John C; Zeh, Judith E; Suydam, Robert S

2016-06-01

Gross morphology and morphometry of the bowhead whale ovary, including ovulatory corpora, were investigated in 50 whales from the Chukchi and Beaufort seas off the coast of Alaska. Using the presence of ovarian corpora to define sexual maturity, 23 sexually immature whales (7.6-14.2 m total body length) and 27 sexually mature whales (14.2-17.7 m total body length) were identified. Ovary pair weights ranged from 0.38 to 2.45 kg and 2.92 to 12.02 kg for sexually immature and sexually mature whales, respectively. In sexually mature whales, corpora lutea (CLs) and/or large corpora albicantia (CAs) projected beyond ovary surfaces. CAs became increasingly less interruptive of the surface contour as they regressed, while remaining identifiable within transverse sections of the ovarian cortex. CLs formed large globular bodies, often with a central lumen, featuring golden parenchymas enfolded within radiating fibrous cords. CAs, sometimes vesicular, featured a dense fibrous core with outward fibrous projections through the former luteal tissue. CLs (never more than one per ovary pair) ranged from 6.7 to 15.0 cm in diameter in 13 whales. Fetuses were confirmed in nine of the 13 whales, with the associated CLs ranging from 8.3 to 15.0 cm in diameter. CLs from four whales where a fetus was not detected ranged from 6.7 to 10.6 cm in diameter. CA totals ranged from 0 to 22 for any single ovary, and from 1 to 41 for an ovary pair. CAs measured from 0.3 to 6.3 cm in diameter, and smaller corpora were more numerous, suggesting an accumulating record of ovulation. Neither the left nor the right ovary dominated in the production of corpora. Anat Rec, 299:769-797, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Progress in long scale length laser plasma interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glenzer, S. H.; Arnold, P.; Bardsley, G.; Berger, R. L.; Bonanno, G.; Borger, T.; Bower, D. E.; Bowers, M.; Bryant, R.; Buckman, S.; Burkhart, S. C.; Campbell, K.; Chrisp, M. P.; Cohen, B. I.; Constantin, C.; Cooper, F.; Cox, J.; Dewald, E.; Divol, L.; Dixit, S.; Duncan, J.; Eder, D.; Edwards, J.; Erbert, G.; Felker, B.; Fornes, J.; Frieders, G.; Froula, D. H.; Gardner, S. D.; Gates, C.; Gonzalez, M.; Grace, S.; Gregori, G.; Greenwood, A.; Griffith, R.; Hall, T.; Hammel, B. A.; Haynam, C.; Heestand, G.; Henesian, M.; Hermes, G.; Hinkel, D.; Holder, J.; Holdner, F.; Holtmeier, G.; Hsing, W.; Huber, S.; James, T.; Johnson, S.; Jones, O. S.; Kalantar, D.; Kamperschroer, J. H.; Kauffman, R.; Kelleher, T.; Knight, J.; Kirkwood, R. K.; Kruer, W. L.; Labiak, W.; Landen, O. L.; Langdon, A. B.; Langer, S.; Latray, D.; Lee, A.; Lee, F. D.; Lund, D.; MacGowan, B.; Marshall, S.; McBride, J.; McCarville, T.; McGrew, L.; Mackinnon, A. J.; Mahavandi, S.; Manes, K.; Marshall, C.; Menapace, J.; Mertens, E.; Meezan, N.; Miller, G.; Montelongo, S.; Moody, J. D.; Moses, E.; Munro, D.; Murray, J.; Neumann, J.; Newton, M.; Ng, E.; Niemann, C.; Nikitin, A.; Opsahl, P.; Padilla, E.; Parham, T.; Parrish, G.; Petty, C.; Polk, M.; Powell, C.; Reinbachs, I.; Rekow, V.; Rinnert, R.; Riordan, B.; Rhodes, M.; Roberts, V.; Robey, H.; Ross, G.; Sailors, S.; Saunders, R.; Schmitt, M.; Schneider, M. B.; Shiromizu, S.; Spaeth, M.; Stephens, A.; Still, B.; Suter, L. J.; Tietbohl, G.; Tobin, M.; Tuck, J.; Van Wonterghem, B. M.; Vidal, R.; Voloshin, D.; Wallace, R.; Wegner, P.; Whitman, P.; Williams, E. A.; Williams, K.; Winward, K.; Work, K.; Young, B.; Young, P. E.; Zapata, P.; Bahr, R. E.; Seka, W.; Fernandez, J.; Montgomery, D.; Rose, H.

2004-12-01

The first experiments on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) have employed the first four beams to measure propagation and laser backscattering losses in large ignition-size plasmas. Gas-filled targets between 2 and 7 mm length have been heated from one side by overlapping the focal spots of the four beams from one quad operated at 351 nm (3ω) with a total intensity of 2 × 1015 W cm-2. The targets were filled with 1 atm of CO2 producing up to 7 mm long homogeneously heated plasmas with densities of ne = 6 × 1020 cm-3 and temperatures of Te = 2 keV. The high energy in an NIF quad of beams of 16 kJ, illuminating the target from one direction, creates unique conditions for the study of laser-plasma interactions at scale lengths not previously accessible. The propagation through the large-scale plasma was measured with a gated x-ray imager that was filtered for 3.5 keV x-rays. These data indicate that the beams interact with the full length of this ignition-scale plasma during the last ~1 ns of the experiment. During that time, the full aperture measurements of the stimulated Brillouin scattering and stimulated Raman scattering show scattering into the four focusing lenses of 3% for the smallest length (~2 mm), increasing to 10-12% for ~7 mm. These results demonstrate the NIF experimental capabilities and further provide a benchmark for three-dimensional modelling of the laser-plasma interactions at ignition-size scale lengths.

Infant head circumference growth is saltatory and coupled to length growth.

PubMed

Lampl, Michelle; Johnson, Michael L

2011-05-01

Rapid growth rates of head circumference and body size during infancy have been reported to predict developmental pathologies that emerge during childhood. This study investigated whether growth in head circumference was concordant with growth in body length. Forty infants (16 males) were followed between the ages of 2 days and 21 months for durations ranging from 4 to 21 months (2616 measurements). Longitudinal anthropometric measurements were assessed weekly (n=12), semi-weekly (n=24) and daily (n=4) during home visits. Individual head circumference growth was investigated for the presence of saltatory patterns. Coincident analysis tested the null hypothesis that head growth was randomly coupled to length growth. Head circumference growth during infancy is saltatory (p<0.05), characterized by median increments of 0.20 cm (95% confidence interval, 0.10-0.30 cm) in 24-h, separated by intervals of no growth ranging from 1 to 21 days. Daily assessments identified that head growth saltations were coupled to length growth saltations within a median time frame of 2 days (interquartile 0-4, range 1-8 days). Assessed at semi-weekly and weekly intervals, an average 82% (SD 0.13) of head growth saltations was non-randomly concordant with length growth (p≤0.006). Normal infant head circumference grows by intermittent, episodic saltations that are temporally coupled to growth in total body length by a process of integrated physiology that remains to be described. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of horizontal vs vertical vaginal cuff closure techniques on vagina length after vaginal hysterectomy: a prospective randomized study.

PubMed

Cavkaytar, Sabri; Kokanali, Mahmut Kuntay; Topcu, Hasan Onur; Aksakal, Orhan Seyfi; Doganay, Melike

2014-01-01

To compare the effects of horizontal and vertical vaginal cuff closure techniques on vagina length after vaginal hysterectomy. Prospective randomized study (Canadian Task Force classification I). Teaching and research hospital, a tertiary center. Fifty-two women with POP-Q stage 0 or 1 uterine prolapse were randomized into 2 groups using vertical (n = 26) or horizontal (n = 26) vaginal cuff closure. All patients underwent vaginal hysterectomy. Vagina length in the 2 groups was compared preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and at 6 weeks postoperatively. Mean (SD) preoperative vagina length in the horizontal and vertical groups was similar (7.87 [0.92] cm vs 7.99 [0.78] cm; p = .41). Immediately postoperatively, the vagina was significantly shorter in the horizontal group than in the vertical group (6.61 [0.89] cm vs 7.51 [0.74] cm; p < .001). At 6 weeks postoperatively, the vagina was still significantly shorter in the horizontal group (6.55 [0.89] cm vs 7.42 (0.73) cm; p < .001). The mean difference in vagina length before and after surgery was also significantly higher in the horizontal group than in the vertical group (-1.26 [0.12] cm vs 0.49 [0.11] cm; p < .001). Vertical cuff closure during vaginal hysterectomy seems to preserve vagina length better than does horizontal cuff closure. Copyright © 2014 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Overestimation of femoral tunnel length during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the retrograde outside-in drilling technique.

PubMed

Okazaki, Ken; Osaki, Kanji; Nishikawa, Kazutaka; Matsubara, Hirokazu; Tashiro, Yasutaka; Iwamoto, Yukihide

2016-08-01

When the femoral tunnel socket is reamed in an oblique direction from the wall of inter-condylar notch in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, the tunnel length can be shorter at the periphery than at the centre. Because surgeons can manipulate the direction of tunnel in the outside-in femoral tunnel drilling technique, this length mismatch would vary depending on the direction of the tunnel. The purpose of this study was to investigate this length mismatch when reamed in various directions. In total of thirteen points were defined as femoral drilling entry points on concentric lines with 0, 1, 2, and 3 cm radius from the lateral epicondyle of a three-dimensional bone model from 40 subjects. Femoral tunnel drilling was simulated on the models by connecting the centre of the ACL footprint with each defined point on the lateral femoral surface. The mismatch length was measured between the centre and the shortest peripheral side of the tunnel socket. When the distance between the drilling entry point on the lateral femoral surface and the lateral epicondyle was increased to anterior proximal direction, there was a significant increase in the mismatch length. The mismatch length became more than 2 mm when the entry point was located more than 2 cm away from the lateral epicondyle. When the drilling entry point is set far away from the lateral epicondyle, a significant increase was observed in tunnel length mismatch between the centre of the tunnel and its shortest peripheral side. Because the tunnel length is measured with a guide pin introduced at the centre of the tunnel before reaming in retrograde outside-in technique, this length mismatch could cause an overestimation of the tunnel length. Surgeons should recognise this mismatch when preparing the length of graft and socket to optimise the graft insertion length into the socket.

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

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.

Estimation of total Length of Femur From Its Fragments in South Indian Population

PubMed Central

Solan, Shweta; Kulkarni, Roopa

2013-01-01

Introduction: Establishment of identity of deceased person also assumes a great medicolegal importance. To establish the identity of a person, stature is one of the criteria. To know stature of individual, length of long bones is needed. Aims and Objectives: To determine the lengths of the femoral fragments and to compare with the total length of femur in south Indian population, which will help to estimate the stature of the individual using standard regression formulae. Material and Methods: A number of 150, 72 left and 78 right adult fully ossified dry processed femora were taken. The femur bone was divided into five segments by taking predetermined points. Length of five segments and maximum length of femur were measured to the nearest millimeter. The values were obtained in cm [mean±S.D.] and the mean total length of femora on left and right side was measured. The proportion of segments to the total length was also calculated which will help for the stature estimation using standard regression formulae. Results: The mean total length of femora on left side was 43.54 ± 2.7 and on right side it was 43.42 ± 2.4. The measurements of the segments-1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 8.06± 0.71, 8.25± 1.24, 10.35 ± 2.21, 13.94 ± 1.93 and 2.77 ± 0.53 on left side and 8.09 ± 0.70, 8.30 ± 1.34, 10.44 ± 1.91, 13.50 ± 1.54 and 3.09 ± 0.41 on right side of femur. Conclusion: The sample size was 150, 72 left and 78 right and ‘p’ value of all the segments was significant (‹0.001). When comparison was made between segments of right and left femora, the ‘p’ value of segment-5 was found to be ‹0.001. Comparison between different segments of femur showed significance in all the segments. PMID:24298451

Three-dimensional microfluidic channel with arbitrary length and configuration fabricated inside glass by femtosecond laser direct writing.

PubMed

Liao, Yang; Ju, Yongfeng; Zhang, Long; He, Fei; Zhang, Qiang; Shen, Yinglong; Chen, Danping; Cheng, Ya; Xu, Zhizhan; Sugioka, Koji; Midorikawa, Katsumi

2010-10-01

We demonstrate, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, fabrication of three-dimensional microfluidic channels with arbitrary lengths and configurations inside glass by femtosecond laser direct writing. The main fabrication process includes two steps: (1) direct formation of hollow microchannels in a porous glass substrate immersed in water by femtosecond laser ablation and (2) postannealing of the glass substrate at ∼1150°C by which the porous glass can be consolidated. We show that a square-wavelike channel with a total length of ∼1.4 cm and a diameter of ∼64 μm can be easily produced ∼250 μm beneath the glass surface.

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).

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.

Cervical Length in Patients at Risk for Placenta Accreta.

PubMed

Rac, Martha W F; McIntire, Donald D; Wells, C Edward; Moschos, Elysia; Twickler, Diane D

2017-07-01

To evaluate cervical length measurements in women with placenta accreta compared to women with a nonadherent low-lying placenta or placenta previa and evaluate this relationship in terms of vaginal bleeding, preterm labor, and preterm birth. We conducted a retrospective cohort study between 1997 and 2011 of gravidas with more than 1 prior cesarean delivery who had a transvaginal ultrasound examination between 24 and 34 weeks for a low-lying placenta or placenta previa. Cervical length was measured from archived images in accordance with national guidelines by a single investigator, who was blinded to outcomes and ultrasound reports. The diagnosis of placental accreta was based on histologic confirmation. For study purposes, preterm birth was defined as less than 36 weeks, and cervical lengths of 3 cm or less were considered short. Standard statistical analyses were used. A total of 125 patients met inclusion criteria. The cohort was divided into patients with (n = 43 [34%]) and without (n = 82 [66%]) placenta accreta and stratified by gestational age at the ultrasound examinations. Women with placenta accreta had shorter cervical length measurements during their 32- to 34-week ultrasound examinations (mean ± SD, 3.23 ± 0.98 versus 3.95 ± 1.0 cm; P < .01) and were more likely to have a short cervix of 3 cm or less (P = .001). However, these findings did not correlate with the degree of invasion (P = .3), or higher rates of vaginal bleeding and preterm labor (P = .19) resulting in preterm birth before 36 weeks (P = .64). Women with placenta accreta had shorter cervical lengths at 32 to 34 weeks than women with a nonadherent low-lying placenta or placenta previa, but this finding did not correlate with a higher risk of vaginal bleeding or preterm labor resulting in preterm birth before 36 weeks. © 2017 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

TU-CD-304-04: Scanning Field Total Body Irradiation Using Dynamic Arc with Variable Dose Rate and Gantry Speed

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

Yi, B; Xu, H; Mutaf, Y

2015-06-15

Purpose: Enable a scanning field total body irradiation (TBI) technique, using dynamic arcs, which is biologically equivalent to a moving couch TBI. Methods: Patient is treated slightly above the floor and the treatment field scans across the patient by a moving gantry. MLC positions change during gantry motion to keep same field opening at the level of the treatment plane (170 cm). This is done to mimic the same geometry as the moving couch TBI technique which has been used in our institution for over 10 years. The dose rate and the gantry speed are determined considering a constant speedmore » of the moving field, variations in SSD and slanted depths resulting from oblique gantry angles. An Eclipse (Varian) planning system is commissioned to accommodate the extended SSD. The dosimetric foundations of the technique have been thoroughly investigated using phantom measurements. Results: Dose uniformity better than 2% across 180 cm length at 10cm depth is achieved by moving the gantry from −55 to +55 deg. Treatment range can be extended by increasing gantry range. No device such as a gravity-oriented compensator is needed to achieve a uniform dose. It is feasible to modify the dose distribution by adjusting the dose rate at each gantry angle to compensate for body thickness differences. Total treatment time for 2 Gy AP/PA fields is 40–50 minutes excluding patient set up time, at the machine dose rate of 100 MU/min. Conclusion: This novel yet transportable moving field technique enables TBI treatment in a small treatment room with less program development preparation than other techniques. Treatment length can be extended per need, and. MLC-based thickness compensation and partial lung blocking are also possible.« less

[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.

Growth charts for Australian children with achondroplasia.

PubMed

Tofts, Louise; Das, Sandeep; Collins, Felicity; Burton, Karen L O

2017-08-01

Achondroplasia is an autosomal dominant disorder, the most common genetic cause of short stature in humans. Reference curves for head circumference, weight, height, and BMI are needed in clinical practice but none exist for the Australian population. This study aimed to produce head circumference, height, weight, and BMI reference percentile curves for Australian children and adolescents with achondroplasia. Measurements of head circumference, height and weight taken at clinical visits were retrospectively extracted from the electronic medical record. Age was corrected for prematurity. Patients were excluded from head circumference analysis if they had significant neurosurgical complications and from the weight and BMI analysis when they had a clinical diagnosis of overweight. Measurements were available on 138 individuals (69 males and 69 females) taken between 1970 and 2015, with over 50% collected since 2005. A total of 3,352 data points were available. The LMS method was used to produce growth charts with estimated centiles (10, 25, 50, 75, and 90th) separately for males and females. For females birth weight was 3 kg (2.5-3.5 kg), birth length 48 cm (44-50 cm) and head circumference 37.5 cm (36-39 cm), adult height was 125 cm (116-132 cm), weight 42 kg (34-54 kg), and head circumference 58 cm (55.5-60.5 cm) all 50th centile (10-90th). For males birth weight was 3.5 kg (3-4 kg), length 49 cm (46-52 cm) and head circumference 38.5 cm (36-41 cm), adult height was 134 cm (125-141 cm), weight 41 kg (24.5-57 kg) and head circumference 61 cm (58-64 cm). The curves are similar to previously published reference data from the USA and have expected population wide variation from curves from an Argentinian population. Despite limitations of our curves for adolescents (12 years and older) due to data paucity, these Australian growth charts for children and adolescents with achondroplasia will be a useful reference in clinical practice. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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

Reproductive parameters of the Pacific angel shark Squatina californica (Selachii: Squatinidae).

PubMed

Romero-Caicedo, A F; Galván-Magaña, F; Hernández-Herrera, A; Carrera-Fernández, M

2016-04-01

Reproductive characteristics of the Pacific angel shark, Squatina californica, were evaluated from 420 specimens obtained from the artisanal fishery in La Paz Bay, Gulf of California, Mexico. Females (99 cm, 6000 g) were larger than males (95 cm, 5000 g) in terms of both total length (L(T)) and body mass (M(T)). The overall sex ratio was significantly different from the expected 1:1, suggesting sexual segregation of mature individuals in La Paz Bay. Males had developed reproductive organs and calcified claspers from 72 cm L(T); the median size at maturity (LT50 ) was 75.6 cm. In females, only the left ovary was functional and mature ovarian follicles were present from 77 cm L(T); the estimated LT50 was 77.7 cm. For the 10 gravid females sampled, uterine fecundity was between two and 10 embryos. Mature, non-gravid females with small and large ovarian follicles appeared simultaneously with gravid females with follicles that did not exceed 1.9 cm diameter. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

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.

Potential Applications of Some Indigenous Bacteria Isolated from Polluted Areas in the Treatment of Brewery Effluents

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Biological wastewater treatment is economically feasible and ecofriendly. This study was aimed at isolating bacteria from brewery wastes and evaluating their bioremediation potential as individual isolate and/or their consortium in reducing the pollutants of brewery effluents. A total of 40 bacterial isolates were recovered and of these the three best isolates were selected. The selected bacteria were identified to genus level by using morphological and biochemical characteristics. Accordingly, the isolates were identified as Aeromonas sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Bacillus sp. After 12 days of incubation, the removal efficiency of these three isolates and their combinations for biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand varied from 73.55% to 94.85% and 76.78% to 93.25%, respectively. Total nitrogen and phosphorus removal was within the range of 54.43% to 77.21% and 41.80% to 78.18%, respectively. Total suspended solid, total solid, and total dissolved solids removal ranged from 66.74% to 90.3%, 54.69% to 88.5%, and 53.02% to 88.2%, respectively. The pH and electrical conductivity values ranged from 6.81 to 8.65 and 3.31 mS/cm to 3.67 mS/cm, respectively. The treated effluent increased Beta vulgaris seeds germination from 80% to 100%, with mean germination time of 3.1 to 5.2 days and seedlings length of 2.3 cm to 6.3 cm. Therefore, the development of this finding into a large scale offers an attractive technology for brewery waste treatment. PMID:29610687

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.

Design study of piezoelectric energy-harvesting devices for generation of higher electrical power using a coupled piezoelectric-circuit finite element method.

PubMed

Zhu, Meiling; Worthington, Emma; Tiwari, Ashutosh

2010-01-01

This paper presents a design study on the geometric parameters of a cantilever-based piezoelectric energy-harvesting devices (EHD), which harvest energy from motion (vibration), for the purpose of scavenging more energy from ambient vibration energy sources. The design study is based on the coupled piezoelectric-circuit finite element method (CPCFEM), previously presented by Dr. Zhu. This model can calculate the power output of piezoelectric EHDS directly connected to a load resistor and is used in this paper to obtain the following simulation results for variations in geometric parameters such as the beam length, width and thickness, and the mass length, width, and height: 1) the current flowing through and the voltage developed across the load resistor, 2) the power dissipated by the resistor and the corresponding vibrational displacement amplitude, and 3) the resonant frequency. By studying these results, straightforward design strategies that enable the generation of more power are obtained for each geometric parameter, and a physical understanding of how each parameter affects the output power is given. It is suggested that, in designing with the aim of generating more power, the following strategies be used: 1) for the beam, a shorter length, larger width, and lower ratio of piezoelectric layer thickness to total beam thickness are preferred in the case of a fixed mass; 2) for the mass, a shortened mass length and a higher mass height are preferred in the case of variation in the mass length and the mass height with mass width and mass value remain fixed, and a wider width and small mass height are preferred in the case of variation in mass width and height (mass length and value remain fixed; and 3) for the case of a fixed total length, a shorter beam length and longer mass length are preferred. With the design strategies, output powers from the device can reach above 1 to 2 mW/cm(3), much higher than the 200 microW/cm(3) currently achieved in the published literature. This is an encouraging prospect for enabling a wider range of applications of the EHDs. In addition, physical insights into how each parameter influences output power are also discussed in detail.

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.

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...

Laser photogrammetry improves size and demographic estimates for whale sharks

PubMed Central

Richardson, Anthony J.; Prebble, Clare E.M.; Marshall, Andrea D.; Bennett, Michael B.; Weeks, Scarla J.; Cliff, Geremy; Wintner, Sabine P.; Pierce, Simon J.

2015-01-01

Whale sharks Rhincodon typus are globally threatened, but a lack of biological and demographic information hampers an accurate assessment of their vulnerability to further decline or capacity to recover. We used laser photogrammetry at two aggregation sites to obtain more accurate size estimates of free-swimming whale sharks compared to visual estimates, allowing improved estimates of biological parameters. Individual whale sharks ranged from 432–917 cm total length (TL) (mean ± SD = 673 ± 118.8 cm, N = 122) in southern Mozambique and from 420–990 cm TL (mean ± SD = 641 ± 133 cm, N = 46) in Tanzania. By combining measurements of stranded individuals with photogrammetry measurements of free-swimming sharks, we calculated length at 50% maturity for males in Mozambique at 916 cm TL. Repeat measurements of individual whale sharks measured over periods from 347–1,068 days yielded implausible growth rates, suggesting that the growth increment over this period was not large enough to be detected using laser photogrammetry, and that the method is best applied to estimating growth rates over longer (decadal) time periods. The sex ratio of both populations was biased towards males (74% in Mozambique, 89% in Tanzania), the majority of which were immature (98% in Mozambique, 94% in Tanzania). The population structure for these two aggregations was similar to most other documented whale shark aggregations around the world. Information on small (<400 cm) whale sharks, mature individuals, and females in this region is lacking, but necessary to inform conservation initiatives for this globally threatened species. PMID:25870776

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.

[Diet, selectivity and trophic overlap between the sizes of silverside Menidia humboldtiana (Atheriniformes: Atherinopsidae) in the reservoir Tiacaque, Mexico].

PubMed

Sánchez, Regina; Ochoa, Abigahil; Mendoza, Angélica

2013-06-01

D Menidia humboldtiana, a native species of Mexico, is a common inhabitant of local reservoirs. It represents a highly appreciated fish of economic importance in the central part of the country because of its delicate flavor. Trophic behavior of this species is important to understand the relationships with other fish species in reservoirs. With the aim to study this specific topic, the trophic spectrum, selectivity coefficient and overlap, were determined among different sizes of the Silverside M humboldtiana. For this, both zooplankton and fish samples were taken during four different seasons of 1995. Zooplankton samples were taken through a mesh (125 micron), and all organisms were identified to generic level. Fish were captured and grouped into standard length intervals per season, and the stomach contents were obtained and analyzed. Trophic interactions included the stomach contents analysis (Laevastu method), the coefficient of selection (Chesson) and the trophic overlap (Morisita index modified by Horn) between sizes. A total of 14 zooplankton genera were identified, of which Bosmina was the most abundant (29 625 ind./10 L) followed by Cyclops (9496 ind./10 L), during the spring. Small size fishes (1-4.9cm) consumed high percentages of Cyclops in the spring (61.24%) and winter (69.82%). Ceriodaphnia was consumed by fish sizes of 3-10.9cm (72.41%) and 13-14.9cm (95.5%) during the summer; while in autumn, small sizes (1-4.9cm) ingested Mastigodiaptomus and Ceriodaphnia; Daphnia and Bosmina were consumed by fishes of 5-8.9cm and the biggest sizes (9-14.9 cm) feed on Ceriodaphnia. M. humboldtiana makes a selective predation by the genera Ceriodaphnia, Daphnia, Mastigodiaptomus, Bosmina and Cyclops, depending on the size length interval. The trophic overlap was very marked among all sizes on spring, autumn and winter, unlike in summer fish of 1-2.9 and 11-12.9 cm did not show overlap with other length intervals. M humboldtiana is a zooplanktivore species, which performs a selective predation and a marked trophic overlap between the different fish sizes.

[The occurrence of dioctophymosis in dogs from Municipality of Cachoeiro do Itapemirim in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, from May to December of 2004].

PubMed

Pereira, Bruna J; Girardelli, Giovani L; Trivilin, Leonardo O; Lima, Vanessa R; Nunes, Louisiane de C; Martins, Isabella V F

2006-01-01

Dioctophyma renale is frequently observed in dogs from rural areas. From a total of 67 necropsies carried out from May to December of 2004, 56 were dogs, which came from the minicipality of Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, two animals parasited for D. renale. In one of these animals in a mass of epiplon a nematode female of 15 cm of length was found in ectopic position. The right kidney was atrophic and with the presence of 2 females (58 and 50 cm) and 2 males (21 cm each). In the second animal, the kidneys were morphologically different. The left kidney was presented hypertrophic, while right kidney was observed a female with 45 cm. The recovered helminths were identified and fixed in AFA. During the ovariectomy of a dog of the same region a male nematode of approximately 20 cm was found in site the abdominal cavity. All of them were identified as D. renale.

The "Body Mass Index" of Flexible Ureteroscopes.

PubMed

Proietti, Silvia; Somani, Bhaskar; Sofer, Mario; Pietropaolo, Amelia; Rosso, Marco; Saitta, Giuseppe; Gaboardi, Franco; Traxer, Olivier; Giusti, Guido

2017-10-01

To assess the "body mass index" (BMI) (weight and length) of 12 flexible ureteroscopes (digital and fiber optic) along with the light cables and camera heads, to make the best use of our instruments. Twelve different brand-new flexible ureteroscopes from four different manufacturers, along with eight camera heads and three light cables were evaluated. Each ureteroscope, camera head, and light cable was weighted; the total length of each ureteroscope, shaft, handle, flexible end-tip, and cable were all measured. According to our measurements (in grams [g]), the lightest ureteroscope was the LithoVue (277.5 g), while the heaviest was the URF-V2 (942.5 g). The lightest fiber optic endoscope was the Viper (309 g), while the heaviest was the Cobra (351.5 g). Taking into account the entirety of the endoscopes, the lightest ureteroscope was the Lithovue and the heaviest was the Wolf Cobra with the Wolf camera "3 CHIP HD KAMERA KOPF ENDOCAM LOGIC HD" (1474 g). The longest ureteroscope was the URF-P6 (101.6 cm) and the shortest was the LithoVue (95.5 cm); whereas the Viper and Cobra had the longest shaft (69 cm) and URF-V had the shortest shaft (67.2 cm). The URF-V2 had the longest flexible end-tip (7.6 cm), while the LithoVue had the shortest end-tip (5.7 cm) in both directions (up/down), while the URF-V had the shortest upward deflection (3.7 cm). Newer more versatile digital endoscopes were lighter than their traditional fiber optic counterparts in their entirety, with disposable endoscope having a clear advantage over other reusable ureteroscopes. Knowing the "BMI" of our flexible ureteroscopes is an important information that every endourologist should always take into consideration.

Second generation genetic linkage map for the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata L.

PubMed

Tsigenopoulos, Costas S; Louro, Bruno; Chatziplis, Dimitrios; Lagnel, Jacques; Vogiatzi, Emmanouella; Loukovitis, Dimitrios; Franch, Rafaella; Sarropoulou, Elena; Power, Deborah M; Patarnello, Tomaso; Mylonas, Constantinos C; Magoulas, Antonios; Bargelloni, Luca; Canario, Adelino; Kotoulas, Georgios

2014-12-01

An updated second linkage map was constructed for the gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata L., a fish species of great economic importance for the Mediterranean aquaculture industry. In contrast to the first linkage map which mainly consisted of genomic microsatellites (SSRs), the new linkage map is highly enriched with SSRs found in Expressed Sequence Tags (EST-SSRs), which greatly facilitates comparative mapping with other teleosts. The new map consists of 321 genetic markers in 27 linkage groups (LGs): 232 genomic microsatellites, 85 EST-SSRs and 4 SNPs; of those, 13 markers were linked to LGs but were not ordered. Eleven markers (5 SSRs, 5 EST-SSRs and 1 SNP) are not assigned to any LG. The total length of the sex-averaged map is 1769.7cM, 42% longer than the previously published one, and the number of markers in each LG ranges from 2 to 30. The inter-marker distance varies from 0 to 75.6cM, with an average of 5.75cM. The male and female maps have a length of 1349.2 and 2172.1cM, respectively, and the average distance between markers is 4.38 and 7.05cM, respectively. Comparative mapping with the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus acuulatus) chromosomes and scaffolds showed conserved synteny with 132 S. aurata markers (42.9% of those mapped) having a hit on the stickleback genome. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SU-F-J-48: Effect of Scan Length On Magnitude of Imaging Dose in KV CBCT

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

Deshpande, S; Naidu, S; Sutar, A

Purpose: To study effect of scan length on magnitude of imaging dose deposition in Varian kV CBCT for head & neck and pelvis CBCT. Methods: To study effect of scan length we measured imaging dose at depth of 8 cm for head and neck Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) acquisition ( X ray beam energy is used 100kV and 200 degree of gantry rotation) and at 16 cm depth for pelvis CBCT acquisition ( X ray beam energy used is 125 kV and 360 degree of gantry rotation) in specially designed phantom. We used farmer chamber which was calibrated inmore » kV X ray range for measurements .Dose was measured with default field size, and reducing field size along y direction to 10 cm and 5 cm. Results: As the energy of the beam decreases the scattered radiation increases and this contributes significantly to the dose deposited in the patient. By reducing the scan length to 10 Cm from default 20.6 cm we found a dose reduction of 14% for head and neck CBCT protocol and a reduction of 26% for pelvis CBCT protocol. Similarly for a scan length of 5cm compared to default the dose reduction in head and neck CBCT protocol is 36% while in the pelvis CBCT protocol the dose reduction is 50%. Conclusion: By limiting the scan length we can control the scatter radiation generated and hence the dose to the patient. However the variation in dose reduction for same length used in two protocols is because of the scan geometry. The pelvis CBCT protocol uses a full rotation and head and neck CBCT protocol uses partial rotation.« less

Scaling high-order harmonic generation from laser-solid interactions to ultrahigh intensity.

PubMed

Dollar, F; Cummings, P; Chvykov, V; Willingale, L; Vargas, M; Yanovsky, V; Zulick, C; Maksimchuk, A; Thomas, A G R; Krushelnick, K

2013-04-26

Coherent x-ray beams with a subfemtosecond (<10(-15)  s) pulse duration will enable measurements of fundamental atomic processes in a completely new regime. High-order harmonic generation (HOHG) using short pulse (<100  fs) infrared lasers focused to intensities surpassing 10(18)  W cm(-2) onto a solid density plasma is a promising means of generating such short pulses. Critical to the relativistic oscillating mirror mechanism is the steepness of the plasma density gradient at the reflection point, characterized by a scale length, which can strongly influence the harmonic generation mechanism. It is shown that for intensities in excess of 10(21)  W cm(-2) an optimum density ramp scale length exists that balances an increase in efficiency with a growth of parametric plasma wave instabilities. We show that for these higher intensities the optimal scale length is c/ω0, for which a variety of HOHG properties are optimized, including total conversion efficiency, HOHG divergence, and their power law scaling. Particle-in-cell simulations show striking evidence of the HOHG loss mechanism through parametric instabilities and relativistic self-phase modulation, which affect the produced spectra and conversion efficiency.

Cosmic ray isotope measurements with a new Cerenkov X total energy telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Webber, W. R.; Kish, J. C.; Schrier, D. A.

1985-01-01

Measurements of the isotopic composition of cosmic nuclei with Z = 7-20 are reported. These measurements were made with a new version of a Cerenkov x total E telescope. Path length and uniformity corrections are made to all counters to a RMS level 1%. Since the Cerenkov counter is crucial to mass measurements using the C x E technique - special care was taken to optimize the resolution of the 2.4 cm thick Pilot 425 Cerenkov counter. This counter exhibited a beta = 1 muon equivalent LED resolution of 24%, corresponding to a total of 90 p.e. collected at the 1st dynodes of the photomultiplier tubes.

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.

Determination of Normal Distribution of Distended Colon Volumes to Guide Performance of Colonic Imaging With Fluid Distention.

PubMed

Zheng, Karen S; Small, William C; Mittal, Pardeep K; Cai, Qingpo; Kang, Jian; Moreno, Courtney C

2016-01-01

The purpose was to determine the normal distribution of distended colon volumes as a guide for rectal contrast material administration protocols. All computed tomography colonography studies performed at Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, between January 2009 and January 2015, were reviewed retrospectively. In total, 85 subjects were included in the analysis (64% [54 of 85] female and 36% [31 of 85] male). Mean patient age was 65 years (range: 42-86y). Distended colon volumes were determined from colon length and transaxial diameter measurements made using a 3-dimensional workstation. Age, sex, race, height, weight, and body mass index were recorded. The normal distributions of distended colon volumes and lengths were determined. Correlations between colonic volume and colonic length, and demographic variables were assessed. Mean colon volume was 2.1L (range: 0.7-4.4L). Nearly, 17% of patients had a distended colonic volume of >3L. Mean colon length was 197cm (range: 118-285cm). A weak negative correlation was found between age and colonic volume (r = -0.221; P = 0.04). A weak positive correlation was found between body mass index and colonic length (r = 0.368; P = 0.007). Otherwise, no significant correlations were found for distended colonic volume or length and demographic variables. In conclusion, an average of approximately 2L of contrast material may be necessary to achieve full colonic opacification. This volume is larger than previously reported volumes (0.8-1.5L) for rectal contrast material administration protocols. Copyright © 2015 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessment of the quality of cervical mucus among users of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system at different times of use.

PubMed

Moraes, Leticia G; Marchi, Nadia M; Pitoli, Ana C; Hidalgo, Maria M; Silveira, Carolina; Modesto, Waleska; Bahamondes, Luis

2016-08-01

The quality of cervical mucus (CM) among the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) users is controversial. The objectives were to assess CM compared to the levels of oestradiol (E2) and the frequency of cycles with luteal activity among users of the LNG-IUS. In total, 224 LNG-IUS users for between two months and five years were recruited at a Brazilian family planning clinic. For the cross-sectional part of the study, we enrolled 175 LNG-IUS users at 2, 6 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after insertion (25 women in each group), and we performed one evaluation. For the prospective part of the study, we enrolled 49 LNG-IUS users at the same lengths of use after insertion (7 women in each group), and we evaluated these women once a week for five consecutive weeks. . Mean (± SEM) CM scores of all evaluations among women with single and weekly evaluations were between 3.3 ± 0.9 and 8.5 ± 0.3, respectively independently of the length of use of the LNG-IUS. Mean E2 values ranged from 45.5 ± 6.8 to 472.5 ± 34.7 pg/ml and the maximum ovarian follicle diameter on the days of evaluation varied from 14.0 ± 1.3 to 31.2 ± 0.4 mm. The mean CM score of all evaluations, independent of the length of use of the LNG-IUS and normal levels of serum E2, was below 10 was according to the WHO is inadequate for sperm penetration.

Convectively Induced Meanflow in a Long Channel.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grimm, Th.; Maxworthy, T.

1997-11-01

The similarity theory of Phillips (Deep Sea Res. 13, 1966) for the convectively induced motion in the Red Sea, predicts that the outflow buoyancy difference should scale as (B _0L) ^2/3/h :: , where B 0 is the surface buoyancy flux and L and h are the length and height of the channel above the sill crest, respectively. A friction-buoyancy balance leads to a modified expression [(B _0L) ^2/3/h][fracLh]^1/3 :: (2). The results can be applied also to a number of other natural flows including freezing-induced convection in fjords and polar seas. A series of Experiments have been conducted to check the predictions. A channel 300 cm long and 21 cm wide has been constructed. Within it segmented salt-water sources have been placed over a length of 250 cm. Their depth varied from 2 to 12 cm. A sill was placed in the exit region and its height was at least half the total depth of water in the channel. Density data were taken by withdrawing samples while velocity profiles were found by a DPIV technique. The meanflow consists of a two-layer stratification over a large fraction of the length of the channel. Our results suggest that the scaling (2) above is most closely realized with a constant of value 1.1. Analysis of the Red Sea data suggests a constant between 1.1 and 1.4 depending on the data set used. The exit Fr-number is unity. The amount of mixing within the channel is less than that predicted for the 'overmixed' state. Supported by the German Acad. Exchge. Serv. and the NSF Polar Programs.

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

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.

Customization of biliopancreatic limb length to modulate and sustain antidiabetic effect of gastric bypass surgery.

PubMed

Pal, A; Rhoads, D B; Tavakkoli, A

2018-02-01

Although Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) remains the most effective treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), many patients fail to achieve remission, or relapse. Increasing intestinal limb lengths of RYGB may improve outcomes, but the mechanistic basis for this remains unclear. We hypothesize biliopancreatic (BP) limb length modulates the antidiabetic effect of RYGB. Rats underwent RYGB with a 20-cm (RYGB-20cm) or 40-cm (RYGB-40cm) BP limb and were compared with control animals. After 2 and 4 wk, portal and systemic blood was sampled during intestinal glucose infusion. Portosystemic gradient was used to calculate intestinal glucose utilization (G util ), absorption (G absorp ), and hormone secretion. Intestinal morphology and gene expression were assessed. At 2 wk, G absorp progressively decreased with increasing BP limb length; this pattern persisted at 4 wk. G util increased ≈70% in both RYGB-20cm and -40cm groups at 2 wk. At 4 wk, G util progressively increased with limb length. Furthermore, Roux limb weight, and expression of hexokinase and preproglucagon, exhibited a similar progressive increase. At 4 wk, glucagon-like peptide-1 and -2 levels were higher after RYGB-40cm, with associated increased secretion. We conclude that BP limb length modulates multiple antidiabetic mechanisms, analogous to the dose-response relationship of a drug. Early postoperatively, a longer BP limb reduces G absorp . Later, G util , Roux limb hypertrophy, hormone secretion, and hormone levels are increased with longer BP limb. Sustained high incretin levels may prevent weight regain and T2D relapse. These data provide the basis for customizing BP limb length according to patient characteristics and desired metabolic effect. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Biliopancreatic limb length in gastric bypass modulates multiple antidiabetic mechanisms, analogous to the dose-response relationship of a drug. With a longer biliopancreatic limb, Roux limb hypertrophy, increased glucose utilization, reduced glucose absorption, and sustained high incretin levels may prevent weight regain and diabetes relapse.

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.

Construction of integrated linkage map of a recombinant inbred line population of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.)

PubMed Central

Vipin, Cina Ann; Luckett, David J.; Harper, John D.I.; Ash, Gavin J.; Kilian, Andrzej; Ellwood, Simon R.; Phan, Huyen T.T.; Raman, Harsh

2013-01-01

We report the development of a Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) marker panel and its utilisation in the development of an integrated genetic linkage map of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) using an F8 recombinant inbred line population derived from Kiev Mutant/P27174. One hundred and thirty-six DArT markers were merged into the first genetic linkage map composed of 220 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and 105 genic markers. The integrated map consists of 38 linkage groups of 441 markers and spans a total length of 2,169 cM, with an average interval size of 4.6 cM. The DArT markers exhibited good genome coverage and were associated with previously identified genic and AFLP markers linked with quantitative trait loci for anthracnose resistance, flowering time and alkaloid content. The improved genetic linkage map of white lupin will aid in the identification of markers for traits of interest and future syntenic studies. PMID:24273424

The detection of fatigue cracks by nondestructive testing methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rummel, W. D.; Todd, P. H., Jr.; Frecska, S. A.; Rathke, R. A.

1974-01-01

X-radiographic penetrant, ultrasonic, eddy current, holographic, and acoustic emission techniques were optimized and applied to the evaluation of 2219-T87 aluminum alloy test specimens. One hundred eighteen specimens containing a total of 328 fatigue cracks were evaluated. The cracks ranged in length from 0.500 inch (1.27 cm) to 0.007 inch (0.018 cm) and in depth from 0.178 inch (0.451 cm) and 0.001 inch (0.003 cm). Specimen thicknesses were nominally 0.060 inch (0.152 cm) and 0.210 inch (0.532 cm) and surface finishes were nominally 32 and 125 rms and 64 and 200 rms respectively. Specimens were evaluated in the as-milled surface condition, in the chemically milled surface condition and, after proof loading, in a randomized inspection sequence. Results of the nondestructive test (NDT) evaluations were compared with actual crack size obtained by measurement of the fractured specimens. Inspection data was then analyzed to provide a statistical basis for determinating the threshold crack detection sensitivity (the largest crack size that would be missed) for each of the inspection techniques at a 95% probability and 95% confidence level.

Finite Element Stress Analysis of Spent Nuclear Fuel Disposal Canister in a Deep Geological Repository

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Young Joo; Choi, Jong Won

This paper presents the finite element stress analysis of a spent nuclear fuel disposal canister to provide basic information for dimensioning the canister and configuration of canister components and consequently to suggest the structural analysis methodology for the disposal canister in a deep geological repository which is nowadays very important in the environmental waste treatment technology. Because of big differences in the pressurized water reactor (PWR) and the Canadian deuterium and uranium reactor (CANDU) fuel properties, two types of canisters are conceived. For manufacturing, operational reasons and standardization, however, both canisters have the same outer diameter and length. The construction type of canisters introduced here is a solid structure with a cast insert and a corrosion resistant overpack. The structural stress analysis is carried out using a finite element analysis code, NISA, and focused on the structural strength of the canister against the expected external pressures due to the swelling of the bentonite buffer and the hydrostatic head. The canister must withstand these large pressure loads. Consequently, canisters presented here contain 4 PWR fuel assemblies and 33×9 CANDU fuel bundles. The outside diameter of the canister for both fuels is 122cm and the cast insert diameter is 112cm. The total length of the canister is 483cm with the lid/bottom and the outer shell of 5cm.

Postural stability changes during large vertical diplopia induced by prism wear in normal subjects.

PubMed

Matsuo, Toshihiko; Yamasaki, Hanako; Yasuhara, Hirotaka; Hasebe, Kayoko

2013-01-01

To test the effect of double vision on postural stability, we measured postural stability by electric stabilometry before prism-wearing and immediately, 15, 30, and 60min after continuous prism-wearing with 6 prism diopters in total (a 3-prism-diopter prism placed with the base up in front of one eye and with the base down in front of the other eye) in 20 normal adult individuals with their eyes open or closed. Changes in stabilometric parameters in the time course of 60min were analyzed statistically by repeated-measure analysis of variance. When subjectsｾ eyes were closed, the total linear length (cm) and the unit-time length (cm/sec) of the sway path were significantly shortened during the 60-minute prism-wearing (p＜0.05). No significant change was noted in any stabilometric parameters obtained with the eyes open during the time course. In conclusion, postural stability did not change with the eyes open in the condition of large vertical diplopia, induced by prism-wearing for 60min, while the stability became better when measured with the eyes closed. A postural control mechanism other than that derived from visual input might be reinforced under abnormal visual input such as non-fusionable diplopia.

The Segmental Morphometric Properties of the Horse Cervical Spinal Cord: A Study of Cadaver

PubMed Central

Bahar, Sadullah; Bolat, Durmus; Selcuk, Muhammet Lutfi

2013-01-01

Although the cervical spinal cord (CSC) of the horse has particular importance in diseases of CNS, there is very little information about its segmental morphometry. The objective of the present study was to determine the morphometric features of the CSC segments in the horse and possible relationships among the morphometric features. The segmented CSC from five mature animals was used. Length, weight, diameter, and volume measurements of the segments were performed macroscopically. Lengths and diameters of segments were measured histologically, and area and volume measurements were performed using stereological methods. The length, weight, and volume of the CSC were 61.6 ± 3.2 cm, 107.2 ± 10.4 g, and 95.5 ± 8.3 cm3, respectively. The length of the segments was increased from C 1 to C 3, while it decreased from C 3 to C 8. The gross section (GS), white matter (WM), grey matter (GM), dorsal horn (DH), and ventral horn (VH) had the largest cross-section areas at C 8. The highest volume was found for the total segment and WM at C 4, GM, DH, and VH at C 7, and the central canal (CC) at C 3. The data obtained not only contribute to the knowledge of the normal anatomy of the CSC but may also provide reference data for veterinary pathologists and clinicians. PMID:23476145

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.

Initial dislocation structure and dynamic dislocation multiplication in Mo single crystals

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

Hsiung, L M; Lassila, D H

Initial dislocation structure in annealed high-purity Mo single crystals and deformation substructure in a crystal subjected to 1% compression have been examined and studied in order to investigate dislocation multiplication mechanisms in the early stages of plastic deformation. The initial dislocation density is in a range of 10{sup 6} {approx} 10{sup 7} cm{sup -2}, and the dislocation structure is found to contain many grown-in superjogs along dislocation lines. The dislocation density increases to a range of 10{sup 8} {approx} 10{sup 9} cm{sup -2}, and the average jog height is also found to increase after compressing for a total strain ofmore » 1%. It is proposed that the preexisting jogged screw dislocations can act as (multiple) dislocation multiplication sources when deformed under quasi-static conditions. Both the jog height and length of link segment (between jogs) can increase by stress-induced jog coalescence, which takes place via the lateral migration (drift) of superjogs driven by unbalanced line-tension partials acting on link segments of unequal lengths. Applied shear stress begins to push each link segment to precede dislocation multiplication when link length and jog height are greater than critical lengths. This dynamic dislocation multiplication source is subsequently verified by direct simulations of dislocation dynamics under stress to be crucial in the early stages of plastic deformation in Mo single crystals.« less

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.

Effect of cane length and swing arc width on drop-off and obstacle detection with the long cane

PubMed Central

Kim, Dae Shik; Emerson, Robert Wall; Naghshineh, Koorosh

2017-01-01

A repeated-measures design with block randomization was used for the study, in which 15 adults with visual impairments attempted to detect the drop-offs and obstacles with the canes of different lengths, swinging the cane in different widths (narrow vs wide). Participants detected the drop-offs significantly more reliably with the standard-length cane (79.5% ± 6.5% of the time) than with the extended-length cane (67.6% ± 9.1%), p <.001. The drop-off detection threshold of the standard-length cane (4.1 ± 1.1 cm) was also significantly smaller than that of the extended-length cane (6.5±1.8cm), p <.001. In addition, participants detected drop-offs at a significantly higher percentage when they swung the cane approximately 3 cm beyond the widest part of the body (78.6% ± 7.6%) than when they swung it substantially wider (30 cm; 68.5% ± 8.3%), p <.001. In contrast, neither cane length (p =.074) nor cane swing arc width (p =.185) had a significant effect on obstacle detection performance. The findings of the study may help orientation and mobility specialists recommend appropriate cane length and cane swing arc width to visually impaired cane users. PMID:29276326

Effect of cane length and swing arc width on drop-off and obstacle detection with the long cane.

PubMed

Kim, Dae Shik; Emerson, Robert Wall; Naghshineh, Koorosh

2017-09-01

A repeated-measures design with block randomization was used for the study, in which 15 adults with visual impairments attempted to detect the drop-offs and obstacles with the canes of different lengths, swinging the cane in different widths (narrow vs wide). Participants detected the drop-offs significantly more reliably with the standard-length cane (79.5% ± 6.5% of the time) than with the extended-length cane (67.6% ± 9.1%), p <.001. The drop-off detection threshold of the standard-length cane (4.1 ± 1.1 cm) was also significantly smaller than that of the extended-length cane (6.5±1.8cm), p <.001. In addition, participants detected drop-offs at a significantly higher percentage when they swung the cane approximately 3 cm beyond the widest part of the body (78.6% ± 7.6%) than when they swung it substantially wider (30 cm; 68.5% ± 8.3%), p <.001. In contrast, neither cane length ( p =.074) nor cane swing arc width ( p =.185) had a significant effect on obstacle detection performance. The findings of the study may help orientation and mobility specialists recommend appropriate cane length and cane swing arc width to visually impaired cane users.

Construction of High-Density Genetic Linkage Maps and Mapping of Growth-Related Quantitative Trail Loci in the Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

PubMed Central

Niu, Yuze; Gao, Fengtao; Zhao, Yongwei; Zhang, Jing; Sun, Jian; Shao, Changwei; Liao, Xiaolin; Wang, Lei; Tian, Yongsheng; Chen, Songlin

2012-01-01

High-density genetic linkage maps were constructed for the Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). A total of 1624 microsatellite markers were polymorphic in the reference family. Linkage analysis using JoinMap 4.0 resulted in the mapping of 1487 markers to 24 linkage groups, a result which was consistent with the 24 chromosomes seen in chromosome spreads. The female map was composed of 1257 markers, covering a total of 1663.8 cM with an average interval 1.35 cM between markers. The male map consisted of 1224 markers, spanning 1726.5 cM, with an average interval of 1.44 cM. The genome length in the Japanese flounder was estimated to be 1730.3 cM for the females and 1798.0 cM for the males, a coverage of 96.2% for the female and 96.0% for the male map. The mean recombination at common intervals throughout the genome revealed a slight difference between sexes, i.e. 1.07 times higher in the male than female. High-density genetic linkage maps are very useful for marker-assisted selection (MAS) programs for economically valuable traits in this species and for further evolutionary studies in flatfish and vertebrate species. Furthermore, four quantiative trait loci (QTL) associated with growth traits were mapped on the genetic map. One QTL was identified for body weight on LG 14 f, which explained 14.85% of the total variation of the body weight. Three QTL were identified for body width on LG14f and LG14m, accounting for 16.75%, 13.62% and 13.65% of the total variation in body width, respectively. The additive effects were evident as negative values. There were four QTL for growth traits clustered on LG14, which should prove to be very useful for improving growth traits using molecular MAS. PMID:23209734

Ergonomics study on the handle length and lift angle for the culinary spatula.

PubMed

Wu, Swei-Pi; Hsieh, Chang-Sheng

2002-09-01

The culinary spatula (turning shovel) is one of the most common cooking tools used in the kitchen in Asia. However, the culinary spatula has seldom been ergonomically investigated. When a person uses a spatula to cook food, the operations involve repetitive bent-wrist motions, such as dorsiflexion, palmary flexion, and radial and ulnar deviations. These movements may cause cumulative trauma disorders in the upper extremities, and in particular carpal tunnel syndrome. A poorly designed culinary spatula will be ergonomically inefficient and cause injury to the hand and wrist. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of spatula handle length and lift angle on food-frying, food-turning, and food-shoveling performance. Eight female subjects were tested using 16 different culinary spatulas, with four different handle lengths (20, 25, 30 and 35 cm) and four different lift angles (15 degrees, 25 degrees, 35 degrees and 45 ). The criterion measures included cooking performance, and rating of perceived exertion. The subjects ranked their preference after all of the tasks in the tests were completed. The results showed that: (1) The handle length had a significant influence on the cooking performance, and rating of perceived exertion. The optimal handle lengths for frying food, turning food, and shoveling food were 20, 25 and 25 cm, respectively. (2) The lift angle significantly affected the cooking performance, and rating of perceived exertion. The optimal lift angles for frying food, turning food, and shoveling food were 15 degrees, 15 degrees and 25 degrees, respectively. (3) Both the handle length and lift angle had significant effects on subjective preference. For the handle length, the 20 cm length was the best. For the lift angle, the 25 angle was the best. (4) In general, a spatula with a 20 cm handle length and 25 degrees lift angle was the best. A spatula with a 25 cm handle length and 15 lift angle was the second most preferred. (5) However, to prevent subjects from touching the edge of a hot pan, a spatula with a 25 cm handle length and 25 lift angle is suggested.

Age and growth of the mutton hamlet Alphestes afer, with a review of the size and age of sex change among epinephelids.

PubMed

Marques, S; Ferreira, B P

2016-07-01

This paper presents results on the age, growth and population structure of a small grouper, the mutton hamlet Alphestes afer, and discusses the observed size and age structure patterns in relation to reproductive strategies among the epinephelids. Ages were determined by examination of sectioned otoliths, which showed a distinct pattern of alternating translucent and opaque zones that formed annually, as validated with tetracycline labelling. The von Bertalanffy growth function was adjusted to the length-at-age data of the males and females, but no significant differences were observed between the resulting parameters. The females, however, were older at given sizes and attained larger sizes and ages, with a maximum observed longevity of 13 years and a total length (LT ) of 26 cm, while the males attained maximum longevities of only 10 years and a 22 cm maximum LT . The LT and age range for the sex change was 16-25 cm and 3-11 years. The total mortality rate (Z) was estimated to be 0·55 for females and 0·82 for males. With the males younger and smaller than the females, this species differed from the pattern commonly observed for protogynous epinephelids. Males had slower growth after maturation, probably due to energy allocation to sperm production during sexual development. This study shows that demography is an important tool to understand the pathways for reproductive strategies in grouper populations. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Optimal Guiding Catheter Length for Endovascular Coiling of Intracranial Aneurysms in Anterior Circulation in Era of Flourishing Distal Access System

PubMed Central

Jia, Zhen Yu; Lee, Sang Hun; Kim, Young Eun; Choi, Joon Ho; Hwang, Sun Moon; Lee, Ga Young; Youn, Jin Ho

2017-01-01

Purpose To determine the minimum required guiding catheter length for embolization of various intracranial aneurysms in anterior circulation and to analyze the effect of various patient factors on the required catheter length and potential interaction with its stability. Materials and Methods From December 2016 to March 2017, 90 patients with 93 anterior circulation aneurysms were enrolled. Three types of guiding catheters (Envoy, Envoy DA, and Envoy DA XB; Codman Neurovascular, Raynham, MA, USA) were used. We measured the in-the-body length of the catheter and checked the catheter tip location in the carotid artery. We analyzed factors affecting the in-the-body length and stability of the guiding catheter system. Results The average (±standard deviation) in-the-body length of the catheter was 84.2±5.9 cm. The length was significantly longer in men (89.1±5.6 vs. 82.1±4.6 cm, P<0.001), patients older than 65 years (87.7±7.8 vs. 82.7±4.2 cm, P<0.001), patients with a more tortuous arch (arch type 2 and 3) (87.5±7.4 vs. 82.7±4.4 cm, P<0.001), and patients with a distal aneurysm location (distal group) (86.2±5.0 vs. 82.7±6.1 cm, P=0.004). A shift in the tip location was noted in 19 patients (20.4%); there was no significant different among the 3 catheters (P=0.942). Conclusion The minimum required length of a guiding catheter was 84 cm on average for elective anterior-circulation aneurysm embolization. The length increased in men older than 65 years with a more tortuous arch. We could reach a higher position with distal access catheters with little difference in the stability once we reached the target location. PMID:28955511

Novel measurements of the length of the subglottic airway in infants and young children.

PubMed

Sirisopana, Metee; Saint-Martin, Christine; Wang, Ning Nan; Manoukian, John; Nguyen, Lily H P; Brown, Karen A

2013-08-01

To date, the lengths of the subglottic and tracheal airway segments have been measured from autopsy specimens. Images of the head and neck obtained from computerized tomography (CT) provide an alternate method. Our objective in this study was to identify anatomic landmarks from CT scans in infants and young children to estimate the lengths of the subglottic and tracheal airway segments and to correlate these lengths with age. We performed a retrospective analysis of CT images of the neck for various diagnostic indications in children ≤3 years. We obtained planes of reconstruction at the level of the vocal cords (VCs), cricoid cartilage, and carina (C) which were parallel to each other and perpendicular to sagittal long axis of the trachea. The lengths of the subglottic airway (LengthSG) and total length of the laryngotracheal airway (LengthVC-C) were measured from the distance between, respectively, the VC versus cricoid cartilage and the VC versus C planes of reconstruction. Tracheal length was then calculated as the difference between LengthVC-C and LengthSG. Fifty-six children met the inclusion criteria. There were 29 boys. The median weight was 10.7 kg (range 3.1-19.0 kg). Regression analysis yielded mean LengthSG (mm) = 7.8 + 0.03·corrected age (months), r(2) = 0.07, P = 0.056; lower and upper 95% confidence interval for β = 0.03 were -0.001 and 0061. The mean LengthSG was 8.4 mm with an SD of 1.4 mm. The 95th percentile for LengthSG was 10.8 mm, and the 5% to 95% interquartile range was 4.9 mm. The estimate for the 95% confidence interval of the 95th percentile was between 10.2 and 11.3 mm. The LengthVC-C increased with age: mean LengthVC-C (cm) = 5.3 + 0.05·corrected age (months), r(2) = 0.7, P < 0.001. Tracheal length also increased with age: mean tracheal length (cm) = 4.5 + 0.05·corrected age (months), r(2) = 0.6, P < 0.001. We report a novel estimate method for the lengths of the airway segments between the VC and C in 56 infants and young children and suggest that the growth characteristics of the subglottic and tracheal airway may differ.

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

Total internal reflection-based side-pumping configuration for terawatt ultraviolet amplifier and laser oscillator development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cadatal-Raduban, Marilou; Pham, Minh Hong; Pham, Duong Van; Bui, Duong Thi Thuy; Yamanoi, Kohei; Takeda, Kohei; Empizo, Melvin John F.; Mui, Luong Viet; Shimizu, Toshihiko; Nguyen, Hung Dai; Sarukura, Nobuhiko; Fukuda, Tsuguo

2018-06-01

A two-side-pumping scheme that is based on total internal reflection in a diamond-cut Ce3+:LiCaAlF6 crystal suitable for the development of an ultraviolet laser and femtosecond amplifier system is proposed. Experimental fluorescence images and lasing results that demonstrate total internal reflection of the excitation beam using this diamond-cut crystal are presented. Calculations for the optimized crystal geometry that facilitate high extraction efficiency and homogeneity of the absorbed excitation beam are also discussed. About 50% increase in extraction efficiency compared to previously reported chirped-pulse femtosecond ultraviolet amplifier operating at 50-GW peak power is expected using this total internal reflection-based two-side-pumping configuration and a diamond-cut Ce3+:LiCaAlF6 crystal with a geometry of {φ _1} = 103°, {φ _2} = {φ _4} = 82°, {φ _3} = 93°, a length of 1.23 cm, a height of 2 cm, and an absorption coefficient of 1.5 cm-1. Our results can be used as a guide during the crystal growth process by providing the appropriate crystal geometry and size for a particular absorption coefficient to achieve high extraction efficiency. With the appropriate crystal combined with multiple-beam pumping afforded by the side-pumping scheme, the development of an all-solid-state ultraviolet laser operating at terawatt level would be within reach.

Progress in a genome scan for linkage in schizophrenia in a large Swedish kindred

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

Barr, C.L.; Kennedy, J.L.; Pakstis, A.J.

1994-03-15

Genetic linkage studies of a kindred from Sweden segregating for schizophrenia have been performed using a genetic model (autosomal dominant, f - 0.72, q - 0.02, phenocopies=0.001) as described in Kennedy et al., 1988. Analyses of the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), allele-specific oligonucleotides (ASO), and short tandem repeat (STR also called microsatellite) data for 180 polymorphisms (individual probe-enzyme, ASO, or STR systems) at 155 loci have been completed using the MLINK and LIPED programs. Linkage to schizophrenia was excluded, under the given model, at 47 loci; indeterminate lod scores occurred at 108 loci. The total exclusion region across 20more » chromosomes is estimated at 330 cM; 211 cM excluded by pairwise analyses and 119 cM previously excluded by multipoint analyses. 37 refs., 2 tabs.« less

Identification of QTLs Associated with Callogenesis and Embryogenesis in Oil Palm Using Genetic Linkage Maps Improved with SSR Markers

PubMed Central

Ting, Ngoot-Chin; Jansen, Johannes; Nagappan, Jayanthi; Ishak, Zamzuri; Chin, Cheuk-Weng; Tan, Soon-Guan; Cheah, Suan-Choo; Singh, Rajinder

2013-01-01

Clonal reproduction of oil palm by means of tissue culture is a very inefficient process. Tissue culturability is known to be genotype dependent with some genotypes being more amenable to tissue culture than others. In this study, genetic linkage maps enriched with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed for dura (ENL48) and pisifera (ML161), the two fruit forms of oil palm, Elaeis guineensis. The SSR markers were mapped onto earlier reported parental maps based on amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers. The new linkage map of ENL48 contains 148 markers (33 AFLPs, 38 RFLPs and 77 SSRs) in 23 linkage groups (LGs), covering a total map length of 798.0 cM. The ML161 map contains 240 markers (50 AFLPs, 71 RFLPs and 119 SSRs) in 24 LGs covering a total of 1,328.1 cM. Using the improved maps, two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with tissue culturability were identified each for callusing rate and embryogenesis rate. A QTL for callogenesis was identified in LGD4b of ENL48 and explained 17.5% of the phenotypic variation. For embryogenesis rate, a QTL was detected on LGP16b in ML161 and explained 20.1% of the variation. This study is the first attempt to identify QTL associated with tissue culture amenity in oil palm which is an important step towards understanding the molecular processes underlying clonal regeneration of oil palm. PMID:23382832

Seasonal, locational and size variations in mercury and selenium levels in striped bass (Morone saxatilis) from New Jersey

PubMed Central

Gochfeld, Michael; Burger, Joanna; Jeitner, Christian; Donio, Mark; Pittfield, Taryn

2014-01-01

We examined total mercury and selenium levels in muscle of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) collected from 2005 to 2008 from coastal New Jersey. Of primary interest was whether there were differences in mercury and selenium levels as a function of size and location, and whether the legal size limits increased the exposure of bass consumers to mercury. We obtained samples mainly from recreational anglers, but also by seine and trawl. For the entire sample (n = 178 individual fish), the mean (± standard error) for total mercury was 0.39 ± 0.02 μg/g (= 0.39 ppm, wet weight basis) with a maximum of 1.3 μg/g (= 1.3 ppm wet weight). Mean selenium level was 0.30 ± 0.01 μg/g (w/w) with a maximum of 0.9 μg/g). Angler-caught fish (n = 122) were constrained by legal size limits to exceed 61 cm (24 in.) and averaged 72.6 ± 1.3 cm long; total mercury averaged 0.48 ± 0.021 μg/g and selenium averaged 0.29 ± 0.01 μg/g. For comparable sizes, angler-caught fish had significantly higher mercury levels (0.3 vs 0.21 μg/g) than trawled fish. In both the total and angler-only samples, mercury was strongly correlated with length (Kendall tau = 0.37; p < 0.0001) and weight (0.38; p < 0.0001), but was not correlated with condition or with selenium. In the whole sample and all subsamples, total length yielded the highest r2 (up to 0.42) of any variable for both mercury and selenium concentrations. Trawled fish from Long Branch in August and Sandy Hook in October were the same size (68.9 vs 70.1 cm) and had the same mercury concentrations (0.22 vs 0.21 ppm), but different selenium levels (0.11 vs 0.28 ppm). The seined fish (all from Delaware Bay) had the same mercury concentration as the trawled fish from the Atlantic coast despite being smaller. Angler-caught fish from the North (Sandy Hook) were larger but had significantly lower mercury than fish from the South (mainly Cape May). Selenium levels were high in small fish, low in medium-sized fish, and increased again in larger fish, but overall selenium was correlated with length (tau = 0.14; p = 0.006) and weight (tau = 0.27; p < 0.0001). Length-squared contributed significantly to selenium models, reflecting the non-linear relationship. Inter-year differences were explained partly by differences in sizes. The selenium:mercury molar ratio was below 1:1 in 20% of the fish and 25% of the angler-caught fish. Frequent consumption of large striped bass can result in exposure above the EPA’s reference dose, a problem particularly for fetal development. PMID:22226733

Reproductive biology and feeding habits of the prickly dogfish Oxynotus bruniensis.

PubMed

Finucci, B; Bustamante, C; Jones, E G; Dunn, M R

2016-11-01

The reproductive biology and diet of prickly dogfish Oxynotus bruniensis, a deep-sea elasmobranch, endemic to the outer continental and insular shelves of southern Australia and New Zealand, and caught as by-catch in demersal fisheries, are described from specimens caught in New Zealand waters. A total of 53 specimens were obtained from research surveys and commercial fisheries, including juveniles and adults ranging in size from 33·5 to 75·6 cm total length (L T ). Estimated size-at-maturity was 54·7 cm L T in males and 64·0 cm L T in females. Three gravid females (65·0, 67·5 and 71·2 cm L T ) were observed, all with eight embryos. Size-at-birth was estimated to be 25-27 cm L T . Vitellogenesis was not concurrent with embryo development. Analysis of diet from stomach contents, including DNA identification of prey using the mitochondrial genes cox1 and nadh2, revealed that O. bruniensis preys exclusively on the egg capsules of holocephalans, potentially making it the only known elasmobranch with a diet reliant solely upon other chondrichthyans. Based on spatial overlap with deep-sea fisheries, a highly specialized diet, and reproductive characteristics representative of a low productivity fish, the commercial fisheries by-catch of O. bruniensis may put this species at relatively high risk of overfishing. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Chain length effects of p-oligophenyls with comparison of benzene by Raman scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Kai; Chen, Xiao-Jia

2018-02-01

Raman scattering measurements are performed on benzene and a number of p-oligophenyls including biphenyl, p-terphenyl, p-quaterphenyl, p-quinquephenyl, and p-sexiphenyl at ambient conditions. The vibrational modes of the intra- and intermolecular terms in these materials are analyzed and compared. Chain length effects on the vibrational properties are examined for the C-H in-plane bending mode and the inter-ring C-C stretching mode at around 1200 cm-1 and 1280 cm-1, respectively, and the C-C stretching modes at around 1600 cm-1. The complex and fluctuating properties of these modes result in an imprecise estimation of the chain length of these molecules. Meanwhile, the obtained ratio of the intensities of the 1200 cm-1 mode and 1280 cm-1 mode is sensitive to the applied lasers. A librational motion mode with the lowest energy is found to have a monotonous change with the increase in the chain length. This mode is simply relevant to the c axis of the unit cell. Such an obvious trend makes it a better indicator for determining the chain length effects on the physical and chemical properties in these molecules.

[The sural medial perforator flap: Anatomical bases, surgical technique and indications in head and neck reconstruction].

PubMed

Struk, S; Schaff, J-B; Qassemyar, Q

2018-04-01

The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap is defined as a thin cutaneo-adipose perforator flap harvested on the medial aspect of the leg. The aims of this study were to describe the anatomical basis as well as the surgical technique and discuss the indications in head and neck reconstructive surgery. We harvested 10 MSAP flap on 5 fresh cadavers. For each case, the number and the location of the perforators were recorded. For each flap, the length of pedicle, the diameter of source vessels and the thickness of the flap were studied. Finally, we performed a clinical application of a MSAP flap. A total of 23 perforators with a diameter superior than 1mm were dissected on 10 legs. The medial sural artery provided between 1 and 4 musculocutaneous perforators. Perforators were located in average at 10.3cm±2cm from the popliteal fossa and at 3.6cm±1cm from the median line of the calf. The mean pedicle length was 12.1cm±2.5cm. At its origin, the source artery diameter was 1.8mm±0.25mm and source veins diameters were 2.45mm±0.9mm in average. There was no complication in our clinical application. This study confirms the reliability of previous anatomical descriptions of the medial sural artery perforator flap. This flap was reported as thin and particularly adapted for oral cavity reconstruction and for facial or limb resurfacing. Sequelae might be reduced as compared to those of the radial forearm flap with comparable results. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

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.

Reproductive biology of cuckoo ray Leucoraja naevus.

PubMed

Maia, C; Erzini, K; Serra-Pereira, B; Figueiredo, I

2012-09-01

The present study is the first to provide data on the reproductive biology of cuckoo ray Leucoraja naevus in Portuguese continental waters. No difference in size at maturity was detected between sexes, which was estimated as 56 cm total length. Spawning occurs all year round, but maximum activity was during winter months. Maximum fecundity is c. 63 eggs female(-1) year(-1). Encapsulated eggs are released in batches, nine in total with a mean number of seven extruded eggs in each batch. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Fish Biology © 2012 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

[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.

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.

The attainment of large accelerating gradients using near field synchrotron radiation

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

Decker, G.

1989-01-01

Lienard-Wiechert potentials are used to find the electromagnetic field everywhere in free space resulting from a point charge moving on a helical trajectory. The total power emitted as synchrotron radiation from a particle on a circular path is calculated. The point charge results are generalized to the case of a line charge, and formulae are presented which can easily be evaluated numerically. A useful gradient of 80 MeV/m per kA of peak driving beam current over a distance of 1 cm is calculated using two 5 MeV driving beams moving on 1 cm radius helical orbits with bunch length 1more » mm. 11 refs., 5 figs.« less

[Comparison of anorectal pressure after procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids versus Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation for grade III hemorrhoids].

PubMed

Dong, Xiao-ni; Tang, Ying-chun

2013-12-01

To compare the long-term anorectal manometry of patients with grade III hemorrhoids treated by procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) or Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation (DGHAL). A total of 114 patients with grade III hemorrhoids in our department in 2010 were prospectively enrolled, and divided into PPH group (63 cases) and DGHAL group (51 cases) according to patient preference. Patients received anorectal pressure examination 2, 6, 12, 18 months after operation, including rectal resting pressure, anal resting pressure, maximal anal contractive pressure and length of high-pressure band. Anorectal manometries between two procedure groups were compared. In every time point of follow-up, as compared to PPH group, DGHAL group presented higher anal resting pressure[postoperative 2 months: (56.2±2.6) mmHg vs. (43.2±3.1) mmHg, postoperative 6 months: (55.2±2.1) mmHg vs. (45.1±2.5) mmHg, postoperative 12 months: (53.2±3.0) mmHg vs. (40.2±3.2) mmHg, postoperative 18 months: (55.3±2.6) mmHg vs. (43.2±2.5) mmHg, all P<0.01], and longer length of high-pressure band [postoperative 2 months: (3.45±0.14) cm vs. (2.95±0.22) cm, postoperative 6 months: (3.46±0.12) cm vs. (2.94±0.26) cm, postoperative 12 months: (3.45±0.12) cm vs. (3.01±0.21) cm, postoperative 18 months: (3.56±0.12) cm vs. (3.02±0.23) cm, all P<0.01]. While no significant differences of maximal anal contractive pressure and rectal resting pressure were found between the two groups. Both PPH and DGHAL are safe procedures and have similar efficacy in the treatment of grade III hemorrhoids, while DGHALpossesses better efficacy in the time of anal function recovery and the maintenance of anal function.

Relation between Kidney Length and Cardiovascular and Renal Risk in High-Risk Patients

PubMed Central

van der Sande, Nicolette G.C.; Visseren, Frank L.J.; van der Graaf, Yolanda; Nathoe, Hendrik M.; de Borst, Gert Jan; Leiner, Tim

2017-01-01

Background and objectives Kidney length is often measured during routine abdominal ultrasonography and may be of use to identify patients at high vascular and renal risk. We aimed to explore patient characteristics related to kidney length, from which reference values were derived, and evaluate the relationship between kidney length and the risk of cardiovascular events and ESRD in high-risk patients. Design, setting, participants, & measurements The study population consisted of 10,251 patients with clinical manifest arterial disease or vascular risk factors included in the Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease (SMART) Study cohort between 1996 and 2014. Linear regression was used to explore patient characteristics of kidney length. The relationship between kidney length and cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality), all-cause mortality, and ESRD was analyzed using Cox regression. Kidney length was analyzed in tertiles, using the second tertile as the reference category. Results Kidney length was strongly correlated with body surface area (2.04 mm; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.95 to 2.13 per 0.1 m2 increase) and eGFR (1.62 mm; 95% CI, 1.52 to 1.73 per 10 ml/min per 1.73 m2 increase). During the median follow-up of 6.3 years, 1317 patients experienced a cardiovascular event, including 711 myocardial infarctions, 369 strokes, and 735 vascular cause deaths. A total of 1462 patients died of any cause and 52 patients developed ESRD. Irrespective of eGFR, patients in the third tertile of kidney length (11.7–16.1 cm) were at higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.67) and cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.50). Patients in the first tertile of kidney length (7.8–10.8 cm) were not at higher risk of cardiovascular adverse events. Conclusions Large kidney length is related to higher risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in high-risk patients, irrespective of eGFR. Kidney length may serve as a clinical marker to further identify patients at high cardiovascular risk. PMID:28487344

Relation between Kidney Length and Cardiovascular and Renal Risk in High-Risk Patients.

PubMed

van der Sande, Nicolette G C; Visseren, Frank L J; van der Graaf, Yolanda; Nathoe, Hendrik M; de Borst, Gert Jan; Leiner, Tim; Blankestijn, Peter J

2017-06-07

Kidney length is often measured during routine abdominal ultrasonography and may be of use to identify patients at high vascular and renal risk. We aimed to explore patient characteristics related to kidney length, from which reference values were derived, and evaluate the relationship between kidney length and the risk of cardiovascular events and ESRD in high-risk patients. The study population consisted of 10,251 patients with clinical manifest arterial disease or vascular risk factors included in the Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease (SMART) Study cohort between 1996 and 2014. Linear regression was used to explore patient characteristics of kidney length. The relationship between kidney length and cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality), all-cause mortality, and ESRD was analyzed using Cox regression. Kidney length was analyzed in tertiles, using the second tertile as the reference category. Kidney length was strongly correlated with body surface area (2.04 mm; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.95 to 2.13 per 0.1 m 2 increase) and eGFR (1.62 mm; 95% CI, 1.52 to 1.73 per 10 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 increase). During the median follow-up of 6.3 years, 1317 patients experienced a cardiovascular event, including 711 myocardial infarctions, 369 strokes, and 735 vascular cause deaths. A total of 1462 patients died of any cause and 52 patients developed ESRD. Irrespective of eGFR, patients in the third tertile of kidney length (11.7-16.1 cm) were at higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.67) and cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.50). Patients in the first tertile of kidney length (7.8-10.8 cm) were not at higher risk of cardiovascular adverse events. Large kidney length is related to higher risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in high-risk patients, irrespective of eGFR. Kidney length may serve as a clinical marker to further identify patients at high cardiovascular risk. Copyright © 2017 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Plate tectonic controls on atmospheric CO2 levels since the Triassic.

PubMed

Van Der Meer, Douwe G; Zeebe, Richard E; van Hinsbergen, Douwe J J; Sluijs, Appy; Spakman, Wim; Torsvik, Trond H

2014-03-25

Climate trends on timescales of 10s to 100s of millions of years are controlled by changes in solar luminosity, continent distribution, and atmosphere composition. Plate tectonics affect geography, but also atmosphere composition through volcanic degassing of CO2 at subduction zones and midocean ridges. So far, such degassing estimates were based on reconstructions of ocean floor production for the last 150 My and indirectly, through sea level inversion before 150 My. Here we quantitatively estimate CO2 degassing by reconstructing lithosphere subduction evolution, using recent advances in combining global plate reconstructions and present-day structure of the mantle. First, we estimate that since the Triassic (250-200 My) until the present, the total paleosubduction-zone length reached up to ∼200% of the present-day value. Comparing our subduction-zone lengths with previously reconstructed ocean-crust production rates over the past 140 My suggests average global subduction rates have been constant, ∼6 cm/y: Higher ocean-crust production is associated with longer total subduction length. We compute a strontium isotope record based on subduction-zone length, which agrees well with geological records supporting the validity of our approach: The total subduction-zone length is proportional to the summed arc and ridge volcanic CO2 production and thereby to global volcanic degassing at plate boundaries. We therefore use our degassing curve as input for the GEOCARBSULF model to estimate atmospheric CO2 levels since the Triassic. Our calculated CO2 levels for the mid Mesozoic differ from previous modeling results and are more consistent with available proxy data.

Plate tectonic controls on atmospheric CO2 levels since the Triassic

PubMed Central

Van Der Meer, Douwe G.; Zeebe, Richard E.; van Hinsbergen, Douwe J. J.; Sluijs, Appy; Spakman, Wim; Torsvik, Trond H.

2014-01-01

Climate trends on timescales of 10s to 100s of millions of years are controlled by changes in solar luminosity, continent distribution, and atmosphere composition. Plate tectonics affect geography, but also atmosphere composition through volcanic degassing of CO2 at subduction zones and midocean ridges. So far, such degassing estimates were based on reconstructions of ocean floor production for the last 150 My and indirectly, through sea level inversion before 150 My. Here we quantitatively estimate CO2 degassing by reconstructing lithosphere subduction evolution, using recent advances in combining global plate reconstructions and present-day structure of the mantle. First, we estimate that since the Triassic (250–200 My) until the present, the total paleosubduction-zone length reached up to ∼200% of the present-day value. Comparing our subduction-zone lengths with previously reconstructed ocean-crust production rates over the past 140 My suggests average global subduction rates have been constant, ∼6 cm/y: Higher ocean-crust production is associated with longer total subduction length. We compute a strontium isotope record based on subduction-zone length, which agrees well with geological records supporting the validity of our approach: The total subduction-zone length is proportional to the summed arc and ridge volcanic CO2 production and thereby to global volcanic degassing at plate boundaries. We therefore use our degassing curve as input for the GEOCARBSULF model to estimate atmospheric CO2 levels since the Triassic. Our calculated CO2 levels for the mid Mesozoic differ from previous modeling results and are more consistent with available proxy data. PMID:24616495

An Annotated Bibliography Of U.S. Army Natick Anthropology (1947-1991).

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-08-01

designers of lasts and shoes for the Army. In order to provide greater detail and also more directly applicable information, ari intensive analysis of the...individual simultaneous computations. These five measuremrnts are: length of cranium 4 cm above Na-S, sinus breadth, total facial height, bigonial and...implications of using the Army’s personal equipment are examined in light of the present and projected demographic ccupsition of the Army active duty

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.

Broadband parametric amplifiers based on nonlinear kinetic inductance artificial transmission lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaudhuri, S.; Li, D.; Irwin, K. D.; Bockstiegel, C.; Hubmayr, J.; Ullom, J. N.; Vissers, M. R.; Gao, J.

2017-04-01

We present broadband parametric amplifiers based on the kinetic inductance of superconducting NbTiN thin films in an artificial (lumped-element) transmission line architecture. We demonstrate two amplifier designs implementing different phase matching techniques: periodic impedance loading and resonator phase shifters placed periodically along the transmission line. Our design offers several advantages over previous CPW-based amplifiers, including intrinsic 50 Ω characteristic impedance, natural suppression of higher pump harmonics, lower required pump power, and shorter total trace length. Experimental realizations of both versions of the amplifiers are demonstrated. With a transmission line length of 20 cm, we have achieved gains of 15 dB over several GHz of bandwidth.

A new large-volume metal reference standard for radioactive waste management.

PubMed

Tzika, F; Hult, M; Stroh, H; Marissens, G; Arnold, D; Burda, O; Kovář, P; Suran, J; Listkowska, A; Tyminski, Z

2016-03-01

A new large-volume metal reference standard has been developed. The intended use is for calibration of free-release radioactivity measurement systems and is made up of cast iron tubes placed inside a box of the size of a Euro-pallet (80 × 120 cm). The tubes contain certified activity concentrations of (60)Co (0.290 ± 0.006 Bq g(-1)) and (110m)Ag (3.05 ± 0.09 Bq g(-1)) (reference date: 30 September 2013). They were produced using centrifugal casting from a smelt into which (60)Co was first added and then one piece of neutron irradiated silver wire was progressively diluted. The iron castings were machined to the desirable dimensions. The final material consists of 12 iron tubes of 20 cm outer diameter, 17.6 cm inner diameter, 40 cm length/height and 245.9 kg total mass. This paper describes the reference standard and the process of determining the reference activity values. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.

LAPAROSCOPIC OVARIECTOMY IN THE ASIATIC BLACK BEAR (URSUS THIBETANUS) WITH THE USE OF THE SONICISION™ DEVICE.

PubMed

Lee, Seung Y; Jeong, Dong H; Seok, Seong H; Yang, Jeong J; Kong, Ju Y; Park, Se J; Jin, So Y; Kim, Min H; Lee, Bae K; Lee, Hee C; Yeon, Seong C

2017-03-01

Laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed in two Asiatic black bears ( Ursus thibetanus ). Bears were placed in a 20° Trendelenburg position on a surgical table. A three-portal technique was used. A camera port was established 10 cm caudal to the umbilicus with a 5-mm cannula. Two instrument ports were made 1 cm caudal to the umbilicus with a 5-mm cannula and 8 cm caudal to the camera port with a 12-mm cannula, respectively. The suspensory ligament, ovarian vasculature, and uterine horn tip were progressively dissected following coagulation with the Sonicision™ cordless ultrasonic dissection device. The resected ovary was exteriorized through the 12-mm instrument portal site but enlarged to a 2-cm incision length. The abdominal musculature, subcutaneous tissue, and skin of the portal sites were closed separately. Total surgical time was 113 min (Bear A) and 49 min (Bear B), and no postoperative complications were encountered. This is the first report of laparoscopic ovariectomy in the Asiatic black bear.

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.

Trends, Predictors, and Outcomes of Healthcare Resources Used in Patients Hospitalized with Alzheimer's Disease with at Least One Procedure: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

PubMed

Beydoun, May A; Gamaldo, Alyssa A; Beydoun, Hind A; Shaked, Danielle; Zonderman, Alan B; Eid, Shaker M

2017-01-01

We assessed trends, predictors and outcomes of resource utilization in hospital inpatient discharges with a principal diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with at least one procedure. Using Nationwide Inpatient Sample data (NIS, 2002-2012), discharges primarily diagnosed with AD, aged ≥60 y and with ≥1 procedure, were selected (Weighted N = 92,300). Hospital resource utilization were assessed using ICD-9-CM codes, while hospitalization outcomes included total charges (TC, 2012$), length of stay (LOS, days), and mortality risk (MR, %). Brain and respiratory/gastrointestinal procedure utilization both dropped annually by 3-7%, while cardiovascular procedures/evaluations, blood evaluations, blood transfusion, and resuscitation ("CVD/Blood") as well as neurophysiological and psychological evaluation and treatment ("Neuro") procedures increased by 5-8%. Total charges, length of stay, and mortality risk were all markedly higher with use of respiratory/gastrointestinal procedures as opposed to being reduced with use of "Brain" procedures. Procedure count was positively associated with all three hospitalization outcomes. In sum, patterns of hospital resources that were used among AD inpatients changed over-time, and were associated with hospitalization outcomes such as total charges, length of stay, and mortality risk.

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.

Atherosclerotic renovascular disease among hypertensive adults

PubMed Central

Davis, Ross P.; Pearce, Jeffrey D.; Craven, Timothy E.; Moore, Phillip S.; Edwards, Matthew S.; Godshall, Christopher J.; Hansen, Kimberley J.

2010-01-01

Purpose Ths report describes the change in atherosclerotic renovascular disease (AS-RVD) among hypertensive adults referred for renal duplex sonography (RDS) scan. Methods From Oct 1993 through July 2008, 20,994 patients had RDS at our center. A total of 434 hypertensive patients with two or more RDS exams without intervention comprised the study cohort. Patient demographics (blood pressures, medications, serum creatinine levels, and data from RDS) were collected. Analyses of longitudinal changes in Doppler scan parameters, blood pressures, and renal function were performed by fitting linear growth-curve models. After confirming the linearity of change in Doppler scan parameters among patients with variable number of studies, estimates of mean slopes were calculated using maximum likelihood techniques. For changes in renal function, quadratic growth curves were required to describe longitudinal change. Results A total of 434 subjects (212 men [49%] and 222 women [51%]; mean age, 64.6 ± 12.2 years) provided 1351 studies (mean, 3.2 ± 2.4; range, 2 to 18) for 863 kidneys over a mean follow-up of 34.4 ± 25.1 months. At baseline, 20.6% of kidneys demonstrated hemodynamically significant stenosis. On follow-up, 72 kidneys (9.1%) demonstrated anatomic progression of disease. A total of 54 kidneys (6.9%) progressed to significant stenosis and 18 (2.3%) progressed to occlusion. Controlling for progression of disease, baseline renal artery status demonstrated a strong association with baseline kidney length (P = .0006). Significant annualized change in renal length was observed (cm change/year ± standard error of the mean [SEM]: 0.042 ± 0.011; P = .0002) among both kidneys with and without critical disease at baseline, however, decline in length was significantly greater among kidneys exhibiting progression of renovascular disease (−0.152 ± 0.028 cm/year; comparison of slopes between groups P = .0005). In the absence of progression, the presence or absence of critical renal artery stenosis at baseline did not affect the rate of decline in renal length. Fitted models for the natural log transform of serum creatinine demonstrated a significant increase during follow-up (P < .0001). No association was observed between change in serum creatinine and baseline renovascular disease status, or its progression. Conclusion A total of 32% of hypertensive adults referred for RDS demonstrated hemodynamically significant renal artery stenosis. Regardless of the presence or absence of baseline disease, a small percentage of patients demonstrated anatomic progression of AS-RVD. A total of 9.1% demonstrated anatomic progression and 2.3% progressed to occlusion. Although anatomic progression of AS-RVD was associated with an increased rate of decline in renal length, progression did not predict a decline in excretory renal function. Intervention for AS-RVD should be selective and reserved for strict indications. PMID:19700093

Perineal Body Length Among Different Racial Groups in the First Stage of Labor

PubMed Central

Tsai, Pai-Jong Stacy; Oyama, Ian A.; Hiraoka, Mark; Minaglia, Steven; Thomas, Jennifer; Kaneshiro, Bliss

2018-01-01

Objective Anatomic differences among racial groups may contribute to observed differences in the occurrence of severe perineal lacerations at the time of vaginal delivery. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in perineal body length between racial groups. Methods Perineal body length was measured in primigravid women aged 18 to 45 years who were admitted in labor. Women were classified into 1 of 6 racial groups: White, Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Native Hawaiian, or Micronesian. The primary outcome, perineal body length, was compared using analysis of variance. Results A total of 200 women were recruited. There were no significant differences in perineal body length (P = 0.42) and severe perineal lacerations (P = 0.82) between the different racial groups. The mean (SD) perineal body length of women who had a severe laceration was 3.9 (0.5) versus 3.9 (0.6) cm in women who did not have a severe laceration (P = 0.98). Conclusion Perineal body length does not seem to differ among the different racial groups studied and therefore an unlikely cause of racial variation in rates of severe perineal lacerations. PMID:22543769

The Geoid Slope Validation Survey 2014 and GRAV-D airborne gravity enhanced geoid comparison results in Iowa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y. M.; Becker, C.; Mader, G.; Martin, D.; Li, X.; Jiang, T.; Breidenbach, S.; Geoghegan, C.; Winester, D.; Guillaume, S.; Bürki, B.

2017-10-01

Three Geoid Slope Validation Surveys were planned by the National Geodetic Survey for validating geoid improvement gained by incorporating airborne gravity data collected by the "Gravity for the Redefinition of the American Vertical Datum" (GRAV-D) project in flat, medium and rough topographic areas, respectively. The first survey GSVS11 over a flat topographic area in Texas confirmed that a 1-cm differential accuracy geoid over baseline lengths between 0.4 and 320 km is achievable with GRAV-D data included (Smith et al. in J Geod 87:885-907, 2013). The second survey, Geoid Slope Validation Survey 2014 (GSVS14) took place in Iowa in an area with moderate topography but significant gravity variation. Two sets of geoidal heights were computed from GPS/leveling data and observed astrogeodetic deflections of the vertical at 204 GSVS14 official marks. They agree with each other at a {± }1.2 cm level, which attests to the high quality of the GSVS14 data. In total, four geoid models were computed. Three models combined the GOCO03/5S satellite gravity model with terrestrial and GRAV-D gravity with different strategies. The fourth model, called xGEOID15A, had no airborne gravity data and served as the benchmark to quantify the contribution of GRAV-D to the geoid improvement. The comparisons show that each model agrees with the GPS/leveling geoid height by 1.5 cm in mark-by-mark comparisons. In differential comparisons, all geoid models have a predicted accuracy of 1-2 cm at baseline lengths from 1.6 to 247 km. The contribution of GRAV-D is not apparent due to a 9-cm slope in the western 50-km section of the traverse for all gravimetric geoid models, and it was determined that the slopes have been caused by a 5 mGal bias in the terrestrial gravity data. If that western 50-km section of the testing line is excluded in the comparisons, then the improvement with GRAV-D is clearly evident. In that case, 1-cm differential accuracy on baselines of any length is achieved with the GRAV-D-enhanced geoid models and exhibits a clear improvement over the geoid models without GRAV-D data. GSVS14 confirmed that the geoid differential accuracies are in the 1-2 cm range at various baseline lengths. The accuracy increases to 1 cm with GRAV-D gravity when the west 50 km line is not included. The data collected by the surveys have high accuracy and have the potential to be used for validation of other geodetic techniques, e.g., the chronometric leveling. To reach the 1-cm height differences of the GSVS data, a clock with frequency accuracy of 10^{-18} is required. Using the GSVS data, the accuracy of ellipsoidal height differences can also be estimated.

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

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

Purpose: The knowledge of longitudinal dose distribution provides the most direct view of the accumulated dose in computed tomography (CT) scanning. The purpose of this work was to perform a comprehensive study of dose distribution width and energy absorption with a wide range of subject sizes and beam irradiated lengths. Methods: Cumulative dose distribution along the z-axis was calculated based on the previously published CT dose equilibration data by Li, Zhang, and Liu [Med. Phys. 40, 031903 (10pp.) (2013)] and a mechanism for computing dose on axial lines by Li, Zhang, and Liu [Med. Phys. 39, 5347–5352 (2012)]. Full widthmore » at half maximum (FWHM), full width at tenth maximum (FWTM), the total energy (E) absorbed in a small cylinder of unit mass per centimeter square about the central or peripheral axis, and the energy (E{sub in}) absorbed inside irradiated length (L) were subsequently extracted from the dose distribution. Results: Extensive results of FWHM, FWTM, and E{sub in}/E were presented on the central and peripheral axes of infinitely long PMMA (diameters 6–50 cm) and water (diameters 6–55 cm) cylinders with L < 100 cm. FWHM was greater than the primary beam width only on the central axes of large phantoms and also with L ranging from a few centimeter to about 33 cm. FWTM generally increased with phantom diameter, and could be up to 32 cm longer than irradiated length, depending on L, phantom diameter and axis, but was insensitive to phantom material (PMMA or water). E{sub in}/E increased with L and asymptotically approached unity for large L. As phantom diameter increased, E{sub in}/E generally decreased, but asymptotically approached constant levels on the peripheral axes of large phantoms. A heuristic explanation of dose distribution width results was presented. Conclusions: This study enables the reader to gain a comprehensive view of dose distribution width and energy absorption and provides useful data for estimating doses to organs inside or beyond the irradiated region. The dose length product (DLP) presented by CT scanners is equal to neither E nor E{sub in}. Both E and E{sub in} can be evaluated using the equations and results presented in this paper and are robust with both constant and variable tube current scanning techniques.« less

[Variability in the relative abundance, size structure and sex ratio of the dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus (Pisces: Coryphaenidae) in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, México].

PubMed

Alejo-Plata, Carmen; Gómez, José Luis; Serrano-Guzmán, Saúl J

2014-06-01

Variability in the relative abundance, size structure and sex ratio of the dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus (Pisces: Coryphaenidae) in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, México. The dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), is an oceanic epipelagic fish found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters, with a high dispersal capability via large-scale migrations. This fast-swimming top-level predator is abundant in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, where it is caught incidentally by artisanal fisheries, and represents a target species for both recreational and commercial fisheries in Mexico, Ecuador, Peru and Central America. Nowadays, local fishery information on this species is scarce, thus our objective was to analyze the size structure by sex and the catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) tendency of dolphinfish caught in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, from 2000 to 2007. For this, fishery catches information was obtained from the artisanal fleet, at six landing sites in the Gulf, and the sex ratio, fork length (FL) and the catch per unit effort (CPUE) were estimated. From all sampling sites, a total of 3 494 females, and 3 877 males were obtained, and dolphinfish size as fork length (FL) ranged from 20.5 to 152cm. Fish size ranged from 25.5 to 148cm furcal length (FL) in males, and 20.5 to 129cm FL in females. The sex ratio (males:females) was 1:1, except in April-May (1:1.5, p < 0.05) and November (1:0.5, p < 0.05). The sex ratio at different size classes showed a significant bias towards females at smaller sizes (< 75cm FL), whereas the males were predominant in larger size classes (> 100cm FL). The size structure was bimodal, with a variation in the size average; the modes were defined as the small group (FL = 50-55cm) and the large size group (FL = 100-110cm). The CPUE showed seasonal changes: values were high for the November-December period, and values were lower for July-August. The seasonal and inter annual variation in the abundance of dolphinfish is probably related to a pre-spawning migration in close relation to the rain-drought regime characteristic of the region, and the associated wind upwelling season of "Tehuanos" in the Gulf of Tehuantepec.

[Effect of environmental factors on bacterial community structure in petroleum contaminated soil of Karamay oil field].

PubMed

Liang, Jianfang; Yang, Jiangke; Yang, Yang; Chao, Qunfang; Yin, Yalan; Zhao, Yaguan

2016-08-04

This study aimed to study the phylogenetic diversity and community structure of bacteria in petroleum contaminated soils from Karamay oil field, and to analyze the relationship between the community variation and the environment parameters, to provide a reference for bioremediation of petroleum contaminated soils. We collected samples from petroleum contaminated soils in 5 cm, 20 cm and 50 cm depth layers, and measured the environment parameters subsequently. We constructed three 16S rRNA gene clone libraries of these soil samples, and then determined the operation taxonomy units (OTUs) restriction fragment length polymorphism method, and finally sequenced the representative clones of every OUT. The diversity, richness and evenness index of the bacteria communities were calculated by using Biodap software. Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic tree was constructed based on 16S rRNA gene sequences of bacteria from Karamay oil field and the references from related environments. Canonial correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to analyze the relationship between environment parameters and species by using CANOCO 4.5 software. Environment parameters showed that 50 cm deep soil contained the highest amount of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP), whereas the 20 cm depth soil contained the lowest amount. The 5 cm depth soil contained the highest amount of total organic carbon (TOC), whereas the 50 cm depth soil contained the lowest amount. Among the 3 layers, 20 cm depth had the highest diversity and richness of bacteria, whereas the bacteria in 50 cm depth was the lowest. Phylogenic analyses suggested that the bacteria in Karamay oil field could be distributed into five groups at the level of phylum, Cluster I to V, respectively belong to Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicute, Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes. Cluster I accounts for 78.57% of all tested communities. CCA results showed that TN, TP, TOC significantly affected the bacteria community structure. Especially, TOC content is significantly related to the distribution of Pseudomonas. The petroleum-contaminated soil inhabited abundant of bacteria. The diversity index and spatial distribution of these communities were affected by the environment parameters in the soil.

Experimental investigation of cooling perimeter and disturbance length effect on stability of Nb3Sn cable-in-conduit conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Armstrong, J. R.

1992-02-01

The stability of three coils, with similar parameters besides having differing strand diameters, was investigated experimentally using inductive heaters to input disturbances. One of the coils stability was also tested by doubling the inductive heated disturbance length to 10 cm. By computationally deriving approximate inductive heater input energy at 12 T, stability curves show fair agreement with zero-dimensional and one-dimensional computer predictions. Quench velocity and limiting currents also show good agreement with earlier work. Also, the stability measured on one of the coils below its limiting current by disturbing a 10 cm length of conductor was much less than the same samples stability using a 5 cm disturbance length.

Diagnostics and results from coaxial plasma gun development for the PLX- α project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Case, A.; Brockington, S.; Cruz, E.; Witherspoon, F. D.

2016-10-01

We present results from the diagnostics used during development of the contoured gap coaxial plasma guns for the PLX- α project at LANL. Plasma-jet diagnostics include fast photodiodes for velocimetry, a ballistic pendulum for total plasmoid momentum, and interferometry for line integrated density. Deflectometry will be used for line integrated perpendicular density gradients. Time-resolved high-resolution spectroscopy using a novel detector and time-integrated survey spectroscopy are used for measurements of velocity and temperature, as well as impurities. We will also use a Faraday cup for density, fast imaging for plume geometry, and time-integrated imaging for overall light emission. Experimental results are compared to the desired target parameters for the plasma jets (up to n 2 ×1016cm-3 , v 50km / s , mass 5gm , radius = 4cm , and length 10cm). This work supported by the ARPA-E ALPHA Program.

Estimation of daily age and timing of hatching of exotic Asian swamp eels Monopterus albus (Zuiew, 1793) in a backwater marsh of the Chattahoochee River, Georgia, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Long, James M.; Lafleur, C.

2011-01-01

Otoliths were used to estimate daily age, growth, and hatching date of the exotic Asian swamp eel (Monopterus albus) captured from a backwater marsh of the Chattahoochee River, Georgia, USA. The eels were sampled using leaf litter traps (N = 140) from 17 July to 28 August 2008. The captured (N = 15) Asian swamp eels ranged in total length from 4.9 cm to 12.2 cm, and were estimated to be from 21 to 51 days old (N = 13), and hatched from 13 June to 7 August 2008. Assuming linear growth, these individuals grew an average rate of 0.2 cm per day. To the authors' knowledge, this was the first time otoliths were used to estimate daily age, growth, and hatching date for M. albus, which can be useful for understanding the ecology of this species in the wild.

Population structure, spatial distribution and life-history traits of blacktip reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus.

PubMed

Mourier, J; Mills, S C; Planes, S

2013-03-01

During a survey of the population of blacktip reef shark Carcharhinus melanopterus in Moorea (French Polynesia) between 2007 and 2011, population structural characteristics were estimated from 268 individuals. Total length (LT ) ranged from 48 to 139 cm and 48 to 157 cm for males and females, respectively, demonstrating that the average LT of females was larger than that of males. The C. melanopterus population at Moorea showed an apparent spatial sexual segregation with females preferentially frequenting lagoons and males the fore-reefs. Mean growth rate was c. 6 cm year(-1) . Males reached sexual maturity at 111 cm LT . This study reports on the population characteristics of this widespread carcharhinid shark species and makes comparisons with other locations, confirming high geographic variability in the population structure of the species. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Fish Biology © 2013 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

[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.

The first genetic map of pigeon pea based on diversity arrays technology (DArT) markers.

PubMed

Yang, Shi Ying; Saxena, Rachit K; Kulwal, Pawan L; Ash, Gavin J; Dubey, Anuja; Harper, John D I; Upadhyaya, Hari D; Gothalwal, Ragini; Kilian, Andrzej; Varshney, Rajeev K

2011-04-01

With an objective to develop a genetic map in pigeon pea (Cajanus spp.), a total of 554 diversity arrays technology (DArT) markers showed polymorphism in a pigeon pea F(2) mapping population of 72 progenies derived from an interspecific cross of ICP 28 (Cajanus cajan) and ICPW 94 (Cajanus scarabaeoides). Approximately 13% of markers did not conform to expected segregation ratio. The total number of DArT marker loci segregating in Mendelian manner was 405 with 73.1% (P > 0.001) of DArT markers having unique segregation patterns. Two groups of genetic maps were generated using DArT markers. While the maternal genetic linkage map had 122 unique DArT maternal marker loci, the paternal genetic linkage map has a total of 172 unique DArT paternal marker loci. The length of these two maps covered 270.0 cM and 451.6 cM, respectively. These are the first genetic linkage maps developed for pigeon pea, and this is the first report of genetic mapping in any grain legume using diversity arrays technology.

Genetic mapping and QTL analysis of agronomic traits in Indian Mucuna pruriens using an intraspecific F₂population.

PubMed

Mahesh, S; Leelambika, M; Jaheer, Md; Anithakumari, A M; Sathyanarayana, N

2016-03-01

Mucuna pruriens is a well-recognized agricultural and horticultural crop with important medicinal use. However, antinutritional factors in seed and adverse morphological characters have negatively affected its cultivation. To elucidate the genetic control of agronomic traits, an intraspecific genetic linkage map of Indian M. pruriens has been developed based on amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers using 200 F₂ progenies derived from a cross between wild and cultivated genotypes. The resulting linkage map comprised 129 AFLP markers dispersed over 13 linkage groups spanning a total distance of 618.88 cM with an average marker interval of 4.79 cM. For the first time, three QTLs explaining about 6.05-14.77% of the corresponding total phenotypic variation for three quantitative (seed) traits and, eight QTLs explaining about 25.96% of the corresponding total phenotypic variation for three qualitative traits have been detected on four linkage groups. The map presented here will pave a way for mapping of genes/QTLs for the important agronomic and horticultural traits contrasting between the parents used in this study.

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...

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

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.

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.

Dislocation Multiplication in the Early Stage of Deformation in Mo Single Crystals

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

Hsiung, L.; Lassila, D.H.

Initial dislocation structure in annealed high-purity Mo single crystals and deformation substructure in a crystal subjected to 1% compression have been examined and studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques in order to investigate dislocation multiplication mechanisms in the early stage of plastic deformation. The initial dislocation density is in a range of 10{sup 6} {approx} 10{sup 7} cm{sup -2}, and the dislocation structure is found to contain many grown-in superjogs along dislocation lines. The dislocation density increases to a range of 10{sup 8} {approx} 10{sup 9} cm{sup -2}, and the average jog height is also found to increase aftermore » compressing for a total strain of 1%. It is proposed that the preexisting jogged screw dislocations can act as (multiple) dislocation multiplication sources when deformed under quasi-static conditions. The jog height can increase by stress-induced jog coalescence, which takes place via the lateral migration (drift) of superjogs driven by unbalanced line-tension partials acting on link segments of unequal lengths. The coalescence of superjogs results in an increase of both link length and jog height. Applied shear stress begins to push each link segment to precede dislocation multiplication when link length and jog height are greater than critical lengths. This ''dynamic'' dislocation multiplication source is suggested to be crucial for the dislocation multiplication in the early stage of plastic deformation in Mo.« less

Automated construction of an intraoperative high-dose-rate treatment plan library for the Varian brachytherapy treatment planning system.

PubMed

Deufel, Christopher L; Furutani, Keith M; Dahl, Robert A; Haddock, Michael G

2016-01-01

The ability to create treatment plans for intraoperative high-dose-rate (IOHDR) brachytherapy is limited by lack of imaging and time constraints. An automated method for creation of a library of high-dose-rate brachytherapy plans that can be used with standard planar applicators in the intraoperative setting is highly desirable. Nonnegative least squares algebraic methods were used to identify dwell time values for flat, rectangular planar applicators. The planar applicators ranged in length and width from 2 cm to 25 cm. Plans were optimized to deliver an absorbed dose of 10 Gy to three different depths from the patient surface: 0 cm, 0.5 cm, and 1.0 cm. Software was written to calculate the optimized dwell times and insert dwell times and positions into a .XML plan template that can be imported into the Varian brachytherapy treatment planning system. The user may import the .XML template into the treatment planning system in the intraoperative setting to match the patient applicator size and prescribed treatment depth. A total of 1587 library plans were created for IOHDR brachytherapy. Median plan generation time was approximately 1 minute per plan. Plan dose was typically 100% ± 1% (mean, standard deviation) of the prescribed dose over the entire length and width of the applicator. Plan uniformity was best for prescription depths of 0 cm and 0.5 cm from the patient surface. An IOHDR plan library may be created using automated methods. Thousands of plan templates may be optimized and prepared in a few hours to accommodate different applicator sizes and treatment depths and reduce treatment planning time. The automated method also enforces dwell time symmetry for symmetrical applicator geometries, which simplifies quality assurance. Copyright © 2016 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Identification of QTLs for fruit quality traits in Japanese apples: QTLs for early ripening are tightly related to preharvest fruit drop

PubMed Central

Kunihisa, Miyuki; Moriya, Shigeki; Abe, Kazuyuki; Okada, Kazuma; Haji, Takashi; Hayashi, Takeshi; Kim, Hoytaek; Nishitani, Chikako; Terakami, Shingo; Yamamoto, Toshiya

2014-01-01

Many important apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) fruit quality traits are regulated by multiple genes, and more information about quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for these traits is required for marker-assisted selection. In this study, we constructed genetic linkage maps of the Japanese apple cultivars ‘Orin’ and ‘Akane’ using F1 seedlings derived from a cross between these cultivars. The ‘Orin’ map consisted of 251 loci covering 17 linkage groups (LGs; total length 1095.3 cM), and the ‘Akane’ map consisted of 291 loci covering 18 LGs (total length 1098.2 cM). We performed QTL analysis for 16 important traits, and found that four QTLs related to harvest time explained about 70% of genetic variation, and these will be useful for marker-assisted selection. The QTL for early harvest time in LG15 was located very close to the QTL for preharvest fruit drop. The QTL for skin color depth was located around the position of MYB1 in LG9, which suggested that alleles harbored by ‘Akane’ are regulating red color depth with different degrees of effect. We also analyzed soluble solids and sugar component contents, and found that a QTL for soluble solids content in LG16 could be explained by the amount of sorbitol and fructose. PMID:25320559

Evidence for human meiotic recombination interference obtained through construction of a short tandem repeat-polymorphism linkage map of chromosome 19

PubMed Central

Weber, James L.; Wang, Zhenyuan; Hansen, Kevin; Stephenson, Matt; Kappel, Clarisse; Salzman, Sherry; Wilkie, Patricia J.; Keats, Bronya; Dracopoli, Nicholas C.; Brandriff, Brigitte F.; Olsen, Anne S.

1993-01-01

An improved linkage map for human chromosome 19 containing 35 short tandem repeat polymorphisms (STRPs) and one VNTR (D19S20) was constructed. The map included 12 new (GATA)n tetranucleotide STRPs. Although total lengths of the male (114 cM) and female (128 cM) maps were similar, at both ends of the chromosome male recombination exceeded female recombination, while in the interior portion of the map female recombination was in excess. Cosmid clones containing the STRP sequences were identified and were positioned along the chromosome by fluorescent in situ hybridization. Four rounds of careful checking and removal of genotyping errors allowed biologically relevant conclusions to be made concerning the numbers and distributions of recombination events on chromosome 19. The average numbers of recombinations per chromosome matched closely the lengths of the genetic maps computed by using the program CRIMAP. Significant numbers of chromosomes with zero, one, two, or three recombinations were detected as products of both female and male meioses. On the basis of the total number of observed pairs of recombination events in which only a single informative marker was situated between the two recombinations, a maximal estimate for the rate of meiotic STRP “gene” conversion without recombination was calculated as 3 × 10−4/meiosis. For distances up to 30 cM between recombinations, many fewer chromosomes which had undergone exactly two recombinations were observed than were expected on the basis of the assumption of independent recombination locations. This strong new evidence for human meiotic interference will help to improve the accuracy of interpretation of clinical DNA test results involving polymorphisms flanking a genetic abnormality. PMID:8213834

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.

Spawning characteristics of redband trout in a headwater stream in Montana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Muhlfeld, Clint C.

2002-01-01

I investigated the spawning characteristics of redband trout Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri (a rainbow trout subspecies) during the spring of 1998 in Basin Creek, a third-order headwater stream located in the Kootenai River drainage in northwestern Montana. I examined the timing of spawning as related to discharge and water temperature and analyzed microhabitat selection of 30 completed redds in a low-gradient (0.5–1.5%) reach. Redband trout spawned as flow declined after peak runoff and as mean daily water temperature exceeded 6.0C and maximum daily temperature exceeded 7.0C. Redband trout began spawning on 6 June (mean daily discharge = 2.1 m3/s), 10 d after the peak discharge (8.7 m3/s) occurred. The last redd was completed on 24 June, when discharge was 1.5 m3/s. The mean total redd length was 53 cm (SD = 14; range = 31–91 cm), and the mean total area was 51 cm2 (SD = 8; range= 46– 76 cm2). Eighty percent of the redds were located in pool tailouts, 13% in runs, and 7% in riffles. Spawning redband trout selected redd sites based on substrate size and water depth but not water velocity. Fish selected substrate sizes of 2–6 mm, water depths of 20–30 cm, and water velocities of 40–70 cm/s. My results suggest that redband trout in a low-gradient, third-order mountain stream found suitable spawning habitat in pool tail-outs that contained abundant gravels.

Combination of COFRADIC and high temperature-extended column length conventional liquid chromatography: a very efficient way to tackle complex protein samples, such as serum.

PubMed

Sandra, Koen; Verleysen, Katleen; Labeur, Christine; Vanneste, Lies; D'Hondt, Filip; Thomas, Grégoire; Kas, Koen; Gevaert, Kris; Vandekerckhove, Joël; Sandra, Pat

2007-03-01

The previously reported COmbined FRActional DIagonal Chromatography (COFRA-DIC) methodology, in which a subset of peptides representative for their parent proteins are sorted, is particularly powerful for whole proteome analysis. This peptide-centric technology is built around diagonal chromatography, where peptide separations are crucial. This paper presents high efficiency peptide separations, in which four 250 x 2.1 mm, 5 microm Zorbax 300SB-C18 columns (total length 1 m) were coupled at operating temperatures of 60'C using a dedicated LC oven and conventional LC equipment. The high efficiency separations were combined with the COFRADIC procedure. This extremely powerful combination resulted, for the analysis of serum, in an increase in the uniquely identified peptide sequences by a factor of 2.6, compared to the COFRADIC procedure on a 25 cm column. This is a reflection of the increased peak capacity obtained on the 1 m column, which was calculated to be a factor 2.7 higher than on the 25 cm column. Besides more efficient sorting, less ion suppression was noticed.

Two rare cases of Diphyllobothrium latum parvum type infection in Korea.

PubMed

Lee, S H; Chai, J Y; Seo, M; Kook, J; Huh, S; Ryang, Y S; Ahn, Y K

1994-06-01

Two rare cases of human infection with parvum (dwarf) type of Diphyllobothrium latum [syn. D. parvum (Stephens, 1908)], were discovered in Korea. The first case was a 46-year old housewife, from whom a kind of pseudophyllidean tapeworm eggs was detected in the feces. She was treated with praziquantel and purged, and a complete strobila with scolex, 120 cm in total length, was recovered. She recalled that she had eaten raw trouts at a raw-fish restaurant near the Chungju Lake. Another patient was a 22-year old medical student (male), who used to eat raw sea-foods. He discovered a chain of tapeworm proglottids, 15 cm in length, discharged spontaneously in his stool and brought it for identification. The worms from the two cases were compatible with D. parvum (Stephens, 1908) of which the taxonomic significance has long been questioned. After a detailed morphological study and review of literature, we designated the worms as D. latum parvum type. This is the first report on the occurrence of this rare type of D. latum infection in Korea.

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.

Performance evaluation of a slow-release packing material-embedded functional microorganisms for biofiltration.

PubMed

Zhu, Rencheng; Li, Shunyi; Wu, Zhenjun; Dumont, Éric

2017-04-01

A composite packing material (CM-5) was prepared in this study, mainly consisting of compost with functional microorganisms, calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ), perlite, cement and plant fiber. To get stronger compressive strength, mass ratios of these components were optimized based on single factor experiments, and finally adding amounts of perlite, cement, plant fiber, CaCO 3 , compost and binder at 18%, 18%, 7%, 13%, 17% and 27%, respectively. According to the optimum proportion, CM-5 was extruded in cylindrical shape (12 mm in diameter and 20 mm in length) with a bulk density of 470 kg m -3 , a moisture retention capacity of 49% and the microbial counts of × 10 5 CFU g -1 of packing material. The cumulative release rates of total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) from CM-5 were 3.1% and 6.5%, respectively, after 19 times extraction in distilled water. To evaluate the H 2 S removal capacity, CM-5 was compared with an organic (corncob) and an inorganic (ceramsite) packing material in three biofilters. The results showed that CM-5 had higher H 2 S removal capacity compared with corncob and ceramsite. CM-5 could avoid the large fluctuation of pH value and pressure drop during the operation. The maximum H 2 S removal capacity of CM-5 was 12.9 g m -3  h -1 and the removal efficiency could maintain over 95.4% when the inlet H 2 S loading rate was lower than 11.3 g m -3  h -1 without any addition of nutrients and pH buffer substances. Besides, only 2-3 days were needed for the recovery of biofiltration performance after about two weeks of idle period.

Amplified fragment length polymorphism mapping of quantitative trait loci for malaria parasite susceptibility in the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti.

PubMed

Zhong, Daibin; Menge, David M; Temu, Emmanuel A; Chen, Hong; Yan, Guiyun

2006-07-01

The yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti has been the subject of extensive genetic research due to its medical importance and the ease with which it can be manipulated in the laboratory. A molecular genetic linkage map was constructed using 148 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and six single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) markers. Eighteen AFLP primer combinations were used to genotype two reciprocal F2 segregating populations. Each primer combination generated an average of 8.2 AFLP markers eligible for linkage mapping. The length of the integrated map was 180.9 cM, giving an average marker resolution of 1.2 cM. Composite interval mapping revealed a total of six QTL significantly affecting Plasmodium susceptibility in the two reciprocal crosses of Ae. aegypti. Two common QTL on linkage group 2 were identified in both crosses that had similar effects on the phenotype, and four QTL were unique to each cross. In one cross, the four main QTL accounted for 64% of the total phenotypic variance, and digenic epistasis explained 11.8% of the variance. In the second cross, the four main QTL explained 66% of the variance, and digenic epistasis accounted for 16% of the variance. The actions of these QTL were either dominance or underdominance. Our results indicated that at least three new QTL were mapped on chromosomes 1 and 3. The polygenic nature of susceptibility to P. gallinaceum and epistasis are important factors for significant variation within or among mosquito strains. The new map provides additional information useful for further genetic investigation, such as identification of new genes and positional cloning.

Genetic Mapping and QTL Analysis of Growth-Related Traits in Pinctada fucata Using Restriction-Site Associated DNA Sequencing

PubMed Central

Li, Yaoguo; He, Maoxian

2014-01-01

The pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata (P. fucata), is one of the marine bivalves that is predominantly cultured for pearl production. To obtain more genetic information for breeding purposes, we constructed a high-density linkage map of P. fucata and identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for growth-related traits. One F1 family, which included the two parents, 48 largest progeny and 50 smallest progeny, was sampled to construct a linkage map using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq). With low coverage data, 1956.53 million clean reads and 86,342 candidate RAD loci were generated. A total of 1373 segregating SNPs were used to construct a sex-average linkage map. This spanned 1091.81 centimorgans (cM), with 14 linkage groups and an average marker interval of 1.41 cM. The genetic linkage map coverage, Coa, was 97.24%. Thirty-nine QTL-peak loci, for seven growth-related traits, were identified using the single-marker analysis, nonparametric mapping Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test. Parameters included three for shell height, six for shell length, five for shell width, four for hinge length, 11 for total weight, eight for soft tissue weight and two for shell weight. The QTL peak loci for shell height, shell length and shell weight were all located in linkage group 6. The genotype frequencies of most QTL peak loci showed significant differences between the large subpopulation and the small subpopulation (P<0.05). These results highlight the effectiveness of RAD-Seq as a tool for generation of QTL-targeted and genome-wide marker data in the non-model animal, P. fucata, and its possible utility in marker-assisted selection (MAS). PMID:25369421

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.

The attainment of large accelerating gradients using near field synchrotron radiation

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

Decker, G.

1989-10-15

Lienard-Wiechert potentials are used to find the electromagnetic field everywhere in free space resulting from a point charge moving on a helical trajectory. The total power emitted as synchrotron radiation from a particle on a circular path is calculated. The point charge results are generalized to the case of a line charge, and formulae are presented which can easily be evaluated numerically. A useful gradient of 80 MeV/m per kA of peak driving beam current over a distance of 1 cm is calculated using two 5 MeV driving beams moving on 1 cm radius helical orbits with bunch length 1more » mm. {copyright} 1989 American Institute of Physics« less

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.

Variability of Root Traits in Spring Wheat Germplasm

PubMed Central

Narayanan, Sruthi; Mohan, Amita; Gill, Kulvinder S.; Prasad, P. V. Vara

2014-01-01

Root traits influence the amount of water and nutrient absorption, and are important for maintaining crop yield under drought conditions. The objectives of this research were to characterize variability of root traits among spring wheat genotypes and determine whether root traits are related to shoot traits (plant height, tiller number per plant, shoot dry weight, and coleoptile length), regions of origin, and market classes. Plants were grown in 150-cm columns for 61 days in a greenhouse under optimal growth conditions. Rooting depth, root dry weight, root: shoot ratio, and shoot traits were determined for 297 genotypes of the germplasm, Cultivated Wheat Collection (CWC). The remaining root traits such as total root length and surface area were measured for a subset of 30 genotypes selected based on rooting depth. Significant genetic variability was observed for root traits among spring wheat genotypes in CWC germplasm or its subset. Genotypes Sonora and Currawa were ranked high, and genotype Vandal was ranked low for most root traits. A positive relationship (R2≥0.35) was found between root and shoot dry weights within the CWC germplasm and between total root surface area and tiller number; total root surface area and shoot dry weight; and total root length and coleoptile length within the subset. No correlations were found between plant height and most root traits within the CWC germplasm or its subset. Region of origin had significant impact on rooting depth in the CWC germplasm. Wheat genotypes collected from Australia, Mediterranean, and west Asia had greater rooting depth than those from south Asia, Latin America, Mexico, and Canada. Soft wheat had greater rooting depth than hard wheat in the CWC germplasm. The genetic variability identified in this research for root traits can be exploited to improve drought tolerance and/or resource capture in wheat. PMID:24945438

Select injury-related variables are affected by stride length and foot strike style during running.

PubMed

Boyer, Elizabeth R; Derrick, Timothy R

2015-09-01

Some frontal plane and transverse plane variables have been associated with running injury, but it is not known if they differ with foot strike style or as stride length is shortened. To identify if step width, iliotibial band strain and strain rate, positive and negative free moment, pelvic drop, hip adduction, knee internal rotation, and rearfoot eversion differ between habitual rearfoot and habitual mid-/forefoot strikers when running with both a rearfoot strike (RFS) and a mid-/forefoot strike (FFS) at 3 stride lengths. Controlled laboratory study. A total of 42 healthy runners (21 habitual rearfoot, 21 habitual mid-/forefoot) ran overground at 3.35 m/s with both a RFS and a FFS at their preferred stride lengths and 5% and 10% shorter. Variables did not differ between habitual groups. Step width was 1.5 cm narrower for FFS, widening to 0.8 cm as stride length shortened. Iliotibial band strain and strain rate did not differ between foot strikes but decreased as stride length shortened (0.3% and 1.8%/s, respectively). Pelvic drop was reduced 0.7° for FFS compared with RFS, and both pelvic drop and hip adduction decreased as stride length shortened (0.8° and 1.5°, respectively). Peak knee internal rotation was not affected by foot strike or stride length. Peak rearfoot eversion was not different between foot strikes but decreased 0.6° as stride length shortened. Peak positive free moment (normalized to body weight [BW] and height [h]) was not affected by foot strike or stride length. Peak negative free moment was -0.0038 BW·m/h greater for FFS and decreased -0.0004 BW·m/h as stride length shortened. The small decreases in most variables as stride length shortened were likely associated with the concomitant wider step width. RFS had slightly greater pelvic drop, while FFS had slightly narrower step width and greater negative free moment. Shortening one's stride length may decrease or at least not increase propensity for running injuries based on the variables that we measured. One foot strike style does not appear universally better than the other; rather, different foot strike styles may predispose runners to different types of injuries. © 2015 The Author(s).

Radiation dose in 320-slice multidetector cardiac CT: a single center experience of evolving dose minimization.

PubMed

Tung, Matthew K; Cameron, James D; Casan, Joshua M; Crossett, Marcus; Troupis, John M; Meredith, Ian T; Seneviratne, Sujith K

2013-01-01

Minimization of radiation exposure remains an important subject that occurs in parallel with advances in scanner technology. We report our experience of evolving radiation dose and its determinants after the introduction of 320-multidetector row cardiac CT within a single tertiary cardiology referral service. Four cohorts of consecutive patients (total 525 scans), who underwent cardiac CT at defined time points as early as 2008, are described. These include a cohort just after scanner installation, after 2 upgrades of the operating system, and after introduction of an adaptive iterative image reconstruction algorithm. The proportions of nondiagnostic coronary artery segments and studies with nondiagnostic segments were compared between cohorts. Significant reductions were observed in median radiation doses in all cohorts compared with the initial cohort (P < .001). Median dose-length product fell from 944 mGy · cm (interquartile range [IQR], 567.3-1426.5 mGy · cm) to 156 mGy · cm (IQR, 99.2-265.0 mGy · cm). Although the proportion of prospectively triggered scans has increased, reductions in radiation dose have occurred independently of distribution of scan formats. In multiple regression that combined all groups, determinants of dose-length product were tube output, the number of cardiac cycles scanned, tube voltage, scan length, scan format, body mass index, phase width, and heart rate (adjusted R(2) = 0.85, P < .001). The proportion of nondiagnostic coronary artery segments was slightly increased in group 4 (2.9%; P < .01). While maintaining diagnostic quality in 320-multidetector row cardiac CT, the radiation dose has decreased substantially because of a combination of dose-reduction protocols and technical improvements. Continued minimization of radiation dose will increase the potential for cardiac CT to expand as a cardiac imaging modality. Copyright © 2013 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Detailed faecal fat analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: Exploring the possibilities.

PubMed

De Koninck, Anne-Sophie; Nys, Karen; Vandenheede, Brent; Van Biervliet, Stephanie; Speeckaert, Marijn M; Delanghe, Joris R

2016-11-01

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic determination of faecal fat is a simple and elegant alternative for the classical Van De Kamer approach. Besides quantification of the total amount of fat, analysis of the lipase hydrolysis efficiency (fatty acid/triglyceride ratio), fatty acid chain length and trans-unsaturated fatty acids could provide a better monitoring of dietary treatment. Stool samples (26 routine samples and 36 cystic fibrosis patients) were analysed with the Perkin Elmer Spectrum Two® spectrometer (3500-450cm -1 ). Fatty acid/triglyceride ratio was calculated using the absorbance ratio at 2855:1746cm -1 . To estimate lipase hydrolysis efficiency, sample ratios were compared with the ratio of butter and pure free fatty acids. Mean fatty acid chain length was calculated using the absorbance ratio at 2855:1709cm -1 . The absorbance at 966cm -1 was used to trace the presence of trans-type unsaturated fatty acids. Butter showed a low fatty acid/triglyceride ratio (1.21) and pure free fatty acids a high fatty acid/triglyceride ratio (6.76). Mean fatty acid/triglyceride ratio of routine stool samples was 4.16±1.01. The applicability of fatty acid/triglyceride ratios was also tested in cystic fibrosis patients under treatment with a mean of 4.92±0.98. Relative absorbance contribution per carbon atom was 0.06 (ratio 1.06 for C18 standard, 0.91 for C16 standard). The mean ratio of the stool samples was 1.12 (mean acyl chain length of C19), with values ranging from 0.73 (C12) to 1.68 (C28). The presence of traceable amounts of trans-unsaturated fatty acids was also demonstrated. For the analysis of faecal material, FTIR provides unique information, difficult to obtain using other techniques. These findings offer perspectives for diet monitoring in patients with (non-)pancreatic malabsorption. Copyright © 2016 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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.

Broadband parametric amplifiers based on nonlinear kinetic inductance artificial transmission lines

DOE PAGES

Chaudhuri, S.; Li, D.; Irwin, K. D.; ...

2017-04-10

Here, we present broadband parametric amplifiers based on the kinetic inductance of superconducting NbTiN thin films in an artificial (lumped-element) transmission line architecture. We demonstrate two amplifier designs implementing different phase matching techniques: periodic impedance loading and resonator phase shifters placed periodically along the transmission line. Our design offers several advantages over previous CPW-based amplifiers, including intrinsic 50 Ω characteristic impedance, natural suppression of higher pump harmonics, lower required pump power, and shorter total trace length. Experimental realizations of both versions of the amplifiers are demonstrated. In conclusion, with a transmission line length of 20 cm, we have achieved gainsmore » of 15 dB over several GHz of bandwidth.« less

Broadband parametric amplifiers based on nonlinear kinetic inductance artificial transmission lines

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

Chaudhuri, S.; Li, D.; Irwin, K. D.

Here, we present broadband parametric amplifiers based on the kinetic inductance of superconducting NbTiN thin films in an artificial (lumped-element) transmission line architecture. We demonstrate two amplifier designs implementing different phase matching techniques: periodic impedance loading and resonator phase shifters placed periodically along the transmission line. Our design offers several advantages over previous CPW-based amplifiers, including intrinsic 50 Ω characteristic impedance, natural suppression of higher pump harmonics, lower required pump power, and shorter total trace length. Experimental realizations of both versions of the amplifiers are demonstrated. In conclusion, with a transmission line length of 20 cm, we have achieved gainsmore » of 15 dB over several GHz of bandwidth.« less

[Prosthetic bilateral laparoscopic hernioplasty. Extra-peritoneal approach].

PubMed

Rossi, M; Castoro, C; Zaninotto, G; Comandella, M G; Polo, R; Nolli, M L; Ancona, E

1997-03-01

The use of prosthetic mesh in inguinal hernia repairs is becoming increasingly popular. In recent years different laparoscopic procedures for prosthetic repair of inguinal hernias have been developed. The authors describe their initial experience with a totally extra-peritoneal prosthetic approach in laparoscopic repair of bilateral inguinal hernias. From November 1993 to May 1994, ten consecutive patients with bilateral primary inguinal hernias underwent laparoscopic repair under general anesthesia. A totally extra-peritoneal approach has been performed beginning through a 2 centimeter vertical midline sub-umbilical incision. Two additional trocars have been inserted on the midline: a 10/12 mm one halfway between the umbilicus and the pubis and 5 mm one 2 cm above the pubis. Average operative time was 141 minutes. Two cases were converted to traditional open Stoppa procedure because of holes made in the peritoneum during blunt dissection of the hernia sac. In the remaining 8 cases a polypropylene mesh of about 8 cm in height and 13 cm in length have been placed on each hernia site. No major complications have been observed and recovery was quick in all cases. In conclusion we think that laparoscopic hernia repair through a totally extra-peritoneal approach is technically feasible for general surgeons trained in laparoscopic surgery. Nevertheless the operation in costly and the patient's benefit in terms of rapid recovery, complications and recurrences has not yet been demonstrated in controlled prospective trials.

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.

DREB1A promotes root development in deep soil layers and increases water extraction under water stress in groundnut.

PubMed

Vadez, V; Rao, J S; Bhatnagar-Mathur, P; Sharma, K K

2013-01-01

Water deficit is a major yield-limiting factor for many crops, and improving the root system has been proposed as a promising breeding strategy, although not in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The present work was carried out mainly to assess how root traits are influenced under water stress in groundnut, whether transgenics can alter root traits, and whether putative changes lead to water extraction differences. Several transgenic events, transformed with DREB1A driven by the rd29 promoter, along with wild-type JL24, were tested in a lysimeter system that mimics field conditions under both water stress (WS) and well-watered (WW) conditions. The WS treatment increased the maximum rooting depth, although the increase was limited to about 20% in JL24, compared to 50% in RD11. The root dry weight followed a similar trend. Consequently, the root dry weight and length density of transgenics was higher in layers below 100-cm depth (Exp. 1) and below 30 cm (Exp. 2). The root diameter was unchanged under WS treatment, except a slight increase in the 60-90-cm layer. The root diameter increased below 60 cm in both treatments. In the WW treatment, total water extraction of RD33 was higher than in JL24 and other transgenic events, and somewhat lower in RD11 than in JL24. In the WS treatment, water extraction of RD2, RD11 and RD33 was higher than in JL24. These water extraction differences were mostly apparent in the initial 21 days after treatment imposition and were well related to root length density in the 30-60-cm layer (R(2) = 0.68), but not to average root length density. In conclusion, water stress promotes rooting growth more strongly in transgenic events than in the wild type, especially in deep soil layers, and this leads to increased water extraction. This opens an avenue for tapping these characteristics toward the improvement of drought adaptation in deep soil conditions, and toward a better understanding of genes involved in rooting in groundnut. © 2012 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

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.

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.

Construction of a genetic map using EST-SSR markers and QTL analysis of major agronomic characters in hexaploid sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam).

PubMed

Kim, Jin-Hee; Chung, Il Kyung; Kim, Kyung-Min

2017-01-01

The Sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam, is difficult to study in genetics and genomics because it is a hexaploid. The sweet potato study not have been performed domestically or internationally. In this study was performed to construct genetic map and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis. A total of 245 EST-SSR markers were developed, and the map was constructed by using 210 of those markers. The total map length was 1508.1 cM, and the mean distance between markers was 7.2 cM. Fifteen characteristics were investigated for QTLs analysis. According to those, the Four QTLs were identified, and The LOD score was 3.0. Further studies need to develop molecular markers in terms of EST-SSR markers for doing to be capable of efficient breeding. The genetic map created here using EST-SSR markers will facilitate planned breeding of sweet potato cultivars with various desirable traits.

Seagrass morphometrics at species level in Moreton Bay, Australia from 2012 to 2013.

PubMed

Samper-Villarreal, Jimena; Roelfsema, Chris; Kovacs, Eva M; Adi, Novi S; Lyons, Mitchell; Mumby, Peter J; Lovelock, Catherine E; Saunders, Megan I; Phinn, Stuart R

2017-05-09

Seagrass above, below and total biomass, density and leaf area, length and width were quantified at a species level for 122 sites over three sampling periods in Moreton Bay, Australia. Core samples were collected in two regions: (1) a high water quality region with varying species assemblages and canopy complexity (98 sites); and (2) along a turbidity gradient in the bay (24 sites within four locations). Core samples were collected using a 15 cm diameter×20 cm long corer. Seagrass dry biomass per component was quantified per species present in each sample. A total of 220 biomass and density data records are included, 130 from the high water quality region and 90 from the turbidity gradient. These data provide a detailed assessment of biomass, density and leaf metrics per species sampled from Moreton Bay over 2012-2013. In future, these can be used as a baseline to assess seasonal and spatial variation within the bay, within the region and among regions.

Seagrass morphometrics at species level in Moreton Bay, Australia from 2012 to 2013

PubMed Central

Samper-Villarreal, Jimena; Roelfsema, Chris; Kovacs, Eva M.; Adi, Novi S.; Lyons, Mitchell; Mumby, Peter J.; Lovelock, Catherine E.; Saunders, Megan I.; Phinn, Stuart R.

2017-01-01

Seagrass above, below and total biomass, density and leaf area, length and width were quantified at a species level for 122 sites over three sampling periods in Moreton Bay, Australia. Core samples were collected in two regions: (1) a high water quality region with varying species assemblages and canopy complexity (98 sites); and (2) along a turbidity gradient in the bay (24 sites within four locations). Core samples were collected using a 15 cm diameter×20 cm long corer. Seagrass dry biomass per component was quantified per species present in each sample. A total of 220 biomass and density data records are included, 130 from the high water quality region and 90 from the turbidity gradient. These data provide a detailed assessment of biomass, density and leaf metrics per species sampled from Moreton Bay over 2012–2013. In future, these can be used as a baseline to assess seasonal and spatial variation within the bay, within the region and among regions. PMID:28485717

SU-F-T-83: Infant Total Skin Electron Therapy Using Five Fields Technique

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

Saleh, H; Howlin, T; Massey, V

Purpose: We were presented with a 9 month old boy with Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) involving the skin. The plan was to treat the entire skin using 6 MeV electrons with the infant under complete anesthesia. The purpose of this work is to commission the 6 MeV electron beam and to develop a technique that can be used to deliver total skin dose to infants with minimal patient immobilization. Methods: A baby mannequin phantom that mimics the child’s length was used to determine the best technique to treat the infant. The 76 cm long phantom was placed on themore » floor. The phantom was placed in four unique immobilization devices to simulate four different treatment positions (anterior, posterior, left lateral and right lateral). Radiochromic films were used to determine beam profile in both axial and radial directions, and percent depth dose (PDD). Absolute calibration of the machine output at 214 cm distance was measured using an Exradin A11 parallel-plate ion chamber. A 1.0 cm plexiglass scatter plate was inserted in the collimator. Mosfet dosimeters were used for dose verification for phantom and and patient. Results: At 214 cm source to surface distance (SSD) using gantry angle of + 20o from vertical beam flatness is + 10% in the radial direction over a region of 70 cm and + 4% in the axial direction over 60 cm. A five field arrangement was determined to optimally deliver the desired dose with > 90% uniformity. The fifth field was used to boost the head vertex. Conclusion: It is possible to treat sedated infants with total skin dose using five positions. Four positions were enough to cover the body and the fifth position boosts the vertex of the head. All fractions can be reproduced accurately daily because of the patient’s stable immobilization.« less

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.

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.

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.

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%.

One antenna, two antennae, big antennae, small: total antennae length, not bilateral symmetry, predicts odor-tracking performance in the American cockroach Periplaneta americana.

PubMed

Lockey, Jacob K; Willis, Mark A

2015-07-01

Determining the location of a particular stimulus is often crucial to an animal's survival. One way to determine the local distribution of an odor is to make simultaneous comparisons across multiple sensors. If the sensors detect differences in the distribution of an odor in space, the animal can then steer toward the source. American cockroaches, Periplaneta americana, have 4 cm long antennae and are thought to track odor plumes using a spatial sampling strategy, comparing the amount of odor detected between these bilateral sensors. However, it is not uncommon for cockroaches to lose parts of their antennae and still track a wind-borne odor to its source. We examined whether bilateral odor input is necessary to locate an odor source in a wind-driven environment and how the loss of increasing lengths of the antennae affects odor tracking. The tracking performances of individuals with two bilaterally symmetrical antennae of decreasing length were compared with antennal length-matched individuals with one antenna. Cockroaches with one antenna were generally able to track an odor plume to its source. In fact, the performances of unilaterally antennectomized individuals were statistically identical to those of their bilaterally symmetrical counterparts when the combined length of both antennae equaled the length of the single antenna of the antennectomized individuals. This suggests that the total length of available antennae influences odor tracking performance more than any specific piece of antenna, and that they may be doing something more complex than a simple bilateral comparison between their antennae. The possibility of an antenna-topic map is discussed. © 2015. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Determining Angle of Humeral Torsion Using Image Software Technique.

PubMed

Patil, Sachin; Sethi, Madhu; Vasudeva, Neelam

2016-10-01

Several researches have been done on the measurement of angles of humeral torsion in different parts of the world. Previously described methods were more complicated, not much accurate, cumbersome or required sophisticated instruments. The present study was conducted with the aim to determine the angles of humeral torsion with a newer simple technique using digital images and image tool software. A total of 250 dry normal adult human humeri were obtained from the bone bank of Department of Anatomy. The length and mid-shaft circumference of each bone was measured with the help of measuring tape. The angle of humeral torsion was measured directly from the digital images by the image analysis using Image Tool 3.0 software program. The data was analysed statistically with SPSS version 17 using unpaired t-test and Spearman's rank order correlation coefficient. The mean angle of torsion was 64.57°±7.56°. On the right side it was 66.84°±9.69°, whereas, on the left side it was found to be 63.31±9.50°. The mean humeral length was 31.6 cm on right side and 30.33 cm on left side. Mid shaft circumference was 5.79 on right side and 5.63 cm on left side. No statistical differences were seen in angles between right and left humeri (p>0.001). From our study, it was concluded that circumference of shaft is inversely proportional to angle of humeral torsion. The length and side of humerus has no relation with the humeral torsion. With advancement of digital technology, it is better to use new image softwares for anatomical studies.

Ontogenetic shifts of heart position in snakes.

PubMed

Lillywhite, Harvey B; Lillywhite, Steven M

2017-08-01

Heart position relative to total body length (TL) varies among snakes, with anterior hearts in arboreal species and more centrally located hearts in aquatic or ground-dwelling species. Anterior hearts decrease the cardiac work associated with cranial blood flow and minimize drops in cranial pressure and flow during head-up climbing. Here, we investigate whether heart position shifts intraspecifically during ontogenetic increases in TL. Insular Florida cottonmouth snakes, Agkistrodon conanti, are entirely ground-dwelling and have a mean heart position that is 33.32% TL from the head. In contrast, arboreal rat snakes, Pantherophis obsoleta, of similar lengths have a mean heart position that is 17.35% TL from the head. In both species, relative heart position shifts craniad during ontogeny, with negative slopes = -.035 and -.021% TL/cm TL in Agkistrodon and Pantherophis, respectively. Using a large morphometric data set available for Agkistrodon (N = 192 individuals, 23-140 cm TL), we demonstrate there is an anterior ontogenetic shift of the heart position within the trunk (= 4.56% trunk length from base of head to cloacal vent), independent of head and tail allometry which are both negative. However, in longer snakes > 100 cm, the heart position reverses and shifts caudally in longer Agkistrodon but continues toward the head in longer individuals of Pantherophis. Examination of data sets for two independent lineages of fully marine snakes (Acrochordus granulatus and Hydrophis platurus), which do not naturally experience postural gravity stress, demonstrate both ontogenetic patterns for heart position that are seen in the terrestrial snakes. The anterior migration of the heart is greater in the terrestrial species, even if TL is standardized to that of the longer P. obsoleta, and compensates for about 5 mmHg gravitational pressure head if they are fully upright. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Is anastomotic urethroplasty is really superior than BMG augmented dorsal onlay urethroplasty in terms of outcomes and patient satisfaction: Our 4-year experience

PubMed Central

Choudhary, Anil Kumar; Jha, Nawal K.

2015-01-01

Introduction We analyzed the outcomes of augmented buccal mucosa graft (BMG) dorsal onlay urethroplasty and anastomotic urethroplasty in the management of urethral stricture. Methods: Patients having a stricture length more than 2 cm were treated by augmented BMG dorsal onlay urethroplasty; patients with a stricture length less than 2 cm were managed by excision and end-to-end anastomotic urethroplasty. The postoperative retrograde urethrogram, micturating cystourethrogram, and uroflowmetry were compared to preoperative values. The postoperative subjective symptoms and complications were recorded and analyzed. Results: In total, 90 patients were included in this study. Forty-five patients had an average stricture length of 5.9 cm; they underwent BMG augmented dorsal onlay urethroplasty. Of these, 7 (15.55%) patients came with recurrence, while 38 (84.44%) were asymptomatic, in the average follow-up period of 32.8 months. The next 45 patients underwent excision of the stricture and end-to-end anastomosis. Of these, 6 (13.33%) failed on therapy and the remaining 39 (86.66%) were asymptomatic during the average follow-up period of 28.4 months. Conclusion: The technique of BMG dorsal onlay is easy to do, it is very reliable, has high success rate, less postoperative complications and better patient satisfaction compared to anastomotic urethroplasty. Our study has its limitations. Recurrent cases of urethroplasty and hypospadias were excluded from this study. Recurrent stricture cases were eliminated to overcome bias. Cases of hypospadias are still best treated by axial or random penile skin flap as BMG augmentation cannot create a long urethral tube. Based on our 4-year experience, we recommend BMG augmented urethroplasty long and short segment stricture of the urethra. PMID:25624962

Habitat relationships and nest site characteristics of cavity-nesting birds in cottonwood floodplains

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sedgwick, James A.; Knopf, Fritz L.

1990-01-01

We examined habitat relationships and nest site characteristics for 6 species of cavity-nesting birds--American kestrel (Falco sparverius), northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), black-capped chickadee (Parus atricapillus), house wren (Troglodytes aedon), and European starling (Sturnus vulgaris)--in a mature plains cottonwood (Populus sargentii) bottomland along the South Platte River in northeastern Colorado in 1985 and 1986. We examined characteristics of cavities, nest trees, and the habitat surrounding nest trees. Density of large trees (>69 cm dbh), total length of dead limbs ≥10 cm diameter (TDLL), and cavity density were the most important habitat variables; dead limb length (DLL), dbh, and species were the most important tree variables; and cavity height, cavity entrance diameter, and substrate condition at the cavity (live vs. dead) were the most important cavity variables in segregating cavity nesters along habitat, tree, and cavity dimensions, respectively. Random sites differed most from cavity-nesting bird sites on the basis of dbh, DLL, limb tree density (trees with ≥1 m dead limbs ≥10 cm diameter), and cavity density. Habitats of red-headed woodpeckers and American kestrels were the most unique, differing most from random sites. Based on current trends in cottonwood demography, densities of cavity-nesting birds will probably decline gradually along the South Platte River, paralleling a decline in DLL, limb tree density, snag density, and the concurrent lack of cottonwood regeneration.

Analyzing the Influence of a New Dental Implant Design on Primary Stability.

PubMed

Valente, Mariana Lima da Costa; de Castro, Denise Tornavoi; Shimano, Antonio Carlos; Lepri, César Penazzo; dos Reis, Andréa Cândido

2016-02-01

The macrogeometry of dental implants strongly influences the primary stability and hence the osseointegration process. Compare the performance of conventional and modified implant models in terms of primary stability. A total of 36 implants (Neodent®) with two different formats (n = 18): Alvim CM (Conical CM, Ø 4.3 mm × 10 mm in length) and Titamax Ti (Cylindrical HE, Ø 4.0 mm × 11 mm in length) were inserted into artificial bone blocks. Nine implants from each set were selected to undergo external geometry changes. The primary stability was quantified by insertion torque and resonance frequency using an Osstell device and the pullout test. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test were used for statistical evaluation. The comparative analysis of the implants showed a significant increase of the insertion torque for the modified Conical CM implants (p = 0.000) and Cylindrical HE (p = 0.043); for the resonance frequency the modified Cylindrical HE showed a lower statistical mean (p = 0.002) when compared to the conventional model, and in the pullout test both modified implants showed significant reduction (p = 0.000). Within the limitations of this study, the proposed modification showed good stability levels and advantages when compared to the conventional implants. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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

Single stage circumferential lingual mucosal graft urethroplasty in near obliterative bulbar urethra stricture: A novel technique.

PubMed

Sharma, Umesh; Yadav, Sher Singh; Tomar, Vinay; Garg, Amit

2016-01-01

This is a prospective study of the use and efficacy of a novel technique of circumferential tubularised lingual mucosal graft (LMG) in obliterative and near obliterative bulbar urethral stricture of >2 cm where excisional and augmented anastomotic urethroplasty are not feasible. The stenotic urethral segment was opened dorsally in midline and fibrosed urethra was excised taking care to preserve the healthy spongiosum tissue. LMG (av. Length 3 cm) was placed from one end of corporal body towards spongy tissue in a circumferential manner. Another LMG was placed in similar manner to deal with longer stricture. The urethra was tubularised over 14 Fr silicone catheter. A total of 12 men, of mean age 47 years underwent this procedure. The mean follow up period was 11 months starting from July 2014 till manuscript submission. Follow up included voiding cystourethrogram at 3 weeks, cystoscopy at 3 months (one patient didn't turned up) and subsequent follow up. Mean stricture length was 4.66 cm (range, 3-8.5 cm) and mean operative time was 195 min. (range, 160 to 200 min.). The technique was successful (normal voiding with no need for any post-operative procedure) in 11(91.6%) patients. One patient developed early recurrence at 4 month of surgery and had anastomotic stricture which was successfully managed by direct visual internal urethrotomy. Single stage circumferential tubularised graft urethroplasty is an excellent technique for strictures that include segments of obliterative and near obliterative diseased urethra. It provide a wider neourethra than patch graft urethroplasty.

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.

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 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.

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.

Contemporary labor patterns: the impact of maternal body mass index.

PubMed

Kominiarek, Michelle A; Zhang, Jun; Vanveldhuisen, Paul; Troendle, James; Beaver, Julie; Hibbard, Judith U

2011-09-01

We sought to compare labor patterns by body mass index (BMI). A total of 118,978 gravidas with a singleton term cephalic gestation were studied. Repeated-measures analysis constructed mean labor curves by parity and BMI categories for those who reached 10 cm. Interval-censored regression analysis determined median traverse times, adjusting for covariates in vaginal deliveries and intrapartum cesareans. In the labor curves, the time difference to reach 10 cm was 1.2 hours from the lowest to highest BMI category for nulliparas. Multiparas entered active phase by 6 cm, but reaching this point took longer for BMI ≥40.0 (3.4 hours) compared to BMI <25.0 (2.4 hours). Progression by centimeter (P < .001 for nulliparas) and from 4-10 cm (P < .001 for nulliparas and multiparas) increased as BMI increased. Second stage length, with and without an epidural, was similar among BMI categories for nulliparas (P > .05) but decreased as BMI increased for multiparas (P < .001). Labor proceeds more slowly as BMI increases, suggesting that labor management be altered to allow longer time for these differences. Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproductive aspects of the Atlantic angel shark Squatina dumeril in the southern Caribbean Sea.

PubMed

Tagliafico, A; Rangel, S; Broadhurst, M K

2017-10-01

The maturity and reproduction of the Atlantic angel shark Squatina dumeril were assessed using 77 females (29·2-110·4 cm total length; L T ) and 269 males (58·7-108·2 cm L T ) harvested by artisanal gillnetters off Venezuela. The biased sex ratio implied segregation or sex-specific gear selectivity. Based on the development of the reproductive tract, 50% L T at sexual maturity (L T50 , mean ± s.e.) for females and males were estimated at 86·14 ± 0·64 and 81·55 ± 0·12 cm, respectively. Uterine fecundity ranged between one and six and with a maximum embryo size of 25·7 cm L T . Gravid females were observed from August to December, including those close to parturition and while the gestation period was not confirmed, the size of ovarian follicles among some specimens implied protraction. The low fecundity of the species supports close monitoring of catches. © 2017 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Chemical Composition and Water Permeability of Fruit and Leaf Cuticles of Olea europaea L.

PubMed

Huang, Hua; Burghardt, Markus; Schuster, Ann-Christin; Leide, Jana; Lara, Isabel; Riederer, Markus

2017-10-11

The plant cuticle, protecting against uncontrolled water loss, covers olive (Olea europaea) fruits and leaves. The present study describes the organ-specific chemical composition of the cuticular waxes and the cutin and compares three developmental stages of fruits (green, turning, and black) with the leaf surface. Numerous organ-specific differences, such as the total coverage of cutin monomeric components (1034.4 μg cm -2 and 630.5 μg cm -2 ) and the cuticular waxes (201.6 μg cm -2 and 320.4 μg cm -2 ) among all three fruit stages and leaves, respectively, were detected. Water permeability as the main cuticular function was 5-fold lower in adaxial leaf cuticles (2.1 × 10 -5 m s -1 ) in comparison to all three fruit stages (9.5 × 10 -5 m s -1 ). The three fruit developmental stages have the same cuticular water permeability. It is hypothesized that a higher weighted average chain length of the acyclic cuticular components leads to a considerably lower permeability of the leaf as compared to the fruit cuticle.

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

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

Life-history strategies of the rock hind grouper Epinephelus adscensionis at Ascension Island.

PubMed

Nolan, E T; Downes, K J; Richardson, A; Arkhipkin, A; Brickle, P; Brown, J; Mrowicki, R J; Shcherbich, Z; Weber, N; Weber, S B

2017-12-01

Epinephelus adscensionis sampled from Ascension Island, South Atlantic Ocean, exhibits distinct life-history traits, including larger maximum size and size at sexual maturity than previous studies have demonstrated for this species in other locations. Otolith analysis yielded a maximum estimated age of 25 years, with calculated von Bertalanffy growth parameters of: L ∞  = 55·14, K = 0·19, t 0  = -0·88. Monthly gonad staging and analysis of gonad-somatic index (I G ) provide evidence for spawning from July to November with an I G peak in August (austral winter), during which time somatic growth is also suppressed. Observed patterns of sexual development were supportive of protogyny, although further work is needed to confirm this. Mean size at sexual maturity for females was 28·9 cm total length (L T ; 95% C.I. 27·1-30·7 cm) and no females were found >12 years and 48·0 cm L T , whereas all confirmed males sampled were mature, >35·1 cm L T with an age range from 3 to 18 years. The modelled size at which 50% of individuals were male was 41·8 cm (95% C.I. 40·4-43·2 cm). As far as is known, this study represents the first comprehensive investigation into the growth and reproduction of E. adscensionis at its type locality of Ascension Island and suggests that the population may be affected less by fisheries than elsewhere in its range. Nevertheless, improved regulation of the recreational fishery and sustained monitoring of abundance, length frequencies and life-history parameters are needed to inform long-term management measures, which could include the creation of marine reserves, size or temporal catch limits and stricter export controls. © 2017 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

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.

A markerless system based on smartphones and webcam for the measure of step length, width and duration on treadmill.

PubMed

Barone, V; Verdini, F; Burattini, L; Di Nardo, F; Fioretti, S

2016-03-01

A markerless low cost prototype has been developed for the determination of some spatio-temporal parameters of human gait: step-length, step-width and cadence have been considered. Only a smartphone and a high-definition webcam have been used. The signals obtained by the accelerometer embedded in the smartphone are used to recognize the heel strike events, while the feet positions are calculated through image processing of the webcam stream. Step length and width are computed during gait trials on a treadmill at various speeds (3, 4 and 5 km/h). Six subjects have been tested for a total of 504 steps. Results were compared with those obtained by a stereo-photogrammetric system (Elite, BTS Engineering). The maximum average errors were 3.7 cm (5.36%) for the right step length and 1.63 cm (15.16%) for the right step width at 5 km/h. The maximum average error for step duration was 0.02 s (1.69%) at 5 km/h for the right steps. The system is characterized by a very high level of automation that allows its use by non-expert users in non-structured environments. A low cost system able to automatically provide a reliable and repeatable evaluation of some gait events and parameters during treadmill walking, is relevant also from a clinical point of view because it allows the analysis of hundreds of steps and consequently an analysis of their variability. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prediction of Osmotic Pressure of Ionic Liquids Inside a Nanoslit by MD Simulation and Continuum Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, Gi Jong; Yang, Yu Dong; Oh, Jung Min; Kang, In Seok

2017-11-01

Osmotic pressure plays an important role in the processes of charging and discharging of lithium batteries. In this work, osmotic pressure of the ionic liquids confined inside a nanoslit is calculated by using both MD simulation and continuum approach. In the case of MD simulation, an ionic liquid is modeled as singly charged spheres with a short-ranged repulsive Lennard-Jones potential. The radii of the spheres are 0.5nm, reflecting the symmetry of ion sizes for simplicity. The simulation box size is 11nm×11nm×7.5nm with 1050 ion pairs. The concentration of ionic liquid is about 1.922mol/L, and the total charge on an individual wall varies from +/-60e(7.944 μm/cm2) to +/-600e(79.44 μm/cm2) . In the case of continuum approach, we classify the problems according to the correlation length and steric factor, and considered the four separate cases: 1) zero correlation length and zero steric factor, 2) zero correlation length and non-zero steric factor, 3) non-zero correlation length and zero steric factor, and 4) non-zero correlation and non-zero steric factor. Better understanding of the osmotic pressure of ionic liquids confined inside a nanoslit can be achieved by comparing the results of MD simulation and continuum approach. This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) Grant funded by the Korea government (MSIP: Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning) (No. 2017R1D1A1B05035211).

Anatomical basis of the extended TDAP flap: study of its territories of vascularization and its volume.

PubMed

Dast, Sandy; Havet, Eric; Dessena, Lidia; Abdulshakoor, Abeer; Alharbi, Mohammed; Vaucher, Richard; Herlin, Christian; Sinna, Raphael

2017-08-01

The concept of extended thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap was described in 2015 for breast reconstruction. Our anatomical study aims to identify the territories vascularised by the thoracodorsal artery perforator via the deep muscular fascial network. The second goal was to define the volume of the extended TDAP flap. Ten extended TDAP flaps were dissected on 5 fresh human cadavers. Around the classical skin paddle of a TDAP flap, the dissections were performed in a subfascial level, including the muscular fascia and the adipose tissue compartments to increase the volume of the flap. After injection of methylene blue in the thoracodorsal artery, we measured the length and width, the surface and the volume of the coloured flap. The mean sizes of the extended TDAP flap were 24.9 cm × 20.1 cm. The mean surface of the total vascularization zone was 441 cm 2 . The mean volume of the vascularized flap was 193 ml. The thoracodorsal artery perforator via the deep muscular fascial network allows us to harvest a flap of 25 cm × 20 cm with a mean surface of 441 cm² and a mean volume of 193 ml. The extended TDAP flap is a credible option in breast reconstruction.

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.

Transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of cervical length in asymptomatic high-risk women with a short cervical length in the previous pregnancy.

PubMed

Crane, J M G; Hutchens, D

2011-07-01

To determine if asymptomatic women at high risk of preterm delivery who had a short cervical length in their previous pregnancy and delivered at term are at increased risk of having a short cervical length in their next pregnancy, and whether they are at increased risk of preterm birth. This retrospective cohort study included high-risk (those with a history of spontaneous preterm birth, uterine anomaly or excisional treatment for cervical dysplasia) asymptomatic women who were pregnant with a singleton gestation delivering between April 2003 and March 2010, who had had a previous pregnancy and who had transvaginal ultrasonographic cervical length measurement performed at 16-30 weeks' gestation in both pregnancies. Comparison was among women who had a short cervical length (< 3.0 cm) in their previous pregnancy but delivered at term in that pregnancy (Short Term Group), women with a history of a normal cervical length (≥ 3.0 cm) in their previous pregnancy delivering at term (Long Term Group), and women who had a short cervical length (< 3.0 cm) in their previous pregnancy delivering preterm (Short Preterm Group). Primary outcomes were spontaneous preterm birth at < 37 weeks' gestation and cervical length. Secondary outcomes were spontaneous preterm birth at < 35 weeks and < 32 weeks, low birth weight, maternal outcomes and neonatal morbidity. A total of 62 women were included. Women in the Short Term Group were more likely to have a short cervical length in their next pregnancy compared with those in the Long Term Group (10/23 (43.5%) vs. 4/26 (15.4%), respectively) but not as likely as women in the Short Preterm Group (9/13 (69.2%); P=0.003). Women in the Short Term Group were not at an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth at < 37 weeks in the next pregnancy compared with women in the Long Term Group (2/23 (8.7%) vs. 2/26 (7.7%), respectively), but women in the Short Preterm Group were at an increased risk (6/13 (46.2%); P<0.0001). Compared with women in the Short Term and Long Term groups, women in the Short Preterm Group were also at an increased risk of threatened preterm labor (6/23 (26.1%) and 4/26 (15.4%) vs. 9/13 (69.2%), respectively; P=0.002) and of receiving corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation (6/23 (26.1%) and 4/26 (15.4%) vs. 11/13 (84.6%), respectively; P<0.0001). Although high-risk asymptomatic women with a short cervical length in their previous pregnancy who delivered at term are at increased risk of having a short cervix in their next pregnancy, they are not at increased risk of preterm birth. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Absorption of infrared radiation by carbon monoxide at elevated temperatures and pressures: Part B. Total emissivity charts and correlations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alberti, Michael; Weber, Roman; Mancini, Marco

2017-10-01

The line-by-line procedure developed in the associated paper (Part A ) has been used to generate the total emissivity chart for pure CO and CO -N2 /air mixtures at 1 bar total pressure, in the 300 to 3000 K temperature and 0.01 to 3000 bar cm pressure path length range. Methods of scaling the emissivity to pressures different to 1 bar, in the range 0.1 to 40 bar, are provided through pressure correction graphs and EXCEL interpolator (Supplementary Material). The interpolated emissivities are within ± 2% margin from the line-by-line calculated values. The newly developed emissivity graphs are substantially more accurate than the existing Ulrich (1936) & Hottel (1954) and Abu-Romia & Tien (1966) charts.

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.

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)

Effects of saline drinking water on early gosling development

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stolley, D.S.; Bissonette, J.A.; Kadlec, J.A.; Coster, D.

1999-01-01

Relatively high levels of saline drinking water may adversely affect the growth, development, and survival of young waterfowl. Saline drinking water was suspect in the low survival rate of Canada goose (Branta canadensis) goslings at Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge (FSNWR) in western Utah. Hence, we investigated the effects of saline drinking water on the survival and growth of captive, wild-strain goslings from day 1-28 following hatch. We compared survival and growth (as measured by body mass, wing length, and culmen length) between a control group on tap water with a mean specific conductivity of 650 ??S/cm, and 2 saline water treatments: (1) intermediate level (12,000 ??S/cm), and (2) high level (18,000 ??S/cm). Gosling mortality occurred only in the 18,000 ??S/cm treatment group (33%; n = 9). Slopes of regressions of mean body mass, wing length, and culmen length on age were different from each other (P < 0.05), except for culmen length for the intermediate and high treatment levels. We predict that free-ranging wild goslings will experience mortality at even lower salinity levels than captive goslings because of the combined effects of depressed growth and environmental stresses, including hot desert temperatures and variable food quality over summer.

Refractive Index Sensing with D-Shaped Plastic Optical Fibers for Chemical and Biochemical Applications

PubMed Central

Sequeira, Filipa; Duarte, Daniel; Bilro, Lúcia; Rudnitskaya, Alisa; Pesavento, Maria; Zeni, Luigi; Cennamo, Nunzio

2016-01-01

We report the optimization of the length of a D-shaped plastic optical fiber (POF) sensor for refractive index (RI) sensing from a numerical and experimental point of view. The sensing principle is based on total internal reflection (TIR). POFs with 1 mm in diameter were embedded in grooves, realized in planar supports with different lengths, and polished to remove the cladding and part of the core. All D-shaped POF sensors were tested using aqueous medium with different refractive indices (from 1.332 to 1.471) through intensity-based configuration. Results showed two different responses. Considering the refractive index (RI) range (1.33–1.39), the sensitivity and the resolution of the sensor were strongly dependent on the sensing region length. The highest sensitivity (resolution of 6.48 × 10−3 refractive index units, RIU) was obtained with 6 cm sensing length. In the RI range (1.41–1.47), the length of the sensing region was not a critical aspect to obtain the best resolution. These results enable the application of this optical platform for chemical and biochemical evanescent field sensing. The sensor production procedure is very simple, fast, and low-cost. PMID:27983608

Refractive Index Sensing with D-Shaped Plastic Optical Fibers for Chemical and Biochemical Applications.

PubMed

Sequeira, Filipa; Duarte, Daniel; Bilro, Lúcia; Rudnitskaya, Alisa; Pesavento, Maria; Zeni, Luigi; Cennamo, Nunzio

2016-12-13

We report the optimization of the length of a D-shaped plastic optical fiber (POF) sensor for refractive index (RI) sensing from a numerical and experimental point of view. The sensing principle is based on total internal reflection (TIR). POFs with 1 mm in diameter were embedded in grooves, realized in planar supports with different lengths, and polished to remove the cladding and part of the core. All D-shaped POF sensors were tested using aqueous medium with different refractive indices (from 1.332 to 1.471) through intensity-based configuration. Results showed two different responses. Considering the refractive index (RI) range (1.33-1.39), the sensitivity and the resolution of the sensor were strongly dependent on the sensing region length. The highest sensitivity (resolution of 6.48 × 10 -3 refractive index units, RIU) was obtained with 6 cm sensing length. In the RI range (1.41-1.47), the length of the sensing region was not a critical aspect to obtain the best resolution. These results enable the application of this optical platform for chemical and biochemical evanescent field sensing. The sensor production procedure is very simple, fast, and low-cost.

Quantitative analysis of production traits in saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus): II. age at slaughter.

PubMed

Isberg, S R; Thomson, P C; Nicholas, F W; Barker, S G; Moran, C

2005-12-01

Crocodile morphometric (head, snout-vent and total length) measurements were recorded at three stages during the production chain: hatching, inventory [average age (+/-SE) is 265.1 +/- 0.4 days] and slaughter (average age is 1037.8 +/- 0.4 days). Crocodile skins are used for the manufacture of exclusive leather products, with the most common-sized skin sold having 35-45 cm in belly width. One of the breeding objectives for inclusion into a multitrait genetic improvement programme for saltwater crocodiles is the time taken for a juvenile to reach this size or age at slaughter. A multivariate restricted maximum likelihood analysis provided (co)variance components for estimating the first published genetic parameter estimates for these traits. Heritability (+/-SE) estimates for the traits hatchling snout-vent length, inventory head length and age at slaughter were 0.60 (0.15), 0.59 (0.12) and 0.40 (0.10) respectively. There were strong negative genetic (-0.81 +/- 0.08) and phenotypic (-0.82 +/- 0.02) correlations between age at slaughter and inventory head length.

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.

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.

Comparative Analyses of Cuticular Waxes on Various Organs of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

PubMed

Guo, Yanjun; Jetter, Reinhard

2017-05-17

Complex mixtures of cuticular waxes coat plant surfaces to seal them against environmental stresses, with compositions greatly varying between species and possibly organs. This paper reports comprehensive analyses of the waxes on both above- and below-ground organs of potato, where total wax coverages varied between petals (2.6 μg/cm 2 ), leaves, stems, and tubers (1.8-1.9 μg/cm 2 ), and rhizomes (1.1 μg/cm 2 ). The wax mixtures on above-ground organs were dominated by alkanes, occurring in homologous series of isomeric C 25 -C 35 n-alkanes, C 25 -C 35 2-methylalkanes, and C 26 -C 34 3-methylalkanes. In contrast, below-ground organs had waxes rich in monoacylglycerols (C 22 -C 28 acyls) and C 18 -C 30 alkyl ferulates, together with fatty acids (rhizomes) or primary alcohols (tubers). The organ-specific wax coverages, compound class distribution, and chain length profiles suggest highly regulated activities of wax biosynthesis enzymes, likely related to organ-specific ecophysiological functions.

Dissimilar metals joint evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wakefield, M. E.; Apodaca, L. E.

1974-01-01

Dissimilar metals tubular joints between 2219-T851 aluminum alloy and 304L stainless steel were fabricated and tested to evaluate bonding processes. Joints were fabricated by four processes: (1) inertia (friction) weldings, where the metals are spun and forced together to create the weld; (2) explosive welding, where the metals are impacted together at high velocity; (3) co-extrusion, where the metals are extruded in contact at high temperature to promote diffusion; and (4) swaging, where residual stresses in the metals after a stretching operation maintain forced contact in mutual shear areas. Fifteen joints of each type were prepared and evaluated in a 6.35 cm (2.50 in.) O.D. size, with 0.32 cm (0.13 in.) wall thickness, and 7.6 cm (3.0 in) total length. The joints were tested to evaluate their ability to withstand pressure cycle, thermal cycle, galvanic corrosion and burst tests. Leakage tests and other non-destructive test techniques were used to evaluate the behavior of the joints, and the microstructure of the bond areas was analyzed.

Self-assembled structures of hydroxyapatite in the biomimetic coating on a bioinert ceramic substrate.

PubMed

Chakraborty, Jui; Sarkar, Soumi Dey; Chatterjee, Saradiya; Sinha, Mithlesh Kumar; Basu, Debabrata

2008-10-15

The tribological properties of alumina ceramic are excellent due in part to a high wettability because of the hydrophilic surface and fluid film lubrication that minimizes the adhesive wear. Such surfaces are further modified with bioactive glass/ceramic coating to promote direct bone apposition in orthopedic applications. The present communication reports the biomimetic coating of calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp) on dense (2-3% porosity) alumina (alpha-Al(2)O(3)) substrate (1cm x 1cm x 0.5 cm), at 37 degrees C. After a total period of 6 days immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), at 37 degrees C, linear self-assembled porous (pore size: approximately 0.2 microm) structures (length: approximately 375.39 microm and width: 5-6 microm) of HAp were obtained. The phenomenon has been demonstrated by self-assembly and diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) principles. Structural and compositional characterization of the coating was carried out using SEM with EDX facility, XRD and FT-IR data.

Application Prospects of Multilayer Film Shields for Space Research Instrumentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyunt, P. W.; Vlasik, K. F.; Grachev, V. M.; Dmitrenko, V. V.; Novikov, A. S.; Petrenko, D. V.; Ulin, S. E.; Uteshev, Z. M.; Chernysheva, I. V.; Shustov, A. E.

We have studied the magnetic properties of multilayer film cylindrical configuration shields (MFS) based on NiFe / Cu. The studied samples were prepared by electrode position. MFS were constituted by alternating layers of NiFe and Cu, deposited on an aluminum cylinder with diameter of 4 cm, length of 13 cm and 0.5 cm thickness. The thickness of each ferromagnetic layer varied from 10 to 150 μm, and the thickness of Cu layers was 5 μm. Five-samples in which the number of ferromagnetic layers varied from 3 to 45 and copper - from 2 to 44 were tested. The best shielding efficiency was achieved at the maximum number of layers and comprised about 102. Permalloy multilayer foil shield at the same total thickness has several times less efficiency in comparison with MFS. The description of a prototype of the charged particles telescope for space application is presented. Results of its testing regarding sensitivity to the constant magnetic field are described.

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).

Location of Vibrio anguillarum resistance-associated trait loci in half-smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis at its microsatellite linkage map

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Zhihong; Guo, Li; Liu, Yang; Shao, Changwei; Chen, Songlin; Yang, Guanpin

2016-11-01

A cultured female half-smooth tongue sole ( Cynoglossus semilaevis) was crossed with a wild male, yielding the first filial generation of pseudo-testcrossing from which 200 fish were randomly selected to locate the Vibrio anguillarum resistance trait in half-smooth tongue sole at its microsatellite linkage map. In total, 129 microsatellites were arrayed into 18 linkage groups, ≥4 each. The map reconstructed was 852.85 cM in length with an average spacing of 7.68 cM, covering 72.07% of that expected (1 183.35 cM). The V. anguillarum resistance trait was a composite rather than a unit trait, which was tentatively partitioned into Survival time in Hours After V. anguillarum Infection (SHAVI) and Immunity of V. Anguillarum Infection (IVAI). Above a logarithm of the odds (LOD) threshold of 2.5, 18 loci relative to SHAVI and 3 relative to IVAI were identified. The 3 loci relative to IVAI explained 18.78%, 5.87% and 6.50% of the total phenotypic variation in immunity. The microsatellites bounding the 3 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of IVAI may in future aid to the selection of V. anguillarum-immune half-smooth tongue sole varieties, and facilitate cloning the gene(s) controlling such immunity.

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...

What Incentives Are Created by Medicare Payments for Total Hip Arthroplasty?

PubMed

Clement, R Carter; Soo, Adrianne E; Kheir, Michael M; Derman, Peter B; Flynn, David N; Levin, L Scott; Fleisher, Lee A

2016-09-01

Differences in profitability and contribution margin (CM) between various patient populations may make certain patients particularly attractive (or unattractive) to providers. This study seeks to identify patient characteristics associated with increased profit and CM among Medicare patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). The expected Medicare reimbursement for consecutive patients of Medicare-eligible age (65+ years) undergoing primary unilateral elective THA (n = 498) was calculated in accordance with Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services policy. Costs were derived from the hospital's cost accounting system. Profit and CM were calculated for each patient as reimbursement less total and variable costs, respectively. Patients were compared based on clinical and demographic factors by univariate and multivariate analyses. Medicare patients undergoing THA generated negative average profits but substantial positive CMs. Lower profit and CM were associated with higher American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification (P < .01, P = .03), older age (P < .01), and longer length of stay (P < .01, P = .03). No association was found with gender, body mass index, or race. If our results are generalizable, Medicare patients requiring THA are currently financially attractive, but institutions have a long-term incentive to shift resources to more profitable patients and service lines, which may eventually restrict access to care for this population. THA providers have a financial incentive to favor Medicare patients with younger age, lower American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification, and those who can be expected to require relatively short admissions. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services must strive to accurately match reimbursement rates to provider costs to avoid inequitable payments to providers and financial incentives discouraging treatment of high-risk patients or other patient subpopulations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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.

The Impact of Averaging Window Length on the “Desaturation” Indexes Obtained Via Overnight Pulse Oximetry at High Altitude

PubMed Central

Cross, Troy J.; Keller-Ross, Manda; Issa, Amine; Wentz, Robert; Taylor, Bryan; Johnson, Bruce

2015-01-01

Study Objectives: To determine the impact of averaging window-length on the “desaturation” indexes (DIs) obtained via overnight pulse oximetry (SpO2) at high altitude. Design: Overnight SpO2 data were collected during a 10-day sojourn at high altitude. SpO2 was obtained using a commercial wrist-worn finger oximeter whose firmware was modified to store unaveraged beat-to-beat data. Simple moving averages of window lengths spanning 2 to 20 cardiac beats were retrospectively applied to beat-to-beat SpO2 datasets. After SpO2 artifacts were removed, the following DIs were then calculated for each of the averaged datasets: oxygen desaturation index (ODI); total sleep time with SpO2 < 80% (TST < 80), and the lowest SpO2 observed during sleep (SpO2 low). Setting: South Base Camp, Mt. Everest (5,364 m elevation). Participants: Five healthy, adult males (35 ± 5 y; 180 ± 1 cm; 85 ± 4 kg). Interventions: N/A. Measurements and Results: 49 datasets were obtained from the 5 participants, totalling 239 hours of data. For all window lengths ≥ 2 beats, ODI and TST < 80 were lower, and SpO2 low was higher than those values obtained from the beat-to-beat SpO2 time series data (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that increasing oximeter averaging window length progressively underestimates the frequency and magnitude of sleep disordered breathing events at high altitude, as indirectly assessed via the desaturation indexes. Citation: Cross TJ, Keller-Ross M, Issa A, Wentz R, Taylor B, Johnson B. The impact of averaging window length on the “desaturation” indexes obtained via overnight pulse oximetry at high altitude. SLEEP 2015;38(8):1331–1334. PMID:25581919

The association of calcaneal spur length and clinical and functional parameters in plantar fasciitis.

PubMed

Kuyucu, Ersin; Koçyiğit, Figen; Erdil, Mehmet

2015-09-01

Plantar fasciitis (PF)is the most common cause of plantar heel pain. Despite many treatment alternatives for heel spur, the association of calcaneal spur size with clinical and functional parameters is inconclusive. The objective of this study to investigate the correlation of calcaneal spur length with clinical findings and functional status documented with Foot Function Index in patients with plantar fasciitis. We performed power analysis for the sample size estimation. 87 patients with PF were scrutinized to reach the estimated patient number 75. Computer-aided linear measurements were done for spur length from tip to base in milimeters. Perceived pain intensity was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS). Patients were asked to rate the pain experienced on a 10-cm VAS. Foot function index was applied to the patients to evaluate pain, disability and activity limitation of the patients. Of the 75 participants, 24 were males (32%) and 51 were females (68%). The mean age was 47 ± 10 years (range 30-65 years). The mean calcaneal spur length was 3.86 ± 3.36 mm (range between 0 and 12.2). Calcaneal spur length was significantly correlated with age (p = 0.003), BMI (p = 0.029), symptom duration, (p = 0.001) VAS (p = 0.003), and FFI total score (p < 0.001). Our study demonstrated that length of the calcaneal spur is significantly correlated with age, BMI, symptom duration, perceived pain, FFI pain and disability subscores, and FFI total scores. The size of the calcaneal spur is an important parameter correlated with pain and functional scores in PF. Copyright © 2015 IJS Publishing Group Limited. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automatic Modelling of Rubble Mound Breakwaters from LIDAR Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bueno, M.; Díaz-Vilariño, L.; González-Jorge, H.; Martínez-Sánchez, J.; Arias, P.

2015-08-01

Rubble mound breakwaters maintenance is critical to the protection of beaches and ports. LiDAR systems provide accurate point clouds from the emerged part of the structure that can be modelled to make it more useful and easy to handle. This work introduces a methodology for the automatic modelling of breakwaters with armour units of cube shape. The algorithm is divided in three main steps: normal vector computation, plane segmentation, and cube reconstruction. Plane segmentation uses the normal orientation of the points and the edge length of the cube. Cube reconstruction uses the intersection of three perpendicular planes and the edge length. Three point clouds cropped from the main point cloud of the structure are used for the tests. The number of cubes detected is around 56 % for two of the point clouds and 32 % for the third one over the total physical cubes. Accuracy assessment is done by comparison with manually drawn cubes calculating the differences between the vertexes. It ranges between 6.4 cm and 15 cm. Computing time ranges between 578.5 s and 8018.2 s. The computing time increases with the number of cubes and the requirements of collision detection.

Gastrointestinal parasites and prey items from a mass stranding of false killer whales, Pseudorca crassidens, in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil.

PubMed

Andrade, A L; Pinedo, M C; Barreto, A S

2001-02-01

The gastrointestinal tract of 14 false killer whales, 6 males and 8 females, stranded in June 1995 in southern Brazil, with total standard lengths from 338 to 507 cm, were analysed for endoparasites and food items. A pregnant female had a male foetus of 77.5 cm. Parasites were found in all 14 false killer whales. The nematode Anisakis simplex (Rudolphi, 1809) was found in the stomach of 57% of the animals and the acanthocephalan Bolbosoma capitatum (Linstow, 1889) Porta, 1908 was present in the intestine of all specimens and showed densities up to 600 m-1. An unidentified cestode (Tethrabothridae) was found also in the intestines of 14% of the individuals. The high infections of B. capitatum and A. simplex were not directly related with the cause of death. In the stomachs of four females, beaks of at least eight specimens of the oceanic and epipelagic species Ommastrephes bartramii (Lesueur, 1821) were found, with mantle lengths ranging from 189.8 to 360.9 mm. The distribution of O. bartramii in the coast of Rio Grande do Sul is consistent with false killer whales feeding in continental shelf waters.

13CO2/12CO2 isotope ratio analysis in human breath using a 2 μm diode laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Mingguo; Cao, Zhensong; Liu, Kun; Wang, Guishi; Tan, Tu; Gao, Xiaoming; Chen, Weidong; Yinbo, Huang; Ruizhong, Rao

2015-04-01

The bacterium H. pylori is believed to cause peptic ulcer. H. pylori infection in the human stomach can be diagnosed through a CO2 isotope ratio measure in exhaled breath. A laser spectrometer based on a distributed-feedback semiconductor diode laser at 2 μm is developed to measure the changes of 13CO2/12CO2 isotope ratio in exhaled breath sample with the CO2 concentration of ~4%. It is characterized by a simplified optical layout, in which a single detector and associated electronics are used to probe CO2 spectrum. A new type multi-passes cell with 12 cm long base length , 29 m optical path length in total and 280 cm3 volume is used in this work. The temperature and pressure are well controlled at 301.15 K and 6.66 kPa with fluctuation amplitude of 25 mK and 6.7 Pa, respectively. The best 13δ precision of 0.06o was achieved by using wavelet denoising and Kalman filter. The application of denoising and Kalman filter not only improved the signal to noise ratio, but also shorten the system response time.

SU-G-JeP2-13: Spatial Accuracy Evaluation for Real-Time MR Guided Radiation Therapy Using a Novel Large-Field MRI Distortion Phantom

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

Antolak, A; Bayouth, J; Bosca, R

Purpose: Evaluate a large-field MRI phantom for assessment of geometric distortion in whole-body MRI for real-time MR guided radiation therapy. Methods: A prototype CIRS large-field MRI distortion phantom consisting of a PMMA cylinder (33 cm diameter, 30 cm length) containing a 3D-printed orthogonal grid (3 mm diameter rods, 20 mm apart), was filled with 6 mM NiCl{sub 2} and 30 mM NaCl solution. The phantom was scanned at 1.5T and 3.0T on a GE HDxt and Discovery MR750, respectively, and at 0.35T on a ViewRay system. Scans were obtained with and without 3D distortion correction to demonstrate the impact ofmore » such corrections. CT images were used as a reference standard for analysis of geometric distortion, as determined by a fully automated gradient-search method developed in Matlab. Results: 1,116 grid points distributed throughout a cylindrical volume 28 cm in diameter and 16 cm in length were identified and analyzed. With 3D distortion correction, average/maximum displacements for the 1.5, 3.0, and 0.35T systems were 0.84/2.91, 1.00/2.97, and 0.95/2.37 mm, respectively. The percentage of points with less than (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mm) total displacement were (73%, 92%, 97%), (54%, 85%, 97%), and (55%, 90%, 99%), respectively. A reduced scan volume of 20 × 20 × 10 cm{sup 3} (representative of a head and neck scan volume) consisting of 420 points was also analyzed. In this volume, the percentage of points with less than (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mm) total displacement were (90%, 99%, 100%), (63%, 95%, 100%), and (75%, 96%, 100%), respectively. Without 3D distortion correction, average/maximum displacements were 1.35/3.67, 1.67/4.46, and 1.51/3.89 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The prototype large-field MRI distortion phantom and developed software provide a thorough assessment of 3D spatial distortions in MRI. The distortions measured were acceptable for RT applications, both for the high field strengths and the system configuration developed by ViewRay.« less

Construction of an SSR and RAD-Marker Based Molecular Linkage Map of Vigna vexillata (L.) A. Rich

PubMed Central

Chankaew, Sompong; Kaga, Akito; Naito, Ken; Ehara, Hiroshi; Tomooka, Norihiko

2015-01-01

Vigna vexillata (L.) A. Rich. (tuber cowpea) is an underutilized crop for consuming its tuber and mature seeds. Wild form of V. vexillata is a pan-tropical perennial herbaceous plant which has been used by local people as a food. Wild V. vexillata has also been considered as useful gene(s) source for V. unguiculata (cowpea), since it was reported to have various resistance gene(s) for insects and diseases of cowpea. To exploit the potential of V. vexillata, an SSR-based linkage map of V. vexillata was developed. A total of 874 SSR markers successfully amplified single DNA fragment in V. vexillata among 1,336 SSR markers developed from Vigna angularis (azuki bean), V. unguiculata and Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean). An F2 population of 300 plants derived from a cross between salt resistant (V1) and susceptible (V5) accessions was used for mapping. A genetic linkage map was constructed using 82 polymorphic SSR markers loci, which could be assigned to 11 linkage groups spanning 511.5 cM in length with a mean distance of 7.2 cM between adjacent markers. To develop higher density molecular linkage map and to confirm SSR markers position in a linkage map, RAD markers were developed and a combined SSR and RAD markers linkage map of V. vexillata was constructed. A total of 559 (84 SSR and 475 RAD) markers loci could be assigned to 11 linkage groups spanning 973.9 cM in length with a mean distance of 1.8 cM between adjacent markers. Linkage and genetic position of all SSR markers in an SSR linkage map were confirmed. When an SSR genetic linkage map of V. vexillata was compared with those of V. radiata and V. unguiculata, it was suggested that the structure of V. vexillata chromosome was considerably differentiated. This map is the first SSR and RAD marker-based V. vexillata linkage map which can be used for the mapping of useful traits. PMID:26398819

Biocompatibility of sweetpotato and peanut in a hydroponic system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mortley, D. G.; Loretan, P. A.; Hill, W. A.; Bonsi, C. K.; Morris, C. E.; Hall, R.; Sullen, D.

1998-01-01

'Georgia Red' peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and TU-82-155 sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] were grown in monocultured or intercropped recirculating hydroponic systems in a greenhouse using the nutrient film technique (NFT). The objective was to determine whether growth and subsequent yield would be affected by intercropping. Treatments were sweetpotato monoculture (SP), peanut monoculture (PN), and sweetpotato and peanut grown in separate NFT channels but sharing a common nutrient solution (SP-PN). Greenhouse conditions ranged from 24 to 33 degrees C, 60% to 90% relative humidity (RH), and photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) of 200 to 1700 micromoles m-2 s-1. Sweetpotato cuttings (15 cm long) and 14-day-old seedlings of peanuts were planted into growth channels (0.15 x 0.15 x 1.2 m). Plants were spaced 25 cm apart within and 25 cm apart between growing channels. A modified half-Hoagland solution with a 1 N: 2.4 K ratio was used. Solution pH was maintained between 5.5 and 6.0 for treatments involving SP and 6.4 and 6.7 for PN. Electrical conductivity (EC) ranged between 1100 and 1200 microS cm-1. The number of storage roots per sweetpotato plant was similar for both SP and SP-PN. Storage root fresh and dry mass were 29% and 36% greater, respectively, for plants in the SP-PN treatment than for plants in the SP treatment. The percent dry mass of the storage roots, dry mass of fibrous and pencil roots, and the length-to-diameter ratio of storage roots were similar for SP and SP-PN sweetpotato plants. Likewise, foliage fresh and dry mass and harvest index were not significantly influenced by treatment. Total dry mass was 37% greater for PN than for SP-PN peanut plants, and pod dry mass was 82% higher. Mature and total seed dry mass and fibrous root dry mass were significantly greater for PN than for SP-PN plants. Harvest index (HI) was similar for both treatments. Root length tended to be lower for seedlings grown in the nutrient solution from the SP-PN treatment.

Use of PTFE Stent Grafts for Hemodialysis-related Central Venous Occlusions: Intermediate-Term Results

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

Kundu, Sanjoy, E-mail: sanjoy_kundu40@hotmail.com; Modabber, Milad; You, John M.

2011-10-15

Purpose: To assess the safety and effectiveness of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) encapsulated nitinol stents (Bard Peripheral Vascular, Tempe, AZ) for treatment of hemodialysis-related central venous occlusions. Materials and Methods: Study design was a single-center nonrandomized retrospective cohort of patients from May 2004 to August 2009 for a total of 64 months. There were 14 patients (mean age 60 years, range 50-83 years; 13 male, 1 female). All patients had autogenous fistulas. All 14 patients had central venous occlusions and presented with clinical symptoms of the following: extremity swelling (14%, 2 of 14), extremity and face swelling (72%, 10 of 14),more » and face swelling/edema (14%, 2 of 14). There was evidence of access dysfunction with decreased access flow in 36% (5 of 14) patients. There were prior interventions or previous line placement at the site of the central venous lesion in all 14 patients. Results were assessed by recurrence of clinical symptoms and function of the access circuit (National Kidney Foundation recommended criteria). Results: Sixteen consecutive straight stent grafts were implanted in 14 patients. Average treated lesion length was 5.0 cm (range, 0.9-7 cm). All 14 patients had complete central venous occlusion (100% stenosis). The central venous occlusions were located as follows: right subclavian and brachiocephalic vein (21%, 3 of 14), right brachiocephalic vein (36%, 5 of 14), left brachiocephalic vein (36%, 5 of 14), and bilateral brachiocephalic vein (7%, 1 of 14). A total of 16 PTFE stent grafts were placed. Ten- or 12-mm-diameter PTFE stent grafts were placed. The average stent length was 6.1 cm (range, 4-8 cm). Technical (deployment), anatomic (<30% residual stenosis), clinical (resolution of symptoms), and hemodynamic (resolution of access dysfunction) success were 100%. At 3, 6, and 9 months, primary patency of the treated area and access circuit were 100% (14 of 14). Conclusions: This PTFE encapsulated stent graft demonstrates encouraging intermediate-term patency results for central vein occlusions. Further prospective studies with long-term assessment and larger patient populations will be required.« less

Construction of a high-density, high-resolution genetic map and its integration with BAC-based physical map in channel catfish

PubMed Central

Li, Yun; Liu, Shikai; Qin, Zhenkui; Waldbieser, Geoff; Wang, Ruijia; Sun, Luyang; Bao, Lisui; Danzmann, Roy G.; Dunham, Rex; Liu, Zhanjiang

2015-01-01

Construction of genetic linkage map is essential for genetic and genomic studies. Recent advances in sequencing and genotyping technologies made it possible to generate high-density and high-resolution genetic linkage maps, especially for the organisms lacking extensive genomic resources. In the present work, we constructed a high-density and high-resolution genetic map for channel catfish with three large resource families genotyped using the catfish 250K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. A total of 54,342 SNPs were placed on the linkage map, which to our knowledge had the highest marker density among aquaculture species. The estimated genetic size was 3,505.4 cM with a resolution of 0.22 cM for sex-averaged genetic map. The sex-specific linkage maps spanned a total of 4,495.1 cM in females and 2,593.7 cM in males, presenting a ratio of 1.7 : 1 between female and male in recombination fraction. After integration with the previously established physical map, over 87% of physical map contigs were anchored to the linkage groups that covered a physical length of 867 Mb, accounting for ∼90% of the catfish genome. The integrated map provides a valuable tool for validating and improving the catfish whole-genome assembly and facilitates fine-scale QTL mapping and positional cloning of genes responsible for economically important traits. PMID:25428894

Defining normal apical vaginal support: a relook at the POSST study.

PubMed

Patnam, Radhika; Edenfield, Autumn; Swift, Steven

2018-06-16

The purpose of this study is to reanalyze data from the original 2005 Pelvic Organ Support Study (POSST) data set to define normal values for apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) points C and D and total vaginal length (TVL) in an asymptomatic population of women. In this retrospective observational data-set review, patient were >18 years presenting for annual gynecologic exams to six centers in the United States. Data included demographics, questions about prolapse symptoms, and POP-Q points. Means and standard deviations were determined for each POP-Q point in the total population. The data set comprised 1011 women; 59 were excluded because they met criteria for having POP or were missing data. This left 948 for study. Mean age of our study population was 42 ± 14 years, and 45.6% were white, 25.1% black, and 25.2% Hispanic. One hundred fifty-six had a prior hysterectomy. Mean values with standard deviations (SD) for POP-Q values are as following: point C (vaginal cuff) -7.3 ± 1.5 cm, point C (cervix) -5.9 ± 1.5, point D -8.7 cm ± 1.5 cm, TVL (no hysterectomy) 9.8 cm ± 1.3 cm, and TVL (hysterectomy) 8.9 cm ± 1.5 cm. This data suggests normal values for POP-Q apical points in a population of patient with annual gynecological exams.

Vertical small scale variations of sorption and mineralization of three herbicides in subsurface limestone and sandy aquifer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janniche, G. S.; Mouvet, C.; Albrechtsen, H.-J.

2011-04-01

Vertical variation in sorption and mineralization potential of mecoprop (MCPP), isoproturon and acetochlor were investigated at low concentrations (μg-range) at the cm-scale in unsaturated sub-surface limestone samples and saturated sandy aquifer samples from an agricultural catchment in Brévilles, France. From two intact core drills, four heterogenic limestone sections were collected from 4.50 to 26.40 m below surface (mbs) and divided into 12 sub-samples of 8-25 cm length, and one sandy aquifer section from 19.20 to 19.53 m depth divided into 7 sub-samples of 4-5 cm length. In the sandy aquifer section acetochlor and isoproturon sorption increased substantially with depth; in average 78% (acetochlor) and 61% (isoproturon) per 5 cm. Also the number of acetochlor and isoproturon degraders (most-probable-number) was higher in the bottom half of the aquifer section (93-> 16 000/g) than in the upper half (4-71/g). One 50 cm long limestone section with a distinct shift in color showed a clear shift in mineralization, number of degraders and sorption: In the two brown, uppermost samples, up to 31% mecoprop and up to 9% isoproturon was mineralized during 231 days, the numbers of mecoprop and isoproturon degraders were 1300 to > 16 000/g, and the sorption of both isoproturon and acetochlor was more than three times higher, compared to the two deeper, grayish samples just below where mineralization (≤ 4%) and numbers of degraders (1-520/g) were low for all three herbicides. In both unsaturated limestone and sandy aquifer, variations and even distinct shifts in both mineralization, number of specific degraders and sorption were seen within just 4-15 cm of vertical distance. A simple conceptual model of herbicides leaching to groundwater through a 10 m unsaturated limestone was established, and calculations showed that a 30 cm active layer with the measured sorption and mineralization values hardly impacted the fate of the investigated herbicides, whereas a total thickness of layers of 1 m would substantially increase natural attenuation.

Population biology of an endangered species: the common guitarfish Rhinobatos rhinobatos in Lebanese marine waters of the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

PubMed

Lteif, M; Mouawad, R; Khalaf, G; Lenfant, P; Verdoit-Jarraya, M

2016-04-01

This study focuses on the population biology of the common guitarfish Rhinobatos rhinobatos, a cartilaginous fish listed as Endangered in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Between December 2012 and January 2014, 67 individuals were collected by bottom longlining in coastal Lebanese marine waters at different ports at depths ranging from 10 to 110 m. The total length (L(T)) of the specimens ranged from 50 to 143 cm, and the mean ± s.d. was 76.2 ± 19.7 cm. The most common L(T) classes were between 60 and 70 cm. The total mass of the specimens ranged from 410 to 10,000 g, and the mean ± s.d. was 1841 ± 1987 g. A total of 34 males and 33 females were collected, and the sex ratio was not significantly different from 1:1. The mass and L(T) relationship showed positive allometric growth (b = 3.096 and r(2)  = 0.99), and the mean ± s.d. L(T) at which 50% of the individuals were sexually mature was 84.73 ± 5.81 cm for females and 78.57 ± 4.88 cm for males. The gonado-somatic and hepato-somatic indices were determined along with a condition factor, and parturition appeared to occur in winter. The primary prey items found in the fish stomachs during the autumn and winter seasons were Penaeidae. The results of this study will help to parameterize models of the population dynamics for this exploited fish stock to ensure the long-term sustainability of its fishery. © 2016 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

A simple formula for predicting claw volume of cattle.

PubMed

Scott, T D; Naylor, J M; Greenough, P R

1999-11-01

The object of this study was to develop a simple method for accurately calculating the volume of bovine claws under field conditions. The digits of 30 slaughterhouse beef cattle were examined and the following four linear measurements taken from each pair of claws: (1) the length of the dorsal surface of the claw (Toe); (2) the length of the coronary band (CorBand); (3) the length of the bearing surface (Base); and (4) the height of the claw at the abaxial groove (AbaxGr). Measurements of claw volume using a simple hydrometer were highly repeatable (r(2)= 0.999) and could be calculated from linear measurements using the formula:Claw Volume (cm(3)) = (17.192 x Base) + (7.467 x AbaxGr) + 45.270 x (CorBand) - 798.5This formula was found to be accurate (r(2)= 0.88) when compared to volume data derived from a hydrometer displacement procedure. The front claws occupied 54% of the total volume compared to 46% for the hind claws. Copyright 1999 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

Ichthyouris voltagrandensis n.sp. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) from Myleus tiete Eigenmann & Norris, 1900 (Osteichthyes: Characidae) in the Volta Grande Reservoir, MG, Brazil.

PubMed

Martins, M L; Yoshitoshi, E R; Umekita, H

2001-05-01

The present work studied helminth parasites of "pacu-manteiga", Myleus tiete (Osteichthyes: Characidae) from Volta Grande Reservoir, MG, Brazil. Fishes with 142.6 +/- 24.7 g weight and 17.3 +/- 1.0 cm total length were collected. Five out six analysed fish (prevalence 83.3%) were parasitized in the intestine with an average of 535.6 +/- 334.6 oxyurid nematodes per fish. The helminth was identified as Ichthyouris voltagrandensis n.sp. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae). It differs from I. brasiliensis (Moravec et al., 1992a) by the absence of lateral alae, higher measures of tail and caudal alae of males, esophageal isthmus length, distance of excretory pore from anterior end and spicule length. In addition, eggs were provided by two long filaments in just one pole and by the first time the authors observed flagellate spermatozoa from dissected males. The authors exposes comparative table of measures of the five described species of the genus Ichthyouris.

High-density ddRAD linkage and yield-related QTL mapping delimits a chromosomal region responsible for oil content in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

PubMed

Chen, Jun; Wang, Bo; Zhang, Yueli; Yue, Xiaopeng; Li, Zhaohong; Liu, Kede

2017-06-01

Rapeseed ( Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oil crops almost all over the world. Seed-related traits, including oil content (OC), silique length (SL), seeds per silique (SS), and seed weight (SW), are primary targets for oil yield improvement. To dissect the genetic basis of these traits, 192 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were derived from two parents with distinct oil content and silique length. High-density linkage map with a total length of 1610.4 cM were constructed using 1,329 double-digestion restriction site associated DNA (ddRAD) markers, 107 insertion/deletions (INDELs), and 90 well-distributed simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers. A total of 37 consensus quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected for the four traits, with individual QTL explained 3.1-12.8% of the phenotypic variations. Interestingly, one OC consensus QTL ( cqOCA10b ) on chromosome A10 was consistently detected in all three environments, and explained 9.8% to 12.8% of the OC variation. The locus was further delimited into an approximately 614 kb genomic region, in which the flanking markers could be further evaluated for marker-assisted selection in rapeseed OC improvement and the candidate genes targeted for map-based cloning and genetic manipulation.

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.

Characteristics of the Dust-Plasma Interaction Near Enceladus' South Pole

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shafiq, Muhammad; Wahlund, J.-E.; Morooka, M. W; Kurth, W. S.; Farrell, W. M.

2010-01-01

We present RPWS Langmuir probe data from the third Enceladus flyby (E3) showing (he presence of dusty plasma near Enceladus' South Pole. There is a sharp rise in both the electron and ion number densities when the spacecraft traverses through Enceladus plume. The ion density near Enceladus is found to increase abruptly from about 10(exp 2) cm (exp -3) before the closest approach to 10(exp 5) cm (exp -3) just 30 s after the closest approach, an amount two orders of magnitude higher than the electron density. Assuming that the inconsistency between the electron and ion number densities is due to the presence of dust particles that are collecting the missing electron charges, we present dusty plasma characteristics down to sub-micron particle sizes. By assuming a differential dust number density for a range in dust sizes and by making use of Langmuir probe data, the dust densities for certain lower limits in dust size distribution were estimated. In order to achieve the dust densities of micrometer and larger sized grains comparable to the ones reported in the literature. we show that the power law size distribution must hold down to at least 0.03 micron such that the total differential number density is dominated by the smallest sub-micron sized grains. The total dust number density in Enceladus' plume is of the order of l0(exp 2) cm(exp -3) reducing to 1 cm(exp -3) in the E- ring. The dust density for micrometer and larger sized grains is estimated to be about 10(exp -4) cm(exp -3) in the plume while it is about 10(exp -6) - 10(exp -7) cm(exp -3) in the E-ring. Dust charge for micron sized grains is estimated to be about eight thousand electron charges reducing to below one hundred electron charges for 0.03 micron sized grains. The effective dusty plasma Debye length is estimated and compared with intergrain distance as well as the electron Debye length. The maximum dust charging time of 1.4 h is found for 0.03 11mmicron sized grains just 1 min before the closest approach. The charging time decreases substantially in the plume where it is only a fraction of a second for 1 micron sized grains, 1 s for 0.l micron sized grains and about 10 s for 0.03 micron sized grains.

[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.

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

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...

Pollution level and reusability of the waste soil generated from demolition of a rural railway.

PubMed

Han, Il; Wee, Gui Nam; No, Jee Hyun; Lee, Tae Kwon

2018-09-01

Railways are typically considered polluted from years of train operation. However, the pollution level of railway in a rural area, which is less exposed to hazardous material from trains and freights, is rarely assessed. This study evaluated common railway pollutants such as heavy metals, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their chemical properties in the waste soil generated from the renovation of an old railway in rural area of Wonju, South Korea. Furthermore, lab-scale cultivation tests of peas (Pisum sativum) were performed to assess reusability of the waste soil as a soil amendment. Carbonaceous materials were found in the upper layer of the railway (0 to -40 cm) and the concentration of common railway pollutants was comparable to those of the agricultural land nearby. Specifically, total aromatic and aliphatic TPHs were below detection limit; and total PAHs < 1.0 mg kg -1 was 1000-times less than railway functional parts. Applying the carbonaceous waste soil improved the water holding capacity of soil by approximately 10% and sprouts formed on the soil with 10% waste soil composition had greater fresh weight, stem length, and root length than the control. Although this investigation was confined to a small length of the railway route, the results confirm environmental safety and the potential value of the waste generated from rural railways for the first time. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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.

Effects of antenna length and material on output power and detection of miniature radio transmitters

USGS Publications Warehouse

Beeman, J.W.; Bower, N.; Juhnke, S.; Dingmon, L.; Van Den, Tillaart; Thomas, T.

2007-01-01

The optimal antenna of transmitters used in small aquatic animals is often a compromise between efficient radio wave propagation and effects on animal behavior. Radio transmission efficiency generally increases with diameter and length of the conductor, but increased antenna length or weight can adversely affect animal behavior. We evaluated the effects of changing antenna length and material on the subsequent tag output power, reception, and detection of tagged fish. In a laboratory, we compared the relative signal strengths in water of 150 MHz transmitters over a range of antenna lengths (from 6 to 30 cm) and materials (one weighing about half of the other). The peak relative signal strengths were at 20 and 22 cm, which are approximately one wavelength underwater at the test frequency. The peak relative signal strengths at these lengths were approximately 50% greater than those of 30 cm antennas, a length commonly used in fisheries research. Few significant differences were present in distances for the operator to hear or the telemetry receiver to decode transmitters from a boat-mounted receiving system based on antenna length, but the percent of tagged fish detected passing a hydroelectric dam fitted with an array of receiving systems was significantly greater at the antenna length with peak output power in laboratory tests. This study indicates careful choice of antenna length and material of small transmitters can be used to reduce weight and possible antenna effects on animal behavior, to maximize tag output power and detection, or to balance these factors based on the needs of the application. ?? 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

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.

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.

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.

Yield per recruit of the peacock bass Cichla monoculus (Spix and Agassiz, 1831) caught in Lago Grande at Manacapuru (Amazonas - Brazil).

PubMed

Campos, C P; Freitas, C E C

2014-02-01

We evaluated the stock of peacock bass Cichla monoculus caught by a small-scale fishing fleet in Lago Grande at Manacapuru. The database was constructed by monthly samplings of 200 fish between February 2007 and January 2008. We measured the total length (cm) and total weight (gr) of each fish. We employed previously estimated growth parameters to run a yield per recruit model and analyse scenarios changing the values of the age of the first catch (Tc), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F). Our model indicated an occurrence of overfishing because the fishing effort applied to catch peacock in Lago Grande at Manacapuru is greater than that associated with the maximum sustainable yield. In addition, the actual size of the first catch is almost half of the estimated value. Although there are difficulties in enforcing a minimum size of the catch, our results show that an increase in the size of the first catch to at least 25 cm would be a good strategy for management of this fishery.

QTL Mapping of Genome Regions Controlling Manganese Uptake in Lentil Seed.

PubMed

Ates, Duygu; Aldemir, Secil; Yagmur, Bulent; Kahraman, Abdullah; Ozkan, Hakan; Vandenberg, Albert; Tanyolac, Muhammed Bahattin

2018-05-04

This study evaluated Mn concentration in the seeds of 120 RILs of lentil developed from the cross "CDC Redberry" × "ILL7502". Micronutrient analysis using atomic absorption spectrometry indicated mean seed manganese (Mn) concentrations ranging from 8.5 to 26.8 mg/kg, based on replicated field trials grown at three locations in Turkey in 2012 and 2013. A linkage map of lentil was constructed and consisted of seven linkage groups with 5,385 DNA markers. The total map length was 973.1 cM, with an average distance between markers of 0.18 cM. A total of 6 QTL for Mn concentration were identified using composite interval mapping (CIM). All QTL were statistically significant and explained 15.3-24.1% of the phenotypic variation, with LOD scores ranging from 3.00 to 4.42. The high-density genetic map reported in this study will increase fundamental knowledge of the genome structure of lentil, and will be the basis for the development of micronutrient-enriched lentil genotypes to support biofortification efforts. Copyright © 2018 Ates et al.

DEM generation and tidal deformation detection for sulzberger ice shelf, West Antarctica using SAR interferometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baek, S.; Kwoun, Oh-Ig; Bassler, M.; Lu, Z.; Shum, C.K.; Dietrich, R.

2004-01-01

In this study we generated a relative Digital Elevation Model (DEM) over the Sulzberger Ice Shelf, West Antarctica using ERS1/2 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry data. Four repeat pass differential interferograms are used to find the grounding zone and to classify the study area. An interferometrically derived DEM is compared with laser altimetry profile from ICESat. Standard deviation of the relative height difference is 5.12 m and 1.34 m in total length of the profile and at the center of the profile respectively. The magnitude and the direction of tidal changes estimated from interferogram are compared with those predicted tidal differences from four ocean tide models. Tidal deformation measured in InSAR is -16.7 cm and it agrees well within 3 cm with predicted ones from tide models.

A hollow cathode neutralizer for a 30-cm diameter bombardment thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bechtel, R. T.

1973-01-01

Recent improvements in overall thrustor performance have imposed new constraints on neutralizer performance. The use of compensated grid extraction system requires a re-evaluation of neutralizer position. In addition a suitable control logic for the neutralizer has proven difficult. A series of tests were conducted to determine what effect neutralizer cathode geometry has on performance. The parameters investigated included orifice diameter and length, and cathode diameter. Similar tests investigated open and enclosed keeper geometries. Neutralizer position tests with compensated grids suggest positions approximately 10 cm from the accelerator and radially out of the beam envelope should result in satisfactory performance and long life. Finally operation at keeper currents of 1.5 amp has resulted in lower total neutralizer power, the elimination of tip heater power, and suitable closed loop control of the neutralizer vaporizer.

Two independent measurements of Debye lengths in doped nonpolar liquids.

PubMed

Prieve, D C; Hoggard, J D; Fu, R; Sides, P J; Bethea, R

2008-02-19

Electric current measurements were performed between 2.5 cm x 7.5 cm parallel-plate electrodes separated by 1.2 mm of heptane doped with 0-15% w/w poly(isobutylene succinimide) (PIBS) having a molecular weight of about 1700. The rapid (microsecond) initial charging of the capacitor can be used to infer the dielectric constant of the solution. The much slower decay of current arising from the polarization of electrodes depends on the differential capacitance of the diffuse clouds of charge carriers accumulating next to each electrode and on the ohmic resistance of the fluid. Using the Gouy-Chapman model for the differential capacitance, Debye lengths of 80-600 nm were deduced that decrease with increasing concentration of PIBS. Values of the Debye lengths were confirmed by performing independent measurements of double-layer repulsion between a 6 microm polystyrene (PS) latex sphere and a PS-coated glass plate using total internal reflection microscopy in the same solutions. The charge carriers appear to be inverted PIBS micelles having apparent Stokes diameters of 20-40 nm. Dynamic light scattering reveals a broad distribution of sizes having an intensity-averaged diameter of 15 nm. This smaller size might arise (1) from overestimating the electrophoretic mobility of micelles by treating them as point charges or (2) because charged micelles are larger on average than uncharged micelles. When Faradaic reactions and zeta potentials on the electrodes can be neglected, such current versus time experiments yield values for the Debye length and ionic strength with less effort than force measurements. To obtain the concentration of charge carriers from measurements of conductivity, the mobility of the charge carriers must be known.

Arthrodesis After Infected Revision TKA: Retrospective Comparison of Intramedullary Nailing and External Fixation.

PubMed

Iacono, Francesco; Francesco, Iacono; Raspugli, Giovanni Francesco; Francesco, Raspugli Giovanni; Bruni, Danilo; Danilo, Bruni; Lo Presti, Mirco; Mirco, Lo Presti; Sharma, Bharat; Bharat, Sharma; Akkawi, Ibrahim; Ibrahim, Akkawi; Marcacci, Maurilio; Maurilio, Marcacci

2013-10-01

Infection after revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for previous septic TKA can be a challenging problem to treat due to loss of bone stock and soft tissue integrity. In these cases, arthrodesis is a well-recognized salvage procedure. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the results as described by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Lequesne Algofunctional Score (LAS) of knee arthrodeses performed by using either an external fixator (EF) or an intramedullary nail (IM). The study included 34 knee arthrodesis divided in two groups: first group included 12 patients treated with EF and the second group of 22 patients dealt with IM nail. Clinical and functional evaluation was performed using the VAS and the LAS. Full-length radiographs were used to verify limb length discrepancy. VAS and LAS results showed a substantial improvement relative to preoperative condition in both groups. However, the LAS was significantly better in the IM nail group. The mean leg length discrepancy was significantly greater (4.5 cm) in the first group than in the second one (0.8 cm). No recurrence of infection was observed in the EF group while there were three recurrent infections in the IM nail group. Our study supported the existing literature and found that reinfection after revision TKA can be effectively treated with arthrodesis. In presence of massive bone loss, we recommend arthrodesis with IM nail used as an endoprosthesis, without bone-on-bone fusion, to produce a stable and painless knee, while preserving the limb length. Use of an IM nail allowed us to get a better functional result than EF.

Testing of a "smart-pebble" for measuring particle transport statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitsikoudis, Vasileios; Avgeris, Loukas; Valyrakis, Manousos

2017-04-01

This paper presents preliminary results from novel experiments aiming to assess coarse sediment transport statistics for a range of transport conditions, via the use of an innovative "smart-pebble" device. This device is a waterproof sphere, which has 7 cm diameter and is equipped with a number of sensors that provide information about the velocity, acceleration and positioning of the "smart-pebble" within the flow field. A series of specifically designed experiments are carried out to monitor the entrainment of a "smart-pebble" for fully developed, uniform, turbulent flow conditions over a hydraulically rough bed. Specifically, the bed surface is configured to three sections, each of them consisting of well packed glass beads of slightly increasing size at the downstream direction. The first section has a streamwise length of L1=150 cm and beads size of D1=15 mm, the second section has a length of L2=85 cm and beads size of D2=22 mm, and the third bed section has a length of L3=55 cm and beads size of D3=25.4 mm. Two cameras monitor the area of interest to provide additional information regarding the "smart-pebble" movement. Three-dimensional flow measurements are obtained with the aid of an acoustic Doppler velocimeter along a measurement grid to assess the flow forcing field. A wide range of flow rates near and above the threshold of entrainment is tested, while using four distinct densities for the "smart-pebble", which can affect its transport speed and total momentum. The acquired data are analyzed to derive Lagrangian transport statistics and the implications of such an important experiment for the transport of particles by rolling are discussed. The flow conditions for the initiation of motion, particle accelerations and equilibrium particle velocities (translating into transport rates), statistics of particle impact and its motion, can be extracted from the acquired data, which can be further compared to develop meaningful insights for sediment transport mechanics from a Lagrangian perspective and at unprecedented temporal detail and accuracy.

Triacylglycerols profiling in plant oils important in food industry, dietetics and cosmetics using high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Lísa, Miroslav; Holcapek, Michal

2008-07-11

Optimized non-aqueous reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method using acetonitrile-2-propanol gradient elution and the column coupling in the total length of 45 cm has been applied for the high resolution separation of plant oils important in food industry, dietetics and cosmetics. Positive-ion atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry is used for the unambiguous identification and also the reliable quantitation with the response factors approach. Based on the precise determination of individual triacyglycerol concentrations, the calculation of average parameters important in the nutrition is performed, i.e. average carbon number, average double bond number, relative concentrations of essential, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Results are reported in the form of both chromatographic fingerprints and tables containing relative concentrations for all triacylglycerols and fatty acids in individual samples. In total, 264 triacylglycerols consisting of 28 fatty acids with the alkyl chain length from 6 to 26 carbon atoms and 0 to 4 double bonds have been identified in 26 industrial important plant oils.

Microvascular dysfunction in the immediate aftermath of chronic total coronary occlusion recanalization.

PubMed

Ladwiniec, Andrew; Cunnington, Michael S; Rossington, Jennifer; Thackray, Simon; Alamgir, Farquad; Hoye, Angela

2016-05-01

The aim of this study was to compare microvascular resistance under both baseline and hyperemic conditions immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) with an unobstructed reference vessel in the same patient Microvascular dysfunction has been reported to be prevalent immediately after CTO PCI. However, previous studies have not made comparison with a reference vessel. Patients with a CTO may have global microvascular and/or endothelial dysfunction, making comparison with established normal values misleading. After successful CTO PCI in 21 consecutive patients, coronary pressure and flow velocity were measured at baseline and hyperemia in distal segments of the CTO/target vessel and an unobstructed reference vessel. Hemodynamics including hyperemic microvascular resistance (HMR), basal microvascular resistance (BMR), and instantaneous minimal microvascular resistance at baseline and hyperemia were calculated and compared between reference and target/CTO vessels. After CTO PCI, BMR was reduced in the target/CTO vessel compared with the reference vessel: 3.58 mm Hg/cm/s vs 4.94 mm Hg/cm/s, difference -1.36 mm Hg/cm/s (-2.33 to -0.39, p = 0.008). We did not detect a difference in HMR: 1.82 mm Hg/cm/s vs 2.01 mm Hg/cm/s, difference -0.20 (-0.78 to 0.39, p = 0.49). Instantaneous minimal microvascular resistance correlated strongly with the length of stented segment at baseline (r = 0.63, p = 0.005) and hyperemia (r = 0.68, p = 0.002). BMR is reduced in a recanalized CTO in the immediate aftermath of PCI compared to an unobstructed reference vessel; however, HMR appears to be preserved. A longer stented segment is associated with increased microvascular resistance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Self- and Air-Broadened Line Shapes in the 2v3 P and R Branches of 12CH4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Devi, V. Malathy; Benner, D. Chris; Sung, Keeyoon; Crawford, Timothy J.; Yu, Shanshan; Brown, Linda R.; Smith, Mary Ann H.; Mantz, Arlan W.; Boudon, Vincent; Ismail, Syed

2015-01-01

In this paper we report line shape parameters of 12CH4 for several hundred 2V(sub 3) transitions in the spectral regions 5891-5996 cm( exp -1) (P branch) and 6015-6115 cm(exp -1) (R branch). Air- and self-broadening coefficients were measured as a function of temperature; line mixing via off-diagonal relaxation matrix element coefficients was also obtained for 47 transition pairs. In total, nearly 1517 positions and intensities were retrieved, but many transitions were too weak for the line shape study. For this analysis, we used 25 high-resolution (0.0056 and 0.0067 cm(ex[ -1) and high signal-to-noise (S/N) spectra of high-purity 12CH4 and the same high-purity 12CH4 broadened by dry air recorded at different sample temperatures between 130 K and 295 K with the Bruker IFS 125HR Fourier transform spectrometer at JPL. Three different absorption cells were used (1) a White cell set to a path length of 13.09 m for room temperature data, (2) a single-pass 0.2038 m long coolable cell (for self-broadening) and (3) a multipass cell with 20.941 m total path coolable Herriott cell (for air-broadening). In total there were 13 spectra with pure 12CH4 (0.27-599 Torr) and 12 air-broadened spectra with total sample pressures of 80-805 Torr and volume mixing ratios (VMR) of methane between 0.18 and 1.0. An interactive multispectrum nonlinear least-squares technique was employed to fit the individual P10-P1 and R0-R10 manifolds in all the spectra simultaneously. Results obtained from the present analysis are compared to other recent measurements.

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.

Behavior of White Sturgeon near hydroprojects and fishways

USGS Publications Warehouse

Parsley, M.J.; Wright, C.D.; Van Der Leeuw, B. K.; Kofoot, E.E.; Perry, C.A.; Moser, M.L.

2006-01-01

During March 2004 through November 2005, white sturgeon movements were monitored at The Dalles Dam to characterize their distribution and movements in the immediate vicinity of the dam and to determine timing and routes of passage. A combination of radio and acoustic telemetry technologies were used to detect tagged fish within fishways and at strategic locations along the dam, the shorelines, and in the forebay. White sturgeon > 95 cm total length (TL) that were captured on baited setlines fished in the forebay and in the tailrace cul-de-sac received a surgically implanted transmitter that emitted radio and acoustic signals. During the course of this study, a total of 148 fish were tagged; 58 were captured and released in the forebay and 90 in the tailrace.

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...

Automatic Detection and Evaluation of Solar Cell Micro-Cracks in Electroluminescence Images Using Matched Filters

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

Spataru, Sergiu; Hacke, Peter; Sera, Dezso

A method for detecting micro-cracks in solar cells using two dimensional matched filters was developed, derived from the electroluminescence intensity profile of typical micro-cracks. We describe the image processing steps to obtain a binary map with the location of the micro-cracks. Finally, we show how to automatically estimate the total length of each micro-crack from these maps, and propose a method to identify severe types of micro-cracks, such as parallel, dendritic, and cracks with multiple orientations. With an optimized threshold parameter, the technique detects over 90 % of cracks larger than 3 cm in length. The method shows great potentialmore » for quantifying micro-crack damage after manufacturing or module transportation for the determination of a module quality criterion for cell cracking in photovoltaic modules.« less

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Approach to Resection of Pancreatic Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms: An Underused Technique?

PubMed

Postlewait, Lauren M; Ethun, Cecilia G; McInnis, Mia R; Merchant, Nipun; Parikh, Alexander; Idrees, Kamran; Isom, Chelsea A; Hawkins, William; Fields, Ryan C; Strand, Matthew; Weber, Sharon M; Cho, Clifford S; Salem, Ahmed; Martin, Robert C G; Scoggins, Charles; Bentrem, David; Kim, Hong J; Carr, Jacquelyn; Ahmad, Syed; Abbott, Daniel; Wilson, Gregory C; Kooby, David A; Maithel, Shishir K

2018-01-01

Pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) are rare tumors typically of the distal pancreas that harbor malignant potential. Although resection is recommended, data are limited on optimal operative approaches to distal pancreatectomy for MCN. MCN resections (2000-2014; eight institutions) were included. Outcomes of minimally invasive and open MCN resections were compared. A total of 289 patients underwent distal pancreatectomy for MCN: 136(47%) minimally invasive and 153(53%) open. Minimally invasive procedures were associated with smaller MCN size (3.9 vs 6.8 cm; P = 0.001), lower operative blood loss (192 vs 392 mL; P = 0.001), and shorter hospital stay(5 vs 7 days; P = 0.001) compared with open. Despite higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class, hand-assisted (n = 46) had similar advantages as laparoscopic/robotic (n = 76). When comparing hand-assisted to open, although MCN size was slightly smaller (4.1 vs 6.8 cm; P = 0.001), specimen length, operative time, and nodal yield were identical. Similar to laparoscopic/robotic, hand-assisted had lower operative blood loss (161 vs 392 mL; P = 0.001) and shorter hospital stay (5 vs 7 days; P = 0.03) compared with open, without increased complications. Hand-assisted laparoscopic technique is a useful approach for MCN resection because specimen length, lymph node yield, operative time, and complication profiles are similar to open procedures, but it still offers the advantages of a minimally invasive approach. Hand-assisted laparoscopy should be considered as an alternative to open technique or as a successive step before converting from total laparoscopic to open distal pancreatectomy for MCN.

Anatomy and biomechanics of gluteus maximus and the thoracolumbar fascia at the sacroiliac joint.

PubMed

Barker, P J; Hapuarachchi, K S; Ross, J A; Sambaiew, E; Ranger, T A; Briggs, C A

2014-03-01

Biomechanical models predict that recruitment of gluteus maximus (GMax) will exert a compressive force across the sacroiliac joint (SIJ), yet this muscle requires morphologic assessment. The aims of this study were to document GMax's proximal attachments and assess their capacity to generate forces including compressive force at the SIJ. In 11 embalmed cadaver limbs, attachments of GMax crossing the SIJ were dissected and their fascicle orientation, length and attachment volume documented. The physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) of each attachment was calculated along with its estimated maximum force at the SIJ and lumbar spine. GMax fascicles originated from the gluteus medius fascia, ilium, thoracolumbar fascia, erector spinae aponeurosis, sacrum, coccyx, dorsal sacroiliac and sacrotuberous ligaments in all specimens. Their mean fascicle orientation ranged from 32 to 45° below horizontal and mean length from 11 to 18 cm. The mean total PCSA of GMax was 26 cm(2) (range 16-36), of which 70% crossed the SIJ. The average maximum force predicted to be generated by GMax's total attachments crossing each SIJ was 891 N (range 572-1,215), of which 70% (702 N: range 450-1,009) could act perpendicular to the plane of the SIJ. The capacity of GMax to generate an extensor moment at lower lumbar segments was estimated at 4 Nm (range 2-9.5). GMax may generate compressive forces at the SIJ through its bony and fibrous attachments. These may assist effective load transfer between lower limbs and trunk. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Early esophagogastroduodenoscopy is associated with better Outcomes in upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a nationwide study

PubMed Central

Garg, Sushil K.; Anugwom, Chimaobi; Campbell, James; Wadhwa, Vaibhav; Gupta, Nancy; Lopez, Rocio; Shergill, Sukhman; Sanaka, Madhusudhan R.

2017-01-01

Background and study aims We analyzed NIS (National Inpatient Sample) database from 2007 – 2013 to determine if early esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) (24 hours) for upper gastrointestinal bleeding improved the outcomes in terms of mortality, length of stay and costs. Patients and methods Patients were classified as having upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage by querying all diagnostic codes for the ICD-9-CM codes corresponding to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. For these patients, performance of EGD during admission was determined by querying all procedural codes for the ICD-9-CM codes corresponding to EGD; early EGD was defined as having EGD performed within 24 hours of admission and late EGD was defined as having EGD performed after 24 hours of admission. Results A total of 1,789,532 subjects with UGIH were identified. Subjects who had an early EGD were less likely to have hypovolemia, acute renal failure and acute respiratory failure. On multivariable analysis, we found that subjects without EGD were 3 times more likely to die during the admission than those with early EGD. In addition, those with late EGD had 50 % higher odds of dying than those with an early EGD. Also, after adjusting for all factors in the model, hospital stay was on average 3 and 3.7 days longer for subjects with no or late EGD, respectively, then for subjects with early EGD. Conclusion Early EGD (within 24 hours) is associated with lower in-hospital mortality, morbidity, shorter length of stay and lower total hospital costs. PMID:28512647

Fish faunal resurgence in Lake Nabugabo, East Africa

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chapman, L.J.; Chapman, Colin A.; Schofield, P.J.; Olowo, J.P.; Kaufman, L.S.; Seehausen, O.; Ogutu-Ohwayo., R.

2003-01-01

 In Lake Nabugabo, Uganda, a small satellite of the equatorial Lake Victoria, approximately 50% of the indigenous fish species disappeared from the open waters subsequent to establishment of the introduced predatory Nile perch (   Lates niloticus ). However, several of these species persisted in wetland refugia. Over the past decade, Nile perch in Lake Nabugabo have been intensively fished. Herein we report a resurgence of some indigenous species in open waters. In a multiyear study, we used annual transects in inshore and offshore waters of exposed ( no wetland ) and wetland habitats to document the pattern of resurgence. In 1995, haplochromine cichlids were largely confined to inshore areas, particularly wetland ecotones, and were rare in Nile perch stomachs, as were most other indigenous species. By 2000 haplochromine cichlids were abundant in inshore and offshore areas of both exposed and wetland transects. Several indigenous noncichlids also reappeared in the main lake, including three of the four original mormyrid species. Between 1995 and 1999, there was a dramatic increase in the proportion of haplochromines in the diet of Nile perch. When haplochromines were rare ( 1995 ), Nile perch switched from an invertebrate-dominated diet to piscivory at a large size ( 30 cm total length ). In 2000, however, Nile perch were strongly piscivorous by 5–10 cm total length. The pattern of faunal loss and recovery in Lake Nabugabo demonstrates the importance of refugia in providing the seeds of resurgence and provides a model with which to understand some changes in Lake Victoria.

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.

Saturation of an Intra-Gene Pool Linkage Map: Towards a Unified Consensus Linkage Map for Fine Mapping and Synteny Analysis in Common Bean

PubMed Central

Galeano, Carlos H.; Fernandez, Andrea C.; Franco-Herrera, Natalia; Cichy, Karen A.; McClean, Phillip E.; Vanderleyden, Jos; Blair, Matthew W.

2011-01-01

Map-based cloning and fine mapping to find genes of interest and marker assisted selection (MAS) requires good genetic maps with reproducible markers. In this study, we saturated the linkage map of the intra-gene pool population of common bean DOR364×BAT477 (DB) by evaluating 2,706 molecular markers including SSR, SNP, and gene-based markers. On average the polymorphism rate was 7.7% due to the narrow genetic base between the parents. The DB linkage map consisted of 291 markers with a total map length of 1,788 cM. A consensus map was built using the core mapping populations derived from inter-gene pool crosses: DOR364×G19833 (DG) and BAT93×JALO EEP558 (BJ). The consensus map consisted of a total of 1,010 markers mapped, with a total map length of 2,041 cM across 11 linkage groups. On average, each linkage group on the consensus map contained 91 markers of which 83% were single copy markers. Finally, a synteny analysis was carried out using our highly saturated consensus maps compared with the soybean pseudo-chromosome assembly. A total of 772 marker sequences were compared with the soybean genome. A total of 44 syntenic blocks were identified. The linkage group Pv6 presented the most diverse pattern of synteny with seven syntenic blocks, and Pv9 showed the most consistent relations with soybean with just two syntenic blocks. Additionally, a co-linear analysis using common bean transcript map information against soybean coding sequences (CDS) revealed the relationship with 787 soybean genes. The common bean consensus map has allowed us to map a larger number of markers, to obtain a more complete coverage of the common bean genome. Our results, combined with synteny relationships provide tools to increase marker density in selected genomic regions to identify closely linked polymorphic markers for indirect selection, fine mapping or for positional cloning. PMID:22174773

Ileus Following Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.

PubMed

Durand, Wesley M; Ruddell, Jack H; Eltorai, Adam E M; DePasse, J Mason; Daniels, Alan H

2018-05-23

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common complication after spine surgery, with particularly high rates after adult spinal deformity surgery (ASD). Few investigations have been conducted, however, on predictors of POI following ASD. The objective of this investigation was to determine risk factors for POI in patients undergoing ASD. We also sought to determine the association between POI and in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and total charges. Data were obtained from the National/Nationwide Inpatient Sample, years 2010 - 2014. ASD patients aged ≥26 years-old were selected using ICD-9-CM codes. Multiple logistic and linear regression were utilized. In total, 59,410 patients were included in the analysis. 7.4% of patients experienced POI. On adjusted analysis, the following variables were associated with increased risk of POI: male sex (OR 1.43, CI 1.10 - 1.85), anterior surgical approach (OR 1.78, CI 1.22 - 2.60), 9+ levels fused (OR 1.84, CI 1.24 - 2.73), electrolyte disorders (OR 2.70, CI 2.15 - 3.39), and pathologic weight loss (OR 1.94, CI 1.08 - 3.46). POI was associated with significantly longer length of stay (+39%, CI 29% - 51%) and higher total charges (+23%, CI 14% - 31%). Risk factors for POI were identified. Patients suffering from ileus exhibited 2.9 days longer length of stay and ∼$80,000 higher total charges. These results may be applied clinically to identify patients at risk of POI and to consider addressing modifiable risk factors preoperatively. Future studies should be conducted with additional data to develop models capable of accurately predicting and preventing POI. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Configuration and localization of the nipple-areola complex in men.

PubMed

Beer, G M; Budi, S; Seifert, B; Morgenthaler, W; Infanger, M; Meyer, V E

2001-12-01

The causes of bilateral absence of the nipple-areola complex in men are seldom congenital, but attributable rather to destruction as a result of trauma, or after mastectomy in female-to-male transsexuals and in male breast cancer, or after the correction of extreme bilateral gynecomastia. Such a bilateral loss becomes a major reconstructive challenge with respect to the configuration and localization of a new nipple-areola complex. Because there is very little information available in the literature, we carried out a cross-sectional study on the configuration and localization of the nipple-areola complex in men.A total of 100 healthy men aged 20 to 36 years were examined under standardized conditions. The first part of the study dealt with the configuration of the nipple-areola complex (dimensions, round or oval shape). The second part concentrated on the localization of the complex on the thoracic wall with respect to anatomic landmarks and in correlation to various parameters such as weight and height of the body, circumference of the thorax, length of sternum, and position in the intercostal space. Of the 100 subjects examined, 91 had oval and seven had a round nipple-areola complex. An asymmetry between the right and the left side was found in two cases. The mean ratio of the horizontal/vertical diameter of an oval nipple-areola complex was 27:20 mm and the mean diameter for a round nipple-areola complex was 23 mm. The center of the nipple-areola complex was in the fourth intercostal space in 75 percent and in the fifth intercostal space in 23 percent of the subjects. To localize the nipple-areola complex on the thoracic wall de novo, at least two reproducible measurements proved to be necessary, composed of a horizontal line (distance from the midsternal line to the nipple = A) and a vertical line (distance from the sternal notch to the intersection of line A, = B). The closest correlation for the horizontal distance A was given by the circumference of the thorax: A = 2.4 cm + [0.09 x circumference of thorax (cm)], (r = 0.68). The best correlation to calculate the vertical distance B was found using the distance A and the length of the sternum: B = 1.2 cm + [0.28 x length of sternum (cm)] + [0.1 x circumference of thorax (cm)], (R = 0.50). In cases of bilateral absence, we recommend creating an oval nipple-areola complex in men. The appropriate localization can be calculated by means of two simple equations derived from the circumference of the thorax and the length of the sternum.

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

The effect of incremental distal gastric myotomy lengths on EGJ distensibility during POEM for achalasia

PubMed Central

Teitelbaum, Ezra N.; Sternbach, Joel M.; Khoury, Rym El; Soper, Nathaniel J.; Pandolfino, John E.; Kahrilas, Peter J.; Lin, Zhiyue; Hungness, Eric S.

2015-01-01

Background During peroral esophageal myotomy (POEM) for the treatment of achalasia, the optimal distal gastric myotomy length is unknown. In this study we used a functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) to intraoperatively measure the effect of variable distal myotomy lengths on esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility. Methods EGJ distensibility index (DI) (minimum cross-sectional area divided by intra-bag pressure) was measured with FLIP after each operative step. Each patient's myotomy was performed in four increments from proximal to distal: 1) an esophageal myotomy (from 6cm proximal to the EGJ, to 1cm proximal to it), 2) a myotomy ablating the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) complex (from 1cm proximal to the EGJ, to 1cm distal to it), 3) an initial gastric extension (from 1cm distal to the EGJ, to 2cm distal), and 4) a final gastric extension (from 2cm distal to the EGJ, to 3cm distal). Results Measurements were performed in 16 achalasia patients during POEM. POEM resulted in an overall increase in DI (pre 1.2 vs. post 7.2 mm2/mmHg, p<.001). Initial creation of the submucosal tunnel resulted in a 3-fold increase in DI (1.2 vs. 3.6 mm2/mmHg, p<.001). When the myotomy was then performed in a stepwise fashion from proximal to distal, the initial esophageal myotomy component had no effect on DI. Subsequent myotomy extension across the LES complex resulted in an increase in DI, as did the initial gastric myotomy extension (to 2cm distal to the EGJ). The final gastric myotomy extension (to 3cm distal) had no further effect. Conclusions During POEM, creation of the submucosal tunnel prior to myotomy resulted in a marked improvement in EGJ physiology. Myotomy extension across the LES complex and to 2cm onto the gastric wall resulted in normalization of EGJ distensibility, whereas subsequent extension to 3cm distal to the EGJ did not increase compliance further. PMID:26092005

A parametric study of the microwave plasma-assisted combustion of premixed ethylene/air mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuh, Che A.; Wu, Wei; Wang, Chuji

2017-11-01

A parametric study of microwave argon plasma assisted combustion (PAC) of premixed ethylene/air mixtures was carried out using visual imaging, optical emission spectroscopy and cavity ringdown spectroscopy as diagnostic tools. The parameters investigated included the plasma feed gas flow rate, the plasma power, the fuel equivalence ratio and the total flow rate of the fuel/air mixture. The combustion enhancement effects were characterized by the minimum ignition power, the flame length and the fuel efficiency of the combustor. It was found that: (1) increasing the plasma feed gas flow rate resulted in a decrease in the flame length, an increase in the minimum ignition power for near stoichiometric fuel equivalence ratios and a corresponding decrease in the minimum ignition power for ultra-lean and rich fuel equivalence ratios; (2) at a constant plasma power, increasing the total flow rate of the ethylene/air mixture from 1.0 slm to 1.5 slm resulted in an increase in the flame length and a reduction in the fuel efficiency; (3) increasing the plasma power resulted in a slight increase in flame length as well as improved fuel efficiency with fewer C2(d) and CH(A) radicals present downstream of the flame; (4) increasing the fuel equivalence ratio caused an increase in flame length but at a reduced fuel efficiency when plasma power was kept constant; and (5) the ground state OH(X) number density was on the order of 1015 molecules/cm3 and was observed to drop downstream along the propagation axis of the flame at all parameters investigated. Results suggest that each of the parameters independently influences the PAC processes.

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.

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.

Sex-steroid and thyroid hormone concentrations in juvenile alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from contaminated and reference lakes in Florida, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Grain, D.A.; Guillette, L.J.; Pickford, D.B.; Percival, H.F.; Woodward, A.R.

1998-01-01

Sex-steroid and thyroid hormones are critical regulators of growth and reproduction in all vertebrates, and several recent studies suggest that environmental chemicals can alter circulating concentrations of these hormones. This study examines plasma concentrations of estradiol-171?? (E2), testosterone (T), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) in juvenile alligators (60-140 cm total length) from two contaminated lakes and one reference lake in Florida. First, the data were analyzed by comparing hormone concentrations among males and females from the different lakes. Whereas there were no differences in plasma E2 concentrations among animals of the three lakes, male alligators from the contaminated lakes (Lake Apopka and Lake Okeechobee) had significantly lower plasma T concentrations compared 10 males from the reference take (Lake Woodruff). Concentrations of thyroid hormones also differed in animals of the three lakes, with T4 concentrations being elevated in Lake Okeechobee males compared to Lake Woodruff males. Second, the relationship between body size and hormone concentration was examined using regression analysis. Most notably for steroid hormones, no clear relationship was detected between E2 and total length in Apopka females (r2 0.09, p = 0.54) or between T and total length in Apopka males (r2 = 0.007, p = 0.75). Females from Apopka (r2 = 0.318, p = 0.09) and Okeechobee (r2 = 0.222, p = 0.09) exhibited weak correlations between T3 and total length. Males from Apopka (r2 = 0.015, p = 0.66) and Okeechobee (r2 = 0.128, p = 0.19) showed no correlation between T4 and total length. These results indicate: some of the previously reported abnormalities in steroid hormones of hatchling alligators persist, at least, through the juvenile years; steroid and thyroid hormones are related to body size in juvenile alligators from the reference lake, whereas alligators living in lakes Apopka and Okeechobee experience alterations in circulating thyroid and steroid hormones in relationship to body size; and a number of the hormone abnormalities reported previously for Lake Apopka alligators are observed in alligators from Lake Okeechobee - a lake associated with numerous contaminant sources but no major chemical spill. The endocrine alterations reported in this study are hypothesized to be a response to embryonic exposure to endocrine-disrupting contaminants.

[Left ventricular volume determination by first-pass radionuclide angiocardiography using a semi-geometric count-based method].

PubMed

Kinoshita, S; Suzuki, T; Yamashita, S; Muramatsu, T; Ide, M; Dohi, Y; Nishimura, K; Miyamae, T; Yamamoto, I

1992-01-01

A new radionuclide technique for the calculation of left ventricular (LV) volume by the first-pass (FP) method was developed and examined. Using a semi-geometric count-based method, the LV volume can be measured by the following equation: CV = CM/(L/d). V = (CT/CV) x d3 = (CT/CM) x L x d2. (V = LV volume, CV = voxel count, CM = the maximum LV count, CT = the total LV count, L = LV depth where the maximum count was obtained, and d = pixel size.) This theorem was applied to FP LV images obtained in the 30-degree right anterior oblique position. Frame-mode acquisition was performed and the LV end-diastolic maximum count and total count were obtained. The maximum LV depth was obtained as the maximum width of the LV on the FP end-diastolic image, using the assumption that the LV cross-section is circular. These values were substituted in the above equation and the LV end-diastolic volume (FP-EDV) was calculated. A routine equilibrium (EQ) study was done, and the end-diastolic maximum count and total count were obtained. The LV maximum depth was measured on the FP end-diastolic frame, as the maximum length of the LV image. Using these values, the EQ-EDV was calculated and the FP-EDV was compared to the EQ-EDV. The correlation coefficient for these two values was r = 0.96 (n = 23, p less than 0.001), and the standard error of the estimated volume was 10 ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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.

Simulated Beam Extraction Performance Characterization of a 50-cm Ion Thruster Discharge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foster, John E.; Hubble, Aimee; Nowak-Gucker, Sarah; Davis, Chris; Peterson, Peter; Viges, Eric; Chen, Dave

2013-01-01

A 50 cm ion thruster is being developed to operate at >65 percent total efficiency at 11 kW, 2700 s Isp and over 25 kW, 4500 s Isp at a total efficiency of >75 percent. The engine is being developed to address the need for a multimode system that can provide a range of thrust-to- power to service national and commercial near-earth onboard propulsion needs such as station-keeping and orbit transfer. Operating characteristics of the 50 cm ion thruster were measured under simulated beam extraction. The discharge current distribution at the various magnet rings was measured over a range of operating conditions. The relationship between the anode current distribution and the resulting plasma uniformity and ion flux measured at the thruster exit plane is discussed. The thermal envelope will also be investigated through the monitoring of magnet temperatures over the range of discharge powers investigated. Discharge losses as a function of propellant utilization was also characterized at multiple simulated beam currents. Bulk plasma conditions such as electron temperature and electron density near engine centerline was measured over a range of operating conditions using an internal Langmuir probe. Sensitivity of discharge performance to chamber length is also discussed. This data acquired from this discharge study will be used in the refinement of a throttle table in anticipation for eventual beam extraction testing.

Hydroacoustics for the discovery and quantification of Nassau grouper ( Epinephelus striatus) spawning aggregations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egerton, J. P.; Johnson, A. F.; Le Vay, L.; McCoy, C. M.; Semmens, B. X.; Heppell, S. A.; Turner, J. R.

2017-06-01

Fish spawning aggregations (FSAs) are vital life-history events that need to be monitored to determine the health of aggregating populations; this is especially true of the endangered Nassau grouper ( Epinephelus striatus). Hydroacoustics were used to locate Nassau grouper FSAs at sites on the west end of Little Cayman (LCW), and east ends of Grand Cayman (GCE) and Cayman Brac (CBE). Fish abundance and biomass at each FSA were estimated via echo integration and FSA extent. Acoustic mean fish abundance estimates (±SE) on the FSA at LCW (893 ± 459) did not differ significantly from concurrent SCUBA estimates (1150 ± 75). Mean fish densities (number 1000 m-3) were significantly higher at LCW (33.13 ± 5.62) than at the other sites (GCE: 7.01 ± 2.1, CBE: 4.61 ± 1.16). We investigate different acoustic post-processing options to obtain target strength (TS), and we examine the different TS to total length (TL) formulas available. The SCUBA surveys also provided measures of TL through the use of laser callipers allowing development of an in situ TS to TL formula for Nassau grouper at the LCW FSA. Application of this formula revealed mean fish TL was significantly higher at LCW (65.4 ± 0.7 cm) than GCE (60.7 ± 0.4 cm), but not CBE (61.1 ± 2.5 cm). Use of the empirical TS to TL formula resulted in underestimation of fish length in comparison with diver measurements, highlighting the benefits of secondary length data and deriving specific TS to TL formulas for each population. FSA location examined with reference to seasonal marine protected areas (Designated Grouper Spawning Areas) showed FSAs were partially outside these areas at GCE and very close to the boundary at CBE. As FSAs often occur at the limits of safe diving operations, hydroacoustic technology provides an alternative method to monitor and inform future management of aggregating fish species.

Ecological-site based assessments of wind and water erosion: informing management of accelerated soil erosion in rangelands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Webb, N.; Herrick, J.; Duniway, M.

2013-12-01

This work explores how soil erosion assessments can be structured in the context of ecological sites and site dynamics to inform systems for managing accelerated soil erosion. We evaluated wind and water erosion rates for five ecological sites in southern New Mexico, USA, using monitoring data and rangeland-specific wind and water erosion models. Our results show that wind and water erosion can be highly variable within and among ecological sites. Plots in shrub-encroached and shrub-dominated states were consistently susceptible to both wind and water erosion. However, grassland plots and plots with a grass-succulent mix had a high indicated susceptibility to wind and water erosion respectively. Vegetation thresholds for controlling erosion are identified that transcend the ecological sites and their respective states. The thresholds define vegetation cover levels at which rapid (exponential) increases in erosion rates begin to occur, suggesting that erosion in the study ecosystem can be effectively controlled when bare ground cover is <20% of a site or total ground cover is >50%. Similarly, our results show that erosion can be controlled when the cover of canopy interspaces >50 cm in length reaches ~50%, the cover of canopy interspaces >100 cm in length reaches ~35% or the cover of canopy interspaces >150 cm in length reaches ~20%. This process-based understanding can be applied, along with knowledge of the differential sensitivity of vegetation states, to improve erosion management systems. Land use and management activities that alter cover levels such that they cross thresholds, and/or drive vegetation state changes, may increase the susceptibility of sites to erosion. Land use impacts that are constrained within the natural variability of sites should not result in accelerated soil erosion. Evaluating land condition against the erosion thresholds and natural variability of ecological sites will enable improved identification of where and when accelerated soil erosion occurs and the development of practical management solutions.

Growth and life history variability of the grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) across its range

PubMed Central

Bradley, Darcy; Conklin, Eric; Papastamatiou, Yannis P.; McCauley, Douglas J.; Pollock, Kydd; Kendall, Bruce E.; Gaines, Steven D.; Caselle, Jennifer E.

2017-01-01

For broadly distributed, often overexploited species such as elasmobranchs (sharks and rays), conservation management would benefit from understanding how life history traits change in response to local environmental and ecological factors. However, fishing obfuscates this objective by causing complex and often mixed effects on the life histories of target species. Disentangling the many drivers of life history variability requires knowledge of elasmobranch populations in the absence of fishing, which is rarely available. Here, we describe the growth, maximum size, sex ratios, size at maturity, and offer a direct estimate of survival of an unfished population of grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) using data from an eight year tag-recapture study. We then synthesized published information on the life history of C. amblyrhynchos from across its geographic range, and for the first time, we attempted to disentangle the contribution of fishing from geographic variation in an elasmobranch species. For Palmyra’s unfished C. amblyrhynchos population, the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) growth coefficient k was 0.05 and asymptotic length L∞ was 163.3 cm total length (TL). Maximum size was 175.5 cm TL from a female shark, length at maturity was estimated at 116.7–123.2 cm TL for male sharks, maximum lifespan estimated from VBGF parameters was 18.1 years for both sexes combined, and annual survival was 0.74 year-1. Consistent with findings from studies on other elasmobranch species, we found significant intraspecific variability in reported life history traits of C. amblyrhynchos. However, contrary to what others have reported, we did not find consistent patterns in life history variability as a function of biogeography or fishing. Ultimately, the substantial, but not yet predictable variability in life history traits observed for C. amblyrhynchos across its geographic range suggests that regional management may be necessary to set sustainable harvest targets and to recover this and other shark species globally. PMID:28207874

Growth and life history variability of the grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) across its range.

PubMed

Bradley, Darcy; Conklin, Eric; Papastamatiou, Yannis P; McCauley, Douglas J; Pollock, Kydd; Kendall, Bruce E; Gaines, Steven D; Caselle, Jennifer E

2017-01-01

For broadly distributed, often overexploited species such as elasmobranchs (sharks and rays), conservation management would benefit from understanding how life history traits change in response to local environmental and ecological factors. However, fishing obfuscates this objective by causing complex and often mixed effects on the life histories of target species. Disentangling the many drivers of life history variability requires knowledge of elasmobranch populations in the absence of fishing, which is rarely available. Here, we describe the growth, maximum size, sex ratios, size at maturity, and offer a direct estimate of survival of an unfished population of grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) using data from an eight year tag-recapture study. We then synthesized published information on the life history of C. amblyrhynchos from across its geographic range, and for the first time, we attempted to disentangle the contribution of fishing from geographic variation in an elasmobranch species. For Palmyra's unfished C. amblyrhynchos population, the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) growth coefficient k was 0.05 and asymptotic length L∞ was 163.3 cm total length (TL). Maximum size was 175.5 cm TL from a female shark, length at maturity was estimated at 116.7-123.2 cm TL for male sharks, maximum lifespan estimated from VBGF parameters was 18.1 years for both sexes combined, and annual survival was 0.74 year-1. Consistent with findings from studies on other elasmobranch species, we found significant intraspecific variability in reported life history traits of C. amblyrhynchos. However, contrary to what others have reported, we did not find consistent patterns in life history variability as a function of biogeography or fishing. Ultimately, the substantial, but not yet predictable variability in life history traits observed for C. amblyrhynchos across its geographic range suggests that regional management may be necessary to set sustainable harvest targets and to recover this and other shark species globally.

Grey water treatment in urban slums by a filtration system: optimisation of the filtration medium.

PubMed

Katukiza, A Y; Ronteltap, M; Niwagaba, C B; Kansiime, F; Lens, P N L

2014-12-15

Two uPVC columns (outer diameter 160 cm, internal diameter 14.6 cm and length 100 cm) were operated in parallel and in series to simulate grey water treatment by media based filtration at unsaturated conditions and constant hydraulic loading rates (HLR). Grey water from bathroom, laundry and kitchen activities was collected from 10 households in the Bwaise III slum in Kampala (Uganda) in separate containers, mixed in equal proportions followed by settling, prior to transferring the influent to the tanks. Column 1 was packed with lava rock to a depth of 60 cm, while column 2 was packed with lava rock (bottom 30 cm) and silica sand, which was later replaced by granular activated carbon (top 30 cm) to further investigate nutrient removal from grey water. Operating the two filter columns in series at a HLR of 20 cm/day resulted in a better effluent quality than at a higher (40 cm/day) HLR. The COD removal efficiencies by filter columns 1 and 2 in series amounted to 90% and 84% at HLR of 20 cm/day and 40 cm/day, respectively. TOC and DOC removal efficiency amounted to 77% and 71% at a HLR of 20 cm/day, but decreased to 72% and 67% at a HLR of 40 cm/day, respectively. The highest log removal of Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and total coliforms amounted to 3.68, 3.50 and 3.95 at a HLR of 20 cm/day respectively. The overall removal of pollutants increased with infiltration depth, with the highest pollutant removal efficiency occurring in the top 15 cm layer. Grey water pre-treatment followed by double filtration using coarse and fine media has the potential to reduce the grey water pollution load in slum areas by more than 60%. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Genetic mapping of sex determination in a wild strawberry, Fragaria virginiana, reveals earliest form of sex chromosome.

PubMed

Spigler, R B; Lewers, K S; Main, D S; Ashman, T-L

2008-12-01

The evolution of separate sexes (dioecy) from hermaphroditism is one of the major evolutionary transitions in plants, and this transition can be accompanied by the development of sex chromosomes. Studies in species with intermediate sexual systems are providing unprecedented insight into the initial stages of sex chromosome evolution. Here, we describe the genetic mechanism of sex determination in the octoploid, subdioecious wild strawberry, Fragaria virginiana Mill., based on a whole-genome simple sequence repeat (SSR)-based genetic map and on mapping sex determination as two qualitative traits, male and female function. The resultant total map length is 2373 cM and includes 212 markers on 42 linkage groups (mean marker spacing: 14 cM). We estimated that approximately 70 and 90% of the total F. virginiana genetic map resides within 10 and 20 cM of a marker on this map, respectively. Both sex expression traits mapped to the same linkage group, separated by approximately 6 cM, along with two SSR markers. Together, our phenotypic and genetic mapping results support a model of gender determination in subdioecious F. virginiana with at least two linked loci (or gene regions) with major effects. Reconstruction of parental genotypes at these loci reveals that both female and hermaphrodite heterogamety exist in this species. Evidence of recombination between the sex-determining loci, an important hallmark of incipient sex chromosomes, suggest that F. virginiana is an example of the youngest sex chromosome in plants and thus a novel model system for the study of sex chromosome evolution.

Poster - 42: TB - ARC: A Total Body photon ARC technique using a commercially available linac

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

Evans, Michael D. C.; Ruo, Russell; Patrocinio, Ho

We have developed a total body photon irradiation technique using multiple overlapping open field arcs (TB-ARC). This simple technique uses predetermined arc-weights, with MUs calculated as a function of prescription depth only. Patients lie on a stretcher, in the prone/supine treatment position with AP/PA arcs. This treatment position has many advantages including ease of delivery (especially for tall, pediatric or compromised patients), dose uniformity, simplicity for organ shielding, and imaging capabilities. Using a Varian TrueBeam linac, 14 arcs using 40×40 cm{sup 2} 6 MV open photon beams, sweeping across 10 degrees each, complete a 140 degree arc. The nominal SSDmore » at zero degrees is 200 cm. Arcs at the sweep limits (+/− 70 degrees) are differentially weighted and deliver a dose within 10% of the prescription on central axis, at a depth of 10 cm over a superior-inferior length of 275 cm. CT planning using Varian Eclipse enables dose evaluation. A custom made beam spoiler, consisting of a 2.5 m sheet of polycarbonate (6 mm thick) increases the surface dose from 45% to 90%. This beam spoiler also serves as a support in the event that differential attenuation is required for organs such as lung, heart, liver, kidneys. The geometry of the sweeping beam technique limits organ dose (using varying thicknesses of melting alloy) to about 20% and 40% of prescription at dmax and midplane respectively. Digital imaging with a portable DR cassette enables proper attenuator location prior to treatment.« less

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.

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.

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-G-TeP1-13: Reclined Total Skin Electron Treatment Technique

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

Mathew, D; Gerbi, B

Purpose: The purpose is to describe a new reclined technique for treatment of weakened patients that require total skin electron irradiation. Methods: This technique is a modification of a previously published reclined technique differing in that all six patient positions are treated with the gantry angled 60° from vertically down. The patient is located at a treatment distance of 330 cm SSD along the CA of the beam. The 3/8′ thick Lexan beam spoiler is placed 25 cm from the most proximal surface of the patient for all patient treatment positions. To produce a flat, uniform field of ∼190 cmmore » length, the patient was moved longitudinally by an experimentally determined distance. Kodak EDR2 and EBT3 Radiochromic film were placed around the periphery of the phantom, and OSLs were placed every 30° around the phantom periphery to determine output and surface dose uniformity. A piece of Kodak EDR2 was sandwiched between the two slabs of the 30 cm diameter phantom to determine beam penetration. Results: Field uniformity shifting the patient ±75 cm was ±5% over a treatment span of 190 cm. The dose variation around the periphery of the 30 cm diameter phantom varied by <±5% with the maximum values observed at the 0°-300°, 60° locations with the minimum values at the 30°-330°, 60° locations. Results obtained using Kodak EDR2, EBT3 Radiochromic film, and OSLs agreed to within ±5%. Conclusion: This technique provides a very efficient and convenient means by which to treat the entire skin surface of patients incapable of standing for treatment. It provides a treatment field that is both large and uniform enough for adults along with a convenient way to treat four of the six patient treatment positions. The beam spoiler lies to the side of the patient allowing easy access for patient positioning.« less

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.

Estimation of daily age and timing of hatching of exotic Asian swamp eels Monopterus albus (Zuiew, 1793) in a backwater marsh of the Chattahoochee River, Georgia, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Long, J.M.; Lafleur, C.

2011-01-01

Otoliths were used to estimate daily age, growth, and hatching date of the exotic Asian swamp eel (Monopterus albus) captured from a backwater marsh of the Chattahoochee River, Georgia, USA. The eels were sampled using leaf litter traps (N=140) from 17 July to 28 August 2008. The captured (N=15) Asian swamp eels ranged in total length from 4.9cm to 12.2cm, and were estimated to be from 21 to 51days old (N=13), and hatched from 13 June to 7 August 2008. Assuming linear growth, these individuals grew an average rate of 0.2cm per day. To the authors' knowledge, this was the first time otoliths were used to estimate daily age, growth, and hatching date for M. albus, which can be useful for understanding the ecology of this species in the wild. Published 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

No clustering for linkage map based on low-copy and undermethylated microsatellites.

PubMed

Zhou, Yi; Gwaze, David P; Reyes-Valdés, M Humberto; Bui, Thomas; Williams, Claire G

2003-10-01

Clustering has been reported for conifer genetic maps based on hypomethylated or low-copy molecular markers, resulting in uneven marker distribution. To test this, a framework genetic map was constructed from three types of microsatellites: low-copy, undermethylated, and genomic. These Pinus taeda L. microsatellites were mapped using a three-generation pedigree with 118 progeny. The microsatellites were highly informative; of the 32 markers in intercross configuration, 29 were segregating for three or four alleles in the progeny. The sex-averaged map placed 51 of the 95 markers in 15 linkage groups at LOD > 4.0. No clustering or uneven distribution across the genome was observed. The three types of P. taeda microsatellites were randomly dispersed within each linkage group. The 51 microsatellites covered a map distance of 795 cM, an average distance of 21.8 cM between markers, roughly half of the estimated total map length. The minimum and maximum distances between any two bins was 4.4 and 45.3 cM, respectively. These microsatellites provided anchor points for framework mapping for polymorphism in P. taeda and other closely related hard pines.

Laser frequency multiplication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1991-11-01

A high quality mode locked pulse train was obtained at 9.55 microns, the CO2 wavelength chosen for frequency doubling into the atmospheric window at 4.8 microns. The pulse train consists of a 3 micro sec burst of 1.5 nsec pulses separated by 40 nsec, in a TEM (sub 00) mode and with a total energy of 100 mJ. The pulse intensity without focussing is about 3 MW/sq.cm., already quite close to the target intensity of 10 MW/sq.cm. for frequency doubling in a AgGaSe2 crystal. The mode-locked train is obtained by intracavity modulation at 12.5 MHz using a germanium crystal driven with a power of about 30 Watts. Line selection is achieved firstly by the use of a 0.92 mm thick CaF2 plate at the Brewster angle within the cavity, which completely suppresses 10.6 micron band radiation. Secondly, a particular rotational line, the P20 at 9.55 micron, is selected by the injection of a continuous beam is mode-matched to the pulsed laser cavity using a long focal length lens, and for best line-locking it is necessary to fine tune the length of the pulsed laser resonator. Injection causes substantial depression of the gain switched spike.

Construction of a high-density genetic map for grape using specific length amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing

PubMed Central

Guo, Yinshan; Xing, Huiyang; Zhao, Yuhui; Liu, Zhendong; Li, Kun; Guo, Xiuwu

2017-01-01

Genetic maps are important tools in plant genomics and breeding. We report a large-scale discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using the specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technique for the construction of high-density genetic maps for two elite wine grape cultivars, ‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Beibinghong’, and their 130 F1 plants. A total of 372.53 M paired-end reads were obtained after preprocessing. The average sequencing depth was 33.81 for ‘Chardonnay’ (the female parent), 48.20 for ‘Beibinghong’ (the male parent), and 12.66 for the F1 offspring. We detected 202,349 high-quality SLAFs of which 144,972 were polymorphic; 10,042 SNPs were used to construct a genetic map that spanned 1,969.95 cM, with an average genetic distance of 0.23 cM between adjacent markers. This genetic map contains the largest molecular marker number of the grape maps so far reported. We thus demonstrate that SLAF-seq is a promising strategy for the construction of high-density genetic maps; the map that we report here is a good potential resource for QTL mapping of genes linked to major economic and agronomic traits, map-based cloning, and marker-assisted selection of grape. PMID:28746364

Supercontinuum generation and analysis in extruded suspended-core As2S3 chalcogenide fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Si, Nian; Sun, Lihong; Zhao, Zheming; Wang, Xunsi; Zhu, Qingde; Zhang, Peiqing; Liu, Shuo; Pan, Zhanghao; Liu, Zijun; Dai, Shixun; Nie, Qiuhua

2018-02-01

Compared with the traditional fluoride fibers and tellurite fibers that can work in the near-infrared region, suspended-core fibers based on chalcogenide glasses have wider transmitting regions and higher nonlinear coefficients, thus the mid-infrared supercontinuum generations can be achieved easily. Rather than adopting the traditional fabrication technique of hole-drilling and air filling, we adopted a totally novel extrusion technique to fabricate As2S3 suspended-core fibers with four holes, and its mid-infrared supercontinuum generation was investigated systematically by integrating theoretical simulation and empirical results. The generalized nonlinear SchrÖdinger equation was used to simulate the supercontinuum generation in the As2S3 suspended-core fibers. The simulated supercontinuum generation in the As2S3 suspended-core fibers with different pump wavelengths (2-5 µm), increasing powers (0.3-4 kW), and various fiber lengths (1-50 cm) was obtained by a simulative software, MATLAB. The experimental results of supercontinuum generation via femtosecond optical parametric amplification (OPA) were recorded by changing fiber lengths (5-25 cm), pump wavelengths (2.9-5 µm), and pump powers (10-200 kW). The simulated consulting spectra are consistent with the experimental results of supercontinuum generation only if the fiber loss is sufficiently low.

Determination of vanillin in vanilla perfumes and air by capillary electrophoresis.

PubMed

Minematsu, Saaya; Xuan, Guang-Shan; Wu, Xing-Zheng

2013-12-01

The present study investigated capillary electrophoretic detection of vanillin in vanilla perfume and air. An UV-absorbance detector was used in a home-made capillary electrophoretic instrument. A fused silica capillary (outer diameter: 364 μm, inner diameter: 50 μm) was used as a separation capillary, and a high electric voltage (20 kV) was applied across the two ends of the capillary. Total length of the capillary was 70 cm, and the effective length was 55 cm. Experimental results showed that the vanillin peak was detected at about 600, 450, and 500 seconds when pH of running buffers in CE were 7.2, 9.3, and 11.5, respectively. The peak area of vanillin was proportional to its concentration in the range of 0-10(-2) mol/L. The detection limit was about 10(-5) mol/L. Vanillin concentration in a 1% vanilla perfume sample was determined to be about 3×10(-4) mol/L, agreed well with that obtained by a HPLC method. Furthermore, determination of vanillin in air by combination of CE and active carbon adsorption method was investigated. Copyright © 2013 The Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Spawning aggregations of Tylosurus pacificus (Beloniformes: Belonidae) and their fishery in Utría Park, Colombian Pacific].

PubMed

Correa-Herrera, Tatiana; Correa-Rendón, Juan Diego; Márquez-Velásquez, Viviana; Jiménez-Segura, Luz Fernanda; Carvajal-Quintero, Juan David

2017-03-01

Some species of marine fish have complex relationships with coastal ecosystems during their reproductive periods, as the needle fish Tylosurus pacificus that forms spawning aggregations in gravel beaches in Utría Park. We described fishery and some aspects of the reproductive biology of T. pacificus and proposed some strategies to mitigate the impact of this event and associated ecological processes. Fisheries monitoring were conducted between April 2008 and February 2009 in the Utría National Park, Colombian Pacific. Catch volumes, length structure, sex ratio and fecundity (n= 84) were analyzed. The total length ranged among 60.5 and 104 cm with a mean and standard deviation of 85.35 ± 9.09 cm. The average fertility of oocytes per gonad was 189 685.56, with a mode of 8 mm diameter and an asynchronous gonadal development. This species spawns collectively on the beach when the tide reaches the highest level during full and new moon, usually in the evening. Fishermen of a near town take advantage of the spawning aggregation of this species. The reproduction study of T. pacificus and ecological processes associated with their spawning, should be expanded to give adequate use, and ensure the sustainability of their fishery over the long term.

Beam vacuum system of Brookhaven`s muon storage ring

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

Hseuth, H.C.; Snydstrup, L.; Mapes, M.

1995-11-01

A storage ring with a circumference of 45 m is being built at Brookhaven to measure the g-2 value of the muons to an accuracy of 0.35 ppm.. The beam vacuum system of the storage ring will operate at 10{sup -7} Torr and has to be completely non-magnetic. It consists of twelve sector chambers. The chambers are constructed of aluminum and are approximately 3.5 m in length with a rectangular cross-section of 16.5 cm high by 45 cm at the widest point. The design features, fabrication techniques and cleaning methods for these chambers are described. The beam vacuum system willmore » be pumped by forty eight non-magnetic distributed ion pumps with a total pumping speed of over 2000 {ell}/sec. Monte Carlo simulations of the pressure distribution in the muon storage region are presented.« less

Composite electrodes for electrochemical supercapacitors.

PubMed

Li, Jun; Yang, Quanmin; Zhitomirsky, Igor

2010-01-07

Manganese dioxide nanofibers with length ranged from 0.1 to 1 μm and a diameter of about 4-6 nm were prepared by a chemical precipitation method. Composite electrodes for electrochemical supercapacitors were fabricated by impregnation of the manganese dioxide nanofibers and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) into porous Ni plaque current collectors. Obtained composite electrodes, containing 85% of manganese dioxide and 15 mass% of MWCNT, as a conductive additive, with total mass loading of 7-15 mg cm-2, showed a capacitive behavior in 0.5-M Na2SO4 solutions. The decrease in stirring time during precipitation of the nanofibers resulted in reduced agglomeration and higher specific capacitance (SC). The highest SC of 185 F g-1 was obtained at a scan rate of 2 mV s-1 for mass loading of 7 mg cm-2. The SC decreased with increasing scan rate and increasing electrode mass.

Composite Electrodes for Electrochemical Supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jun; Yang, Quan Min; Zhitomirsky, Igor

2010-03-01

Manganese dioxide nanofibers with length ranged from 0.1 to 1 μm and a diameter of about 4-6 nm were prepared by a chemical precipitation method. Composite electrodes for electrochemical supercapacitors were fabricated by impregnation of the manganese dioxide nanofibers and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) into porous Ni plaque current collectors. Obtained composite electrodes, containing 85% of manganese dioxide and 15 mass% of MWCNT, as a conductive additive, with total mass loading of 7-15 mg cm-2, showed a capacitive behavior in 0.5-M Na2SO4 solutions. The decrease in stirring time during precipitation of the nanofibers resulted in reduced agglomeration and higher specific capacitance (SC). The highest SC of 185 F g-1 was obtained at a scan rate of 2 mV s-1 for mass loading of 7 mg cm-2. The SC decreased with increasing scan rate and increasing electrode mass.

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.

[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.

A High Density Genetic Map Derived from RAD Sequencing and Its Application in QTL Analysis of Yield-Related Traits in Vigna unguiculata

PubMed Central

Pan, Lei; Wang, Nian; Wu, Zhihua; Guo, Rui; Yu, Xiaolu; Zheng, Yu; Xia, Qiuju; Gui, Songtao; Chen, Chanyou

2017-01-01

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is an annual legume of economic importance and widely grown in the semi-arid tropics. However, high-density genetic maps of cowpea are still lacking. Here, we identified 34,868 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that were distributed in the cowpea genome based on the RAD sequencing (restriction-site associated DNA sequencing) technique using a population of 170 individuals (two cowpea parents and 168 F2:3 progenies). Of these, 17,996 reliable SNPs were allotted to 11 consensus linkage groups (LGs). The length of the genetic map was 1,194.25 cM in total with a mean distance of 0.066 cM/SNP marker locus. Using this map and the F2:3 population, combined with the CIM (composite interval mapping) method, eleven quantitative trait loci (QTL) of yield-related trait were detected on seven LGs (LG4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11) in cowpea. These QTL explained 0.05–17.32% of the total phenotypic variation. Among these, four QTL were for pod length, four QTL for thousand-grain weight (TGW), two QTL for grain number per pod, and one QTL for carpopodium length. Our results will provide a foundation for understanding genes related to grain yield in the cowpea and genus Vigna. PMID:28936219

The 2nd order focusing sector field type TOF mass analyzer with an orthogonal ion acceleration for LC-IMS-MS.

PubMed

Poteshin, S S; Zarakovsky, A I

2017-03-15

Original orthogonal acceleration (OA) electrostatic sector time of flight (TOF) mass analyzer is proposed those allows the second order focusing of time of flight by initial ions position. Resolving power aberration limit exceeding 80,000 FW (full width mass peak) was shown to be obtainable for mass analyzer with the total length of flight L=133.2cm, the average ion energy 3700V and the ion energy spread of 2.5% on the entrance of sector field. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A vacuum-sealed miniature X-ray tube based on carbon nanotube field emitters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heo, Sung Hwan; Kim, Hyun Jin; Ha, Jun Mok; Cho, Sung Oh

2012-05-01

A vacuum-sealed miniature X-ray tube based on a carbon nanotube field-emission electron source has been demonstrated. The diameter of the X-ray tube is 10 mm; the total length of the tube is 50 mm, and no external vacuum pump is required for the operation. The maximum tube voltage reaches up to 70 kV, and the X-ray tube generates intense X-rays with the air kerma strength of 108 Gy·cm2 min-1. In addition, X-rays produced from the miniature X-ray tube have a comparatively uniform spatial dose distribution.

A Large Tracking Detector In Vacuum Consisting Of Self-Supporting Straw Tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wintz, P.

2004-02-01

A novel technique to stretch the anode wire simply by the gas over-pressure inside straw drift tubes reduces the necessary straw weight to an absolute minimum. Our detector will consist of more than 3000 straws filling up a cylindrical tracking volume of 1m diameter and 30cm length. The projected spatial resolution is 200μm. The detector with a total mass of less than 15kg will be operated in vacuum, but will have an added wall thickness of 3mm mylar, only. The detector design, production experience and first results will be discussed.

Short-term physiological responses of wild and hatchery-produced red drum during angling

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gallman, E.A.; Isely, J.J.; Tomasso, J.R.; Smith, T.I.J.

1999-01-01

Serum cortisol concentrations, plasma glucose concentrations, plasma lactate concentrations, and plasma osmolalities increased in red drum Sciaenops ocellatus (26.0-65.5 cm total length) during angling in estuarine waters (17-33 g/L salinity, 21-31??C). Angling time varied from as fast as possible (10 s) to the point when fish ceased resisting (up to 350 s). The increases in the physiological characteristics were similar in wild and hatchery-produced fish. This study indicates that hatchery-produced red drum may be used in catch-and-release studies to simulate the responses of wild fish.

SEX REASSIGNMENT SURGERY WITH LAPAROSCOPIC SIGMOID COLON VAGINOPLASTY IN A MALE TO FEMALE TRANSSEXUAL: A CASE REPORT.

PubMed

Ichihara, Koji; Masumori, Naoya

2016-01-01

We herein report and discuss our first experience about a sex reassignment surgery (SRS) with laparoscopic sigmoid colon vaginoplasty for a 40s male to female gender identity disorder. SRS for this subject included bilateral orchiectomy, penectomy, clitoroplasty, vaginoplasty, and vulvoplasty. About 20 cm of the sigmoid colon was harvested laparoscopicaly for the neovagina. Total operating time was about 9 hours, and the estimated blood loss was 900 ml without transfusion. There was no trouble during the postoperative course, and a sufficient length of vagina has been maintained.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Consensus Genetic Map for Pinus taeda and Pinus elliottii and Extent of Linkage Disequilibrium in Two Genotype-Phenotype Discovery Populations of Pinus taeda

PubMed Central

Westbrook, Jared W.; Chhatre, Vikram E.; Wu, Le-Shin; Chamala, Srikar; Neves, Leandro Gomide; Muñoz, Patricio; Martínez-García, Pedro J.; Neale, David B.; Kirst, Matias; Mockaitis, Keithanne; Nelson, C. Dana; Peter, Gary F.; Echt, Craig S.

2015-01-01

A consensus genetic map for Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) and Pinus elliottii (slash pine) was constructed by merging three previously published P. taeda maps with a map from a pseudo-backcross between P. elliottii and P. taeda. The consensus map positioned 3856 markers via genotyping of 1251 individuals from four pedigrees. It is the densest linkage map for a conifer to date. Average marker spacing was 0.6 cM and total map length was 2305 cM. Functional predictions of mapped genes were improved by aligning expressed sequence tags used for marker discovery to full-length P. taeda transcripts. Alignments to the P. taeda genome mapped 3305 scaffold sequences onto 12 linkage groups. The consensus genetic map was used to compare the genome-wide linkage disequilibrium in a population of distantly related P. taeda individuals (ADEPT2) used for association genetic studies and a multiple-family pedigree used for genomic selection (CCLONES). The prevalence and extent of LD was greater in CCLONES as compared to ADEPT2; however, extended LD with LGs or between LGs was rare in both populations. The average squared correlations, r2, between SNP alleles less than 1 cM apart were less than 0.05 in both populations and r2 did not decay substantially with genetic distance. The consensus map and analysis of linkage disequilibrium establish a foundation for comparative association mapping and genomic selection in P. taeda and P. elliottii. PMID:26068575

Long-term outcome of visual internal urethrotomy for the management of pediatric urethral strictures.

PubMed

Hafez, Ashraf T; El-Assmy, Ahmed; Dawaba, Mohamed S; Sarhan, Osama; Bazeed, Mahmoud

2005-02-01

We evaluated the long-term results of visual internal urethrotomy for pediatric urethral strictures to evaluate the efficacy and final outcome of this procedure in children and to evaluate the risk factors for stricture recurrence. The computerized surgical records of our hospital were reviewed to identify children who underwent visual internal urethrotomy between 1980 and 2001. Hospital and followup clinical charts were then reviewed. Many variables were analyzed, including age, etiology, length and site of the strictures, and catheter duration. Only patients with a minimum followup of 2 years were included. Regular self-catheterization was not used by any child. A total of 31 patients (mean age 11.2 years, range 2 to 18) were identified. Followup ranged from 2 to 20 years, with a mean of 6.6 years. The most common etiology for stricture formation was failed previous urethroplasty and post instrumentation (35.5% and 32.3%, respectively). The success rate after initial urethrotomy was 35.5% (11 of 31 patients). Mean interval to first recurrence was 26 months. A second urethrotomy improved the success rate of 58.1%. Eight patients required 2 or more urethrotomies, of whom half required open urethroplasty. Among the evaluated variables only stricture length shorter than 1 cm was associated with good results. Visual internal urethrotomy provides a safe first line therapeutic option for pediatric urethral strictures shorter than 1 cm, independent of etiology and location. For patients with more than 1 recurrence or with strictures longer than 1 cm, who are at high risk for recurrence after internal urethrotomy, open urethroplasty remains the treatment of choice.

Long-term results of forearm lengthening and deformity correction by the Ilizarov method.

PubMed

Orzechowski, Wiktor; Morasiewicz, Leszek; Krawczyk, Artur; Dragan, Szymon; Czapiński, Jacek

2002-06-30

Background. Shortening and deformity of the forearm is most frequently caused by congenital disorders or posttraumatic injury. Given its complex anatomy and biomechanics, the forearm is clearly the most difficult segment for lengthening and deformity correction.
Material and methods. We analyzed 16 patients with shortening and deformity of the forearm, treated surgically, using the Ilizarov method in our Department from 1989 to 2001. in 9 cases 1-stage surgery was sufficient, while the remaining 7 patients underwent 2-5 stages of treatment. At total of 31 surgical operations were performed. The extent of forearm shortening ranged from 1,5 to 14,5 cm (5-70%). We development a new fixator based on Schanz half-pins.
Results. The length of forearm lengthening per operative stage averaged 2,35 cm. the proportion of lengthening ranged from 6% to 48% with an average of 18,3%. The mean lengthening index was 48,15 days/cm. the per-patient rate of complications was 88% compared 45% per stage of treatment, mostly limited rotational mobility and abnormal consolidation of regenerated bone.
Conclusions. Despite the high complication rate, the Ilizarov method is the method of choice for patients with forearm shortenings and deformities. Treatment is particularly indicated in patients with shortening caused by disproportionate length of the ulnar and forearm bones. Treatment should be managed so as cause the least possible damage to arm function, even at the cost of limited lengthening. Our new stabilizer based on Schanz half-pins makes it possible to preserve forearm rotation.

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.

Physico-chemical characterization of products from vacuum oil under delayed coking process by infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meléndez, L. V.; Cabanzo, R.; Mejía-Ospino, E.; Guzmán, A.

2016-02-01

Eight vacuum residues and their delayed coking liquids products from Colombian crude were study by infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and principal component analysis (PCA). For the samples the structural parameters of aromaticity factor (fa), alifaticity (A2500-3100cm-1), aromatic condensation degree (GCA), length of aliphatic chains (LCA) and aliphatic chain length associated with aromatic (LACAR) were determined through the development of a methodology, which includes the previous processing of spectroscopy data, identifying the regions in the IR spectra of greatest variance using PCA and molecules patterns. The parameters were compared with the results obtained from proton magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and 13C-NMR. The results showed the influence and correlation of structural parameters with some physicochemical properties such as API gravity, weight percent sulphur (% S) and Conradson carbon content (% CCR)

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

[Effects of tree species diversity on fine-root biomass and morphological characteristics in subtropical Castanopsis carlesii forests].

PubMed

Wang, Wei-Wei; Huang, Jin-Xue; Chen, Feng; Xiong, De-Cheng; Lu, Zheng-Li; Huang, Chao-Chao; Yang, Zhi-Jie; Chen, Guang-Shui

2014-02-01

Fine roots in the Castanopsis carlesii plantation forest (MZ), the secondary forest of C. carlesii through natural regeneration with anthropogenic promotion (AR), and the secondary forest of C. carlesii through natural regeneration (NR) in Sanming City, Fujian Province, were estimated by soil core method to determine the influence of tree species diversity on biomass, vertical distribution and morphological characteristics of fine roots. The results showed that fine root biomass for the 0-80 cm soil layer in the MZ, AR and NR were (182.46 +/- 10.81), (242.73 +/- 17.85) and (353.11 +/- 16.46) g x m(-2), respectively, showing an increased tendency with increasing tree species diversity. In the three forests, fine root biomass was significantly influenced by soil depth, and fine roots at the 0-10 cm soil layer accounted for more than 35% of the total fine root biomass. However, the interaction of stand type and soil depth on fine-root distribution was not significant, indicating no influence of tree species diversity on spatial niche segregation in fine roots. Root surface area density and root length density were the highest in NR and lowest in the MZ. Specific root length was in the order of AR > MZ > NR, while specific root surface area was in the order of NR > MZ > AR. There was no significant interaction of stand type and soil depth on specific root length and specific root surface area. Fine root morphological plasticity at the stand level had no significant response to tree species diversity.

Vegetation types, dominant compositions, woody plant diversity and stand structure in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary of Northeast India.

PubMed

Majumdar, Koushik; Datta, B K

2015-03-01

Present study was carried out to assess the vegetation types, diversity and phytosociological status of woody plants in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary of Tripura, Northeast India. Vegetation data was derived by 25 line transects (10 m wide and 500 m length, each 0.5 ha size). All woody species at >10 cm gbh (Girth at Breast Height) within each plots were measured and counted. A total of six forest types were classified by cluster analysis using Importance Value Index (IVI) of 289 woody species. Species diversity, forest structure and woody community associations were evaluated and discussed. One way ANOVA revealed significant differences in all species diversity measures and stand structure along the forest types. Distribution of stem density at ten different gbh classes showed reverse J-shaped curves. Population status of woody plants was also examined through grouping of all individuals into four population age stages viz. sapling (<30 cm gbh), adult (> or = 30 - <120 cm gbh), mature (>120 - 210 cm gbh) and old (> or =210 cm). To observe dominant composition and species population trend, IVI of top ten dominant species from all forest types were tabulated. The present study suggested that Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary is an important habitat in Tripura from floristic point of view and it should be conserved on priority basis for remaining wildlife endurances and monitor for forest livelihoods products for sustainable biodiversity conservation in this region.

Growth and Flowering Responses of Cut Chrysanthemum Grown under Restricted Root Volume to Irrigation Frequency

PubMed Central

Taweesak, Viyachai; Lee Abdullah, Thohirah; Hassan, Siti Aishah; Kamarulzaman, Nitty Hirawaty; Wan Yusoff, Wan Abdullah

2014-01-01

Influences of irrigation frequency on the growth and flowering of chrysanthemum grown under restricted root volume were tested. Chrysanthemum cuttings (Chrysanthemum morifolium “Reagan White”) were grown in seedling tray which contained coconut peat in volumes of 73 and 140 cm3. Plants were irrigated with drip irrigation at irrigation frequencies of 4 (266 mL), 6 (400 mL), and 8 (533 mL) times/day to observe their growth and flowering performances. There was interaction between irrigation frequency and substrate volume on plant height of chrysanthemum. Plants grown in 140 cm3 substrates and irrigated 6 times/day produced the tallest plant of 109.25 cm. Plants irrigated 6 and 8 times/day had significantly higher level of phosphorus content in their leaves than those plants irrigated 4 times/day. The total leaf area, number of internodes, leaf length, and leaf width of chrysanthemums grown in 140 cm3 substrate were significantly higher than those grown in 73 cm3 substrate. The numbers of flowers were affected by both irrigation frequencies and substrate volumes. Chrysanthemums irrigated 8 times/day had an average of 19.56 flowers while those irrigated 4 times/day had an average of 16.63 flowers. Increasing irrigation frequency can improve the growth and flowering of chrysanthemums in small substrate volumes. PMID:25478586

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Fish scales in sediments from off Callao, central Peru

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Díaz-Ochoa, J. A.; Lange, C. B.; Pantoja, S.; De Lange, G. J.; Gutiérrez, D.; Muñoz, P.; Salamanca, M.

2009-07-01

We study fish scales as a proxy of fish abundance and preservation biases together with phosphorus from fish remains (P fish) in a sediment core retrieved off Callao, Peru (12°1'S, 77°42'W; water depth=179 m; core length=52 cm). We interpret our results as a function of changing redox conditions based on ratios of redox-sensitive trace elements (Cu/Al, Mo/Al, Ni/Al, Zn/Al, V/Al), terrigenous indicators (Fe in clays, Ti, Al), and biogenic proxies (CaCO 3, biogenic opal, total nitrogen, organic carbon, barite Ba). The core covers roughly 700 years of deposition, based on 210Pb activities extrapolated downcore and 14C dating at selected intervals. Our fish-scale record is dominated by anchovy ( Engraulis ringens) scales followed by hake ( Merluccius gayii) scales. The core presented an abrupt lithological change at 17 cm (corresponding to the early 19th century). Above that depth, it was laminated and was more organic-rich (10-15% organic carbon) than below, where the core was partly laminated and less organic-rich (<10%). The lithological shift coincides with abrupt changes in dry bulk density and in the contents of terrigenous and redox-sensitive trace elements, biogenic proxies, and fish scales. The remarkable increase in redox-sensitive trace elements in the upper 17 cm of the core suggests more reducing conditions when compared with deeper and older horizons, and is interpreted as an intensification of the oxygen minimum zone off Peru beginning in the early 19th century. Higher fish-scale contents and higher P fish/P total ratios were also observed within the upper 17 cm of the core. The behavior of biogenic proxies and redox-sensitive trace elements was similar; more reduced conditions corresponded to higher contents of CaCO 3, C org, total nitrogen and fish scales, suggesting that these proxies might convey an important preservation signal.

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.

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.

Large-Scale SNP Discovery and Genotyping for Constructing a High-Density Genetic Map of Tea Plant Using Specific-Locus Amplified Fragment Sequencing (SLAF-seq)

PubMed Central

Ma, Chun-Lei; Jin, Ji-Qiang; Li, Chun-Fang; Wang, Rong-Kai; Zheng, Hong-Kun; Yao, Ming-Zhe; Chen, Liang

2015-01-01

Genetic maps are important tools in plant genomics and breeding. The present study reports the large-scale discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for genetic map construction in tea plant. We developed a total of 6,042 valid SNP markers using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq), and subsequently mapped them into the previous framework map. The final map contained 6,448 molecular markers, distributing on fifteen linkage groups corresponding to the number of tea plant chromosomes. The total map length was 3,965 cM, with an average inter-locus distance of 1.0 cM. This map is the first SNP-based reference map of tea plant, as well as the most saturated one developed to date. The SNP markers and map resources generated in this study provide a wealth of genetic information that can serve as a foundation for downstream genetic analyses, such as the fine mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL), map-based cloning, marker-assisted selection, and anchoring of scaffolds to facilitate the process of whole genome sequencing projects for tea plant. PMID:26035838

Performance of Mentik Wangi rice (Oryza sativa, L.) M2 generation from gamma ray irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yunus, A.; Parjanto; Nandariyah; Wulandari, S.

2018-03-01

The objective of this research is to produce Mentik Wangi rice with shorter flowering age, shorter rice stem and high yield. This research was conducted in Palur Village, Mojolaban Sub-district, Sukoharjo District, from April to August 2016. This research used descriptive method, performed by observing each individual and comparing to the control average. Observational variables included plant height, total number of tillers, number of productive tillers, panicle length, number of grain per panicle, panicle density index, 1,000 filled seed weight, seed weight of cluster, flowering age and M2 mutant selection. The results showed that there were several plants indicated mutation, there were 7 plants indicate short stem mutation with height 85 cm to 97 cm. The plants which indicated short flowering age were 5 weeks after planting up to 6 weeks after planting. The mutated plants indicating of the highest number of productive tillers which were 27 up to 36. Each component result includes total number of tillers, number of productive tillers, number of grain of panicle as well as the weight of 1000 seeds in the plant indicated some mutation that has a high level of diversity in each treatment.

[A Case in Which a Patient Was Operated for Intra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumors after Total Colectomy in FAP].

PubMed

Hoshi, Minako; Ikeda, Kimimasa; Higashiguchi, Kimiya; Kobayashi, Teruyuki; Sakai, Kenji; Koyama, Taichi; Doi, Takasi; Taniguchi, Hirokazu; Murakami, Masakazu; Kurokawa, Eiji; Nakamichi, Itsuko

2015-11-01

The patient was a 22-year-old woman with FAP, who had undergone laparoscopic total colectomy 3 years previously. She presented to our hospital with a high fever and abdominal pain. Large hard tumors were palpated in the right lower abdomen and pelvis. Blood examination showed an inflammatory response. CT scan revealed 17 cm diameter solid tumors. At surgery, 2 tumors arising from the mesentery of the small intestine were found, neither of which invaded any organs. We performed tumor extirpation with partial resection of the duodenum, ileum, right fallopian tube and rectum. A jejunal stoma was formed, leaving a length of remnant intestine of about 120 cm. The histopathological diagnosis was given as desmoid tumor with infection. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 9th postoperative day. Desmoid tumor is the second most common cause of death in FAP patients. Although desmoids can also occur in the extremities, most FAP patients develop intra-abdominal tumors. Despite being histologically benign, they are locally infiltrative and can cause death through invasion and destruction of adjacent vital structures and organs. Here, we report a case of desmoid tumors with FAP with reference to the literature.

Integrated consensus genetic and physical maps of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.).

PubMed

Cloutier, Sylvie; Ragupathy, Raja; Miranda, Evelyn; Radovanovic, Natasa; Reimer, Elsa; Walichnowski, Andrzej; Ward, Kerry; Rowland, Gordon; Duguid, Scott; Banik, Mitali

2012-12-01

Three linkage maps of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) were constructed from populations CDC Bethune/Macbeth, E1747/Viking and SP2047/UGG5-5 containing between 385 and 469 mapped markers each. The first consensus map of flax was constructed incorporating 770 markers based on 371 shared markers including 114 that were shared by all three populations and 257 shared between any two populations. The 15 linkage group map corresponds to the haploid number of chromosomes of this species. The marker order of the consensus map was largely collinear in all three individual maps but a few local inversions and marker rearrangements spanning short intervals were observed. Segregation distortion was present in all linkage groups which contained 1-52 markers displaying non-Mendelian segregation. The total length of the consensus genetic map is 1,551 cM with a mean marker density of 2.0 cM. A total of 670 markers were anchored to 204 of the 416 fingerprinted contigs of the physical map corresponding to ~274 Mb or 74 % of the estimated flax genome size of 370 Mb. This high resolution consensus map will be a resource for comparative genomics, genome organization, evolution studies and anchoring of the whole genome shotgun sequence.

Increasing Mercury in Yellow Perch at a Hotspot in Atlantic Canada, Kejimkujik National Park

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

In the mid-1990s, yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and common loons (Gavia immer) from Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site (KNPNHS), Nova Scotia, Canada, had among the highest mercury (Hg) concentrations across North America. In 2006 and 2007, we re-examined 16 lakes to determine whether there have been changes in Hg in the loon’s preferred prey, yellow perch. Total Hg concentrations were measured in up to nine perch in each of three size classes (5−10 cm, 10−15 cm, and 15−20 cm) consumed by loons. Between 1996/97 and 2006/07, polynomial regressions indicated that Hg in yellow perch increased an average of 29% in ten lakes, decreased an average of 21% in three, and were unchanged in the remaining three lakes. In 2006/07, perch in 75% of the study lakes had Hg concentrations (standardized to 12-cm fish length) equal to or above the concentration (0.21 μg·g−1 ww) associated with a 50% reduction in maximum productivity of loons, compared with only 56% of these lakes in 1996/97. Mercury contamination currently poses a greater threat to loon health than a decade ago, and further reductions in anthropogenic emissions should be considered to reduce its impacts on ecosystem health. PMID:21062071

Mechanism of continence after repair of posterior urethral disruption: evidence of rhabdosphincter activity.

PubMed

Whitson, Jared M; McAninch, Jack W; Tanagho, Emil A; Metro, Michael J; Rahman, Nadeem U

2008-03-01

Controversy exists regarding continence mechanisms in patients who undergo posterior urethral reconstruction after pelvic fracture. Some evidence suggests that continence after posterior urethroplasty is maintained by the bladder neck or proximal urethral mechanism without a functioning distal mechanism. We studied distal urethral sphincter activity in patients who have undergone posterior urethroplasty for pelvic fracture. A total of 12 patients who had undergone surgical repair of urethral disruption involving the prostatomembranous region underwent videourodynamics with urethral pressure profiles at rest, and during stress and hold maneuvers. Bladder pressure and urethral pressure, including proximal and distal urethral sphincter activity and pressure, were assessed in each patient. All 12 patients had daytime continence of urine postoperatively with a followup after anastomotic urethroplasty of 12 to 242 months (mean 76). Average maximum urethral pressure was 71 cm H2O. Average maximum urethral closure pressure was 61 cm H2O. The average urethral pressure seen during a brief hold maneuver was 111 cm H2O. Average functional sphincteric length was 2.5 cm. Six of the 12 patients had clear evidence of distal urethral sphincter function, as demonstrated by the profile. Continence after anastomotic urethroplasty for posttraumatic urethral strictures is maintained primarily by the proximal bladder neck. However, there is a significant contribution of the rhabdosphincter in many patients.

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.

Global DNA Methylation Changes in Nile Tilapia Gonads during High Temperature-Induced Masculinization

PubMed Central

Wang, Hui; Li, Ning

2016-01-01

In some fish species, high or low temperature can switch the sex determination mechanisms and induce fish sex reversal when the gonads are undifferentiated. During this high or low temperature-induced sex reversal, the expressions of many genes are altered. However, genome-wide DNA methylation changes in fish gonads after high or low temperature treatment are unclear. Herein, we compared the global DNA methylation changes in the gonads from control females (CF), control males (CM), high temperature-treated females (TF), and high temperature-induced males (IM) from the F8 family of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing. The DNA methylation level in CF was higher than that in CM for various chromosomes. Both females and males showed an increase in methylation levels on various chromosomes after high-temperature induction. We identified 64,438 (CF/CM), 63,437 (TF/IM), 98,675 (TF/CF), 235,270 (IM/CM) and 119,958 (IM/CF) differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in Nile tilapia gonads, representing approximately 0.70% (CF/CM), 0.69% (TF/IM), 1.07% (TF/CF), 2.56% (IM/CM), and 1.30% (IM/CF)of the length of the genome. A total of 89 and 65 genes that exhibited DMRs in their gene bodies and promoters were mapped to the Nile tilapia genome. Furthermore, more than half of the genes with DMRs in the gene body in CF/CM were also included in the IM/CM, TF/CF, TF/IM, and IM/CF groups. Additionally, many important pathways, including neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids were identified. This study provided an important foundation to investigate the molecular mechanism of high temperature-induced sex reversal in fish species. PMID:27486872

A High-Density Genetic Map Identifies a Novel Major QTL for Boron Efficiency in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.)

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiaohua; Zhao, Hua; Shi, Lei; Xu, Fangsen

2014-01-01

Low boron (B) seriously limits the growth of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), a high B demand species that is sensitive to low B conditions. Significant genotypic variations in response to B deficiency have been observed among B. napus cultivars. To reveal the genetic basis for B efficiency in B. napus, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the plant growth traits, B uptake traits and the B efficiency coefficient (BEC) were analyzed using a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from a cross between a B-efficient parent, Qingyou 10, and a B-inefficient parent, Westar 10. A high-density genetic map was constructed based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) assayed using Brassica 60 K Infinium BeadChip Array, simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). The linkage map covered a total length of 2139.5 cM, with 19 linkage groups (LGs) and an average distance of 1.6 cM between adjacent markers. Based on hydroponic evaluation of six B efficiency traits measured in three separate repeated trials, a total of 52 QTLs were identified, accounting for 6.14–46.27% of the phenotypic variation. A major QTL for BEC, qBEC-A3a, was co-located on A3 with other QTLs for plant growth and B uptake traits under low B stress. Using a subset of substitution lines, qBEC-A3a was validated and narrowed down to the interval between CNU384 and BnGMS436. The results of this study provide a novel major locus located on A3 for B efficiency in B. napus that will be suitable for fine mapping and marker-assisted selection breeding for B efficiency in B. napus. PMID:25375356

Predictors of short term treatment outcome in patients with achalasia following endoscopic or surgical therapy.

PubMed

Gheorghe, Cristian; Bancila, Ion; Tutuian, Radu; Iacob, Razvan; Tomulescu, Victor

2012-01-01

Pneumatic balloon dilation and surgical myotomy are the most effective treatments for achalasia. While there is controversy which method is best, the aim of the current study was to identify predictors of symptom recurrence after endoscopic or surgical therapy. Patients undergoing pneumatic balloon dilatation (30mm) or laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication were included in the study. Analyzed parameters include total symptom score (sum of 0-5 point intensity for dysphagia, regurgitation and chest pain), width and height of esophageal column at 2 and 5 minutes after oral barium ingestion, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) length, resting (LESP) and residual pressure (LESRP) before and 3 months after intervention. Patients with symptoms score <3 at the 3-month follow-up visit were considered asymptomatic. Twenty-one patients underwent pneumatic dilation (14) or laparoscopic myotomy (7). Total symptom score improved (p<0.01) from pre- (7.2±2.7) to post-intervention (1.7±2.6). Eleven (85.8%) patients in the endoscopic group vs. 7 (100%) patients in the surgical group were symptom-free 3 months after intervention. Therapies improved LESP (24.4±8.2mmHg pre- vs. 15.4±10.3mmHg post-therapy; p=0.003) and mean LESRP (7.9±4.3mmHg pre- vs. 5.3±6.7mmHg post-therapy; p=0.03). Univariate linear regression analysis identified barium contrast column width >5cm at 2 minutes (p=0.04), LES length <2cm (p=0.003) and LESRP >10mmHg (p=0.02) as predictors for persistent symptoms. While >85% of achalasia patients responded well to 30mm pneumatic balloon dilation, patients with elevated LES pressure, short LES and wide esophagus should be considered as primary surgical candidates.

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

Evidence for ontogenetically and morphologically distinct alternative reproductive tactics in the invasive Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus.

PubMed

Bleeker, Katinka; de Jong, Karen; van Kessel, Nils; Hinde, Camilla A; Nagelkerke, Leopold A J

2017-01-01

Alternative reproductive tactics are characterized by the occurrence of discrete alternative morphs that differ in behavioural, morphological and physiological traits within the same sex. Although much effort has been made to describe the behaviour, morphology and physiology of such alternative morphs, less effort has been invested investigating how much overlap there is in the characteristics of such morphs in natural populations. We studied random population samples of the invasive Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus from five different localities in the river Rhine system in the Netherlands. We found two morphologically and physiologically distinct male morphs which likely represent alternative reproductive tactics. Almost all mature males under 9.35 cm total length had a gonadosomatic index > 3%, suggestive of a sneaker tactic, while nearly all males above 9.35 cm has a gonadosomatic index of < 3%, suggestive of a parental tactic. Cheek size and eye diameter alone were sufficient to distinguish the two morphs. Gonads had a different relationship with size in the two morphs, indicating separate growth trajectories. The gonad mass of sneaker morphs would be ca. 7.5 times as high as the gonad mass of parental morphs of the same total length after extrapolation. Few (9%) intermediates were found, suggesting that the expression of alternative reproductive tactics is determined before the first breeding season. This contrasts with studies on other goby species, which show evidence of plastic tactics that can be affected by social circumstances. We conclude that it is possible to distinguish two alternative male morphs in the Dutch Round Goby population using morphological measurements alone. Although behavioural observations are needed to provide conclusive evidence, the difference in GSI between these morphs indicates that these morphs reflect alternative reproductive tactics.

Evidence for ontogenetically and morphologically distinct alternative reproductive tactics in the invasive Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus

PubMed Central

de Jong, Karen; van Kessel, Nils; Hinde, Camilla A.; Nagelkerke, Leopold A. J.

2017-01-01

Alternative reproductive tactics are characterized by the occurrence of discrete alternative morphs that differ in behavioural, morphological and physiological traits within the same sex. Although much effort has been made to describe the behaviour, morphology and physiology of such alternative morphs, less effort has been invested investigating how much overlap there is in the characteristics of such morphs in natural populations. We studied random population samples of the invasive Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus from five different localities in the river Rhine system in the Netherlands. We found two morphologically and physiologically distinct male morphs which likely represent alternative reproductive tactics. Almost all mature males under 9.35 cm total length had a gonadosomatic index > 3%, suggestive of a sneaker tactic, while nearly all males above 9.35 cm has a gonadosomatic index of < 3%, suggestive of a parental tactic. Cheek size and eye diameter alone were sufficient to distinguish the two morphs. Gonads had a different relationship with size in the two morphs, indicating separate growth trajectories. The gonad mass of sneaker morphs would be ca. 7.5 times as high as the gonad mass of parental morphs of the same total length after extrapolation. Few (9%) intermediates were found, suggesting that the expression of alternative reproductive tactics is determined before the first breeding season. This contrasts with studies on other goby species, which show evidence of plastic tactics that can be affected by social circumstances. We conclude that it is possible to distinguish two alternative male morphs in the Dutch Round Goby population using morphological measurements alone. Although behavioural observations are needed to provide conclusive evidence, the difference in GSI between these morphs indicates that these morphs reflect alternative reproductive tactics. PMID:28369128

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.

A Comparative Study of the Common Protozoan Parasites of Clarias gariepinus from the Wild and Cultured Environments in Benue State, Nigeria

PubMed Central

Omeji, S.; Solomon, S. G.; Idoga, E. S.

2011-01-01

A total of one hundred and twenty Clarias gariepinus comprising 30 dead and 30 live fishes were examined for protozoan parasites infestation, sixty each from the wild and a pond (cultured environment) over a period of six months. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis was the most common protozoan parasites found in C. gariepinus from the wild (River Benue) and cultured (pond) environments. These protozoan parasites constitute 37.08% of the total parasites encountered for fishes in the pond and 42.51% of fishes in the wild. Among the body parts of the sampled fishes from the pond, the gills had the highest parasite load (38.86%). Also, the gills had the highest parasite load (40.54%) among the body parts of the fishes sampled from the wild. Fishes not infested with any protozoan parasites from the pond constituted 36.70% of the total fish sampled. On the other hand, fishes not infested with any protozoan parasites from the wild constituted 31.65% of the total fish sampled. Female fishes had more protozoan parasites than the male fishes. Bigger fishes of total length (25–48 cm) had more parasite load than the smaller ones (19–24 cm). Also, fishes between 150–750 g had more parasite load than the smaller ones of less than 150 g. Protozoan parasite load of fish from the cultured environment (pond) did not differ significantly (P < 0.05) from those from River Benue (wild). PMID:22028952

[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%.

Tiger sharks can connect equatorial habitats and fisheries across the Atlantic Ocean basin

PubMed Central

Garla, Ricardo; Hazin, Fábio H. V.

2017-01-01

Increasing our knowledge about the spatial ecology of apex predators and their interactions with diverse habitats and fisheries is necessary for understanding the trophic mechanisms that underlie several aspects of marine ecosystem dynamics and for guiding informed management policies. A preliminary assessment of tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) population structure off the oceanic insular system of Fernando de Noronha (FEN) and the large-scale movements performed by this species in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean was conducted using longline and handline fishing gear and satellite telemetry. A total of 25 sharks measuring 175–372 cm in total length (TL) were sampled. Most sharks were likely immature females ranging between 200 and 260 cm TL, with few individuals < 200 cm TL being caught. This contrasts greatly with the tiger shark size-distribution previously reported for coastal waters off the Brazilian mainland, where most individuals measured < 200 cm TL. Also, the movements of 8 individuals measuring 202–310 cm TL were assessed with satellite transmitters for a combined total of 757 days (mean = 94.6 days∙shark-1; SD = 65.6). These sharks exhibited a considerable variability in their horizontal movements, with three sharks showing a mostly resident behavior around FEN during the extent of the respective tracks, two sharks traveling west to the South American continent, and two sharks moving mostly along the middle of the oceanic basin, one of which ending up in the northern hemisphere. Moreover, one shark traveled east to the African continent, where it was eventually caught by fishers from Ivory Coast in less than 474 days at liberty. The present results suggest that young tiger sharks measuring < 200 cm TL make little use of insular oceanic habitats from the western South Atlantic Ocean, which agrees with a previously-hypothesized ontogenetic habitat shift from coastal to oceanic habitats experienced by juveniles of this species in this region. In addition, this study adds evidence that tiger sharks are able to connect marine trophic webs from the neritic provinces of the eastern and western margins of the Atlantic Ocean across the equatorial basin and that they may experience mortality induced by remote fisheries. All this information is extremely relevant for understanding the energetic balance of marine ecosystems as much as the exposure of this species to fishing pressure in this yet poorly-known region. PMID:28926627

Tiger sharks can connect equatorial habitats and fisheries across the Atlantic Ocean basin.

PubMed

Afonso, André S; Garla, Ricardo; Hazin, Fábio H V

2017-01-01

Increasing our knowledge about the spatial ecology of apex predators and their interactions with diverse habitats and fisheries is necessary for understanding the trophic mechanisms that underlie several aspects of marine ecosystem dynamics and for guiding informed management policies. A preliminary assessment of tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) population structure off the oceanic insular system of Fernando de Noronha (FEN) and the large-scale movements performed by this species in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean was conducted using longline and handline fishing gear and satellite telemetry. A total of 25 sharks measuring 175-372 cm in total length (TL) were sampled. Most sharks were likely immature females ranging between 200 and 260 cm TL, with few individuals < 200 cm TL being caught. This contrasts greatly with the tiger shark size-distribution previously reported for coastal waters off the Brazilian mainland, where most individuals measured < 200 cm TL. Also, the movements of 8 individuals measuring 202-310 cm TL were assessed with satellite transmitters for a combined total of 757 days (mean = 94.6 days∙shark-1; SD = 65.6). These sharks exhibited a considerable variability in their horizontal movements, with three sharks showing a mostly resident behavior around FEN during the extent of the respective tracks, two sharks traveling west to the South American continent, and two sharks moving mostly along the middle of the oceanic basin, one of which ending up in the northern hemisphere. Moreover, one shark traveled east to the African continent, where it was eventually caught by fishers from Ivory Coast in less than 474 days at liberty. The present results suggest that young tiger sharks measuring < 200 cm TL make little use of insular oceanic habitats from the western South Atlantic Ocean, which agrees with a previously-hypothesized ontogenetic habitat shift from coastal to oceanic habitats experienced by juveniles of this species in this region. In addition, this study adds evidence that tiger sharks are able to connect marine trophic webs from the neritic provinces of the eastern and western margins of the Atlantic Ocean across the equatorial basin and that they may experience mortality induced by remote fisheries. All this information is extremely relevant for understanding the energetic balance of marine ecosystems as much as the exposure of this species to fishing pressure in this yet poorly-known region.

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

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.

Development of gene-based markers for use in construction of the chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genetic linkage map and identification of QTLs associated with seed weight and plant height.

PubMed

Gupta, Shefali; Kumar, Tapan; Verma, Subodh; Bharadwaj, Chellapilla; Bhatia, Sabhyata

2015-11-01

Seed weight and plant height are important agronomic traits and contribute to seed yield. The objective of this study was to identify QTLs underlying these traits using an intra-specific mapping population of chickpea. A F11 population of 177 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between SBD377 (100-seed weight--48 g and plant height--53 cm) and BGD112 (100-seed weight--15 g and plant height--65 cm) was used. A total of 367 novel EST-derived functional markers were developed which included 187 EST-SSRs, 130 potential intron polymorphisms (PIPs) and 50 expressed sequence tag polymorphisms (ESTPs). Along with these, 590 previously published markers including 385 EST-based markers and 205 genomic SSRs were utilized. Of the 957 markers tested for analysis of parental polymorphism between the two parents of the mapping population, 135 (14.64%) were found to be polymorphic. Of these, 131 polymorphic markers could be mapped to the 8 linkage groups. The linkage map had a total length of 1140.54 cM with an average marker density of 8.7 cM. The map was further used for QTL identification using composite interval mapping method (CIM). Two QTLs each for seed weight, qSW-1 and qSW-2 (explaining 11.54 and 19.24% of phenotypic variance, respectively) and plant height, qPH-1 and qPH-2 (explaining 13.98 and 12.17% of phenotypic variance, respectively) were detected. The novel set of genic markers, the intra-specific linkage map and the QTLs identified in the present study will serve as valuable genomic resources in improving the chickpea seed yield using marker-assisted selection (MAS) strategies.

Reproductive biology of Nemipterus japonicus (Bloch, 1791) from the coastal waters of Bintulu (South China Sea), Sarawak, Malaysia.

PubMed

Nettely, T; Rajaee, A H; Denil, N A; Idris, M H; Nesarul, M H; Amin, S M Nurul; Hena, M K Abu

2016-07-01

Samples of threadfin breams Nemipterus japonicus were collected from a village in Kuala Nyalau and a fish landing centre at Bintulu from April 2013 to March 2014. A total of 360 individuals of N. japonicus (214 male and 146 female) were used in this reproductive study.? The total length (TL) of individuals were measured to the nearest 0.1 cm and body weight (BW) was recorded to the nearest 0.1 g. Month-wise distribution of the sexes was significantly higher for males in September and March, while in the month of May the number of females was significantly higher (X(2) = 6.53; P < 0.05). Males showed a preponderance in the size-class of 19.0-20.9 cm (X(2) = 80.24; P < 0.001), 21.0 -22.9 cm (X(2) = 56.39; P < 0.001) and 23.0 -24.9 cm (X(2) = 17; P < 0.001). The gonadosomatic index (GSI) values of N. japonicus ranged from 0.07 to 0.19 for males and 0.34 to 4.99 for females. Females had higher GSI than males throughout the study period. For males, a higher GSI (0.11-0.19) was observed during January to February, while it was found to be higher (2.73-4.99) for females during January to March, indicating the spawning season. The present study revealed that ovarian maturity based on histological analysis of N. japonicus was classified into seven stages namely, immature (I), immature (II), maturing (III), mature (IV), ripe (V), spawning (VI) and spent (VII). The fecundity of N. japonicus was estimated to be within a range of 19221 to 85923 with higher GSI (3.08-6.78) from the coastal waters of Bintulu, Sarawak.

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.

Needle decompression of tension pneumothorax: Population-based epidemiologic approach to adequate needle length in healthy volunteers in Northeast Germany.

PubMed

Hecker, Matthias; Hegenscheid, Katrin; Völzke, Henry; Hinz, Peter; Lange, Jörn; Ekkernkamp, Axel; Frank, Matthias

2016-01-01

Tension pneumothorax is one of the leading causes of preventable death in both military and civilian trauma patients. Needle decompression is recommended in trauma guidelines as an emergency procedure to relieve increased intrapleural pressure. The main reason for decompression failure is reported to be insufficient needle length in proportion to the chest wall thickness (CWT). So far, population-based epidemiologic data on CWT are missing. Therefore, it was the aim of this work to investigate the CWT in the second intercostal space, midclavicular line, based on magnetic resonance imaging data of a large population-based sample. The second aim of this study was to explore the potential risk of iatrogenic lesions caused by the proximity of the intended puncture track to the internal mammary artery. A total of 2,574 healthy volunteers (mean [SD] age, 53.3 [13.9] years; range, 21-89 years) from the population-based cohort Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) were enrolled. CWT and the distance from the intended puncture track to the internal mammary artery were investigated with the chest sequences of a standardized 1.5-T whole-body magnetic resonance imaging. For all 5,148 measured sites in 2,574 volunteers, the mean (SD) CWT was 5.1 (1.4) cm. The mean body mass index was determined to be 27.7 kg/m. The CWT correlated significantly with body weight and body mass index. The internal mammary artery was located medial to the intended puncture site in all participants; the mean (SD) distance was 5.7 (0.7) cm on the right and 5.5 (0.7) cm on the left side. Based on the population-based epidemiologic data presented in this study, the use of a needle of 7 cm in length is recommended to decompress a tension pneumothorax in the second intercostal space in the midclavicular line, which might successfully decompress more than 90% of the participants in this study. When using this anterior approach at the anatomically correct puncture site, safety margin to the internal mammary artery is sufficient so that the risk of iatrogenic lesion of the internal mammary artery should be minimal. Therapeutic/care management study, level IV.

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.

High-Density Genetic Map Construction and Stem Total Polysaccharide Content-Related QTL Exploration for Chinese Endemic Dendrobium (Orchidaceae)

PubMed Central

Lu, Jiangjie; Liu, Yuyang; Xu, Jing; Mei, Ziwei; Shi, Yujun; Liu, Pengli; He, Jianbo; Wang, Xiaotong; Meng, Yijun; Feng, Shangguo; Shen, Chenjia; Wang, Huizhong

2018-01-01

Plants of the Dendrobium genus are orchids with not only ornamental value but also high medicinal value. To understand the genetic basis of variations in active ingredients of the stem total polysaccharide contents (STPCs) among different Dendrobium species, it is of paramount importance to understand the mechanism of STPC formation and identify genes affecting its process at the whole genome level. Here, we report the first high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) integrated genetic map with a good genome coverage of Dendrobium. The specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology led to identification of 7,013,400 SNPs from 1,503,626 high-quality SLAF markers from two parents (Dendrobium moniliforme ♀ × Dendrobium officinale ♂) and their interspecific F1 hybrid population. The final genetic map contained 8, 573 SLAF markers, covering 19 linkage groups (LGs). This genetic map spanned a length of 2,737.49 cM, where the average distance between markers is 0.32 cM. In total, 5 quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to STPC were identified, 3 of which have candidate genes within the confidence intervals of these stable QTLs based on the D. officinale genome sequence. This study will build a foundation up for the mapping of other medicinal-related traits and provide an important reference for the molecular breeding of these Chinese herb. PMID:29636767

Vascular anatomy of the medial sural artery perforator flap: a new classification system of intra-muscular branching patterns.

PubMed

Dusseldorp, Joseph R; Pham, Quy J; Ngo, Quan; Gianoutsos, Mark; Moradi, Pouria

2014-09-01

The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap is a versatile fasciocutaneous flap. The main difficulty encountered when raising the MSAP flap is in obtaining adequate pedicle length during intra-muscular dissection. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of intra-muscular course of the MSAP flap pedicle. 14 cadaveric specimens were dissected and CT angiograms of 84 legs were examined. The intra-muscular branching pattern and depths of the medial sural artery branches were analyzed. The number of perforators, position of the dominant perforator and both intra-muscular and total pedicle length were also recorded and compared to existing anatomical data. Three types of arterial branching pattern were identified within the medial gastrocnemius, demonstrating one (31%), two (59%) or three or more (10%) main branches. A dominant perforator from the medial sural artery was present in 92% of anatomical specimens (13/14). Vertically, the location of the perforator from the popliteal crease was on average 13 cm (±2 cm). Transversely, the perforator originated 2.5 cm (±1 cm) from the posterior midline. Using CT angiography it was possible in 10 consecutive patients to identify a more superficial intra-muscular branch and determine the leg with the optimal branching pattern type for flap harvest. This study is the first to describe the variability of the intra-muscular arterial anatomy of the medial head of gastrocnemius muscle. Surgeons utilizing the MSAP flap option should be aware of the possible branching pattern types and consequently the differing perforator distribution and depths of intra-muscular branches. Routine use of pre-operative CT angiogram may help determine which leg has the most favorable branching pattern type and intra-muscular course for flap harvest. Copyright © 2014 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Seasonal variations of arsenic in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klarić, Sanja; Pavičić-Hamer, Dijana; Lucu, Čedomil

2004-10-01

Total arsenic concentration in the edible part of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis was evaluated seasonally in the coastal area of Rijeka Bay (North Adriatic Sea, Croatia). Sampling stations were located close to the City of Bakar with no industrial facilities (site 1), in the vicinity of the oil refinery and oil thermoelectric power plant (Urinj, site 2), and 4 miles away from the Plomin coal thermoelectric power plant (Brseč village, site 3). Additionally, the concentration of arsenic in the tail muscle of the lobster Nephrops norvegicus, collected in Rijeka Bay, was studied. During winter at sites 2 and 3, the total arsenic in the edible part of the mussels was 16.4 mg As/kg FW (FW=fresh weight) and 4.38 mg As/kg FW, respectively, and increased during springtime at site 2 (6.5 mg As/kg FW) compared to the rest of the year, when individual total arsenic concentration at all sites ranged from 1.7 to 3.7 mg As/kg FW. In the winter (sites 2 and 3) and springtime (site 2) there was no correlation between the length of the mussel shell and the arsenic concentration in the edible part of the mussels. In the other seasons, at sites 1, 2 and 3, there was a correlation between arsenic in the edible part of mussels and shell length in most cases (correlation coefficients r varied from 0.64 to 0.85; P <0.05 to P <0.01). Correlation between shell length (in the narrow range of shell lengths from 3.4 to 5.0 cm) and arsenic in the edible part of the mussels shows linearity with a high regression coefficient (r =0.914; P <0.001). The increase of arsenic in the mussels during winter and spring was suggested at least partially as a result of a low nutritional status, i.e. reduced weight of the mussels' edible part during winter. In addition, a linear relationship was found between body length and arsenic concentration in the tail muscle (mean 17.11±4.48 mg As/kg FW) of the Norway lobster.

Rare earth element-enriched yeast improved egg production and egg quality in laying hens in the late period of peak egg production.

PubMed

Cai, L; Nyachoti, C M; Hancock, J D; Lee, J Y; Kim, Y H; Lee, D H; Kim, I H

2016-06-01

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of rare earth element-enriched yeast (RY) on egg production, coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD), egg quality, excreta gas emission and excreta microbiota of laying hens. A total of 216 ISA brown laying hens of 52 weeks of age were used in a 5-week feeding trial and data were collected every week. Birds were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments each with six replicates and 12 hens per replicate. Each cage (38 cm width × 50 cm length × 40 cm height) contained one hen. Treatments consisted of corn-soya bean meal-based diet supplemented with 0, 500 or 1000 mg/kg of RY. From weeks 55 to 56, inclusion of RY linearly increased (p < 0.05) egg production. The CTTAD of nitrogen was increased (linear, p < 0.05) with increasing dietary level of RY. In week 55, yolk height and Haugh units were increased linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary RY content. However, no significant effects were observed in terms of excreta emissions and excreta microbiota in laying hens. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with RY improved egg production and CTTAD of nitrogen and slightly improved egg quality in laying hens of the late period of peak egg production. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

[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.

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

Wounding patterns and human performance in knife attacks: optimising the protection provided by knife-resistant body armour.

PubMed

Bleetman, A; Watson, C H; Horsfall, I; Champion, S M

2003-12-01

Stab attacks generate high loads, and to defeat them, armour needs to be of a certain thickness and stiffness. Slash attacks produce much lower loads and armour designed to defeat them can be far lighter and more flexible. Phase 1: Human performance in slash attacks: 87 randomly selected students at the Royal Military College of Science were asked to make one slash attack with an instrumented blade on a vertically mounted target. No instructions on how to slash the target were given. The direction, contact forces and velocity of each attack were recorded. Phase 2: Clinical experience with edged weapon attacks: The location and severity of all penetrating injuries in patients attending the Glasgow Royal Infirmary between 1993 and 1996 were charted on anatomical figures. Phase 1: Two types of human slash behaviour were evident: a 'chop and drag' blow and a 'sweep motion' type of attack. 'Chop and drag' attacks had higher peak forces and velocities than sweep attacks. Shoulder to waist blows (diagonal) accounted for 82% of attacks, 71% of attackers used a long diagonal slash with an average cut length of 34 cm and 11% used short diagonal attacks with an average cut length of 25 cm. Only 18% of attackers slashed across the body (short horizontal); the average measured cut length of this type was 28 cm. The maximum peak force for the total sample population was 212 N; the maximum velocity was 14.88 m s(-1). The 95 percentile force for the total sample population was 181 N and the velocity was 9.89 m s(-1). Phase 2: 431 of the 500 patients had been wounded with edged weapons. The average number of wounds sustained by victims in knife assaults was 2.4. The distribution of wounds by frequency and severity are presented. Anti-slash protection is required for the arms, neck, shoulders, and thighs. The clinical experience of knife-attack victims provides information on the relative vulnerabilities of different regions of the body. It is anticipated that designing a tunic-type of Police uniform that is inherently stab and slash resistant will eventually replace the current obvious and often bulky extra protective vest. Attempts at making a combined garment will need to be guided by ergonomic considerations and field testing. A similar anatomical regional risk model might also be appropriate in the design of anti-ballistic armour and combined anti-ballistic and knife-resistant armour.

Protein malnutrition during fetal programming induces fatty liver in adult male offspring rats.

PubMed

Campisano, Sabrina Edith; Echarte, Stella Maris; Podaza, Enrique; Chisari, Andrea Nancy

2017-05-01

We evaluated the effects of protein malnutrition on liver morphology and physiology in rats subjected to different malnutrition schemes. Pregnant rats were fed with a control diet or a low protein diet (LPD). Male offspring rats received a LPD during gestation, lactation, and until they were 60 days old (MM group), a late LPD that began after weaning (CM), or a LPD administrated only during the gestation-lactation period followed by a control diet (MC). On day 60, blood was collected and the liver was dissected out. We found a decrease in MM rats' total body (p < 0.001) and liver (p < 0.05) weight. These and CM rats showed obvious liver dysfunction reflected by the increase in serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGOT) (MM p < 0.001) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) (MM and CM p < 0.001) enzymes, and liver content of cholesterol (MM and CM p < 0.001) and triglycerides (MM p < 0.01; CM p < 0.001), in addition to what we saw by histology. Liver dysfunction was also shown by the increase in gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) (MM, MC, and CM p < 0.001) and GST-pi1 (MM and CM p < 0.001, MC p < 0.05) expression levels. MC rats showed the lowest increment in GST-pi1 expression (MC vs. MM; p < 0.001, MC vs. CM; p < 0.01). ROS production (MM, CM, and MC: p < 0.001), lipid peroxidation (MM, CM, and MC p < 0.001), content of carbonyl groups in liver proteins (MM and CM p < 0.001, MC p < 0.01), and total antioxidant capacity (MM, CM, and MC p < 0.001) were increased in the liver of all groups of malnourished animals. However, MM rats showed the highest increment. We found higher TNF-α (MM and CM p < 0.001), and IL-6 (MM and CM p < 0.001) serum levels and TGF-β liver content (MM p < 0.01; CM p < 0.05), in MM and CM groups, while MC rats reverted the values to normal levels. Pro-survival signaling pathways mediated by tyrosine or serine/threonine kinases (pAKT) (MM and CM p < 0.001; MC p < 0.01) and extrasellular signal-regulated kinase (pERKs) (MM p < 0.01; CM p < 0.05) appeared to be activated in the liver of all groups of malnourished rats, suggesting the presence of cells resistant to apoptosis which would become cancerous. In conclusion, a LPD induced liver damage whose magnitude was related to the developmental stage at which malnutrition occurs and to its length.

The prototype nuclear Compton telescope: Observations of the Galactic Anticenter region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowen, Jason Dione

Observations of the Galactic Anticenter region and atmospheric 511 keV positron annihilation emission have been performed with a prototype of the Nuclear Compton Telescope (NCT) during a high altitude balloon flight on June 1, 2005 from Ft. Sumner, NM. NCT is a balloon-borne soft gamma-ray (0.2 MeV to 10 MeV) germanium Compton telescope (GCT) designed to study astrophysical sources of nuclear line emission and polarization through spectroscopy and imaging. A prototype instrument was successfully launched from Ft. Sumner, NM on June 1, 2005. The NCT prototype consists of two 3D position-sensitive high purity germanium strip detectors (GeDs). The compact design and new technologies allow NCT to achieve high efficiencies with excellent spectral resolution and background reduction. The GeDs are custom 15 mm thick cross-strip detectors each with an active area of 54 cm 2 and are enclosed in an aluminum cryostat capable of supporting up to 12 detectors. Here is presented a detailed study of approximately 8 hours of background measurements made from 890 g/cm 2 (1265 m ) to an average float altitude of 3.0 g/cm 2 (40 km ), with particular emphasis on float observations. A total of 6 hr 9 min of observation time was acquired at float, while the duration of the ascent portion of the flight included in this study was 2 hr. The expected contributions to the background are discussed, especially in light of detailed Monte Carlo simulations modeling the entire flight and incorporating complete depth dependent environmental inputs, including 4 cosmic components (protons, photons, electrons, and positrons) and 8 atmospheric components (photons, atmospheric 511 keV emission, neutrons, protons, electrons, positrons, and muons). The results of these investigations include the component makeup of the total background as a function of atmospheric depth, and the contribution of delayed emission due to neutron and proton activation of passive materials. At 1 MeV photons emitted following delayed neutron induced reactions comprise ~ 15% of the total background at small depths. The observed background due to this component is a result of Compton scattering of 1.779 MeV ( 29 Al, t 1/2 = 2.24 min ) photons out of the instrument following neutron capture by 28 Al nuclei. The sources of these photons are the substantial amount of aluminum materials surrounding the instrument. Studies of nuclear line emission require accurate energy calibrations. The NCT prototype consists of two 3D position-sensitive GeDs with 2 × 37 × 37 orthogonal strips for energy measurements. Each strip requires a unique energy calibration. For the electrodes under high voltage (-800 V ) the collected charge is dependent on interaction depth, with charge losses in transit presumably due to trapping and/or recombination. The measured electron trapping lengths for the two GeDs are 1264 cm and 930.3 cm , and the measured hole trapping lengths are 1149.2 cm and 847.3 cm , respectively. The total energy loss at 662 keV approaches 0.1%. Additional losses of up to 0.4% occur at the detector surfaces containing the low voltage electrodes. The positron annihilation line has been observed as a function of atmospheric depth. Simulations suggest contributions to this line from b + -decay and pair production in passive materials are negligible at all depths, and that the line fraction due to positron annihilation in passive materials varies approximately linearly with depth: at large depths (> 700 g cm -2 ) the fraction is > 50% and for depths < 5 g cm -2 the contribution is less than 0.3%. A major result of these studies is that essentially all of the 511 keV line measurements at float are due to atmospheric emissions. At an average float altitude of 2.9 g cm - 2 the vertical atmospheric annihilation line flux measured by the prototype Nuclear Compton Telescope is 3.5 × 10^-2 ( cm 2 s sr keV ) -1 . Images of 511 keV emission at float altitudes are presented. The Galactic Anticenter Region was observed in nine continuum energy bands from 100 keV to 1.5 MeV. Received fluxes from the Crab Nebula are at the sensitivity threshold of the NCT prototype for this flight. 3 s upper limits for the 100- 200, 150-450, 200-600, 250-750, 300-900, 350-1050, 400-1200, 450-1350, and 500- 1500 keV bands are 8.9, 4.9, 3.2, 5.3, 3.1, 4.0, 3.8, 4.7, and 4.7 × 10^-2 cm - 2 s -1 , respectively.

QTL Mapping of Low-Temperature Germination Ability in the Maize IBM Syn4 RIL Population

PubMed Central

Hu, Shuaidong; Lübberstedt, Thomas; Zhao, Guangwu; Lee, Michael

2016-01-01

Low temperature is the primary factor to affect maize sowing in early spring. It is, therefore, vital for maize breeding programs to improve tolerance to low temperatures at seed germination stage. However, little is known about maize QTL involved in low-temperature germination ability. 243 lines of the intermated B73×Mo17 (IBM) Syn4 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was used for QTL analysis of low-temperature germination ability. There were significant differences in germination-related traits under both conditions of low temperature (12°C/16h, 18°C/8h) and optimum temperature (28°C/24h) between the parental lines. Only three QTL were identified for controlling optimum-temperature germination rate. Six QTL controlling low-temperature germination rate were detected on chromosome 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9, and contribution rate of single QTL explained between 3.39%~11.29%. In addition, six QTL controlling low-temperature primary root length were detected in chromosome 4, 5, 6, and 9, and the contribution rate of single QTL explained between 3.96%~8.41%. Four pairs of QTL were located at the same chromosome position and together controlled germination rate and primary root length under low temperature condition. The nearest markers apart from the corresponding QTL (only 0.01 cM) were umc1303 (265.1 cM) on chromosome 4, umc1 (246.4 cM) on chromosome 5, umc62 (459.1 cM) on chromosome 6, bnl14.28a (477.4 cM) on chromosome 9, respectively. A total of 3155 candidate genes were extracted from nine separate intervals based on the Maize Genetics and Genomics Database (http://www.maizegdb.org). Five candidate genes were selected for analysis as candidates putatively affecting seed germination and seedling growth at low temperature. The results provided a basis for further fine mapping, molecular marker assisted breeding and functional study of cold-tolerance at the stage of seed germination in maize. PMID:27031623

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.

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.

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.

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.

Oxygen and Air Nanobubble Water Solution Promote the Growth of Plants, Fishes, and Mice

PubMed Central

Ebina, Kosuke; Shi, Kenrin; Hirao, Makoto; Hashimoto, Jun; Kawato, Yoshitaka; Kaneshiro, Shoichi; Morimoto, Tokimitsu; Koizumi, Kota; Yoshikawa, Hideki

2013-01-01

Nanobubbles (<200 nm in diameter) have several unique properties such as long lifetime in liquid owing to its negatively charged surface, and its high gas solubility into the liquid owing to its high internal pressure. They are used in variety of fields including diagnostic aids and drug delivery, while there are no reports assessing their effects on the growth of lives. Nanobubbles of air or oxygen gas were generated using a nanobubble aerator (BUVITAS; Ligaric Company Limited, Osaka, Japan). Brassica campestris were cultured hydroponically for 4 weeks within air-nanobubble water or within normal water. Sweetfish (for 3 weeks) and rainbow trout (for 6 weeks) were kept either within air-nanobubble water or within normal water. Finally, 5 week-old male DBA1/J mice were bred with normal free-chaw and free-drinking either of oxygen-nanobubble water or of normal water for 12 weeks. Oxygen-nanobubble significantly increased the dissolved oxygen concentration of water as well as concentration/size of nanobubbles which were relatively stable for 70 days. Air-nanobubble water significantly promoted the height (19.1 vs. 16.7 cm; P<0.05), length of leaves (24.4 vs. 22.4 cm; P<0.01), and aerial fresh weight (27.3 vs. 20.3 g; P<0.01) of Brassica campestris compared to normal water. Total weight of sweetfish increased from 3.0 to 6.4 kg in normal water, whereas it increased from 3.0 to 10.2 kg in air-nanobubble water. In addition, total weight of rainbow trout increased from 50.0 to 129.5 kg in normal water, whereas it increased from 50.0 to 148.0 kg in air-nanobubble water. Free oral intake of oxygen-nanobubble water significantly promoted the weight (23.5 vs. 21.8 g; P<0.01) and the length (17.0 vs. 16.1 cm; P<0.001) of mice compared to that of normal water. We have demonstrated for the first time that oxygen and air-nanobubble water may be potentially effective tools for the growth of lives. PMID:23755221

Oxygen and air nanobubble water solution promote the growth of plants, fishes, and mice.

PubMed

Ebina, Kosuke; Shi, Kenrin; Hirao, Makoto; Hashimoto, Jun; Kawato, Yoshitaka; Kaneshiro, Shoichi; Morimoto, Tokimitsu; Koizumi, Kota; Yoshikawa, Hideki

2013-01-01

Nanobubbles (<200 nm in diameter) have several unique properties such as long lifetime in liquid owing to its negatively charged surface, and its high gas solubility into the liquid owing to its high internal pressure. They are used in variety of fields including diagnostic aids and drug delivery, while there are no reports assessing their effects on the growth of lives. Nanobubbles of air or oxygen gas were generated using a nanobubble aerator (BUVITAS; Ligaric Company Limited, Osaka, Japan). Brassica campestris were cultured hydroponically for 4 weeks within air-nanobubble water or within normal water. Sweetfish (for 3 weeks) and rainbow trout (for 6 weeks) were kept either within air-nanobubble water or within normal water. Finally, 5 week-old male DBA1/J mice were bred with normal free-chaw and free-drinking either of oxygen-nanobubble water or of normal water for 12 weeks. Oxygen-nanobubble significantly increased the dissolved oxygen concentration of water as well as concentration/size of nanobubbles which were relatively stable for 70 days. Air-nanobubble water significantly promoted the height (19.1 vs. 16.7 cm; P<0.05), length of leaves (24.4 vs. 22.4 cm; P<0.01), and aerial fresh weight (27.3 vs. 20.3 g; P<0.01) of Brassica campestris compared to normal water. Total weight of sweetfish increased from 3.0 to 6.4 kg in normal water, whereas it increased from 3.0 to 10.2 kg in air-nanobubble water. In addition, total weight of rainbow trout increased from 50.0 to 129.5 kg in normal water, whereas it increased from 50.0 to 148.0 kg in air-nanobubble water. Free oral intake of oxygen-nanobubble water significantly promoted the weight (23.5 vs. 21.8 g; P<0.01) and the length (17.0 vs. 16.1 cm; P<0.001) of mice compared to that of normal water. We have demonstrated for the first time that oxygen and air-nanobubble water may be potentially effective tools for the growth of lives.

Modified classification and single-stage microsurgical repair of posttraumatic infected massive bone defects in lower extremities.

PubMed

Yang, Yun-fa; Xu, Zhong-he; Zhang, Guang-ming; Wang, Jian-wei; Hu, Si-wang; Hou, Zhi-qi; Xu, Da-chuan

2013-11-01

Posttraumatic infected massive bone defects in lower extremities are difficult to repair because they frequently exhibit massive bone and/or soft tissue defects, serious bone infection, and excessive scar proliferation. This study aimed to determine whether these defects could be classified and repaired at a single stage. A total of 51 cases of posttraumatic infected massive bone defect in lower extremity were included in this study. They were classified into four types on the basis of the conditions of the bone defects, soft tissue defects, and injured limb length, including Type A (without soft tissue defects), Type B (with soft tissue defects of 10 × 20 cm or less), Type C (with soft tissue defects of 10 × 20 cm or more), and Type D (with the limb shortening of 3 cm or more). Four types of single-stage microsurgical repair protocols were planned accordingly and implemented respectively. These protocols included the following: Protocol A, where vascularized fibular graft was implemented for Type A; Protocol B, where vascularized fibular osteoseptocutaneous graft was implemented for Type B; Protocol C, where vascularized fibular graft and anterior lateral thigh flap were used for Type C; and Protocol D, where limb lengthening and Protocols A, B, or C were used for Type D. There were 12, 33, 4, and 2 cases of Types A, B, C, and D, respectively, according to this classification. During the surgery, three cases of planned Protocol B had to be shifted into Protocol C; however, all microsurgical repairs were completed. With reference to Johner-Wruhs evaluation method, the total percentage of excellent and good results was 82.35% after 6 to 41 months of follow-up. It was concluded that posttraumatic massive bone defects could be accurately classified into four types on the basis of the conditions of bone defects, soft tissue coverage, and injured limb length, and successfully repaired with the single-stage repair protocols after thorough debridement. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Effects of wind velocity and slope on fire behavior

Treesearch

D.R. Weise; G.S. Biging

1994-01-01

Effects of wind velocity and slope on fire spread rate and flame length were examined. Fuel beds of vertical sticks (13.97 cm x 0.455 cm x 0.1 10 cm) and coarse excelsior were burned in an open-topped tilting wind tunnel. Mean fuel moisture content of sticks and excelsior was 11% and 12%, respectively. Mean surface area to volume ratio was 23 cm-! Five slopes (negative...

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.

[Experiences with the condition of resection of the hip joint following removal of the alloarthroplastic implantate (author's transl)].

PubMed

Reflor, H J; Wirth, C J; Schreiner, B

1979-10-01

30 patients whose total endoprosthesis of the hip joint had been removed without any replacement, thus creating a so-called state of secondary resection, were followed up 6 months to 6 years after the operation. It was found that in almost two-thirds of the cases a subjective feeling of improved mobility was reported. The objective findings consisted in restrictions of the total rotation, abduction and adduction of 1/3 rd of the normal extent of mobility. An average value of 74.7 degrees was recorded for flexion. 28 patients stated that their walking performance was satisfactory to very good when using a walking-stick as support. More than three-quarters of the patients questioned stated their pain had been positively influenced by the creation of the state of secondary resection. Another objective finding was a difference between the length of the legs amounting to 4.2 cm on the average. We could prove the existence of a relationship between the difference in leg length and the roentgenologically visualised supporting of the resection area of the coxal end of the femur at the lateral pelvis. Since all the patients with the exception of two could resume their customary daily routine activities, the state of secondary resection after unsuccessful total endoprosthesis of the hip joint must be considered a reasonably acceptable alternative.

Comparison of short-term outcomes between laparoscopic-assisted and open complete mesocolic excision (CME) for the treatment of transverse colon cancer.

PubMed

Wang, Yong; Zhang, Chuan; Feng, Yi-Fei; Fu, Zan; Sun, Yue-Ming

2017-02-01

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Although laparoscopic-assisted complete mesocolic excision (LCME) is a superior treatment, there are few studies available on it owe to the low incidence and technical difficulty of LCME in transverse colon cancer. The clinical data of 78 patients with transverse colon cancer who were treated by LCME and open complete mesocolic excision (OCME) were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 39 cases had been treated by LCME, compared with 39 cases treated by OCME. The patient characteristics and short-term outcomes including operation time, intra-operative blood loss, length of incision, time to first flatus, first postoperative ambulation, postoperative hospitalization time, number of harvested lymph nodes, length of resected specimen and incidence of complications were evaluated. There was no case converted to OCME in LCME group. LCME had significantly shorter length of incision, shorter operation time, less intra-operative blood loss, shorter postoperative hospitalization time (P<0.05). The length of resected specimen and the numbers of harvested lymph nodes were (26.5±5.4 cm) and (16.2±3.1) in LCME group, and (24.8±4.9 cm) and (15.1±3.5) in OCME group, with no differences between two groups. The incidence of wound infection was lower while the incidence of lymphatic leakage, anastomotic leakage, urinary tract infection and wound dehiscence had no significant differences between two groups. None of patients in these two groups developed urinary retention, anastomotic bleeding and postoperative intestinal obstruction. Our findings suggested that LCME is a safe, feasible and effective treatment method for the treatment of transverse colon cancer due to it can provide superior short-term outcomes including less intra-operative blood loss, faster recovery and lower incidence of wound infection.

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%).

Treatment room length-of-stay and patient throughput with radioiodine thyroid remnant ablation in differentiated thyroid cancer: comparison of thyroid-stimulating hormone stimulation methods.

PubMed

Vallejo Casas, Juan Antonio; Mena Bares, Luisa M; Gálvez, María Angeles; Marlowe, Robert J; Latre Romero, José M; Martínez-Paredes, María

2011-09-01

We sought to empirically compare treatment room length-of-stay and patient throughput for recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH)-aided thyroid remnant ablation with thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW)-aided ablation in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). We retrospectively reviewed charts of all eligible (near) totally thyroidectomized patients with DTC undergoing ablation and 1-year ablation success evaluation at our tertiary referral centre from January 2003 to February 2009 (N=274). M1 disease caused exclusion unless discovered by a postablation scan or present when rhTSH was the only tolerable stimulation method. We extracted data on the length-of-stay, defined as the time between treatment room admission and discharge, and patient throughput, defined as patients ablated per treatment room per week. The treatment room discharge criterion was a whole-body dose rate of less than 60 μSv/h at 50 cm. The treatment groups (rhTSH, n=187; THW, n=87) had mostly statistically similar characteristics, but differed in primary tumour status distribution. In addition, at ablation, the rhTSH patients had a greater prevalence of prior diagnostic scintigraphy, higher mean serum TSH, and shorter interval since surgery, and received a 5.6% larger mean ablation activity. On average, rhTSH patients had a significantly lower peak whole-body dose rate (57.1 vs. 83.4 μSv/h at 50 cm; P<0.0001) and a significantly shorter treatment room stay than did the THW patients (1.41 vs. 2.02 days; P<0.001). rhTSH use allowed significantly more patients to be ablated per room per week (2.7 vs. 1.2; P<0.001). Relative to THW, rhTSH use to aid ablation reduced mean treatment room length-of-stay by almost one-third and more than doubled the average weekly patient throughput, both of which were significant differences.

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.

A meta-analysis of the effect of hospital-based case management on hospital length-of-stay and readmission.

PubMed

Kim, Young-Ju; Soeken, Karen L

2005-01-01

Although many hospital-based case management (CM) interventions have been studied, there is little work summarizing the effectiveness of these studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hospital-based CM compared with usual care on length of hospital stay and readmission rate. A meta-analytic method was employed to analyze the effect sizes of CM intervention on outcomes. Eligible studies were retrieved using computerized database searches, footnote chasing, and contact with content experts. The authors reviewed the final 12 studies, and the effect size, 95% confidence interval (CI), sensitivity, homogeneity, and publication bias were analyzed. The overall average weighted effect size on length of stay (LOS) was 0.094 with a 95% CI of -0.032 to 0.220. The overall odds ratio for readmission was 0.87 with a 95% CI of 0.69 to 1.04. Overall, hospital-based CM interventions were not significantly effective in reducing LOS and readmissions. However, CM for patients with heart failure (effect size of 0.241 with a 95% CI of 0.012 to 0.470) was significantly effective in reducing LOS, although it was not effective for stroke patients (effect size of -0.226 with a 95% CI of -0.542 to 0.089) and frail elders (effect size of 0.126 with a 95% CI of -0.073 to 0.324). Analysis indicated that in this meta-analysis publication bias was unlikely. The findings of this meta-analysis demonstrate a 6% decrease in readmission rate for patients who received hospital-based CM interventions. Further meta-analytic studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of CM on other outcomes.

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.

Phlebitis induced by parenteral treatment with flucloxacillin and cloxacillin: a double-blind study.

PubMed Central

Svedhem, A; Alestig, K; Jertborn, M

1980-01-01

Two studies were performed on a total of 54 patients with staphylococcal infections. Study I compares with phlebitogenic properties of flucloxacillin after intravenous infusions when either saline or sterile water was used as a solvent. No difference was observed between the two solvents, and the frequency of phlebitis for the total material without respect to solvents was 5% after 1 day of treatment and 13% after 2 days. Study II was a double-blind comparison of phlebitis caused by intravenous infusions of either flucloxacillin or cloxacillin. The frequencies of phlebitis were found to be 18 and 13%, respectively. After 2 days of treatment the frequency of phlebitis increased dramatically for both drugs. All infusions were given through a plastic cannula of 5-cm length and 1.2-mm diameter. PMID:7447412

Pressure Flammability Thresholds of Selected Aerospace Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hirsch, David B.; Williams, James H.; Harper, Susana A.; Beeson, Harold D.; Ruff, Gary A.; Pedley, Michael D.

2010-01-01

A test program was performed to determine the highest pressure in oxygen where materials used in the planned NASA Constellation Program Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) Crew Module (CM) would not propagate a flame if an ignition source was present. The test methodology used was similar to that previously used to determine the maximum oxygen concentration (MOC) at which self-extinguishment occurs under constant total pressure conditions. An upward limiting pressure index (ULPI) was determined, where approximately 50 percent of the materials self-extinguish in a given environment. Following this, the maximum total pressure (MTP) was identified; where all samples tested (at least five) self-extinguished following the NASA-STD-6001.A Test 1 burn length criteria. The results obtained on seven materials indicate that the non-metallic materials become flammable in oxygen between 0.4 and 0.9 psia.

Achondroplasia and limb lengthening: Results in a UK cohort and review of the literature

PubMed Central

Donaldson, James; Aftab, Syed; Bradish, Christopher

2015-01-01

Aims We aim to review the results, complications and outcomes of a single surgeon's series of lower limb lengthening in patients with achondroplasia. Methods Ten achondroplastic children underwent limb lengthening. The patients, medical records and radiographs were reviewed. Results The average age at the time of the index operation was 7.8 years. A single surgeon undertook all procedures. The average total length gain was 20.5 cm. The commonest complication was a fractured femur after removal of the frame. Conclusion Although complication rates were high (70%), none were left with any long-term sequelae and all were pleased with the results. PMID:25829758

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] ...

Adaptation of fine roots to annual fertilization and irrigation in a 13-year-old Pinus pinaster stand.

PubMed

Bakker, M R; Jolicoeur, E; Trichet, P; Augusto, L; Plassard, C; Guinberteau, J; Loustau, D

2009-02-01

Effects of fertilization and irrigation on fine roots and fungal hyphae were studied in 13-year-old maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aït. in Soland), 7 years after the initiation of the treatments. The fertilization trials consisted of a phosphorus treatment, a complete fertilizer treatment (N, P, K, Ca and Mg), and an unfertilized treatment (control). Fertilizers were applied annually and were adjusted according to foliar target values. Two irrigation regimes (no irrigation and irrigation of a set amount each day) were applied from May to October. Root samples to depths of 120 cm were collected in summer of 2005, and the biomass of small roots (diameter 2-20 mm) and fine roots (diameter

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.