Injectable self inflating hydrogel pellet expanders for the treatment of orbital volume deficiency in congenital microphthalmos: preliminary results with a new therapeutic approach

PubMed Central

Schittkowski, M P; Guthoff, R F

2006-01-01

Background/aim Children with congenital microphthalmos are usually able to wear an eye prosthesis but the cosmetic aspect is determined by the size of the orbital volume deficiency. Instead of using a ball shaped standard hydrogel expander or a regular orbital implant, which would necessitate enucleation of the microphthalmic eye, this study investigates the feasibility of volume augmentation with injectable pellet expanders, as formerly suggested for acquired anophthalmos in adults only. Method The pellet expander is made from a self inflating hydrogel that takes up water by osmosis (dry state: length 8 mm, diameter 2 mm, volume 0.025 ml; in vitro hydrated state after around 1 day: length 15 mm, diameter 4 mm, volume 0.24 ml; swelling capacity: 9.6‐fold). This report concerns six patients (two girls and four boys) aged between 4 months and 42 months with unilateral microphthalmos who were treated by injection of 4–14 pellet expanders into the retrobulbar orbital tissue. Volume augmentation was 1–3.5 ml. The pellets were injected using a customised trocar and placed behind the microphthalmos directed into the intraconal space. Results The increasing orbital volume was noticeable within 2 days and was confirmed by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. The final result can be anticipated by the volume augmentation effect produced by the amount of saline solution injected in the orbital apex region. All patients were fitted with an artificial eye, which was subsequently enlarged every 3–5 months. Anophthalmic enophthalmos was fully compensated with this technique. No complications have been encountered to date. Conclusions Orbital volume augmentation with injectable self inflating hydrogel expander pellets is apparently a safe, quick, and minimally invasive technique for various indications in orbital reconstructive surgery—for example, to treat an enophthalmic appearance in microphthalmos and congenital or acquired anophthalmos. PMID:16707526

First demonstration of laser engagement of 1-Hz-injected flying pellets and neutron generation.

PubMed

Komeda, Osamu; Nishimura, Yasuhiko; Mori, Yoshitaka; Hanayama, Ryohei; Ishii, Katsuhiro; Nakayama, Suisei; Kitagawa, Yoneyoshi; Sekine, Takashi; Sato, Nakahiro; Kurita, Takashi; Kawashima, Toshiyuki; Kan, Hirofumi; Nakamura, Naoki; Kondo, Takuya; Fujine, Manabu; Azuma, Hirozumi; Motohiro, Tomoyoshi; Hioki, Tatsumi; Kakeno, Mitsutaka; Sunahara, Atsushi; Sentoku, Yasuhiko; Miura, Eisuke

2013-01-01

Pellet injection and repetitive laser illumination are key technologies for realizing inertial fusion energy. Numerous studies have been conducted on target suppliers, injectors, and tracking systems for flying pellet engagement. Here we for the first time demonstrate the pellet injection, counter laser beams' engagement and neutron generation. Deuterated polystyrene (CD) bead pellets, after free-falling for a distance of 18 cm at 1 Hz, are successfully engaged by two counter laser beams from a diode-pumped, ultra-intense laser HAMA. The laser energy, pulse duration, wavelength, and the intensity are 0.63 J per beam, 104 fs, and 811 nm, 4.7 × 10(18) W/cm(2), respectively. The irradiated pellets produce D(d,n)(3)He-reacted neutrons with a maximum yield of 9.5 × 10(4)/4π sr/shot. Moreover, the laser is found out to bore a straight channel with 10 μm-diameter through the 1-mm-diameter beads. The results indicate potentially useful technologies and findings for the next step in realizing inertial fusion energy.

First demonstration of laser engagement of 1-Hz-injected flying pellets and neutron generation

PubMed Central

Komeda, Osamu; Nishimura, Yasuhiko; Mori, Yoshitaka; Hanayama, Ryohei; Ishii, Katsuhiro; Nakayama, Suisei; Kitagawa, Yoneyoshi; Sekine, Takashi; Sato, Nakahiro; Kurita, Takashi; Kawashima, Toshiyuki; Kan, Hirofumi; Nakamura, Naoki; Kondo, Takuya; Fujine, Manabu; Azuma, Hirozumi; Motohiro, Tomoyoshi; Hioki, Tatsumi; Kakeno, Mitsutaka; Sunahara, Atsushi; Sentoku, Yasuhiko; Miura, Eisuke

2013-01-01

Pellet injection and repetitive laser illumination are key technologies for realizing inertial fusion energy. Numerous studies have been conducted on target suppliers, injectors, and tracking systems for flying pellet engagement. Here we for the first time demonstrate the pellet injection, counter laser beams' engagement and neutron generation. Deuterated polystyrene (CD) bead pellets, after free-falling for a distance of 18 cm at 1 Hz, are successfully engaged by two counter laser beams from a diode-pumped, ultra-intense laser HAMA. The laser energy, pulse duration, wavelength, and the intensity are 0.63 J per beam, 104 fs, and 811 nm, 4.7 × 1018 W/cm2, respectively. The irradiated pellets produce D(d,n)3He-reacted neutrons with a maximum yield of 9.5 × 104/4π sr/shot. Moreover, the laser is found out to bore a straight channel with 10 μm-diameter through the 1-mm-diameter beads. The results indicate potentially useful technologies and findings for the next step in realizing inertial fusion energy. PMID:24008696

Shock Desensitization Effect in the STANAG 4363 Confined Explosive Component Water Gap Test

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

Lefrancois, A S; Lee, R S; Tarver, C M

2006-06-07

The Explosive Component Water Gap Test (ECWGT) in the Stanag 4363 has been recently investigated to assess the shock sensitivity of lead and booster components having a diameter less than 5 mm. For that purpose, Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN) based pellets having a height and diameter of 3 mm have been confined by a steel annulus of wall thickness 1-3.5 mm and with the same height as the pellet. 1-mm wall thickness makes the component more sensitive (larger gap). As the wall thickness is increased to 2-mm, the gap increases a lesser amount, but when the wall thickness is increased tomore » 3.5-mm a decrease in sensitivity is observed (smaller gap). This decrease of the water gap has been reproduced experimentally by many nations. Numerical simulations using Ignition and Growth model have been performed in this paper and have reproduced the experimental results for the steel confinement up to 2 mm thick and aluminum confinement. A stronger re-shock following the first input shock from the water is focusing on the axis due to the confinement. The double shock configuration is well-known to lead in some cases to shock desensitization.« less

Evaluation of the viability of Lactobacillus spp. after the production of different solid dosage forms.

PubMed

Brachkova, Mariya I; Duarte, Aida; Pinto, João F

2009-09-01

The work aims to provide evidence on the viability of Lactobacillus spp. and a spore form of Bacillus subtilis from nonprocessed bacteria to coated dosage forms (i.e., mini-tablets, pellets, and their coated forms). Lactobacillus spp. were cultivated overnight in MRS broth (10(9) cfu/mL) and B. subtilis spores were produced on plate count agar (10(7) cfu/mL) for 2 weeks. Bacteria and spores were freeze-dried in skim milk enriched with glycerol. The cakes were further processed into tablets (2.5 mm diameter) by direct compression with or without microcrystalline cellulose and inulin. Pellets (1-1.4 mm diameter) were produced by extrusion-spheronization of bacterial and spore suspensions with microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, inulin, and skim milk. Both tablets and pellets were film coated. The properties of the dosage forms, particularly the bacterial viability, were evaluated immediately after production and throughout storage for 6 months at 4 degrees C. The study has shown that for an adequate stabilization of the bacteria a protective matrix (e.g., skim milk) and cryoprotectors (e.g., glycerol) must be present at early stages of bacterial de-hydration. Tabletting had a less deleterious effect (<2 log units) on bacteria when compared to pelletization (in some cases 3 log units). Enteric coating (15%, w/w) of either tablets or pellets did not affect the viability of the bacteria.

Preparation of gastro-resistant pellets containing chitosan microspheres for improvement of oral didanosine bioavailability

PubMed Central

Severino, Patrícia; de Oliveira, George G.G.; Ferraz, Humberto G.; Souto, Eliana B.; Santana, Maria H.A.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this work was to introduce a new concept of coated pellets containing chitosan microspheres loaded with didadosine for oral administration, aiming at reducing the frequency of administration and improving the bioavailability by a suitable release profile. Chitosan microspheres were produced under fluidized bed, followed by extrusion and spheronization to obtain pellets with a mean diameter of about 1 mm. The pellets were then coated with Kollidon® VA64 and Kollicoat® MAE100P in water dispersion to depict a sustained release profile. Conventional hard gelatine capsules were loaded with these pellets and tested in vitro for their release profile of didadosine. Dissolution testing confirmed that chitosan microsphere pellets provides appropriate sustained release up to 2 h behavior for didanosine. PMID:29403741

Simultaneous removal of carbon and nitrogen by mycelial pellets of a heterotrophic nitrifying fungus-Penicillium sp. L1.

PubMed

Liu, Yuxiang; Hu, Tingting; Zhao, Jing; Lv, Yongkang; Ren, Ruipeng

2017-02-01

A novel heterotrophic nitrifying fungus, defined as Penicillium sp. L1, can form mycelial pellets in liquid medium in this study. The effects of inoculation method, C/N ratio, initial pH, and temperature were gradually evaluated to improve the simultaneous removal of total nitrogen (TN) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in wastewater by Penicillium sp. L1. Results showed that compared with spore inoculation, 48 h pellet inoculum could significantly increase the pellet size (from about 1.5 mm to 3.2 mm) and improve the removal capability, particularly for COD removal (from less than 50-86.20%). The removal efficiencies of TN and COD reached 98.38% (from 136.01 mg/L to 2.20 mg/L) and 92.40% (from 10,720 mg/L to 815 mg/L) under the following conditions: C/N 36, pH 3, 30°C, and inoculation with 48 h pellets. The pellet diameter reached 4.8 mm after 4-day cultivation. In this case, Penicillium sp. L1 removed TN from 415.93 mg/L to 43.39 mg/L, as well as COD from 29,533 mg/L to 8850 mg/L. Overall, the results indicated that the pellet size was closely related to the pollutant-removal ability of Penicillium sp. L1. Furthermore, mycelial pellets (4.8 mm, dead) only adsorbed 38.08% TN (from 125.45 mg/L to 77.78 mg/L), which indicated that adsorption did not play a major role in the nitrogen-removal process. Copyright © 2016 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Behavior of Quartz and Carbon Black Pellets at Elevated Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Fei; Tangstad, Merete

This paper studies the quartz and carbon black pellets at elevated temperature with varying temperature and gas atmosphere. High-purity quartz and commercial ultra-pure carbon black was mixed (carbon content vet. 15%), and then pelletized into particles of l-3mm in diameter. The stoichiometric analysis of the pellet during heating is studied in thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) furnace at different temperature in CO and Ar atmosphere. The microstructure, phase changes and element content of sample before/after heating is characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, X-ray fluorescence and LECO analyzer. The reaction process can be divided into two stages. Higher temperature and argon atmosphere are the positive parameters for SiC formation.

Further Development of the Gyrotron- Powered Pellet Accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perkins, Francis

2007-11-01

The Gyrotron-Powered Pellet Accelerator provides an enabling technology to efficiently fuel ITER with fast pellets launched from the High Field Side (HFS) separatrix. Pellet experiments have repeatedly found that fuel efficiently is high - consistent with 100%. In contrast, Low Field Side (LFS) launch experiments find efficiencies of 50% or less. This report addresses what experimental program and what material choices can be made to retain program momentum. An initial program seeks to establish that our heterogeneous approach to conductivity works, maintaining s 1 mho/m. A demonstration of acceleration can be carried out in a very simple laboratory when the pusher material D2[Be] is replaced by LiH[C] which is a room temperature solid with a graphite particle suspension. No cryogenics or hazard chemicals. The mm-wave mirror will be graphite, the tamper is sapphire, and the payload LiD. The payload has a pellet has diameter = 3mm and a mass M = 4.4x10-4 kg which is 220 joules at V=1000 m/s. A barrel length of 15 cm completes the design specification.

Twenty barrel in situ pipe gun type solid hydrogen pellet injector for the Large Helical Device.

PubMed

Sakamoto, Ryuichi; Motojima, Gen; Hayashi, Hiromi; Inoue, Tomoyuki; Ito, Yasuhiko; Ogawa, Hideki; Takami, Shigeyuki; Yokota, Mitsuhiro; Yamada, Hiroshi

2013-08-01

A 20 barrel solid hydrogen pellet injector, which is able to inject 20 cylindrical pellets with a diameter and length of between 3.0 and 3.8 mm at the velocity of 1200 m/s, has been developed for the purpose of direct core fueling in LHD (Large Helical Device). The in situ pipe gun concept with the use of compact cryo-coolers enables stable operation as a fundamental facility in plasma experiments. The combination of the two types of pellet injection timing control modes, i.e., pre-programing mode and real-time control mode, allows the build-up and sustainment of high density plasma around the density limit. The pellet injector has demonstrated stable operation characteristics during the past three years of LHD experiments.

Implementation of focal zooming on the Nike KrF laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kehne, D. M.; Karasik, M.; Aglitsky, Y.; Smyth, Z.; Terrell, S.; Weaver, J. L.; Chan, Y.; Lehmberg, R. H.; Obenschain, S. P.

2013-01-01

In direct drive inertial confinement laser fusion, a pellet containing D-T fuel is imploded by ablation arising from absorption of laser energy at its outer surface. For optimal coupling, the focal spot of the laser would continuously decrease to match the reduction in the pellet's diameter, thereby minimizing wasted energy. A krypton-fluoride laser (λ = 248 nm) that incorporates beam smoothing by induced spatial incoherence has the ability to produce a high quality focal profile whose diameter varies with time, a property known as focal zooming. A two-stage focal zoom has been demonstrated on the Nike laser at the Naval Research Laboratory. In the experiment, a 4.4 ns laser pulse was created in which the on-target focal spot diameter was 1.3 mm (full width at half maximum) for the first 2.4 ns and 0.28 mm for the final 2 ns. These two diameters appear in time-integrated focal plane equivalent images taken at several locations in the amplification chain. Eight of the zoomed output beams were overlapped on a 60 μm thick planar polystyrene target. Time resolved images of self-emission from the rear of the target show the separate shocks launched by the two corresponding laser focal diameters.

Implementation of focal zooming on the Nike KrF laser.

PubMed

Kehne, D M; Karasik, M; Aglitsky, Y; Smyth, Z; Terrell, S; Weaver, J L; Chan, Y; Lehmberg, R H; Obenschain, S P

2013-01-01

In direct drive inertial confinement laser fusion, a pellet containing D-T fuel is imploded by ablation arising from absorption of laser energy at its outer surface. For optimal coupling, the focal spot of the laser would continuously decrease to match the reduction in the pellet's diameter, thereby minimizing wasted energy. A krypton-fluoride laser (λ = 248 nm) that incorporates beam smoothing by induced spatial incoherence has the ability to produce a high quality focal profile whose diameter varies with time, a property known as focal zooming. A two-stage focal zoom has been demonstrated on the Nike laser at the Naval Research Laboratory. In the experiment, a 4.4 ns laser pulse was created in which the on-target focal spot diameter was 1.3 mm (full width at half maximum) for the first 2.4 ns and 0.28 mm for the final 2 ns. These two diameters appear in time-integrated focal plane equivalent images taken at several locations in the amplification chain. Eight of the zoomed output beams were overlapped on a 60 μm thick planar polystyrene target. Time resolved images of self-emission from the rear of the target show the separate shocks launched by the two corresponding laser focal diameters.

Fabrication of high-k dielectric Calcium Copper Titanate (CCTO) target by solid state route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tripathy, N.; Das, K. C.; Ghosh, S. P.; Bose, G.; Kar, J. P.

2016-02-01

CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) ceramic pellet of 10mm diameter has been synthesized by adopting solid state route. The structural and morphological characterization of the ceramics sample was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. XRD pattern revealed the CCTO phase formation, where as SEM micrograph shows the sample consisting of well defined grain and grain boundaries. The room temperature dielectric constant of the sample was found to be ∼ 5000 at 1kHz. After successful preparation of CCTO pellet, a 2 inch diameter CCTO sputtering target is also fabricated in order to deposit CCTO thin films for microelectronic applications.

A new tritiated water measurement method with plastic scintillator pellets.

PubMed

Furuta, Etsuko; Iwasaki, Noriko; Kato, Yuka; Tomozoe, Yusuke

2016-01-01

A new tritiated water measurement method with plastic scintillator pellets (PS-pellets) by using a conventional liquid scintillation counter was developed. The PS-pellets used were 3 mm in both diameter and length. A low potassium glass vial was filled full with the pellets, and tritiated water was applied to the vial from 5 to 100 μl. Then, the sample solution was scattered in the interstices of the pellets in a vial. This method needs no liquid scintillator, so no liquid organic waste fluid is generated. The counting efficiency with the pellets was approximately 48 % when a 5 μl solution was used, which was higher than that of conventional measurement using liquid scintillator. The relationship between count rate and activity showed good linearity. The pellets were able to be used repeatedly, so few solid wastes are generated with this method. The PS-pellets are useful for tritiated water measurement; however, it is necessary to develop a new device which can be applied to a larger volume and measure low level concentration like an environmental application.

DEVELOPMENT OF A CALCIUM-BASED SORBENT FOR HOT GAS CLEANUP

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

T.D. Wheelock; L.K. Doraiswamy; K. Constant

1999-10-01

The development and testing of potential calcium-based sorbents for hot gas cleanup continued. One of the most promising materials combines powdered limestone and a calcium aluminate cement by two step pelletization followed by steam curing. Reasonably strong pellets are produced with good adsorption characteristics by incorporating 20 wt.% cement in the core and 40 wt.% cement in the shell. The resulting 4.76 mm diameter pellets are capable of withstanding a crushing force approaching 11.5 N/mm before breaking and are also capable of removing H{sub 2}S from dilute, hot gas streams. The pellets are also regenerable and reusable. Another promising materialmore » combines calcium carbonate powder and finely ground calcined alumina in tablet form. The small tablets are prepared by mixing the materials with water to form a thick paste which is then molded and dried. The tablets are hardened by calcining at either 1000 to 1100 C. The resulting tablets are strong and capable of removing H{sub 2}S from a dilute, hot gas stream.« less

QUALITY OF WOOD PELLETS PRODUCED IN BRITISH COLUMBIA FOR EXPORT

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

Tumuluru, J.S.; Sokhansanj, Shahabaddine; Lim, C. Jim

2010-11-01

Wood pellet production and its use for heat and power production are increasing worldwide. The quality of export pellets has to consistently meet certain specifications as stipulated by the larger buyers, such as power utilities or as specified by the standards used for the non-industrial bag market. No specific data is available regarding the quality of export pellets to Europe. To develop a set of baseline data, wood pellets were sampled at an export terminal in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The sampling period was 18 months in 2007-2008 when pellets were transferred from storage bins to the ocean vessels. Themore » sampling frequency was once every 1.5 to 2 months for a total of 9 loading/shipping events. The physical properties of the wood pellets measured were moisture content in the range of 3.5% to 6.5%, bulk density from 728 to 808 kg/m3, durability from 97% to 99%, fines content from 0.03% to 0.87%, calorific value as is from 17 to almost 18 MJ/kg, and ash content from 0.26% to 0.93%.The diameter and length were in the range of 6.4 to 6.5 mm and 14.0 to 19.0 mm, respectively. All of these values met the published non-industrial European grades (CEN) and the grades specified by the Pellet Fuel Institute for the United States for the bag market. The measured values for wood pellet properties were consistent except the ash content values decreased over the test period.« less

Quality of Wood Pellets Produced in British Columbia for Export

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

J. S. Tumuluru; S. Sokhansanj; C. J. Lim

2010-11-01

Wood pellet production and its use for heat and power production are increasing worldwide. The quality of export pellets has to consistently meet certain specifications as stipulated by the larger buyers, such as power utilities or as specified by the standards used for the non-industrial bag market. No specific data is available regarding the quality of export pellets to Europe. To develop a set of baseline data, wood pellets were sampled at an export terminal in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The sampling period was 18 months in 2007-2008 when pellets were transferred from storage bins to the ocean vessels. Themore » sampling frequency was once every 1.5 to 2 months for a total of 9 loading/shipping events. The physical properties of the wood pellets measured were moisture content in the range of 3.5% to 6.5%, bulk density from 728 to 808 kg/m3, durability from 97% to 99%, fines content from 0.03% to 0.87%, calorific value as is from 17 to almost 18 MJ/kg, and ash content from 0.26% to 0.93%.The diameter and length were in the range of 6.4 to 6.5 mm and 14.0 to 19.0 mm, respectively. All of these values met the published non-industrial European grades (CEN) and the grades specified by the Pellet Fuel Institute for the United States for the bag market. The measured values for wood pellet properties were consistent except the ash content values decreased over the test period.« less

Spectroscopy of Minerals Analogs of Mercury Under the Hermean Conditions: The Effect of the Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bott, N.; Brunetto, R.; Carli, C.; Capaccioni, F.; Doressoundiram, A.; Langevin, Y.; Perna, D.; Poulet, F.; Serventi, G.; Sgavetti, M.; Borondics, F.; Sandt, C.

2018-05-01

We present a preliminary study of the effects of the strong variations of temperature on minerals of the surface of Mercury. We measured a loose powder (75-100 μm) of plagioclase and 5 mm diameter pellets made with the same powder.

A microwave cavity for measurement of the mass of hydrogen pellets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sørensen, H.; Hansen, J. E.; Michelsen, P.; Sass, B.; Weisberg, K.-V.; Knudsen, O.; Michelsen, E.

1990-11-01

A description is given of a nondestructive method utilizing a microwave cavity for measuring the mass of high-speed pellets of solid hydrogen. The cavity is designed for use on a multishot pellet injector, where eight pellets are fired successively with trajectories being parallel and symmetrical around the injector axis. The cavity is cylindrical with the axis coinciding with the injector axis. When a pellet passes through the cavity through holes of 15-16 mm diameter, the change in resonant frequency is proportional to the pellet mass. As a result of the cylindrical symmetry the sensitivity will be identical for all pellets. The frequency shift is measured directly and is converted to a signal proportional to the size of the pellet. The cavity was calibrated with pellets of H2 and D2 containing around 6×1020 atoms and with velocities between 1200 and 1500 m/s. The sensitivity was found to be 300±15 mV/1020 atoms in both cases. This is in fair agreement with estimates made from the dielectric constants of solid H2 and D2. The cavity is built together with two optical detectors for time of flight measurements to form an integrated diagnostic unit.

Lead pellet retention time and associated toxicity in northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus).

PubMed

Kerr, Richard; Holladay, Steven; Jarrett, Timothy; Selcer, Barbara; Meldrum, Blair; Williams, Susan; Tannenbaum, Lawrence; Holladay, Jeremy; Williams, Jamie; Gogal, Robert

2010-12-01

Birds are exposed to Pb by oral ingestion of spent Pb shot as grit. A paucity of data exists for retention and clearance of these particles in the bird gastrointestinal tract. In the current study, northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) were orally gavaged with 1, 5, or 10 Pb shot pellets, of 2-mm diameter, and radiographically followed over time. Blood Pb levels and other measures of toxicity were collected, to correlate with pellet retention. Quail dosed with either 5 or 10 pellets exhibited morbidity between weeks 1 and 2 and were removed from further study. Most of the Pb pellets were absorbed or excreted within 14 d of gavage, independent of dose. Pellet size in the ventriculus decreased over time in radiographs, suggesting dissolution caused by the acidic pH. Birds dosed with one pellet showed mean blood Pb levels that exceeded 1,300 µg/dl at week 1, further supporting dissolution in the gastrointestinal tract. Limited signs of toxicity were seen in the one-pellet birds; however, plasma δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (d-ALAD) activity was persistently depressed, suggesting possible impaired hematological function. © 2010 SETAC.

Twin-Screw Extruder Development for the ITER Pellet Injection System

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

Meitner, Steven J; Baylor, Larry R; Combs, Stephen Kirk

The ITER pellet injection system is comprised of devices to form and accelerate pellets, and will be connected to inner wall guide tubes for fueling, and outer wall guide tubes for ELM pacing. An extruder will provide a stream of solid hydrogen isotopes to a secondary section, where pellets are cut and accelerated with a gas gun into the plasma. The ITER pellet injection system is required to provide a plasma fueling rate of 120 Pa-m3/s (900 mbar-L/s) and durations of up to 3000 s. The fueling pellets will be injected at a rate up to 10 Hz and pelletsmore » used to trigger ELMs will be injected at higher rates up to 20 Hz. A twin-screw extruder for the ITER pellet injection system is under development at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. A one-fifth ITER scale prototype has been built and has demonstrated the production of a continuous solid deuterium extrusion. The 27 mm diameter, intermeshed, counter-rotating extruder screws are rotated at a rate up to ≈5 rpm. Deuterium gas is pre-cooled and liquefied and solidified in separate extruder barrels. The precooler consists of a deuterium gas filled copper coil suspended in a separate stainless steel vessel containing liquid nitrogen. The liquefier is comprised of a copper barrel connected to a Cryomech AL330 cryocooler, which has a machined helical groove surrounded by a copper jacket, through which the pre-cooled deuterium condenses. The lower extruder barrel is connected to a Cryomech GB-37 cryocooler to solidify the deuterium (at ≈15 K) before it is forced through the extruder die. The die forms the extrusion to a 3 mm x 4 mm rectangular cross section. Design improvements have been made to improve the pre-cooler and liquefier heat exchangers, to limit the loss of extrusion through gaps in the screws. This paper will describe the design improvements for the next iteration of the extruder prototype.« less

Sulfur in the Corrosion of Superalloys.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-06

mechanically on SiC paper from 240 grit to 600 grit. Some samples were pre- annealed in one atmosphere of hydrogen at about 8000 C prior to the experiment...experiments the samples were used as-received while in others the samples were given a high temperature anneal prior to the diffusion anneal . The...C04- 74-G-0130. Cylindrical pellets, about 11 mm in diameter by 1.7 mm thick were used as received or pre- annealed in 1 atm 02. The samples were

Sustained Release of Lidocaine from Solvent-Free Biodegradable Poly[(d,l)-Lactide-co-Glycolide] (PLGA): In Vitro and In Vivo Study.

PubMed

Kau, Yi-Chuan; Liao, Chia-Chih; Chen, Ying-Chi; Liu, Shih-Jung

2014-09-16

Local anesthetics are commonly used for pain relief by regional nerve blocking. In this study, we fabricated solvent-free biodegradable pellets to extend the duration of lidocaine release without any significant local or systemic toxicity levels. To manufacture the pellets, poly[(d,l)-lactide-co-glycolide] (PLGA) was first pre-mixed with lidocaine powder into different ratios. The powder mixture was then compressed with a mold (diameter of 1, 5, 8 or 10 mm) and sintered at 65 °C to form pellets. The in vitro release study showed that the lidocaine/PLGA pellets exhibited a tri-phase release behavior (a burst, a diffusion-controlled release and a degradation-dominated release) and reached completion around day 28. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photos show that small channels could be found on the surfaces of the pellets on day 2. Furthermore, the polymer matrix swelled and fell apart on day 7, while the pellets became viscous after 10 days of in vitro elution. Perineural administration of the lidocaine/PLGA pellets produced anti-hypersensitivity effects lasting for at least 24 h in rats, significant when compared to the control group (a pure PLGA was pellet administered). In addition, no inflammation was detected within the nerve and in the neighboring muscle by histopathology.

Apparatus and method for classifying fuel pellets for nuclear reactor

DOEpatents

Wilks, Robert S.; Sternheim, Eliezer; Breakey, Gerald A.; Sturges, Jr., Robert H.; Taleff, Alexander; Castner, Raymond P.

1984-01-01

Control for the operation of a mechanical handling and gauging system for nuclear fuel pellets. The pellets are inspected for diameters, lengths, surface flaws and weights in successive stations. The control includes, a computer for commanding the operation of the system and its electronics and for storing and processing the complex data derived at the required high rate. In measuring the diameter, the computer enables the measurement of a calibration pellet, stores that calibration data and computes and stores diameter-correction factors and their addresses along a pellet. To each diameter measurement a correction factor is applied at the appropriate address. The computer commands verification that all critical parts of the system and control are set for inspection and that each pellet is positioned for inspection. During each cycle of inspection, the measurement operation proceeds normally irrespective of whether or not a pellet is present in each station. If a pellet is not positioned in a station, a measurement is recorded, but the recorded measurement indicates maloperation. In measuring diameter and length a light pattern including successive shadows of slices transverse for diameter or longitudinal for length are projected on a photodiode array. The light pattern is scanned electronically by a train of pulses. The pulses are counted during the scan of the lighted diodes. For evaluation of diameter the maximum diameter count and the number of slices for which the diameter exceeds a predetermined minimum is determined. For acceptance, the maximum must be less than a maximum level and the minimum must exceed a set number. For evaluation of length, the maximum length is determined. For acceptance, the length must be within maximum and minimum limits.

Data analysis on physical and mechanical properties of cassava pellets.

PubMed

Oguntunde, Pelumi E; Adejumo, Oluyemisi A; Odetunmibi, Oluwole A; Okagbue, Hilary I; Adejumo, Adebowale O

2018-02-01

In this data article, laboratory experimental investigation results carried out at National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) on moisture content, machine speed, die diameter of the rig, and the outputs (hardness, durability, bulk density, and unit density of the pellets) at different levels of cassava pellets were observed. Analysis of variance using randomized complete block design with factorial was used to perform analysis for each of the outputs: hardness, durability, bulk density, and unit density of the pellets. A clear description on each of these outputs was considered separately using tables and figures. It was observed that for all the output with the exception of unit density, their main factor effects as well as two and three ways interactions is significant at 5% level. This means that the hardness, bulk density and durability of cassava pellets respectively depend on the moisture content of the cassava dough, the machine speed, the die diameter of the extrusion rig and the combinations of these factors in pairs as well as the three altogether. Higher machine speeds produced more quality pellets at lower die diameters while lower machine speed is recommended for higher die diameter. Also the unit density depends on die diameter and the three-way interaction only. Unit density of cassava pellets is neither affected by machine parameters nor moisture content of the cassava dough. Moisture content of cassava dough, speed of the machine and die diameter of the extrusion rig are significant factors to be considered in pelletizing cassava to produce pellets. Increase in moisture content of cassava dough increase the quality of cassava pellets.

Antimicrobial Activity of Nisin and Natamycin Incorporated Sodium Caseinate Extrusion-Blown Films: A Comparative Study with Heat-Pressed/Solution Cast Films.

PubMed

Colak, Basak Yilin; Peynichou, Pierre; Galland, Sophie; Oulahal, Nadia; Prochazka, Frédéric; Degraeve, Pascal

2016-05-01

Antimicrobial edible films based on sodium caseinate, glycerol, and 2 food preservatives (nisin or natamycin) were prepared by classical thermomechanical processes. Food preservatives were compounded (at 65 °C for 2.5 min) with sodium caseinate in a twin-screw extruder. Anti-Listeria activity assays revealed a partial inactivation of nisin following compounding. Thermoplastic pellets containing food preservatives were then used to manufacture films either by blown-film extrusion process or by heat-press. After 24 h of incubation on agar plates, the diameters of K. rhizophila growth inhibition zones around nisin-incorporated films prepared by solution casting (control), extrusion blowing or heat pressing at 80 °C for 7 min of nisin-containing pellets were 15.5 ± 0.9, 9.8 ± 0.2, and 8.6 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. Since heat-pressing for 7 min at 80 °C of nisin-incorporated pellets did not further inactivate nisin, this indicates that nisin inactivation during extrusion-blowing was limited. Moreover, the lower diameter of the K. rhizophila growth inhibition zone around films prepared with nisin-containing pellets compared to that observed around films directly prepared by solution casting confirms that nisin inactivation mainly occurred during the compounding step. Natamycin-containing thermoplastic films inhibited Aspergillus niger growth; however, by contrast with nisin-containing films, heat-pressed films had higher inhibition zone diameters than blown films, therefore suggesting a partial inactivation of natamycin during extrusion-blowing. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

Gas Gun Model and Comparison to Experimental Performance of Pipe Guns Operating with Light Propellant Gases and Large Cryogenic Pellets

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

Reed, J. R.; Carmichael, J. R.; Gebhart, T. E.

Injection of multiple large (~10 to 30 mm diameter) shattered pellets into ITER plasmas is presently part of the scheme planned to mitigate the deleterious effects of disruptions on the vessel components. To help in the design and optimize performance of the pellet injectors for this application, a model referred to as “the gas gun simulator” has been developed and benchmarked against experimental data. The computer code simulator is a Java program that models the gas-dynamics characteristics of a single-stage gas gun. Following a stepwise approach, the code utilizes a variety of input parameters to incrementally simulate and analyze themore » dynamics of the gun as the projectile is launched down the barrel. Using input data, the model can calculate gun performance based on physical characteristics, such as propellant-gas and fast-valve properties, barrel geometry, and pellet mass. Although the model is fundamentally generic, the present version is configured to accommodate cryogenic pellets composed of H2, D2, Ne, Ar, and mixtures of them and light propellant gases (H2, D2, and He). The pellets are solidified in situ in pipe guns that consist of stainless steel tubes and fast-acting valves that provide the propellant gas for pellet acceleration (to speeds ~200 to 700 m/s). The pellet speed is the key parameter in determining the response time of a shattered pellet system to a plasma disruption event. The calculated speeds from the code simulations of experiments were typically in excellent agreement with the measured values. With the gas gun simulator validated for many test shots and over a wide range of physical and operating parameters, it is a valuable tool for optimization of the injector design, including the fast valve design (orifice size and volume) for any operating pressure (~40 bar expected for the ITER application) and barrel length for any pellet size (mass, diameter, and length). Key design parameters and proposed values for the pellet injectors for the ITER disruption mitigation systems are discussed.« less

Gas Gun Model and Comparison to Experimental Performance of Pipe Guns Operating with Light Propellant Gases and Large Cryogenic Pellets

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

Combs, S. K.; Reed, J. R.; Lyttle, M. S.

2016-01-01

Injection of multiple large (~10 to 30 mm diameter) shattered pellets into ITER plasmas is presently part of the scheme planned to mitigate the deleterious effects of disruptions on the vessel components. To help in the design and optimize performance of the pellet injectors for this application, a model referred to as “the gas gun simulator” has been developed and benchmarked against experimental data. The computer code simulator is a Java program that models the gas-dynamics characteristics of a single-stage gas gun. Following a stepwise approach, the code utilizes a variety of input parameters to incrementally simulate and analyze themore » dynamics of the gun as the projectile is launched down the barrel. Using input data, the model can calculate gun performance based on physical characteristics, such as propellant-gas and fast-valve properties, barrel geometry, and pellet mass. Although the model is fundamentally generic, the present version is configured to accommodate cryogenic pellets composed of H2, D2, Ne, Ar, and mixtures of them and light propellant gases (H2, D2, and He). The pellets are solidified in situ in pipe guns that consist of stainless steel tubes and fast-acting valves that provide the propellant gas for pellet acceleration (to speeds ~200 to 700 m/s). The pellet speed is the key parameter in determining the response time of a shattered pellet system to a plasma disruption event. The calculated speeds from the code simulations of experiments were typically in excellent agreement with the measured values. With the gas gun simulator validated for many test shots and over a wide range of physical and operating parameters, it is a valuable tool for optimization of the injector design, including the fast valve design (orifice size and volume) for any operating pressure (~40 bar expected for the ITER application) and barrel length for any pellet size (mass, diameter, and length). Key design parameters and proposed values for the pellet injectors for the ITER disruption mitigation systems are discussed.« less

A novel experimental system of high stability and lifetime for the laser-desorption of biomolecules.

PubMed

Taherkhani, Mehran; Riese, Mikko; BenYezzar, Mohammed; Müller-Dethlefs, Klaus

2010-06-01

A novel laser desorption system, with improved signal stability and extraordinary long lifetime, is presented for the study of jet-cooled biomolecules in the gas phase using vibrationally resolved photoionization spectroscopy. As a test substance tryptophane is used to characterize this desorption source. A usable lifetime of above 1 month (for a laser desorption repetition rate of 20 Hz) has been observed by optimizing the pellets (graphite/tryptophane, 3 mm diameter and 6 mm length) from which the substance is laser-desorbed. Additionally, the stability and signal-to-noise ratio has been improved by averaging the signal over the entire sample pellet by synchronizing the data acquisition with the rotation of the sample rod. The results demonstrate how a combination of the above helps to produce stable and conclusive spectra of tryptophane using one-color and two-color resonant two-photon ionization studies.

Tritium pellet injector for the tokamak fusion test reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gouge, M. J.; Baylor, L. R.; Combs, S. K.; Fisher, P. W.; Foust, C. R.; Milora, S. L.

The tritium pellet injector (TPI) for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) will provide a tritium pellet fueling capability with pellet speeds in the 1- to 3-km/s range for the TFTR deuterium-tritium (D-T) plasma phase. An existing deuterium pellet injector (DPI) was modified at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to provide a four-shot, tritium-compatible, pipe-gun configuration with three upgraded single-stage pneumatic guns and a two-stage light gas gun driver. The TPI was designed for frozen pellets ranging in size from 3 to 4 mm in diameter in arbitrarily programmable firing sequences at tritium pellet speeds up to approximately 1.5 km/s for the three single-stage drivers and 2.5 to 3 km/s for the two-stage driver. Injector operation is controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC). The new pipe-gun injector assembly was installed in the modified DPI guard vacuum box, and modifications were also made to the internals of the DPI vacuum injection line, including a new pellet diagnostics package. Assembly of these modified parts with existing DPI components was then completed and the TPI was tested at ORNL with deuterium pellets. Results of the testing program at ORNL are described. The TPI has been installed and operated on TFTR in support of the FY-92 deuterium plasma run period. In 1993, the tritium pellet injector will be retrofitted with a D-T fuel manifold and tritium gloveboxes and integrated into TFTR tritium processing systems to provide full tritium pellet capability.

Effective adsorption of phosphate from wastewaters by big composite pellets made of reduced steel slag and iron ore concentrate.

PubMed

Wang, Hongjuan; Shen, Shaobo; Liu, Longhui; Ji, Yilong; Wang, Fuming

2015-01-01

In order to remove phosphate from wastewater, a large plastic adsorption column filled with big phosphate-adsorbing pellets with diameters of 10 mm, heated by electromagnetic induction coils, was conceived. It was found that the prepared big pellets, which were made of reduced steel slag and iron ore concentrate, contain magnetic Fe and Fe3O4. The thermodynamics and kinetics of adsorption of phosphate from synthetic wastewaters on the pellets were studied in this work. The phosphate adsorption on the pellets followed three models of Freundlich, Langmuir and Dubinin-Kaganer-Radushkevick. The maximum phosphate adsorption capacity Qmax of the pellets were 2.46, 2.74 and 2.77 mg/g for the three temperatures of 20°C, 30°C and 40°C, respectively, based on the Langmuir model. The apparent adsorption energies were -12.9 kJ/mol for the three temperatures. It implied that ion exchange was the main mechanism involved in the adsorption processes. The adsorbed phosphate existed on the pellet surface mainly in the form of Fe3(PO4)2. A reduction pre-treatment of the pellet precursor with H2 greatly enhanced pellet adsorption for phosphate. The adsorption kinetics is better represented by a pseudo-first-order model. The adsorbed phosphate amounts were similar for both real and synthetic wastewaters under similar adsorption conditions. The percentage of adsorbed phosphate for a real wastewater increased with increasing pellet concentration and reached 99.2% at a pellet concentration of 64 (g/L). Some specific phosphate adsorption mechanisms for the pellets were revealed and the pellets showed the potential to efficiently adsorb phosphate from a huge amount of real wastewaters in an industrial scale.

MST Pellet Injector Upgrades to Probe Beta and Density Limits and Impurity Particle Transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caspary, K. J.; Chapman, B. E.; Anderson, J. K.; Kumar, S. T. A.; Limbach, S. T.; Oliva, S. P.; Sarff, J. S.; Waksman, J.; Combs, S. K.; Foust, C. R.

2012-10-01

Upgrades to the pellet injector on MST will allow for significantly increased fueling capability enabling density limit studies for previously unavailable density regimes. Thus far, Greenwald fractions of 1.2 and 1.5 have been achieved in 500 kA and 200 kA improved confinement plasmas, respectively. The size of the pellet guide tubes, which constrain the lateral motion of the pellet in flight, was increased to accommodate pellets of up to 4.0 mm in diameter, capable of fueling to Greenwald fractions > 2.0 for MST's peak current of 600 kA. Exploring the effect of increased density on NBI deposition shows that for MST's NBI, core deposition of 25 keV neutrals is optimized for densities of 2 -- 3 x 10^19 m-3. This is key for beta limit studies in pellet fueled discharges with improved confinement where maximum NBI heating is desired. In addition, a modification to the injector has allowed operation using alternative pellet fuels with triple points significantly higher than that of deuterium (18.7 K). A small flow of helium into the pellet formation vacuum chamber introduces a controllable heat source capable of elevating the operating temperature of the injector. Injection of methane pellets with a triple point of 90.7 K results in a 12-fold increase in the core carbon impurity density. The flow rate is easily adjusted to optimize injector operating temperature for other fuel gases as well. Work supported by US DoE.

A long-acting buprenorphine delivery system.

PubMed

Pontani, R B; Misra, A L

1983-03-01

A subcutaneously implantable buprenorphine delivery system utilizing cholesterol-glyceryltristearate matrix for prolonged release of drug is described. Implantable cylindrical pellets of buprenorphine (cholesterol 36 mg, glyceryltristearate 4 mg, buprenorphine hydrochloride 10 mg), diameter 3 mm, length 6 mm blocked the antinociceptive action (hot plate, 55 degrees C) of 10 mg kg-1 SC challenge dose of morphine in rats for 12 weeks or more (longer periods not evaluated). The cumulative percent release of buprenorphine from the test devices 2, 4, 6, 10 and 12 weeks after implantation was 27.4, 35.9, 37.6, 39.9 and 43.1, respectively. The release of buprenorphine from 10 mg pellets approximated first-order kinetics with half-lives of 0.85 and 50.24 weeks, for alpha and beta phases, respectively. The test devices possess the desirable characteristics of simplicity, biocompatibility, nontoxicity, ease of sterilization with ethylene oxide, small size for ease of insertion and removal, minimal encapsulation by surrounding tissue and an extended period of drug release unaffected by body metabolism. No side effects were seen in implanted rats which fed well and gained weight during entire treatment. Neither deterioration of implant nor any gross anatomic changes at implant site were apparent 12 weeks after pellet implantation.

Blood, sweat, tears and success of technology transfer long-term controlled-release of herbicides: Root-growth-inhibiting biobarrier technology

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

Van Voris, P.; Cataldo, D.A.; Burton, F.G.

Through the unique combination of polymers with a herbicidally active dinitroaniline, a cylinderical pellet (9mm long and 9mm in diameter) was developed that continuously releases a herbicide for a period of up to 100 years. Equilibrium concentration of the herbicide in soil adjacent to the pellet and the bioactive lifetime of the device cam be adjusted by changing the size of the pellet; the type of polymer; the type, quality, and quantity of carrier; and/or the concentration and type of dinitroaniline used. Commercial products that have been developed under a Federal Technology Transfer Program that utilize this technology include: (1)more » ROOT-SHIELD, a root repelling sewer gasket for concrete, clay, and PVC sewer lines, (2) BIOBARRIER, a spun-bonded polypropylene geotextile fabric developed to prevent root growth from invading septic tanks; penetrating under roadways, and along the edge of sidewalks, airport runways, and tennis courts, and for landscaped areas; and (3) ROOT-GUARD, a plastic drip irrigation emitter designed to protect buried drip irrigation systems from being plugged by roots. 17 refs., 4 figs., 6 tabs.« less

Implanted depleted uranium fragments cause soft tissue sarcomas in the muscles of rats.

PubMed Central

Hahn, Fletcher F; Guilmette, Raymond A; Hoover, Mark D

2002-01-01

In this study, we determined the carcinogenicity of depleted uranium (DU) metal fragments containing 0.75% titanium in muscle tissues of rats. The results have important implications for the medical management of Gulf War veterans who were wounded with DU fragments and who retain fragments in their soft tissues. We compared the tissue reactions in rats to the carcinogenicity of a tantalum metal (Ta), as a negative foreign-body control, and to a colloidal suspension of radioactive thorium dioxide ((232)Th), Thorotrast, as a positive radioactive control. DU was surgically implanted in the thigh muscles of male Wistar rats as four squares (2.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 mm or 5.0 x 5.0 x 1.5 mm) or four pellets (2.0 x 1.0 mm diameter) per rat. Ta was similarly implanted as four squares (5.0 x 5.0 x 1.1 mm) per rat. Thorotrast was injected at two sites in the thigh muscles of each rat. Control rats had only a surgical implantation procedure. Each treatment group included 50 rats. A connective tissue capsule formed around the metal implants, but not around the Thorotrast. Radiographs demonstrated corrosion of the DU implants shortly after implantation. At later times, rarifactions in the radiographic profiles correlated with proliferative tissue responses. After lifetime observation, the incidence of soft tissue sarcomas increased significantly around the 5.0 x 5.0 mm squares of DU and the positive control, Thorotrast. A slightly increased incidence occurred in rats implanted with the 2.5 x 2.5 mm DU squares and with 5.0 x 5.0 mm squares of Ta. No tumors were seen in rats with 2.0 x 1.0 mm diameter DU pellets or in the surgical controls. These results indicate that DU fragments of sufficient size cause localized proliferative reactions and soft tissue sarcomas that can be detected with radiography in the muscles of rats. PMID:11781165

Effect of pelleting process variables on physical properties and sugar yields of ammonia fiber expansion pretreated corn stover

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

Amber N. Hoover; Jaya Shankar Tumuluru; Farzaneh Teymouri

Pelletization process variables including grind size (4, 6 mm), die speed (40, 50, 60 Hz), and preheating (none, 70 degrees C) were evaluated to understand their effect on pellet quality attributes and sugar yields of ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) pretreated biomass. The bulk density of the pelletized AFEX corn stover was three to six times greater compared to untreated and AFEX-treated corn stover. Also the durability of the pelletized AFEX corn stover was >97.5% for all pelletization conditions studied except for preheated pellets. Die speed had no effect on enzymatic hydrolysis sugar yields of pellets. Pellets produced with preheating ormore » a larger grind size (6 mm) had similar or lower sugar yields. Pellets generated with 4 mm AFEX-treated corn stover, a 60 Hz die speed, and no preheating resulted in pellets with similar or greater density, durability, and sugar yields compared to other pelletization conditions.« less

MnFe2O4 as a gas sensor towards SO2 and NO2 gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rathore, Deepshikha; Mitra, Supratim

2016-05-01

The chemical co-precipitation method was used to synthesize MnFe2O4 nanoparticles. Single cubic phase formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction technique. The average particle size of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles was found to be 10.7 nm using Scherrer formula. The ultrafine powder of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles was pressed to design pellet of 10 mm diameter and 1mm thickness. Copper electrodes have been deposited on the surface of pellet using silver paste in the form of capacitor. Fabricated gas sensing device of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles was tested towards SO2 and NO2 gases. Cole-Cole plot of MnFe2O4 was investigated with the help of electrochemical workstation. The performance of the sensors including sensitivity, response and recovery time was also determined. It was observed that the MnFe2O4 nanoparticles are more sensible for NO2 gas as compared to SO2 gas.

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

Sokhansanj, Shahabaddine; Kuang, Xingya; Shankar, T.S.

Few papers have been published in the open literature on the emissions from biomass fuels, including wood pellets, during the storage and transportation and their potential health impacts. The purpose of this study is to provide data on the concentrations, emission factors, and emission rate factors of CO2, CO, and CH4 from wood pellets stored with different headspace to container volume ratios with different initial oxygen levels, in order to develop methods to reduce the toxic off-gas emissions and accumulation in storage spaces. Metal containers (45 l, 305 mm diameter by 610 mm long) were used to study the effectmore » of headspace and oxygen levels on the off-gas emissions from wood pellets. Concentrations of CO2, CO, and CH4 in the headspace were measured using a gas chromatograph as a function of storage time. The results showed that the ratio of the headspace ratios and initial oxygen levels in the storage space significantly affected the off-gas emissions from wood pellets stored in a sealed container. Higher peak emission factors and higher emission rates are associated with higher headspace ratios. Lower emissions of CO2 and CO were generated at room temperature under lower oxygen levels, whereas CH4 emission is insensitive to the oxygen level. Replacing oxygen with inert gases in the storage space is thus a potentially effective method to reduce the biomass degradation and toxic off-gas emissions. The proper ventilation of the storage space can also be used to maintain a high oxygen level and low concentrations of toxic off-gassing compounds in the storage space, which is especially useful during the loading and unloading operations to control the hazards associated with the storage and transportation of wood pellets.« less

Four-Dimensional Weather Functional Requirements for NextGen Air Traffic Management

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-18

receive or contain. Acquire To come into the possession of something concrete or abstract. Analyze To examine carefully and in detail so as to...consisting of transparent or translucent pellets of ice (5 mm or less in diameter). Icing Formation of ice, rime, or hoarfrost on an aircraft. Impact...Can be observed and reported at the surface or aloft. Snow Type of frozen (or mostly frozen) precipitation composed of white or translucent ice

Processing of surrogate nuclear fuel pellets for better dimensional control with dry bag isostatic pressing

DOE PAGES

Hoggan, Rita E.; Zuck, Larry D.; Cannon, W. Roger; ...

2016-05-26

A study of improved methods of processing fuel pellets was undertaken using ceria and zirconia/yttria/alumina as surrogates. Through proper granulation and vertical vibration (tapping) of the parts bag prior to dry bag isostatic pressing (DBIP), reproducibility of diameter profiles among multiple pellets of ceria was improved by almost an order of magnitude. Reproducibility of sintered pellets was sufficiently good to possibly avoid grinding. Deviation from the mean diameter along the length of multiple pellets, as well as, deviation from roundness, decreased after sintering. This is not generally observed with dry pressed pellets. Thus it is possible to machine to tolerancemore » before sintering if grinding is necessary.« less

Pellet inspection apparatus

DOEpatents

Wilks, Robert S.; Taleff, Alexander; Sturges, Jr., Robert H.

1982-01-01

Apparatus for inspecting nuclear fuel pellets in a sealed container for diameter, flaws, length and weight. The apparatus includes, in an array, a pellet pick-up station, four pellet inspection stations and a pellet sorting station. The pellets are delivered one at a time to the pick-up station by a vibrating bowl through a vibrating linear conveyor. Grippers each associated with a successive pair of the stations are reciprocable together to pick up a pellet at the upstream station of each pair and to deposit the pellet at the corresponding downstream station. The gripper jaws are opened selectively depending on the state of the pellets at the stations and the particular cycle in which the apparatus is operating. Inspection for diameter, flaws and length is effected in each case by a laser beam projected on the pellets by a precise optical system while each pellet is rotated by rollers. Each laser and its optical system are mounted in a container which is free standing on a precise surface and is provided with locating buttons which engage locating holes in the surface so that each laser and its optical system is precisely set. The roller stands are likewise free standing and are similarly precisely positioned. The diameter optical system projects a thin beam of light which scans across the top of each pellet and is projected on a diode array. The fl GOVERNMENT CONTRACT CLAUSE The invention herein described was made in the course of or under a contract or subcontract thereunder with the Department of Energy bearing No. EY-67-14-C-2170.

Reduction of ELM Intensity on DIII-D by On-demand Triggering With High Frequency Pellet Injection and Implications for ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baylor, L. R.

2012-10-01

Deuterium pellet injection was used on the DIII-D tokamak to successfully demonstrate for the first time the on-demand triggering of ELMs at a 10x higher rate, and with much smaller intensity, than natural edge localized modes (ELMs). The triggering of small ELMs by high frequency pellet injection has been proposed as a method to prevent large ELMs that can erode the ITER plasma facing components [1]. The demonstration was made by injecting slow (<200 m/s) 1.3 mm diameter deuterium pellets at 60 Hz from the low field side in an ITER similar plasma with 5 Hz natural ELM frequency. The input power was only slightly above the H-mode threshold. Similar non-pellet discharges had ELM energy losses up to 55 kJ (˜8% of total stored energy), while the case with pellets demonstrated ELMs with an average energy loss less than 3 kJ (<1% of the total). Total divertor ELM heat flux was reduced by more than a factor of 10. Central accumulation of Ni was significantly reduced in the pellet triggered ELM case. No significant increase in density or decrease in energy confinement was observed. Stability analysis of these discharges shows that the pedestal parameters are approaching the peeling unstable region just before a natural ELM crash. In the rapid pellet small ELM case, the pedestal conditions are well within the stable region with a narrower pedestal width observed. This narrower width is consistent with a picture in which the pellets are triggering the ELMs before the width expands to the critical ELM width. Nonlinear MHD simulations of the pellet ELM triggering show destabilization of ballooning modes by a local pressure perturbation. The implications of these results for pellet ELM pacing in ITER will be discussed. 6pt [1] P.T. Lang et al., Nucl. Fusion 44, 665 (2004).

Characterizing Detonating LX-17 Charges Crossing a Transverse Air Gap with Experiments and Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lauderbach, Lisa M.; Souers, P. Clark; Garcia, Frank; Vitello, Peter; Vandersall, Kevin S.

2009-12-01

Experiments were performed using detonating LX-17 (92.5% TATB, 7.5% Kel-F by weight) charges with various width transverse air gaps with manganin peizoresistive in-situ gauges present. The experiments, performed with 25 mm diameter by 25 mm long LX-17 pellets with the transverse air gap in between, showed that transverse gaps up to about 3 mm could be present without causing the detonation wave to fail to continue as a detonation. The Tarantula/JWL++ code was utilized to model the results and compare with the in-situ gauge records with some agreement to the experimental data with additional work needed for a better match to the data. This work will present the experimental details as well as comparison to the model results.

Extraction of Organochlorine Pesticides from Plastic Pellets and Plastic Type Analysis.

PubMed

Pflieger, Marilyne; Makorič, Petra; Kovač Viršek, Manca; Koren, Špela

2017-07-01

Plastic resin pellets, categorized as microplastics (≤5 mm in diameter), are small granules that can be unintentionally released to the environment during manufacturing and transport. Because of their environmental persistence, they are widely distributed in the oceans and on beaches all over the world. They can act as a vector of potentially toxic organic compounds (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls) and might consequently negatively affect marine organisms. Their possible impacts along the food chain are not yet well understood. In order to assess the hazards associated with the occurrence of plastic pellets in the marine environment, it is necessary to develop methodologies that allow for rapid determination of associated organic contaminant levels. The present protocol describes the different steps required for sampling resin pellets, analyzing adsorbed organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and identifying the plastic type. The focus is on the extraction of OCPs from plastic pellets by means of a pressurized fluid extractor (PFE) and on the polymer chemical analysis applying Fourier Transform-InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The developed methodology focuses on 11 OCPs and related compounds, including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its two main metabolites, lindane and two production isomers, as well as the two biologically active isomers of technical endosulfan. This protocol constitutes a simple and rapid alternative to existing methodology for evaluating the concentration of organic contaminants adsorbed on plastic pieces.

Drug marker absorption in relation to pellet size, gastric motility and viscous meals in humans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhie, J. K.; Hayashi, Y.; Welage, L. S.; Frens, J.; Wald, R. J.; Barnett, J. L.; Amidon, G. E.; Putcha, L.; Amidon, G. L.

1998-01-01

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate drug marker absorption in relation to the gastric emptying (GE) of 0.7 mm and 3.6 mm enteric coated pellets as a function of viscosity and the underlying gastric motility. METHODS: Twelve subjects were evaluated in a 3-way crossover study. 0.7 mm caffeine and 3.6 mm acetaminophen enteric coated pellets were concurrently administered with a viscous caloric meal at the levels of 4000, 6000 and 8000 cP. Gastric motility was simultaneously measured with antral manometry and compared to time events in the plasma profiles of the drug markers. RESULTS: Caffeine, from the 0.7 mm pellets, was observed significantly earlier in the plasma than acetaminophen, from the 3.6 mm pellets, at all levels of viscosity. Motility related size differentiated GE was consistently observed at all viscosity levels, however, less variability was observed with the 4000 cP meal. Specifically, the onset of absorption from the of 3.6 mm pellets correlated with the onset of Phase II fasted state contractions (r = 0.929, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The timeframe of drug marker absorption and the onset of motility events were not altered within the range of viscosities evaluated. Rather, the differences in drug marker profiles from the non-digestible solids were most likely the result of the interaction between viscosity and motility influencing antral flow dynamics. The administration of the two sizes of pellets and a viscous caloric meal with subsequent monitoring of drug marker profiles is useful as a reference to assess the influence of motility patterns on the absorption profile of orally administered agents.

Twin-Screw Extruder and Pellet Accelerator Integration Developments for ITER

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

Meitner, Steven J; Baylor, Larry R; Combs, Stephen Kirk

The ITER pellet injection system consisting of a twinscrew frozen hydrogen isotope extruder, coupled to a combination solenoid actuated pellet cutter and pneumatic pellet accelerator, is under development at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. A prototype extruder has been built to produce a continuous solid deuterium extrusion and will be integrated with a secondary section, where pellets are cut, chambered, and launched with a single-stage pneumatic accelerator into the plasma through a guide tube. This integrated pellet injection system is designed to provide 5 mm fueling pellets, injected at a rate up to 10 Hz, or 3 mm edge localizedmore » mode (ELM) triggering pellets, injected at higher rates up to 20 Hz. The pellet cutter, chamber mechanism, and the solenoid operated pneumatic valve for the accelerator are optimized to provide pellet velocities between 200-300 m/s to ensure high pellet survivability while traversing the inner wall fueling guide tubes, and outer wall ELMpacing guide tubes. This paper outlines the current twin-screwextruder design, pellet accelerator design, and the integrationrequired for both fueling and ELM pacing pellets.« less

Optical Properties of Natural Minerals in the Far-Infrared

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Larry Lavern

The reflectivity of natural mineral powders were measured in the far infrared. The complex indices of refraction were then determined by Kramers-Kronig analysis or dispersive analysis. The samples were constructed by pressing the powdered sample into a 13 mm diameter pellet. A few of the samples that were measured were kaolin, illite, and montmorillonite, clay samples that could not be obtained in large single crystals. For calcite and gypsum crystals a comparison between the single crystal measurements and powder measurements was done to determine the effect of sample preparation on the measured spectra.

CHARACTERIZING DETONATING LX-17 CHARGES CROSSING A TRANSVERSE AIR GAP WITH EXPERIMENTS AND MODELING

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

Lauderbach, L M; Souers, P C; Garcia, F

2009-06-26

Experiments were performed using detonating LX-17 (92.5% TATB, 7.5% Kel-F by weight) charges with various width transverse air gaps with manganin peizoresistive in-situ gauges present. The experiments, performed with 25 mm diameter by 25 mm long LX-17 pellets with the transverse air gap in between, showed that transverse gaps up to about 3 mm could be present without causing the detonation wave to fail to continue as a detonation. The Tarantula/JWL{sup ++} code was utilized to model the results and compare with the in-situ gauge records with some agreement to the experimental data with additional work needed for a bettermore » match to the data. This work will present the experimental details as well as comparison to the model results.« less

MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} as a gas sensor towards SO{sub 2} and NO{sub 2} gases

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

Rathore, Deepshikha, E-mail: deep.nano@gmail.com; Mitra, Supratim

2016-05-06

The chemical co-precipitation method was used to synthesize MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles. Single cubic phase formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction technique. The average particle size of MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles was found to be 10.7 nm using Scherrer formula. The ultrafine powder of MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles was pressed to design pellet of 10 mm diameter and 1mm thickness. Copper electrodes have been deposited on the surface of pellet using silver paste in the form of capacitor. Fabricated gas sensing device of MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles was tested towards SO{sub 2} and NO{sub 2} gases. Cole-Cole plot of MnFe{submore » 2}O{sub 4} was investigated with the help of electrochemical workstation. The performance of the sensors including sensitivity, response and recovery time was also determined. It was observed that the MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles are more sensible for NO{sub 2} gas as compared to SO{sub 2} gas.« less

Characterizing Detonating LX-17 Charges Crossing a Transverse Air Gap with Experiments and Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lauderbach, Lisa M.; Souers, P. Clark; Garcia, Frank; Vitello, Peter; Vandersall, Kevin S.

2009-06-01

Experiments were performed using detonating LX-17 (92.5% TATB, 7.5% Kel-f by weight) charges with various width transverse air gaps both with and without manganin peizoresistive in-situ gauges present. The experiments, performed with 25 mm diameter by 25 mm long LX-17 pellets with the transverse air gap in between, showed that transverse gaps up to about 3 mm could be present without causing the detonation wave to fail to continue as a detonation. A JWL++/Tarantula code was utilized to model the results and compare with the in-situ gauge records with reasonable agreement to the experimental data. This work will present the experimental details as well as comparison to the model results. This work performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Neutron Characterization of Encapsulated ATF-1/LANL-1 Mockup Fuel Capsules

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

Vogel, Sven C.; Borges, Nicholas Paul; Losko, Adrian Simon

Twenty pellets of mock-up accident tolerant fuels UN-U3Si5 were produced at LANL and loaded in two rodlet/capsule assemblies. Tomographic imaging and diffraction measurements were performed to characterize these samples at the Flight-Path 5 and HIPPO beam lines at LANSCE/LANL between November 2016 and January 2017 as well as in August 2017. The entire ~10 cm long, ~1 cm diameter fuel volume could be characterized, however due to time constraints only 2 mm slices in 4mm increments were characterized with neutron diffraction and a 28mm subset of the entire sample was characterized with energy-resolved neutron imaging. The double encapsulation of themore » fuel into two steel containers does not pose a problem for the neutron analysis and the methods could be applied to enriched as well irradiated fuels.« less

The effects of processing techniques on magnesium-based composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodzi, Siti Nur Hazwani Mohamad; Zuhailawati, Hussain

2016-12-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of processing techniques on the densification, hardness and compressive strength of Mg alloy and Mg-based composite for biomaterial application. The control sample (pure Mg) and Mg-based composite (Mg-Zn/HAp) were fabricated through mechanical alloying process using high energy planetary mill, whilst another Mg-Zn/HAp composite was fabricated through double step processing (the matrix Mg-Zn alloy was fabricated by planetary mill, subsequently HAp was dispersed by roll mill). As-milled powder was then consolidated by cold press into 10 mm diameter pellet under 400 MPa compaction pressure before being sintered at 300 °C for 1 hour under the flow of argon. The densification of the sintered pellets were then determined by Archimedes principle. Mechanical properties of the sintered pellets were characterized by microhardness and compression test. The results show that the density of the pellets was significantly increased by addition of HAp, but the most optimum density was observed when the sample was fabricated through double step processing (1.8046 g/cm3). Slight increment in hardness and ultimate compressive strength were observed for Mg-Zn/HAp composite that was fabricated through double step processing (58.09 HV, 132.19 MPa), as compared to Mg-Zn/HAp produced through single step processing (47.18 HV, 122.49 MPa).

Apparatus for producing laser targets

DOEpatents

Jarboe, T.R.; Baker, W.R.

1975-09-23

This patent relates to an apparatus and method for producing deuterium targets or pellets of 25u to 75u diameter. The pellets are sliced from a continuously spun solid deuterium thread at a rate of up to 10 pellets/second. The pellets after being sliced from the continuous thread of deuterium are collimated and directed to a point of use, such as a laser activated combustion or explosion chamber wherein the pellets are imploded by laser energy or laser produced target plasmas for neutral beam injection. (auth)

High power thyristors with 5 kV blocking voltage. Volume 1: Development of high-voltage-thyristors (4.5 kV) with good dynamic properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lock, K.; Patalong, H.; Platzoeder, K.

1979-01-01

Using neutron irradiated silicon with considerably lower spread in resistivity as compared to conventionally doped silicon it was possible to produce power thyristors with breakdown voltages between 3.5 kV and 5.5 kV. The thyristor pellets have a diameter of 50 mm. Maximum average on-state currents of 600 to 800 A can be reached with these elements. The dynamic properties of the thryistors could be improved to allow standard applications up to maximum repetitive voltages of 4.5 kV.

Copper pellets simulating oral exposure to copper ammunition: Absence of toxicity in American kestrels (Falco sparverius)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Franson, J. Christian; Lahner, Lesanna L.; Meteyer, Carol U.; Rattner, Barnett A.

2012-01-01

To evaluate the potential toxicity of copper (Cu) in raptors that may consume Cu bullets, shotgun pellets containing Cu, or Cu fragments as they feed on wildlife carcasses, we studied the effects of metallic Cu exposure in a surrogate, the American kestrel (Falco sparverius). Sixteen kestrels were orally administered 5 mg Cu/g body mass in the form of Cu pellets (1.18–2.00 mm in diameter) nine times during 38 days and 10 controls were sham gavaged on the same schedule. With one exception, all birds retained the pellets for at least 1 h, but most (69%) regurgitated pellets during a 12-h monitoring period. Hepatic Cu concentrations were greater in kestrels administered Cu than in controls, but there was no difference in Cu concentrations in the blood between treated and control birds. Concentration of the metal-binding protein metallothionein was greater in male birds that received Cu than in controls, whereas concentrations in female birds that received Cu were similar to control female birds. Hepatic Cu and metallothionein concentrations in kestrels were significantly correlated. Histopathologic alterations were noted in the pancreas of four treated kestrels and two controls, but these changes were not associated with hepatic or renal Cu concentrations, and no lesions were seen in other tissues. No clinical signs were observed, and there was no treatment effect on body mass; concentrations of Cu, hemoglobin, or methemoglobin in the blood; or Cu concentrations in kidney, plasma biochemistries, or hematocrit. Based on the parameters we measured, ingested Cu pellets pose little threat to American kestrels (and presumably phylogenetically related species), although the retention time of pellets in the stomach was of relatively short duration. Birds expected to regurgitate Cu fragments with a frequency similar to kestrels are not likely to be adversely affected by Cu ingestion, but the results of our study do not completely rule out the potential for toxicity in species that might retain Cu fragments for a longer time.

Experiments on a Miniature Hypervelocity Shock Tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tasker, Douglas; Johnson, Carl; Murphy, Michael; Lieber, Mark; MIMS Team

2013-06-01

A miniature explosively-driven shock tube, based on the Voitenko compressor design, has been designed to produce shock speeds in light gases in excess of 80 km/s. Voitenko compressors over 1 meter in diameter have been reported but here experiments on miniature shock tubes with ~1-mm bore diameters are described. In this design a 12-mm diameter explosive pellet drives a metal plate into a hemispherical gas compression chamber. Downstream from the piston a mica diaphragm separates the gas from an evacuated shock tube which is confined by a massive polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) block. The diaphragm eventually ruptures under the applied pressure loading and the compressed gases escape into the evacuated shock tube at hyper velocities. The progress of gas shocks in the tube and bow shocks in the PMMA are monitored with an ultra-high-speed imaging system, the Shock Wave Image Framing Technique (SWIFT). The resulting time-resolved images yield two-dimensional visualizations of shock geometry and progression. By measuring both the gas and bow shocks, accurate and unequivocal measurements of shock position history are obtained. The experimental results were compared with those of hydrocode modeling to optimize the design. The first experiments were suboptimum in that the velocities were ~16 km/s. Progress with these experiments will be reported.

Experimental Study of Grit Particle Enhancement in Non-Shock Ignition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Browning, Richard V.; Peterson, Paul D.; Roemer, Edward L.; Oldenborg, Michael R.; Thompson, Darla G.; Deluca, Racci

2006-07-01

The drop weight impact test is the most commonly used configuration for evaluating sensitivity of explosives to non-shock ignition. Although developed 60 years ago and widely used both as a material compression test and as a test bed for understanding the ignition process itself, little is known about the flow mechanisms or involvement of grit particles as sensitizing agents. In this paper, we present the results of a series of experiments designed to study the flow mechanisms and events leading up to ignition. The experimental configuration used involves two pellet sizes, 3 and 5 mm in diameter, tested with three conditions: (1) smooth steel anvils, (2) standard flint sandpaper, and (3) shed grit particles loaded between the steel anvils and the pellet faces. Diagnostics include optical micrographs, and scanning electron micrographs. Un-reacted samples show a variety of morphologies, including what appear to be quenched reaction sites, even at very low drop heights. Quasi-static crushing experiments were also done to quantify load-time histories.

Experimental Study of Grit Particle Enhancement in Non-Shock Ignition of PBX 9501

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, Paul

2005-07-01

The drop weight impact test is the most commonly used configuration for evaluating sensitivity of explosives to non-shock ignition. Although developed 60 years ago and widely used both as a material compression test and as a test bed for understanding the ignition process itself, little is known about the flow mechanisms or involvement of grit particles as sensitizing agents. In this paper we present the results of a series of experiments designed to study the flow mechanisms and events leading up to ignition. The experimental configuration used involves two pellet sizes, 3 and 5 mm in diameter, tested in three conditions, (1) with smooth steel anvils, (2) with standard flint sandpaper, and (3) with shed grit particles loaded between the steel anvils and the pellet faces. Diagnostics include optical micrographs, and scanning electron micrographs. Un-reacted samples show a variety of morphologies, including what appear to be quenched reaction sites, even at very low drop heights. Quasi-static crushing experiments were also done to quantify load-time histories.

Neuromechanical factors involved in the formation and propulsion of fecal pellets in the guinea-pig colon.

PubMed

Costa, M; Wiklendt, L; Simpson, P; Spencer, N J; Brookes, S J; Dinning, P G

2015-10-01

The neuromechanical processes involved in the formation and propulsion of fecal pellets remain incompletely understood. We analyzed motor patterns in isolated segments of the guinea-pig proximal and distal colon, using video imaging, during oral infusion of liquid, viscous material, or solid pellets. Colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) in the proximal colon divided liquid or natural semisolid contents into elongated shallow boluses. At the colonic flexure these boluses were formed into shorter, pellet-shaped boluses. In the non-distended distal colon, spontaneous CMMCs produced small dilations. Both high- and low-viscosity infusions evoked a distinct motor pattern that produced pellet-shaped boluses. These were propelled at speeds proportional to their surface area. Solid pellets were propelled at a speed that increased with diameter, to a maximum that matched the diameter of natural pellets. Pellet speed was reduced by increasing resistive load. Tetrodotoxin blocked all propulsion. Hexamethonium blocked normal motor patterns, leaving irregular propagating contractions, indicating the existence of neural pathways that did not require nicotinic transmission. Colonic migrating motor complexes are responsible for the slow propulsion of the soft fecal content in the proximal colon, while the formation of pellets at the colonic flexure involves a content-dependent mechanism in combination with content-independent spontaneous CMMCs. Bolus size and consistency affects propulsion speed suggesting that propulsion is not a simple reflex but rather a more complex process involving an adaptable neuromechanical loop. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Pelletizing lignite

DOEpatents

Goksel, Mehmet A.

1983-11-01

Lignite is formed into high strength pellets having a calorific value of at least 9,500 Btu/lb by blending a sufficient amount of an aqueous base bituminous emulsion with finely-divided raw lignite containing its inherent moisture to form a moistened green mixture containing at least 3 weight % of the bituminous material, based on the total dry weight of the solids, pelletizing the green mixture into discrete green pellets of a predetermined average diameter and drying the green pellets to a predetermined moisture content, preferrably no less than about 5 weight %. Lignite char and mixture of raw lignite and lignite char can be formed into high strength pellets in the same general manner.

Synthesis of BaTiO3 and Ba(ZrxTi1-X)O3 by using the soft combustion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Atiqah; Razak, Khairunisak Abdul

2017-07-01

In this work, barium titanate, BaTiO3 (BT) and Zr doped BT, BaZrxTi1-xO3 (BZT) with powders were successfully produced using the soft combustion method. Barium nitrate and titanium (IV) isopropoxide were used as the starting materials while zirconium (IV) oxynitrate hydrate as the doping precursors, and glycine as the combustion agent. The produced powders were pressed into 12 mm diameter pellets by using 150 MPa cold press. The effect of Zr dopant in BT was studied with molar ratio of x = 0.00, 0.03, 0.05, 0.08 and 0.10. The phase presence was identified using X-ray diffractometer. Morphology of powders and sintered pellets was observed using a scanning electron microscope. Density of the sintered pellets was measured by using Archimedes' principle, while dielectric properties were analysed by using an LCR meter. Pure perovskite BT and BZT structure were obtained after sintering at 1400 °C for 5 h. BZT with x = 0.03 has grain size of 3.9 µm and shows the highest dielectric constant of 525, compared to undoped BT that has the average grain size of 4.2 µm with dielectric constant 223. The results is in agreement with microstructure observation and density of the sample.

The preparation by extrusion/spheronization and the properties of pellets containing drugs, microcrystalline cellulose and glyceryl monostearate.

PubMed

Chatchawalsaisin, Jittima; Podczeck, Fridrun; Newton, J Michael

2005-01-01

Pellets have been prepared by extrusion and spheronization containing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and four model drugs with decreasing order of solubility, paracetamol (P), diclofenac sodium (D), ibuprofen (IB) and indomethacin (IN) at a 10% level with and without the addition of a range of levels of glyceryl monostearate (GMS). The drugs differed in their response to extrusion in that all formulations containing the drug D had a 'steady state' extrusion profile whereas the other three drugs exhibited 'forced flow' indicating the possibility of water migration during the process of ram extrusion. The presence of GMS did not influence this effect. The drug D also required consistently less water to function than the other three drugs. In spite of these differences in extrusion performance, it was possible to prepare satisfactory pellets from formulations of all the drugs with 0, 30 and 60% GMS combined with 90, 60 or 30% of MCC at a range of water levels. It was also possible to prepare pellets containing the drug D with 70, 80 and 90% GMS, with corresponding quantities of 20, 10 and 0% of MCC. It was also possible to prepare the pellet formulations by dispersing the drugs in molten GMS, grinding and processing this with MCC and water. Such systems retained the processing characteristics of the composition made by the blending of the powder. The presence of GMS in all cases reduced the quantity of water required for the process to function. The steady state or the mean of the range of the forces observed during forced flow, were dependent on the composition and the quantity of water added. The surface of the extrudate appeared smooth and measurements of surface roughness established that the value of the rugosity R(a) for any of the extrudates did not exceed 6 microm. The extrudate diameter was found to increase with the quantity of GMS in the formulation. The pellets produced were all within a relatively narrow size range (three sieve fractions of a root two progression), the median value of which increased with the level of GMS. For the drug D, there was a linear increase of pellet diameter with increase in the extrudate diameter. For the three other drugs this relationship was less certain but nevertheless there was a similar trend for the pellet diameter to increase as the extrudate diameter increased, suggesting the mechanism of the process is the same irrespective of the composition. Considering the value of the shape factor e(R), all the pellets produced from the various formulations were well within acceptable levels for further processing and the only observable trend in the values was that the formulations with the lower water contents were the least round. The porosity of the pellets of the different formulations generally decreased with the increase in water used to prepare the pellets, the extent of this decrease being dependent on the drug and the level of GMS. The in vitro drug release from the pellets was controlled by the solubility of the drug, the lower the value of the solubility, the longer the mean dissolution time (MDT). This was not influenced by the presence of GMS or the method of incorporation of the drug into the formulation.

Electrodes for high-definition transcutaneous DC stimulation for applications in drug delivery and electrotherapy, including tDCS.

PubMed

Minhas, Preet; Bansal, Varun; Patel, Jinal; Ho, Johnson S; Diaz, Julian; Datta, Abhishek; Bikson, Marom

2010-07-15

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation is applied in a range of biomedical applications including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). tDCS is a non-invasive procedure where a weak direct current (<2 mA) is applied across the scalp to modulate brain function. High-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) is a technique used to increase the spatial focality of tDCS by passing current across the scalp using <12 mm diameter electrodes. The purpose of this study was to design and optimize "high-definition" electrode-gel parameters for electrode durability, skin safety and subjective pain. Anode and cathode electrode potential, temperature, pH and subjective sensation over time were assessed during application of 2 mA direct current, for up to 22 min on agar gel or subject forearms. A selection of five types of solid-conductors (Ag pellet, Ag/AgCl pellet, rubber pellet, Ag/AgCl ring and Ag/AgCl disc) and seven conductive gels (Signa, Spectra, Tensive, Redux, BioGel, Lectron and CCNY-4) were investigated. The Ag/AgCl ring in combination with CCNY-4 gel resulted in the most favorable outcomes. Under anode stimulations, electrode potential and temperature rises were generally observed in all electrode-gel combinations except for Ag/AgCl ring and disc electrodes. pH remained constant for all solid-conductors except for both Ag and rubber pellet electrodes with Signa and CCNY-4 gels. Sensation ratings were independent of stimulation polarity. Ag/AgCl ring electrodes were found to be the most comfortable followed by Ag, rubber and Ag/AgCl pellet electrodes across all gels. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrodes for high-definition transcutaneous DC stimulation for applications in drug-delivery and electrotherapy, including tDCS

PubMed Central

Minhas, Preet; Bansal, Varun; Patel, Jinal; Ho, Johnson S.; Diaz, Julian; Datta, Abhishek; Bikson, Marom

2010-01-01

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation is applied in a range of biomedical applications including Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). tDCS is a non-invasive procedure where a weak direct current (<2 mA) is applied across the scalp to modulate brain function. High-Definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) is a technique used to increase the spatial focality of tDCS by passing current across the scalp using <12 mm diameter electrodes. The purpose of this study was to design and optimize “high-definition” electrode-gel parameters for electrode durability, skin safety, and subjective pain. Anode and cathode electrode potential, temperature, pH, and subjective sensation over time were assessed during application of 2 mA direct current, for up to 22 minutes on agar gel or subject forearms. A selection of 5 types of solid-conductors (Ag pellet, Ag/AgCl pellet, Rubber pellet, Ag/AgCl ring, and Ag/AgCl disc) and 7 conductive gels (Signa, Spectra, Tensive, Redux, BioGel, Lectron, and CCNY-4) were investigated. The Ag/AgCl ring in combination with CCNY-4 gel resulted in the most favorable outcomes. Under anode stimulations, electrode potential and temperature rises were generally observed in all electrode-gel combinations except for Ag/AgCl ring and disc electrodes. pH remained constant for all solid-conductors except for both Ag and Rubber pellet electrodes with Signa and CCNY-4 gels. Sensation ratings were independent of stimulation polarity. Ag/AgCl ring electrodes were found to be the most comfortable followed by Ag, Rubber, and Ag/AgCl pellet electrodes across all gels. PMID:20488204

The effects of substrate size, surface area, and density on coat thickness of multi-particulate dosage forms.

PubMed

Heinicke, Grant; Matthews, Frank; Schwartz, Joseph B

2005-01-01

Drugs layering experiments were performed in a fluid bed fitted with a rotor granulator insert using diltiazem as a model drug. The drug was applied in various quantities to sugar spheres of different mesh sizes to give a series of drug-layered sugar spheres (cores) of different potency, size, and weight per particle. The drug presence lowered the bulk density of the cores in proportion to the quantity of added drug. Polymer coating of each core lot was performed in a fluid bed fitted with a Wurster insert. A series of polymer-coated cores (pellets) was removed from each coating experiment. The mean diameter of each core and each pellet sample was determined by image analysis. The rate of change of diameter on polymer addition was determined for each starting size of core and compared to calculated values. The core diameter was displaced from the line of best fit through the pellet diameter data. Cores of different potency with the same size distribution were made by layering increasing quantities of drug onto sugar spheres of decreasing mesh size. Equal quantities of polymer were applied to the same-sized core lots and coat thickness was measured. Weight/weight calculations predict equal coat thickness under these conditions, but measurable differences were found. Simple corrections to core charge weight in the Wurster insert were successfully used to manufacture pellets having the same coat thickness. The sensitivity of the image analysis technique in measuring particle size distributions (PSDs) was demonstrated by measuring a displacement in PSD after addition of 0.5% w/w talc to a pellet sample.

Evaluation of Computed Tomography of Mock Uranium Fuel Rods at the Advanced Photon Source

DOE PAGES

Hunter, James F.; Brown, Donald William; Okuniewski, Maria

2015-06-01

This study discusses a multi-year effort to evaluate the utility of computed tomography at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) as a tool for non-destructive evaluation of uranium based fuel rods. The majority of the data presented is on mock material made with depleted uranium which mimics the x-ray attenuation characteristics of fuel rods while allowing for simpler handling. A range of data is presented including full thickness (5mm diameter) fuel rodlets, reduced thickness (1.8mm) sintering test samples, and pre/post irradiation samples (< 1mm thick). These data were taken on both a white beam (bending magnet) beamline and a high energy,more » monochromatic beamline. This data shows the utility of a synchrotron type source in the evealuation of manufacturing defects (pre-irradiation) and lays out the case for in situ CT of fuel pellet sintering. Finally, in addition data is shown from small post-irradiation samples and a case is made for post-irradiation CT of larger samples.« less

Effect of grinding intensity and pelleting of the diet on indoor particulate matter concentrations and growth performance of weanling pigs.

PubMed

Ulens, T; Demeyer, P; Ampe, B; Van Langenhove, H; Millet, S

2015-02-01

This study evaluated the effect of feed form and grinding intensity of the pig diet and the interaction between both on the particulate matter (PM) concentrations inside a pig nursery and the growth performances of weanling pigs. Four diets were compared: finely ground meal, coarsely ground meal, finely ground pellets, and coarsely ground pellets. Four weaning rounds with 144 pigs per weaning round, divided over 4 identical compartments, were monitored. Within each weaning round, each compartment was randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments. A hammer mill with a screen of 1.5 or 6 mm was used to grind the ingredients of the finely ground and coarsely ground feeds, respectively. Indoor concentrations of the following PM fractions were measured: PM that passes through a size-selective inlet with a 50 % efficiency cutoff at 10 (PM10) , 2.5 (PM2.5), or 1 (PM1) μm aerodynamic diameter, respectively (USEPA, 2004). Feeding pelleted diets instead of meal diets gave rise to higher PM10 (P < 0.001), PM2.5 (P < 0.001), and PM1 (P < 0.001) concentrations. Grinding intensity had an effect only on PM10 (P < 0.05) concentrations. No interaction between feed form and grinding intensity was found for any of the PM fractions. Interactions (P < 0.05) between feed form and grinding intensity on ADFI and ADG were found. Grinding intensity had an effect only on the meal diets with higher ADFI for the coarsely ground meal. Pigs fed the finely ground meal had a lower (P < 0.001) ADG than the other 3 diets. Feed efficiency was influenced only by the feed form (P < 0.001) and not by the grinding intensity. Pelleting the feed gave rise to a higher G:F. In conclusion, a contradiction between environmental concerns and performance results was found. Feeding pelleted diets to the piglets improved growth performance but also increased indoor PM concentrations.

SPINS-IND: Pellet injector for fuelling of magnetically confined fusion systems.

PubMed

Gangradey, R; Mishra, J; Mukherjee, S; Panchal, P; Nayak, P; Agarwal, J; Saxena, Y C

2017-06-01

Using a Gifford-McMahon cycle cryocooler based refrigeration system, a single barrel hydrogen pellet injection (SPINS-IND) system is indigenously developed at Institute for Plasma Research, India. The injector is based on a pipe gun concept, where a pellet formed in situ in the gun barrel is accelerated to high speed using high pressure light propellant gas. The pellet size is decided by considering the Greenwald density limit and its speed is decided by considering a neutral gas shielding model based scaling law. The pellet shape is cylindrical of dimension (1.6 mm ℓ × 1.8 mm φ). For pellet ejection and acceleration, a fast opening valve of short opening duration is installed at the breech of the barrel. A three-stage differential pumping system is used to restrict the flow of the propellant gas into the plasma vacuum vessel. Diagnostic systems such as light gate and fast imaging camera (240 000 frames/s) are employed to measure the pellet speed and size, respectively. A trigger circuit and a programmable logic controller based integrated control system developed on LabVIEW enables to control the pellet injector remotely. Using helium as a propellant gas, the pellet speed is varied in the range 650 m/s-800 m/s. The reliability of pellet formation and ejection is found to be more than 95%. This paper describes the details of SPINS-IND and its test results.

SPINS-IND: Pellet injector for fuelling of magnetically confined fusion systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gangradey, R.; Mishra, J.; Mukherjee, S.; Panchal, P.; Nayak, P.; Agarwal, J.; Saxena, Y. C.

2017-06-01

Using a Gifford-McMahon cycle cryocooler based refrigeration system, a single barrel hydrogen pellet injection (SPINS-IND) system is indigenously developed at Institute for Plasma Research, India. The injector is based on a pipe gun concept, where a pellet formed in situ in the gun barrel is accelerated to high speed using high pressure light propellant gas. The pellet size is decided by considering the Greenwald density limit and its speed is decided by considering a neutral gas shielding model based scaling law. The pellet shape is cylindrical of dimension (1.6 mm ℓ × 1.8 mm φ). For pellet ejection and acceleration, a fast opening valve of short opening duration is installed at the breech of the barrel. A three-stage differential pumping system is used to restrict the flow of the propellant gas into the plasma vacuum vessel. Diagnostic systems such as light gate and fast imaging camera (240 000 frames/s) are employed to measure the pellet speed and size, respectively. A trigger circuit and a programmable logic controller based integrated control system developed on LabVIEW enables to control the pellet injector remotely. Using helium as a propellant gas, the pellet speed is varied in the range 650 m/s-800 m/s. The reliability of pellet formation and ejection is found to be more than 95%. This paper describes the details of SPINS-IND and its test results.

Evaluation of Wear Resistance of Friction Materials Prepared by Granulation.

PubMed

Ma, Yunhai; Liu, Yucheng; Menon, Carlo; Tong, Jin

2015-10-21

The tribological properties of friction materials prepared by hot-pressing pellets of different sizes were experimentally investigated. Friction and wear tests of the specimens were performed and morphological analysis was carried out by investigating images acquired with both scanning electron and confocal laser microscopes. The highest friction coefficient of friction materials was obtained with pellets having 1-5 mm size. The lowest wear rate was obtained with pellets having 8-10 mm size. Specimens processed by mixing pellets of different sizes had the highest density and the lowest roughness and were the least expensive to fabricate. The results show that granulation generally enabled increasing the friction coefficient, decreasing the wear rate, and reducing the number of defects on the surface of friction materials.

Investigation on influence of Wurster coating process parameters for the development of delayed release minitablets of Naproxen.

PubMed

Shah, Neha; Mehta, Tejal; Aware, Rahul; Shetty, Vasant

2017-12-01

The present work aims at studying process parameters affecting coating of minitablets (3 mm in diameter) through Wurster coating process. Minitablets of Naproxen with high drug loading were manufactured using 3 mm multi-tip punches. The release profile of core pellets (published) and minitablets was compared with that of marketed formulation. The core formulation of minitablets was found to show similarity in dissolution profile with marketed formulation and hence was further carried forward for functional coating over it. Wurster processing was implemented to pursue functional coating over core formulation. Different process parameters were screened and control strategy was applied for factors significantly affecting the process. Modified Plackett Burman Design was applied for studying important factors. Based on the significant factors and minimum level of coating required for functionalization, optimized process was executed. Final coated batch was evaluated for coating thickness, surface morphology, and drug release study.

Application of densification process in organic waste management.

PubMed

Zafari, Abedin; Kianmehr, Mohammad Hossein

2013-07-01

Densification of biomass material that usually has a low density is good way of increasing density, reducing the cost of transportation, and simplifying the storage and distribution of this material. The current study was conducted to investigate the influence of raw material parameters (moisture content and particle size), and densification process parameters (piston speed and die length) on the density and durability of pellets from compost manure. A hydraulic press and a single pelleter were used to produce pellets in controlled conditions. Ground biomass samples were compressed with three levels of moisture content [35%, 40% and 45% (wet basis)], piston speed (2, 6 and 10 mm/s), die length (8, 10 and 12 mm) and particle size (0.3., 0.9 and 1.5 mm) to establish density and durability of pellets. A response surface methodology based on the Box Behnken design was used to study the responses pattern and to understand the influence of parameters. The results revealed that all independent variables have significant (P < 0.01) effects on studied responses in this research.

Synthesis of bismuth titanate (BTO) nanopowder and fabrication of microstrip rectangular patch antenna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiruramanathan, P.; Sharma, Sanjeev K.; Sankar, S.; Sankar Ganesh, R.; Marikani, A.; Kim, Deuk Young

2016-12-01

The bismuth titanate (Bi4Ti3O12) or BTO nanopowder was synthesized from the combustion method and fabricated a microstrip rectangular patch antenna (MPA). The crystal structure and lattice spacing of BTO were evaluated from XRD, TEM, and SAED analysis. The crystal structure of BTO (annealed at 900 °C) was observed to be the orthorhombic phase with fcc lattice. The microstructure of BTO nanoparticles was confirmed the spherical and hexagonal shapes, which were slightly agglomerated due to the lack of stabilizing surfactants. The presence of weak and wide bands in Raman spectrum quantified the mechanical compressions to the uniform directions of elongated lattice constants and tensions to the lattice constriction of crystalline bismuth titanate. To fabricate the MPA, pellets of BTO nanopowder were prepared by applying the uniaxial pressure in the dimension of 1.5 mm thickness and 8 mm diameter. These pellets were formed a densely packed structure close to the theoretical density. The coercivity and remanence polarization of BTO ceramics increased as the applied field increased. The inexpensive combustion synthesis method of BTO nanopowder showed the high dielectric constant (ɛ' = 450) and low dielectric loss (tan δ = 0.98), which has a potential implication of the cost-effectiveness in the field of miniaturized microelectronics. The synthesis and measurements of BTO ceramics are found to be suitable for wireless communication systems.

Experiments in DIII-D Toward Achieving Rapid Shutdown with Runaway Electron Suppression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hollmann, E. M.

2009-11-01

For safe discharge shutdown in future large tokamaks in the event of an unavoidable disruption, it is important to develop rapid (˜ several ms)shutdown methods to avoid large runaway electron currents, which pose a serious threat to plasma facing components. Prevention of runaway current formation has been proposed by either increasing electron-electron collisionality with massive particle injection, or magnetically by using externally applied non-axisymmetric fields to increase radial diffusive losses of a runaway seed population. Experiments studying both approaches have been pursued in the DIII-D tokamak. For collisional suppression, three different rapid shutdown methods are being investigated: massive gas injection, massive shattered cryogenic pellet injection, and polystyrene shell pellet injection. First-of-kind demonstrations of fast shutdowns were produced by 3000 Torr-l (0.8-g) shattered D2 pellets and large, 10-mm diameter, 0.3-g polystyrene shell pellets filled with boron powder. The application of external magnetic perturbations shows promising preliminary results in suppressing seed runaway electrons, although lack of repeatability in the runaway seed term made these results challenging to interpret. Experiments have been performed to help understand how runaways form and are transported during rapid shutdown. These experiments confirm that the commonly used 0D loop voltage + Dreicer evaporation picture of runaway seed formation is not applicable here, with relativistic E > 0.5,MeV electrons forming before any external loop voltage appears. Present applications of 0D, 1D, and 2D models to the rapid shutdown and runaway confinement experiments, as well as preliminary extrapolations to ITER, will be discussed.

Copper pellets simulating oral exposure to copper ammunition: absence of toxicity in American kestrels (Falco sparverius).

PubMed

Franson, J Christian; Lahner, Lesanna L; Meteyer, Carol U; Rattner, Barnett A

2012-01-01

To evaluate the potential toxicity of copper (Cu) in raptors that may consume Cu bullets, shotgun pellets containing Cu, or Cu fragments as they feed on wildlife carcasses, we studied the effects of metallic Cu exposure in a surrogate, the American kestrel (Falco sparverius). Sixteen kestrels were orally administered 5 mg Cu/g body mass in the form of Cu pellets (1.18-2.00 mm in diameter) nine times during 38 days and 10 controls were sham gavaged on the same schedule. With one exception, all birds retained the pellets for at least 1 h, but most (69%) regurgitated pellets during a 12-h monitoring period. Hepatic Cu concentrations were greater in kestrels administered Cu than in controls, but there was no difference in Cu concentrations in the blood between treated and control birds. Concentration of the metal-binding protein metallothionein was greater in male birds that received Cu than in controls, whereas concentrations in female birds that received Cu were similar to control female birds. Hepatic Cu and metallothionein concentrations in kestrels were significantly correlated. Histopathologic alterations were noted in the pancreas of four treated kestrels and two controls, but these changes were not associated with hepatic or renal Cu concentrations, and no lesions were seen in other tissues. No clinical signs were observed, and there was no treatment effect on body mass; concentrations of Cu, hemoglobin, or methemoglobin in the blood; or Cu concentrations in kidney, plasma biochemistries, or hematocrit. Based on the parameters we measured, ingested Cu pellets pose little threat to American kestrels (and presumably phylogenetically related species), although the retention time of pellets in the stomach was of relatively short duration. Birds expected to regurgitate Cu fragments with a frequency similar to kestrels are not likely to be adversely affected by Cu ingestion, but the results of our study do not completely rule out the potential for toxicity in species that might retain Cu fragments for a longer time.

Pyrolysis of ground pine chip and ground pellet particles

DOE PAGES

Rezaei, Hamid; Yazdanpanah, Fahimeh; Lim, C. Jim; ...

2016-08-04

In addition to particle size, biomass density influences heat and mass transfer rates during the thermal treatment processes. In this research, thermal behaviour of ground pine chip particles and ground pine pellet particles in the range of 0.25–5 mm was investigated. A single particle from ground pellets was almost 3 to 4 times denser than a single particle from ground chips at a similar size and volume of particle. Temperature was ramped up from room temperature (~25 °C) to 600 °C with heating rates of 10, 20, 30, and 50 °C/min. Pellet particles took 25–88 % longer time to drymore » than the chip particles. Microscopic examination of 3 mm and larger chip particles showed cracks during drying. No cracks were observed for pellet particles. The mass loss due to treatment at temperatures higher than 200 °C was about 80% both for chip and pellet particles. It took 4 min for chip and pellet particles to lose roughly 63% of their dry mass at a heating rate of 50 °C/min. The SEM structural analysis showed enlarged pores and cracks in cell walls of the pyrolyzed wood chips. As a result, these pores were not observed in pyrolyzed pellet particles.« less

Characterization of α-spodumene to OSL dosimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

d'Amorim, R. A. P. O.; de Vasconcelos, D. A. A.; de Barros, V. S. M.; Khoury, H. J.; Souza, S. O.

2014-02-01

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) response of spodumene (LiAlSi2O6) silicate and its potential use for gamma radiation dosimetry. A natural Brazilian crystal of α-spodumene was used in this study. After the crystal grinding, pellets with the diameter of 6.0 mm were prepared using a mixture of α-spodumene and polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) (1:2). To study the OSL response, the samples were irradiated with gamma radiation beam of Co-60 and the response was measured using an OSL Reader in two modes of operation: Continuous-wave and pulsed stimulation. The results of the integrated OSL curve of the pellets irradiated with the dose of 30 Gy showed that their response is reproducible within ±2%. The variation of the OSL response upon the dose exhibits a linear response in the range from 30 Gy to 10 kGy, with a correlation coefficient of 0.99. It is possible to conclude that the α-LiAlSi2O6/Teflon® has a great potential for OSL dosimetry of high gamma doses.

An Identification Key to Rodent Prey in Owl Pellets from the Northwestern and Southeastern United States: Employing Incisor Size to Distinguish among Genera

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hager, Stephen B.; Cosentino, Bradley J.

2006-01-01

We present an identification key to the common rodent prey found in owl pellets from the Northwestern (NW) and Southeastern (SE) United States that is based on differences in incisor size (arc diameter) among genera.

Orodispersible tablets containing taste-masked solid lipid pellets with metformin hydrochloride: Influence of process parameters on tablet properties.

PubMed

Petrovick, Gustavo Freire; Kleinebudde, Peter; Breitkreutz, Jörg

2018-01-01

Compaction of multiparticulates into tablets, particularly into orodispersible tablets (ODTs), is challenging. The compression of pellets, made by solid lipid extrusion/spheronization processes, presents peculiar difficulties since solid lipids usually soften or melt at relatively low temperature ranges and due to applied mechanical forces. Until now, there are no reports in literature about the development of ODTs based on solid lipid pellets. To investigate the feasibility of producing such tablets, a design of experiment (DoE) approach was performed to elucidate the influence of compression force and amount of two co-processed excipients (Ludiflash ® and Parteck ® ODT) on properties of the tablets (friability, tensile strength, and disintegration time). ODTs (15 mm, flat-faced) with solid lipid pellets (250-1000 µm in diameter) containing 500 mg of metformin HCl, presenting immediate drug release profile and taste-masked properties, were targeted. During compression, a strong lamination of the tablets containing Parteck ® ODT was observed. This phenomenon was prominently observed when high compression forces (≥5 kN) and high excipient amounts (≥40%; w/w) were used. On the other hand, the DoE focused on tablets with Ludiflash ® showed better results regarding the production of ODTs. A positive influence of the compression force on the tensile strength and disintegration time of the tablets, regarding specifications of the Ph. Eur., was observed. The increase in the amount of this excipient resulted in fast disintegrating tablets, however, a negative influence on the tensile strength was noticed. After optimization of the parameters and formulation, based on the DoE results and considering the Ph. Eur. specifications for tablets, ODTs based on lipid pellets containing metformin HCl presenting immediate release profile (85% drug release in less than 30 min) and taste-masked properties (determined by an electronic tongue) were successfully obtained. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Isolation and Partial Characterization of a Membrane Fraction Containing Phytochrome 12

PubMed Central

Marmé, Dieter; Mackenzie, John M.; Boisard, Jean; Briggs, Winslow R.

1974-01-01

If 4-day-old dark-grown zucchini squash seedlings (Cucurbita pepo L. cv. Black Beauty) are exposed briefly to red light, subsequent cell fractionation yields about 40% of the total extractable phytochrome in the far red-absorbing form bound to a particulate fraction. The amount of far red-absorbing phytochrome in the pellet is strongly dependent on the Mg concentration in the extraction medium. The apparent density of the Pfr-containing particles following sedimentation on sucrose gradients corresponds to 15% (w/w) sucrose with 0.1 mm Mg and 40% sucrose with 10 mm Mg. This particulate fraction could be readily separated from mitochondria and other particulate material by taking advantage of these apparent density changes with changes in Mg concentration. Electron microscopy of negatively stained preparations shows that with 1 mm Mg only minute particles are present. These were too small to reveal structural detail with this technique. With 3 mm Mg, separate membranous vesicles between 400 and 600 Ångstroms in diameter appear. At higher Mg concentrations, the vesicles aggregate, causing obvious turbity. The effect of Mg on vesicle formation and aggregation is completely reversible. Above 10 mm Mg, vesicle aggregation persists, but the percentage of bound Pfr decreases. Images PMID:16658871

Characterization of reactive CaCO 3 crystallization in a fluidized bed reactor as a central process of direct air capture

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

Burhenne, Luisa; Giacomin, Caroline; Follett, Trevor

A laboratory-scale, fluidized-bed pellet reactor (BPR) was used to investigate a CaCO 3 crystallization process for the recovery of CO 2 in a Direct Air Capture (DAC) process. The BPR performance was validated against data from a pilot-scale unit. Subsequently, the pellet growth under process-relevant conditions was studied over a period of 144 h. The experimental results with the BPR, containing a bed of pellets sized between 0.65 and 0.84 mm, have shown that a calcium retention of 80% can be achieved at a fluidization velocity of 60 m h -1 and a calcium loading rate of 3 mol hmore » -1. This result is consistent with calcium retention observed at pilot scale operation and hence, results from the BPR are considered representative for the pilot scale unit. Starting with a bed of pellets sized between 0.15 and 0.5 mm, the average pellet growth rate, G, at the reactor bottom increased from 8.1E-10 to 11E–10 m s -1 at the onset and decreased to 4.9E–10 m s -1 over the course of a 144 h test. The calcium retention over the course the test showed the same trend (initial increase and final decrease) as the pellet growth rate. A theoretical bed growth model was developed and validated against data from the pilot scale and benchtop pellet reactors. The model was used to calculate the bed porosity and total pellet surface area in each control volume. Lastly, the pellet surface area growth at the bottom of the reactor reproduced the pellet growth and retention data trends.« less

Characterization of reactive CaCO 3 crystallization in a fluidized bed reactor as a central process of direct air capture

DOE PAGES

Burhenne, Luisa; Giacomin, Caroline; Follett, Trevor; ...

2017-10-25

A laboratory-scale, fluidized-bed pellet reactor (BPR) was used to investigate a CaCO 3 crystallization process for the recovery of CO 2 in a Direct Air Capture (DAC) process. The BPR performance was validated against data from a pilot-scale unit. Subsequently, the pellet growth under process-relevant conditions was studied over a period of 144 h. The experimental results with the BPR, containing a bed of pellets sized between 0.65 and 0.84 mm, have shown that a calcium retention of 80% can be achieved at a fluidization velocity of 60 m h -1 and a calcium loading rate of 3 mol hmore » -1. This result is consistent with calcium retention observed at pilot scale operation and hence, results from the BPR are considered representative for the pilot scale unit. Starting with a bed of pellets sized between 0.15 and 0.5 mm, the average pellet growth rate, G, at the reactor bottom increased from 8.1E-10 to 11E–10 m s -1 at the onset and decreased to 4.9E–10 m s -1 over the course of a 144 h test. The calcium retention over the course the test showed the same trend (initial increase and final decrease) as the pellet growth rate. A theoretical bed growth model was developed and validated against data from the pilot scale and benchtop pellet reactors. The model was used to calculate the bed porosity and total pellet surface area in each control volume. Lastly, the pellet surface area growth at the bottom of the reactor reproduced the pellet growth and retention data trends.« less

Advanced surface chemical analysis of continuously manufactured drug loaded composite pellets.

PubMed

Hossain, Akter; Nandi, Uttom; Fule, Ritesh; Nokhodchi, Ali; Maniruzzaman, Mohammed

2017-04-15

The aim of the present study was to develop and characterise polymeric composite pellets by means of continuous melt extrusion techniques. Powder blends of a steroid hormone (SH) as a model drug and either ethyl cellulose (EC N10 and EC P7 grades) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC AS grade) as polymeric carrier were extruded using a Pharma 11mm twin screw extruder in a continuous mode of operation to manufacture extruded composite pellets of 1mm length. Molecular modelling study using commercial Gaussian 09 software outlined a possible drug-polymer interaction in the molecular level to develop solid dispersions of the drug in the pellets. Solid-state analysis conducted via a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), hot stage microscopy (HSM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analyses revealed the amorphous state of the drug in the polymer matrices. Surface analysis using SEM/energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) of the produced pellets arguably showed a homogenous distribution of the C and O atoms in the pellet matrices. Moreover, advanced chemical surface analysis conducted via atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed a homogenous phase system having the drug molecule dispersed onto the amorphous matrices while Raman mapping confirmed the homogenous single-phase drug distribution in the manufactured composite pellets. Such composite pellets are expected to deliver multidisciplinary applications in drug delivery and medical sciences by e.g. modifying drug solubility/dissolutions or stabilizing the unstable drug (e.g. hormone, protein) in the composite network. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Hybrid nuclear reactor grey rod to obtain required reactivity worth

DOEpatents

Miller, John V.; Carlson, William R.; Yarbrough, Michael B.

1991-01-01

Hybrid nuclear reactor grey rods are described, wherein geometric combinations of relatively weak neutron absorber materials such as stainless steel, zirconium or INCONEL, and relatively strong neutron absorber materials, such as hafnium, silver-indium cadmium and boron carbide, are used to obtain the reactivity worths required to reach zero boron change load follow. One embodiment includes a grey rod which has combinations of weak and strong neutron absorber pellets in a stainless steel cladding. The respective pellets can be of differing heights. A second embodiment includes a grey rod with a relatively thick stainless steel cladding receiving relatively strong neutron absorber pellets only. A third embodiment includes annular relatively weak netron absorber pellets with a smaller diameter pellet of relatively strong absorber material contained within the aperture of each relatively weak absorber pellet. The fourth embodiment includes pellets made of a homogeneous alloy of hafnium and a relatively weak absorber material, with the percentage of hafnium chosen to obtain the desired reactivity worth.

EPR/alanine dosimetry for two therapeutic proton beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marrale, Maurizio; Carlino, Antonio; Gallo, Salvatore; Longo, Anna; Panzeca, Salvatore; Bolsi, Alessandra; Hrbacek, Jan; Lomax, Tony

2016-02-01

In this work the analysis of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) response of alanine pellets exposed to two different clinical proton beams employed for radiotherapy is performed. One beam is characterized by a passive delivery technique and is dedicated to the eyes treatment (OPTIS2 beam line). Alanine pellets were irradiated with a 70 MeV proton beam corresponding to 35 mm range in eye tissue. We investigated how collimators with different sizes and shape used to conform the dose to the planned target volume influence the delivered dose. For this purpose we performed measurements with varying the collimator size (Output Factor) and the results were compared with those obtained with other dosimetric techniques (such as Markus chamber and diode detector). This analysis showed that the dosimeter response is independent of collimator diameter if this is larger than or equal to 10 mm. The other beam is characterized by an active spot-scanning technique, the Gantry1 beam line (maximum energy 230 MeV), and is used to treat deep-seated tumors. The dose linearity of alanine response in the clinical dose range was tested and the alanine dose response at selected locations in depth was measured and compared with the TPS planned dose in a quasi-clinical scenario. The alanine response was found to be linear in the dose in the clinical explored range (from 10 to 70 Gy). Furthermore, a depth dose profile in a quasi-clinical scenario was measured and compared to the dose computed by the Treatment Planning System PSIPLAN. The comparison of calibrated proton alanine measurements and TPS dose shows a difference under 1% in the SOBP and a "quenching" effect up to 4% in the distal part of SOBP. The positive dosimetric characteristics of the alanine pellets confirm the feasibility to use these detectors for "in vivo" dosimetry in clinical proton beams.

[Serum pharmacochemistry of Qinbai Qingfei concentrated pellets based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS].

PubMed

Liu, Ye; Wei, Wen-Feng; Huo, Jin-Hai; Wang, Wei-Ming

2017-02-01

To analyze the main components of Qinbai Qingfei concentrated pellets in rat serum with UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology and serum pharmacochemistry theory. After gavage administration with Qinbai Qingfei concentrated pellets, blood was collected from hepatic portal vein. ACQUITY UPLC BEH C₁₈(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 μm) was used, with 0.1% formic acid agueous solution(A)-0.1%formic acid and acetonitrile(B) as the mobile phase for gradient elution. The flow rate was 0.3 mL•min⁻¹, the column temperature was maintained at 35 ℃. Through the comparative analysis fingerprints of Qinbai Qingfei concentrated pellets, drug containing-serum and blank serum, and with the help Peakview and Metabolitepilot software, components in serum were defined. A total of 28 compounds were identified, including 18 prototypes and 10 metabolites. As a result, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology and serum pharmacochemistry theory were applied to comprehensively expound Qinbai Qingfei concentrated pellets'constituents migrating to rat serum, and provide scientific basis for further studies for in vivo metabolic process and effective material base. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

A smooth muscle tone-dependent stretch-activated migrating motor pattern in isolated guinea-pig distal colon.

PubMed

Smith, Terence K; Oliver, Gavin R; Hennig, Grant W; O'Shea, Deirdre M; Vanden Berghe, Pieter; Kang, Sok Han; Spencer, Nick J

2003-09-15

We have investigated the tone dependence of the intrinsic nervous activity generated by localized wall distension in isolated segments of guinea-pig distal colon using mechanical recordings and video imaging of wall movements. A segment of colon was threaded through two partitions, which divided the colon for pharmacological purposes into oral, stimulation and anal regions. An intraluminal balloon was located in the stimulation region between the two partitions (12 mm apart). Maintained colonic distension by an intraluminal balloon or an artificial faecal pellet held at a fixed location generated rhythmic (frequency 0.3 contractions min(-1); duration approximately 60 s) peristaltic waves of contraction. Video imaging of colonic wall movements or the selective application of pharmacological agents suggested that peristaltic waves originated just oral (< or = 4 mm) to the pellet and propagated both orally (approximately 11 mm s(-1)) and anally (approximately 1 mm s(-1)). Also, during a peristaltic wave the colon appears to passively shorten in front of a pellet, as a result of an active contraction of the longitudinal muscle oral to the pellet. Faecal pellet movement only occurred when a rhythmic peristaltic wave was generated. Rhythmic peristaltic waves were abolished in all regions by the smooth muscle relaxants isoproterenol (1 microM), nicardipine (1 microM) or papavarine (10 microM), and by the neural antagonists tetrodotoxin (TTX; 0.6 microM), hexamethonium (100 microM) or atropine (1 microM), when added selectively to the stimulation region. Nicardipine, atropine, TTX, or hexamethonium (100 microM) also blocked the evoked peristaltic waves when selectively added to the oral region. Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA; 100 microM) added to the anal region reduced the anal relaxation but increased the anal contraction, leading to an increase in the apparent conduction velocity of each peristaltic wave. In conclusion, maintained distension by a fixed artificial pellet generates propulsive, rhythmic peristaltic waves, whose enteric neural activity is critically dependent upon smooth muscle tone. These peristaltic waves usually originate just oral to the pellet, and their apparent conduction velocity is generated by activation of descending inhibitory nerve pathways.

Effects of a completely pelleted diet on growth performance in Holstein heifers.

PubMed

Bonfante, E; Palmonari, A; Mammi, L; Canestrari, G; Fustini, M; Formigoni, A

2016-12-01

Forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content and particle size are important factors that affect rumen function. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects on rumen health, NDF digestibility, and animal performance of pelleting a forage-based diet. Eight Holstein heifers (age 336±30d, body weight 346±35kg) were randomly assigned to a repeated crossover design. Animals were housed in tie-stalls and fed for ad libitum intake. The study included 4 periods of 3 wk, the first 2 wk for adaptation to the diet and the last wk for data collection. Diets had the same ingredients but had a different physical form: total mixed ration (TMR) and pellet (diameter=8mm). The physically effective NDF (peNDF) differed between the 2 treatments (39.8 and 11.8% of NDF in the TMR and pellet diets, respectively). During the trial, dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, rumination time, rumen temperature, and pH were evaluated daily. Fecal samples were collected in wk3 of each period to determine total-tract digestibility of the potential digestible (pd)NDF. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were calculated at the end of each period. With the pellet diet, DMI, DMI/body weight, and water consumption were higher. We observed no significant difference in average daily gain or feed conversion ratio. Rumination time was lower for the pellet diet than for the TMR diet (241 vs. 507min/d, respectively). Diet had no effect on rumen temperature or rumen pH. The total-tract digestibility of the pdNDF was greater with the TMR diet than with the pellet diet (90.25 vs. 86.82% pdNDF, respectively). The results of the current study suggest that a complete-feed pellet diet was well accepted by the animals, as demonstrated by higher DMI. Rumination time was reduced with the pellet diet, but rumen pH was not different. The pdNDF digestibility was high for both diets, but significantly higher for the TMR diet. Given that animal performance was similar between the 2 diets, although they differed with respect to DMI and fiber digestion, we hypothesize that the 2 diets had different retention times, related to their physical form. A complete-feed pellet diet formulated to provide a sufficient level of NDF from forages could be fed to growing ruminants without apparent negative effects on rumen health and animal productivity, at least for a short period. More research over a longer growing period is needed before recommending this feeding strategy for growing heifers. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Application of SAXS and SANS in evaluation of porosity, pore size distribution and surface area of coal

USGS Publications Warehouse

Radlinski, A.P.; Mastalerz, Maria; Hinde, A.L.; Hainbuchner, M.; Rauch, H.; Baron, M.; Lin, J.S.; Fan, L.; Thiyagarajan, P.

2004-01-01

This paper discusses the applicability of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) techniques for determining the porosity, pore size distribution and internal specific surface area in coals. The method is noninvasive, fast, inexpensive and does not require complex sample preparation. It uses coal grains of about 0.8 mm size mounted in standard pellets as used for petrographic studies. Assuming spherical pore geometry, the scattering data are converted into the pore size distribution in the size range 1 nm (10 A??) to 20 ??m (200,000 A??) in diameter, accounting for both open and closed pores. FTIR as well as SAXS and SANS data for seven samples of oriented whole coals and corresponding pellets with vitrinite reflectance (Ro) values in the range 0.55% to 5.15% are presented and analyzed. Our results demonstrate that pellets adequately represent the average microstructure of coal samples. The scattering data have been used to calculate the maximum surface area available for methane adsorption. Total porosity as percentage of sample volume is calculated and compared with worldwide trends. By demonstrating the applicability of SAXS and SANS techniques to determine the porosity, pore size distribution and surface area in coals, we provide a new and efficient tool, which can be used for any type of coal sample, from a thin slice to a representative sample of a thick seam. ?? 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ballistic parameters of .177 (4.5 mm) caliber plastic-sleeved composite projectiles compared to conventional lead pellets.

PubMed

Frank, Matthias; Schönekeß, Holger; Jäger, Frank; Herbst, Jörg; Ekkernkamp, Axel; Nguyen, Thanh Tien; Bockholdt, Britta

2013-11-01

The capability of conventional air gun lead pellets (diabolo pellets) to cause severe injuries or fatalities even at low kinetic energy levels is well documented in medical literature. Modern composite hunting pellets, usually a metal core (made of steel, lead, zinc, or a zinc and aluminum alloy) encased in a plastic sleeve, are of special forensic and traumatological interest. These projectiles are advertised by the manufacturers to discharge at higher velocities than conventional air gun pellets, thus generating very high tissue-penetrating capabilities. Lack of experimental data on these uncommon air gun projectiles induced this work. Ballistic parameters of 12 different caliber .177 (4.5 mm) composite pellets, discharged from two spring-piston air guns (Weihrauch HW 35, Webley CUB) and three pneumatic air guns (Walther LGR, Walther LG400, Walther LP300), were investigated using a ballistic speed measurement system and compared to a conventional diabolo pellet (RWS Meisterkugel) as reference projectile. Although overall results were inconsistent, for some projectile-weapon combinations (particularly spring-piston air guns), a significant change of the kinetic energy (-53 up to +48 %) to the reference projectile was observed. The data provided in this work may serve as a basis for forensic investigation as well as traumatological diagnosis and treatment of injuries caused by these uncommon projectiles.

Effects of rumen-escape starch and coarseness of ingredients in pelleted concentrates on performance and rumen wall characteristics of rosé veal calves.

PubMed

Vestergaard, M; Jarltoft, T C; Kristensen, N B; Børsting, C F

2013-08-01

The objective was to study the effect of rumen-escape starch and coarseness of ingredients in pelleted concentrates on performance, carcass quality and rumen wall characteristics in rosé veal calf production. Two alternative concentrates (Coarse and Slow) were compared with a traditional (Control) concentrate. Control was based on finely ground ingredients, whereas in Coarse, the same ingredients were coarsely ground resulting in a mean particle size before pelleting of 1.5 in Coarse and 0.6 mm in Control. Slow compared with Control and Coarse contained finely ground sorghum and corn instead of barley and wheat which increased the amount of rumen-escape starch to 59 compared with 22 g/kg in Control and Coarse. All concentrates had the same total starch (362 g/kg), NDF (168 g/kg), CP (154 g/kg) and DE (15.5 MJ/kg DM) content and a pellet diameter of 3.5 to 4 mm. Use of an 'indicator of starch digestibility' method gave a value of 98.6% for Control and Coarse and 91.1% for Slow (P < 0.001). A total of 57 Holstein bull calves (n = 19 per treatment) were offered one of the three concentrates ad libitum from weaning (2½ months of age) to slaughter (<10 months of age). Concentrate intake was recorded individually. Barley straw was available ad libitum but intake was not recorded. Average daily gain (1.43 kg/day), concentrate conversion efficiency (3.7 kg DM concentrate/kg gain), LW at slaughter (386 kg), carcass weight (194 kg) and EUROP conformation (3.9) were not affected by type of concentrate (P > 0.05). Papillae length and shape evaluated in atrium ruminis and the cranial part of the ventral rumen sac at slaughter were not affected by type of concentrate (P > 0.05). Rumen wall characteristics showed degrees of plaque formation (i.e., papillary aggregation), hyperaemia and necrotic areas in all treatment groups, but with no general difference between type of concentrate (P > 0.05). Incidence of liver abscesses (LAs, 16%) was not affected by type of concentrate (P > 0.05). There were no differences in performance or rumen wall characteristics between liver-abscessed and non-abscessed calves. The results show a high level of production performance with the three types of pelleted concentrates and indicates that neither the more coarse ingredients nor the additional rumen-escape starch tested, when fed ad libitum, could improve rumen wall characteristics or reduce LAs of rosé veal calves.

Development of hydroxyapatite/polyvinyl alcohol bionanocomposite for prosthesis implants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karthik, V.; Pabi, S. K.; Chowdhury, S. K. Roy

2018-02-01

Hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) has similar structural and chemical properties of natural bone mineral and hence widely used as a bone replacement substitute. Natural bone consists of hydroxyapatite and collagen. For mimicking the natural, in the present work, a sintered porous hydroxyapatite component has been vacuum impregnated with Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which has better properties like biocompatibility, biodegradability and water- solubility. Hydroxyapatite powders have been made into nanosize to reduce the melting point and hence the sintering temperature. In the present investigation high energy ball mill is used to produce nano-hydroxyapatite powders in bulk quantity by optimizing the milling parameters using stainless steel grinding media. Pellets of 10 mm diameter have been produced from nano- hydroxyapatite powders under different uniaxial compaction pressures. The pellets have been sintered to form porous compacts. The vacuum impregnation of sintered pallets with PVA solution of different strength has been done to find the optimum impregnation condition. Microhardness, compressive strength, wear loss and haemocompatibility of hydroxyapatite ceramics have been studied before and after impregnation of PVA. The nano- hydroxyapatite/PVA composites have superior mechanical properties and reduced wear loss than the non-impregnated porous nano-hydroxyapatite ceramics.

Oxidizing Roasting Performances of Coke Fines Bearing Brazilian Specularite Pellets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chun, Tiejun; Zhu, Deqing

2016-06-01

Oxidized pellets, consisting of Brazilian specularite fines and coke fines, were prepared by disc pelletizer using bentonite as binder. The roasting process of pellets includes preheating stage and firing stage. The compressive strength of preheated pellets and fired pellets reached the peak value at 1.5% coke fines dosage. During the initial stage of preheating, some original Fe2O3 was reduced to Fe3O4 because of partial reduction atmosphere in pellet. During the later stage of preheating and firing stage, coke fines were burnt out, and the secondary Fe2O3 (new generation Fe2O3) was generated due to the re-oxidization of Fe3O4, which improved the recrystallization of Fe2O3. Compared with the fired pellets without adding coke fines, fired pellets with 1.5% coke fines exhibited the comparable RSI (reduction swelling index) and RDI+3.15 mm (reduction degradation index), and slightly lower RI (reducibility index).

Effect of process variables on the density and durability of the pellets made from high moisture corn stover

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

Jaya Shankar Tumuluru

2014-03-01

A flat die pellet mill was used to understand the effect of high levels of feedstock moisture content in the range of 28–38% (w.b.), with die rotational speeds of 40–60 Hz, and preheating temperatures of 30–110 °C on the pelleting characteristics of 4.8 mm screen size ground corn stover using an 8 mm pellet die. The physical properties of the pelletised biomass studied are: (a) pellet moisture content, (b) unit, bulk and tapped density, and (c) durability. Pelletisation experiments were conducted based on central composite design. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that feedstock moisture content influenced all of the physicalmore » properties at P < 0.001. Pellet moisture content decreased with increase in preheating temperature to about 110 °C and decreasing the feedstock moisture content to about 28% (w.b.). Response surface models developed for quality attributes with respect to process variables has adequately described the process with coefficient of determination (R2) values of >0.88. The other pellet quality attributes such as unit, bulk, tapped density, were maximised at feedstock moisture content of 30–33% (w.b.), die speeds of >50 Hz and preheating temperature of >90 °C. In case of durability a medium moisture content of 33–34% (w.b.) and preheating temperatures of >70 °C and higher die speeds >50 Hz resulted in high durable pellets. It can be concluded from the present study that feedstock moisture content, followed by preheating, and die rotational speed are the interacting process variables influencing pellet moisture content, unit, bulk and tapped density and durability.« less

Integral recycling of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash fines (0-2mm) and industrial powder wastes by cold-bonding pelletization.

PubMed

Tang, P; Brouwers, H J H

2017-04-01

The cold-bonding pelletizing technique is applied in this study as an integrated method to recycle municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash fines (BAF, 0-2mm) and several other industrial powder wastes. Artificial lightweight aggregates are produced successfully based on the combination of these solid wastes, and the properties of these artificial aggregates are investigated and then compared with others' results reported in literature. Additionally, methods for improving the aggregate properties are suggested, and the corresponding experimental results show that increasing the BAF amount, higher binder content and addition of polypropylene fibres can improve the pellet properties (bulk density, crushing resistance, etc.). The mechanisms regarding to the improvement of the pellet properties are discussed. Furthermore, the leaching behaviours of contaminants from the produced aggregates are investigated and compared with Dutch environmental legislation. The application of these produced artificial lightweight aggregates are proposed according to their properties. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Direct fabrication of /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/ fuel forms

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

Burney, G.A.; Congdon, J.W.

1982-07-01

The current process for the fabrication of /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/ heat sources includes precipitation of small particle plutonium oxalate crystals (4 to 6 ..mu..m diameter), a calcination to PuO/sub 2/, ball milling, cold pressing, granulation (60 to 125 ..mu..m), and granule sintering prior to hot pressing the fuel pellet. A new two-step direct-strike Pu(III) oxalate precipitation method which yields mainly large well-developed rosettes (50 to 100 ..mu..m diameter) has been demonstrated in the laboratory and in the plant. These large rosettes are formed by agglomeration of small (2 to 4 ..mu..m) crystals, and after calcining and sintering, were directly hotmore » pressed into fuel forms, thus eliminating several of the powder conditioning steps. Conditions for direct hot pressing of the large heat-treated rosettes were determined and a full-scale General Purpose Heat Source pellet was fabricated. The pellet had the desired granule-type microstructure to provide dimensional stability at high temperature. 27 figures.« less

Important properties of bamboo pellets to be used as commercial solid fuel in China

Treesearch

Zhijia Liu; Benhua Fei; Zehui Jiang; Zhiyong Cai; Xing' e Liu

2014-01-01

Bamboo is a type of biomass material and has great potential as a bioenergy resource of the future in China. Some properties of bamboo pellets, length, diameter, moisture content (MC), particle density, bulk density, durability, fine content, ash, gross calorific value, combustion rate and heat release rate, were determined and the effects of MC and particle size (PS)...

Parameters and kinetics of olive mill wastewater dephenolization by immobilized Rhodotorula glutinis cells.

PubMed

Bozkoyunlu, Gaye; Takaç, Serpil

2014-01-01

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) with total phenol (TP) concentration range of 300-1200 mg/L was treated with alginate-immobilized Rhodotorula glutinis cells in batch system. The effects of pellet properties (diameter, alginate concentration and cell loading (CL)) and operational parameters (initial TP concentration, agitation rate and reusability of pellets) on dephenolization of OMW were studied. Up to 87% dephenolization was obtained after 120 h biodegradations. The utilization number of pellets increased with the addition of calcium ions into the biodegradation medium. The overall effectiveness factors calculated for different conditions showed that diffusional limitations arising from pellet size and pellet composition could be neglected. Mass transfer limitations appeared to be more effective at high substrate concentrations and low agitation rates. The parameters of logistic model for growth kinetics of R. glutinis in OMW were estimated at different initial phenol concentrations of OMW by curve-fitting of experimental data with the model.

Design and in vitro and in vivo characterization of mucoadhesive matrix pellets of metformin hydrochloride for oral controlled release: a technical note.

PubMed

Ige, Pradum Pundlikrao; Gattani, Surendra Ganeshlal

2012-03-01

The aim of the current work was to design and develop matrix pellets of hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose K200M and microcrystalline cellulose in an admixture for a mucoadhesive gastroretentive drug delivery system. Pellets containing metformin hydrochloride (500 mg) were prepared by the pelletization technique using an extruder-spheronizer. Pellets were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), circularity, roundness, percent drug content, percent production yield, in vitro swelling, ex vivo mucoadhesion, in vitro drug release and in vivo x-ray imaging studies. Optimized pellets were sufficiently porous spheroids, free flowing, had smooth surfaces, had yields up to 75.45 ± 0.52% and had drug content up to 96.45 ± 0.19%. The average particle size of formulations MF2 and MF6 were 1.13 ± 0.41 mm and 1.22 ± 0.18 mm, respectively. Formulation MF6 exhibited strong adhesion, about 94.67%, to goat mucosal tissue, and the desired in vitro swelling, with a sustained drug release profile for 12 h and with retention in the upper small intestine of rabbits for 10 h. We conclude that hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose K200M and microcrystalline cellulose at a 2.80:1.00 w/w ratio could be an effective carrier for multiple unit controlled delivery of metformin hydrochloride.

Preliminary evaluation of an aqueous wax emulsion for controlled-release coating.

PubMed

Walia, P S; Stout, P J; Turton, R

1998-02-01

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the use of an aqueous carnauba wax emulsion (Primafresh HS, Johnson Wax) in a spray-coating process. This involved assessing the effectiveness of the wax in sustaining the release of the drug, theophylline. Second, the process by which the drug was released from the wax-coated pellets was modeled. Finally, a method to determine the optimum blend of pellets with different wax thicknesses, in order to yield a zero-order release profile of the drug, was addressed. Nonpareil pellets were loaded with theophylline using a novel powder coating technique. These drug-loaded pellets were then coated with different levels of carnauba wax in a 6-in. diameter Plexiglas fluid bed with a 3.5-in. diameter Wurster partition. Drug release was measured using a spin-filter dissolution device. The study resulted in continuous carnauba wax coatings which showed sustained drug release profile characteristics typical of a barrier-type, diffusion-controlled system. The effect of varying wax thickness on the release profiles was investigated. It was observed that very high wax loadings would be required to achieve long sustained-release times. The diffusion model, developed to predict the release of the drug, showed good agreement with the experimental data. However, the data exhibited an initial lag-time for drug release which could not be predicted a priori based on the wax coating thickness. A method of mixing pellets with different wax thicknesses was proposed as a way to approximate zero-order release.

Flash sintering of stoichiometric and hyper-stoichiometric urania

DOE PAGES

Valdez, James Anthony; Byler, Darrin David; Kardoulaki, Erofili; ...

2018-03-29

Flash sintering (FS), a novel fabrication technique belonging to the family of field assisted sintering (FAS) techniques, has been utilized in this study to fabricate uranium dioxide (UO 2) pellets. Stoichiometric (UO 2.00) and hyper-stoichiometric (UO 2.16) pellets were flash sintered at 600 °C within a few (2–3) minutes. This is in sharp contrast to conventional sintering where temperatures hundreds of degrees higher are necessary and the sintering time extends to hours. Relating this in terms of the homologous temperature ratio (T H) for both conditions shows that in the case of flash sintering at 600 °C, T H =more » 0.3 versus T H = 0.6 for conventional sintering at 1600 °C. The highest density achieved for a UO 2.00 pellet was 81% theoretical density (TD) when flash sintered at 600 °C for 184 s at a field of 188 V/cm and a current density of 442 mA/mm 2. For the UO 2.16 pellet, the highest achieved density was 92% TD when flash sintered at 600 °C for 140 s at a field of 188 V/cm and a current density of 632 mA/mm 2. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization of the sintered pellets showed the final sintered material to be single cubic fluorite phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of longitudinal sections revealed non-uniform microstructures with regions of high density where the grain size ranged from 1 to 15 μm. Comparisons between conventionally and flash sintered pellets that achieved equivalent shrinkage strains were also conducted. Lastly, in all cases, the flash sintered pellets achieved similar densification to the conventionally sintered pellets at much lower furnace temperatures and shorter times.« less

Flash sintering of stoichiometric and hyper-stoichiometric urania

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

Valdez, James Anthony; Byler, Darrin David; Kardoulaki, Erofili

Flash sintering (FS), a novel fabrication technique belonging to the family of field assisted sintering (FAS) techniques, has been utilized in this study to fabricate uranium dioxide (UO 2) pellets. Stoichiometric (UO 2.00) and hyper-stoichiometric (UO 2.16) pellets were flash sintered at 600 °C within a few (2–3) minutes. This is in sharp contrast to conventional sintering where temperatures hundreds of degrees higher are necessary and the sintering time extends to hours. Relating this in terms of the homologous temperature ratio (T H) for both conditions shows that in the case of flash sintering at 600 °C, T H =more » 0.3 versus T H = 0.6 for conventional sintering at 1600 °C. The highest density achieved for a UO 2.00 pellet was 81% theoretical density (TD) when flash sintered at 600 °C for 184 s at a field of 188 V/cm and a current density of 442 mA/mm 2. For the UO 2.16 pellet, the highest achieved density was 92% TD when flash sintered at 600 °C for 140 s at a field of 188 V/cm and a current density of 632 mA/mm 2. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization of the sintered pellets showed the final sintered material to be single cubic fluorite phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of longitudinal sections revealed non-uniform microstructures with regions of high density where the grain size ranged from 1 to 15 μm. Comparisons between conventionally and flash sintered pellets that achieved equivalent shrinkage strains were also conducted. Lastly, in all cases, the flash sintered pellets achieved similar densification to the conventionally sintered pellets at much lower furnace temperatures and shorter times.« less

Flash sintering of stoichiometric and hyper-stoichiometric urania

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valdez, J. A.; Byler, D. D.; Kardoulaki, E.; Francis, J. S. C.; McClellan, K. J.

2018-07-01

Flash sintering (FS), a novel fabrication technique belonging to the family of field assisted sintering (FAS) techniques, has been utilized in this study to fabricate uranium dioxide (UO2) pellets. Stoichiometric (UO2.00) and hyper-stoichiometric (UO2.16) pellets were flash sintered at 600 °C within a few (2-3) minutes. This is in sharp contrast to conventional sintering where temperatures hundreds of degrees higher are necessary and the sintering time extends to hours. Relating this in terms of the homologous temperature ratio (TH) for both conditions shows that in the case of flash sintering at 600 °C, TH = 0.3 versus TH = 0.6 for conventional sintering at 1600 °C. The highest density achieved for a UO2.00 pellet was 81% theoretical density (TD) when flash sintered at 600 °C for 185 s at a field of 188 V/cm and a current density of 442 mA/mm2. For the UO2.16 pellet, the highest achieved density was 91% TD when flash sintered at 600 °C for 123 s at a field of 188 V/cm and a current density of 632 mA/mm2. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization of the sintered pellets showed the final sintered material to be single cubic fluorite phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of longitudinal sections revealed non-uniform microstructures with regions of high density where the grain size ranged from 1 to 15 μm. Comparisons between conventionally and flash sintered pellets that achieved equivalent shrinkage strains were also conducted. In all cases, the flash sintered pellets achieved similar densification to the conventionally sintered pellets at much lower furnace temperatures and shorter times.

Study of Pellets and Lumps as Raw Materials in Silicon Production from Quartz and Silicon Carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dal Martello, E.; Tranell, G.; Gaal, S.; Raaness, O. S.; Tang, K.; Arnberg, L.

2011-10-01

The use of high-purity carbon and quartz raw materials reduces the need for comprehensive refining steps after the silicon has been produced carbothermically in the electric reduction furnace. The current work aims at comparing the reaction mechanisms and kinetics occurring in the inner part of the reduction furnace when pellets or lumpy charge is used, as well as the effect of the raw material mix. Laboratory-scale carbothermic reduction experiments have been carried out in an induction furnace. High-purity silicon carbide and two different high-purity hydrothermal quartzes were charged as raw materials at different molar ratios. The charge was in the form of lumps (size, 2-5 mm) or as powder (size, 10-20 μm), mixed and agglomerated as pellets (size, 1-3 mm) and reacted at 2273 K (2000 °C). The thermal properties of the quartzes were measured also by heating a small piece of quartz in CO atmosphere. The investigated quartzes have different reactivity in reducing atmosphere. The carbothermal reduction experiments show differences in the reacted charge between pellets and lumps as charge material. Solid-gas reactions take place from the inside of the pellets porosity, whereas reactions in lumps occur topochemically. Silicon in pellets is produced mainly in the rim zone. Larger volumes of silicon have been found when using lumpy charge. More SiO is produced when using pellets than for lumpy SiO2 for the same molar ratio and heating conditions. The two SiC polytypes used in the carbothermal reduction experiments as carbon reductants presented different reactivity.

Extracellular matrix components and culture regimen selectively regulate cartilage formation by self-assembling human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Ng, Johnathan; Wei, Yiyong; Zhou, Bin; Burapachaisri, Aonnicha; Guo, Edward; Vunjak-Novakovic, Gordana

2016-12-09

Cartilage formation from self-assembling mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro recapitulate important cellular events during mesenchymal condensation that precedes native cartilage development. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of cartilaginous extracellular matrix (ECM) components and culture regimen on cartilage formation by self-assembling human MSCs in vitro and in vivo. Human bone marrow-derived MSCs (hMSCs) were seeded and compacted in 6.5-mm-diameter transwell inserts with coated (type I, type II collagen) or uncoated (vehicle) membranes, at different densities (0.5 × 10 6 , 1.0 × 10 6 , 1.5 × 10 6 per insert). Pellets were formed by aggregating hMSCs (0.25 × 10 6 ) in round-bottomed wells. All tissues were cultured for up to 6 weeks for in vitro analyses. Discs (cultured for 6, 8 or 10 weeks) and pellets (cultured for 10 weeks) were implanted subcutaneously in immunocompromised mice to evaluate the cartilage stability in vivo. Type I and type II collagen coatings enabled cartilage disc formation from self-assembling hMSCs. Without ECM coating, hMSCs formed dome-shaped tissues resembling the pellets. Type I collagen, expressed in the prechondrogenic mesenchyme, improved early chondrogenesis versus type II collagen. High seeding density improved cartilage tissue properties but resulted in a lower yield of disc formation. Discs and pellets exhibited compositional and organizational differences in vitro and in vivo. Prolonged chondrogenic induction of the discs in vitro expedited endochondral ossification in vivo. The outcomes of cartilage tissues formed from self-assembling MSCs in vitro and in vivo can be modulated by the control of culture parameters. These insights could motivate new directions for engineering cartilage and bone via a cartilage template from self-assembling MSCs.

Effect of processing sorghum grain on dairy calf performance.

PubMed

Abdelgadir, I E; Morrill, J L

1995-09-01

Two trials evaluated the effect of sorghum grain processing on dairy calf performance. In trial 1, Holstein calves (n = 76; .5 to 8 wk of age) were fed one of three calf starters that contained either raw, roasted (exit temperature of 135 degrees C), or conglomerated sorghum grain. The conglomeration process consisted of grinding the grain, adding water, pelleting the mixture, and then roasting it. Raw and roasted sorghum grains were ground through a 3.2-mm screen and then included in complete pelleted starters; conglomerated sorghum grain pellets were mixed with the other pelleted ingredients of the starter. Processing did not enhance calf performance or affect selected ruminal and blood metabolites. In trial 2, roasted and conglomerated sorghum grains were ground through a 3.2-mm screen, and each was included in a pelleted starter fed for ad libitum intake to Holstein calves (n = 48) from .5 to 8 wk of age. Calf performance was not affected by method of grain processing, and ruminal and blood metabolites were similar; however, 22% of calves on the conglomerated sorghum grain starter bloated during the postweaning period, which probably resulted in reduced feed intake from wk 6 to 8. Measures to prevent bloat may be necessary to realize a potential benefit of conglomerating sorghum grain for calves.

Diameter Effect In Initiating Explosives, Numerical Simulations

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

Lefrancois, A.; Benterou, J.; Roeske, F.

2006-02-10

The ability to safely machine small pieces of HE with the femtosecond laser allows diameter effect experiments to be performed in initiating explosives in order to study the failure diameter, the reduction of the detonation velocity and curvature versus the diameter. The reduced diameter configuration needs to be optimized, so that the detonation products of the first cylinder will not affect the measurement of the detonation velocity of the second cylinder with a streak camera. Different 2D axi-symmetrical configurations have been calculated to identify the best solution using the Ignition and Growth reactive flow model for LX16 Pellet with Ls-Dyna.

Effects of stoichiometry, purity, etching and distilling on resistance of MgB 2 pellets and wire segments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribeiro, R. A.; Bud'ko, S. L.; Petrovic, C.; Canfield, P. C.

2002-11-01

We present a study of the effects of non-stoichiometry, boron purity, wire diameter and post-synthesis treatment (etching and Mg distilling) on the temperature dependent resistance and resistivity of sintered MgB 2 pellets and wire segments. Whereas the residual resistivity ratio (RRR) varies between RRR≈4 to RRR⩾20 for different boron purity, it is only moderately affected by non-stoichiometry (from 20% Mg deficiency to 20% Mg excess) and is apparently independent of wire diameter and presence of Mg metal traces on the wire surface. The obtained set of data indicates that RRR values in excess of 20 and residual resistivities as low as ρ 0≈0.4 μΩ cm are intrinsic material properties of high purity MgB 2.

High performance batch production of LREBa 2Cu 3O y using novel thin film Nd-123 seed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muralidhar, M.; Suzuki, K.; Fukumoto, Y.; Ishihara, A.; Tomita, M.

2011-11-01

A batch production for fabrication of LREBa2Cu3Oy (LRE: Sm, Gd, NEG) "LRE-123" pellets are developed in air and Ar-1% O2 using a novel thin film Nd-123 seeds grown on MgO crystals. The SEM and XRD results conformed that the quality and orientation of the seed crystals are excellent. On the other hand, new seeds can withstand temperatures >1100 °C, as a result, the cold seeding process was applied even to grow Sm-123 material in Air. The trapped field observed in the best 45 mm single-grain puck of Gd-123 was in the range of 1.35 T and 0.35 T at 77.3 K and 87.3 K, respectively. The average trapped field at 77.3 K in the 24 mm diameter NEG-123 samples batch lies between 0.9 and 1 T. The maximum trapped field of 1.2 T was recorded at the sample surface. Further, the maximum trapped field of 0.23 T at 77 K was recorded in a sample with 16 mm diameter of Sm-123 with 3 mol% BaO2 addition. As a result we made more then 130 single grain pucks within a couple of months. Taking advantage of the single grain batch processed material, we constructed self-made chilled levitation disk, which was used on the open day of railway technical research Institute. More then 150 children stood on the levitation disk and revel the experience of levitation. The present results prove that a high-performance good-quality class of LREBa2Cu3Oy material can be made by using a novel thin film Nd-123 seeds.

Mycelial pellet formation by edible ascomycete filamentous fungi, Neurospora intermedia.

PubMed

Nair, Ramkumar B; Lennartsson, Patrik R; Taherzadeh, Mohammad J

2016-12-01

Pellet formation of filamentous fungi in submerged culture is an imperative topic of fermentation research. In this study, we report for the first time the growth of filamentous ascomycete fungus, Neurospora intermedia in its mycelial pellet form. In submerged culture, the growth morphology of the fungus was successfully manipulated into growing as pellets by modifying various cultivation conditions. Factors such as pH (2.0-10.0), agitation rate (100-150 rpm), carbon source (glucose, arabinose, sucrose, and galactose), the presence of additive agents (glycerol and calcium chloride) and trace metals were investigated for their effect on the pellet formation. Of the various factors screened, uniform pellets were formed only at pH range 3.0-4.0, signifying it as the most influential factor for N. intermedia pellet formation. The average pellet size ranged from 2.38 ± 0.12 to 2.86 ± 0.38 mm. The pellet formation remained unaffected by the inoculum type used and its size showed an inverse correlation with the agitation rate of the culture. Efficient glucose utilization was observed with fungal pellets, as opposed to the freely suspended mycelium, proving its viability for fast-fermentation processes. Scale up of the pelletization process was also carried out in bench-scale airlift and bubble column reactors (4.5 L).

High moisture corn stover pelleting in a flat die pellet mill fitted with a 6 mm die: physical properties and specific energy consumption

DOE PAGES

Tumuluru, Jaya Shankar

2015-06-15

The quality and specific energy consumption (SEC) of the biomass pellets produced depend upon pelleting process conditions. The present study includes understanding the effect of feedstock moisture in the range of 28–38% (wet basis [w.b.]) and preheating in the range of 30–110°C at two die speeds of 40 and 60 Hz on the physical properties and SEC. A flat die pellet mill fitted with a 6 mm die was used in the present study. The physical properties of pellets such as moisture content, unit, bulk and tapped density, durability, and expansion ratio and SEC of the pelleting process are measured.more » The results indicate that the pellets produced have durability values in the range of 87–98%, and unit bulk and tapped density in the range of 670–1100, 375–575, and 420–620 kg/m³. Increasing the feedstock moisture content from 33% to 38% (w.b) decreased the unit, bulk and tapped density by about 30–40%. Increasing feedstock moisture content increased the expansion ratio and decreased the density values. A higher feedstock moisture content of 38% (w.b.) and higher preheating temperature of 110°C resulted in lower density and a higher expansion ratio, which can be attributed to flash off of moisture as the material extrudes out of the die. The SEC was in the range of 75–275 kWh/ton. Higher feedstock moisture content of 38% (w.b.) and a lower die speed of 40 Hz increased the SEC, whereas lower to medium preheating temperature (30–70°C), medium feedstock moisture content of 33% (w.b.), and a higher die speed of 60 Hz minimized the SEC to <100 kWh/ton.« less

Diameters of the cavo-sinus-tricuspid area in relation to type I atrial flutter.

PubMed

Kozłowski, Dariusz; Hreczecha, Jolanta; Skwarek, Magdalena; Piwko, Grzegorz; Kosiński, Adam; Gawrysiak, Marcin; Grzybiak, Marek

2003-05-01

Cardiac arrhythmias have troubled patients and fascinated physicians for centuries. The twentieth century was an era of progress, when the mechanism of cardiac disorders became more commonly recognised. Arrhythmias may be due to abnormalities of automaticity, to abnormalities of conduction, or to a combination of both. In order for re-entry to occur, an area of slowing conduction combined with unidirectional block must be present. Much investigation has centred on the underlying re-entry mechanisms of atrial flutter. In the light of these facts, it would seem that a close acquaintance with the detailed topography of the vena cava orifice (cavo), coronary sinus orifice (sinus) and the attachment of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve (tricupid) area could be of great interest, especially for invasive cardiologists. The research was conducted carried out on material consisting of 41 hearts of humans of both sexes from the age of 12 to 80 (6 female, 35 male). Classical macroscopic methods of anatomical evaluation were used. The following measurements were made: the shortest distance between the Eustachian valve and the attachment of the tricuspid valve on the left margin of the coronary sinus orifice (diameter 1), the distance between the attachment of the tricuspid valve and the inferior margin of the sinus orifice (diameter 2), the distance between the Eustachian valve and the attachment of the tricuspid valve on the right margin of the coronary sinus orifice (diameter 3), the distance between the inferior margin of the vena cava inferior and the attachment of the tricuspid valve (diameter 4) and, finally, the diameter between the attachment of the septal cusp of the tricuspid valve and the extemal border of the vena cava inferior (diameter 5). No correlation was found between the age and sex of the three groups of the material. The dimensions of the structure examined were similar in the three groups of hearts. In young adult hearts all the diameters measured ranged from 4 to 47 mm. The average diameters were, respectively: 15.02 mm (diameter 1), 8.97 mm (diameter 2), 17.27 mm (diameter 3), 26.87 mm (diameter 4), 36.42 mm (diameter 5). In the mature adult hearts all the diameters measured ranged from 8 to 45 mm; 18.19 mm (diameter 1), 10.54 mm (diameter 2), 19.95 mm (diameter 3), 28.90 mm (diameter 4), 39.63 mm (diameter 5). In the older adults hearts all the diameters measured ranged from 4 to 47 mm. The average diameters were, respectively: 15.65 mm (diameter 1), 8.70 mm (diameter 2), 7.25 mm (diameter 3), 26.80 mm (diameter 4), 35.85 mm (diameter 5). On the basis of our study we were able to conclude that the diameters of the cavo-sinus-tricuspid area were constant and did not differ significantly within the three (young, mature, old) adult groups examined.

Persistent increase of blood lead level and suppression of δ-ALAD activity in northern bobwhite quail orally dosed with even a single 2-mm spent lead shot.

PubMed

Holladay, S D; Kerr, R; Holladay, J P; Meldrum, B; Williams, S M; Gogal, R M

2012-10-01

Birds that display grit ingestion behavior are potentially at risk of lead (Pb) poisoning from mistaken ingestion of spent Pb shot pellets. The majority of available studies designed to assess such risk have used unspent shot pellets rather than field-obtained spent shot, which is oxidized and otherwise changed by weathering. Available studies also often administered more or heavier shot pellets to a bird than it might be expected to ingest. The current study dosed northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) weighing 194.6 ± 23.1 g (female birds) and 199.3 ± 12.2 g (male birds) with one to three spent no. 9 Pb shot collected from a skeet range, with particular interest in the toxicity that may occur from ingestion of a single 2-mm, 50 mg shot. An 8 week post-dosing clinical observation period was employed, over which feed consumption, body weight, blood Pb levels, and a battery of blood physiological parameters were made. Weight loss occurred in the birds, including male birds dosed with one Pb pellet. Erythrocyte delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) levels were decreased for the duration of the study across exposures and to levels associated with injury in wild bird populations. Decreased ALAD was particularly severe in female birds dosed with one Pb pellet and was still 92 % decreased at 8 weeks after dosing. Together, these results suggest that inadvertent ingestion of a single no. 9 Pb shot pellet can adversely affect the health of northern bobwhite quail.

NiMg/Ceria-Zirconia Cylindrical Pellet Catalysts for Tri-reforming of Surrogate Biogas

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Xianhui; Walker, Devin; Maiti, Debtanu; ...

2017-12-22

Cylindrical NiMg/Ce 0.6Zr 0.4O 2 pellet catalysts with two different sizes (large: radius = 1.59 mm; and small: radius = 0.75 mm) were produced by extrusion of powder catalysts. The small catalyst pellets had a higher specific surface area, pore volume, average pore size, radial crush strength, and resistance to breakage than the large ones. Tri-reforming tests with surrogate biogas were conducted at 3 bar and 882 °C, with the feed molar ratios of CH 4: CO 2: air fixed at 1.0: 0.7: 0.95 and the H 2O/CH 4 molar feed ratio (0.35 – 1.16) varied. The small catalyst pelletsmore » exhibited lower internal mass transfer resistance and higher coking resistance, compared to the large ones. CO 2 conversion decreased and H 2/CO molar ratio increased with the increase of H 2O/CH 4 molar feed ratio, which are consistent with the trends predicted by thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. Finally, the results indicate that the NiMg/Ce 0.6Zr 0.4O 2 catalyst pellets are promising for commercial scale applications.« less

Self-emulsifying excipient platform for improving technological properties of alginate-hydroxypropylcellulose pellets.

PubMed

Mannina, Paolo; Segale, Lorena; Giovannelli, Lorella; Bonda, Andrea Foglio; Pattarino, Franco

2016-02-29

In this work, alginate, alginate-pectin and alginate-hydroxypropylcellulose pellets were produced by ionotropic gelation and characterized. Ibuprofen was selected as model drug; it was suspended in the polymeric solution in crystalline form or dissolved in a self-emulsifying phase and then dispersed into the polymeric solution. The self-emulsifying excipient platform composed of Labrasol (PEG-8 caprylic/capric glycerides) and d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS), able to solubilize the drug was used to improve the technological and biopharmaceutical properties of the alginate pellets. The pellets had diameters between 1317 and 2026 μm and a high drug content (>51%). DSC analysis showed the amorphous state of drug in the pellets containing the self-emulsifying phase. All the systems restricted drug release in conditions simulating the gastric environment and made the drug completely available at a pH value typical for the intestine. Only alginate-HPC systems containing the drug solubilized into the self-emulsifying phase showed the ability to partially control the release of ibuprofen at neutral pH. The self-emulsifying excipient platform is a useful tool to improve technological and biopharmaceutical properties of alginate-HPC pellets. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Expansion in microcarrier-spinner cultures improves the chondrogenic potential of human early mesenchymal stromal cells.

PubMed

Lin, Youshan Melissa; Lim, Jessica Fang Yan; Lee, Jialing; Choolani, Mahesh; Chan, Jerry Kok Yen; Reuveny, Shaul; Oh, Steve Kah Weng

2016-06-01

Cartilage tissue engineering with human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) is promising for allogeneic cell therapy. To achieve large-scale hMSC propagation, scalable microcarrier-based cultures are preferred over conventional static cultures on tissue culture plastic. Yet it remains unclear how microcarrier cultures affect hMSC chondrogenic potential, and how this potential is distinguished from that of tissue culture plastic. Hence, our study aims to compare the chondrogenic potential of human early MSC (heMSC) between microcarrier-spinner and tissue culture plastic cultures. heMSC expanded on either collagen-coated Cytodex 3 microcarriers in spinner cultures or tissue culture plastic were harvested for chondrogenic pellet differentiation with empirically determined chondrogenic inducer bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2). Pellet diameter, DNA content, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen II production, histological staining and gene expression of chondrogenic markers including SOX9, S100β, MMP13 and ALPL, were investigated and compared in both conditions. BMP2 was the most effective chondrogenic inducer for heMSC. Chondrogenic pellets generated from microcarrier cultures developed larger pellet diameters, and produced more DNA, GAG and collagen II per pellet with greater GAG/DNA and collagen II/DNA ratios compared with that of tissue culture plastic. Moreover, they induced higher expression of chondrogenic genes (e.g., S100β) but not of hypertrophic genes (e.g., MMP13 and ALPL). A similar trend showing enhanced chondrogenic potential was achieved with another microcarrier type, suggesting that the mechanism is due to the agitated nature of microcarrier cultures. This is the first study demonstrating that scalable microcarrier-spinner cultures enhance the chondrogenic potential of heMSC, supporting their use for large-scale cell expansion in cartilage cell therapy. Copyright © 2016 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Physical and chemical effects of grain aggregates on the Palos Verdes margin, southern California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Drake, D.E.; Eganhouse, R.; McArthur, W.

2002-01-01

Large discharges of wastewater and particulate matter from the outfalls of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts onto the Palos Verdes shelf since 1937 have produced an effluent-affected sediment deposit characterized by low bulk density, elevated organic matter content, and a high percentage of fine silt and clay particles relative to underlying native sands and sandy silts. Comparison of the results of grain-size analyses using a gentle wet-sieving technique that preserves certain grain aggregates to the results of standard size analyses of disaggregated particles shows that high percentages (up to 50%) of the silt and clay fractions of the effluent-affected mud are incorporated in aggregates having intermediate diameters in the fine-to-medium sand size range (63-500 ??m), Scanning electron microscope images of the aggregates show that they are predominantly oval fecal pellets or irregularly shaped fragments of pellets. Deposit-feeding polychaete worms such as Capitella sp. and Mediomastus sp., abundant in the mud-rich effluent-affected sediment on Palos Verdes shelf, are probably responsible for most of the grain aggregates through fecal pellet production. Particle settling rates and densities, and the concentrations of organic carbon and p,p???-DDE, a metabolite of the hydrophobic pesticide DDT, were determined for seven grain-size fractions in the effluent-affected sediment. Fecal pellet grain densities ranged from about 1.2 to 1.5 g/cc, and their average settling rates were reduced to the equivalent of about one phi size relative to spherical quartz grains of the same diameter. However, repackaging of fine silt and clay grains into the sand-sized fecal pellets causes an effective settling rate increase of up to 3 orders of magnitude for the smallest particles incorporated in the pellets. Moreover, organic carbon and p,p???-DDE exhibit a bimodal distribution with relatively high concentrations in the finest size fraction (0-20 ??m), as expected, and a second concentration peak associated with the sand-sized fecal pellets. The repackaging of fine-grained particles along with their adsorbed chemical compounds into relatively fast-settling pellets has important implications for the mobilization and transport of the sediment and the desorption of chemicals from grain surfaces. ?? 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

Particle size and surface area effects on the thin-pulse shock initiation of Diaminoazoxyfurazan (DAAF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burritt, Rosemary; Francois, Elizabeth; Windler, Gary; Chavez, David

2017-06-01

Diaminoazoxyfurazan (DAAF) has many of the safety characteristics of an insensitive high explosive (IHE): it is extremely insensitive to impact and friction and is comparable to triaminotrinitrobezene (TATB) in this way. Conversely, it demonstrates many performance characteristics of a Conventional High Explosive (CHE). DAAF has a small failure diameter of about 1.25 mm and can be sensitive to shock under the right conditions. Large particle sized DAAF will not initiate in a typical exploding foil initiator (EFI) configuration but smaller particle sizes will. Large particle sized DAAF, of 40 μm, was crash precipitated and ball milled into six distinct samples and pressed into pellets with a density of 1.60 g/cc (91% TMD). To investigate the effect of particle size and surface area on the direct initiation on DAAF multiple threshold tests were preformed on each sample of DAAF in different EFI configurations, which varied in flyer thickness and/or bridge size. Comparative tests were performed examining threshold voltage and correlated to Photon Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) results. The samples with larger particle sizes and surface area required more energy to initiate while the smaller particle sizes required less energy and could be initiated with smaller diameter flyers.

Impact of AFEX™ Pretreatment and Extrusion Pelleting on Pellet Physical Properties and Sugar Recovery from Corn Stover, Prairie Cord Grass, and Switchgrass.

PubMed

Sundaram, Vijay; Muthukumarappan, Kasiviswanathan

2016-05-01

The effects of AFEX™ pretreatment, feedstock moisture content (5,10, and 15 % wb), particle size (screen sizes of 2, 4, and 8 mm), and extrusion temperature (75, 100, and 125 °C) on pellet bulk density, pellet hardness, and sugar recovery from corn stover, prairie cord grass, and switchgrass were investigated. Pellets were produced from untreated and AFEX™ pretreated feedstocks using a laboratory-scale extruder. AFEX™ pretreatment increased subsequent pellet bulk density from 453.0 to 650.6 kg m(-3) for corn stover from 463.2 to 680.1 kg m(-3) for prairie cord grass, and from 433.9 to 627.7 kg m(-3) for switchgrass. Maximum pellet hardness of 2342.8, 2424.3, and 1298.6 N was recorded for AFEX™ pretreated corn stover, prairie cord grass, and switchgrass, respectively. Glucose yields of AFEX™ corn stover pellets, prairie cord grass, and switchgrass pellets varied from 88.9 to 94.9 %, 90.1 to 94.9 %, and 87.0 to 92.9 %, respectively. Glucose and xylose yields of AFEX™ pellets were not affected by the extruder barrel temperature and the hammer mill screen size. The results obtained showed that low temperature and large particle size during the extrusion pelleting process can be employed for AFEX™-treated biomass without compromising sugar yields.

Evaluation of the effect of implanted depleted uranium on male reproductive success, sperm concentration, and sperm velocity

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

Arfsten, Darryl P.; Schaeffer, David J.; Johnson, Eric W.

Depleted uranium (DU) projectiles have been used in battle in Iraq and the Balkans and will continue to be a significant armor-penetrating munition for the US military. As demonstrated in the Persian Gulf War, battle injury from DU projectiles and shrapnel is a possibility, and removal of embedded DU fragments from the body is not always practical because of their location in the body or their small size. Previous studies in rodents have demonstrated that implanted DU mobilizes and translocates to the gonads, and natural uranium may be toxic to spermatazoa and the male reproductive tract. In this study, themore » effects of implanted DU pellets on sperm concentration, motility, and male reproductive success were evaluated in adult (P1) Sprague-Dawley rats implanted with 0, 12, or 20, DU pellets of 1x2 mm or 12 or 20 tantalum (Ta) steel pellets of 1x2 mm. Twenty DU pellets of 1x2 mm (760 mg) implanted in a 500-g rat are equal to approximately 0.2 pound of DU in a 154-lb (70-kg) person. Urinary analysis found that male rats implanted with DU were excreting uranium at postimplantation days 27 and 117 with the amount dependent on dose. No deaths or evidence of toxicity occurred in P1 males over the 150-day postimplantation study period. When assessed at postimplantation day 150, the concentration, motion, and velocity of sperm isolated from DU-implanted animals were not significantly different from those of sham surgery controls. Velocity and motion of sperm isolated from rats treated with the positive control compound {alpha}-chlorohydrin were significantly reduced compared with sham surgery controls. There was no evidence of a detrimental effect of DU implantation on mating success at 30-45 days and 120-145 days postimplantation. The results of this study suggest that implantation of up to 20 DU pellets of 1x2 mm in rats for approximately 21% of their adult lifespan does not have an adverse impact on male reproductive success, sperm concentration, or sperm velocity.« less

Plastic debris in 29 Great Lakes tributaries: Relations to watershed attributes and hydrology

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baldwin, Austin K.; Corsi, Steven; Mason, Sherri A.

2016-01-01

Plastic debris is a growing contaminant of concern in freshwater environments, yet sources, transport, and fate remain unclear. This study characterized the quantity and morphology of floating micro- and macroplastics in 29 Great Lakes tributaries in six states under different land covers, wastewater effluent contributions, population densities, and hydrologic conditions. Tributaries were sampled three or four times each using a 333 μm mesh neuston net. Plastic particles were sorted by size, counted, and categorized as fibers/lines, pellets/beads, foams, films, and fragments. Plastics were found in all 107 samples, with a maximum concentration of 32 particles/m3 and a median of 1.9 particles/m3. Ninety-eight percent of sampled plastic particles were less than 4.75 mm in diameter and therefore considered microplastics. Fragments, films, foams, and pellets/beads were positively correlated with urban-related watershed attributes and were found at greater concentrations during runoff-event conditions. Fibers, the most frequently detected particle type, were not associated with urban-related watershed attributes, wastewater effluent contribution, or hydrologic condition. Results from this study add to the body of information currently available on microplastics in different environmental compartments, including unique contributions to quantify their occurrence and variability in rivers with a wide variety of different land-use characteristics while highlighting differences between surface samples from rivers compared with lakes.

High ion-exchange properties of hybrid materials from X-type zeolite and ground glass powder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taira, Nobuyuki; Yoshida, Kohei

2017-10-01

Zeolites are crystalline aluminosilicates with a homogeneous distribution of micropores with a superior cation-exchange capacity. Because they have especially excellent selective exchange properties, a considerable number of studies have been conducted on treating water containing radioisotopes using the zeolites. When using artificial zeolites, they have inferior sinterability; in addition, it is quite hard for them to remove from polluted liquid since these artificial zeolites are principally synthesized as a form of powder, which is a disadvantage. In this study, hybrid materials were prepared from X-type zeolite and waste glass powder. Their ion-removal effect and mechanical strength were investigated. The zeolite and waste glass were ground in an agate mortar in several ratios. 0.5 g of the mixture was pressure-molded into pellets having a diameter of 7 mm. These pellets were slowly heated at the speed of 240°C/h to 700°C and maintained at 700°C for 2 h. The removal rate of Sr2+ ions increased as the amount of X-type zeolite in the hybrid materials increased; the former increased up to 100% when the content of latter exceeded 50%. The mechanical strength increased by increasing the amount of glass in the hybrid materials. This is attributed to the fact that the glass powder acts as a binder that improves the densification and consequently the mechanical strength of the hybrid materials.

Plastic Debris in 29 Great Lakes Tributaries: Relations to Watershed Attributes and Hydrology.

PubMed

Baldwin, Austin K; Corsi, Steven R; Mason, Sherri A

2016-10-04

Plastic debris is a growing contaminant of concern in freshwater environments, yet sources, transport, and fate remain unclear. This study characterized the quantity and morphology of floating micro- and macroplastics in 29 Great Lakes tributaries in six states under different land covers, wastewater effluent contributions, population densities, and hydrologic conditions. Tributaries were sampled three or four times each using a 333 μm mesh neuston net. Plastic particles were sorted by size, counted, and categorized as fibers/lines, pellets/beads, foams, films, and fragments. Plastics were found in all 107 samples, with a maximum concentration of 32 particles/m 3 and a median of 1.9 particles/m 3 . Ninety-eight percent of sampled plastic particles were less than 4.75 mm in diameter and therefore considered microplastics. Fragments, films, foams, and pellets/beads were positively correlated with urban-related watershed attributes and were found at greater concentrations during runoff-event conditions. Fibers, the most frequently detected particle type, were not associated with urban-related watershed attributes, wastewater effluent contribution, or hydrologic condition. Results from this study add to the body of information currently available on microplastics in different environmental compartments, including unique contributions to quantify their occurrence and variability in rivers with a wide variety of different land-use characteristics while highlighting differences between surface samples from rivers compared with lakes.

Development of a two-stage light gas gun to accelerate hydrogen pellets to high speeds for plasma fueling applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Combs, S. K.; Milora, S. L.; Foust, C. R.; Gouge, M. J.; Fehling, D. T.; Sparks, D. O.

1988-08-01

The development of a two-stage light gas gun to accelerate hydrogen isotope pellets to high speeds is under way at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. High velocities are desirable for plasma fueling applications, since the faster pellets can penetrate more deeply into large, hot plasmas and deposit atoms of fuel directly in a larger fraction of the plasma volume. In the initial configuration of the two-stage device, a 2.2-l volume provides the gas to accelerate a 25.4-mm-diam piston in a 1-m-long pump tube; a burst disk or a fast valve initiates the acceleration process in the first stage. As the piston travels the length of the pump tube, the downstream gas is compressed (to pressures up to 2600 bar) and thus is driven to high temperature (approx. 5000 K). This provides the driving force for acceleration of a 4-mm pellet in a 1-m-long gun barrel. In preliminary tests using helium as the driver in both stages, 35-mg plastic pellets have been accelerated to speeds as high as 3.8 km/s. Projectiles composed of hydrogen ice will have a mass in the range from 5 to 20 mg. However, the use of sabots to encase and protect the cryogenic pellets from the high peak pressures will probably be required to realize speeds of approx. 3 km/s or greater. The experimental plan includes acceleration of hydrogen isotopes as soon as the gun geometry and operating parameters are optimized; theoretical models are being used to aid in this process. The hardware is being designed to accommodate repetitive operation, which is the objective of this research and is required for future applications.

Multiple response optimisation of processing and formulation parameters of pH sensitive sustained release pellets of capecitabine for targeting colon.

PubMed

Pandey, Sonia; Swamy, S M Vijayendra; Gupta, Arti; Koli, Akshay; Patel, Swagat; Maulvi, Furqan; Vyas, Bhavin

2018-04-29

To optimise the Eudragit/Surelease ® -coated pH-sensitive pellets for controlled and target drug delivery to the colon tissue and to avoid frequent high dosing and associated side effects which restrict its use in the colorectal-cancer therapy. The pellets were prepared using extrusion-spheronisation technique. Box-Behnken and 3 2 full factorial designs were applied to optimise the process parameters [extruder sieve size, spheroniser-speed, and spheroniser-time] and the coating levels [%w/v of Eudragit S100/Eudragit-L100 and Surelease ® ], respectively, to achieve the smooth optimised size pellets with sustained drug delivery without prior drug release in upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The design proposed the optimised batch by selecting independent variables at; extruder sieve size (X 1  = 1 mm), spheroniser speed (X 2  = 900 revolutions per minute, rpm), and spheroniser time (X 3  = 15 min) to achieve pellet size of 0.96 mm, aspect ratio of 0.98, and roundness 97.42%. The 16%w/v coating strength of Surelease ® and 13%w/v coating strength of Eudragit showed pH-dependent sustained release up to 22.35 h (t 99% ). The organ distribution study showed the absence of the drug in the upper part of GIT tissue and the presence of high level of capecitabine in the caecum and colon tissue. Thus, the presence of Eudragit coat prevent the release of drug in stomach and the inner Surelease ® coat showed sustained drug release in the colon tissue. The study demonstrates the potential of optimised Eudragit/Surelease ® -coated capecitabine-pellets for effective colon-targeted delivery system to avoid frequent high dosing and associated systemic side effects of drug.

[Studies on effects of Achyranthes bidentata on tongsaimai pellets main active ingredients chlorogenic acid, isoliquiritin, harpagoside and glycyrrhizin in vivo pharmacokinetics].

PubMed

Cheng, Jian; Di, Liu-Qing; Shan, Jin-Jun; Zhao, Xiao-Li; Kang, An; Bi, Xiao-Lin; Li, Jun-Song

2014-04-01

To study on the effects of Achyranthes bidentata on Tongsaimai pellets main active ingredients chlorogenic acid, isoliquiritin, harpagoside and glycyrrhizin in rats in vivo pharmacokinetic behaviors, a method for the simultaneous determination of chlorogenic acid, isoliquiritin, harpagoside and liquiritigenin in rat plasma was established by UPLC-MS/MS. The analysis was performed on a waters Acquity BEH C18 column (2.1 mm x 100 mm, 1.7 microm) with the mixture of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid/water as mobile phase, and the gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL x min(-1). The analytes were detected by tandem mass spectrometry with the electrospray ionization (ESI) source and in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. It turned out that the analytes of Tongsaimai pellets groups C(max) and AUC(Q-infinity) values were higher than that with A. bidentata group, and the C(max) values of chlorogenic acid had significantly difference (P < 0.05), the AUC(0-infinity) values of chlorogenic acid and glycyrrhizin had significantly difference (P < 0.05); The T(max) and CL values of two groups had no significantly difference. Results showed that the established method was specific, rapid, accurate and sensitive for the studies of Tongsaimai pellets four main active ingredients in rat in vivo pharmacokinetic, and A. bidentata have varying degrees of effects on Tongsaimai pellets four main active ingredients in rat in vivo pharmacokinetic behaviors.

Influence of pellet seating on the external ballistic parameters of spring-piston air guns.

PubMed

Werner, Ronald; Schultz, Benno; Frank, Matthias

2016-09-01

In firearm examiners' and forensic specialists' casework as well as in air gun proof testing, reliable measurement of the weapon's muzzle velocity is indispensable. While there are standardized and generally accepted procedures for testing the performance of air guns, the method of seating the diabolo pellets deeper into the breech of break barrel spring-piston air guns has not found its way into standardized test procedures. The influence of pellet seating on the external ballistic parameters was investigated using ten different break barrel spring-piston air guns. Test shots were performed with the diabolo pellets seated 2 mm deeper into the breech using a pellet seater. The results were then compared to reference shots with conventionally loaded diabolo pellets. Projectile velocity was measured with a high-precision redundant ballistic speed measurement system. In eight out of ten weapons, the muzzle energy increased significantly when the pellet seater was used. The average increase in kinetic energy was 31 % (range 9-96 %). To conclude, seating the pellet even slightly deeper into the breech of spring-piston air guns might significantly alter the muzzle energy. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that this effect is taken into account when accurate and reliable measurements of air gun muzzle velocity are necessary.

Pellet Injection in ITER with ∇B-induced Drift Effect using TASK/TR and HPI2 Codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kongkurd, R.; Wisitsorasak, A.

2017-09-01

The impact of pellet injection in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) are investigated using integrated predictive modeling codes TASK/TR and HPI2 . In the core, the plasma profiles are predicted by the TASK/TR code in which the core transport models consist of a combination of the MMM95 anomalous transport model and NCLASS neoclassical transport. The pellet ablation in the plasma is described using neutral gas shielding (NGS) model with inclusion of the ∇B-induced \\overrightarrow{E}× \\overrightarrow{B} drift of the ionized ablated pellet particles. It is found that the high-field-side injection can deposit the pellet mass deeper than the injection from the low-field-side due to the advantage of the ∇B-induced drift. When pellets with deuterium-tritium mixing ratio of unity are launched with speed of 200 m/s, radius of 3 mm and injected at frequency of 2 Hz, the line average density and the plasma stored energy are increased by 80% and 25% respectively. The pellet material is mostly deposited at the normalized minor radius of 0.5 from the edge.

Doppler weather radar observations of the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schneider, David J.; Hoblitt, Richard P.

2013-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) deployed a transportable Doppler C-band radar during the precursory stage of the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska that provided valuable information during subsequent explosive events. We describe the capabilities of this new monitoring tool and present data captured during the Redoubt eruption. The MiniMax 250-C (MM-250C) radar detected seventeen of the nineteen largest explosive events between March 23 and April 4, 2009. Sixteen of these events reached the stratosphere (above 10 km) within 2–5 min of explosion onset. High column and proximal cloud reflectivity values (50 to 60 dBZ) were observed from many of these events, and were likely due to the formation of mm-sized accretionary tephra-ice pellets. Reflectivity data suggest that these pellets formed within the first few minutes of explosion onset. Rapid sedimentation of the mm-sized pellets was observed as a decrease in maximum detection cloud height. The volcanic cloud from the April 4 explosive event showed lower reflectivity values, due to finer particle sizes (related to dome collapse and related pyroclastic flows) and lack of significant pellet formation. Eruption durations determined by the radar were within a factor of two compared to seismic and pressure-sensor derived estimates, and were not well correlated. Ash dispersion observed by the radar was primarily in the upper troposphere below 10 km, but satellite observations indicate the presence of volcanogenic clouds in the stratosphere. This study suggests that radar is a valuable complement to traditional seismic and satellite monitoring of explosive eruptions.

Electron beam plasma ionizing target for the production of neutron-rich nuclides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panteleev, V. N.; Barzakh, A. E.; Essabaa, S.; Fedorov, D. V.; Ionan, A. M.; Ivanov, V. S.; Lau, C.; Leroy, R.; Lhersonneau, G.; Mezilev, K. A.; Molkanov, P. L.; Moroz, F. V.; Orlov, S. Yu.; Stroe, L.; Tecchio, L. B.; Villari, A. C. C.; Volkov, Yu. M.

2008-10-01

The production of neutron-rich Ag, In and Sn isotopes from a uranium carbide target of a high density has been investigated at the IRIS facility in the PLOG (PNPI-Legnaro-GANIL-Orsay) collaboration. The UC target material with a density of 12 g/cm3 was prepared by the method of powder metallurgy in a form of pellets of 2 mm thickness, 11 mm in diameter and grain dimensions of about 20 μm. The uranium target mass of 31 g was exposed at a 1 GeV proton beam of intensity 0.05-0.07 μA. For the ionization of the produced species the electron beam-plasma ionization inside the target container (ionizing target) has been used. It was the first experiment when the new high density UC target material was exploited with the electron-plasma ionization. Yields of Sn isotopes have been measured in the target temperature range of (1900-2100) °C. The yields of some Pd, In and Cd isotopes were measured as well to compare to previously measured ones from a high density uranium carbide target having a ceramic-like structure. For the first time a nickel isotope was obtained from a high density UC target.

Growth, food consumption, and energy status of juvenile pallid sturgeon fed natural or artificial diets

USGS Publications Warehouse

Meyer, Hilary A.; Chipps, Steven R.; Graeb, Brian D. S.; Klumb, Robert A.

2016-01-01

Stocking of hatchery-raised fish is an important part of the pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus recovery program. In the wild, juvenile pallid sturgeon consume primarily aquatic insects, although little is known about specific dietary needs. In hatchery settings, pallid sturgeon are fed commercial diets that are formulated for salmonids. To compare food consumption, growth, and energy status of pallid sturgeon fed artificial or natural diets, we conducted a laboratory study using 24 juvenile pallid sturgeon (initial fork length 153–236 mm). Pallid sturgeon were fed a daily ration of either commercial pellets (1 mm, slow sinking; 45% protein, 19% fat) or chironomid larvae for 5 wk. Natural-fed pallid sturgeon exhibited a greater specific growth rate (2.12% d−1) than pellet-fed fish (0.06% d−1). Similarly, relative condition was greater for natural-fed sturgeon (Kn = 1.11) than that observed for pellet-fed fish (Kn = 0.87). In contrast, the hepatosomatic index was significantly higher in pellet-fed fish (2.5%), indicating a high lipid diet compared with natural-fed sturgeon (1.4%). Given the importance of natural diets to fish digestion and growth, it is suggested that a more holistic approach be applied in the development of a practical diet for pallid sturgeon that incorporates attributes of natural prey.

A New Four-Barrel Pellet Injection System for the TJ-II Stellarator

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

Combs, Stephen Kirk; Foust, Charles R; McGill, James M

2011-01-01

A new pellet injection system for the TJ-II stellarator has been developed/constructed as part of a collaboration between the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Centro de Investigaciones Energ ticas, Medioambientales y Tecnol gicas (CIEMAT). ORNL is providing most of the injector hardware and instrumentation, the pellet diagnostics, and the pellet transport tubes; CIEMAT is responsible for the injector stand/interface to the stellarator, cryogenic refrigerator, vacuum pumps/ballast volumes, gas manifolds, remote operations, plasma diagnostics, and data acquisition. The pellet injector design is an upgraded version of that used for the ORNL injector installed on the Madison Symmetric Torus (MST).more » It is a four-barrel system equipped with a cryogenic refrigerator for in situ hydrogen pellet formation and a combined mechanical punch/propellant valve system for pellet acceleration (speeds ~100 to 1000 m/s). On TJ-II, it will be used as an active diagnostic and for fueling. To accommodate the plasma experiments planned for TJ-II, pellet sizes significantly smaller than those typically used for the MST application are required. The system will initially be equipped with four different pellet sizes, with the gun barrel bores ranging between ~0.5 to 1.0 mm. The new system is almost complete and is described briefly here, highlighting the new features added since the original MST injector was constructed. Also, the future installation on TJ-II is reviewed.« less

Influence of moisture content, particle size and forming temperature on productivity and quality of rice straw pellets

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

Ishii, Kazuei, E-mail: k-ishii@eng.hokudai.ac.jp; Furuichi, Toru

Highlights: • Optimized conditions were determined for the production of rice straw pellets. • The moisture content and forming temperature are key factors. • High quality rice pellets in the lower heating value and durability were produced. - Abstract: A large amount of rice straw is generated and left as much in paddy fields, which causes greenhouse gas emissions as methane. Rice straw can be used as bioenergy. Rice straw pellets are a promising technology because pelletization of rice straw is a form of mass and energy densification, which leads to a product that is easy to handle, transport, storemore » and utilize because of the increase in the bulk density. The operational conditions required to produce high quality rice straw pellets have not been determined. This study determined the optimal moisture content range required to produce rice straw pellets with high yield ratio and high heating value, and also determined the influence of particle size and the forming temperature on the yield ratio and durability of rice straw pellets. The optimal moisture content range was between 13% and 20% under a forming temperature of 60 or 80 °C. The optimal particle size was between 10 and 20 mm, considering the time and energy required for shredding, although the particle size did not significantly affect the yield ratio and durability of the pellets. The optimized conditions provided high quality rice straw pellets with nearly 90% yield ratio, ⩾12 MJ/kg for the lower heating value, and >95% durability.« less

33 CFR Appendix A to Part 155 - Specifications for Shore Connection

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... of this part] Item Description Dimension 1 Outside diameter 215 mm. (8 in.). 2 Inside diameter According to pipe outside diameter. 3 Bolt circle diameter 183 mm. (7 3/16 in.). 4 Slots in flange 6 holes 22 mm. (7/8 in.) in diameter shall be equidistantly placed on a bolt circle of the above diameter...

33 CFR Appendix A to Part 155 - Specifications for Shore Connection

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... of this part] Item Description Dimension 1 Outside diameter 215 mm. (8 in.). 2 Inside diameter According to pipe outside diameter. 3 Bolt circle diameter 183 mm. (7 3/16 in.). 4 Slots in flange 6 holes 22 mm. (7/8 in.) in diameter shall be equidistantly placed on a bolt circle of the above diameter...

33 CFR Appendix A to Part 155 - Specifications for Shore Connection

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... of this part] Item Description Dimension 1 Outside diameter 215 mm. (8 in.). 2 Inside diameter According to pipe outside diameter. 3 Bolt circle diameter 183 mm. (7 3/16 in.). 4 Slots in flange 6 holes 22 mm. (7/8 in.) in diameter shall be equidistantly placed on a bolt circle of the above diameter...

33 CFR Appendix A to Part 155 - Specifications for Shore Connection

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... of this part] Item Description Dimension 1 Outside diameter 215 mm. (8 in.). 2 Inside diameter According to pipe outside diameter. 3 Bolt circle diameter 183 mm. (7 3/16 in.). 4 Slots in flange 6 holes 22 mm. (7/8 in.) in diameter shall be equidistantly placed on a bolt circle of the above diameter...

Microplastics Alter the Properties and Sinking Rates of Zooplankton Faecal Pellets.

PubMed

Cole, Matthew; Lindeque, Penelope K; Fileman, Elaine; Clark, James; Lewis, Ceri; Halsband, Claudia; Galloway, Tamara S

2016-03-15

Plastic debris is a widespread contaminant, prevalent in aquatic ecosystems across the globe. Zooplankton readily ingest microscopic plastic (microplastic, < 1 mm), which are later egested within their faecal pellets. These pellets are a source of food for marine organisms, and contribute to the oceanic vertical flux of particulate organic matter as part of the biological pump. The effects of microplastics on faecal pellet properties are currently unknown. Here we test the hypotheses that (1) faecal pellets are a vector for transport of microplastics, (2) polystyrene microplastics can alter the properties and sinking rates of zooplankton egests and, (3) faecal pellets can facilitate the transfer of plastics to coprophagous biota. Following exposure to 20.6 μm polystyrene microplastics (1000 microplastics mL(-1)) and natural prey (∼1650 algae mL(-1)) the copepod Calanus helgolandicus egested faecal pellets with significantly (P < 0.001) reduced densities, a 2.25-fold reduction in sinking rates, and a higher propensity for fragmentation. We further show that microplastics, encapsulated within egests of the copepod Centropages typicus, could be transferred to C. helgolandicus via coprophagy. Our results support the proposal that sinking faecal matter represents a mechanism by which floating plastics can be vertically transported away from surface waters.

Noncontact measurement of high temperature using optical fiber sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Claus, R. O.

1990-01-01

The primary goal of this research program was the investigation and application of noncontact temperature measurement techniques using optical techniques and optical fiber methods. In particular, a pyrometer utilizing an infrared optical light pipe and a multiwavelength filtering approach was designed, revised, and tested. This work was motivated by the need to measure the temperatures of small metallic pellets (approximately 3 mm diameter) in free fall at the Microgravity Materials Processing Drop Tube at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. In addition, research under this program investigated the adaptation of holography technology to optical fiber sensors, and also examined the use of rare-earth dopants in optical fibers for use in measuring temperature. The pyrometer development effort involved both theoretical analysis and experimental tests. For the analysis, a mathematical model based on radiative transfer principles was derived. Key parameter values representative of the drop tube system, such as particle size, tube diameter and length, and particle temperature, were used to determine an estimate of the radiant flux that will be incident on the face of an optical fiber or light pipe used to collect radiation from the incandescent falling particle. An extension of this work examined the advantage of inclining or tilting the collecting fiber to increase the time that the falling particle remains in the fiber field-of-view. Those results indicate that increases in total power collected of about 15 percent may be realized by tilting the fiber. In order to determine the suitability of alternative light pipes and optical fibers, and experimental set-up for measuring the transmittance and insertion loss of infrared fibers considered for use in the pyrometer was assembled. A zirconium fluoride optical fiber and several bundles of hollow core fiber of varying diameters were tested. A prototype two-color pyrometer was assembled and tested at Virginia Tech, and then tested on the Drop Tube at Marshall Space Flight Center. Radiation from 5 mm diameter niobium drops falling in the Drop Tube was successfully detected, and recorded for later analysis. Subsequent analysis indicated that the imaging of light output from the light pipe onto the detector active areas was not identical for both detectors.

Monolith catalysts for closed-cycle carbon dioxide lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herz, Richard K.; Badlani, Ajay

1991-01-01

The objective was to explore ways of making a monolithic form of catalyst for CO2 lasers. The approach chosen was to pelletize the catalyst material, Au/MnO2 powder, and epoxy the pellets to stainless steel sheets as structural supports. The CO oxidation reaction over Au/MnO2 powder was found to be first overall, and the reaction rate constant at room temperature was 4.4 +/- 0.3 cc/(g x sec). The activation energy was 5.7 kcal/mol. The BET surface area of the pellets was found to vary from 125 to 140 sq m/g between different batches of catalyst. Pellets epoxied to stainless steel strips showed no sign of fracture or dusting when subjected to thermal tests. Pellets can be dropped onto hard surfaces with chipping of edges but no breakage of the pellets. Mechanical strength tests performed on the pellets showed that the crush strength is roughly one-fourth of the pelletizing force. The apparent activity and activation energy over the pellets were found to be less than over the powdered form of the catalyst. The lower apparent activity and activation energy of the pellets are due to the fact that the internal surface area of a pellet is not exposed to the reactant concentration present in the flowing gas as a result of intrapellet diffusion resistance. Effectiveness factors varied from 0.44, for pellets having thickness of 2 mm and attached with epoxy to a stainless steel strip. The epoxy and the stainless steel strip were found to simply block off one of the circular faces of the pellets. The epoxy did not penetrate the pellets and block the active sites. The values of the effective diffusivities were estimated to be between 2.3 x 10(exp -3) and 4.9 x 10(exp -3) sq cm/s. With measurements performed on one powder sample and one pellet configuration, reasonable accurate predictions can be made of conversions that would be obtained with other pellet thickness and configurations.

Pellet injection into H-mode ITER plasma with the presence of internal transport barriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leekhaphan, P.; Onjun, T.

2011-04-01

The impacts of pellet injection into ITER type-1 ELMy H-mode plasma with the presence of internal transport barriers (ITBs) are investigated using self-consistent core-edge simulations of 1.5D BALDUR integrated predictive modeling code. In these simulations, the plasma core transport is predicted using a combination of a semi-empirical Mixed B/gB anomalous transport model, which can self-consistently predict the formation of ITBs, and the NCLASS neoclassical model. For simplicity, it is assumed that toroidal velocity for ω E× B calculation is proportional to local ion temperature. In addition, the boundary conditions are predicted using the pedestal temperature model based on magnetic and flow shear stabilization width scaling; while the density of each plasma species, including both hydrogenic and impurity species, at the boundary are assumed to be a large fraction of its line averaged density. For the pellet's behaviors in the hot plasma, the Neutral Gas Shielding (NGS) model by Milora-Foster is used. It was found that the injection of pellet could result in further improvement of fusion performance from that of the formation of ITB. However, the impact of pellet injection is quite complicated. It is also found that the pellets cannot penetrate into a deep core of the plasma. The injection of the pellet results in a formation of density peak in the region close to the plasma edge. The injection of pellet can result in an improved nuclear fusion performance depending on the properties of pellet (i.e., increase up to 5% with a speed of 1 km/s and radius of 2 mm). A sensitivity analysis is carried out to determine the impact of pellet parameters, which are: the pellet radius, the pellet velocity, and the frequency of injection. The increase in the pellet radius and frequency were found to greatly improve the performance and effectiveness of fuelling. However, changing the velocity is observed to exert small impact.

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

Zhao, Xianhui; Walker, Devin; Maiti, Debtanu

Cylindrical NiMg/Ce 0.6Zr 0.4O 2 pellet catalysts with two different sizes (large: radius = 1.59 mm; and small: radius = 0.75 mm) were produced by extrusion of powder catalysts. The small catalyst pellets had a higher specific surface area, pore volume, average pore size, radial crush strength, and resistance to breakage than the large ones. Tri-reforming tests with surrogate biogas were conducted at 3 bar and 882 °C, with the feed molar ratios of CH 4: CO 2: air fixed at 1.0: 0.7: 0.95 and the H 2O/CH 4 molar feed ratio (0.35 – 1.16) varied. The small catalyst pelletsmore » exhibited lower internal mass transfer resistance and higher coking resistance, compared to the large ones. CO 2 conversion decreased and H 2/CO molar ratio increased with the increase of H 2O/CH 4 molar feed ratio, which are consistent with the trends predicted by thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. Finally, the results indicate that the NiMg/Ce 0.6Zr 0.4O 2 catalyst pellets are promising for commercial scale applications.« less

Thiol derivatization of Xanthan gum and its evaluation as a mucoadhesive polymer.

PubMed

Bhatia, Meenakshi; Ahuja, Munish; Mehta, Heena

2015-10-20

Thiol-derivatization of xanthan gum polysaccharide was carried out by esterification with mercaptopropionic acid and thioglycolic acid. Thiol-derivatization was confirmed by Fourier-transformed infra-red spectroscopy. Xanthan-mercaptopropionic acid conjugate and xanthan-thioglycolic acid conjugate were found to possess 432.68mM and 465.02mM of thiol groups as determined by Ellman's method respectively. Comparative evaluation of mucoadhesive property of metronidazole loaded buccal pellets of xanthan and thiolated xanthan gum using chicken buccal pouch membrane revealed higher ex vivo bioadhesion time of thiolated xanthan gum as compared to xanthan gum. Improved mucoadhesive property of thiolated xanthan gum over the xanthan gum can be attributed to the formation of disulfide bond between mucus and thiolated xanthan gum. In vitro release study conducted using phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) revealed a sustained release profile of metronidazole from thiolated xanthan pellets as compared to xanthan pellets. In conclusion, thiolation of xanthan improves its mucoadhesive property and sustained the release of metronidazole over a prolonged period. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experimental studies on tungsten-armour impact on nuclear responses of solid breeding blanket

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Satoshi; Nakao, Makoto; Verzilov, Yury; Ochiai, Kentaro; Wada, Masayuki; Kubota, Naoyoshi; Kondo, Keitaro; Yamauchi, Michinori; Nishitani, Takeo

2005-07-01

In order to experimentally evaluate the tungsten armour impact on tritium production of the solid breeding blanket being developed by JAERI for tokamak-type DEMO reactors, neutronics integral experiments have been performed using DT neutrons at the Fusion Neutron Source facility of JAERI. Solid breeding blanket mockups relevant to the DEMO blanket have been applied in this study. The mockups are made of a set of layers consisting of 0-25.2 mm thick tungsten, 16 mm thick F82H, 12 mm thick Li2TiO3 and 100-200 mm thick beryllium with a cross-section of 660 × 660 mm in maximum. Pellets of Li2CO3 are embedded in the Li2TiO3 layers to measure the tritium production rate. By installing the 5 mm, 12.6 mm and 25.2 mm thick tungsten armours, the sum of the integrated tritium productions at the pellets are reduced by about 2.1%, 2.5% and 6.1% relative to the case without the armour, respectively. Numerical calculations have been conducted using the Monte Carlo code. In the case of the mockups with the tungsten armour, calculation results for the sum of the integrated tritium productions agree well with the experimental data within 4% and 19% in the experiments without and with a neutron reflector, respectively.

Energy-dependent expansion of .177 caliber hollow-point air gun projectiles.

PubMed

Werner, Ronald; Schultz, Benno; Bockholdt, Britta; Ekkernkamp, Axel; Frank, Matthias

2017-05-01

Amongst hundreds of different projectiles for air guns available on the market, hollow-point air gun pellets are of special interest. These pellets are characterized by a tip or a hollowed-out shape in their tip which, when fired, makes the projectiles expand to an increased diameter upon entering the target medium. This results in an increase in release of energy which, in turn, has the potential to cause more serious injuries than non-hollow-point projectiles. To the best of the authors' knowledge, reliable data on the terminal ballistic features of hollow-point air gun projectiles compared to standard diabolo pellets have not yet been published in the forensic literature. The terminal ballistic performance (energy-dependent expansion and penetration) of four different types of .177 caliber hollow-point pellets discharged at kinetic energy levels from approximately 3 J up to 30 J into water, ordnance gelatin, and ordnance gelatin covered with natural chamois as a skin simulant was the subject of this investigation. Energy-dependent expansion of the tested hollow-point pellets was observed after being shot into all investigated target media. While some hollow-point pellets require a minimum kinetic energy of approximately 10 J for sufficient expansion, there are also hollow-point pellets which expand at kinetic energy levels of less than 5 J. The ratio of expansion (RE, calculated by the cross-sectional area (A) after impact divided by the cross-sectional area (A 0 ) of the undeformed pellet) of hollow-point air gun pellets reached values up of to 2.2. The extent of expansion relates to the kinetic energy of the projectile with a peak for pellet expansion at the 15 to 20 J range. To conclude, this work demonstrates that the hollow-point principle, i.e., the design-related enlargement of the projectiles' frontal area upon impact into a medium, does work in air guns as claimed by the manufacturers.

46 CFR 61.20-23 - Tailshaft clearance; bearing weardown.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... worn down to 6.4 mm (0.25 in) clearance for shafts of 229 mm (9 in) or less in diameter, 7.95 mm (0.3125 in) clearance for shafts exceeding 229 mm (9 in) but not exceeding 305 mm (12 in) in diameter, and 9.53 mm (0.375 in) clearance for shafts exceeding 305 mm (12 in) in diameter. (2) Where the...

46 CFR 61.20-23 - Tailshaft clearance; bearing weardown.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... worn down to 6.4 mm (0.25 in) clearance for shafts of 229 mm (9 in) or less in diameter, 7.95 mm (0.3125 in) clearance for shafts exceeding 229 mm (9 in) but not exceeding 305 mm (12 in) in diameter, and 9.53 mm (0.375 in) clearance for shafts exceeding 305 mm (12 in) in diameter. (2) Where the...

46 CFR 61.20-23 - Tailshaft clearance; bearing weardown.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... worn down to 6.4 mm (0.25 in) clearance for shafts of 229 mm (9 in) or less in diameter, 7.95 mm (0.3125 in) clearance for shafts exceeding 229 mm (9 in) but not exceeding 305 mm (12 in) in diameter, and 9.53 mm (0.375 in) clearance for shafts exceeding 305 mm (12 in) in diameter. (2) Where the...

46 CFR 61.20-23 - Tailshaft clearance; bearing weardown.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... worn down to 6.4 mm (0.25 in) clearance for shafts of 229 mm (9 in) or less in diameter, 7.95 mm (0.3125 in) clearance for shafts exceeding 229 mm (9 in) but not exceeding 305 mm (12 in) in diameter, and 9.53 mm (0.375 in) clearance for shafts exceeding 305 mm (12 in) in diameter. (2) Where the...

46 CFR 61.20-23 - Tailshaft clearance; bearing weardown.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... worn down to 6.4 mm (0.25 in) clearance for shafts of 229 mm (9 in) or less in diameter, 7.95 mm (0.3125 in) clearance for shafts exceeding 229 mm (9 in) but not exceeding 305 mm (12 in) in diameter, and 9.53 mm (0.375 in) clearance for shafts exceeding 305 mm (12 in) in diameter. (2) Where the...

High energy X-ray CT study on the central void formations and the fuel pin deformations of FBR fuel assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katsuyama, Kozo; Nagamine, Tsuyoshi; Matsumoto, Shin-ichiro; Sato, Seichi

2007-02-01

The central void formations and deformations of fuel pins were investigated in fuel assemblies irradiated to high burn-up, using a non-destructive X-ray CT (computer tomography) technique. In this X-ray CT, the effect of strong gamma ray activity could be reduced to a negligible degree by using the pulse of a high energy X-ray source and detecting the intensity of the transmitted X-rays in synchronization with the generated X-rays. Clear cross-sectional images of fuel assemblies irradiated to high burn-up in a fast breeder reactor were successively obtained, in which the wrapping wires, cladding, pellets and central voids could be distinctly seen. The diameter of a typical central void measured by X-ray CT agreed with the one obtained by ceramography within an error of 0.1 mm. Based on this result, the dependence of the central void diameter on the linear heating rate was analyzed. In addition, the deformation behavior of a fuel pin along its axial direction could be analyzed from 20 stepwise X-ray cross-sectional images obtained in a small interval, and the results obtained showed a good agreement with the predictions calculated by two computer codes.

[Distribution of corneal densitometry and its correlation with ocular stray light in healthy eyes].

PubMed

Wu, Zhiqing; Wang, Yan; Zhang, Lin; Wu, Di; Wei, Shengsheng; Su, Xiaolian

2014-01-01

To evaluate and investigate the distribution of corneal density and its Correlation with stray-light value in adult and healthy eyes. A prospective study. Human corneal specimens ranging in age between 20 and 49 years, 116 patients (232 eyes) in total, divided into three groups: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49. Pentacam was used to evaluate total corneal average density and corneal thickness at different diameter around the corneal apex, for corneal density were ≤ 2 mm, >2 mm and ≤ 6 mm, >6 mm and ≤ 10 mm, for corneal thickness were 2 mm, 6 mm and 10 mm, C-quant was used for the stray-light value. Software SPSS 17.0 was used for statistical analysis. Independent samples t testing method was applied to compare the corneal densitometry in different gender and between left eyes and right ones, One-way ANOVA was applied to analyze the differences of corneal density in different age groups and diameters. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to assess the correlation in corneal densitometry values of different diameters, between corneal density of different diameters and age, corneal density of different diameters and corneal thickness of different diameters, corneal density of different diameters and stray-light values. Corneal density for ≤ 2 mm, >2 mm and ≤ 6 mm, >6 mm and ≤ 10 mm diameter are 10.1 ± 1.5(8.2-16.7), 9.3 ± 1.3(7.9-14.2), 9.6 ± 1.7(7.3-16.2). Corneal density of >6 mm and ≤ 10 mm diameter in different age groups were 8.9 ± 1.1, 9.3 ± 1.2, 10.7 ± 2.1, there was a statistical difference in these values (F = 28.939, P = 0.000), and there was a positive correlation between corneal density of >6 mm and ≤ 10 mm diameter and age (r = 0.417, P = 0.000), There were no statistical differences in corneal density values of ≤ 2 mm and >2 mm and ≤ 6 mm in different age groups (F = 1.575, 1.436; P > 0.05), and they had no correlation with age (r = 0.002, 0.048; P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in corneal density in different gender (t = 1.744, 1.647, -1.181; P > 0.05). Corneal density values of left eyes and right ones had positive relationships at the same diameter (r = 0.977, P = 0.000; r = 0.992, P = 0.000; r = 0.933, P = 0.000), and there were no statistical differences (t = 0.124, 0.199, -0.020;P > 0.05). Between corneal density values of different diameter, there are also some positive relationships, >6 mm and ≤ 10 mm and ≤ 2 mm (r = 0.710, P = 0.000), >6 mm and ≤ 10 mm and >2 mm and ≤ 6 mm (r = 0.748, P = 0.000), ≤ 2 mm and >2 mm and ≤ 6 mm (r = 0.973, P = 0.000), relationship between ≤ 2 mm and >2 mm and ≤ 6 mm, >2 mm and ≤ 6 mm and >6 mm and ≤ 10 mm was obvious, and there was statistical difference in them (F = 17.057, P = 0.000) . The ocular stray light value was 0.95 ± 0.19(0.48-1.38), Corneal density values of ≤ 2 mm, >2 mm and ≤ 6 mm and >6 mm and ≤ 10 mm diameter had positive relationships with the stray light value (r = 0.134,0.146,0.159, P = 0.042,0.026,0.016). Corneal density can be influenced by age, the influence from age infected the corneal density of peripheral more. There was no correlation between corneal density and corneal thickness. There were some influences of corneal density of healthy eyes to the ocular stray light.

Effects of water vapor on protectiveness of Cr2O3 scale at 1073 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arifin, S. K.; Hamid, M.; Berahim, A. N.; Ani, M. H.

2018-01-01

Fe-Cr alloy is commonly being used as boiler tube’s material. It is subjected to prolonged exposure to water vapor oxidation. The ability to withstand high temperature corrosion can normally be attributed to the formation of a dense and slow growing Cr-rich-oxide scale known as chromia, Cr2O3 scale. However, oxidation may limit the alloy’s service lifetime due to decreasing of its protectiveness capability. This paper is to presents an experimental study of thermo gravimetric and Fourier transform infrared analysis of Cr2O3 at 1073 K in dry and humid environment. Samples were used from commercially available Cr2O3 powder. It was cold-pressed into pellet shape of 12 mm diameter and 3 mm thick with hydraulic press for 40 min at 48 MPa. It then sintered at 1173 K in inert gas environment for 8 h. The samples are cooled and placed in 5 mm diameter platinum pan. It is subjected to reaction in dry and wet environment at 1073 K by applying 100%-Ar and Ar-5%H2 gas. Each reaction period is 48 h utilizing Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer, TGA to quantify the mass changes. After the reaction, the samples then characterized with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, FT-IR and Field Emission Electron Scanning Microscopy, FE-SEM. The TGA result shows mass decreasing ratio of Cr2O3 in wet (PH2O = 9.5x105Pa) and dry environment is at a factor of 1.2 while parabolic rate at 1.4. FT-IR results confirmed that water vapor significantly broaden the peaks, thus promotes the volatilization of Cr2O3 in wet sample. FESEM shows mostly packed and intact in dry while in wet sample, slightly porous particle arrangement compare to dry. It is concluded that water vapor species decreased Cr2O3 protectiveness capability.

Evaluation of fly ash pellets for phosphorus removal in a laboratory scale denitrifying bioreactor.

PubMed

Li, Shiyang; Cooke, Richard A; Huang, Xiangfeng; Christianson, Laura; Bhattarai, Rabin

2018-02-01

Nitrate and orthophosphate from agricultural activities contribute significantly to nutrient loading in surface water bodies around the world. This study evaluated the efficacy of woodchips and fly ash pellets in tandem to remove nitrate and orthophosphate from simulated agricultural runoff in flow-through tests. The fly ash pellets had previously been developed specifically for orthophosphate removal for this type of application, and the sorption bench testing showed a good promise for flow-through testing. The lab-scale horizontal-flow bioreactor used in this study consisted of an upstream column filled with woodchips followed by a downstream column filled with fly ash pellets (3 and 1 m lengths, respectively; both 0.15 m diameter). Using influent concentrations of 12 mg/L nitrate and 5 mg/L orthophosphate, the woodchip bioreactor section was able to remove 49-85% of the nitrate concentration at three hydraulic retention times ranging from 0.67 to 4.0 h. The nitrate removal rate for woodchips ranged from 40 to 49 g N/m 3 /d. Higher hydraulic retention times (i.e., smaller flow rates) corresponded with greater nitrate load reduction. The fly ash pellets showed relatively stable removal efficiency of 68-75% across all retention times. Total orthophosphate adsorption by the pellets was 0.059-0.114 mg P/g which was far less than the saturated capacity (1.69 mg/g; based on previous work). The fly ash pellets also removed some nitrate and the woodchips also removed some orthophosphate, but these reductions were not significant. Overall, woodchip denitrification followed by fly ash pellet P-sorption can be an effective treatment technology for nitrate and phosphate removal in subsurface drainage. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of a two-stage light gas gun to accelerate hydrogen pellets to high speeds for plasma fueling applications

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

Combs, S.K.; Milora, S.L.; Foust, C.R.

1989-05-01

The development of a two-stage light gas gun to accelerate hydrogen isotope pellets to high speeds is under way at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. High velocities (>2 km/s) are desirable for plasma fueling applications, since the faster pellets can penetrate more deeply into large, hot plasmas and deposit atoms of fuel directly in a larger fraction of the plasma volume. In the initial configuration of the two-stage device, a 2.2-1 volume (less than or equal to55 bar) provides the gas to accelerate a 25.4-mm-diam piston in a 1-m-long pump tube; a burst disk or a fast valve initiates the accelerationmore » process in the first stage. As the piston travels the length of the pump tube, the downstream gas (initially at <1 bar) is compressed (to pressures up to 2600 bar) and thus is driven to high temperature (approx. =5000 K). This provides the driving force for acceleration of a 4-mm pellet in a 1-m-long gun barrel. In preliminary tests using helium as the driver in both stages, 35-mg plastic pellets have been accelerated to speeds as high as 4.0 km/s. Projectiles composed of hydrogen ice will have a mass in the range from 5 to 20 mg ( rhoapprox. =0.087, 0.20, and 0.32 g/cm/sup 3/ for frozen hydrogen isotopes). However, the use of sabots to encase and protect the cryogenic pellets from the high peak pressures will probably be required to realize speeds of approx. =3 km/s or greater. The experimental plan includes acceleration of hydrogen isotopes as soon as the gun geometry and operating parameters are optimized; theoretical models are being used to aid in this process. The hardware is being designed to accommodate repetitive operation, which is the objective of this research and is required for future applications.« less

Development of a two-stage light gas gun to accelerate hydrogen pellets to high speeds for plasma fueling applications

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

Combs, S.K.; Milora, S.L.; Foust, C.R.

1988-01-01

The development of a two-stage light gas gun to accelerate hydrogen isotope pellets to high speeds is under way at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. High velocities (>2 km/s) are desirable for plasma fueling applications, since the faster pellets can penetrate more deeply into large, hot plasmas and deposit atoms of fuel directly in a larger fraction of the plasma volume. In the initial configuration of the two-stage device, a 2.2-l volume (/<=/55-bar) provides the gas to accelerate a 25.4-mm-diam piston in a 1-m-long pump tube; a burst disk or a fast valve initiates the acceleration process in the first stage.more » As the piston travels the length of the pump tube, the downstream gas (initially at <1 bar) is compressed (to pressures up to 2600 bar) and thus is driven to high temperature (approx.5000 K). This provides the driving force for acceleration of a 4-mm pellet in a 1-m-long gun barrel. In preliminary tests using helium as the driver in both stages, 35-mg plastic pellets have been accelerated to speeds as high as 3.8 km/s. Projectiles composed of hydrogen ice will have a mass in the range from 5 to 20 mg (/rho/ approx. 0.087, 0.20, and 0.32 g/cm/sup 3/ for frozen hydrogen isotopes). However, the use of sabots to encase and protect the cryogenic pellets from the high peak pressures will probably be required to realize speeds of approx.3 km/s or greater. The experimental plan includes acceleration of hydrogen isotopes as soon as the gun geometry and operating parameters are optimized; theoretical models are being used to aid in this process. The hardware is being designed to accommodate repetitive operation, which is the objective of this research and is required for future applications. 25 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.« less

Embedded Weapons-Grade Tungsten Alloy Shrapnel Rapidly Induces Metastatic High-Grade Rhabdomyosarcomas in F344 Rats

PubMed Central

Kalinich, John F.; Emond, Christy A.; Dalton, Thomas K.; Mog, Steven R.; Coleman, Gary D.; Kordell, Jessica E.; Miller, Alexandra C.; McClain, David E.

2005-01-01

Continuing concern regarding the potential health and environmental effects of depleted uranium and lead has resulted in many countries adding tungsten alloy (WA)-based munitions to their battlefield arsenals as replacements for these metals. Because the alloys used in many munitions are relatively recent additions to the list of militarily relevant metals, very little is known about the health effects of these metals after internalization as embedded shrapnel. Previous work in this laboratory developed a rodent model system that mimicked shrapnel loads seen in wounded personnel from the 1991 Persian Gulf War. In the present study, we used that system and male F344 rats, implanted intramuscularly with pellets (1 mm × 2 mm cylinders) of weapons-grade WA, to simulate shrapnel wounds. Rats were implanted with 4 (low dose) or 20 pellets (high dose) of WA. Tantalum (20 pellets) and nickel (20 pellets) served as negative and positive controls, respectively. The high-dose WA-implanted rats (n = 46) developed extremely aggressive tumors surrounding the pellets within 4–5 months after implantation. The low-dose WA-implanted rats (n = 46) and nickel-implanted rats (n = 36) also developed tumors surrounding the pellets but at a slower rate. Rats implanted with tantalum (n = 46), an inert control metal, did not develop tumors. Tumor yield was 100% in both the low- and high-dose WA groups. The tumors, characterized as high-grade pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcomas by histopathology and immunohistochemical examination, rapidly metastasized to the lung and necessitated euthanasia of the animal. Significant hematologic changes, indicative of polycythemia, were also observed in the high-dose WA-implanted rats. These changes were apparent as early as 1 month postimplantation in the high-dose WA rats, well before any overt signs of tumor development. These results point out the need for further studies investigating the health effects of tungsten and tungsten-based alloys. PMID:15929896

Simulation of the ELMs triggering by lithium pellet on EAST tokamak using BOUT + +

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y. M.; Xu, X. Q.; Wang, Z.; Sun, Z.; Hu, J. S.; Gao, X.

2017-10-01

A new lithium granule injector (LGI) was developed on EAST. Using the LGI, lithium granules can be efficiently injected into EAST tokamak with the granule radius 0.2-1 mm and the granules velocity 30-110 m/s. ELM pacing was realized during EAST shot #70123 at time window from 4.4-4.7s, the average velocity of the pellet was 75 m/s and the average injection rate is at 99Hz. The BOUT + + 6-field electromagnetic turbulence code has been used to simulate the ELM pacing process. A neutral gas shielding (NGS) model has been implemented during the pellet ablation process. The neutral transport code is used to evaluate the ionized electron and Li ion densities with the charge exchange as a dominant factor in the neutral cloud diffusion process. The snapshot plasma profiles during the pellet ablation and toroidal symmetrization process are used in the 6-field turbulence code to evaluate the impact of the pellets on ELMs. Destabilizing effects of the peeling-ballooning modes are found with lithium pellet injection, which is consistent with the experimental results. A scan of the pellet size, shape and the injection velocity will be conducted, which will benefit the pellet injection design in both the present and future devices. Prepared by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344 and this work is supported by the National Natural Science Fonudation of China (Grant No. 11505221) and China Scholarship Council (Grant No. 201504910132).

Laser ablation ICP-MS analysis on nano-powder pellets and applications to granite bulk rock analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Shitou; Karius, Volker; Wörner, Gerhard

2017-04-01

Granites are a ubiquitous component of the continental crust and knowing their precise trace element signatures is essential in understanding the origins and evolution of the continental crust. ICP-MS bulk analysis of granite is generally conducted on solution after acid-digestion. However this technique has several deficiencies related to the difficulty of completely dissolving accessary minerals such as zircon and the instability/adsorption of high valence trace elements (Nb, Ta et al.) in acid solutions. The development of a nano-powder pellet technique by using wet milling procedure, and its combination with laser ablation ICP-MS has been proposed to overcome these problems. In this study, we produced nano-powders from a series of granite rock standards by wet milling in agate using a high power planetary ball mill instrument. The procedure was tested and optimized by modifying parameters (ball to powder ratio, water to powder ratio, milling power etc.). Characterization of nano-powders was conducted by various techniques including electron microprobe (EMP), secondary electron imaging, polarizing microscope, and laser particle size analyzer (LPSA) and laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). Particle sizes range from a few nm to 5 μm with a small secondary mode at around 10 to 20 μm that probably represent particle aggregates rather than remaining crystal grains after milling. Pellets of 5 mm in diameter were pressed into molds of cellulose at 1.75 *103 N/cm2. Surface roughness of the pellets was measured by LSCM and gave a Ra of 0.494 μm, which is an order higher than the surface of polished ATGH-G reference glass surface (Ra: 0.048 μm), but sufficient for laser ablation. Sources of contamination either from abrading agate balls or from ultrapure water were evaluated and quantified. The homogeneity of powder pellets down to less than 5 μm size was documented based on EMPA element mapping and statistical analyses of LA-ICP-MS in discrete spot and line scanning analytical mode. We report data from major to trace element (to < 0.1 ppm) of currently available international granite reference materials (JG-2, JG-3, GWB07103, GEB07111, GSP-2 and G-3) to evaluate analytical precision and accuracy of LA-ICP-MS measurements. Our results illustrate the potential of this method for high precision analysis of trace elements and e.g. Zr/Hf and Nb/Ta ratios in granites.

Morphology-related limitations of EVAR applicability in the treatment of AAA in West-Central Poland.

PubMed

Dzieciuchowicz, Łukasz; Tomczak, Jolanta; Strauss, Ewa; Oszkinis, Grzegorz

2018-05-14

To analyze the current applicability of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in patients with an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAAs) with indication for elective treatment in West-Central Poland. Computed tomography angiograms of 100 consecutive patients with infrarenal AAA deemed to require treatment were analyzed with an OsiriX DICOM viewer in 3D-MPR mode. Proximal neck diameter, length, angulation, shape, the presence of thrombus and calcification, distal neck diameter, and morphology of the iliac arteries were determined. Three sets of morphological criteria were established. The optimal criteria consisted of a non-conical proximal neck without moderate or severe calcification or thrombus, with a diameter of 18-28 mm, length of ≥15 mm, and β angulation of <60%; a distal neck with a diameter of ≥20 mm; a landing zone in the common iliac arteries with a length of ≥ 10 mm and diameter of ≤ 20 mm; and external iliac arteries with diameters of ≥7 mm. The suboptimal criteria included proximal neck diameters of 18-32 mm, neck lengths ≥10 mm, infrarenal neck angulations of up to 75˚, and common iliac artery diameters of up to 25 mm. Finally, the extended suboptimal criteria included proximal neck diameters of 16-34 mm and infrarenal neck angulations ≤90˚, without limits in the maximal diameter of the common iliac arteries. The median maximum aneurysm diameter was 61 mm. The optimal, suboptimal, and extended suboptimal criteria were met by 23%, 32%, and 53% of patients, respectively. The most common deviations were wide, conical, and angulated proximal necks and aneurysmal iliac arteries. The majority of patients with AAA deemed to be candidates for elective repair do not meet the most favorable criteria for EVAR. Availability of better endovascular solutions for conical, angulated, and wide necks and aneurysmal iliac arteries would likely expand EVAR applicability. Open repair remains a valid option. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Antemortem Detection and Conformational Switches of Prion Proteins

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-01

distribution of di-, mono-, and unglycosylated PrPC molecules (Fig. 7B, lane 2). Subsequent elution of the column with N-acetyl glucosamine yielded...pellet was washed in 50 mM Tris, pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl, and then solubilized in 6 M guanidinium hydrochloride , 50 mM Tris pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl. The...and 150mM sodium chloride (TCl) containing 6M guanidinium hydrochloride . The supernatant was centrifuged for 30min at 18,000g. The protein was

Stress and strain partitioning during high PT deformation of polyphase aggregates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bejina, F.; Bystricky, M.; Ingrin, J.

2013-12-01

Previous experimental studies on the rheology of the upper mantle have mostly focused on the deformation properties of olivine. Yet minerals other than olivine constitute up to 40 vol% of upper mantle rocks and may have a significant effect on the rheological behavior of these rocks. In this study, and as a first step before focusing on more realistic mantle-like compositions, we have performed deformation experiments on polymineralic model aggregates of forsterite and MgO, at upper mantle pressures and temperatures. Commercial powders of Mg2SiO4 and MgO were mixed and ground in WC grinders and dried in a one-atmosphere furnace at 1000°C. Powders with different volume proportions of the two phases (up to 50 vol% of MgO) were sintered by spark plasma sintering at temperatures of 1300-1400°C and 100 MPa for a few minutes, resulting in dense pellets 8 mm in diameter and 3-4 mm in length. Deformation experiments on samples 1.2 mm in diameter and 1.2 mm in length were performed at 3-8 GPa and 1000-1300°C in a D-DIA apparatus coupled with synchrotron X-ray radiation. The technique permits in situ measurement of macroscopic strain rates as well as stress levels sustained by different subpopulations of grains of each phase. Typically, two specimens were deformed concurrently in order to minimize the relative uncertainties in temperature and pressure and to facilitate the comparison of their rheological properties. The samples were deformed to total strains of 15-25%. The harder phase, forsterite, sustains significantly higher stress levels than MgO, as predicted by numerical models for two-phase flow. Microstructural analysis by SEM reveals equilibrated microstructures in the starting samples, with well-mixed forsterite and MgO layers alternating with forsterite-rich layers. In the deformed samples, this compositional banding is accentuated, with more intense deformation in the well-mixed layers. Results on stress and strain partitioning in polyphase aggregates in the context of existing models of two-phase flow will be discussed.

Experimental Deformation of Polyphase Aggregates at Pressures and Temperatures of the Upper Mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bejina, F.; Bystricky, M.; Ingrin, J.

2011-12-01

Modelling the solid-state flow of the upper mantle requires a thorough understanding of its rheology and therefore necessitates to perform deformation experiments on mantle rocks (or analogues) at very high pressures and temperatures. Minerals other than olivine constitute up to 40 vol% of upper mantle rocks and may have a significant effect on the rheological behavior of these rocks. Nevertheless, most experimental studies to date have focused on the deformation properties of olivine single crystals or monomineralic olivine aggregates. In this study, and as a first step before focusing on more realistic mantle-like compositions, we have performed deformation experiments on polymineralic model aggregates of forsterite and MgO at upper mantle pressures and temperatures. Commercial powders of Mg2SiO4 and MgO were mixed and ground in WC grinders and dried in a one-atmosphere furnace at 1000°C. Powders with different volume proportions of the two phases were sintered by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1300-1400°C and 100 MPa for a few minutes, resulting in dense pellets 8 mm in diameter and 3-4 mm in length. Microstructural analysis by SEM reveals equilibrated microstructures with forsterite and MgO grain sizes of a few microns. Deformation experiments on samples 1.2 mm in diameter and ~1.2mm in length were performed at 3-8 GPa and 1000-1300°C in a D-DIA apparatus coupled with synchrotron X-ray radiation. The technique permits in situ measurement of macroscopic strain rates as well as stress levels sustained by different subpopulations of grains of each phase. Typically, two specimens, respectively a monomineralic and a polymineralic aggregate, were deformed concurrently in order to minimize the relative uncertainties in temperature and pressure and to facilitate the comparison of their rheological properties. The samples were deformed to total strains of 15-25%. As expected, the harder phase, forsterite, sustains much higher stress levels than MgO, in agreement with numerical models for two-phase flow. Results on stress and strain partitioning in polyphase aggregates and on the effect of the presence of a weak phase on the rheology of forsterite-rich aggregates will be discussed.

Aortoiliac morphologic correlations in aneurysms undergoing endovascular repair.

PubMed

Ouriel, Kenneth; Tanquilut, Eugene; Greenberg, Roy K; Walker, Esteban

2003-08-01

The feasibility of endovascular aneurysm repair depends on morphologic characteristics of the aortoiliac segment. Knowledge of such characteristics is relevant to safe deployment of a particular device in a single patient and to development of new devices for use in patients with a broader spectrum of anatomic variations. We evaluated findings on computed tomography scans for 277 patients being considered for endovascular aneurysm repair. Aortic neck length and angulation estimates were generated with three-dimensional trigonometry. Specific centerline points were recorded, corresponding to the aorta at the celiac axis, lowest renal artery, cranial aspect of the aneurysm sac, aortic terminus, right hypogastric artery origin, and left hypogastric origin. Aortic neck thrombus and calcium content were recorded, and neck conicity was calculated in degrees. Statistical analysis was performed with the Spearman rank correlation. Data are expressed as median and interquartile range. Median diameter of the aneurysms was 52 mm (interquartile range, 48-59 mm) in minor axis and 56 mm (interquartile range, 51-64 mm) in major axis, and median length was 88 mm (interquartile range, 74-103 mm). Median proximal aortic neck diameter was 26 mm (interquartile range, 22-29 mm), and median neck length was 30 mm (interquartile range, 18-45 mm). The common iliac arteries were similar in diameter (right artery, 16 mm [interquartile range, 13-20 mm]; left artery, 15 mm [interquartile range, 11-18 mm]) and length (right, 59 mm [interquartile range, 50-69 mm]; left, 60 mm [interquartile range, 49-70 mm]). Median angulation of the infrarenal aortic neck was 40 degrees (interquartile range, 29-51 degrees), and median angulation of the suprarenal segment was 45 degrees (interquartile range, 36-57 degrees). By gender, sac diameter, proximal neck diameter, and iliac artery diameter were significantly larger in men. Significant linear associations were identified between sac diameter and sac length, neck angulation, and iliac artery diameter. As the length of the aneurysm sac increased the proximal aortic neck length decreased. Conversely, as the sac length decreased sac eccentricity increased. Mural thrombus content within the neck increased with increasing neck diameter. There is considerable variability in aortoiliac morphologic parameters. Significant associations were found between various morphologic variables, links that are presumably related to a shared pathogenesis for aberration in aortoiliac diameter, length, and angulation. Ultimately this information can be used to develop new endovascular devices with broader applicability and improved long-term results.

Innovative methodology for electrical conductivity measurements and metal partition in biosolid pellets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jordan, Manuel Miguel; Rincón-Mora, Beatriz; Belén Almendro-Candel, María; Navarro-Pedreño, José; Gómez-Lucas, Ignacio; Bech, Jaume

2017-04-01

Use of biosolids to improve the nutrient content in a soil is a common practice. The obligation to restore abandoned mine and the correct application of biosolids is guaranteed by the legislation on waste management, biosolids and soil conservation (Jordán et al. 2008). The present research was conducted to determine electrical conductivity in dry wastes (pellets) using a innovative methodology (Camilla and Jordán, 2009). On the other hand, the present study was designed to examine the distribution of selected heavy metals in biosolid pellets, and also to relate the distribution patterns of these metals. In this context, heavy metal concentrations were studied in biosolid pellets under different pressures. Electrical conductivity measurements were taken in biosolid pellets under pressures on the order of 50 to 150 MPa and with currents of 10-15 A. Measurements of electrical conductivity and heavy metal content for different areas (H1, H2, and H3) were taken. Total content of metals was determined following microwave digestion and analysed by ICP/MS. Triplicate portions were weighed in polycarbonate centrifuge tubes and sequentially extracted. The distribution of chemical forms of Cd, Ni, Cr, and Pb in the biosolids was studied using a sequential extraction procedure that fractionates the metal into soluble-exchangeable, specifically sorbed-carbonate bound, oxidizable, reducible, and residual forms. The residual, reducible, and carbonate-sorbed forms were dominant. Higher Cr and Ni content were detected in pellets made with biosolids from the H3. The highest Cd and Ni values were detected in the H2. The trends of the conductivity curves were similar for the sludge from the isolation surface (H1) and for the mesophilous area (H2). In the case of the thermophilous area (H3), the electrical conductivity showed extremely high values. This behaviour was similar in the case of the Cr and Ni content. However, in the case of Cd and Pb, the highest values were detected in the H2. This experiment could be useful for establishing a general rule for taking measurements of electrical conductivity and heavy metals in biosolid pellets and other types of dry wastes. References Camilla S, Jordán MM (2009) Electrical conductivity measurements in sewage sludge pellets: innovative techniques for environmental management. J Hazard Mater 168:1260-1263 Jordán, MM, Rincón-Mora, B; Almendro, MB (2015). Heavy metal distribution and electrical conductivity measurements in biosolid pellets. J, Soils and Sediments, 16 1176-118

Development of multiple-unit pellet system tablets by employing the SeDeM expert diagram system I: pellets with different sizes.

PubMed

Hamman, Hannlie; Hamman, Josias; Wessels, Anita; Scholtz, Jacques; Steenekamp, Jan Harm

2017-07-03

Multiple-unit pellet systems (MUPS) provide several pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic advantages over single-unit dosage forms, however, compression of pellets into MUPS tablets present certain challenges. Although the SeDeM Expert Diagram System (SeDeM EDS) was originally developed to provide information about the most appropriate excipient and the minimum amount thereof that is required for producing direct compressible tablets, this study investigated the possibility to apply the SeDeM EDS in the production of MUPS tablets. In addition, the effect of pellet size (i.e. 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mm) on SeDeM EDS predictions regarding the MUPS tablet formulations was investigated. The compressibility incidence factor values were below the acceptable value (i.e. 5.00) for all the pellet sizes. Kollidon ® VA 64 was identified as the most appropriate excipient to improve compressibility. The compression indices, namely, the parameter index (IP), parametric profile index (IPP), and good compression index (GCI) indicated that acceptable MUPS tablets could be produced from the final pellet-excipient blends based on predictions from the SeDeM EDS. These MUPS tablets complied with specifications for friability, hardness, and mass variation. The SeDeM EDS system is therefore applicable to assist in the formulation of acceptable MUPS tablets.

Microplastic pollution in the marine waters and sediments of Hong Kong.

PubMed

Tsang, Y Y; Mak, C W; Liebich, C; Lam, S W; Sze, E T-P; Chan, K M

2017-02-15

The presence of plastic waste with a diameter of less than 5mm ("microplastics") in marine environments has prompted increasing concern in recent years, both locally and globally. We conducted seasonal surveys of microplastic pollution in the surface waters and sediments from Deep Bay, Tolo Harbor, Tsing Yi, and Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong between June 2015 and March 2016. The average concentrations of microplastics in local coastal waters and sediments respectively ranged from 51 to 27,909particles per 100m 3 and 49 to 279particles per kilogram. Microplastics of different shapes (mainly fragments, lines, fibers, and pellets) were identified as polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, a blend of polypropylene and ethylene propylene, and styrene acrylonitrile by means of Attenuated Total Reflectance - Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. This is the first comprehensive study to assess the spatial and temporal variations of microplastic pollution in Hong Kong coastal regions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microstructure and critical current density in MgB2 bulk made of 4.5 wt% carbon-coated boron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higuchi, M.; Muralidhar, M.; Jirsa, M.; Murakami, M.

2017-07-01

Superconducting performance and its uniformity was studied in the single-step sintered MgB2 bulk prepared with 4.5 wt% of carbon in the carbon-encapsulated boron. The 20 mm in diameter MgB2 pellet was cut into several pieces from bottom to top and the microstructure, superconducting transition temperature (Tc onset), and critical current density at 20 K were studied. DC magnetization measurements showed a sharp superconducting transition with onset Tc at around 35.5 K in all positions. SEM analysis indicated a dispersion of grains between 200 and 300 nm in size, as the main pinning medium in this MgB2 superconductors. The critical current density at 20 K was quite uniform, around 330 kA/cm2 and 200 kA/cm2 at self-field and 1 T, respectively, for all measured positions. The results indicate that the carbon-encapsulated boron is very promising for production of high quality bulk MgB2 material for various industrial applications.

Range camera on conveyor belts: estimating size distribution and systematic errors due to occlusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blomquist, Mats; Wernersson, Ake V.

1999-11-01

When range cameras are used for analyzing irregular material on a conveyor belt there will be complications like missing segments caused by occlusion. Also, a number of range discontinuities will be present. In a frame work towards stochastic geometry, conditions are found for the cases when range discontinuities take place. The test objects in this paper are pellets for the steel industry. An illuminating laser plane will give range discontinuities at the edges of each individual object. These discontinuities are used to detect and measure the chord created by the intersection of the laser plane and the object. From the measured chords we derive the average diameter and its variance. An improved method is to use a pair of parallel illuminating light planes to extract two chords. The estimation error for this method is not larger than the natural shape fluctuations (the difference in diameter) for the pellets. The laser- camera optronics is sensitive enough both for material on a conveyor belt and free falling material leaving the conveyor.

Variable food absorption by Antarctic krill: Relationships between diet, egestion rate and the composition and sinking rates of their fecal pellets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atkinson, A.; Schmidt, K.; Fielding, S.; Kawaguchi, S.; Geissler, P. A.

2012-01-01

The kinetics of food processing by zooplankton affects both their energy budgets and the biogeochemical fate of their fecal pellets. We sampled 40 schools of krill across the Scotia Sea during spring, summer and autumn and found that in all 3 seasons, every aspect of their absorption and defecation varied greatly. The C content of fecal pellets varied from 0.85% to 29% of their dry mass (median 9.8%) and C egestion rates varied 75-fold. C:N mass ratios of pellets ranged from 4.9 to 13.2 (median 7.8), higher than values of 3.9 in the krill and 5.4 in their food, pointing to enhanced uptake of N. Pellet sinking rates equated to 27-1218 m d -1 (median 304 m d -1), being governed mainly by pellet diameter (80-600 μm, mean 183 μm) and density (1.038-1.391 g cm -3, mean 1.121 g cm -3). Pellets showed little loss of C or N in filtered seawater over the first 2 days and were physically robust. When feeding rates were low, slow gut passage time and high absorption efficiency resulted in low egestion rates of pellets that were low in C and N content. These pellets were compact, dense and fast-sinking. Conversely, in good feeding conditions much food tended to pass quickly through the gut and was not efficiently absorbed, producing C and N-rich, slow-sinking pellets. Such "superfluous feeding" probably maximises the absolute rates of nutrient absorption. Food composition was also important: diatom-rich diets depressed the C content of the pellets but increased their sinking rates, likely due to silica ballasting. So depending on how krill process food, their pellets could represent both vehicles for rapid export and slow sinking, C and N-rich food sources for pelagic scavengers. C egestion rates by krill averaged 3.4% of summer primary production (and ingestion rates would be 2-10-fold higher than this) so whatever the fate of the pellets, krill are an important re-packager within the food web. While salp pellets tend to sink faster than those of krill, it is the latter that tend to prevail in sediment traps. We suggest that this is because krill schools are more compact, producing "rain showers" of pellets that exceed the capacity of pelagic scavengers to reprocess them.

Frequency of postnatal hydronephrosis in infants with a renal anterior-posterior pelvic diameter > 4 mm on midtrimester ultrasound.

PubMed

Chou, Ching-Yu; Chen, Li-Ching; Cheong, Mei-Leng; Tsai, Ming-Song

2015-10-01

To examine the association of antenatal renal pelvic dilatation observed on midtrimester ultrasound screening with the presence of hydronephrosis in newborn infants. The records of patients who received fetal ultrasound examination at 18-28 weeks' gestation from May 2008 to March 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. A fetal renal pelvic anterior-posterior (AP) diameter > 4 mm was considered abnormal and ≤ 4 mm was considered normal. On postnatal ultrasound, a renal pelvic AP diameter > 3 mm was considered to indicate hydronephrosis and ≤ 3 mm was considered normal. The association of postnatal hydronephrosis with prenatal pelvic AP diameter was determined using binary logistic regression analysis. The study comprised 1310 newborn infants: 684 (52.2%) male and 626 (47.8%) female. Multivariate analysis showed a right or left prenatal AP renal pelvic diameter > 4 mm was associated with a higher risk of postnatal hydronephrosis compared with a right and left prenatal AP renal pelvic diameter ≤ 4 mm. Boys had a higher risk for postnatal hydronephrosis than girls (odds ratio = 2.42, p < 0.05). An antenatal renal pelvic AP diameter > 4 mm on midtrimester ultrasound is predictive of postnatal hydronephrosis. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Effect of the Thruster Configurations on a Laser Ignition Microthruster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koizumi, Hiroyuki; Hamasaki, Kyoichi; Kondo, Ryo; Okada, Keisuke; Nakano, Masakatsu; Arakawa, Yoshihiro

Research and development of small spacecraft have advanced extensively throughout the world and propulsion devices suitable for the small spacecraft, microthruster, is eagerly anticipated. The authors proposed a microthruster using 1—10-mm-size solid propellant. Small pellets of solid propellant are installed in small combustion chambers and ignited by the irradiation of diode laser beam. This thruster is referred as to a laser ignition microthruster. Solid propellant enables large thrust capability and compact propulsion system. To date theories of a solid-propellant rocket have been well established. However, those theories are for a large-size solid propellant and there are a few theories and experiments for a micro-solid rocket of 1—10mm class. This causes the difficulty of the optimum design of a micro-solid rocket. In this study, we have experimentally investigated the effect of thruster configurations on a laser ignition microthruster. The examined parameters are aperture ratio of the nozzle, length of the combustion chamber, area of the nozzle throat, and divergence angle of the nozzle. Specific impulse dependences on those parameters were evaluated. It was found that large fraction of the uncombusted propellant was the main cause of the degrading performance. Decreasing the orifice diameter in the nozzle with a constant open aperture ratio was an effective method to improve this degradation.

Magnetic and magneto elastic properties of cobalt ferrite ceramic compacted through cold isostatic pressing

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

Indla, Srinivas; Das, Dibakar, E-mail: ddse@uohyd.ernet.in; Chelvane, Arout

2016-05-06

Nano crystalline CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} powder was prepared by combustion synthesis method. As synthesized powder was calcined at an appropriate condition to remove the impurities and to promote phase formation. Phase pure CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} powder was pressed into cylindrical rod at an applied pressure of 200 MPa using a cold isostatic pressing. Sintering of the green compact at 1350°c for 12 hrs resulted in sintered cylindrical rod with ~85% of the theoretical density. Single phase cubic spinel structure was observed in the powder x-ray diffraction pattern of the sintered pellet. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the as sintered pelletmore » revealed the microstructure to be composed of ferrite grains of average size ~4 µm. Saturation magnetization of 72 emu/g and coercivity of 355 Oe were observed for cobalt ferrite sample. The magnetostriction was measured on a circular disc (12 mm diameter and 12 mm length) with the strain gauge (350 Ω) mounted on the flat surface of the circular disc. Magnetostriciton of 180 ppm and strain derivative of 1 × 10{sup −9} m/A were observed for the sintered CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} sample.« less

Drop size distribution comparisons between Parsivel and 2-D video disdrometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thurai, M.; Petersen, W. A.; Tokay, A.; Schultz, C.; Gatlin, P.

2011-05-01

Measurements from a 2-D video disdrometer (2DVD) have been used for drop size distribution (DSD) comparisons with co-located Parsivel measurements in Huntsville, Alabama. The comparisons were made in terms of the mass-weighted mean diameter, Dm, the standard deviation of the mass-spectrum, σm, and the rainfall rate, R, all based on 1-min DSD from the two instruments. Time series comparisons show close agreement in all three parameters for cases where R was less than 20 mm h-1. In four cases, discrepancies in all three parameters were seen for "heavy" events, with the Parsivel showing higher Dm, σm and R, when R reached high values (particularly above 30 mm h-1). Possible causes for the discrepancies include the presence of a small percentage of non-fully melted hydrometers, with higher than expected fall velocity and with very different axis ratios as compared with rain, indicating small hail or ice pellets or graupel. We also present here Parsivel-to-Parsivel comparisons as well as comparisons between two 2DVD instruments, namely a low-profile unit and the latest generation, "compact unit" which was installed at the same site in November 2009. The comparisons are included to assess the variability between the same types of instrument. Correlation coefficients and the fractional standard errors are compared.

Activation Energy of Tantalum-Tungsten Oxide Thermite Reaction

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

Cervantes, O; Kuntz, J; Gash, A

2010-02-25

The activation energy of a high melting temperature sol-gel (SG) derived tantalum-tungsten oxide thermite composite was determined using the Kissinger isoconversion method. The SG derived powder was consolidated using the High Pressure Spark Plasma Sintering (HPSPS) technique to 300 and 400 C to produce pellets with dimensions of 5 mm diameter by 1.5 mm height. A custom built ignition setup was developed to measure ignition temperatures at high heating rates (500-2000 C {center_dot} min{sup -1}). Such heating rates were required in order to ignite the thermite composite. Unlike the 400 C samples, results show that the samples consolidated to 300more » C undergo an abrupt change in temperature response prior to ignition. This change in temperature response has been attributed to the crystallization of the amorphous WO{sub 3} in the SG derived Ta-WO{sub 3} thermite composite and not to a pre-ignition reaction between the constituents. Ignition temperatures for the Ta-WO{sub 3} thermite ranged from approximately 465-670 C. The activation energy of the SG derived Ta-WO{sup 3} thermite composite consolidated to 300 and 400 C were determined to be 37.787 {+-} 1.58 kJ {center_dot} mol{sup -1} and 57.381 {+-} 2.26 kJ {center_dot} mol{sup -1}, respectively.« less

Regenerable cement sorbent for recycle fluidized-bed combustion systems. Final report

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

Yoo, H.J.; Steinberg, M.

1985-04-01

Agglomerated cement sorbent pellets (ACS) were investigated as a regenerable sorbent for the purpose of removing SO/sub 2/ in a circulating fluidized-bed combustion (CFBC) system. The systems concept is to use an intermediate size sorbent pellet so that fine flyash can be separated from the sorbent at the top end of the CFBC and the coarse gangue can be separated from the sorbent remaining in the bottom end. In this study, basic experimental data were obtained on the sulfur capture capacity and regenerability of the ACS pellets as a function of the concentration of flyash mixed with the pellets andmore » as a function of temperature. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) was used for this purpose. A 40 mm bench-scale fluidized-bed unit operated with a simulated combustion gas mixture was used to determine the attrition resistance of the pellets. The results indicate that 30-100 mesh ACS pellets at 958/sup 0/C (1756/sup 0/F) maintain a 55-60% sulfation capacity mixed with coal flyash concentration up to 75% by weight. The sorbent pellets were 100% regenerable and did not lose reactivity in repeated cyclical sulfation and regeneration tests. At higher temperatures up to 1158/sup 0/C (2116/sup 0/F) reactivity towards SO/sub 2/ declines due to sintering of the flyash on the surface of the ACS pellets. Tests showed good attrition resistance with only 1% loss per cycle in cyclical operation. These initial basic results indicate that ACS pellets are potentially useful as a recoverable and regenerable high capacity SO/sub 2/ sorbent in a circulating fluidized-bed combustion system. 5 refs., 7 figs., 8 tabs.« less

Depth of composite polymerization within simulated root canals using light-transmitting posts.

PubMed

Lui, J L

1994-01-01

In this study, the depth of cure of composite resins cured within simulated root canals by means of light-transmitting plastic posts was compared to that achieved by the conventional light-curing method. Six sizes of posts with diameters of 1.05 mm, 1.20 mm, 1.35 mm, 1.50 mm, 1.65 mm, and 1.80 mm were investigated. In general, the larger the post diameter, the greater was the depth of cure. There were significant differences in the depth of cure between the control and all sizes of posts investigated. There were also significant differences between the various post diameters except for the 1.35 mm and 1.50 mm diameter posts. It was possible to achieve a depth of cure exceeding 11 mm using these light-transmitting posts.

Evaluation of the Relative Merits of Herbaceous and Woody Crops for Use in Tunable Thermochemical Processing

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

Park, Joon-Hyun; Martinalbo, Ilya

This report summarizes the work and findings of the grant work conducted from January 2009 until September 2011 under the collaboration between Ceres, Inc. and Choren USA, LLC. This DOE-funded project involves a head-to-head comparison of two types of dedicated energy crops in the context of a commercial gasification conversion process. The main goal of the project was to gain a better understanding of the differences in feedstock composition between herbaceous and woody species, and how these differences may impact a commercial gasification process. In this work, switchgrass was employed as a model herbaceous energy crop, and willow as amore » model short-rotation woody crop. Both crops are species native to the U.S. with significant potential to contribute to U.S. goals for renewable liquid fuel production, as outlined in the DOE Billion Ton Update (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/billion_ton_update.html, 2011). In some areas of the U.S., switching between woody and herbaceous feedstocks or blending of the two may be necessary to keep a large-scale gasifier operating near capacity year round. Based on laboratory tests and process simulations it has been successfully shown that suitable high yielding switchgrass and willow varieties exist that meet the feedstock specifications for large scale entrained flow biomass gasification. This data provides the foundation for better understanding how to use both materials in thermochemical processes. It has been shown that both switchgrass and willow varieties have comparable ranges of higher heating value, BTU content and indistinguishable hydrogen/carbon ratios. Benefits of switchgrass, and other herbaceous feedstocks, include its low moisture content, which reduce energy inputs and costs for drying feedstock. Compared to the typical feedstock currently being used in the Carbo-V® process, switchgrass has a higher ash content, combined with a lower ash melting temperature. Whether or not this may cause inefficiencies in the process, needs to be verified by long term test runs. Currently, there are not sufficient operational test data available for the Carbo-V® process for the utilization of higher ash content feedstocks. The application of currently evolving biomass pretreatment technologies, such as pelletization and torrefaction, will be able to expand the portfolio of biomass varieties and species acceptable in gasification processes. Tests showed that 6 mm diameter pellets of switchgrass were superior to 8 mm diameter pellets produced in a flat dye press, and that torrefaction of switchgrass produced an excellent (but currently costly) feedstock that could be handled, crushed, and combusted in a manner compatible with any coal-fed gasification facility. Ceres will use this information in the development of high yielding, dedicated energy crops specifically tailored for thermochemical conversion. CHOREN will make use of the information for improvement or development of low cost, highly efficient biomass gasification processes that convert a wide variety of biomass feedstocks to fuels, chemicals, heat and power via the production of tar free green syngas on an industrial scale.« less

Development of observational learning during school formation in jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus juveniles.

PubMed

Takahashi, Kohji; Masuda, Reiji; Yamashita, Yoh

2014-03-01

We assessed whether the development of observational learning in jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus juveniles corresponds with that of their schooling behaviour. Schooling behaviour was quantitatively analyzed by nearest neighbour distance and separation angle in two size classes of fish, 20-mm and 40-mm in body length. Observer and non-observer fish with matching sizes were conditioned to pellets by temporarily stopping aeration. Observer fish were provided with five observation trials of other individuals feeding near an air stone when aeration was stopped. After the observation trial, fish were conditioned to pellets with the stop of aeration, and then the learning process was evaluated by the increase in the association with the feeding area when aeration was stopped. In 20-mm fish, which were at an immature stage of schooling behaviour, there was no difference in the learning process between observer and non-observer fish. In contrast, 40-mm fish were confirmed to have a well-developed schooling behaviour, and the observer learnt the feeding area more efficiently than the non-observer. This study provides evidence that observational learning develops along with the development of the social interaction. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental and numerical investigations of heat transfer and thermal efficiency of an infrared gas stove

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charoenlerdchanya, A.; Rattanadecho, P.; Keangin, P.

2018-01-01

An infrared gas stove is a low-pressure gas stove type and it has higher thermal efficiency than the other domestic cooking stoves. This study considers the computationally determine water and air temperature distributions, water and air velocity distributions and thermal efficiency of the infrared gas stove. The goal of this work is to investigate the effect of various pot diameters i.e. 220 mm, 240 mm and 260 mm on the water and air temperature distributions, water and air velocity distributions and thermal efficiency of the infrared gas stove. The time-dependent heat transfer equation involving diffusion and convection coupled with the time-dependent fluid dynamic equation is implemented and is solved by using the finite element method (FEM). The computer simulation study is validated with an experimental study, which is use standard experiment by LPG test for low-pressure gas stove in households (TIS No. 2312-2549). The findings revealed that the water and air temperature distributions increase with greater heating time, which varies with the three different pot diameters (220 mm, 240 mm and 260 mm). Similarly, the greater heating time, the water and air velocity distributions increase that vary by pot diameters (220, 240 and 260 mm). The maximum water temperature in the case of pot diameter of 220 mm is higher than the maximum water velocity in the case of pot diameters of 240 mm and 260 mm, respectively. However, the maximum air temperature in the case of pot diameter of 260 mm is higher than the maximum water velocity in the case of pot diameters of 240 mm and 220 mm, respectively. The obtained results may provide a basis for improving the energy efficiency of infrared gas stoves and other equipment, including helping to reduce energy consumption.

Impact verification of space suit design for space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fish, Richard H.

1987-01-01

The ballistic limits of single sheet and double sheet structures made of 6061 T6 Aluminum of 1.8 mm and larger nominal thickness were investigated for projectiles of 1.5 mm diameter fired in the Vertical Gun Range Test Facility and NASA Ames Research Center. The hole diameters and sheet deformation behavior were studied for various ratios of sheet spacing to projectile diameter. The results indicate that for projectiles of less than 1.5 mm diameter the ballistic limit exceeds the nominal 10 km/sec orbital debris encounter velocity, if a single-sheet suit of 1.8 mm thickness is behind a single bumper sheet of 1 mm thickness spaced 12.5 mm apart.

Performance, gut morphology and carcass characteristics of fattening rabbits as affected by particle size of pelleted diets.

PubMed

Tufarelli, Vincenzo; Desantis, Salvatore; Zizza, Sara; Laudadio, Vito

2010-10-01

A review of past literature revealed inconsistencies in recommended feed particle size for optimal growth and productive performance of rabbits. Changing diet formulation and subsequent processing conditions may improve pellet texture and potentially affect rabbit performance. In the current study, two isoenergetic and isonitrogenous pelleted diets were formulated, which varied in the particle size of the concentrates (2 and 8 mm, respectively). The objective was to evaluate the effect of different particle sizes of compound diets on performance, nutrient utilisation, gut morphology, and carcass characteristics of fattening Italian White breed rabbits. The finely ground diet led to a significant improvement in feed efficiency and apparent digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre and NDF, without any negative effect on gut morphology. Furthermore, a smaller particle size of concentrates in pelleted diets improved carcass traits. Meat colour parameters showed significant differences in longissimus lumborum and biceps femoris due to dietary treatments, but in both muscles pH values 1 h and 24 h after slaughter remained unchanged. It is concluded that a finely ground pelleted diet can be used to improve growth performance of rabbits without affecting carcass parameters.

Variations the diameter tip of electrode on the resistance spot welding using electrode Cu on worksheet Fe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baskoro, A. S.; Sugeng, S.; Sifa, Agus; Badruzzaman; Endramawan, Tito

2018-04-01

Resistance Spot Weld (RSW) is a welding technology which plays an important role that is often used in industry in large manufacturing industries, especially in the automotive sector, some of the parameters are affecting the welding process that give impact in the weld quality, diameter tip important impact on the resistance spot welding, This study can be categorized as experimental study by using Electrode material such as Cu and Fe Worksheet Materials, with a material thickness of 1 mm,0,8 mm, and 0,6 mm on each worksheet, and the large diameter of tip electrode (5√t) depend on the thickness of worksheet. Testing the material in the electrode and the worksheet by testing the composition and tensile test, and the hardness of the material used are to know the material used certainly. The result of the welding process was done by using the parameters voltage of 8KV, with a duty cycle of 50% using a variation of the time 8s-10s, and variations the electrode tip diameter that are affected by the thickness of the worksheet 5\\sqrt{t}, plate thickness used 1 mm, 0,8 mm and 0,6 mm, so that the electrodes was used to a thickness of 1 mm diameter tip electrode 5 mm, thickness 0,8 mm with an electrode tip diameter 4,5 mm and a thickness 0,6 mm with an electrode diameter of 4 mm, with current welding parameter 8kVA, and variations in holding time 10s, 9s and 8s 50% duty cycle, then testing welds with the standard shear test refers ASTM A370-2012 with more results to a thickness of 0,6 has the ability to withstand greater load on the holding time 8s and 9s, 10s, to a thickness 0,8 mm and 1 mm shear test results demonstrate the ability to withstand loads on the holding time of 10s and 9s have a greater ability than 8s on worksheet that has thickness 1 mm at a holding time of 10s, and then Maximum shear test averaging of 36,41 N at a worksheet with a thickness of 0,8 mm (diameter tip 4,5 mm) at a holding time of 8s and a mean minimum shear stress of 23,73 N at worksheet that has thickness 0,6 mm (diameter tip 4 mm).

Effect of embedded dexamethasone in cochlear implant array on insertion forces in an artificial model of scala tympani.

PubMed

Nguyen, Yann; Bernardeschi, Daniele; Kazmitcheff, Guillaume; Miroir, Mathieu; Vauchel, Thomas; Ferrary, Evelyne; Sterkers, Olivier

2015-02-01

Loading otoprotective drug into cochlear implant might change its mechanical properties, thus compromising atraumatic insertion. This study evaluated the effect of incorporation of dexamethasone (DXM) in the silicone of cochlear implant arrays on insertion forces. Local administration of DXM with embedded array can potentially reduce inflammation and fibrosis after cochlear implantation procedure to improve hearing preservation and reduce long-term impedances. Four models of arrays have been tested: 0.5-mm distal diameter array (n = 5) used as a control, drug-free 0.4-mm distal diameter array (n = 5), 0.4-mm distal diameter array with 1% eluded DXM silicone (n = 5), and 0.4-mm distal diameter array with 10% eluded DXM silicone (n = 5). Via a motorized insertion bench, each array has been inserted into an artificial scala tympani model. The forces were recorded by a 6-axis force sensor. Each array was tested seven times for a total number of 140 insertions. During the first 10-mm insertion, no difference between the four models was observed. From 10- to 24-mm insertion, the 0.5-mm distal diameter array presented higher insertion forces than the drug-free 0.4-mm distal diameter arrays, with or without DXM. Friction forces for drug-free 0.4-mm distal diameter array and 0.4-mm distal diameter DXM eluded arrays were similar on all insertion lengths. Incorporation of DXM in silicone for cochlear implant design does not change electrode array insertion forces. It does not raise the risk of trauma during array insertion, making it suitable for long-term in situ administration to the cochlea.

Calcium silicate cement sorbent for H/sub 2/S removal and improved gasification processes. Annual progress report, October 1, 1981-September 30, 1982

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

Yoo, H.J.; Steinberg, M.

1982-10-01

Commercial calcium silicate bearing Portland cement type III (PC III), in the form of agglomerated cement sorbent (ACS) pellets, is being investigated for in-situ desulfurization of fuel gases and for improved coal gasification. The preparation procedure and conditions for pelletizing agglomerated cement sorbent (ACS) by a low energy, low cost agglomeration technique have been modified using a two-stage pelletization procedure, which yields ACS pellets of greater mechanical strength. A 40 mm ID bench scale fluidized bed gasifier (FBG) was used to determine sulfur removal efficiency of ACS pellets as well as their attrition resistance, using a simulated gas mixture. Thesemore » tests show that 90% or more of the sulfur removal from the gas is achieved until 35% of the ACS pellet is sulfidated and that it has excellent attrition resistance (less than 0.1% wt loss) during cyclic tests excluding the first conditioning cycle. The gasification of coal by partial oxidation with air to low Btu gas was conducted in a 1-inch bench scale FBG unit by our collaborator, the Foster Wheeler Corporation (FWC). At temperatures between 800/sup 0/C and 950/sup 0/C the efficiency of coal gasification is improved by as much as 40% when ACS pellets are used compared to the use of Greer limestone. At the same time the sulfur removal efficiency is increased from 50 to 65% with Greer limestone to over 95% with the ACS pellets. The test on sulfur fixation characteristics of the sorbent in the 1-inch FBG unit using a simulated gas also shows that the ACS pellet is much more reactive toward H/sub 2/S than Greer limestone. The ability of ACS pellets to simultaneously desulfurize and improve the gasification efficiency of coal in FBG justifies further investigation.« less

Non-destructive evaluation of polymer coating structures on pharmaceutical pellets using full-field optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Li, Chen; Zeitler, J Axel; Dong, Yue; Shen, Yao-Chun

2014-01-01

Full-field optical coherence tomography (FF-OCT) using a conventional light-emitting diode and a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor camera has been developed for characterising coatings on small pellet samples. A set of en-face images covering an area of 700 × 700 μm(2) was taken over a depth range of 166 μm. The three-dimensional structural information, such as the coating thickness and uniformity, was subsequently obtained by analysis of the recorded en-face images. Drug-loaded pharmaceutical sustained-release pellets with two coating layers and of a sub-millimetre diameter were studied to demonstrate the usefulness of the developed system. We have shown that both coatings can be clearly resolved and the thickness was determined to be 40 and 50 μm for the outer and inner coating layers, respectively. It was also found that the outer coating layer is relatively uniform, whereas the inner coating layer has many particle-like features. X-ray computed microtomography measurements carried out on the same pellet sample confirmed all these findings. The presented FF-OCT approach is inexpensive and has better spatial resolution compared with other non-destructive analysis techniques such as terahertz pulsed imaging, and is thus considered advantageous for the quantitative analysis of thin coatings on small pellet samples. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Effect of mold diameter on the depth of cure of a resin-based composite material.

PubMed

Erickson, Robert L; Barkmeier, Wayne W

2017-02-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of mold diameter on depth of cure of a resin-based composite material for varying amounts of irradiation. A resin-based composite was light-cured for 10-80 s in stainless-steel molds of either 6 mm or 4 mm in diameter and then dark-stored for 24 h. Specimens were then scraped back and the length of the cured specimens was measured to provide depth of cure (D SB ). Radiant exposure to each of the mold diameters was determined by measuring the power. The D SB values using the 4-mm molds were lower than those of the 6-mm molds. The average difference between the two groups for each irradiation time was 0.45 ± 0.02 mm. A fixed depth of cure required about 39% more irradiation time for the 4-mm mold than for the 6-mm mold but 75% more radiant exposure. The difference in cure depth for a fixed radiant exposure was 0.79 mm. A better comparison of depth of cure is obtained by using identical radiant exposures for different mold diameters. It is believed that greater loss of light by absorption at the stainless-steel cylinder walls for the 4-mm-diameter cylinders accounts for the lower depth of cure when compared with the 6-mm molds. © 2017 Eur J Oral Sci.

Cytochemical and immunocytochemical characterization of a fibrillar network (GP2) in pancreatic juice: possible role as a sieve in the pancreatic ductal system.

PubMed

Grondin, G; St-Jean, P; Beaudoin, A R

1992-04-01

The secretory product of the exocrine pancreas contains sedimentable and non-sedimentable materials. Electron microscopy of the pellet obtained after ultracentrifugation reveals two major components: microvesicles (pancreasomes) and a fibrillar network of small mesh size. Negative staining of an unfixed pellet demonstrated that these structures are not fixation artifacts. Cytochemical analysis showed that pancreasomes are reactive to osmication and uranyl acetate staining, whereas the fibrillar network was unreactive thereby indicating that the latter does not contain lipids; however, lead citrate staining reveals the network. Alcian blue, known to bind sulfate groups of mucosubstances, reacted strongly with the fibrillar network. The pellet was also characterized by immunocytochemistry with specific antibodies to amylase and glycoprotein 2 (GP2). Both antibodies were located only on the fibrillar network. Washing of the pellet with 100 mM KCl-250 mM NaBr had little effect on GP2 content, but reduced considerably alpha-amylase associated with the reticular matrix. It appeared that GP2 was the major component of the scaffolding that gives rise to the fibrillar network and that other proteins such as alpha-amylase could reversibly bind to it. When double-labeling immunocytochemistry was carried out on the unwashed pellet, labeling of the first antigen reduced the labeling of the second. Removal of amylase by washing the pellet increased the GP2 signal. These results indicate that amylase is bound on the GP2 network. Although the function of the GP2 network is still not clearly defined several possibilities could be envisaged at the level of the pancreatic duct system: 1) The network could drain off any aggregates or precipitates forming in small ducts. 2) The small mesh of the network would present a physical barrier to infecting bacteria that could enter into the duct system from the intestine, especially in conditions of low flow rates. 3) The network may exert a mechanical pressure on the membranes bordering the acinar lumen and small ducts thereby preventing their collapse in basal conditions.

Iron inhibits hydroxyapatite crystal growth in vitro.

PubMed

Guggenbuhl, Pascal; Filmon, Robert; Mabilleau, Guillaume; Baslé, Michel F; Chappard, Daniel

2008-07-01

Hemochromatosis is a known cause of osteoporosis in which the pathophysiology of bone loss is largely unknown and the role of iron remains questionable. We have investigated the effects of iron on the growth of hydroxyapatite crystals in vitro on carboxymethylated poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) pellets. This noncellular and enzyme-independent model mimics the calcification of woven bone (composed of calcospherites made of hydroxyapatite crystals). Polymer pellets were incubated with body fluid containing iron at increasing concentrations (20, 40, 60 micromol/L). Hydroxyapatite growth was studied by chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman microscopy. When incubated in body fluid containing iron, significant differences were observed with control pellets. Iron was detected at a concentration of 5.41- to 7.16-fold that of controls. In pellets incubated with iron, there was a approximately 3- to 4-fold decrease of Ca and P and a approximately 1.3- to 1.4-fold increase in the Ca/P ratio. There was no significant difference among the iron groups of pellets, but a trend to a decrease of Ca with the increase of iron concentration was noted. Calcospherite diameters were significantly lower on pellets incubated with iron. Raman microspectroscopy showed a decrease in crystallinity (measured by the full width of the half height of the 960 Deltacm(-1) band) with a significant increase in carbonate substitution (measured by the intensity ratio of 1071 to 960 Deltacm(-1) band). Energy dispersive x-ray analysis identified iron in the calcospherites. In vitro, iron is capable to inhibit bone crystal growth with significant changes in crystallinity and carbonate substitution.

Peristalsis and fecal pellet propulsion do not require nicotinic, purinergic, 5-HT3, or NK3 receptors in isolated guinea pig distal colon.

PubMed

Nicholas, Sarah; Spencer, Nick J

2010-06-01

The neuronal mechanism by which distension of the colon triggers peristalsis and the propulsion of colonic contents is incompletely understood. In this study, we used video imaging and spatiotemporal mapping techniques to investigate the neuroneuronal mechanisms underlying peristalsis in isolated guinea pig distal colon. In direct contrast to previous studies, we found that hexamethonium (100 muM-1 mM) or mecamylamine (20 muM) never abolished peristalsis or fecal pellet propulsion, although a temporary blockade of peristalsis was common, giving the impression perhaps that peristalsis was blocked permanently. During the initiation of peristalsis, the intraluminal propulsive force applied to an inserted fecal pellet was significantly reduced by hexamethonium 100 muM, even though, once initiated, the propagation velocity of fecal pellets was never reduced by nicotinic antagonists. In the presence of hexamethonium or mecamylamine, further addition of PPADS (10 muM), ondansetron (1 muM), and SR 142801 (300 nM) had no inhibitory effect on the propagation velocity of fecal pellets. In these preparations, antagonists for nicotinic, purinergic (P2), serotonergic (5-HT3), or tachykinergic (NK3) receptors always abolished responses to the agonists for these receptors, confirming that when peristalsis occurred, nicotinic, P2, 5-HT3, and NK3 receptors were blocked. Tetrodotoxin abolished nonnicotinic peristalsis. In summary, nicotinic transmission contributes to excitatory neuroneuronal transmission underlying peristalsis and fecal pellet propulsion but is not required for peristalsis, nor fecal pellet propulsion, as once thought. These observations could be explained by an excitatory nonnicotinic neuroneuronal pathway that can generate peristalsis and induce normal fecal pellet propagation velocities but does not require nicotinic, P2, 5-HT3, or NK3 receptors.

Influence of the weighing bar size to determine optimal time of biodiesel-glycerol separation by using the buoyancy weighing-bar method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tambun, R.; Sibagariang, Y.; Manurung, J.

2018-02-01

The buoyancy weighing-bar method is a novel method in the particle size distribution measurement. This method can measure particle size distributions of the settling particles and floating particles. In this study, the buoyancy weighing-bar method is applied to determine optimal time of biodiesel-glycerol separation. The buoyancy weighing-bar method can be applied to determine the separation time because biodiesel and glycerol have the different densities. The influences of diameter of weighing-bar by using the buoyancy weighing-bar method would be experimentally investigated. The diameters of weighing-bar in this experiment are 8 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm and 20 mm, while the graduated cylinder (diameter : 65 mm) is used as vessel. The samples used in this experiment are the mixture of 95 % of biodiesel and 5 % of glycerol. The data obtained by the buoyancy weighing-bar method are analized by using the gas chromatography to determine the purity of biodiesel. Based on the data obtained, the buoyancy weighing-bar method can be used to detect the separation time of biodiesel-glycerol by using the weighing-bar diameter of 8 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm and 20 mm, but the most accuracy in determination the biodiesel-glycerol separation time is obtained by using the weighing-bar diameter of 20 mm. The biodiesel purity of 97.97 % could be detected at 64 minutes by using the buoyancy weighing-bar method when the weighing-bar diameter of 20 mm is used.

Implant-bone interface stress distribution in immediately loaded implants of different diameters: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

PubMed

Ding, Xi; Zhu, Xing-Hao; Liao, Sheng-Hui; Zhang, Xiu-Hua; Chen, Hong

2009-07-01

To establish a 3D finite element model of a mandible with dental implants for immediate loading and to analyze stress distribution in bone around implants of different diameters. Three mandible models, embedded with thread implants (ITI, Straumann, Switzerland) with diameters of 3.3, 4.1, and 4.8 mm, respectively, were developed using CT scanning and self-developed Universal Surgical Integration System software. The von Mises stress and strain of the implant-bone interface were calculated with the ANSYS software when implants were loaded with 150 N vertical or buccolingual forces. When the implants were loaded with vertical force, the von Mises stress concentrated on the mesial and distal surfaces of cortical bone around the neck of implants, with peak values of 25.0, 17.6 and 11.6 MPa for 3.3, 4.1, and 4.8 mm diameters, respectively, while the maximum strains (5854, 4903, 4344 muepsilon) were located on the buccal cancellous bone around the implant bottom and threads of implants. The stress and strain were significantly lower (p < 0.05) with the increased diameter of implant. When the implants were loaded with buccolingual force, the peak von Mises stress values occurred on the buccal surface of cortical bone around the implant neck, with values of 131.1, 78.7, and 68.1 MPa for 3.3, 4.1, and 4.8 mm diameters, respectively, while the maximum strains occurred on the buccal surface of cancellous bone adjacent to the implant neck, with peak values of 14,218, 12,706, and 11,504 microm, respectively. The stress of the 4.1-mm diameter implants was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of 3.3-mm diameter implants, but not statistically different from that of the 4.8 mm implant. With an increase of implant diameter, stress and strain on the implant-bone interfaces significantly decreased, especially when the diameter increased from 3.3 to 4.1 mm. It appears that dental implants of 10 mm in length for immediate loading should be at least 4.1 mm in diameter, and uniaxial loading to dental implants should be avoided or minimized.

Controlling filamentous fungi morphology with microparticles to enhanced β-mannanase production.

PubMed

Yatmaz, Ercan; Karahalil, Ercan; Germec, Mustafa; Ilgin, Merve; Turhan, İrfan

2016-09-01

β-mannanase was produced mainly by Aspergillus species and can degrade the β-1,4-mannose linkages of galactomannans. This study was undertaken to enhance mannanase production using talcum and aluminum oxide as the microparticles, which control cell morphology of recombinant Aspergillus sojae in glucose and carob extract medium. Both microparticles improved fungal growth in glucose and carob pod extract medium. Aluminum oxide (1 g/L) was the best agent for glucose medium which resulted in 514.0 U/ml. However, the highest mannanase activity was found as 568.7 U/ml with 5 g/L of talcum in carob extract medium. Increase in microparticle concentration resulted in decreasing the pellet size diameter. Furthermore, more than 10 g/L of talcum addition changed the filamentous fungi growth type from pellet to pellet/mycelium mixture. Results showed that right type and concentration of microparticle in fermentation media improved the mannanase activity and production rate by controlling the growth morphology.

Determinants and Normal Values of Ascending Aortic Diameter by Age, Gender and Race/Ethnicity in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

PubMed Central

Turkbey, Evrim B.; Jain, Aditya; Johnson, Craig; Redheuil, Alban; Arai, Andrew E.; Gomes, Antoinette S.; Carr, James; Hundley, W. Gregory; Teixido-Tura, Gisela; Eng, John; Lima, Joao A.C.; Bluemke, David A.

2013-01-01

PURPOSE To determine the normal size and wall thickness of the ascending thoracic aorta (AA) and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors in a large population-based study. MATERIALS AND METHODS The mean AA luminal diameter was measured in 3573 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants (age: 45–84 years), using gradient echo phase contrast cine MRI. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations between risk factors and AA diameter. The median and upper normal limit (95th percentile) was defined in a “healthy” subgroup as well as AA wall thickness. RESULTS The upper limits of body surface area indexed AA luminal diameter for age categories of 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, and 75–84 years are 21, 22, 22, and 28 mm/m2 in women and 20, 21, 22, 23 mm/m2 in men, respectively. The mean AA wall thickness was 2.8 mm. Age, gender and body surface area were major determinants of AA luminal diameter (~+1 mm/10 years; ~+1.9 mm in men than women; ~+1 mm/ 0.23 m2; p<0.001). The AA diameter in hypertensive subjects was +0.9 mm larger than in normotensives (p<0.001). CONCLUSION AA diameter increases gradually with aging for both genders, among all race/ethnicities. Normal value of AA diameter is provided. PMID:23681649

Management of colon stents based on Bernoulli's principle.

PubMed

Uno, Yoshiharu

2017-03-01

The colonic self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) has been widely used for "bridge to surgery" and palliative therapy. However, if the spread of SEMS is insufficient, not only can a decompression effect not be obtained but also perforation and obstructive colitis can occur. The mechanism of occurrence of obstructive colitis and perforation was investigated by flow dynamics. Bernoulli's principle was applied, assuming that the cause of inflammation and perforation represented the pressure difference in the proximal lumen and stent. The variables considered were proximal lumen diameter, stent lumen diameter, flow rate into the proximal lumen, and fluid density. To model the right colon, the proximal lumen diameter was set at 50 mm. To model the left-side colon, the proximal lumen diameter was set at 30 mm. For both the right colon model and the left-side colon model, the difference in pressure between the proximal lumen and the stent was less than 20 mmHg, when the diameter of the stent lumen was 14 mm or more. Both the right colon model and the left-side colon model were 30 mmHg or more at 200 mL s -1 when the stent lumen was 10 mm or less. Even with an inflow rate of 90-110 mL s -1 , the pressure was 140 mmHg when the stent lumen diameter was 5 mm. In theory, in order to maintain the effectiveness of SEMS, it is necessary to keep the diameter of the stent lumen at 14 mm or more.

Persistent organic pollutants in plastic marine debris found on beaches in San Diego, California.

PubMed

Van, Almira; Rochman, Chelsea M; Flores, Elisa M; Hill, Kish L; Vargas, Erica; Vargas, Serena A; Hoh, Euhna

2012-01-01

Plastic debris were collected from eight beaches around San Diego County, California. Debris collected include: pre-production pellets and post-consumer plastics including fragments, polystyrene (PS) foam, and rubber. A total of n = 2453 pieces were collected ranging from <5 mm to 50 mm in size. The plastic pieces were separated by type, location, and appearance and analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its breakdown products, and chlordanes. PAH concentrations ranged from 30 ng g(-1) to 1900 ng g(-1), PCBs from non-detect to 47 ng g(-1), chlordanes from 1.8 ng g(-1) to 60 ng g(-1), and DDTs from non-detect to 76 ng g(-1). Consistently higher PAH concentrations found in PS foam samples (300-1900 ng g(-1)) led us to examine unexposed PS foam packaging materials and PS virgin pellets. Unexposed PS foam contained higher concentrations of PAHs (240-1700 ng g(-1)) than PS virgin pellets (12-15 ng g(-1)), suggesting that PAHs may be produced during manufacturing. Temporal trends of debris were investigated at one site, Ocean Beach, where storm events and beach maintenance were found to be important variables influencing debris present at a given time. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Further investigations on fixed abrasive diamond pellets used for diminishing mid-spatial frequency errors of optical mirrors.

PubMed

Dong, Zhichao; Cheng, Haobo; Tam, Hon-Yuen

2014-01-20

As further application investigations on fixed abrasive diamond pellets (FADPs), this work exhibits their potential capability for diminishing mid-spatial frequency errors (MSFEs, i.e., periodic small structure) of optical surfaces. Benefitting from its high surficial rigidness, the FADPs tool has a natural smoothing effect to periodic small errors. Compared with the previous design, this proposed new tool employs more compliance to aspherical surfaces due to the pellets being mutually separated and bonded on a steel plate with elastic back of silica rubber adhesive. Moreover, a unicursal Peano-like path is presented for improving MSFEs, which can enhance the multidirectionality and uniformity of the tool's motion. Experiments were conducted to validate the effectiveness of FADPs for diminishing MSFEs. In the lapping of a Φ=420 mm Zerodur paraboloid workpiece, the grinding ripples were quickly diminished (210 min) by both visual inspection and profile metrology, as well as the power spectrum density (PSD) analysis, RMS was reduced from 4.35 to 0.55 μm. In the smoothing of a Φ=101 mm fused silica workpiece, MSFEs were obviously improved from the inspection of surface form maps, interferometric fringe patterns, and PSD analysis. The mid-spatial frequency RMS was diminished from 0.017λ to 0.014λ (λ=632.8 nm).

Wear versus Thickness and Other Features of 5-Mrad Crosslinked UHMWPE Acetabular Liners

PubMed Central

Shen, Fu-Wen; Lu, Zhen

2010-01-01

Background The low wear rates of crosslinked polyethylenes provide the potential to use larger diameters to resist dislocation. However, this requires the use of thinner liners in the acetabular component, with concern that higher contact stresses will increase wear, offsetting the benefits of the crosslinking. Questions/purposes We asked the following questions: Is the wear of conventional and crosslinked polyethylene liners affected by ball diameter, rigidity of backing, and liner thickness? Are the stresses in the liner affected by thickness? Methods Wear rates were measured in a hip simulator and stresses were calculated using finite element modeling. Results Without crosslinking, the wear rate was 4% to 10% greater with a 36-mm diameter than a 28-mm diameter. With crosslinking, wear was 9% lower with a 36-mm diameter without metal backing and 4% greater with metal backing. Reducing the thickness from 6 mm to 3 mm increased the contact stress by 46%, but the wear rate decreased by 19%. Conclusions The reduction in wear with 5 Mrad of crosslinking was not offset by increasing the diameter from 28 mm to 36 mm or by using a liner as thin as 3 mm. Clinical Relevance The results indicate, for a properly positioned 5-Mrad crosslinked acetabular component and within the range of dimensions evaluated, neither wear nor stresses in the polyethylene are limiting factors in the use of larger-diameter, thinner cups to resist dislocation. PMID:20848244

Finite Element Analysis of Bone Stress around Micro-Implants of Different Diameters and Lengths with Application of a Single or Composite Torque Force.

PubMed

Lu, Ying-juan; Chang, Shao-hai; Ye, Jian-tao; Ye, Yu-shan; Yu, Yan-song

2015-01-01

Stress on the bone surrounding dental micro-implants affects implant success. To compare the stress on the bone surrounding a micro-implant after application of a single force (SF) of 200 g or a composite force (CF) of 200 g and 6 N.mm torque. Finite element models were developed for micro-implant diameters of 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 mm, and lengths of 6, 8, 10, and 12 mm and either a SF or CF was applied. The maximum equivalent stress (Max EQS) of the bone surrounding the micro-implant was determined, and the relationships among type of force, diameter, and length were evaluated. The Max EQS of the CF exceeded that of the SF (P< 0.05). The effect of force on stress was related to implant diameter, but not to implant length. The larger CF led to greater instability of the micro-implant and the effect was most pronounced at an implant diameter of 1.2 mm. The use of implant diameters of 1.6 mm and 2.0 mm produced no significant difference in implant stability when either a CF or SF was applied. When considering the use of an implant to perform three-dimensional control on the teeth, the implant diameter chosen should be > 1.2 mm.

Finite Element Analysis of Bone Stress around Micro-Implants of Different Diameters and Lengths with Application of a Single or Composite Torque Force

PubMed Central

Lu, Ying-juan; Chang, Shao-hai; Ye, Jian-tao; Ye, Yu-shan; Yu, Yan-song

2015-01-01

Background Stress on the bone surrounding dental micro-implants affects implant success. Purpose To compare the stress on the bone surrounding a micro-implant after application of a single force (SF) of 200 g or a composite force (CF) of 200 g and 6 N.mm torque. Materials and Methods Finite element models were developed for micro-implant diameters of 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 mm, and lengths of 6, 8, 10, and 12 mm and either a SF or CF was applied. The maximum equivalent stress (Max EQS) of the bone surrounding the micro-implant was determined, and the relationships among type of force, diameter, and length were evaluated. Results The Max EQS of the CF exceeded that of the SF (P< 0.05). The effect of force on stress was related to implant diameter, but not to implant length. The larger CF led to greater instability of the micro-implant and the effect was most pronounced at an implant diameter of 1.2 mm. The use of implant diameters of 1.6 mm and 2.0 mm produced no significant difference in implant stability when either a CF or SF was applied. Conclusion When considering the use of an implant to perform three-dimensional control on the teeth, the implant diameter chosen should be > 1.2 mm. PMID:26659581

Calcium silicate cement sorbent for H/sub 2/S removal and improved gasification processes. Final report

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

Yoo, H.J.; Steinberg, M.

1983-10-01

Based on the studies performed on the agglomerated cement sorbent (ACS) pellet for in-situ desulfurization of gases and for improved gasification, in low and medium Btu fluidized bed coal gasifier (FBG) systems, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) The pelletization method by a drum pelletizer is a good way of agglomerating large sized (>20 US mesh) ACS pellets having high sorbent performance. (2) The ACS pellets have a sulfur capture capacity of about 60% at 950/sup 0/C, are 100% regenerable, and so not lose reactivity during cyclic use. (3) The rate of sulfidation increases linearly with H/sub 2/S concentrationmore » in the feed gas stream up to 1.0%. (4) The rate of sulfidation first increases with temperature in an Arrhenius fashion in the temperature range of 800/sup 0/C to 1000/sup 0/C and then decreases with further increase in temperatures, giving rise to an optimum sulfidation temperature of about 1000/sup 0/C. (5) The gasification of coal or coal char either with CO/sub 2/ gas or by partial oxidation in a 40 mm ID FBG shows that the gasification efficiency of coal (or coal char) is very much enhanced with the ACS pellets and with Greer limestone over the coal (or coal char) alone. There is, however, not much difference between the ACS pellets and Greer limestone in the degree of enhancement. (6) The gasification of coal by partial oxidation with air to low Btu gas in a 1-inch coal-fired FBG unit shows that in the temperature range of 800/sup 0/ to 900/sup 0/C the efficiency of coal gasification is improved by as much as 40% when ACS pellets are used compared to the use of Greer limestone. At the same time the sulfur removal efficiency is increased from 50 to 65% with Greer limestone to over 95% with the ACS pellets.« less

Sediment reworking by a polychaete, Perinereis aibuhitensis, in the intertidal sediments of the Gomso Bay, Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koo, Bon Joo; Seo, Jaehwan

2017-12-01

Bioturbation, especially sediment reworking by the activities of macroinvertebrates, such as feeding and burrowing, is one of the major processes that affect the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of marine sediments. Given the importance of sediment reworking, this study was designed to evaluate the sediment reworking rate of a polychaete, Perinereis aibuhitensis, which is dominant in the upper tidal flats on the west coast of Korea, based on quantification of pellet production during spring and fall surveys. The density of individuals was higher in fall than in spring, whereas, due to a difference in the proportion of adults between the two seasons, the morphometric dimensions of the worm and its pellets were significantly longer and heavier in the spring. Hourly pellet production per inhabitant and density were closely related, with pellet production gradually decreasing as density increased. Daily pellet production was much higher in spring than in fall, mostly due to an increase in daytime production. The sediment reworking rate of Perinereis was similar in the two seasons in which observations were made and depended on its density and the sediment reworking rate per individual. The overall sediment reworking rate of Perinereis was 31 mm yr-1 based on its density in the study area.

[Experimental study of recovery force of surface-modified TiNi memory alloy rod].

PubMed

Wang, Aiyuan; Peng, Jiang; Zhang, Xian; Xu, Wenjin; Wang, Xing; Sun, Minxue; Lu, Shibi

2006-08-01

The recovery force of Ti-Nb coated and uncoated TiNi shape memory alloy rods was investigated. The rods were 6.0 mm, 6.5 mm and 7.0 mm in diameter respectively. The mean transition temperature was 33.0 degrees C. The rods were stored at -18 degrees C and pre-bent with a three-point bending fixture, the span was 20. 0 centimeters and the deflections were 5.0 mm, 10.0 mm, 15.0 mm and 20.0 mm, respectively. The rods were then heated in a constant temperature saline solution chamber. The experimental temperature was 37.0 C and 50.0 C respectively. The recovery force was measured in a constant displacement mode on biomaterial test machine. The results showed that the recovery force of the memory alloy rod increased with increasing recovery temperature, rod diameter and deformation of both Ti-Nb coated and uncoated surface. The recovery force of Ti-Nb coated rods of 6.0 and 6.5 millimeter in diameter was lower than the uncoated rods in the same diameter. However, the recovery force of 7.0-mm-diameter rods showed no significant difference between coated and uncoated surface.

1.65 mm diameter forward-viewing confocal endomicroscopic catheter using a flip-chip bonded electrothermal MEMS fiber scanner.

PubMed

Seo, Yeong-Hyeon; Hwang, Kyungmin; Jeong, Ki-Hun

2018-02-19

We report a 1.65 mm diameter forward-viewing confocal endomicroscopic catheter using a flip-chip bonded electrothermal MEMS fiber scanner. Lissajous scanning was implemented by the electrothermal MEMS fiber scanner. The Lissajous scanned MEMS fiber scanner was precisely fabricated to facilitate flip-chip connection, and bonded with a printed circuit board. The scanner was successfully combined with a fiber-based confocal imaging system. A two-dimensional reflectance image of the metal pattern 'OPTICS' was successfully obtained with the scanner. The flip-chip bonded scanner minimizes electrical packaging dimensions. The inner diameter of the flip-chip bonded MEMS fiber scanner is 1.3 mm. The flip-chip bonded MEMS fiber scanner is fully packaged with a 1.65 mm diameter housing tube, 1 mm diameter GRIN lens, and a single mode optical fiber. The packaged confocal endomicroscopic catheter can provide a new breakthrough for diverse in-vivo endomicroscopic applications.

Impact of vent pipe diameter on characteristics of waste degradation in semi-aerobic bioreactor landfill.

PubMed

Jiang, Guobin; Liu, Dan; Chen, Weiming; Ye, Zhicheng; Liu, Hong; Li, Qibin

2017-10-01

The evolution mechanism of a vent pipe diameter on a waste-stabilization process in semi-aerobic bioreactor landfills was analyzed from the organic-matter concentration, biodegradability, spectral characteristics of dissolved organic matter, correlations and principal-component analysis. Waste samples were collected at different distances from the vent pipe and from different landfill layers in semi-aerobic bioreactor landfills with different vent pipe diameters. An increase in vent pipe diameter favored waste degradation. Waste degradation in landfills can be promoted slightly when the vent pipe diameter increases from 25 to 50 mm. It could be promoted significantly when the vent pipe diameter was increased to 75 mm. The vent pipe diameter is important in waste degradation in the middle layer of landfills. The dissolved organic matter in the waste is composed mainly of long-wave humus (humin), short-wave humus (fulvic acid) and tryptophan. The humification levels of the waste that was located at the center of vent pipes with 25-, 50- and 75-mm diameters were 2.2682, 4.0520 and 7.6419 Raman units, respectively. The appropriate vent pipe diameter for semi-aerobic bioreactor landfills with an 800-mm diameter was 75 mm. The effect of different vent pipe diameters on the degree of waste stabilization is reflected by two main components. Component 1 is related mainly to the content of fulvic acid, biologically degradable material and organic matter. Component 2 is related mainly to the content of tryptophan and humin from the higher vascular plants.

[The tuberculin skin test in BCG-vaccinated individualse].

PubMed

Miret Cuadras, P; Pina Gutiérrez, J M

1998-10-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the tuberculin skin test in individuals vaccinated with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) using 2 IU of RT-23. One hundred ninety-six individuals aged 22-40 years-old who had been vaccinated with BCG between 1965 and 1974 were enrolled along with 375 non-vaccinated individuals of the same age and with similar level of risk of infection. The positive predictive value of the test was assessed for three levels of response as indicated by areas of thickening in three diameters: 5, 10 and 15 mm. Vaccinated individuals with negative results were given a second skin test 7 days later to detect a booster effect. Positive diameters 5 mm were observed in 66% of the vaccinated individuals and 24% of the non-vaccinated subjects. Positive diameters 10 mm were observed in 51% of the vaccinated individuals and 19% of the non vaccinated ones. Positive diameters 15 mm were observed in 29% of the vaccinated subjects and in 13% of the non vaccinated ones. The differences were significant for all diameters. The positive predictive value of the test was 36.4% for a diameter 5 mm, 37.6% for diameter 10 mm and 44.8% for diameter 15 mm. The booster effect was detected in 25.8% of the vaccinated individuals who had tested negative at first. In vaccinated individuals, no guidelines can be established to guarantee that a positive reaction is due to infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, although the likelihood of infection (increased positive predictive value) increases with diameter. It is also impossible to fix a time limit. A second skin test is needed to detect a booster effect in all vaccinated individuals whose first test is negative.

Database of the United States Coal Pellet Collection of the U.S. Geological Survey Organic Petrology Laboratory

USGS Publications Warehouse

Deems, Nikolaus J.; Hackley, Paul C.

2012-01-01

The Organic Petrology Laboratory (OPL) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Eastern Energy Resources Science Center in Reston, Virginia, contains several thousand processed coal sample materials that were loosely organized in laboratory drawers for the past several decades. The majority of these were prepared as 1-inch-diameter particulate coal pellets (more than 6,000 pellets; one sample usually was prepared as two pellets, although some samples were prepared in as many as four pellets), which were polished and used in reflected light petrographic studies. These samples represent the work of many scientists from the 1970s to the present, most notably Ron Stanton, who managed the OPL until 2001 (see Warwick and Ruppert, 2005, for a comprehensive bibliography of Ron Stanton's work). The purpose of the project described herein was to organize and catalog the U.S. part of the petrographic sample collection into a comprehensive database (available with this report as a Microsoft Excel file) and to compile and list published studies associated with the various sample sets. Through this work, the extent of the collection is publicly documented as a resource and sample library available to other scientists and researchers working in U.S. coal basins previously studied by organic petrologists affiliated with the USGS. Other researchers may obtain samples in the OPL collection on loan at the discretion of the USGS authors listed in this report and its associated Web page.

Deformation of polyphase aggregates, forsterite+MgO, at pressures and temperatures of the Earth's upper mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bejina, F.; Bystricky, M.; Ingrin, J.

2012-12-01

Modelling the solid-state flow of the upper mantle requires a thorough understanding of its rheology and therefore necessitates to perform deformation experiments on mantle rocks (or analogues) at very high pressures and temperatures. Minerals other than olivine constitute up to 40 vol% of upper mantle rocks and may have a significant effect on the rheological behavior of these rocks. Nevertheless, most experimental studies to date have focused on the deformation properties of olivine single crystals or monomineralic olivine aggregates. In this study, and as a first step before focusing on more realistic mantle-like compositions, we have performed deformation experiments on polymineralic model aggregates of forsterite and MgO, at upper mantle pressures and temperatures. Commercial powders of Mg2SiO4 and MgO were mixed and ground in WC grinders and dried in a one-atmosphere furnace at 1000°C. Powders with different volume proportions of the two phases were sintered by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at temperatures of 1300-1400°C and 100 MPa for a few minutes, resulting in dense pellets 8 mm in diameter and 3-4 mm in length. Microstructural analysis by SEM reveals equilibrated microstructures with forsterite and MgO grain sizes of a few microns. Deformation experiments on samples 1.2 mm in diameter and 1.2 mm in length were performed at 3-8 GPa and 1000-1300°C in a D-DIA apparatus coupled with synchrotron X-ray radiation. The technique permits in situ measurement of macroscopic strain rates as well as stress levels sustained by different subpopulations of grains of each phase. Typically, two specimens, respectively a monomineralic and a polyphase aggregate, were deformed concurrently in order to minimize the relative uncertainties in temperature and pressure and to facilitate the comparison of their rheological properties. The samples were deformed to total strains of 15-25%. As expected, the harder phase, forsterite, sustains much higher stress levels than MgO, in agreement with numerical models for two-phase flow. Results on stress and strain partitioning in polyphase aggregates and on the effect of the presence of a weak phase on the rheology of forsterite-rich aggregates will be discussed.

Quality of poultry litter-derived granular activated carbon.

PubMed

Qiu, Guannan; Guo, Mingxin

2010-01-01

Utilization of poultry litter as a source material for generating activated carbon is a value-added and environmentally beneficial approach to recycling organic waste. In this study, the overall quality of poultry litter-derived granular activated carbon was systematically evaluated based on its various physical and chemical properties. Granular activated carbon generated from pelletized poultry litter following a typical steam-activation procedure possessed numerous micropores in the matrix. The product exhibited a mean particle diameter of 2.59 mm, an apparent density of 0.45 g cm(-3), a ball-pan hardness of 91.0, an iodine number of 454 mg g(-1), and a BET surface area of 403 m(2) g(-1). It contained high ash, nitrogen, phosphorus contents and the trace elements Cu, Zn, and As. Most of the nutrients and toxic elements were solidified and solution-unextractable. In general, poultry litter-based activated carbon demonstrated overall quality comparable to that of low-grade commercial activated carbon derived from coconut shell and bituminous coal. It is promising to use poultry litter as a feedstock to manufacture activated carbon for wastewater treatment.

Jack Rabbit Pretest Shadowplate Drawings For TATB IHE Model Development

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

Hart, M M; McDaniel, D W

The Jack Rabbit Pretest (PT) series consisted of 5 focused hydrodynamic experiments 2021E PT3, PT4, PT5, PT6, and PT7. They were fired in March and April of 2008 at the Contained Firing Facility, Site 300, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California. These experiments measured deadzone formation and impulse gradients created during the detonation of TATB based insensitive high explosive. When setting up computer simulations of the Jack Rabbit Pretest series, the modeler or code developer can execute simulations with increasing degrees of refinement using detail found in the shadowplate design. The easiest way to get started is by treating themore » shadowplate in each experiment as a monolithic homogeneous piece of stainless steel. The simulation of detonation would begin as a point initiation below the center, bottom surface of the shadowplate. The detonation running through the ultrafine TATB booster can be simulated using program burn and then switched over to a reactive flow detonation model as the detonation front crosses the boundary into the main charge LX-17 IHE. A modeler wanting to further refine the simulation and progression of shock through the shadowplate can use the more detailed shadowplate design information presented in this document. The source drawings are included in Appendix A of this document. Their titles and drawing numbers are listed. Each experiment's shadowplate consists of two major components. A 303 stainless steel shape that defines the outer dimensions of shadowplate and a cylindrical 303 stainless steel detonator housing that is located in a closely machined pocket in the shape. The SIMPLE ASSY drawing accurately represents the dimensions of the outer shape, it's machined cylindrical pocket, and detonator body which is treated as a monolithic, homogeneous piece of stainless steel. The detonator body cross section shows an accurately dimensioned void where the slapper flyer barrel, LX-16 (pressed PETN) pellet, and pellet can flyer barrel are located. The FULL ASSY drawing accurately represents the dimensions of the outer shadowplate shape and it's machined pocket. The detonator dimensions and materials are detailed in cross section and exploded view. All diameters, thicknesses, and materials are called out in the drawing. You will notice that the detonator includes a multilayer slapper assembly with two layers of electrically insulating Kapton sandwiching the copper foil bridge circuit. The Kapton insulated circuit is sandwiched between two thin stainless steel sheets. This slapper assembly is secured to the detonator body with two screws. There is a 0.25 mm gap between the slapper assembly and the outer shadowplate shape. The stainless steel detonator body contains an off-center titanium wheel. This titanium wheel is secured to the detonator body with one screw and two pins to maintain position and orientation of the pellet can assembly in the center of the detonator body. The titanium wheel contains a tantalum/tungsten washer and pellet can assembly. The pellet can assembly consists of a pressed LX-16 initiator pellet contained in an extruded aluminum foil can. It may be useful for the modeler to include some of the details of the shadowplate and detonator design to further refine simulations of the Jack Rabbit Pretest experiments. These details may be relevant to the progression of shock originating from the PETN initiation pellet and ultrafine TATB booster that propagates through the shadowplate.« less

Space and Time Distribution of Pu Isotopes inside The First Experimental Fuel Pin Designed for PWR and Manufactured in Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suwardi; Setiawan, J.; Susilo, J.

2017-01-01

The first short fuel pin containing natural UO2 pellet in Zry4 cladding has been prepared and planned to be tested in power ramp irradiation. An irradiation test should be designed to allow an experiment can be performed safely and giving maximum results of many performance aspects of design and manufacturing. Performance analysis to the fuel specimen shows that the specimen is not match to be used for power ramp testing. Enlargement by 0.20 mm of pellet diameter has been proposed. The present work is evaluation of modified design for important aspect of isotopic Pu distribution during irradiation test, because generated Pu isotopes in natural UO2 fuel, contribute more power relative to the contribution by enriched UO2 fuel. The axial profile of neutrons flux have been chosen from both experimental measurement and model calculation. The parameters of ramp power has been obtained from statistical experiment data. A simplified and typical base-load commercial PHWR profile of LHR history has been chosen, to determine the minimum irradiation time before ramp test can be performed. The data design and Mat pro XI materials properties models have been chosen. The axial profile of neutrons flux has been accommodated by 5 slices of discrete pin. The Pu distribution of slice-4 with highest power rate has been chosen to be evaluated. The radial discretion of pellet and cladding and numerical parameter have been used the default best practice of TU. The results shows that Pu 239 increased rapidly. The maximum burn up of slice 4 at upper the median slice, it reached nearly 90% of maximum value at about 6000 h with peak of 0.8%a Pu/HM at 22000 h, which is higher than initial U 235. Each 240, 241 and 240 Pu grows slower and ends up to 0.4, 0.2 and 0.18 % respectively. This results can be used for verification of other aspect of fuel behavior in the modeling results and also can be used as guide and comparison to the future post irradiation examination for Pu isotopes distribution.

Optimal radial force and size for palliation in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma: a comparative analysis of current stent technology.

PubMed

Mbah, Nsehniitooh; Philips, Prejesh; Voor, Michael J; Martin, Robert C G

2017-12-01

The optimal use of esophageal stents for malignant and benign esophageal strictures continues to be plagued with variability in pain tolerance, migration rates, and reflux-related symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in radial force exhibited by a variety of esophageal stents with respect to the patient's esophageal stricture. Radial force testing was performed on eight stents manufactured by four different companies using a hydraulic press and a 5000 N force gage. Radial force was measured using three different tests: transverse compression, circumferential compression, and a three-point bending test. Esophageal stricture composition and diameters were measured to assess maximum diameter, length, and proximal esophageal diameter among 15 patients prior to stenting. There was a statistically significant difference in mean radial force for transverse compression tests at the middle (range 4.25-0.66 newtons/millimeter N/mm) and at the flange (range 3.32-0.48 N/mm). There were also statistical differences in mean radial force for circumferential test (ranged from 1.19 to 10.50 N/mm, p < 0.001) and the three-point bending test (range 0.08-0.28 N/mm, p < 0.001). In an evaluation of esophageal stricture diameters and lengths, the smallest median diameter of the stricture was 10 mm (range 5-16 mm) and the median proximal diameter normal esophagus was 25 mm (range 22-33 mm), which is currently outside of the range of stent diameters. Tested stents demonstrated significant differences in radial force, which provides further clarification of stent pain and intolerance in certain patients, with either benign or malignant disease. Similarly, current stent diameters do not successfully exclude the proximal esophagus, which can lead to obstructive-type symptoms. Awareness of radial force, esophageal stricture composition, and proximal esophageal diameter must be known and understood for optimal stent tolerance.

Minimization of skin incisions at stripping by Mayo of large-diameter veins.

PubMed

Tsukanov, Yu

2018-03-15

To study the possibility of minimization of the skin incisions up to a puncture size at stripping by Mayo with the use of the stripper with an oval-ring head for large-diameter veins. The problem is solved due to the geometrical changing of the stripper head from a round to an oval one. The laboratory experiment showed that with a vein diameter of 10-20 mm the total cross-sectional area of its walls constituted 13.61 mm2, with a diameter of more than 20 mm it was 19.98 mm2. There were designed three types of the external dimensions for the stripper: 3.0 х 6.0 mm; 3,5 х 7.0 mm and 4.0 х 8.0 mm. From 1997 to 2017 the stripper with an oval-ring head was used in 1274 patients (male, n=421; female, n=853) for treating 1832 lower limbs. Average age was 46.4±12.3 years (range, 29 to 73). GSV and SSV stripping was performed in 1165 and 137 cases respectively in patients with the trunk diameter of more than 10 mm, severe vein tortuosity, for a vein located immediately under the skin, as well as for patients with the history of thrombophlebitis. The pain level in the 1st evening after the operation was 1.59, on the 7th day it decreased to 0.12 according to VAS-10. The motion activity level in the 1st evening after the operation was 7.24, on the 7th day it decreased to 9.96 according to VAS-10. All patients had primary wound healing. Hematomas along the location of the eliminated veins were of a moderate nature and resolved, on average, within 17 days. With the GSV diameter of 10-20 mm the skin scars were of 2.93 mm (95% CI: 3.09 mm - 4.47 mm), with the GSV diameter of more than 20 mm the skin scars were of 4.10 mm (95% CI: 4.01 mm - 5.07 mm). After 3 months 1102 patients (86,5%) were very satisfied and 172 (13,5%) were just satisfied with the performed operation. The use of the proposed stripper with an oval-ring head in patients with large-diameter subcutaneous trunks leads to the minimization of the skin incisions up to the punctures and, in general, makes the surgery significantly less traumatic, providing a quick recovery and minimization of the skin scars.

Experimental investigation of two-phase flow patterns in minichannels at horizontal orientation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saljoshi, P. S.; Autee, A. T.

2017-09-01

Two-phase flow is the simplest case of multiphase flow in which two phases are present for a pure component. The mini channel is considered as diameter below 3.0-0.2 mm and conventional channel is considered diameter above 3.0 mm. An experiment was conducted to study the adiabatic two-phase flow patterns in the circular test section with inner diameter of 1.1, 1.63, 2.0, 2.43 and 3.0 mm for horizontal orientation using air and water as a fluid. Different types of flow patterns found in the experiment. The parameters that affect most of these patterns and their transitions are channel size, phase superficial velocities (air and liquid) and surface tension. The superficial velocity of liquid and gas ranges from 0.01 to 66.70 and 0.01 to 3 m/s respectively. Two-phase flow pattern photos were recorded using a high speed CMOS camera. In this experiment different flow patterns were identified for different tube diameters that confirm the diameter effect on flow patterns in two-phase flows. Stratified flow was not observed for tube diameters less than 3.0 mm. Similarly, wavy-annular flow pattern was not observed in 1.6 and 1.0 mm diameter tubes due to the surface-tension effect and decrease in tube diameter. Buoyancy effects were clearly visible in 2.43 and 3.0 mm diameter tubes flow pattern. It has also observed that as the test-section diameter decreases the transition lines shift towards the higher gas and liquid velocity. However, the result of flow pattern lines in the present study has good agreement with the some of the existing flow patterns maps.

Sealing vessels up to 7 mm in diameter solely with ultrasonic technology.

PubMed

Timm, Richard W; Asher, Ryan M; Tellio, Karalyn R; Welling, Alissa L; Clymer, Jeffrey W; Amaral, Joseph F

2014-01-01

Ultrasonic energy is a mainstay in the armamentarium of surgeons, providing multifunctionality, precision, and control when dissecting and sealing vessels up to 5 mm in diameter. Historically, the inability to seal vessels in the 5-7 mm range has been perceived as an inherent limitation of ultrasonic technology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sealing of vessels up to 7 mm in diameter with an ultrasonic device that modulates energy delivery during the sealing period. In ex vivo benchtop and in vivo acute and survival preclinical models, a new ultrasonic device, Harmonic ACE(®)+7 Shears (Harmonic 7), was compared with advanced bipolar devices in sealing vessels 1-7 mm in diameter with respect of burst pressure, seal reliability, and seal durability. Lateral thermal damage and transection time were also evaluated. Ex vivo tests of Harmonic 7 demonstrated significantly greater median burst pressures than an advanced bipolar device both for vessels <5 mm in diameter (1,078 mmHg and 836 mmHg, respectively, P=0.046) and for those in the range of 5-7 mm (1,419 mmHg and 591 mmHg, P<0.001). In vivo tests in porcine and caprine models demonstrated similar rates of hemostasis between Harmonic 7 and advanced bipolar devices, with high success rates at initial transection and seal durability of 100% after a 30-day survival period. Sealing 5-7 mm vessels is not a limitation of the type of energy used but of how energy is delivered to tissue. These studies document the ability of ultrasonic energy alone to reliably seal large vessels 5-7 mm in diameter, with significantly greater burst pressure observed in in vitro studies than those observed with an advanced bipolar technology when energy delivery is modulated during the sealing cycle. Furthermore, the seals created in 5-7 mm vessels are shown to be reliable and durable in in vivo preclinical studies.

Comparison of urethral diameters for calculating the urethral dose after permanent prostate brachytherapy.

PubMed

Tanaka, Osamu; Hayashi, Shinya; Matsuo, Masayuki; Nakano, Masahiro; Kubota, Yasuaki; Maeda, Sunaho; Ohtakara, Kazuhiro; Deguchi, Takashi; Hoshi, Hiroaki

2007-08-01

No studies have yet evaluated the effects of a dosimetric analysis for different urethral volumes. We therefore evaluated the effects of a dosimetric analysis to determine the different urethral volumes. This study was based on computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) combined findings in 30 patients who had undergone prostate brachytherapy. Postimplant CT/MRI scans were performed 30 days after the implant. The urethra was contoured based on its diameter (8, 6, 4, 2, and 0 mm). The total urethral volume-in cubic centimeters [UrV150/200(cc)] and percent (UrV150%/200%), of the urethra receiving 150% or 200% of the prescribed dose-and the doses (UrD90/30/5) in Grays to 90%, 30%, and 5% of the urethral volume were measured based on the urethral diameters. The UrV150(cc) and UrD30 were statistically different between the of 8-, 6-, 4-, 2-, and 0-mm diameters, whereas the UrD5 was statistically different only between the 8-, 6-, and 4-mm diameters. Especially for UrD5, there was an approximately 40-Gy difference between the mean values for the 8- and 0-mm diameters. We recommend that the urethra should be contoured as a 4- to 6-mm diameter circle or one side of a triangle of 5-7 mm. By standardizing the urethral diameter, the urethral dose will be less affected by the total urethral volume.

Ignition and growth modeling of detonation reaction zone experiments on single crystals of PETN and HMX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Bradley W.; Tarver, Craig M.

2017-01-01

It has long been known that detonating single crystals of solid explosives have much larger failure diameters than those of heterogeneous charges of the same explosive pressed or cast to 98 - 99% theoretical maximum density (TMD). In 1957, Holland et al. demonstrated that PETN single crystals have failure diameters of about 8 mm, whereas heterogeneous PETN charges have failure diameters of less than 0.5 mm. Recently, Fedorov et al. quantitatively determined nanosecond time resolved detonation reaction zone profiles of single crystals of PETN and HMX by measuring the interface particle velocity histories of the detonating crystals and LiF windows using a PDV system. The measured reaction zone time durations for PETN and HMX single crystal detonations were approximately 100 and 260 nanoseconds, respectively. These experiments provided the necessary data to develop Ignition and Growth (I&G) reactive flow model parameters for the single crystal detonation reaction zones. Using these parameters, the calculated unconfined failure diameter of a PETN single crystal was 7.5 +/- 0.5 mm, close to the 8 mm experimental value. The calculated failure diameter of an unconfined HMX single crystal was 15 +/- 1 mm. The unconfined failure diameter of an HMX single crystal has not yet been determined precisely, but Fedorov et al. detonated 14 mm diameter crystals confined by detonating a HMX-based plastic bonded explosive (PBX) without initially overdriving the HMX crystals.

Effects of Selective and Non-Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor II Antagonists on Rapid-Onset Diabetes in Young Rats

PubMed Central

Beaudry, Jacqueline L.; Dunford, Emily C.; Teich, Trevor; Zaharieva, Dessi; Hunt, Hazel; Belanoff, Joseph K.; Riddell, Michael C.

2014-01-01

The blockade of glucocorticoid (GC) action through antagonism of the glucocorticoid receptor II (GRII) has been used to minimize the undesirable effects of chronically elevated GC levels. Mifepristone (RU486) is known to competitively block GRII action, but not exclusively, as it antagonizes the progesterone receptor. A number of new selective GRII antagonists have been developed, but limited testing has been completed in animal models of overt type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, two selective GRII antagonists (C113176 and C108297) were tested to determine their effects in our model of GC-induced rapid-onset diabetes (ROD). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (∼ six weeks of age) were placed on a high-fat diet (60%), surgically implanted with pellets containing corticosterone (CORT) or wax (control) and divided into five treatment groups. Each group was treated with either a GRII antagonist or vehicle for 14 days after surgery: CORT pellets (400 mg/rat) + antagonists (80 mg/kg/day); CORT pellets + drug vehicle; and wax pellets (control) + drug vehicle. After 10 days of CORT treatment, body mass gain was increased with RU486 (by ∼20% from baseline) and maintained with C113176 administration, whereas rats given C108297 had similar body mass loss (∼15%) to ROD animals. Fasting glycemia was elevated in the ROD animals (>20 mM), normalized completely in animals treated with RU486 (6.2±0.1 mM, p<0.05) and improved in animals treated with C108297 and C113176 (14.0±1.6 and 8.8±1.6 mM, p<0.05 respectively). Glucose intolerance was normalized with RU486 treatment, whereas acute insulin response was improved with RU486 and C113176 treatment. Also, peripheral insulin resistance was attenuated with C113176 treatment along with improved levels of β-cell function while C108297 antagonism only provided modest improvements. In summary, C113176 is an effective agent that minimized some GC-induced detrimental metabolic effects and may provide an alternative to the effective, but non-selective, GRII antagonist RU486. PMID:24642683

46 CFR 148.245 - Direct reduced iron (DRI); lumps, pellets, and cold-molded briquettes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... the concentration of fines (pieces less than 6.35mm in size) in any one location in the cargo hold. (h) Radar and RDF scanners must be protected against the dust generated during cargo transfer operations of...

46 CFR 148.245 - Direct reduced iron (DRI); lumps, pellets, and cold-molded briquettes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... the concentration of fines (pieces less than 6.35mm in size) in any one location in the cargo hold. (h) Radar and RDF scanners must be protected against the dust generated during cargo transfer operations of...

46 CFR 148.245 - Direct reduced iron (DRI); lumps, pellets, and cold-molded briquettes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... the concentration of fines (pieces less than 6.35mm in size) in any one location in the cargo hold. (h) Radar and RDF scanners must be protected against the dust generated during cargo transfer operations of...

Aortic elongation in aortic aneurysm and dissection: the Tübingen Aortic Pathoanatomy (TAIPAN) project.

PubMed

Krüger, Tobias; Sandoval Boburg, Rodrigo; Lescan, Mario; Oikonomou, Alexandre; Schneider, Wilke; Vöhringer, Luise; Lausberg, Henning; Bamberg, Fabian; Blumenstock, Gunnar; Schlensak, Christian

2018-01-24

To study the lengths and diameters of aortic segments in healthy and diseased aortas and to assess the role of aortic elongation in Type A aortic dissection (TAD) prediction. Ectasia and aneurysm were defined by ascending aorta diameters of 45-54 mm and ≥55 mm, respectively. Computed tomography angiography studies of 256 healthy, 102 ectasia, 38 aneurysm, 17 pre-TAD and 166 TAD aortas were analysed using curved multiplanar reformats. The study groups were structurally equal. The diameter of the ascending aorta was 35 mm in the control group and was larger (P < 0.001) in the pre-TAD (43 mm) and TAD (56 mm) groups. The length of the ascending aorta from the aortic annulus to the brachiocephalic trunk was 92 mm in the control group, 113 mm in the ectasia group, 120 mm in the aneurysm group and 111 mm and 118 mm in the pre-TAD and TAD groups (all P < 0.001 compared with the control group). An ascending aorta length of 120 mm was exceeded in 2% of the control group, 31% of the ectasia group, 50% of the aneurysm group, 24% of the pre-TAD group and 48% of the TAD group. The correlation between the diameter and the length of the ascending aorta was r = 0.752; therefore, both parameters must be examined separately. A score considering both parameters identified 23.5% of pre-TAD patients, significantly more than the diameter alone, and 31.4% of ectasia aortas were elongated. Patients with ectatic (45-54 mm diameter) and elongated (≥120 mm) ascending aortas represent a high-risk subpopulation for TAD. © The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Infraorbital foramen: horizontal location in relation to ala nasi.

PubMed

Takahashi, Yasuhiro; Kakizaki, Hirohiko; Nakano, Takashi

2011-01-01

To examine the horizontal location of the infraorbital foramen in relation to the ala nasi. Fifty-six orbits of 28 Japanese cadavers (18 male and 10 female cadavers; average death age, 79.7 years), fixed in 10% buffered formalin, were used. The horizontal distance from the vertical line through the lateral margin of the ala nasi to the medial margin of the infraorbital foramen (the horizontal distance) and the transverse diameter of the infraorbital foramen (the transverse diameter) were examined. Values were compared between genders and sides using Student's t test. The mean horizontal distance was 4.9 mm, with no significant difference between genders (male, 5.2 mm; female, 4.4 mm; p = 0.150) or sides (right, 4.9 mm; left, 4.9 mm; p = 0.944). The mean transverse diameter was 5.5 mm. Although there was no significant difference in this diameter between sides (right, 5.3 mm; left, 5.6 mm; p = 0.358), there was a significant difference between genders (male, 5.7 mm; female, 5.1 mm; p = 0.033). The horizontal distance had no gender difference. This value is available irrespective of gender in surgery.

Properties and usefulness of aggregates of synovial mesenchymal stem cells as a source for cartilage regeneration

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Introduction Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from synovium is a promising therapy for cartilage regeneration. For clinical application, improvement of handling operation, enhancement of chondrogenic potential, and increase of MSCs adhesion efficiency are needed to achieve a more successful cartilage regeneration with a limited number of MSCs without scaffold. The use of aggregated MSCs may be one of the solutions. Here, we investigated the handling, properties and effectiveness of aggregated MSCs for cartilage regeneration. Methods Human and rabbit synovial MSCs were aggregated using the hanging drop technique. The gene expression changes after aggregation of synovial MSCs were analyzed by microarray and real time RT-PCR analyses. In vitro and in vivo chondrogenic potential of aggregates of synovial MSCs was examined. Results Aggregates of MSCs cultured for three days became visible, approximately 1 mm in diameter and solid and durable by manipulation; most of the cells were viable. Microarray analysis revealed up-regulation of chondrogenesis-related, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic genes in aggregates of MSCs. In vitro studies showed higher amounts of cartilage matrix synthesis in pellets derived from aggregates of MSCs compared to pellets derived from MSCs cultured in a monolayer. In in vivo studies in rabbits, aggregates of MSCs could adhere promptly on the osteochondral defects by surface tension, and stay without any loss. Transplantation of aggregates of MSCs at relatively low density achieved successful cartilage regeneration. Contrary to our expectation, transplantation of aggregates of MSCs at high density failed to regenerate cartilage due to cell death and nutrient deprivation of aggregates of MSCs. Conclusions Aggregated synovial MSCs were a useful source for cartilage regeneration considering such factors as easy preparation, higher chondrogenic potential and efficient attachment. PMID:22676383

Natural history of the ascending aorta after aortic valve replacement: risk factor analysis for late aortic complications after aortic valve replacement.

PubMed

Tsutsumi, Koji; Hashizume, Kenichi; Inoue, Yoshito

2016-05-01

The purpose of this study was to clarify the natural history of the ascending aorta and to identify risk factors for late ascending aortic events after first isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR). A total of 287 patients undergoing AVR were enrolled. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the diameter of the ascending aorta at the time of AVR, as determined by computed tomography: Group A (n = 233) was defined as an ascending aortic diameter <40 mm, and Group B (n = 54) was defined as an ascending aortic diameter ≥40 mm. The mean follow-up period was 7.6 years. The baseline diameter of the ascending aorta was 31.4 ± 4.8 mm in Group A and 44.7 ± 4.2 mm in Group B. These values increased to 35.9 ± 7.4 mm in Group A and 50.1 ± 7.3 mm in Group B during the follow-up period (P < 0.001). Ten patients had acute type A aortic dissection (Group A: 1 patient vs. Group B: 9 patients; P < 0.001), and three patients had enlargement of the ascending aorta to ≥55 mm in diameter (Group A: 1 patient vs. Group B: 2 patients). Multivariate analysis revealed that the baseline ascending aortic diameter was the only significant risk factor for developing late ascending aortic events (P < 0.001). AVR alone may not prevent further enlargement of the ascending aorta. An ascending aorta ≥40 mm in diameter at the time of AVR increased the risk of late ascending aortic events.

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS)-based analysis and imaging of polyethylene microplastics formation during sea surf simulation.

PubMed

Jungnickel, H; Pund, R; Tentschert, J; Reichardt, P; Laux, P; Harbach, H; Luch, A

2016-09-01

Plastic particles smaller than 5mm, so called microplastics have the capability to accumulate in rivers, lakes and the marine environment and therefore have begun to be considered in eco-toxicology and human health risk assessment. Environmental microplastic contaminants may originate from consumer products like body wash, tooth pastes and cosmetic products, but also from degradation of plastic waste; they represent a potential but unpredictable threat to aquatic organisms and possibly also to humans. We investigated exemplarily for polyethylene (PE), the most abundant constituent of microplastic particles in the environment, whether such fragments could be produced from larger pellets (2mm×6mm). So far only few analytical methods exist to identify microplastic particles smaller than 10μm, especially no imaging mass spectrometry technique. We used at first time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) for analysis and imaging of small PE-microplastic particles directly in the model system Ottawa sand during exposure to sea surf simulation. As a prerequisite, a method for identification of PE was established by identification of characteristic ions for PE out of an analysis of grinded polymer samples. The method was applied onto Ottawa sand in order to investigate the influence of simulated environmental conditions on particle transformation. A severe degradation of the primary PE pellet surface, associated with the transformation of larger particles into smaller ones already after 14days of sea surf simulation, was observed. Within the subsequent period of 14days to 1month of exposure the number of detected smallest-sized particles increased significantly (50%) while the second smallest fraction increased even further to 350%. Results were verified using artificially degraded PE pellets and Ottawa sand. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simulation on Effect of Preform Diameter in Injection Stretch Blow Molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Z. Q.; Rosli, Nurrina; Oktaviandri, Muchamad

2018-03-01

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most common material of resin for manufacturing plastic bottle by injection stretch blow molding due to its excellent properties. As various issues of health and environmental hazards due to the PET use have risen, PET bottle manufacture may be improved by minimizing the wall thickness to reduce the PET use. One of the critical qualifications of the manufacturing process which lead to the wall thickness distribution is the initial preform diameter. In this project, we used the ANSYS Polyflow with aim to evaluate the wall thickness distribution of PET bottle for different diameter of initial preform. As a result, only 4 mm preform diameter presented wall thickness below than 1 mm. On the other hand, at least 6 mm preform diameter can permit the wall thickness 1.3 mm i.e. at the shoulder area.

Optimization of a rod pinch diode radiography source at 2.3 MV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menge, P. R.; Johnson, D. L.; Maenchen, J. E.; Rovang, D. C.; Oliver, B. V.; Rose, D. V.; Welch, D. R.

2003-08-01

Rod pinch diodes have shown considerable capability as high-brightness flash x-ray sources for penetrating dynamic radiography. The rod pinch diode uses a small diameter (0.4-2 mm) anode rod extended through a cathode aperture. When properly configured, the electron beam born off of the aperture edge can self-insulate and pinch onto the tip of the rod creating an intense, small x-ray source. Sandia's SABRE accelerator (2.3 MV, 40 Ω, 70 ns) has been utilized to optimize the source experimentally by maximizing the figure of merit (dose/spot diameter2) and minimizing the diode impedance droop. Many diode parameters have been examined including rod diameter, rod length, rod material, cathode aperture diameter, cathode thickness, power flow gap, vacuum quality, and severity of rod-cathode misalignment. The configuration producing the greatest figure of merit uses a 0.5 mm diameter gold rod, a 6 mm rod extension beyond the cathode aperture (diameter=8 mm), and a 10 cm power flow gap to produce up to 3.5 rad (filtered dose) at 1 m from a 0.85 mm x-ray on-axis spot (1.02 mm at 3° off axis). The resultant survey of parameter space has elucidated several physics issues that are discussed.

A floatable formulation and laboratory bioassay of Pandora delphacis (Entomophthoromycota: Entomophthorales) for the control of rice pest Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae).

PubMed

Zhou, Xiang; Su, Xiu; Liu, Hongbo

2016-01-01

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Staparvata luera: Delphacidae), is a serious rice pest that easily develops resistance to chemical insecticides and resistant rice varieties. This study evaluated the infectivity of the BPH fungal pathogen, Pandora delphacis, and developed a novel formulation as an alternative means of BPH control. In a multiconidial concentration bioassay, P. delphacis-infected BPH cadavers were observed on day 4, but most occurred between days 5 and 8. BPH mortality depended on the inoculated conidial concentration. The cumulative mortality of adult BPHs reached 81.7% at 192 conidia mm(-2) in 8 days. Inoculation with 40.9 conidia mm(-2) was sufficient to induce 50% BPH death, based on analysis of a time-concentration-mortality model. A floatable P. delphacis-based formulation was made for use in paddy fields; mycelium-containing pellets mimicking mycosed cadavers could produce 7-15.7 × 10(4) infectious conidia pellet(-1) at 11-28 °C. In the laboratory bioassay, three floating pellets in a BPH-rearing jar caused 75.5% BPH mortality within 8 days, similar to the mortality level caused by direct conidial inoculation. P. delphacis is a potential biocontrol agent of BPHs for further research, and the novel floatable formulation holds promise as a method for BPH control. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Thermally stable ohmic contacts to n-type GaAs. VII. Addition of Ge or Si to NiInW ohmic contacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murakami, Masanori; Price, W. H.; Norcott, M.; Hallali, P.-E.

1990-09-01

The effects of Si or Ge addition to NiInW ohmic contacts on their electrical behavior were studied, where the samples were prepared by evaporating Ni(Si) or Ni(Ge) pellets with In and W and annealed by a rapid thermal annealing method. An addition of Si affected the contact resistances of NiInW contacts: the resistances decreased with increasing the Si concentrations in the Ni(Si) pellets and the lowest value of ˜0.1 Ω mm was obtained in the contact prepared with the Ni-5 at. % Si pellets after annealing at temperatures around 800 °C. The contact resistances did not deteriorate during isothermal annealing at 400 °C for more than 100 h, far exceeding process requirements for self-aligned GaAs metal-semiconductor field-effect-transistor devices. In addition, the contacts were compatible with TiAlCu interconnects which have been widely used in the current Si process. Furthermore, the addition of Si to the NiInW contacts eliminated an annealing step for activation of implanted dopants and low resistance (˜0.2 Ω mm) contacts were fabricated for the first time by a ``one-step'' anneal. In contrast, an addition of Ge to the NiInW contacts did not significantly reduce the contact resistances.

Hair root diameter measurement as an indicator of protein deficiency in nonhospitalized alcoholics.

PubMed

Bregar, R R; Gordon, M; Whitney, E N

1978-02-01

Protein status of alcoholics admitted to a detoxification center was investigated with a view to adapting a hair root test for use in screening for protein deficiency. Hair root volume and hair root diameter had previously been shown to correlate well with hair root protein and to be sensitive indicators of protein deficiency. Hair root volumes in this study correlated well with mean maximum hair root diameters (n = 35, r = 0.9), which were simpler to measure, so diameter measurements were used. Mean maximum hair root diameters (range 0.02 to 0.19 mm) correlated with plasma RNase concentrations (range 6000 to 14,000 units/ml; n = 17, r = -0.7). Mean hair diameters of 84 alcoholics averaged 0.0864 +/- 0.0366 mm; those of 25 nonalcoholics were significantly greater: 0.100 +/- 0.0254 mm (P less than 0.05). Frequency of occurrence of hair root diameters of 0.06 mm or less was significantly higher in 71 alcoholics (29.5%) than in 23 nonalcoholics (8.6%) matched by age. Mean hair root diameters of 0.06 mm or less therefore can be used to signify protein deficiency where more expensive or technically demanding tests are not feasible. Protein deficiency occurs extensively in non hospitalized alcoholics. This method enables staff to single out those clients most likely to be in need of nutritional counseling and therapy.

Core tungsten radiation diagnostic calibration by small shell pellet injection in the DIII-D tokamak

DOE PAGES

Hollmann, Eric M.; Commaux, Nicolas; Shiraki, Daisuke; ...

2017-10-04

Injection of small (OD = 0.8 mm) plastic pellets carrying embedded smaller (10 μg) tungsten grains is used to check calibrations of core tungsten line radiation diagnostics in support of the 2016 tungsten rings campaign in the DIII-D tokamak. The total (1 eV – 10 keV) and soft x-ray (1 keV – 10 keV) brightnesses we observed were found to be reasonably well (< factor 2) predicted using existing calibration factors and rate calculations. Individual core (EUV/SXR) tungsten line brightnesses appear to be somewhat less reliable (factor 2-4) for prediction of core tungsten concentration.

[Wound ballistics of extremely short-range shotguns].

PubMed

Rabl, W; Eller, W

1993-01-01

A 45-year-old man died from a homicidal shotgun wound of the neck. The autopsy showed that the plastic shell retaining cup had entered the body after the mass of the shot; the dispersion of the individual pellets was about 12 cm already. The perpetrator had used a conventional signal pistol equipped with a hand-made steel barrel, gauge 12, length 20 cm, and ammunition with 3 mm pellets (shot no. 5). By means of experimental shots with a similar weapon it could be proved that the entire shot including the plastic shell retaining cup can penetrate the skin at a muzzle-victim range of less than 2 m.

Core tungsten radiation diagnostic calibration by small shell pellet injection in the DIII-D tokamak

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

Hollmann, Eric M.; Commaux, Nicolas; Shiraki, Daisuke

Injection of small (OD = 0.8 mm) plastic pellets carrying embedded smaller (10 μg) tungsten grains is used to check calibrations of core tungsten line radiation diagnostics in support of the 2016 tungsten rings campaign in the DIII-D tokamak. The total (1 eV – 10 keV) and soft x-ray (1 keV – 10 keV) brightnesses we observed were found to be reasonably well (< factor 2) predicted using existing calibration factors and rate calculations. Individual core (EUV/SXR) tungsten line brightnesses appear to be somewhat less reliable (factor 2-4) for prediction of core tungsten concentration.

Relationship of vocal cord paralysis to the coil diameter of vagus nerve stimulator leads.

PubMed

Robinson, Leslie C; Winston, Ken R

2015-03-01

This investigation was done to examine, following implantation of vagus nerve stimulators, the relationship of vocal cord paralysis to the inner diameter of the coils used to attach the stimulator lead to the nerve. All data in this investigation were collected, as mandated by the FDA, by the manufacturer of vagus nerve stimulators and were made available without restrictions for analysis by the authors. The data reflect all initial device implantations in the United States for the period from 1997 through 2012. Vocal cord paralysis was reported in 193 of 51,882 implantations. In patients aged 18 years and older, the incidence of paralysis was 0.26% when the stimulator leads had coil diameters of 3 mm and 0.51% when the leads had 2-mm-diameter coils (p < 0.05). Across all age groups, the incidence of vocal cord paralysis increased with age at implantation for leads having 2-mm-diameter coils. In patients aged 18 years and older, vocal cord paralysis occurred at almost twice the rate with the implantation of vagus nerve stimulator leads having 2-mm-diameter coils than with leads having 3-mm-diameter coils. The incidence of vocal cord paralysis increases with patient age at implantation.

Two-stage agglomeration of fine-grained herbal nettle waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obidziński, Sławomir; Joka, Magdalena; Fijoł, Olga

2017-10-01

This paper compares the densification work necessary for the pressure agglomeration of fine-grained dusty nettle waste, with the densification work involved in two-stage agglomeration of the same material. In the first stage, the material was pre-densified through coating with a binder material in the form of a 5% potato starch solution, and then subjected to pressure agglomeration. A number of tests were conducted to determine the effect of the moisture content in the nettle waste (15, 18 and 21%), as well as the process temperature (50, 70, 90°C) on the values of densification work and the density of the obtained pellets. For pre-densified pellets from a mixture of nettle waste and a starch solution, the conducted tests determined the effect of pellet particle size (1, 2, and 3 mm) and the process temperature (50, 70, 90°C) on the same values. On the basis of the tests, we concluded that the introduction of a binder material and the use of two-stage agglomeration in nettle waste densification resulted in increased densification work (as compared to the densification of nettle waste alone) and increased pellet density.

Comparison of the size of persistent foramen ovale and atrial septal defects in divers with shunt-related decompression illness and in the general population.

PubMed

Wilmshurst, Peter T; Morrison, W Lindsay; Walsh, Kevin P

2015-06-01

Decompression illness (DCI) is associated with a right-to-left shunt, such as persistent foramen ovale (PFO), atrial septal defect (ASD) and pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. About one-quarter of the population have a PFO, but considerably less than one-quarter of divers suffer DCI. Our aim was to determine whether shunt-related DCI occurs mainly or entirely in divers with the largest diameter atrial defects. Case control comparison of diameters of atrial defects (PFO and ASD) in 200 consecutive divers who had transcatheter closure of an atrial defect following shunt-related DCI and in an historic group of 263 individuals in whom PFO diameter was measured at post-mortem examination. In the divers who had experienced DCI, the median atrial defect diameter was 10 mm and the mean (standard deviation) was 9.9 (3.6) mm. Among those in the general population who had a PFO, the median diameter was 5 mm and mean was 4.9 (2.6) mm. The difference between the two groups was highly significant (P < 0.0001). Of divers with shunt-related DCI, 101 (50.5%) had an atrial defect 10 mm diameter or larger, but only 1.3% of the general population studied had a PFO that was 10 mm diameter of larger. The risk of a diver suffering DCI is related to the size of the atrial defect rather than just the presence of a defect.

Quantitative angiographic anatomy of the renal arteries and adjacent aorta in the swine for preclinical studies of intravascular catheterization devices.

PubMed

Sakaoka, Atsushi; Koshimizu, Masafumi; Nakamura, Shintaro; Matsumura, Kiyoshi

2018-05-10

Swine are the most common animal model in preclinical studies of cardiovascular devices. Because of the recent trend for development of new devices for percutaneous catheterization, especially for the renal arteries (RAs), we examined the quantitative anatomical dimensions of the RAs and adjacent aorta in swine. Angiographic images were analyzed in 66 female Yorkshire/Landrace crossbred swine. The diameter of both the right and left main RA was 5.4 ± 0.6 mm. The length of the right main RA was significantly longer than that of the left (29.8 ± 7.5 mm vs. 20.6 ± 5.4 mm, respectively; P<0.001). The diameter of both the right and left branch RA with diameters ≥3 mm (the target vessel diameter of recently developed devices) was 3.8 ± 0.5 mm. The right branch RA was significantly longer than that of the left (18.9 ± 7.8 mm vs. 16.4 ± 7.4 mm, respectively; P<0.05). The branching angle of the right RA from the aorta was significantly smaller than that of the left (91 ± 12° vs. 103 ± 15°, respectively; P<0.001). The diameters of the suprarenal and infrarenal aorta were 10.6 ± 1.1 mm and 9.7 ± 0.9 mm, respectively. In conclusion, because of their similar dimensions to human, swine are an appropriate animal model for assessing the safety of, and determining optimal design of, catheter devices for RAs in simulated clinical use. However, there were species differences in the branching angle and adjacent aorta diameter, suggesting that swine models alone are inadequate to assess the delivery performance of catheter devices for RAs.

Quantitative angiographic anatomy of the renal arteries and adjacent aorta in the swine for preclinical studies of intravascular catheterization devices

PubMed Central

Sakaoka, Atsushi; Koshimizu, Masafumi; Nakamura, Shintaro; Matsumura, Kiyoshi

2018-01-01

Swine are the most common animal model in preclinical studies of cardiovascular devices. Because of the recent trend for development of new devices for percutaneous catheterization, especially for the renal arteries (RAs), we examined the quantitative anatomical dimensions of the RAs and adjacent aorta in swine. Angiographic images were analyzed in 66 female Yorkshire/Landrace crossbred swine. The diameter of both the right and left main RA was 5.4 ± 0.6 mm. The length of the right main RA was significantly longer than that of the left (29.8 ± 7.5 mm vs. 20.6 ± 5.4 mm, respectively; P<0.001). The diameter of both the right and left branch RA with diameters ≥3 mm (the target vessel diameter of recently developed devices) was 3.8 ± 0.5 mm. The right branch RA was significantly longer than that of the left (18.9 ± 7.8 mm vs. 16.4 ± 7.4 mm, respectively; P<0.05). The branching angle of the right RA from the aorta was significantly smaller than that of the left (91 ± 12° vs. 103 ± 15°, respectively; P<0.001). The diameters of the suprarenal and infrarenal aorta were 10.6 ± 1.1 mm and 9.7 ± 0.9 mm, respectively. In conclusion, because of their similar dimensions to human, swine are an appropriate animal model for assessing the safety of, and determining optimal design of, catheter devices for RAs in simulated clinical use. However, there were species differences in the branching angle and adjacent aorta diameter, suggesting that swine models alone are inadequate to assess the delivery performance of catheter devices for RAs. PMID:29353822

Calculation of laser pulse distribution maps for corneal reshaping with a scanning beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manns, Fabrice; Shen, Jin-Hui; Soederberg, Per G.; Matsui, Takaaki; Parel, Jean-Marie A.

1995-05-01

A method for calculating pulse distribution maps for scanning laser corneal surgery is presented. The accuracy, the smoothness of the corneal shape, and the duration of surgery were evaluated for corrections of myopia by using computer simulations. The accuracy and the number of pulses were computed as a function of the beam diameter, the diameter of the treatment zone, and the amount of attempted flattening. The ablation is smooth when the spot overlap is 80% or more. The accuracy does not depend on the beam diameter or on the diameter of the ablation zone when the ablation zone is larger than 5 mm. With an overlap of 80% and an ablation zone larger than 5 mm, the error is 5% of the attempted flattening, and 610 pulses are needed per Diopter of correction with a beam diameter of 1 mm. Pulse maps for the correction of astigmatism were computed and evaluated. The simulations show that with 60% overlap, a beam diameter of 1 mm, and a 5 mm treatment zone, 6 D of astigmatism can be corrected with an accuracy better than 1.8 D. This study shows that smooth and accurate ablations can be produced with a scanning spot.

Gallbladder polyps: factors affecting surgical decision.

PubMed

Sarkut, Pinar; Kilicturgay, Sadik; Ozer, Ali; Ozturk, Ersin; Yilmazlar, Tuncay

2013-07-28

To determine the factors affecting the decision to perform surgery, and the efficiency of ultrasonography (USG) in detecting gallbladder polyps (GP). Data for 138 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between 1996 and 2012 in our clinic with a diagnosis of GP were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, clinical presentation, principal symptoms, ultrasonographic and histopathological findings were evaluated. Patients were evaluated in individual groups according to the age of the patients (older or younger than 50 years old) and polyp size (bigger or smaller than 10 mm) and characteristics of the polyps (pseudopolyp or real polyps). χ(2) tests were used for the statistical evaluation of the data. The median age was 50 (26-85) years and 91 of patients were female. Of 138 patients who underwent cholecystectomy with GP diagnosis, only 99 had a histopathologically defined polyp; 77 of them had pseudopolyps and 22 had true polyps. Twenty-one patients had adenocarcinoma. Of these 21 patients, 11 were male, their median age was 61 (40-85) years and all malignant polyps had diameters > 10 mm (P < 0.0001). Of 138 patients in whom surgery were performed, 112 had ultrasonographic polyps with diameters < 10 mm. Of the other 26 patients who also had polyps with diameters > 10 mm, 22 had true polyps. The sensitivity of USG was 84.6% for polyps with diameters > 10 mm (P < 0.0001); however it was only 66% in polyps with diameters < 10 mm. The risk of malignancy was high in the patients over 50 years old who had single polyps with diameters > 10 mm.

[Morphometric anatomic study and clinical significance of lunate fossa].

PubMed

Aldemir, Cengiz; Önder, Merve; Doğan, Ali; Duygun, Fatih; Oğuz, Nurettin

2015-01-01

This study aims to investigate the depth, transverse and sagittal diameters of lunate fossa which is a significant structure of the wrist in terms of reducing the risk for volar plate screws, which are administered in distal radius fractures, from penetrating into the joint. Depth, transverse and sagittal diameters of lunate fossa in 50 right and 50 left adult dried radius bones without distal tip damage were measured by using MicroscribeG2X from the MicroScribe G series. Mean lunate fossa depth: left 2.419886±0.51 mm/right 2.543052±0.78 mm, mean lunate fossa sagittal diameter: left 19.656±1.57 mm/right 18.796±1.53 mm, mean lunate fossa transverse diameter: left 11.382±0.65 mm/right 11.106±0.91 mm. There was no statistically significant difference between right and left depth values of lunate fossa (p=0.320), whereas there was statistically significant difference between right and left transverse and sagittal diameters (p=0.006, p=0.048). Measurements involving depth of lunate fossa may guide the development of new anatomic plates and decrease complications like the penetration of screw into joint whilst volar plate administrations.

A novel polymer extrusion micropelletization process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aquite, William

Polymer micropellets provide a variety of potential applications for different processes in the polymer industry. Conventional pellets are in the size range of 2.5 mm to 5 mm, while micropellets are at least ten times smaller, in the size range of 50 μm to 1000 μm. The potential benefits to a processor using micropellets include: high surface to volume ratio, high bulk density, fast and even melting rates in extrusion, improved dry flow properties, faster injection molding cycles, and consequently lower energy consumption during processing. More specialized sintering processes that require polymer powders, such as selective sintering techniques, microporous plastics parts manufacturing, and other powder sintering methods would benefit from the production of polymer micropellets since these exhibit the advantages of pellets yet have a lower average size. This work focuses on the study of a technique developed at the Polymer Engineering Center. The technique uses a microcapillary die for the production of micropellets by causing instabilities in extruded polymer threads deformed using an air stream. Tuning of process conditions allow the development of surface disturbances that promote breakup of the threads into pellets, which are subsequently cooled and collected. Although micropellets with high sphericity and a narrow size distribution can be produced using this technique, minimal changes in process conditions also lead to the production of lenticular pellets as well as pellets, fibers and threads with a wide range of size and shape distributions. This work shows how changing processing conditions achieve a variety of shapes and sizes of micropellets, broadening its application for the production of powders from a variety of polymer resins. Different approaches were used, including dimensional analysis and numerical simulation of the micropelletization process. This research reveals the influence of non-linear viscoelastic effects on the dispersion of a polymer thread through surface disturbances. Furthermore, this research reveals how processing parameters can influence the quality of the produced micropellet. Through this work, an economically feasible technique was developed that can produce the raw material for processors that depend on polymer powders that will deliver ideally shaped and distributed micropellets.

Three-dimensional workstation is useful for measuring the correct size of abdominal aortic aneurysm diameters.

PubMed

Ihara, Tsutomu; Komori, Kimihiro; Yamamoto, Kiyohito; Kobayashi, Masayoshi; Banno, Hiroshi; Kodama, Akio

2013-02-01

Abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter is usually measured by the maximum minor-axis diameter on axial computed tomography (CT). However, this "traditional" diameter may underestimate the real size, as the aorta is not always straight and the aneurysm shape is sometimes in the form of an ellipse along the cross section. Therefore, we measured maximum major-axis diameters using a three-dimensional (3D) workstation and compared them with the traditional maximum minor-axis diameters measured using thin-slice axial CT. CT data of 141 AAA patients (with fusiform aneurysms) were stored in a 3D workstation. These thin-slice CT images were reviewed on the 3D workstation to obtain curved multiplanar reconstruction images (CPR images). Using the CPR images, we measured the maximum major-axis and minor-axis diameters on CPR and the angle of the aneurysms to the body axis. The mean traditional maximum minor-axis diameter was 51.2 ± 8.2 mm, whereas the mean maximum major-axis diameter on CPR was 54.7 ± 10.1 mm. Sixty eight patients had a mean aneurysm size of <50 mm when measured by the traditional minor-axis diameter. Among these patients, five (7.4%) had a major-axis diameter >55 mm on CPR. The measurement of the traditional maximum minor-axis diameter of aneurysms is useful in the case of most patients. However, the traditional maximum minor-axis diameter may underestimate the real aneurysmal diameter, particularly in patients with an ellipse-shaped aneurysm. The maximum major-axis diameter as measured using CPR images is effective for representing the real aneurysmal size. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultrasonographically detected gallbladder polyps: A reason for concern? A seven-year follow-up study

PubMed Central

Kratzer, Wolfgang; Haenle, Mark M; Voegtle, Andrea; Mason, Richard A; Akinli, Atilla S; Hirschbuehl, Klaus; Schuler, Andreas; Kaechele, Volker

2008-01-01

Background The management of coincidental detected gallbladder polyps (GP) is still nebulous. There are few published data regarding their long-term growth. Objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and growth of gallbladder polyps in a survey of unselected subjects from the general population of a complete rural community. Methods A total of 2,415 subjects (1,261 women; 1,154 men) underwent ultrasound examination of the gallbladder, in November 1996 as part of a prospective study. Subjects in whom GP were detected at the initial survey underwent follow-up ultrasound examinations after 30 and 84 months. Results At the initial survey gallbladder polyps were detected in 34 subjects (1.4%; females: 1.1%, range 14 to 74 years; males: 1.7%, range 19 to 63 years). Median diameter was 5 ± 2.1 mm (range 2 to10 mm) at the initial survey, 5 mm ± 2.8 mm (range 2 to 12 mm) at 30 months and 4 ± 2.3 mm (range 2 to 9 mm) at 84 months. At the time of first follow-up no change in diameter was found in 81.0% (n = 17), reduction in diameter in 4.8% (n = 1) and increase in diameter in 14.3% (n = 3). At the time of second follow-up no increase in polyp diameter was found in 76.9% (n = 10) and reduction in diameter in 7.7% (n = 1). No evidence of malignant disease of the gallbladder was found. Conclusion Over a period of seven years little change was measured in the diameter of gallbladder polyps. There was no evidence of malignant disease of the gallbladder in any subject. PMID:18793401

Ultrasonographically detected gallbladder polyps: a reason for concern? A seven-year follow-up study.

PubMed

Kratzer, Wolfgang; Haenle, Mark M; Voegtle, Andrea; Mason, Richard A; Akinli, Atilla S; Hirschbuehl, Klaus; Schuler, Andreas; Kaechele, Volker

2008-09-15

The management of coincidental detected gallbladder polyps (GP) is still nebulous. There are few published data regarding their long-term growth. Objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and growth of gallbladder polyps in a survey of unselected subjects from the general population of a complete rural community. A total of 2,415 subjects (1,261 women; 1,154 men) underwent ultrasound examination of the gallbladder, in November 1996 as part of a prospective study. Subjects in whom GP were detected at the initial survey underwent follow-up ultrasound examinations after 30 and 84 months. At the initial survey gallbladder polyps were detected in 34 subjects (1.4%; females: 1.1%, range 14 to 74 years; males: 1.7%, range 19 to 63 years). Median diameter was 5 +/- 2.1 mm (range 2 to 10 mm) at the initial survey, 5 mm +/- 2.8 mm (range 2 to 12 mm) at 30 months and 4 +/- 2.3 mm (range 2 to 9 mm) at 84 months. At the time of first follow-up no change in diameter was found in 81.0% (n = 17), reduction in diameter in 4.8% (n = 1) and increase in diameter in 14.3% (n = 3). At the time of second follow-up no increase in polyp diameter was found in 76.9% (n = 10) and reduction in diameter in 7.7% (n = 1). No evidence of malignant disease of the gallbladder was found. Over a period of seven years little change was measured in the diameter of gallbladder polyps. There was no evidence of malignant disease of the gallbladder in any subject.

Measurement of focal ground-glass opacity diameters on CT images: interobserver agreement in regard to identifying increases in the size of ground-glass opacities.

PubMed

Kakinuma, Ryutaro; Ashizawa, Kazuto; Kuriyama, Keiko; Fukushima, Aya; Ishikawa, Hiroyuki; Kamiya, Hisashi; Koizumi, Naoya; Maruyama, Yuichiro; Minami, Kazunori; Nitta, Norihisa; Oda, Seitaro; Oshiro, Yasuji; Kusumoto, Masahiko; Murayama, Sadayuki; Murata, Kiyoshi; Muramatsu, Yukio; Moriyama, Noriyuki

2012-04-01

To evaluate interobserver agreement in regard to measurements of focal ground-glass opacities (GGO) diameters on computed tomography (CT) images to identify increases in the size of GGOs. Approval by the institutional review board and informed consent by the patients were obtained. Ten GGOs (mean size, 10.4 mm; range, 6.5-15 mm), one each in 10 patients (mean age, 65.9 years; range, 58-78 years), were used to make the diameter measurements. Eleven radiologists independently measured the diameters of the GGOs on a total of 40 thin-section CT images (the first [n = 10], the second [n = 10], and the third [n = 10] follow-up CT examinations and remeasurement of the first [n = 10] follow-up CT examinations) without comparing time-lapse CT images. Interobserver agreement was assessed by means of Bland-Altman plots. The smallest range of the 95% limits of interobserver agreement between the members of the 55 pairs of the 11 radiologists in regard to maximal diameter was -1.14 to 1.72 mm, and the largest range was -7.7 to 1.7 mm. The mean value of the lower limit of the 95% limits of agreement was -3.1 ± 1.4 mm, and the mean value of their upper limit was 2.5 ± 1.1 mm. When measurements are made by any two radiologists, an increase in the length of the maximal diameter of more than 1.72 mm would be necessary in order to be able to state that the maximal diameter of a particular GGO had actually increased. Copyright © 2012 AUR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CO2 (dry ice) cleaning system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnett, Donald M.

1995-01-01

Tomco Equipment Company has participated in the dry ice (solid carbon dioxide, CO2) cleaning industry for over ten years as a pioneer in the manufacturer of high density, dry ice cleaning pellet production equipment. For over four years Tomco high density pelletizers have been available to the dry ice cleaning industry. Approximately one year ago Tomco introduced the DI-250, a new dry ice blast unit making Tomco a single source supplier for sublimable media, particle blast, cleaning systems. This new blast unit is an all pneumatic, single discharge hose device. It meters the insertion of 1/8 inch diameter (or smaller), high density, dry ice pellets into a high pressure, propellant gas stream. The dry ice and propellant streams are controlled and mixed from the blast cabinet. From there the mixture is transported to the nozzle where the pellets are accelerated to an appropriate blasting velocity. When directed to impact upon a target area, these dry ice pellets have sufficient energy to effectively remove most surface coatings through dry, abrasive contact. The meta-stable, dry ice pellets used for CO2 cleaning, while labeled 'high density,' are less dense than alternate, abrasive, particle blast media. In addition, after contacting the target surface, they return to their equilibrium condition: a superheated gas state. Most currently used grit blasting media are silicon dioxide based, which possess a sharp tetrahedral molecular structure. Silicon dioxide crystal structures will always produce smaller sharp-edged replicas of the original crystal upon fracture. Larger, softer dry ice pellets do not share the same sharp-edged crystalline structures as their non-sublimable counterparts when broken. In fact, upon contact with the target surface, dry ice pellets will plastically deform and break apart. As such, dry ice cleaning is less harmful to sensitive substrates, workers and the environment than chemical or abrasive cleaning systems. Dry ice cleaning system components include: a dry ice pellet supply, a non-reactive propellant gas source, a pellet and propellant metering device, and a media transport and acceleration hose and nozzle arrangement. Dry ice cleaning system operating parameters include: choice of propellant gas, its pressure and temperature, dry ice mass flow rate, dry ice pellet size and shape, and acceleration nozzle configuration. These parameters may be modified to fit different applications. The growth of the dry ice cleaning industry will depend upon timely data acquisition of the effects that independent changes in these parameters have on cleaning rates, with respect to different surface coating and substrate combinations. With this data, optimization of cleaning rates for particular applications will be possible. The analysis of the applicable range of modulation of these parameters, within system component mechanical constraints, has just begun.

Growth response of broilers to spray-dried plasma in pelleted or expanded feed processed at high temperature.

PubMed

Campbell, J M; Russell, L E; Crenshaw, J D; Behnke, K C; Clark, P M

2006-09-01

A series of 4 experiments evaluated effects of mash conditioning temperature from a pellet mill or expander on performance of broilers fed pelleted diets containing spray-dried plasma (SDP). All experiments utilized Ross x Ross 308 male broilers randomly assigned to their respective treatments (6 or 10 broilers/pen and 8 or 10 pens/treatment). Treatments in Exp. 1 consisted of a control (0% SDP), SDP coated postpelleting, or SDP blended into the meal prepelleting. Experiment 2 and 3 included the same 3 treatments as in Exp. 1 but with additional treatments of SDP blended into the meal and conditioned at 90 or 95 degrees C before pelleting. In Exp. 4, treatments consisted of a control (0% SDP) or SDP blended into the meal and pelleted (85 degrees C conditioning temperature) or expanded (149 degrees C final effective temperature) and then pelleted. Corn-soybean meal-based diets were formulated to be equal in lysine and ME in all experiments. Pelleted diets were conditioned for 15 s at 85 degrees C, and expanded diets were conditioned at 95 degrees C, 29.7 MJ/t, 13.95 kg/cm2 cone pressure, exit temperature of 149 degrees C, and then pelleted through a 4 x 32-mm die. In Exp. 1, ADG and feed intake were improved (P < 0.05) for broilers fed SDP from d 1 to 28 of age, with greater BW at d 42. In Exp. 2, both in early (d 1 to 28 of age) phases, and overall (d 1 to 42 of age), broilers fed SDP had improved (P < 0.05) gain and efficiency. In Exp. 3, ADG, feed intake, efficiency of gain, and BW were improved (P < 0.01) for broilers fed SDP from d 1 to 21 of age, regardless of conditioning temperature. In Exp. 4, broilers fed SDP had improved (P < 0.05) gain, BW, and feed intake regardless of processing method. Overall, the results of all of the experiments demonstrated that pellet conditioning temperature from 85 to 95 degrees C and expander temperatures to 149 degrees C did not impair the positive growth effects of SDP in pelleted or expanded broiler feed.

The Effect of Feed Form on Diet Digestibility and Cecal Parameters in Rabbits

PubMed Central

Alvarenga, Isabella Corsato; Aldrich, Charles Gregory; Kohles, Micah

2017-01-01

Simple Summary In addition to hay or forage in the diet pet rabbits are commonly fed a supplementary food as a muesli (granular mix), pellets, or extruded croquettes. This study aimed to determine if form of this supplementary diet (pelleted vs. extruded) or composition (muesli) had an effect on the diets total tract digestibility and cecal fermentation patterns. Rabbits had slightly higher intake when fed extruded and pelleted diets compared to muesli. Digestibility results were inconsistent between estimation methods. The extruded diet was more digestible than pelleted according to the total collection digestibility method, but according to internal marker acid insoluble ash the pelleted diet was the most digestible. Both the extruded and pelleted diet had similar fermentation patterns, with lower cecal pH and greater proportions of butyrate. Our findings suggest that diet composition, rather than form, may have a greater impact on nutrient utilization by rabbits. Abstract Fifteen New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to one of 3 dietary treatment groups of 5 animals each and fed pelleted, extruded, or muesli diets in a completely randomized design experiment. Rabbits were placed in individual cages with ad libitum access to water and food for 45 days acclimation followed by 30 days experimental period. Feed intake of rabbits fed pelleted and extruded diets was greater (p < 0.05) than rabbits fed the muesli diet (125.6 and 130.4 vs. 91.9 g/d), but weight change and feed efficiency were not affected by treatment. Diet digestibility among the treatments was inconsistent when comparing results obtained from total fecal collection and AIA (please define) as an internal marker. Rabbits fed extruded and pelleted diets had lower (p < 0.05) cecal pH (6.42 and 6.38 vs. 7.02, respectively), and higher (p < 0.05) production of SCFA (18.5 and 19.0 vs. 11.7 mM, respectively) than those fed muesli. The fermentation products from rabbits fed pelleted and extruded diets had a greater proportion of butyrate and less propionate than rabbits fed muesli. The results of this study indicate that the basal dietary composition had a greater impact on diet utilization and cecal fermentation than food form. PMID:29215569

Purpura

MedlinePlus

Blood spots; Skin hemorrhages ... and 10 mm (millimeters) in diameter. When purpura spots are less than 4 mm in diameter, they are called petechiae . Purpura spots larger than 1 cm (centimeter) are called ecchymoses. ...

Effect of Slag Impregnation on Macroscopic Deformation of Bauxite-Based Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coulon, Antoine; De Bilbao, Emmanuel; Michel, Rudy; Bouchetou, Marie-Laure; Brassamin, Séverine; Gazeau, Camille; Zanghi, Didier; Poirier, Jacques

This work aims at studying the volume change of bauxite corroded by a molten slag. Cylindrical samples were prepared by mixing ground bauxite with slag. Optical measurement at high temperature (1450 °C) of deformation with a high-resolution camera has been developed. Image processing allowed for determining the change in diameter of the sample. We showed that the deformation was induced by the precipitation of new expansive crystallised phases observed by SEM-EDS analyses. Adding pellets of the same slag upon the samples allowed to emphasize the effect of the slag amount on the size change. The change in diameter significantly increased in the impregnated area.

Comparison of postoperative vault height predictability using white-to-white or sulcus diameter-based sizing for the visian implantable collamer lens.

PubMed

Reinstein, Dan Z; Lovisolo, Carlo F; Archer, Timothy J; Gobbe, Marine

2013-01-01

To compare vault height predictability of Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL; Staar Surgical) sizing using a sulcus diameter-based formula or the manufacturer-recommended white-to-white-based method. In 50 myopic eyes, ICL size was calculated using both a formula including sulcus diameter and the traditional formula based on white-to-white diameter. Sulcus diameter was measured using Artemis 2 very high-frequency (VHF) digital ultrasound (ArcScan Inc). Implantation was based on the sulcus diameter derived size. Actual postoperative vault height achieved was measured by VHF digital ultrasound scanning. Circle segment trigonometry was used to calculate the vault height that would have resulted had lens sizing been based on the white-to-white formula. The same lens size would have been used in 60% of eyes, a smaller lens would have been used in 34% of eyes and a larger lens in 6% of eyes had lens sizing been based on the white-to-white formula. Mean vault for eyes with lenses sized using the sulcus diameter formula was 0.37±0.16 mm (range: 0.08 to 0.92 mm), with 2% <0.09 mm, the recognized low-vault height for risk of cataract. Circle segment trigonometry predicted that the vault height would have been 0.24±0.28 mm (range: -0.31 to 0.92 mm), with 26% <0.09 mm had lens sizing been based on the white-to-white formula. Significantly better predictability of postoperative vault height was achieved by including sulcus diameter into the ICL sizing formula compared with using the traditional white-to-white-based formula. Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.

Fatigue performance of joints executed in pure titanium structures with several diameters.

PubMed

Nuñez-Pantoja, Juliana Maria Costa; Vaz, Luis Geraldo; Nóbilo, Mauro Antônio de Arruda; Mesquita, Marcelo Ferraz

2011-01-01

This study evaluated fatigue strength of CP-Ti laser-welded joints. Sixty (20/diameter) CP-Ti casted dumbbell rods with diameters of 1.5, 2.0, and 3.5 mm were sectioned and welded using two joint openings (0.0 (00) and 0.6 mm (06)). Six groups were formed, amounting to a total of 9 (n=10) with inclusion of intact groups. Welding was executed using 360 V/8 ms (1.5 and 2.0 mm) and 380 V/9 ms (3.5 mm). Joints were finished, polished, and submitted to radiographic examination to visually analyze presence of porosity (PP). Specimens were submitted to cyclic tests, and the number of cycles until failure (NC) was recorded. Fractured surfaces were examined by SEM. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn (α=0.05) tests demonstrated that NC was lower for all diameters with 06, and for 3.5 mm/00. NC and PP were found to have a negative correlation (Spearman Coefficient). For CP-Ti frameworks with thin diameters, laser welding is better when structures are juxtaposed.

Incidentally detected testicular lesions <10 mm in diameter: can orchidectomy be avoided?

PubMed

Scandura, Glenda; Verrill, Clare; Protheroe, Andrew; Joseph, Johnson; Ansell, Wendy; Sahdev, Anju; Shamash, Jonathan; Berney, Daniel M

2018-04-01

To investigate the pathology of excised testicular lesions <10 mm in size. The pathological reports of 2 681 patients with testicular lesions from Barts Health NHS Trust and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust were reviewed as part of a service evaluation audit from January 2003 to May 2016. Cases in which the lesion had a maximum diameter of <10 mm were selected. Clinical features were also accessed, where available, to examine patient demographics, prediagnostic levels of serum markers, ultrasonographic findings and clinical details. A total of 81 patients with a lesion size <10 mm on histology were identified and, of these, 16 (20%) had a lesion diameter <5 mm. Of the 81 patients, 56 (69%) had benign lesions. Of 16 patients with a benign lesion <5 mm in diameter, 15 underwent orchidectomy and just one underwent partial orchidectomy. Preoperative tumour markers were available in 47/81 patients. None of the 16 malignant tumours in these 47 patients were associated with raised tumour markers, while seven of 31 remaining patients with benign lesions had raised α-fetoprotein and lactate dehydrogenase levels. In total there were 25/81 malignant cases (31%), which were all germ cell tumours (GCTs): 15 seminomas (60%) and 10 non-seminomatous GCTs (40%). Only one GCT had a diameter of <5 mm, and this was a regressed tumour within an 18-mm area of granulomatous inflammation. Only one GCT relapsed: a clinical stage I, embryonal carcinoma of 6 mm in maximum diameter. The 56 'benign' cases included 34 sex cord stromal tumours, including 23 Leydig cell tumours (41%), eight Sertoli cell tumours (14%) and three mixed sex cord stromal tumours (5%). None showed any malignant features. The remaining 22/56 lesions (40%) were lesions with no further follow-up. Benign lesions seemed to be associated with a small diameter, and we found <5 mm to be the best threshold for predicting benign vs malignant lesions (P = 0.002). The majority of testicular lesions <10 mm, identified by radiology, were benign, although approxmiately one-third were malignant. In the present study, 100% of lesions <5 mm in diameter were benign. Tumour markers appear to be unhelpful in the distinction of these small tumours. We suggest that regular ultrasound surveillance be more widely used for testicular lesions of this size. Testicular tumours now have a very high cure rate and changes in size of lesions may be monitored prospectively with minimal risk of increased morbidity. Patients who undergo an orchidectomy for lesions <5 mm are 'victims of modern imaging technology'. If surgery is undertaken in lesions 5-10 mm, patients should be counselled that two-thirds of cases are benign. © 2017 The Authors BJU International © 2017 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Ascending aortic elongation and the risk of dissection.

PubMed

Krüger, Tobias; Forkavets, Oksana; Veseli, Kujtim; Lausberg, Henning; Vöhringer, Luise; Schneider, Wilke; Bamberg, Fabian; Schlensak, Christian

2016-08-01

Unlike aneurysm formation, the role of ascending aortic elongation in the pathogenesis of Type A aortic dissection (TAD) is largely unclear. We investigated the morphology of healthy, dissected and predissection aortas with a focus on ascending aortic length. We retrospectively compared clinical and computer tomography angiography (CTA) data from TAD patients (n = 130), patients who developed a TAD in the further clinical course (preTAD, n = 16) and healthy control patients who received a CTA for non-aortic emergencies (n = 165). The length of the ascending aorta was defined as the distance between the sinotubular junction (STJ) and the brachiocephalic trunk (BCT) at the central line, the outer and inner curvature as well as the direct distance in the frontal and sagittal planes. Additionally, the aortic diameters were analysed. In the healthy controls, we found a positive correlation of age with the aortic diameter (r = 0.57) and aortic length (r = 0.42). The correlation of the respective parameters with the body size was negligible (r < 0.2). The median ascending aortic diameter at the height of the pulmonary artery in TAD (50 mm) was significantly (P < 0.001) larger compared with the respective diameter of the healthy aortas (34 mm). The diameter of the preTAD aortas (40 mm) was also significantly larger compared with the healthy controls. These proportions were similar in all the aortic diameters. The midline length of the healthy ascending aortas was 71 mm. In the preTAD and TAD aortas, the same values were 81 mm and 92 mm, respectively (both P < 0.001). We evaluated the linear distance between the STJ and the BCT in the frontal plane as an easy-to-measure parameter of aortic length. In the TAD aortas (108 mm) and preTAD aortas (97 mm), this distance was significantly longer compared with the healthy aortas (84 mm). Aortic diameter might not be an optimal parameter to predict dissection. Most aortas dissect at diameters below 55 mm. Both the TAD and preTAD aortas were elongated compared with the healthy controls. Thus, aortic elongation may play a role in the pathogenesis of and may be a risk factor for TAD. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

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

Menikoff, Ralph

Previously the SURFplus reactive burn model was calibrated for the TATB based explosive PBX 9502. The calibration was based on fitting Pop plot data, the failure diameter and the limiting detonation speed, and curvature effect data for small curvature. The model failure diameter is determined utilizing 2-D simulations of an unconfined rate stick to find the minimum diameter for which a detonation wave propagates. Here we examine the effect of mesh resolution on an unconfined rate stick with a diameter (10mm) slightly greater than the measured failure diameter (8 to 9 mm).

Smaller-diameter circular stapler has an advantage in Billroth I stapled anastomosis after laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy.

PubMed

Kim, Min-Kyoon; Park, Joong-Min; Choi, Yoo-Shin; Chi, Kyong-Choun

2012-04-01

Billroth I gastroduodenostomy using a circular stapler is the most preferred reconstruction method after laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG). The optimal stapler size for this procedure has not yet been proposed. Sixty-five patients who underwent LADG and stapled anastomosis with a 25-mm stapler (25-mm group) and a 29-mm stapler (29-mm group) were enrolled in this study. Clinical data and gastroscopic findings at 6 and 12 months after surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative complications and postprandial symptoms were similar in both groups. Gastroscopically, food materials remained more frequently in the remnant stomach in the 25-mm group than in the 29-mm group at 6 months after surgery (P=.041). Gastritis and bile reflux were observed more frequently in the 29-mm group than in the 25-mm group (P=.012 and P=.015, respectively). All these differences in the gastroscopic findings between the two groups decreased at 12 months after surgery except for reflux esophagitis, which was observed more frequently in the 29-mm group (P=.002). The length of the incision was smaller in the 25-mm group than in the 29-mm group (4.39 cm versus 4.95 cm, P=.009). A small-diameter stapler is a risk factor for gastric stasis in the early postoperative period, whereas a large-diameter stapler is a risk factor for gastritis and bile reflux in the early postoperative period and for esophagitis in the late postoperative period. Thus, a small-diameter circular stapler has more advantages over a large-diameter circular stapler. It also enables a reliable anastomosis through a smaller incision and easy handling of the stapler during anastomosis.

Heat generated during seating of dental implant fixtures.

PubMed

Flanagan, Dennis

2014-04-01

Frictional heat can be generated during seating of dental implants into a drill-prepared osteotomy. This in vitro study tested the heat generated by implant seating in dense bovine mandible ramus. A thermocouple was placed approximately 0.5 mm from the rim of the osteotomy during seating of each dental implant. Four diameters of implants were tested. The average temperature increases were 0.075°C for the 5.7-mm-diameter implant, 0.97°C for the 4.7-mm-diameter implant, 1.4°C for the 3.7-mm-diameter implant, and 8.6°C for the 2.5-mm-diameter implant. The results showed that heat was indeed generated and a small temperature rise occurred, apparently by the friction of the implant surface against the fresh-cut bone surface. Bone is a poor thermal conductor. The titanium of the implant and the steel of the handpiece are much better heat conductors. Titanium may be 70 times more heat conductive than bone. The larger diameter and displacement implant may act as a heat sink to draw away any heat produced from the friction of seating the implant at the bone-implant interface. The peak temperature duration was momentary, and not measured, but this was approximately less than 1 second. Except for the 2.5-mm-diameter implants, the temperature rises and durations were found to be below those previously deemed to be detrimental, so no clinically significant osseous damage would be expected during dental implant fixture seating of standard and large-diameter-sized implants. A 2.5-mm implant may generate detrimental heat during seating in nonvital bone, but this may be clinically insignificant in vital bone. The surface area and thermal conductivity are important factors in removing generated heat transfer at the bone-implant interface. The F value as determined by analysis of variance was 69.22, and the P value was less than .0001, demonstrating significant differences between the groups considered as a whole.

Characterization of the Polypeptides in Varicella Zoster Virus - Infected Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-03-16

DNA binding proteins.. 127 38. Autoradiogram of guanidine hydrochloride wash of DNA cellulose columns 129 Figure Page 32 39. Autoradiogram of P...of purification was seventy-fold 35 1^ with respect to host proteins and the S-methionine or G- glucosamine labeled virions were subjected to SDS... hydrochloride [pH7.5]. 20 mM EDTA, (2 x STE buffer), was used. For electron microscopy pellets were resuspended in 10 mM Tris- hydrochloride [pH 7.5]. 1 inM

Clinical experience in coronary stenting with the Vivant Z Stent.

PubMed

Chee, K H; Siaw, F S; Chan, C G; Chong, W P; Imran, Z A; Haizal, H K; Azman, W; Tan, K H

2005-06-01

This single centre study was designed to demonstrate feasibility, safety and efficacy of the Vivant Z stent (PFM AG, Cologne, Germany). Patients with de novo lesion were recruited. Coronary angioplasty was performed with either direct stenting or after balloon predilatation. Repeated angiogram was performed 6 months later or earlier if clinically indicated. Between January to June 2003, a total of 50 patients were recruited (mean age 55.8 +/- 9 years). A total of 52 lesions were stented successfully. Mean reference diameter was 2.77 mm (+/-0.59 SD, range 2.05-4.39 mm) with mean target lesion stenosis of 65.5% (+/-11.6 SD, range 50.1-93.3%). Forty-six lesions (88.5%) were American College of Cardiologist/American Heart Association class B/C types. Direct stenting was performed in 18 (34.6%) lesions. Mean stent diameter was 3.18 mm (+/-0.41 SD, range 2.5-4 mm), and mean stent length was 14.86 mm (+/-2.72 SD, range 9-18 mm). The procedure was complicated in only one case which involved the loss of side branch with no clinical sequelae. All treated lesions achieved Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 3 flow. Mean residual diameter stenosis was 12.2% (+/-7.55 SD, range 0-22.6%) with acute gain of 1.72 mm (+/-0.50 SD, range 0.5-2.8). At 6 months, there was no major adverse cardiovascular event. Repeated angiography after 6 months showed a restenosis rate of 17% (defined as >50% diameter restenosis). Mean late loss was 0.96 mm (+/-0.48 SD) with loss index of 0.61 (+/-0.38 SD). The restenosis rate of those lesions less than 3.0 mm in diameter was 22.2% compared with 6.25% in those lesions more than 3.0 mm in diameter. The Vivant Z stent was shown to be safe and efficacious with low restenosis rate in de novo coronary artery lesion.

EVALUATION OF TRICKLE-BED AIR BIOFILTER PERFORMANCE FOR STYRENE REMOVAL

EPA Science Inventory

A pilot-scale trickle-bed air biofilter (TBAB) was evaluated for the removal of styrene from a waste gas stream. Six-millimeter (6 mm) Celite pellets (R-635) were used as the biological attachment medium. The operating parameters considered in the study included the styrene vol...

Biliary and pancreatic ductal dilation in patients on methadone maintenance therapy.

PubMed

Bates, David D B; Tamayo-Murillo, Dorathy; Kussman, Steven; Luce, Adam; LeBedis, Christina A; Soto, Jorge A; Anderson, Stephan W

2017-03-01

To determine whether the diameter of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts and pancreatic ducts in patients on methadone maintenance therapy is increased when compared with control subjects. Between January 1, 2000 and March 15, 2013, a total of 97 patients (mean age 49.9, range 22-79, 65 male, 32 female) were identified who were receiving chronic methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) when they underwent imaging with abdominal MRI or a contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT. A group of 97 consecutive non-MMT control patients (mean age 51.4, range 21-86, 45 male, 52 female) who underwent imaging with abdominal MRI or contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT were identified. Patients with known pancreaticobiliary pathology that may confound biliary ductal measurements were excluded. Blinded interpretation was performed, documenting the diameters of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts and pancreatic ducts. Descriptive statistics were performed. Patients on MMT demonstrated increased bile duct diameter, with an average increase in duct diameter of 2.39 mm for the common bile duct (p < 0.001; 95% CI 1.88-2.90 mm), 1.43 mm for the intrahepatic bile ducts (p < 0.001; 95% CI 1.12-1.74 mm), and 0.90 mm for the pancreatic duct (p < 0.001; 95% CI 0.64-1.16 mm). No statistically significant correlation was found between ductal diameters and the daily dose of methadone. Patients on methadone maintenance therapy demonstrate significantly increased intra- and extrahepatic bile duct and pancreatic duct diameter when compared with controls. There was no correlation between the dose of methadone and ductal diameter.

Reduction of the Areolar Diameter After Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction for Gynecomastia.

PubMed

Keskin, Mustafa; Sutcu, Mustafa; Hanci, Mustafa; Cigsar, Bulent

2017-08-01

One of the clinical aspects characterizing gynecomastia is the enlargement of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) due to hypertrophic breast glands, and the excessive fatty tissue underneath. The purpose of this study was to quantify the reduction of the areolar diameter after ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) of the male breast. The horizontal diameters of the NACs of 30 men who underwent UAL were measured before surgery, 1 month after surgery and 6 months after surgery in a standard fashion. Those patients with surgical gland removals of any kind were not included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 27.9 years, and all of the patients had bilateral grade I, II, or III gynecomastia. The mean diameter of the NACs before surgery was 35.36 mm (range, 26-55 mm), and after surgery, the mean diameter of the NACs was initially reduced to 28.8 mm (range, 23-44 mm) and later to 28.57 mm (range, 23-42 mm). The mean volume of breast tissue aspirated was 382 mL per breast, and the percentage of reduction was 17.3%. The reduction of areola diameter was statistically significant after first month. A significant positive correlation was identified between the liposuction volume and areolar diameter reduction. In cases of gynecomastia, the removal of the glandular and fatty tissue underneath the areola releases the expanding forces and pressure that enlarge it. In many cases of gynecomastia, UAL alone is effective in reducing the size of the NAC and allows the surgeon to avoid placing scars on the breast.

Fine root morphological traits determine variation in root respiration of Quercus serrata.

PubMed

Makita, Naoki; Hirano, Yasuhiro; Dannoura, Masako; Kominami, Yuji; Mizoguchi, Takeo; Ishii, Hiroaki; Kanazawa, Yoichi

2009-04-01

Fine root respiration is a significant component of carbon cycling in forest ecosystems. Although fine roots differ functionally from coarse roots, these root types have been distinguished based on arbitrary diameter cut-offs (e.g., 2 or 5 mm). Fine root morphology is directly related to physiological function, but few attempts have been made to understand the relationships between morphology and respiration of fine roots. To examine relationships between respiration rates and morphological traits of fine roots (0.15-1.4 mm in diameter) of mature Quercus serrata Murr., we measured respiration of small fine root segments in the field with a portable closed static chamber system. We found a significant power relationship between mean root diameter and respiration rate. Respiration rates of roots<0.4 mm in mean diameter were high and variable, ranging from 3.8 to 11.3 nmol CO2 g(-1) s(-1), compared with those of larger diameter roots (0.4-1.4 mm), which ranged from 1.8 to 3.0 nmol CO2 g(-1) s(-1). Fine root respiration rate was positively correlated with specific root length (SRL) as well as with root nitrogen (N) concentration. For roots<0.4 mm in diameter, SRL had a wider range (11.3-80.4 m g(-1)) and was more strongly correlated with respiration rate than diameter. Our results indicate that a more detailed classification of fine roots<2.0 mm is needed to represent the heterogeneity of root respiration and to evaluate root biomass and root morphological traits.

[Accuracy of Modulation Transfer Function for Target Size and Field of View in a Circular Edge Strategy Using the CT Image Measurement Program].

PubMed

Fukunaga, Masaaki; Onishi, Hideo; Matsutomo, Norikazu; Yamamoto, Hiroyuki

2016-06-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of target diameter and display-field of view (D-FOV) in modulation transfer function (MTF) by circular edge strategy using the computed tomography (CT) image measurement program "CTmeasure". We calculated the MTF (MTF(edge)) using the circular edge strategy applied to cylindrical phantom (200 mmφ) that inserted with cylinders have 10, 20, 30, and 40 mm diameters. The phantom images were reconstructed using filtered back projection method varied with D-FOV (240, 320, 400, and 500 mm). The study compared both MTF(edge) and MTF(wire) at MTF50% and MTF(10%) for target diameter and D-FOV, respectively. The MTF(edge) by the different of target diameter indicated in rough compatibility. However, MTF(edge) of D-FOV diameters (320, 400, and 500 mm) decreased in the high frequency range. The circular edge strategy for MTF depended on the D-FOV, however, it was little dependent on target diameter using the CT image measurement program "CTmeasure".

Fatal laryngeal oedema in an adult from an air rifle injury, and related ballistics.

PubMed

Radojevic, Nemanja; Cukic, Dragana; Curovic, Ivana; Golubovic, Mileta

2015-01-01

Air guns (air pistols and rifles) are already recognized as being potentially lethal. The diabolo pellet has a calibre of .177 (4.5 mm), a 1250 fps velocity, is high energetic, and is most commonly used in such weapons. In the presented case, the victim sustained an air rifle injury to the neck. The pellet passed through the thyroid cartilage, subsequently causing the extensive laryngeal swelling with haematoma around the pellet channel which fatally obstructed the airway. It is estimated microscopically that at least a number of hours must have passed from the injury to the time of death. For this case, a shooting distance was estimated by using experimental shooting values compared to physics formulas for accelerated motion. The case under question has confirmed an applicable legal approach that can be utilized by countries to classify air rifles as being as harmful as other firearms, especially those with high muzzle velocities. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Shot through the heart-firepower and potential lethality of air weapons.

PubMed

Bakovic, Marija; Petrovecki, Vedrana; Strinovic, Davor; Mayer, Davor

2014-11-01

Although certain air weapons attain muzzle velocities comparable to some firearms, their successful use for committing suicide is rarely seen. Herein, we report a case of a young female died shortly after urgent admission to the hospital with penetrating gunshot wound to the chest. The autopsy revealed perforation of the pericardium and two perforative defects to the right heart ventricle. Injury was inflicted by a 0.177 caliber pellet, fired from an air rifle found near her body. Investigation ruled the death as suicide. The used air rifle fired the pellet with the energy density of 1.9 J/mm(2) , substantially above the threshold for inflicting injury. The pellet penetrated through two layers of cotton fabric and several layers of tissue to inflict fatal injury to the heart. In addition, we provide an insight into the wounding potential of air weapons, which illustrates the need for greater caution in handling those devices. © 2014 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Gallbladder polyps: Factors affecting surgical decision

PubMed Central

Sarkut, Pinar; Kilicturgay, Sadik; Ozer, Ali; Ozturk, Ersin; Yilmazlar, Tuncay

2013-01-01

AIM: To determine the factors affecting the decision to perform surgery, and the efficiency of ultrasonography (USG) in detecting gallbladder polyps (GP). METHODS: Data for 138 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between 1996 and 2012 in our clinic with a diagnosis of GP were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, clinical presentation, principal symptoms, ultrasonographic and histopathological findings were evaluated. Patients were evaluated in individual groups according to the age of the patients (older or younger than 50 years old) and polyp size (bigger or smaller than 10 mm) and characteristics of the polyps (pseudopolyp or real polyps). χ2 tests were used for the statistical evaluation of the data. RESULTS: The median age was 50 (26-85) years and 91 of patients were female. Of 138 patients who underwent cholecystectomy with GP diagnosis, only 99 had a histopathologically defined polyp; 77 of them had pseudopolyps and 22 had true polyps. Twenty-one patients had adenocarcinoma. Of these 21 patients, 11 were male, their median age was 61 (40-85) years and all malignant polyps had diameters > 10 mm (P < 0.0001). Of 138 patients in whom surgery were performed, 112 had ultrasonographic polyps with diameters < 10 mm. Of the other 26 patients who also had polyps with diameters > 10 mm, 22 had true polyps. The sensitivity of USG was 84.6% for polyps with diameters > 10 mm (P < 0.0001); however it was only 66% in polyps with diameters < 10 mm. CONCLUSION: The risk of malignancy was high in the patients over 50 years old who had single polyps with diameters > 10 mm. PMID:23901228

Use of a specially designed partially covered self-expandable metal stent (PSEMS) with a 40-mm diameter for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal suture or staple line leaks in 11 cases.

PubMed

Fischer, Andreas; Bausch, Dirk; Richter-Schrag, Hans-Juergen

2013-02-01

The use of self-expandable stents to treat postoperative leaks and fistula in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an established treatment for leaks of the upper GI tract. However, lumen-to-stent size discrepancies (i.e., after sleeve gastrectomy or esophageal resection) may lead to insufficient sealing of the leaks requiring further surgical intervention. This is mainly due to the relatively small diameter (≤30 mm) of commonly used commercial stents. To overcome this problem, we developed a novel partially covered stent with a shaft diameter of 36 mm and a flare diameter of 40 mm. From September 2008 to September 2010, 11 consecutive patients with postoperative leaks were treated with the novel large diameter stent (gastrectomy, n = 5; sleeve gastrectomy, n = 2; fundoplication after esophageal perforation, n = 2; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, n = 1; esophageal resection, n = 1). Treatment with commercially available stents (shaft/flare: 23/28 mm and 24/30 mm) had been unsuccessful in three patients before treatment with the large diameter stent. Due to dislocation, the large diameter stent was anchored in four patients (2× intraoperatively with transmural sutures, 2× endoscopically with transnasally externalized threads). Treatment was successful in 11 of 11 patients. Stent placement and removal was easy and safe. The median residence time of the stent was 24 (range, 18-41) days. Stent dislocation occurred in four cases (36 %). It was treated by anchoring the stent. Mean follow-up was 25 (range, 14-40) months. No severe complication occurred during or after intervention and no patient was dysphagic. Using the novel large diameter, partially covered stent to seal leaks in the upper GI tract is safe and effective. The large diameter of the stent does not seem to injure the wall of the upper GI tract. However, stent dislocation sometimes requires anchoring of the stent with sutures or transnasally externalized threads.

Using polycrystalline diamond-veined drills on silicon carbide particulate-reinforced aluminium castings

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

Lane, C.

1993-12-31

Using several combinations of speeds and feeds, a series of 6.37-mm diameter holes were drilled through a 19-mm thick plate of DURALCAN F3S.20S-T6 (A359/SiC/20p-T6). Every 50th hole was drilled in a gage block to measure the following: torque, thrust, drill flank wear, hole diameter, hole roundness, and hole surface finish. Maximum tool life was attained using feed rates of 0.25 mm/revolution. Speed had little effect on tool forces or life. Under optimum conditions, PCD-veined drills can produce over 6000 diameters of through holes in this type of composite with tolerances of 0.01 mm and flank wear of only 0.1 mm.

High-speed multishot pellet injector prototype for the Frascati Tokamak Upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frattolillo, A.; Migliori, S.; Scaramuzzi, F.; Angelone, G.; Baldarelli, M.; Capobianchi, M.; Cardoni, P.; Domma, C.; Mori, L.; Ronci, G.

1998-07-01

The Frascati Tokamak Upgrade (FTU) may require multiple high-speed pellet injection in order to achieve quasi-steady-state conditions. A research and development program was thus being pursued at ENEA Frascati, aimed at developing a multishot two-stage pellet injector (MPI), featuring eight "pipe gun" barrels and eight small two-stage pneumatic guns. According to FTU requirements, the final goal is to simultaneously produce up to eight D2 pellets, and then deliver them during a plasma pulse (1 s) with any time schedule, at speeds in the 1-2.5 km/s range. A prototype was constructed and tested to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept, and optimize pellet formation and firing sequences. This laboratory facility was automatically operated by means of a programmable logic controller (PLC), and had a full eight-shot capability. However, it was equipped as a first approach with only four two-stage guns. In this article we will describe in detail the guidelines of the MPI prototype design, which were strongly influenced by some external constraints. We will also report on the results of the experimental campaign, during which the feasibility of such a two-stage MPI was demonstrated. Sequences of four intact D2 pellets in the 1.2-1.6 mm size range, fired at time intervals of a few tens up to a few hundreds of ms, were routinely delivered in a laboratory experiment at injection speeds above 2.5 km/s, with good reproducibility and satisfactory aiming dispersion. Some preliminary effort to address the problem of propellant gas handling, based on an innovative approach, gave encouraging results, and work is in progress to carry out an experiment to definitely test the feasibility of this concept.

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

Tumuluru, Jaya Shankar

The quality and specific energy consumption (SEC) of the biomass pellets produced depend upon pelleting process conditions. The present study includes understanding the effect of feedstock moisture in the range of 28–38% (wet basis [w.b.]) and preheating in the range of 30–110°C at two die speeds of 40 and 60 Hz on the physical properties and SEC. A flat die pellet mill fitted with a 6 mm die was used in the present study. The physical properties of pellets such as moisture content, unit, bulk and tapped density, durability, and expansion ratio and SEC of the pelleting process are measured.more » The results indicate that the pellets produced have durability values in the range of 87–98%, and unit bulk and tapped density in the range of 670–1100, 375–575, and 420–620 kg/m³. Increasing the feedstock moisture content from 33% to 38% (w.b) decreased the unit, bulk and tapped density by about 30–40%. Increasing feedstock moisture content increased the expansion ratio and decreased the density values. A higher feedstock moisture content of 38% (w.b.) and higher preheating temperature of 110°C resulted in lower density and a higher expansion ratio, which can be attributed to flash off of moisture as the material extrudes out of the die. The SEC was in the range of 75–275 kWh/ton. Higher feedstock moisture content of 38% (w.b.) and a lower die speed of 40 Hz increased the SEC, whereas lower to medium preheating temperature (30–70°C), medium feedstock moisture content of 33% (w.b.), and a higher die speed of 60 Hz minimized the SEC to <100 kWh/ton.« less

Raised levels of metal ions in the blood in patients who have undergone uncemented metal-on-polyethylene Trident-Accolade total hip replacement.

PubMed

Craig, P; Bancroft, G; Burton, A; Collier, S; Shaylor, P; Sinha, A

2014-01-01

The issues surrounding raised levels of metal ions in the blood following large head metal-on-metal total hip replacement (THR), such as cobalt and chromium, have been well documented. Despite the national popularity of uncemented metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) THR using a large-diameter femoral head, few papers have reported the levels of metal ions in the blood following this combination. Following an isolated failure of a 44 mm Trident-Accolade uncemented THR associated with severe wear between the femoral head and the trunnion in the presence of markedly elevated levels of cobalt ions in the blood, we investigated the relationship between modular femoral head diameter and the levels of cobalt and chromium ions in the blood following this THR. A total of 69 patients received an uncemented Trident-Accolade MoP THR in 2009. Of these, 43 patients (23 men and 20 women, mean age 67.0 years) were recruited and had levels of cobalt and chromium ions in the blood measured between May and June 2012. The patients were then divided into three groups according to the diameter of the femoral head used: 12 patients in the 28 mm group (controls), 18 patients in the 36 mm group and 13 patients in the 40 mm group. A total of four patients had identical bilateral prostheses in situ at phlebotomy: one each in the 28 mm and 36 mm groups and two in the 40 mm group. There was a significant increase in the mean levels of cobalt ions in the blood in those with a 36 mm diameter femoral head compared with those with a 28 mm diameter head (p = 0.013). The levels of cobalt ions in the blood were raised in those with a 40 mm diameter head but there was no statistically significant difference between this group and the control group (p = 0.152). The levels of chromium ions in the blood were normal in all patients. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear, but we have stopped using femoral heads with a diameter of ≤ 36 mm, and await further larger studies to clarify whether, for instance, this issue particularly affects this combination of components.

A three-dimensional finite element evaluation of magnetic attachment attractive force and the influence of the magnetic circuit.

PubMed

Kumano, Hirokazu; Nakamura, Yoshinori; Kanbara, Ryo; Takada, Yukyo; Ochiai, Kent T; Tanaka, Yoshinobu

2014-01-01

The finite element method has been considered to be excellent evaluative technique to study magnetic circuit optimization. The present study analyzed and quantitatively evaluated the different effects of magnetic circuit on attractive force and magnetic flux density using a three-dimensional finite element method for comparative evaluation. The diameter of a non-magnetic material in the shield disk of a magnetic assembly was variably increased by 0.1 mm to a maximum 2.0 mm in this study design. The analysis results demonstrate that attractive force increases until the diameter of the non-magnetic spacing material reaches a diameter of 0.5 mm where it peaks and then decreases as the overall diameter increases over 0.5 mm. The present analysis suggested that the attractive force for a magnetic attachment is optimized with an appropriate magnetic assembly shield disk diameter using a non-magnetic material to effectively change the magnetic circuit efficiency and resulting retention.

Source apportionment of settleable particles in an impacted urban and industrialized region in Brazil.

PubMed

Santos, Jane Meri; Reis, Neyval Costa; Galvão, Elson Silva; Silveira, Alexsander; Goulart, Elisa Valentim; Lima, Ana Teresa

2017-09-01

Settleable particulate matter (SPM), especially coarser particles with diameters greater than 10 μm, has been found culprit of high deposition rates in cities affected by hinterland industrial activities. This is the case of Metropolitan Region of Vitoria (MRV), Espirito Santo, Brazil where industrial facilities are located within the urban sprawl and building constructions are intense. Frequent population complaints to the environmental protection agency (IEMA) throughout the years have triggered monitoring campaigns to determine SPM deposition rates and source apportionment. Eight different locations were monitored throughout the MRV, and SPM was quantified and chemically characterized. Sources profiles were defined either by using US EPA SPECIATE data or by experimental analysis. Atmospheric fallout in the MRV ranged between 2 and 20g/(m 2 30-day), with only one monitoring station ranging from 6-10 g/(m 2 30-day). EC, OC, Fe, Al, and Si were found the main constituents of dry deposition in the region. Source apportionment by the chemical mass balance (CMB) model determined that steel and iron ore pelletizing industries were the main contributor to one of the eight locations whereas resuspension, civil construction, and vehicular sources were also very important contributors to the other stations. Quarries and soil were also considered expressive SPM sources, but at the city periphery. CMB model could differentiate contributions from six industrial source groups: thermoelectric; iron ore, pellet, and pellet furnaces; coal coke and coke oven; sintering, blast furnace, and basic oxygen furnace; and soil, resuspension, and vehicles. However, the CMB model was unable to differentiate between iron ore and pellet stockpiles which are present in both steel and iron ore pelletizing industries. Further characterization of source and SPM might be necessary to aid local authorities in decision-making regarding these two industrial sources.

Effects of Heat-Treatment Temperature on the Microstructure, Electrical and Dielectric Properties of M-Type Hexaferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Ihsan; Islam, M. U.; Awan, M. S.; Ahmad, Mukhtar

2014-02-01

M-type hexaferrite BaCr x Ga x Fe12-2 x O19 ( x = 0.2) powders have been synthesized by use of a sol-gel autocombustion method. The powder samples were pressed into 12-mm-diameter pellets by cold isostatic pressing at 2000 bar then heat treated at 700°C, 800°C, 900°C, and 1000°C. X-ray diffraction patterns of the powder sample heat treated at 1000°C confirmed formation of the pure M-type hexaferrite phase. The electrical resistivity at room temperature was significantly enhanced by increasing the temperature of heat treatment and approached 5.84 × 109 Ω cm for the sample heat treated at 1000°C. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent decreased whereas conductivity increased with increasing applied field frequency in the range 1 MHz-3 GHz. The dielectric properties and ac conductivity were explained on the basis of space charge polarization in accordance with the Maxwell-Wagner two-layer model and Koop's phenomenological theory. The single-phase synthesized materials may be useful for high-frequency applications, for example reduction of eddy current losses and radar absorbing waves.

One-Dimensional Thermal Violence Cook-Off Test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cook, Malcolm; Stennett, Christopher; University of Cranfield, Shrivenham, Swindon, SN6 8LA Team; AWE plc, Aldermaston, Reading Bershire, RG7 4PR, UK Team

2017-06-01

The One-Dimensional Thermal Violence (ODTV) test is designed to quantify and rank the violence of HE charges when heated to elevated temperatures. The test design consists of a central spherical explosive pellet encased in two aluminium barrel shaped halves, fitted with a copper sealing ring, encased by two aluminium locking rings placed over them from either end. The outer surface of the capsule is heated uniformly by placing in a pre-heated molten solder bath. This allows the time-to-explosion to be recorded for different initial bath temperatures. The ODTV capsule can hold samples up to 30mm in diameter. Diagnostics include both thermocouples and Photon Dopler Velocimetry (PDV). A series of live firings have been carried out on a range of bespoke HMX/HTPB explosives. These include HMX/HTPB mix ratios of 95/5, 92/8, 90/10, 88/12 and 85/15. These tests showed that the ODTV capsule had sufficient confinement and size that it could capture the spectrum of events expected from these formulations. It has been demonstrated that the deformation of the heater cup (that houses the molten solder) can be used as an additional violence metric along with the fragmentation and PDV wall velocities of the aluminium ODTV capsule.

Transcatheter closure of moderate-to-large patent ductus arteriosus in infants using Amplatzer duct occluder.

PubMed

Wang, Jou-Kou; Wu, Mei-Hwan; Lin, Ming-Tai; Chiu, Shuenn-Nan; Chen, Chun-An; Chiu, Hsin-Hui

2010-02-01

There are difficulties in transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in infants. The 46 infants (mean age 6.2+/-2.7 months; mean body weight 6.3+/-1.6 kg) who underwent PDA closure using the Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO). The indication for using an ADO was a ductus diameter > or =2.5 or 3 mm. Device diameter selected was 1-3 mm larger than ductal diameter. The mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 40.9+/-18.2 mmHg. The mean Qp/Qs ratio was 3.1+/-1.2. The mean ductus diameter was 3.3+/-0.8 mm. ADO was successfully deployed in 45 patients. Failure occurred in 1 case. The mean diameter of device used was 5.4+/-1.1 mm. No severe complications occurred. At the 1-month echocardiographic follow-up, a small residual shunt was present in 4 of 45 patients and had disappeared in all 4 patients at the 3-month follow-up. One patient developed a moderate degree of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction 2.3 years after the procedure. Transcatheter closure of PDA in infants using the ADO is a safe and effective method.

Rapid sealing of porcine renal blood vessels, ex vivo, using a high power, 1470-nm laser, and laparoscopic prototype

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardy, Luke A.; Hutchens, Thomas C.; Larson, Eric R.; Gonzalez, David A.; Chang, Chun-Hung; Nau, William H.; Fried, Nathaniel M.

2017-05-01

Energy-based, radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasonic (US) devices currently provide rapid sealing of blood vessels during laparoscopic procedures. We are exploring infrared lasers as an alternate energy modality for vessel sealing, capable of generating less collateral thermal damage. Previous studies demonstrated feasibility of sealing vessels in an in vivo porcine model using a 1470-nm laser. However, the initial prototype was designed for testing in open surgery and featured tissue clasping and light delivery mechanisms incompatible with laparoscopic surgery. In this study, a laparoscopic prototype similar to devices currently in surgical use was developed, and performance tests were conducted on porcine renal blood vessels, ex vivo. The 5-mm outer-diameter laparoscopic prototype featured a traditional Maryland jaw configuration that enables tissue manipulation and blunt dissection. Laser energy was delivered through a 550-μm-core-diameter optical fiber with side-delivery from the lower jaw and beam dimensions of 18-mm length×1.2-mm width. The 1470-nm diode laser delivered 68 W with 3-s activation time, consistent with vessel seal times associated with RF and US-based devices. A total of 69 fresh porcine renal vessels with mean diameter of 3.3±1.7 mm were tested, ex vivo. Vessels smaller than 5-mm diameter were consistently sealed (48/51) with burst pressures greater than malignant hypertension blood pressure (180 mmHg), averaging 1038±474 mmHg. Vessels larger than 5 mm were not consistently sealed (6/18), yielding burst pressures of only 174±221 mmHg. Seal width, thermal damage zone, and thermal spread averaged 1.7±0.8, 3.4±0.7, and 1.0±0.4 mm, respectively. Results demonstrated that the 5-mm optical laparoscopic prototype consistently sealed vessels less than 5-mm diameter with low thermal spread. Further in vivo studies are planned to test the performance across a variety of vessels and tissues.

Optimization of lactic acid production by pellet-form Rhizopus oryzae in 3-L airlift bioreactor using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Maneeboon, Thanapoom; Vanichsriratana, Wirat; Pomchaitaward, Chaiyaporn; Kitpreechavanich, Vichien

2010-05-01

The influence of two key environmental factors, pH and oxygen transfer coefficient (k(L)a), was evaluated on the lactic acid production as the main answer and, on the size of cell pellets of the fungal strain Rhizopus oryzae KPS106, as second dependant answer by response surface methodology using a central composite design. The results of the analysis of variance and modeling demonstrated that pH and k(L)a had a significant effect on lactic acid production by this strain. However, no interaction was observed between these two experimental factors. pH and k(L)a had no significant influence on the pellet size. Optimal pH and k(L)a of the fermentation medium for lactic acid production from response surface analysis was 5.85 and of 3.6 h(-1), respectively. The predicted and experimental lactic acid maximal values were 75.4 and 72.0 g/l, respectively, with pellets of an average of 2.54 +/- 0.41 mm. Five repeated batches in series were conducted with a mean lactic acid production of 77.54 g/l. The productivity was increased from 0.75 in the first batch to 0.99 g/l h in the last fifth batch.

Effects of alfalfa hay and its physical form (chopped versus pelleted) on performance of Holstein calves.

PubMed

Jahani-Moghadam, M; Mahjoubi, E; Hossein Yazdi, M; Cardoso, F C; Drackley, J K

2015-06-01

Inclusion of forage and its physical form in starter may affect rumen development, average daily gain (ADG), and dry matter intake (DMI) of dairy calves. To evaluate the effects of forage and its physical form (chopped vs. pelleted) on growth of calves under a high milk feeding regimen, 32 Holstein calves (38.8±1.1kg) were assigned at birth to 1 of 3 treatments in a completely randomized block design. Dietary treatments (% of dry matter) were (1) 100% semi-texturized starter (CON); (2) 90% semi-texturized starter + 10% chopped alfalfa hay (mean particle size=5.4mm) as a total mixed ration (TMR; CH); and (3) 90% semi-texturized starter + 10% pelleted alfalfa (mean=5.8mm) hay as a TMR (PH). Data were subjected to mixed model analysis with contrasts used to evaluate effect of forage inclusion. Calves were weaned at 76 d of age and the experiment finished 2 wk after weaning. Individual milk and solid feed consumption were recorded daily. Solid feed consumption and ADG increased as age increased (effect of week), but neither forage inclusion nor physical form of forage affected these variables pre- or postweaning. Plasma urea N was affected by treatments such that the CON group had a lower concentration than forage-fed groups. Forage inclusion, but not physical form, resulted in increased total protein in plasma. Although days with elevated rectal temperature, fecal score, and general appearance were not affected by dietary treatments, calves fed alfalfa hay during the first month of life had fewer days with respiratory issues, regardless of physical form of hay. We concluded that provision of forage does have some beneficial effects in calves fed large amounts of milk replacer, but pelleted alfalfa hay did not result in any improvement in calf performance or health. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Microwave-Assisted Alkali Pre-Treatment, Densification and Enzymatic Saccharification of Canola Straw and Oat Hull.

PubMed

Agu, Obiora S; Tabil, Lope G; Dumonceaux, Tim

2017-03-26

The effects of microwave-assisted alkali pre-treatment on pellets' characteristics and enzymatic saccharification for bioethanol production using lignocellulosic biomass of canola straw and oat hull were investigated. The ground canola straw and oat hull were immersed in distilled water, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide solutions at two concentrations (0.75% and 1.5% w/v) and exposed to microwave radiation at power level 713 W and three residence times (6, 12 and 18 min). Bulk and particle densities of ground biomass samples were determined. Alkaline-microwave pre-treated and untreated samples were subjected to single pelleting test in an Instron universal machine, pre-set to a load of 4000 N. The measured parameters, pellet density, tensile strength and dimensional stability were evaluated and the results showed that the microwave-assisted alkali pre-treated pellets had a significantly higher density and tensile strength compared to samples that were untreated or pre-treated by microwave alone. The chemical composition analysis showed that microwave-assisted alkali pre-treatment was able to disrupt and break down the lignocellulosic structure of the samples, creating an area of cellulose accessible to cellulase reactivity. The best enzymatic saccharification results gave a high glucose yield of 110.05 mg/g dry sample for canola straw ground in a 1.6 mm screen hammer mill and pre-treated with 1.5% NaOH for 18 min, and a 99.10 mg/g dry sample for oat hull ground in a 1.6 mm screen hammer mill and pre-treated with 0.75% NaOH for 18 min microwave-assisted alkali pre-treatments. The effects of pre-treatment results were supported by SEM analysis. Overall, it was found that microwave-assisted alkali pre-treatment of canola straw and oat hull at a short residence time enhanced glucose yield.

Additive Manufacturing of Catalyst Substrates for Steam-Methane Reforming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kramer, Michelle; McKelvie, Millie; Watson, Matthew

2018-01-01

Steam-methane reforming is a highly endothermic reaction, which is carried out at temperatures up to 1100 °C and pressures up to 3000 kPa, typically with a Ni-based catalyst distributed over a substrate of discrete alumina pellets or beads. Standard pellet geometries (spheres, hollow cylinders) limit the degree of mass transfer between gaseous reactants and catalyst. Further, heat is supplied to the exterior of the reactor wall, and heat transfer is limited due to the nature of point contacts between the reactor wall and the substrate pellets. This limits the degree to which the process can be intensified, as well as limiting the diameter of the reactor wall. Additive manufacturing now gives us the capability to design structures with tailored heat and mass transfer properties, not only within the packed bed of the reactor, but also at the interface between the reactor wall and the packed bed. In this work, the use of additive manufacturing to produce monolithic-structured catalyst substrate models, made from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, with enhanced conductive heat transfer is described. By integrating the reactor wall into the catalyst substrate structure, the effective thermal conductivity increased by 34% from 0.122 to 0.164 W/(m K).

Echocolor Doppler morpho-functional study of the jugulo-subclavian confluence in chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency and multiple sclerosis patients.

PubMed

Mandolesi, Sandro; d'Alessandro, Aldo; Desogus, Antonello Ignazio; Ciccone, Marco Matteo; Zito, Annapaola; Stammegna, Immacolata; Niglio, Tarcisio; Orsini, Augusto; Mandolesi, Dimitri; d'Alessandro, Alessandro; Revelli, Luca

2017-01-01

The aim of this work is to measure the mean diameter of the confluence jugulo- subclavian, the impact of different types of jugular confluences and the correlation between the types of confluences and the Valsalva maneuver (jugular reflux) in subjects with Chronic Cerebro-Spinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) and Multiple Sclerosis. We investigated by Echo-Color-Doppler (ECD) 103 subjects (67 F 36M) of mean age 45 ± 12 years (a minimum of 22 to a maximum of 79 years, with a median of 44 and a modal value 42 years), mean EDSS of 4.7 and average disease duration of 12 years. The 103 right jugular veins investigated had an average diameter of 8.4 ± 2.4 mm (minimum 4.0, maximum 14.9 mm; median 7.9; modal value 7.6 mm). Three form types were found: 56 cylindrical, 29 conical and 18 funnel. Valsalva maneuver was positive in 30 patients. The 103 left jugular investigated had an average diameter of 8.9 ± 2.4 mm (minimum 2.8, maximum 14.4 mm; median of 8.8; modal value 8.7 mm). The form types were found: 42 cylindrical, 45 conical and 16 funnel. Valsalva maneuver was positive in 30 patients. The mean diameter of the jugular veins was 8.7 mm. Internal jugular veins with cylindrical morphology have a diameter smaller than other forms; this difference is statistically significant. The different morphology of the jugular vein confluence does not increase the possibility of a reflux because the positive Valsalva maneuvers are not statistically significant when compared to the various types. CCSVI, EchoColorDoppler Map, Jugulo-Subclavian Confluence Diameter.

Trunnionosis: Does Head Size Affect Fretting and Corrosion in Total Hip Arthroplasty?

PubMed

Del Balso, Christopher; Teeter, Matthew G; Tan, Sok Chuen; Howard, James L; Lanting, Brent A

2016-10-01

Wear and tribocorrosion at the modular head-neck taper interface may be a cause of failure in metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty (THA). The present investigation endeavored to elucidate the effect of femoral head diameter on fretting and corrosion in retrieved head-neck tapers. A retrieval analysis of THA prostheses in vivo for a minimum of 1 year was performed. Twenty-three femoral heads of 32-mm diameter were matched with 28-mm heads based on time in vivo and head length (-3 mm to +8 mm). All included implants featured a single taper design from a single manufacturer. Fretting and corrosion damage scoring was performed for each implant under stereomicroscopic visualization. Head diameter was observed to affect fretting (P = .01), with 32-mm femoral heads exhibiting greater total fretting scores than 28-mm heads. Fretting damage was greatest (P = .01) in the central concentric zone of the femoral head bore tapers, regardless of head diameter, length, or stem offset. No significant effect on total corrosion scores was observed for any head or stem variable. Retrieved implant total corrosion scores were positively correlated (ρ = 0.51, P < .001) with implantation time. Increased femoral head diameter in THA may produce greater fretting damage owing to and increased head-neck moment arm. There is no associated increase in corrosion with 28-mm and 32-mm heads of this taper design. The longer a THA prosthesis is implanted, the greater the risk of damage due to corrosion. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Transfer and development length of 15.2 mm (0.6 in.) diameter prestressing strand in high performance concrete : results of the Hoblitzell-Buckner beam tests

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-06-01

This study examines the transfer and development length of 15.2 mm (0.6 in.) diameter prestressing strand in high performance (high strength) concrete. Two 1067 mm (42.0 in.) deep rectangular beams, commonly called the Hoblitzell-Buckner beams, each ...

Effects of Mitral Annulus Remodeling Following MitraClip Procedure on Reduction of Functional Mitral Regurgitation.

PubMed

Hidalgo, Francisco; Mesa, Dolores; Ruiz, Martín; Delgado, Mónica; Rodríguez, Sara; Pardo, Laura; Pan, Manuel; López, Amador; Romero, Miguel A; Suárez de Lezo, José

2016-11-01

The percutaneous mitral valve repair procedure (MitraClip) appears to reduce mitral annulus diameter in patients with functional mitral regurgitation, but the relationship between this and regurgitation severity has not been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mitral annulus remodeling on the reduction of mitral regurgitation in patients with functional etiology. The study included all patients with functional mitral regurgitation treated with MitraClip at our hospital until January 2015. Echocardiogram (iE33 model, Philips) was performed in all patients immediately after device positioning. Changes in the mitral annulus correlated with mitral regurgitation severity, as assessed using the effective regurgitant orifice area. The study included 23 patients (age, 65±14 years; 74% men; left ventricular ejection fraction, 31%±13%; systolic pulmonary artery pressure, 47±10 mmHg). After the procedure, the regurgitant orifice area decreased by 0.30 cm 2 ±0.04 cm 2 (P<.0005), from a baseline of 0.49 cm 2 ±0.09 cm 2 . Anteroposterior diameter decreased by 3.14 mm±1.01 mm (P<.0005) from a baseline of 28.27 mm±4.9 mm, with no changes in the intercommissural diameter (0.50 mm±0.91 mm vs 40.68 mm±4.7 mm; P=.26). A significant association was seen between anteroposterior diameter reduction and regurgitant orifice area reduction (r=.49; P=.020). In patients with functional mitral regurgitation, the MitraClip device produces an immediate reduction in the anteroposterior diameter. This remodeling may be related to the reduction in mitral regurgitation. Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Engineering Design Handbook. Discontinuous Fiberglass Reinforced Thermoplastics

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-04-01

Fiberglass Type and Form Glass fibers are...Hall, Ltd. Figure 2-11. Stress vs Volume of Glass Fiber for Nylon and Polypropylene Glass Fiber E glass 12 Mm diam. Fibreglass Ltd Size ref...good dispersion of fiberglass in the end product with pelletized feed stocks. Glass fiber attrition is minimized with the dry blend technique,

Mean Normal Portal Vein Diameter Using Sonography among Clients Coming to Radiology Department of Jimma University Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia.

PubMed

Geleto, Gemechu; Getnet, Wondim; Tewelde, Tsegaye

2016-05-01

Mean portal vein diameter is considered as the best indicator for portal hypertension. However, the cutoff point differs from study to study (above 10-15 mm) despite the existence of normal mean portal vein diameter between 10-15 mm in different settings.This implies the existence of limited evidence on normal portal vein diameter for all populations in all countries prior to setting the cutoff points. Therefore, the aim of this study was sonographic assessment of normal mean portal vein diameter among patients referred to The Department of Radiology in Jimma University Hospital. A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2014 at Jimma University Hospital on a total of 195 clients. Data about portal vein diameter for eligible clients were collected by radiologists using Sonography. Data were edited manually, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Data were collected from a total of 195 participants. Among these, 121(62.1%) were males and the median age of the participants was 35 years. The study revealed a normal mean portal vein diameter of 10.6 mm ±1.8 SD with a respirophasic variation of 25.6%. Likewise, the normal mean portal vein diameter seemed to have varied significantly by age and sex. The study revealed a normal mean portal vein diameter ranging below 13 mm. Hence, decisions made in clinical settings should base on these findings. Besides, there is a need for large scale study to determine portal vein diameter variation by age and sex, controlling other confounders.

Thermoelectric Coolers with Sintered Silver Interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kähler, Julian; Stranz, Andrej; Waag, Andreas; Peiner, Erwin

2014-06-01

The fabrication and performance of a sintered Peltier cooler (SPC) based on bismuth telluride with sintered silver interconnects are described. Miniature SPC modules with a footprint of 20 mm2 were assembled using pick-and-place pressure-assisted silver sintering at low pressure (5.5 N/mm2) and moderate temperature (250°C to 270°C). A modified flip-chip bonder combined with screen/stencil printing for paste transfer was used for the pick-and-place process, enabling high positioning accuracy, easy handling of the tiny bismuth telluride pellets, and immediate visual process control. A specific contact resistance of (1.4 ± 0.1) × 10-5 Ω cm2 was found, which is in the range of values reported for high-temperature solder interconnects of bismuth telluride pellets. The realized SPCs were evaluated from room temperature to 300°C, considerably outperforming the operating temperature range of standard commercial Peltier coolers. Temperature cycling capability was investigated from 100°C to 235°C over more than 200 h, i.e., 850 cycles, during which no degradation of module resistance or cooling performance occurred.

A Comparison of Performance Characteristics of Multistage Thermoelectric Coolers Based on Different Ceramic Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semenyuk, V.

2014-06-01

The influence of the thermal properties of the substrate on the performance of cascade thermoelectric coolers (TECs) is studied with an emphasis on a justified choice of substrate material. An analytical model is developed for predicting the thermal resistance of the substrate associated with three-dimensional heat transfer from a smaller cascade area into a larger cooling cascade. The model is used to define the maximum temperature difference for a line of standard multistage TECs based on various substrate materials with different thermal conductivities, including white 96% Al2O3 "Rubalit" ceramic, grey 99.8% Al2O3 "Policor" ceramic, and AlN and BeO ceramics. Two types of multistage TECs are considered, namely with series and series-parallel connection of TE pellets, having from two to five cascades with TE pellet length in the range from 0.3 mm to 2 mm. A comparative analysis of the obtained results is made, and recommendations are formulated concerning the selection of an appropriate substrate material providing the highest performance-to-cost ratio.

The feeding habits of the snail kite in Florida, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sykes, P.W.

1987-01-01

The feeding habits of the Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) were observed intermittently from 1967-1980 in Florida, USA. Approximately 97% of all observed foraging bouts were over marshes having sparse emergent vegetation. The visually-hunting kite was unable to forage over floating mats of exotic water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). Male kites had shorter hunting bouts than females. For still-hunting, the birds' perches ranged from 0.15-4.6 m high and captures occurred an average of 5.8 m from perches. Females were significantly more successful (70%) for course-hunting than males (48%), but I found no difference for still-hunting. Birds tended to forage throughout the day, except for occasional inactive periods by some individuals during midday. On cooler days, foraging commenced slightly later in the morning than on warmer days. Kites probably capture freshwater apple snails (Pomacea paludosa) as deep as 16 cm. Capture rates for adults generally ranged from 1.7-3.4 snails per hour. Kites usually foraged over a common hunting area, and defense of foraging sites was rare. Handling of snails, from the kite's arrival at the feeding perch unit consumption, averaged 2.7 min, with no significant difference between sexes. However, adult females were more efficient at the extraction portion of this process than were adult males. Snails were usually extracted before being brought to the nest, except in the latter part of the nestling period when some snails were extracted at or near the nest and some were brought intact. Adults feed small chicks bill to bill, and both parents generally shared equally in care of the young, except at two nests where the females did 67% or more of the feeding. Mean length of snails taken by kites was 42.8 mm (range 25.2-71.3 n=697) and mean diameter was 45.8 mm (range 27.4-82.4, n=697). The most common size classes tkaen were 30-60 mm in length and diameter. Nutritional and gross energy values were determined for apple snails. Female snails with albumen glands removed (versus males or mixed samples of both sexes of complete tissue or with viscera removed) had the highest caloric value (.hivin.x=4.04 kcal/g, n=10). Kites cast pellets, a behavior documented here for the first time.

A new Doppler-echo method to quantify regurgitant volume.

PubMed

Wang, S S; Rubenstein, J J; Goldman, M; Sidd, J J

1992-01-01

An in vitro technique using color flow imaging and continuous wave Doppler was developed to measure the initial regurgitant flow jet diameter and velocity integral to yield the parameters for a volume calculation. Jets were produced by volume-controlled injection through tubes of various diameters (1.3, 1.9, 2.8, and 3.5 mm) to deliver volumes from 1 to 7 ml over 100 to 300 msec at pressures from 40 to 200 mm Hg. One hundred forty-five samples were obtained. Flow jet diameter consistently overestimated tube diameter by 2 mm when injected volume was 1.5 to 7 ml and by 1.5 mm when injected volume was less than 1.5 ml. This offset was stable with various transducers (2.5, 3.5, 5.0 MHz) at normal gain setting (just under noise). Therefore, corrected flow jet diameter (FJD) = FJD - 2 mm, and Doppler volume = corrected flow jet area x velocity integral. A range of injectates from 1.1 to 7 ml generated Doppler volume of 1.0 to 8.2 ml. The relation between Doppler volume (DV) and injected volume (IV) was DV = 1.079 IV - 0.22, r2 = 0.945, p less than 0.01. This relation was not altered by tube diameter. Thus a method combining color flow imaging and continuous wave Doppler provides a reliable and accurate measure of in vitro flow volume.

7 CFR 51.2932 - Damage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... apparent. (e) Scab spots when cracked or aggregating more than three-eighths inch (9.5 mm) in diameter. (f... scattered and aggregating more than one-fourth inch (6.3 mm) in diameter. (g) Hail when the skin has been...

7 CFR 51.2932 - Damage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... apparent. (e) Scab spots when cracked or aggregating more than three-eighths inch (9.5 mm) in diameter. (f... scattered and aggregating more than one-fourth inch (6.3 mm) in diameter. (g) Hail when the skin has been...

7 CFR 51.2932 - Damage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... apparent. (e) Scab spots when cracked or aggregating more than three-eighths inch (9.5 mm) in diameter. (f... scattered and aggregating more than one-fourth inch (6.3 mm) in diameter. (g) Hail when the skin has been...

50 CFR 648.144 - Gear restrictions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...) Untreated hemp, jute, or cotton string of 3/16 inches (4.8 mm) diameter or smaller; or (ii) Magnesium alloy... following degradable materials: (A) Untreated hemp, jute, or cotton string of 3/16 inches (4.8 mm) diameter...

Platform switching: biomechanical evaluation using three-dimensional finite element analysis.

PubMed

Tabata, Lucas Fernando; Rocha, Eduardo Passos; Barão, Valentim Adelino Ricardo; Assunção, Wirley Goncalves

2011-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate, using three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA), the stress distribution in peri-implant bone tissue, implants, and prosthetic components of implant-supported single crowns with the use of the platform-switching concept. Three 3D finite element models were created to replicate an external-hexagonal implant system with peri-implant bone tissue in which three different implant-abutment configurations were represented. In the regular platform (RP) group, a regular 4.1-mm-diameter abutment (UCLA) was connected to regular 4.1-mm-diameter implant. The platform-switching (PS) group was simulated by the connection of a wide implant (5.0 mm diameter) to a regular 4.1-mm-diameter UCLA abutment. In the wide-platform (WP) group, a 5.0-mm-diameter UCLA abutment was connected to a 5.0-mm-diameter implant. An occlusal load of 100 N was applied either axially or obliquely on the models using ANSYS software. Both the increase in implant diameter and the use of platform switching played roles in stress reduction. The PS group presented lower stress values than the RP and WP groups for bone and implant. In the peri-implant area, cortical bone exhibited a higher stress concentration than the trabecular bone in all models and both loading situations. Under oblique loading, higher intensity and greater distribution of stress were observed than under axial loading. Platform switching reduced von Mises (17.5% and 9.3% for axial and oblique loads, respectively), minimum (compressive) (19.4% for axial load and 21.9% for oblique load), and maximum (tensile) principal stress values (46.6% for axial load and 26.7% for oblique load) in the peri-implant bone tissue. Platform switching led to improved biomechanical stress distribution in peri-implant bone tissue. Oblique loads resulted in higher stress concentrations than axial loads for all models. Wide-diameter implants had a large influence in reducing stress values in the implant system.

Uncovering the Forgotten Effect of Superior Cervical Ganglia on Pupil Diameter in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Experimental Study.

PubMed

Onen, Mehmet Resid; Yilmaz, Ilhan; Ramazanoglu, Leyla; Aydin, Mehmet Dumlu; Keles, Sadullah; Baykal, Orhan; Aydin, Nazan; Gundogdu, Cemal

2018-01-01

To investigate the relationship between neuron density of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglia and pupil diameter in subarachnoid hemorrhage. This study was conducted on 22 rabbits; 5 for the baseline control group, 5 for the SHAM group and 12 for the study group. Pupil diameters were measured via sunlight and ocular tomography on day 1 as the control values. Pupil diameters were re-measured after injecting 0.5 cc saline to the SHAM group, and autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magna of the study group. After 3 weeks, the brain, superior cervical sympathetic ganglia and ciliary ganglia were extracted with peripheral tissues bilaterally and examined histopathologically. Pupil diameters were compared with neuron densities of the sympathetic ganglia and ciliary ganglia which were examined using stereological methods. Baseline values were; normal pupil diameter 7.180±620 ?m and mean neuron density of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglia 6.321±510/mm3, degenerated neuron density of ciliary ganglia was 5±2/mm3 after histopathological examination in the control group. These values were measured as 6.850±578 ?m, 5.950±340/mm3 and 123±39/mm3 in the SHAM group and 9.910±840 ?m, 7.950±764/mm3 and 650±98/mm3 in the study group. A linear relationship was determined between neuron density of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglia and pupil diameters (p < 0.005). Degenerated ciliary ganglia neuron density had an inverse effect on pupil diameters in all groups (p < 0.0001). Highly degenerated neuron density of the ciliary ganglion is not responsible for pupil dilatation owing to parasympathetic pupilloconstrictor palsy, but high neuron density of the pupillodilatatory superior cervical sympathetic ganglia should be considered an important factor for pupil dilatation.

Influence of Age and Apical Diameter on the Success of Endodontic Regeneration Procedures.

PubMed

Estefan, Bishoy Safwat; El Batouty, Kariem Mostafa; Nagy, Mohamed Mokhtar; Diogenes, Anibal

2016-11-01

Treatment of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp and apical pathosis constitutes a challenge for endodontists. The present study was done to evaluate the effect of age and apical diameter on the regenerative potential of young permanent immature teeth with necrotic pulps. Immature necrotic permanent maxillary incisors (n = 40) of patients 9-18 years old were divided into 2 groups according to the treatment protocol: group Y (younger age group), 9-13 years and group O (older age group), 14-18 years. Each group was further subdivided into 2 subgroups according to apical diameter, subgroup (n) (narrower diameter) between 0.5 and 1 mm and subgroup (w) (wider diameter) equal to or greater than 1 mm. Revascularization procedures were performed for all patients. Follow-up was done for up to 12 months. Standardized radiographs were digitally evaluated for increase in root length and thickness and decrease in apical diameter. After the follow-up period, most of the cases demonstrated radiographic evidence of periapical healing. Group Y showed significant progressive increase in root length and width and decrease in apical diameter. Subgroup (w) representing wider apical diameter showed significant progress as well. It was found that revascularization procedures can be implemented in any age ranging from 9 to 18 years; however, younger age groups were better candidates for revascularization procedure than older ones. Regarding the apical diameter, regeneration procedures were successful with apical diameters as small as 0.5 mm. However, teeth with preoperative wider diameters (≥1 mm) demonstrated greater increase in root thickness, length, and apical narrowing. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. All rights reserved.

Performance Evaluation and Initial Clinical Test of the Positron Emission Mammography System (PEMi)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lin; Gu, Xiao-Yue; Li, Dao-Wu; Huang, Xian-Chao; Chai, Pei; Feng, Bao-Tong; Wang, Pei-Lin; Yun, Ming-Kai; Dai, Dong; Zhang, Zhi-Ming; Yin, Peng-Fei; Xu, Wen-Gui; Wei, Long

2015-10-01

A new polygon positron emission mammography imaging system (PEMi) was developed in 2009 by the Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. PEMi is constructed in a polygon structure with lutetium yttrium orthosilicate crystal arrays mounted on a position-sensitive photomultiplier. The system consists of 64 blocks and each block is arranged in 16 ×16 crystal arrays with a pixel size of 1.9 ×1.9 ×15 mm. The diameter of the detector ring is 166 mm, and the axial length is 128 mm. The transaxial field of view of PEMi is 110 mm. The goal of the initial study was to test PEMi's performance and the clinical imaging ability with a small group of selected subjects. The detectors have a measured intrinsic spatial resolution averaging 1.67 mm. The axial and tangential resolution remained under 2.5-mm full width at half maximum within the central 5-cm diameter of the field of view. The hot rods with a diameter of 1.7 mm can be clearly identified, and the structure of the region containing 1.35-mm diameter rods can also be observed. Using a 6-ns coincidence timing window and a 360 660-keV energy window, the peak sensitivity of the tomograph is 6.88%. The noise-equivalent count rate peak is 110 766 cps for a breast-like cylindrical phantom of 100 mm in diameter at an activity concentration of 0.03 MBq/cc. The recovery coefficients ranged from 0.21 to 0.85 for rods between 1 mm and 5 mm in the image-quality phantom. The reconstructed image resolution achieved an improvement compared with whole-body positron emission tomography (PET), which might reduce the lower threshold on detectable lesion size. Example patient images demonstrate that PEMi is clinically feasible. And more detailed structure information was obtained with PEMi than with the whole-body PET imaging.

Quantitative Gross and CT measurements of Cadaveric Cervical Vertebrae (C3 – C6) as Guidelines for the Lateral mass screw fixation

PubMed Central

Heinneman, Thomas E.; Conti, Mathew S.; Dossous, Paul-Michel F.; Dillon, David J.; Tsiouris, Apostolos J.; Pyo, Se Young; Mtui, Estomih P.; Härtl, Roger

2016-01-01

Background Lateral mass screw fixation is the treatment of choice for posterior cervical stabilization. Long or misdirected screws carry a risk of injury to spinal nerve roots or vertebral artery. This study was aimed to assess the gross anatomic and CT measurements of typical cervical vertebrae for the selection of lateral mass screws. Methods Dimensions of the articular pillars were measured on 1) Dry cervical vertebrae with Vernier calipers and 2) Multiplanar reformations of CT scans of the same vertebrae with Viewer software package. The data was statistically evaluated. Results The transverse diameter of the articular pillars with Vernier calipers varied from 6.0 to 15.4 mm (mean=10.5 mm ± 1.5) and on CT scans ranged from 8.2 – 16.1 mm (mean=11.6 mm ± 1.4). The antero-posterior diameter, an estimate of the screw length by Roy-Camille technique varied from 3.9 to 12.7 mm (mean=8.6 mm ± 1.6) by Vernier calipers and from 6.4 to 13.3 mm (mean=9.1 ± 1.2) on CT scans. The oblique AP diameter, an estimate of screw length by Magerl method varied from 10.8 to 20.3 mm (mean=14.9 mm ± 1.8) by Vernier calipers and from 11.4 to 19.3 mm (mean=14.5 mm ± 1.7) on CT. The CT measurements for height, transverse and AP diameter of the articular pillars were 0.5 - 1.0 mm larger than dimensions by Vernier calipers. No statistically significant difference was observed between the caliper and CT measurements for the oblique AP diameter. Conclusion CT measurements of the articular pillars may slightly overestimate the desired screw length selected by spine surgeons when compared to actual anatomy. Although means of the articular pillars correspond to the screw lengths used, substantial number of observations below 10 mm for Roy-Camille trajectory and below 14 mm for Magerl trajectory requires careful preoperative planning and intra-operative confirmation to avoid long/misdirected lateral mass screws. PMID:28377857

Differences in stone size and ureteral dilation between obstructing proximal and distal ureteral calculi.

PubMed

Eisner, Brian H; Pedro, Renato; Namasivayam, Saravanan; Kambadakone, Avinash; Sahani, Dushyant V; Dretler, Stephen P; Monga, Manoj

2008-09-01

To examine the differences in ureteral dilation and calculus size between obstructing proximal and distal ureteral stones. A retrospective review of computed tomography (CT) scans from 176 consecutive patients with obstructing ureteral calculi was performed. For the calculi, the axial diameter was defined as the largest stone diameter on the axial CT images, and the coronal length was defined as the cephalocaudal length of the stone measured on the coronal CT images. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. A total of 65 proximal and 111 distal ureteral calculi were analyzed. On univariate analysis, the proximal calculi were associated with a greater degree of ureteral dilation (mean 6.1 mm vs 5.3 mm, P = .01) and had a greater coronal length (mean 9.9 mm vs 8.3 mm, P = .005) than distal calculi. This association was also true on the multivariate analysis, which controlled for age and sex (P = .0004). No statistically significant difference was found in the axial calculus diameter for the proximal and distal stones (mean 5.3 mm vs 5.0 mm, P = .29). In a subset of 50 patients whose contralateral ureters (without stones) were measured for control comparison, the ureteral dilation in the ureters with stones was significantly greater than in the control ureters (proximal ureter 6.2 mm vs 4.3 mm, P = .001; distal ureter 4.7 mm vs 3.8 mm, P = .004). For proximal calculi, 72.3% were associated with ureteral dilation of less than 7 mm, 23.1% with 7-10 mm, and 4.6% with greater than 10 mm. For the distal calculi, 90.1% were associated with ureteral dilation of less than 7 mm, 6.3% with 7-10 mm, and 3.6% with greater than 10 mm. The coronal length was the largest measured diameter in 94% of the calculi, and the mean calculus coronal length was significantly greater than the mean axial diameter (8.9 mm vs 5.1 mm, respectively, P < .001). The results of our study have shown that proximal ureteral calculi are associated with a significantly greater degree of ureteral dilation and larger coronal length than are distal calculi. These findings should guide the endoscopist in planning intracorporeal ureteroscopic lithotripsy. We suggest obtaining CT coronal images to more accurately characterize obstructing ureteral stones.

Relevance of impacter shape to nonvisible damage and residual tensile strength of a thick graphite/epoxy laminate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poe, Clarence C., Jr.

1991-01-01

A study was made to determine the relevance of impacter shape to nonvisible damage and tensile residual strength of a 36 mm thick graphite/epoxy motor case. The shapes of the impacters were as follows: 12.7 mm and 25.4 mm diameter hemispheres, a sharp corner, and a 6.3 mm diameter bolt-like rod. The investigation revealed that damage initiated when the contact pressure exceeded a critical level. However, the damage was not visible on the surface until an even higher pressure was exceeded. The impact energy to initiate damage or cause visible damage on the surface increased approximately with impacter diameter to the third power. The reduction in strength for nonvisible damage increased with increasing diameter, 9 and 30 percent for the 12.7 mm and 25.4 mm diameter hemispheres, respectively. The corner impacter made visible damage on the surface for even the smallest impact energy. The rod impacter acted like a punch and sliced through the composite. Even so, the critical level of pressure to initiate damage was the same for the rod and hemispherical impacters. Factors of safety for nonvisible damage increased with increasing kinetic energy of impact. The effects of impacter shape on impact force, damage size, damage visibility, and residual tensile strength were predicted quite well assuming Hertzian contact and using maximum stress criteria and a surface crack analysis.

Fecal retention in childhood: Evaluation on ultrasonography.

PubMed

Hatori, Reiko; Tomomasa, Takeshi; Ishige, Takashi; Tatsuki, Maiko; Arakawa, Hirokazu

2017-04-01

To assess the usefulness of rectal diameter measurement on ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool for fecal retention in children. One hundred children (median age, 5.0 years), consisting of 80 with functional constipation and 20 without constipation, participated in the study. All patients underwent physical examination that included digital rectal examination. Forty-five children underwent ultrasonography in three differential planes: transection above the symphysis; under the ischial spine; and at the bladder neck. The measurement of the rectal diameter at the transection above the symphysis could most easily detect fecal retention and had the closest correlations with retention among the three planes. Rectal diameter was wider at all measuring points (35.2 vs 20.9 mm above the symphysis, P < 0.0001; 35.7 vs 24.0 mm under the ischial spine, P < 0.0001; and 19.4 vs 8.7 mm at the bladder neck, P < 0.0001) in children with fecal retention than in those with no fecal retention. With regard to presence of constipation, children with fecal retention had a wider rectal diameter above the symphysis than those with no fecal retention (children with functional constipation, 35.3 vs 20.0 mm, P < 0.0001; children without constipation: 32.6 vs 14.6 mm, P = 0.0026). The cut-off for the rectal diameter measured above the symphysis to identify fecal retention was 27 mm, with high sensitivity and specificity (95.5% and 94.1%, respectively). Ultrasound rectal diameter measurement can be used to detect fecal retention in children. © 2016 Japan Pediatric Society.

Comparative range of orthodontic wires.

PubMed

Ingram, S B; Gipe, D P; Smith, R J

1986-10-01

ADA specification No. 32 for determining the range (elastic limit) of orthodontic wires uses the bending of a wire section treated as a cantilever beam. An alternative method for defining the range of orthodontic wires proposed by Waters (1981) is to wrap wire sections around mandrels of varying diameters and measure the deformation imparted after unwrapping. Four brass mandrels with a total of 46 test diameters ranging from 3.5 to 60.0 mm were used in this study. Wire sections 9 cm in length were rolled on the mandrel with a hand lathe. The mandrel cross section required to produce a predetermined amount of deformation (2 mm arc height for a 5 cm chord) was defined as the yield diameter for that particular wire. No individual wire was tested twice so as to avoid introduction of strain history. Test samples of 488 different orthodontic wires supplied by nine commercial distributors were evaluated (a total of 4,747 samples). Stainless steel wires of identical dimensions had a large variation in range, depending on the state of strain hardening and heat treatment. For example, 0.020 inch round wire had yield diameters ranging from 22.8 mm for Australian special plus orange (TP Laboratories) to 42.9 mm for Nubryte gold (G.A.C. International). Chromium cobalt wires had less range than stainless steel before heat treatment, but increased greatly in range after heat treatment. Nitinol (Unitek) had the greatest range of all wires tested (yield diameter of 8.7 mm for 0.016 inch Nitinol). Multistranded stainless steel wires had yield diameters between 9.0 and 14.0 mm.

Development of a probe for inner profile measurement and flaw detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshizawa, Toru; Wakayama, Toshitaka; Kamakura, Yoshihisa

2011-08-01

It is one of the important necessities to precisely measure the inner diameter and/or the inner profile of pipes, tubes and other objects similar in shape. Especially in mechanical engineering field, there are many requests from automobile industry because the inner surface of engine blocks and other die casts are strongly required to be inspected and measured by non-contact methods (not by the naked eyes inspection using a borescope). If the inner diameter is large enough like water pipes or drain pipes, complicated and large equipment may be applicable. However, small pipes with a diameter ranging from 10mm to 100mm are difficult to be inspected by such a large instrument as is used for sewers inspection. And we have proposed an instrument which has no moving elements such as a rotating mirror or a prism for scanning a beam. Our measurement method is based on optical sectioning using triangulation. This optically sectioned profile of an inner wall of pipe-like objects is analyzed to produce numerical data of inner diameter or profile. Here, we report recent development of the principle and applications of the optical instrument with a simple and compact configuration. In addition to profile measurement, we found flaws and defects on the inner wall were also detected by using the similar principle. Up to now, we have developed probes with the diameter of 8mm to 25mm for small size objects and another probe (80 mm in diameter) for such a larger container with the dimensional size of 600mm.

[Determination of Carbaryl in Rice by Using FT Far-IR and THz-TDS Techniques].

PubMed

Sun, Tong; Zhang, Zhuo-yong; Xiang, Yu-hong; Zhu, Ruo-hua

2016-02-01

Determination of carbaryl in rice by using Fourier transform far-infrared (FT- Far-IR) and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) combined with chemometrics was studied and the spectral characteristics of carbaryl in terahertz region was investigated. Samples were prepared by mixing carbaryl at different amounts with rice powder, and then a 13 mm diameter, and about 1 mm thick pellet with polyethylene (PE) as matrix was compressed under the pressure of 5-7 tons. Terahertz time domain spectra of the pellets were measured at 0.5~1.5 THz, and the absorption spectra at 1.6. 3 THz were acquired with Fourier transform far-IR spectroscopy. The method of sample preparation is so simple that it does not need separation and enrichment. The absorption peaks in the frequency range of 1.8-6.3 THz have been found at 3.2 and 5.2 THz by Far-IR. There are several weak absorption peaks in the range of 0.5-1.5 THz by THz-TDS. These two kinds of characteristic absorption spectra were randomly divided into calibration set and prediction set by leave-N-out cross-validation, respectively. Finally, the partial least squares regression (PLSR) method was used to establish two quantitative analysis models. The root mean square error (RMSECV), the root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) and the correlation coefficient of the prediction are used as a basis for the model of performance evaluation. For the R,, a higher value is better; for the RMSEC and RMSEP, lower is better. The obtained results demonstrated that the predictive accuracy of. the two models with PLSR method were satisfactory. For the FT-Far-IR model, the correlation between actual and predicted values of prediction samples (Rv) was 0.99. The root mean square error of prediction set (RMSEP) was 0.008 6, and for calibration set (RMSECV) was 0.007 7. For the THz-TDS model, R. was 0. 98, RMSEP was 0.004 4, and RMSECV was 0.002 5. Results proved that the technology of FT-Far-IR and THz- TDS can be a feasible tool for quantitative determination of carbaryl in rice. This paper provides a new method for the quantitative determination pesticide in other grain samples.

Evaluating the Potential of Adipose Tissue-Derived MSCs as Anticancer Gene Delivery Vehicles to Bone-Metastasized Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

pellet was resuspended and incubated for 2 min in a 2 ml lysis solution (0.15 M Ammonium chloride, 10mM Potassium bicarbonate and 0.1 mM EDTA) and...converting enzyme inhibit human prostate tumor growth. Mol Ther. 2010 Jan;18(1):223-31. PMID: 19844197. 3: Matuskova M , Hlubinova K, Pastorakova A ...potential of mesenchymal stromal cells in a mouse breast cancer metastasis model. Cytotherapy. 2009;11(3):289-98. PMID:19308770. 5: Zhao M , Sachs PC, Wang

Effects of foreign object damage from small hard particles on the high-cycle fatigue life of titanium-(6)aluminum-(4)vanadium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamrick, Joseph L., II

Thin rectangular samples of Ti-6Al-4V were damaged by four methods to represent foreign object damage found in turbine engine blades: (1) impact with 2 mm. and 5 mm diameter glass spheres at 305 m/s, (2) impact with 2 mm and 4 mm diameter steel spheres at 305 m/s, (3) quasi-static displacement controlled indentation using steel chisels with 1 mm, 2 nun and 5 mm diameter tips and (4) shearing notches with a 2 mm. diameter chisel point under a quasi-static loading condition. Finite element analysis was used to study the relationship between the stress state created by the plastic damage and the fatigue strength. A new method of quantifying the amount of plastic damage from multiple methods was developed. The fatigue strength required for crack initiation at 10E7 cycles was found to be a function of the total depth from the edge of the undeformed specimen up to the end of the plastically deformed zone. For damage depths less than 1750 mum, the reduction in fatigue strength is proportional to the depth of total damage. For depths > 1750 mum, there appears to be a threshold value of fatigue strength.

Analysis of the Factors Affecting Surgical Success of Implants Placed in Iranian Warfare Victims

PubMed Central

Jafarian, Mohammad; Bayat, Mohammad; Pakravan, Amir-Hossein; Emadi, Naghmeh

2016-01-01

Objective The aim was to evaluate the survival time and success rates of dental implants in warfare victims and factors that affect implant success. Subjects and Methods This retrospective study involved 250 Iranian warfare victims who received dental implants from 2003 to 2013. Patients' demographic characteristics, as well as the brand, diameter, length, location and failure rate of the implants were retrieved from patients' dental records and radiographs. The associations between these data and the survival rate were analyzed. Statistical analysis was carried out with χ2 and log-rank tests. Results Overall, out of the 1,533 dental implants, 61 (4s%) failed. The maxillary canine area had the highest failure rate [9 of 132 implants (6.8s%)], while the mandibular incisor region had the least number of failures [3 of 147 implants (2.0s%)] and the longest survival time (approximately 3,182 days). Maxillary canine areas had the shortest survival (about 2,996 days). The longest survival time was observed in implants with 11 mm length (3,179.72 ± 30.139 days) and 3.75-4 mm diameter (3,131.161 ± 35.96 days), and the shortest survival was found in implants with 11.5 mm length (2,317.79 ± 18.71 days) and 6.5 mm diameter (2,241.45 ± 182.21 days). Moreover, implants with 10 mm length (10.7s%) and 5.5-6 mm diameter (22.2s%) had the highest failure rate; however, the least failure rate occurred when the implants were 11.5 mm in length (1.9s%) and 3-3.5 mm in diameter (3.1s%). Conclusions The brand, length and diameter of implants affected the survival time, failure rate and time to failure. The location of the implant was not statistically significant regarding the mentioned factors, although it has clinical significance. PMID:27322534

MRI surface-coil pair with strong inductive coupling.

PubMed

Mett, Richard R; Sidabras, Jason W; Hyde, James S

2016-12-01

A novel inductively coupled coil pair was used to obtain magnetic resonance phantom images. Rationale for using such a structure is described in R. R. Mett et al. [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 87, 084703 (2016)]. The original rationale was to increase the Q-value of a small diameter surface coil in order to achieve dominant loading by the sample. A significant improvement in the vector reception field (VRF) is also seen. The coil assembly consists of a 3-turn 10 mm tall meta-metallic self-resonant spiral (SRS) of inner diameter 10.4 mm and outer diameter 15.1 mm and a single-loop equalization coil of 25 mm diameter and 2 mm tall. The low-frequency parallel mode was used in which the rf currents on each coil produce magnetic fields that add constructively. The SRS coil assembly was fabricated and data were collected using a tissue-equivalent 30% polyacrylamide phantom. The large inductive coupling of the coils produces phase-coherency of the rf currents and magnetic fields. Finite-element simulations indicate that the VRF of the coil pair is about 4.4 times larger than for a single-loop coil of 15 mm diameter. The mutual coupling between coils influences the current ratio between the coils, which in turn influences the VRF and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Data on a tissue-equivalent phantom at 9.4 T show a total SNR increase of 8.8 over the 15 mm loop averaged over a 25 mm depth and diameter. The experimental results are shown to be consistent with the magnetic resonance theory of the emf induced by spins in a coil, the theory of inductively coupled resonant circuits, and the superposition principle. The methods are general for magnetic resonance and other types of signal detection and can be used over a wide range of operating frequencies.

Angular and radial dependence of the energy response factor for LIF-TLD micro-rods in 125L permanent implant source.

PubMed

Mobit, Paul; Badragan, Iulian

2006-01-01

EGSnrc Monte Carlo simulations were used to calculate the angular and radial dependence of the energy response factor for LiF-thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLDs) irradiated with a commercially available (125)I permanent brachytherapy source. The LiF-TLDs were modelled as cylindrical micro-rods of length 6 mm and with diameters of 1 mm and 5 mm. The results show that for a LiF-TLD micro-rod of 1 mm diameter, the energy response relative to (60)Co gamma rays is 1.406 +/- 0.3% for a polar angle of 90 degrees and radial distance of 1.0 cm. When the diameter of the micro-rod is increased from 1 to 5 mm, the energy response decreases to 1.32 +/- 0.3% at the same point. The variation with position of the energy response factor is not >5% in a 6 cm x 6 cm x 6 cm calculation grid for the 5 mm diameter micro-rod. The results show that there is a change in the photon spectrum with angle and radial distance, which causes the variation of the energy response.

Directional Solidification and Convection in Small Diameter Crucibles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, J.; Sung, P. K.; Tewari, S. N.; Poirier, D. R.; DeGroh, H. C., III

2003-01-01

Pb-2.2 wt% Sb alloy was directionally solidified in 1, 2, 3 and 7 mm diameter crucibles. Pb-Sb alloy presents a solutally unstable case. Under plane-front conditions, the resulting macrosegregation along the solidified length indicates that convection persists even in the 1 mm diameter crucible. Al-2 wt% Cu alloy was directionally solidified because this alloy was expected to be stable with respect to convection. Nevertheless, the resulting macrosegregation pattern and the microstructure in solidified examples indicated the presence of convection. Simulations performed for both alloys show that convection persists for crucibles as small as 0.6 mm of diameter. For the solutally stable alloy, Al-2 wt% Cu, the simulations indicate that the convection arises from a lateral temperature gradient.

The assessment of the stability of the corneal structure after LASIK correction of myopia by different optical zone diameters.

PubMed

Milivojević, Milorad; Petrović, Vladimir; Vukosavljević, Miroslav; Marjanović, Ivan; Resan, Mirko

2016-06-01

Enlargement of optical zone (OZ) diameter during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) correction of myopia postoperatively improves the optical outcome, however, it also leads to the increased stroma tissue consumption--progressive corneal thinning. The aim of this investigation was to present the possibility of safe OZ enlargement without impairing the structural stability of the cornea, while obtaining an improved optical outcome with LASIK treatment of short-sightedness. Preoperative assessment of the cornea structure and prediction of the ablated stroma tissue consumption was conducted in 37 patients (74 eyes) treated for short-sightedness by means of the LASIK method. With the eyes that, according to their cornea structure, had the capacity for OZ diameter enlargement of 0.5 mm, LASIK treatment was performed within the wider OZ diameter of 7.0 mm compared to the standard 6.5 mm. The following two groups were formed, depending on the diameter of the utilized OZ: the group I (the eyes treated with the OZ 6.5 mm, n = 37) and the group II (the eyes treated with the OZ 7.0 mm, n = 37). No significant difference in the observed structural parameters of the cornea was detected between the groups of patients treated with different OZ diameters. The values of all the parameters were significantly bellow the threshold values for the development of postoperative ectasia. Diameter enlargement of the treated OZ, if there is a preoperative cornea capacity for such enlargement, will not impair the postoperative stability of the cornea structure, and will significantly improve the optical outcome.

Footprint Reduction for the Acoustic Electric Feedthrough Technique

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

input current measured using a 1 Ω sense resistor . Modulation depth of the peak- to-peak input current was 2Δ ~ 20...behaviour of an AEF arrangement formed using piezo -ceramic disks with diameter 38 mm and thickness 2 mm, across an aluminium plate with thickness 1.6 to 5...the 38 mm diameter piezo -ceramic disks. In an attempt to resolve this matter, the DSTO has examined an AEF system formed using disks with 10 mm

A new high-resolution PET scanner dedicated to brain research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, M.; Shimizu, K.; Omura, T.; Takahashi, M.; Kosugi, T.; Yoshikawa, E.; Sato, N.; Okada, H.; Yamashita, T.

2002-06-01

A high-resolution positron emission tomography (PET) scanner dedicated to brain studies has been developed and its physical performance was evaluated. The block detector consists of a new compact position-sensitive photomultiplier tube (PS-PMT, Hamamatsu R7600-C12) and an 8/spl times/4 bismuth germanate (BGO) array. The size of each crystal is 2.8 mm/spl times/6.55 mm/spl times/30 mm. The system has a total of 11 520 crystals arranged in 24 detector rings 508 mm in diameter (480 per ring). The field of view (FOV) is 330 mm in diameter/spl times/163 mm, which is sufficient to measure the entire human brain. The diameter of the scanner's opening is equal to the transaxial FOV (330 mm). The system can be operated in three-dimensional (3-D) data acquisition mode, when the slice septa are retracted. The mechanical motions of the gantry and bed are specially designed to measure the patient in various postures; lying, sitting, and even standing postures. The spatial resolution of 2.9 mm in both the transaxial and axial directions is obtained at the center of the FOV. The total system sensitivity is 6.4 kc/s/kBq/ml in two-dimensional (2-D) mode, with a 20-cm-diameter cylindrical phantom. The imaging capabilities of the scanner were studied with the Hoffman brain phantom and with a normal volunteer.

Effect of holed reflector on acoustic radiation force in noncontact ultrasonic dispensing of small droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Hiroki; Wada, Yuji; Mizuno, Yosuke; Nakamura, Kentaro

2016-06-01

We investigated the fundamental aspects of droplet dispensing, which is an important procedure in the noncontact ultrasonic manipulation of droplets in air. A holed reflector was used to dispense a droplet from a 27.4 kHz standing-wave acoustic field to a well. First, the relationship between the hole diameter of the reflector and the acoustic radiation force acting on a levitated droplet was clarified by calculating the acoustic impedance of the point just above the hole. When the hole diameter was half of (or equal to) the acoustic wavelength λ, the acoustic radiation force was ∼80% (or 50%) of that without a hole. The maximal diameters of droplets levitated above the holes through flat and half-cylindrical reflectors were then experimentally investigated. For instance, with the half-cylindrical reflector, the maximal diameter was 5.0 mm for a hole diameter of 6.0 mm, and droplets were levitatable up to a hole diameter of 12 mm (∼λ).

A continuously variable beam-diameter, high-fluence, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for tattoo removal: comparison of the maximum beam diameter to a standard 4-mm-diameter treatment beam.

PubMed

Bernstein, Eric F; Civiok, Jennifer M

2013-12-01

Laser beam diameter affects the depth of laser penetration. Q-switched lasers tend to have smaller maximum spot sizes than other dermatologic lasers, making beam diameter a potentially more significant factor in treatment outcomes. To compare the clinical effect of using the maximum-size treatment beam available for each delivered fluence during laser tattoo removal to a standard 4-mm-diameter treatment beam. Thirteen tattoos were treated in 12 subjects using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser equipped with a treatment beam diameter that was adjustable in 1 mm increments and a setting that would enable the maximally achievable diameter ("MAX-ON" setting) with any fluence. Tattoos were randomly bisected and treated on one side with the MAX-ON setting and on the contralateral side with a standard 4-mm-diameter spot ("MAX-OFF" setting). Photographs were taken 8 weeks following each treatment and each half-tattoo was evaluated for clearance on a 10-point scale by physicians blinded to the treatment conditions. Tattoo clearance was greater on the side treated with the MAX-ON setting in a statistically significant manner following the 1st through 4th treatments, with the MAX-OFF treatment site approaching the clearance of the MAX-ON treatment site after the 5th and 6th treatments. This high-energy, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with a continuously variable spot-size safely and effectively removes tattoos, with greater removal when using a larger spot-size. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Determination of ion mobility in EHD flow zone of plasma generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumariyah, Kusminarto, Hermanto, Arief; Nuswantoro, Pekik

2015-12-01

Determination has been carried out for ion mobility in EHD flow zone generated using a pin-concentric multiple ring electrodes and a pin-single ring electrode used as a comparator. The pin needle was made from stainless steel with a tip diameter of 0.18 mm. The concentris multiple ring electrode in form three/two concentric ring electrodes which made of metal material connected to each other. Each ring of three concentric ring electrode has a diameter of 24 mm, 16 mm and 8 mm. And each ring of two concentric ring electrode has a diameter of 24 mm and 16 mm. Single ring electrode has a diameter24 mm. The all ring has same of width and thickness were 2 mm and 3 mm. EHD was generated by using a DC high voltage of 10 kV. Pin functional as an active electrode of corona discharge while the all ring electrodes acted as ions collector and passive electrodes. The experimental results show that the ion current is proportional to V2 according to calculations by Chouelo for hyperbolic-field approach. Ion mobility obtained from the quadratic polynomial fitting of experimental data were current and voltage as well as Choelo formulation. The results showed that the mobility of ions in the EHD flow zones utilizing pin-consentric multiple ring electrode larger than utilizing pin-single ring electrode. Pin-three Consentic ring electrode has the largest of ion mobility

Pyrolysis of Large Black Liquor Droplets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartkus, Tadas P.; Dietrich, Daniel L.; T'ien, James S.; Wessel, Richard A.

2007-01-01

This paper presents the results of experiments involving the pyrolysis of large black liquor droplets in the NASA KC-135 reduced gravity aircraft. The reduced gravity environment facilitated the study of droplets up to 9 mm in diameter extending the results of previous studies to droplet sizes that are similar to those encountered in recovery boilers. Single black liquor droplets were rapidly inserted into a 923 K oven. The primary independent variables were the initial droplet diameter (0.5 mm to 9 mm), the black liquor solids content (66.12% - 72.9% by mass), and the ambient oxygen mole fraction (0.0 - 0.21). Video records of the experiments provided size and shape of the droplets as a function of time. The results show that the particle diameter at the end of the drying stage (D(sub DRY)) increases linearly with the initial particle diameter (D(sub O)). The results further show that the ratio of the maximum swollen diameter (D(sub MAX)) to D(sub O) decreases with increasing D(sub O) for droplets with D(sub O) less than 4 mm. This ratio was independent of D(sub O) for droplets with D(sub O) greater than 4 mm. The particle is most spherical at the end of drying, and least spherical at maximum swollen size, regardless of initial sphericity and droplet size.

Pyrolysis of Large Black Liquor Droplets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartkus, Tadas P.; T'ien, James S.; Dietrich, Daniel L.; Wessel, Richard A.

2007-01-01

This paper presents the results of experiments involving the pyrolysis of large black liquor droplets in the NASA KC-135 reduced gravity aircraft. The reduced gravity environment facilitated the study of droplets up to 9 mm in diameter extending the results of previous studies to droplet sizes that are similar to those encountered in recovery boilers. Single black liquor droplets were rapidly inserted into a 923 K oven. The primary independent variables were the initial droplet diameter (0.5 mm to 9 mm), the black liquor solids content (66.12% - 72.9% by mass), and the ambient oxygen mole fraction (0.0 - 0.21). Video records of the experiments provided size and shape of the droplets as a function of time. The results show that the particle diameter at the end of the drying stage (D(sub DRY) ) increases linearly with the initial particle diameter (D(sub O)). The results further show that the ratio of the maximum swollen diameter (D(sub MAX)) to D(sub O) decreases with increasing D(sub O) for droplets with D(sub O) less than 4 mm. This ratio was independent of D(sub O) for droplets with D(sub O) greater than 4 mm. The particle is most spherical at the end of drying, and least spherical at maximum swollen size, regardless of initial sphericity and droplet size.

Esophageal varices on computed tomography and subsequent variceal hemorrhage.

PubMed

Somsouk, Ma; To'o, Katherine; Ali, Mujtaba; Vittinghoff, Eric; Yeh, Benjamin M; Yee, Judy; Monto, Alex; Inadomi, John M; Aslam, Rizwan

2014-04-01

Endoscopy is recommended to screen for esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis. The objective of this study was to identify features on abdominal CT imaging associated variceal hemorrhage (VH). A case-control study was performed among patients with cirrhosis who had a CT scan. Consecutive patients who experienced VH were included as cases, and patients without VH served as controls. Two radiologists recorded the maximal esophageal varix diameter in addition to other measures of portal hypertension at CT. The most powerful CT parameter associated with VH was the esophageal varix diameter (5.8 vs. 2.7 mm, p < 0.001; adjusted OR 1.84 per mm, p = 0.009). 63% of individuals with VH had a maximal varix diameter ≥5 mm compared to 7.5% of cirrhotic patients without VH (p < 0.001). In contrast, the proportion of individuals whose largest varix was <3 mm was 7.4% among VH cases compared to 54.7% among controls (p = 0.001). The varix diameter powerfully discriminated those with and without VH (C-statistic 0.84). A large esophageal varix diameter is strongly associated with subsequent VH. A threshold of <3 and ≥5 mm appears to identify patients with cirrhosis at low and high risk for hemorrhage.

Esophageal varices on computed tomography and subsequent variceal hemorrhage

PubMed Central

Somsouk, Ma; To'o, Katherine; Ali, Mujtaba; Vittinghoff, Eric; Yeh, Benjamin M.; Yee, Judy; Monto, Alex; Inadomi, John M.; Aslam, Rizwan

2014-01-01

Purpose Endoscopy is recommended to screen for esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis. The objective of this study was to identify features on abdominal CT imaging associated variceal hemorrhage (VH). Methods A case–control study was performed among patients with cirrhosis who had a CT scan. Consecutive patients who experienced VH were included as cases, and patients without VH served as controls. Two radiologists recorded the maximal esophageal varix diameter in addition to other measures of portal hypertension at CT. Results The most powerful CT parameter associated with VH was the esophageal varix diameter (5.8 vs. 2.7 mm, p < 0.001; adjusted OR 1.84 per mm, p = 0.009). 63% of individuals with VH had a maximal varix diameter ≥5 mm compared to 7.5% of cirrhotic patients without VH (p < 0.001). In contrast, the proportion of individuals whose largest varix was <3 mm was 7.4% among VH cases compared to 54.7% among controls (p = 0.001). The varix diameter powerfully discriminated those with and without VH (C-statistic 0.84). Conclusions A large esophageal varix diameter is strongly associated with subsequent VH. A threshold of <3 and ≥5 mm appears to identify patients with cirrhosis at low and high risk for hemorrhage. PMID:24366107

Corneal Power Distribution and Functional Optical Zone Following Small Incision Lenticule Extraction for Myopia.

PubMed

Qian, Yishan; Huang, Jia; Zhou, Xingtao; Hanna, Rewais Benjamin

2015-08-01

To evaluate corneal power distribution using the ray tracing method (corneal power) in eyes undergoing small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery and compare the functional optical zone with two lenticular sizes. This retrospective study evaluated 128 patients who underwent SMILE for the correction of myopia and astigmatism with a lenticular diameter of 6.5 mm (the 6.5-mm group) and 6.2 mm (the 6.2-mm group). The data include refraction, correction, and corneal power obtained via a Scheimpflug camera from the pupil center to 8 mm. The surgically induced changes in corneal power (Δcorneal power) were compared to correction and Δrefraction. The functional optical zone was defined as the largest ring diameter when the difference between the ring power and the pupil center power was 1.50 diopters or less. The functional optical zone was compared between two lenticular diameter groups. Corneal power distribution was measured by the ray tracing method. In the 6.5-mm group (n=100), Δcorneal power at 5 mm showed the smallest difference from Δrefraction and Δcorneal power at 0 mm exhibited the smallest difference from correction. In the 6.2-mm group (n=28), Δcorneal power at 2 mm displayed the lowest dissimilarity from Δrefraction and Δcorneal power at 4 mm demonstrated the lowest dissimilarity from correction. There was no significant difference between the mean postoperative functional optical zones in either group when their spherical equivalents were matched. Total corneal refactive power can be used in the evaluation of surgically induced changes following SMILE. A lenticular diameter of 6.2 mm should be recommended for patients with high myopia because there is no functional difference in the optical zone. Copyright 2015, SLACK Incorporated.

Morphological evidence for phages in Xylella fastidiosa

PubMed Central

Chen, Jianchi; Civerolo, Edwin L

2008-01-01

Presumptive phage particles associated with Xylella fastidiosa strain Temecula-1 grown in PW broth were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in ultrathin sections of bacterial cell-containing low speed centrifugation pellets and in partially purified preparations from CsCl equilibrium centrifugation density gradients. Ultrathin-sectioned cell pellets contained icosahedral particles of about 45 nm in diameter. Samples collected from CsCl density gradients revealed mostly non-tailed icosahedral but also tailed particles. The icosahedral particles could be divided into two types: a large type (about 45 nm) and a small type (about 30 nm). Filamentous phage-like particles (17 × 120 to 6,300 nm) were also observed. The presence of different types of phage-like particles resembling to those in several bacteriophage families provides new physical evidence, in addition to X. fastidiosa genomic information, that X. fastidiosa possesses active phages. This is the first report of phage particles released in X. fastidiosa cultures. PMID:18538030

Independent Suture Tape Reinforcement of Small and Standard Diameter Grafts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Biomechanical Full Construct Model.

PubMed

Bachmaier, Samuel; Smith, Patrick A; Bley, Jordan; Wijdicks, Coen A

2018-02-01

To compare the dynamic elongation, stiffness behavior, and ultimate failure load of standard with small diameter soft tissue grafts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with and without high-strength suture tape reinforcement. Both a tripled "small" diameter and a "standard" quadrupled tendon graft with and without suture tape reinforcement were tested using suspensory fixation (n = 8 each group). The suture tape was passed through the suspensory fixation button on the femur and tibia to ensure independent (safety belt) fixation from the graft in vitro. The testing of the constructs included position-controlled cyclic loading, force-controlled cyclic loading at 250 N and 400 N as well as pull to failure (50 mm/min). Reinforcement of a small diameter graft significantly reduced dynamic elongation of 38% (1.46 ± 0.28 mm vs 2.34 ± 0.44 mm, P < .001) and 50% (2.55 ± 0.44 mm vs 5.06 ± 0.67 mm, P < .001) after the 250 N and 400 N load protocol, respectively. Reinforcement of a standard diameter tendon graft decreased dynamic elongation of 15% (1.59 ± 0.34 mm vs 1.86 ± 0.17 mm, P = .066) and 26% (2.62 ± 0.44 mm vs 3.55 ± 0.44 mm, P < .001). No significant difference was found between both reinforced models. The ultimate failure loads of small and standard diameter reinforced grafts were 1592 ± 105 N and 1585 ± 265 N, resulting in a 64% (P < .001) and 40% (P < .001) increase compared with their respective controls. Independent suture tape reinforcement of soft tissue grafts for ACL reconstruction leads to significantly reduced elongation and higher ultimate failure load according to in vivo native ACL function data without stress-shielding the soft tissue graft. If in vitro results are translational to human knees in vivo, the suture tape reinforcement technique for ACL reconstruction may decrease the risk of graft tears, particularly in the case of small diameter soft tissue grafts. Copyright © 2017 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of Implant Diameter and Ridge Dimension on Stress Distribution in Mandibular First Molar Sites-A Photoelastic Study.

PubMed

Termeie, Deborah; Klokkevold, Perry R; Caputo, Angelo A

2015-10-01

The long-term clinical success of a dental implant is dependent upon maintaining sufficient osseointegration to resist forces of occlusion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of implant diameter on stress distribution around screw-type dental implants in mandibular first molar sites using photoelastic models. The design included models with different buccal-lingual dimension. Twelve composite photoelastic models were assembled using 2 different resins to simulate trabecular and cortical bone. Half of the models were fabricated with average dimensions for ridge width and the other half with narrower buccal-lingual dimensions. One internal connection implant (13 mm length) with either a standard (4 mm), wide (5 mm), or narrow (3.3 mm) diameter was embedded in the first molar position of each photoelastic model. Half the implants were tapered and the other half were straight. Full gold crowns in the shape of a mandibular first molar were fabricated and attached to the implants. Vertical and angled loads of 15 and 30 pounds were applied to specific points on the crown. Wide-diameter implants produced the least stress in all ridges while narrow-diameter implants generated the highest stress, especially in narrow ridges. It may be that the volume and quality of bone surrounding implants influences stress distribution with a greater ratio of cortical to trabecular bone, thus providing better support. Models with wide-diameter implants loaded axially had a more symmetrical stress distribution compared to standard and narrow diameter implants. A more asymmetrical stress pattern developed along the entire implant length with angled loads. Implant diameter and ridge width had considerable influence on stress distribution. Narrow-diameter implants produced more stress than wide diameter implants in all conditions tested.

Left Atrial Size and Left Ventricular End-Systolic Dimension Predict the Progression of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation After Catheter Ablation.

PubMed

Liao, Ying-Chieh; Liao, Jo-Nan; Lo, Li-Wei; Lin, Yenn-Jiang; Chang, Shih-Lin; Hu, Yu-Feng; Chao, Tze-Fan; Chung, Fa-Po; Tuan, Ta-Chuan; Te, Abigail Louise D; Walia, Rohit; Yamada, Shinya; Lin, Chung-Hsing; Lin, Chin-Yu; Chang, Yao-Ting; Allamsetty, Suresh; Yu, Wen-Chung; Huang, Jing-Long; Wu, Tsu-Juey; Chen, Shih-Ann

2017-01-01

Although rare, some paroxysmal atrial fibrillations (AF) still progress despite radiofrequency (RF) ablation. In the study, we evaluated the long-term efficacy of RF ablation and the predictors of AF progression. A total of 589 paroxysmal AF patients (404 men and 185 women; aged 54 ± 12 years) who received 3-dimensional mapping and ablation were enrolled. Their clinical parameters and electrophysiological characteristics were collected. They were divided into Group 1 (N = 13, with AF progression) and Group 2 (N = 576, no AF progression). AF progression was defined as recurrence of persistent AF. Group 1 patients had larger left atrial (LA) diameter, larger left ventricle (LV) end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters, poorer LV systolic function, and more amiodarone use at baseline. After 1.2 ± 0.5 procedures, 123 (21%) patients experienced recurrence during 56 ± 29 months' follow-up. In the multivariate analysis, LA diameter (P = 0.018, HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.02-1.24) and LV end-systolic diameter (P = 0.005, HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03-1.17) independently predicted AF progression. LA diameter >43 mm and LV end-systolic diameter >31 mm were the best cut-off values for predicting AF progression by ROC analysis. AF progression rate achieved 19% if they had both larger LA diameter (>43 mm) and LV end-systolic diameter (>31 mm). RF ablation prevents the progression of paroxysmal AF effectively, except in patients with increased LA diameter and LV end-systolic diameter on echocardiogram, suggesting more aggressive rhythm control therapies should be considered in these patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Validating automated kidney stone volumetry in computed tomography and mathematical correlation with estimated stone volume based on diameter.

PubMed

Wilhelm, Konrad; Miernik, Arkadiusz; Hein, Simon; Schlager, Daniel; Adams, Fabian; Benndorf, Matthias; Fritz, Benjamin; Langer, Mathias; Hesse, Albrecht; Schoenthaler, Martin; Neubauer, Jakob

2018-06-02

To validate AutoMated UroLithiasis Evaluation Tool (AMULET) software for kidney stone volumetry and compare its performance to standard clinical practice. Maximum diameter and volume of 96 urinary stones were measured as reference standard by three independent urologists. The same stones were positioned in an anthropomorphic phantom and CT scans acquired in standard settings. Three independent radiologists blinded to the reference values took manual measurements of the maximum diameter and automatic measurements of maximum diameter and volume. An "expected volume" was calculated based on manual diameter measurements using the formula: V=4/3 πr³. 96 stones were analyzed in the study. We had initially aimed to assess 100. Nine were replaced during data acquisition due of crumbling and 4 had to be excluded because the automated measurement did not work. Mean reference maximum diameter was 13.3 mm (5.2-32.1 mm). Correlation coefficients among all measured outcomes were compared. The correlation between the manual and automatic diameter measurements to the reference was 0.98 and 0.91, respectively (p<0.001). Mean reference volume was 1200 mm³ (10-9000 mm³). The correlation between the "expected volume" and automatically measured volume to the reference was 0.95 and 0.99, respectively (p<0.001). Patients' kidney stone burden is usually assessed according to maximum diameter. However, as most stones are not spherical, this entails a potential bias. Automated stone volumetry is possible and significantly more accurate than diameter-based volumetric calculations. To avoid bias in clinical trials, size should be measured as volume. However, automated diameter measurements are not as accurate as manual measurements.

Use of 5-mm-diameter implants: Periotest values related to a clinical and radiographic evaluation.

PubMed

Aparicio, C; Orozco, P

1998-12-01

A modified design of the original Brånemark implant consisting of a cp. Titanium 5.0-mm-diameter self-tapping implant threaded up to the marginal platform has been proposed for specific indications. From February 1992 to November 1995, a total of 185 machined screw implants (Nobel Biocare, Gothenburg, Sweden) were installed in 45 patients to withstand 58 prostheses. Of these, 91 were 3.75-mm diameter and 94 were 5.0-mm wide. Most of the implants were placed in type B and C bone quantity and type 2 and 3 bone quality. A retrospective evaluation with regard to indications, marginal bone remodelling, Periotest values (PTv) and survival rate is presented. PTv and radiographic measurements were made at abutment connection and repeated 3, 6 and 12 months later and thereafter every year. The follow-up ranged from 16 to 55 months (mean 32.9 months) post-loading. Three patients with 8 5.0-mm implants dropped-out of the study at different stages. Out of the wide implants, 1 was expelled during the healing period; 3 were found mobile at the abutment connection; 1 lost its osseointegration suddenly after 2 years of function; 4 belonging to 1 patient did not meet the success criteria due to continuous marginal bone loss. The cumulative success rate of 5.0-mm implants (CSR) after 1 year of function was 97.2% for upper jaws and 88.4% in mandibles, whereas the CSR in maxilla after 48 months was 97.2% and 83.4% in mandibles. The obtained PTv from 5.0-mm-wide fixtures in maxilla and mandibles were respectively 1.1 and 0.6 units lower than those obtained PTv for 3.75-mm-diameter implants in the same patients. The hypothesis that there are differences in the damping capacity of the bone surrounding a 5.0-mm-wide implant compared to the 3.75-mm-diameter implant is supported by the PTv results.

Effect of varying fixture width on stress and strain distribution associated with an implant stack system.

PubMed

Mahon, J M; Norling, B K; Phoenix, R D

2000-01-01

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the dissipation of a force applied to an assembled stack of implant components. The stack consisted of a 10-mm threaded implant, a screw-retained abutment and a screw-retained gold crown. The dissipation of force was analyzed in relation to varying the implant diameter with and without a concomitant change in abutment diameter. Two experimental groups were evaluated. The first group consisted of 25 titanium screw-form implants (Implant Innovations, Inc.). These implants measured 10 mm in length and 3.25 mm, 3.75 mm, 4.0 mm, 5.0 mm, and 6.0 mm in diameter. The second group included 15 titanium screw-form implants (Nobel Biocare, Inc.) measuring 10 mm in length and 3.75 mm, 4.0 mm, and 5.0 mm in diameter. All implants were embedded in standardized photoelastic resin blocks. Points of interest were marked on each block using standardized templates to ensure consistency. Implants were restored using system-specific conical abutments and standardized single-unit restorations. A strain gauge was affixed to each abutment, and an eccentric load of 176 N was applied to the restoration. Periimplant stresses were measured using photoelastic analysis. Abutment strain was determined using an electronic strain indicator. Data were collated and compared using ANOVA and the Duncan multiple range statistical tests. When stress was analyzed at points on the resin-implant interface or a fixed distance from the interface, stress tended to decrease from the 5-mm-wide implant to the 6-mm-wide implant. Stress in relation to the 3.25-mm, 3.75-mm, and 4.0-mm implant was not as well defined, indicating the possibility that some deformation of implants was occurring. Increased abutment width resulted in decreased abutment strain. Therefore, using a wider abutment may be helpful in preventing preload reduction in clinical applications. This may reduce the incidence of loosening and fracture of abutment and restoration screws.

Comparison of epidermal/dermal damage between the long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG and 755 nm alexandrite lasers under relatively high fluence conditions: quantitative and histological assessments.

PubMed

Lee, Ju Hwan; Park, So Ra; Jo, Jeong Ho; Park, Sung Yun; Seo, Young Kwon; Kim, Sung Min

2014-07-01

The purpose of this study was to compare degrees of epidermal/dermal tissue damage quantitatively and histologically after laser irradiation, to find ideal treatment conditions with relatively high fluence for skin rejuvenation. A number of recent studies have evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of therapeutic lasers under relatively low fluence conditions. We transmitted the long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG and 755 nm Alexandrite lasers into pig skin according to different fluences and spot diameters, and estimated epidermal/dermal temperatures. Pig skin specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological assessments. The fluence conditions comprised 26, 30, and 36 J/cm2, and the spot diameter conditions were 5, 8, and 10 mm. Pulse duration was 30 ms for all experiments. Both lasers produced reliable thermal damage on the dermis without any serious epidermal injuries, under relatively high fluence conditions. The 1064 nm laser provided more active fibrous formations than the 755 nm laser, while higher risks for tissue damages simultaneously occurred. The ideal treatment conditions for skin rejuvenation were 8 mm diameter with 30 J/cm2 and 10 mm diameter with 26 J/cm2 for the 1064 nm laser, and 8 mm diameter with 36 J/cm2 and 10 mm diameter with 26 J/cm2 for the 755 nm laser.

Follicles and gonadotropins during waves 2 and 3 in three-wave interovulatory intervals in Bos taurus heifers.

PubMed

Ginther, O J; Siddiqui, M A R; Araujo, E R; Dangudubiyyam, S V

2017-12-01

Observations were made on follicle dynamics and gonadotropin concentrations in anovulatory wave 2 and ovulatory wave 3 in three-wave interovulatory intervals (n = 15). Hypotheses were not used owing to inadequate availability of rationale. The future dominant follicles for waves 2 and 3 were designated DF2 and DF3 and the largest future subordinate follicles as SF2 and SF3, respectively. The day of expected diameter deviation (day 0) was defined as the day that DF2 or DF3 was closest to 8.5 mm. The first day that DF2 became smaller (P < 0.05) than DF3 was day 2 (10.7 ± 0.2 mm vs 11.8 ± 0.3 mm). The FSH surges 2 and 3 that stimulated waves 2 and 3 were similar at peak concentration, but the postsurge nadir of surge 2 occurred 1 day earlier than for surge 3. An LH increase was not temporally associated with deviation in wave 2, but an increase (P < 0.05) in LH in wave 3 began on day -1. Diameter of SF2 (6.5 ± 0.2 mm) on day 0 was less (P < 0.005) than for SF3 (7.2 ± 0.2 mm). Mean diameter of subordinate follicles in wave 2 did not differ among days. Diameter of subordinate follicles that attained ≥6 mm in wave 3 was greater (interaction, P < 0.02) by day 3 when in the right ovary (RO, 7.4 ± 0.2 mm) than when in the left ovary (LO, 5.6 ± 0.2 mm). The frequency of a conventional classification of deviation (future SF greater than 7.0 mm on day 0) was less (P < 0.001) for wave 2 (1 of 15 waves) than for wave 3 (8 of 15 waves). Novel observations involving DF2 and DF3 were (1) before deviation, diameter of DF2 vs DF3 and an incline in FSH surge 2 vs surge 3 were similar and (2) after deviation, smaller diameter of DF2 vs DF3 by day 2 was associated with an earlier cessation (nadir) in FSH surge 2 vs surge 3 and an absence of an LH increase during deviation. Novel observations involving subordinate follicles ≥6 mm were (1) before deviation, diameters were similar between waves 2 and 3 in association with the similar incline in FSH surges 2 vs 3 and (2) after deviation, a greater diameter increase of subordinates occurred in RO than in LO for wave 3, but an increase did not occur for either ovary in wave 2. The characteristics of diameter deviation were profoundly different between waves 2 and 3 owing to a smaller SF2 than SF3 at deviation but similar diameter of DF2 and DF3. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thermal Management Investigations in Ceramic Thin Disk Lasers

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-14

techniques. 10-14mm diameter 0.2mm thick disks are mounted on silicon carbide ( SiC ), sapphire, and diamond submounts. From a larger platform, more than 6kW...along with various cooling techniques. 10-14mm diameter O.2mm thick disks are mounted on silicon carbide ( SiC ), sapphire, and diamond submounts. From a...assemblies are either attached to heat sinks or directly to the Cu W cooling mount, see Fig. I (c) & (d). The heat sinks tested are SiC , sapphire, and

Evaluation of right ventricular function in early period following transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect.

PubMed

Ağaç, Mustafa Tarık; Akyüz, Ali Rıza; Acar, Zeydin; Akdemir, Ramazan; Korkmaz, Levent; Kırış, Abdülkadir; Erkuş, Emre; Erkan, Hakan; Celik, Sükrü

2012-03-01

There is limited data on alterations in novel right ventricular (RV) function indices like tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TASV) after transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. We aimed to evaluate RV function by echocardiography (ECG) with these novel indices in early period in patients with secundum-type ASD that was closed percutaneously. Patients were enrolled to study if they had secundum-type ASD that was suitable for percutaneous closure. Patient population consisted of 4 men and 16 women. Echocardiography was performed before and 1 month after closure. Mean age was 37 ± 16. Mean diameter of ASD and total atrial septum length measured by ECG were 19 ± 6 mm and 49 ± 7 mm, respectively. Mean diameter of defect in transesophageal echocardiography was 20 ± 6 mm. Stretched mean diameter in catheterization was 23 ± 6 mm. One month after closure, there were statistically significant decreases in RV end-diastolic diameters (43.3 ± 10.7 mm vs. 34.9 ± 5.5 mm; P < 0.001), RV/left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter ratio (1.1 ± 0.3 vs. 0.87 ± 0.1; P < 0.001), TASV (16.9 ± 3.2 cm/sec vs. 14.3 ± 3.3 cm/sec; P < 0.05), early diastolic tricuspid annular velocity (15.3 ± 3.1 cm/sec vs. 13.4 ± 2.4 cm/sec P <0.05), late diastolic tricuspid annular velocity (16.2 ± 5.4 cm/sec vs. 14.3 ± 6.3 cm/sec; P < 0.05), and TAPSE (29.9 ± 6.2 mm vs. 22.4 ± 7.4 mm; P < 0.001). LV end-diastolic diameter (38.0 ± 6.9 mm and 40.0 ± 4.5 P < 0.05) was increased, whereas there was no change in LV ejection fraction. Closure of ASD by using Amplatzer devices led to decrease in right heart chamber size, tissue Doppler-derived tricuspid annular velocities and TAPSE in early period. © 2011, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Analysis of normal pelvis morphometry of modern Chinese southern Han female and its correlation with age].

PubMed

Liu, Ping; Yu, Yan-Hong; Chen, Chun-Lin; Tang, Yi-Xin; Wang, Li; Mao, Dong-Rui; Xu, Yi-Kai; Chen, Lan

2013-07-01

To analyze the normal pelvis morphometry of Chinese southern Han female and its correlation with age. From August 2009 to September 2011, 289 Han nationality females who received pelvis CT scan at Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University were eligible for the study. Their mean age was 43.5 years, with normal body development and no pelvic abnormality. The patients were divided into 3 age groups: 25 to 40 (n = 109), 41 to 50 (n = 115), and >50 years (n = 65). After constructing a three-dimensional digital model of the pelvis, the following parameters were measured, including transverse inlet diameter, posterior sagittal diameter of pelvic inlet, sagittal inlet, diagonal conjugate, biischial diameter, posterior sagittal diameter of midpelvis, sagittal midpelvic diameter, intertuberous distance, posterior sagittal diameter of outlet, angle of pubic arch, sagittal outlet, penal height, sacrum length and sacrum curvature. The relationship between all parameters and age was analyzed. (1) The posterior sagittal diameters of pelvic inlet of the 25 to 40 age group, 41 to 50 age group, >50 years age group were (53 ± 8), (51 ± 7), (48 ± 6) mm. The sagittal inlet of the three groups were (122 ± 8), (120 ± 9), (114 ± 8) mm. And the diagonal conjugate of the three groups were (135 ± 10), (132 ± 9), (127 ± 9) mm. All had significant differences among the three groups (P < 0.01) . (2) The posterior sagittal diameter of midpelvis of the three groups were (43 ± 6), (44 ± 6), (43 ± 7) mm, and the sagittal midpelvic diameter of the three groups were (119 ± 8), (120 ± 8), (119 ± 7) mm, with no significant difference among the three groups (P > 0.05). (3) The intertuberous distance of the three groups were (122 ± 11), (121 ± 10), (117 ± 11) mm, and the posterior sagittal diameter of outlet of the three groups were (56 ± 9), (58 ± 8), (57 ± 9) mm. There was no significant difference among the three groups (P > 0.05) .(4) Penal height of three groups were (31 ± 3), (33 ± 3), (34 ± 3) mm, there was with significant differences (P < 0.01) .(5) Pearson correlation analysis showed that penal height was positively correlated with age (r = 0.331, P < 0.05), while sagittal inlet, posterior sagittal diameter of inlet, diagonal conjugate, intertuberous distance, angle of pubic arch, sacrum length and sacrum curvature were negatively correlated with age (r = -0.120 to -0.343, P < 0.05). The shape of the pelvic inlet of Chinese southern Han female changed from sagittal elliptic into transverse elliptic form, and the posterior part of pelvic inlet became larger.Sacral concavity was increased and the pelvis became deeper. Mid pelvis and the pelvic outlet was almost unchanged, and showed no correlation with age.

The search for valved conduit tissue grafts for adults (>22 mm): an ultrasonographic study of jugular vein diameters of horses and cattle

PubMed Central

Schwarzwald, Colin C; Jenni, Rolf

2009-01-01

Background Natural heterologous valved conduits with a diameter greater than 22 mm that can be used for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in adults are not commercially available. The purpose of this study was to measure by ultrasonography the maximum diameter of the distended jugular veins of horses and cattle, respectively, to identify a population of animals that would be suitable for post-mortem collection of jugular veins at sizes greater than 22 mm. Methods The study population included 60 Warmblood horses, 25 Freiberger horses, 20 Brown Swiss cows, and 20 Holstein cows (including 10 Holstein and 10 Red Holstein). The maximum cross-sectional diameter of the distended jugular veins was measured at a location half-way between the mandibular angle and the thoracic inlet. The thoracic circumference (heart girth length) was used as a surrogate of body size. The jugular vein diameters of the different populations were compared by analysis of variance and the association between heart girth length and jugular vein diameter was determined in each of the four study populations by linear regression analysis. Results There was considerable individual variation of jugular vein diameters within each of the four study populations. There was no statistically significant relationship between thoracic circumference and jugular vein diameter in any of the populations. The jugular vein diameters of Brown Swiss cows were significantly larger than those of any of the other populations. Warmblood horses had significantly larger jugular vein diameters compared to Freiberger horses. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the production of bovine or equine xenografts with diameters of greater than 22 mm would be feasible. Differences between species and breeds need to be considered. However, prediction of the jugular vein diameter based on breed and heart girth length in an individual animal is inaccurate. PMID:19678940

Fresnel Lens Characterization for Potential Use in an Unpiloted Atmospheric Vehicle DIAL Receiver System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fastig, Shlomo; Deoung, Russell J.

1998-01-01

Acrylic plastic Fresnel lenses are very light and can have large diameters. Such lenses could be used in lidar telescope receivers if the focal spot is not too large or distorted. This research effort characterizes the focal spot diameter produced by a Fresnel lens with a diameter of 30.5 cm (12 in.). It was found that the focal spot diameter varied from 1.2 mm at 750 nm to 1.6 mm at 910 nm. The focal spot was irregular and not easily described by a Gaussian profile.

Potential Bone to Implant Contact Area of Short Versus Standard Implants: An In Vitro Micro-Computed Tomography Analysis.

PubMed

Quaranta, Alessandro; DʼIsidoro, Orlando; Bambini, Fabrizio; Putignano, Angelo

2016-02-01

To compare the available potential bone-implant contact (PBIC) area of standard and short dental implants by micro-computed tomography (μCT) assessment. Three short implants with different diameters (4.5 × 6 mm, 4.1 × 7 mm, and 4.1 × 6 mm) and 2 standard implants (3.5 × 10 mm and 3.3 × 9 mm) with diverse design and surface features were scanned with μCT. Cross-sectional images were obtained. Image data were manually processed to find the plane that corresponds to the most coronal contact point between the crestal bone and implant. The available PBIC was calculated for each sample. Later on, the cross-sectional slices were processed by a 3-dimensional (3D) software, and 3D images of each sample were used for descriptive analysis and display the microtopography and macrotopography. The wide-diameter short implant (4.5 × 6 mm) showed the higher PBIC (210.89 mm) value followed by the standard (178.07 mm and 185.37 mm) and short implants (130.70 mm and 110.70 mm). Wide-diameter short implants show a surface area comparable with standard implants. Micro-CT analysis is a promising technique to evaluate surface area in dental implants with different macrodesign, microdesign, and surface features.

Morphometric analysis of torso arterial anatomy with implications for resuscitative aortic occlusion.

PubMed

Stannard, Adam; Morrison, Jonathan J; Sharon, Danny J; Eliason, Jonathan L; Rasmussen, Todd E

2013-08-01

Hemorrhage is a leading cause of death in military and civilian trauma. Despite the importance of the aorta as a site of hemorrhage control and resuscitative occlusion, detailed knowledge of its morphometry is lacking. The objective of this study was to characterize aortic morphometry in a trauma population, including quantification of distances as well as and diameters and definition of relevant aortic zones. Center line measures were made (Volume Viewer) from contrast computed tomography (CT) scans of male trauma patients (18-45 years). Aortic zones were defined based on branch arteries. Zone I includes left subclavian to celiac; Zone II includes celiac to caudal renal; Zone III includes caudal renal to aortic bifurcation. Zone lengths were calculated and correlated to a novel external measure of torso extent (symphysis pubis to sternal notch). Eighty-eight males (mean [SD], 28 [4] years) had CT scans for the study. The median (interquartile range) lengths (mm) of Zones I, II, and III were 210 mm (202-223 mm), 33 mm (28-38 mm), and 97 mm (91-103 mm), respectively. Median aortic diameters at the left subclavian, celiac, and lowest renal arteries were 21 mm (20-23 mm), 18 mm (16-19 mm), and 15 mm (14-16 mm), respectively, and the terminal aortic diameter was 14 mm (13-15 mm). The correlation of determination for descending aortic length (all zones) against torso extend was r = 0.454. This study provides a morphometric analysis of the aorta in a male population, demonstrating consistency of length and diameter while defining distinct axial zones. Findings suggest that center line aortic distances correlate with a simple, external measure of torso extent. Morphometric study of the aorta using CT data may facilitate the development and implementation of occlusion techniques to manage noncompressible torso, pelvic, and junctional femoral hemorrhage.

[Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects in 40 pediatric patients].

PubMed

Deng, Dong-an; Zhu, Xian-yang; Hou, Chuan-ju; Han, Xiu-min; Wang, Qi-guang; Jin, Yan; Quan, Wei; Liu, Yang; Wang, Shu-fan

2003-07-01

To evaluate the clinical efficiency of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) with AGA-Amplatzer occlusion device in pediatric patients. Forty patients with ASD, 16 males, 24 females, at a mean age of 10.2 years (ranged from 3 to 15 years of age) and with a mean weight of 35.8 kg (ranged from 11 to 87 kg) were studied. Six cases were complicated with pulmonary stenosis (PS), 1 was complicated with ventricular tachycardia (VT). Right heart catheterizations were done in 40 patients for measuring the pressures of right ventricle and pulmonary artery. The balloon diameter of ASD was measured using balloon catheter with guiding wire. The diameter of ASD was measured by TTE and/or TEE, ascertaining the location and size of ASD. Amplatzer occlusion device was sized to be equal to or 1 - 2 mm more than the diameter of balloon stretched. All patients had successful implantation of the Amplatzer device. The success rate was 100%. The diameter measured by TTE was 7 - 30 mm (mean 17.12 mm). The diameter measured by TEE was 7 - 32 mm (mean 18.44 mm). The diameter of balloon stretched of ASD was 8 - 34 mm. Of the 40 cases, 6 were complicated with PS and accepted percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty (PBPV). One case was complicated with VT and accepted radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). Neither complication nor residual shunt was found in any of the patients. The patients were recovered and followed up for 3 or 4 days after deployment of the Amplatzer device. Clinical symptom, cardiac murmur, and findings in ECG, echocardiography and X-ray were improved markedly. AGA-Amplatzer occlusion device is safe and efficient in pediatric patients with ASD.

1-mm catheterscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seibel, Eric J.

2008-02-01

Flexible endoscopes use one sensor element per display pixel. When diameter is reduced to the size of a catheter, there is a significant reduction in the number of pixels within the image. By placing a sub-millimeter microscanner at the tip of a catheter, image quality can be significantly improved. The microscanner consists of a 0.4 mm diameter piezoelectric tube with quadrant electrodes, surrounding a cantilevered singlemode optical fiber. At the distal end, the fiber microscanner is sealed with a 0.9 mm diameter lens assembly, creating a rigid length less than 10 mm at the tip of a highly flexible shaft. The cantilevered fiber is vibrated at the first mode of resonance for bending to generate a circular scan pattern. A spiral scan pattern is generated that constitutes an image frame by modulating the piezoelectric drive signals. By using a custom optical fiber at 80 microns cladding diameter, >10 KHz resonant scanning is achieved, resulting in a 30 Hz frame rate. Red (635 nm), green (532 nm), and blue (442 nm) laser light is scanned by coupling to the fiber scanner. The scanned illumination is detected in a non-confocal arrangement by having one or more optical fibers collecting the backscattered light at MHz pixel rates. Current 1-mm diameter catheterscopes generate 500-line images at maximum fields of view of 100 degrees and spatial resolutions of <20 microns with image zooming. Shaft length of four meters have been fabricated with flexibility of <10 mm bending radius to image previously inaccessible regions of the body.

The Risk Factors for Metastasis in Non-Ampullary Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumors Measuring 20 mm or Less in Diameter.

PubMed

Hatta, Waku; Koike, Tomoyuki; Iijima, Katsunori; Asanuma, Kiyotaka; Asano, Naoki; Musha, Hiroaki; Inomata, Yoshifumi; Sano, Toshikazu; Endo, Hiroyuki; Ikehata, Atsushi; Horii, Toru; Ohyauchi, Motoki; Yokosawa, Satoshi; Kasajima, Atsuko; Fujishima, Fumiyoshi; Sasano, Hironobu; Nakaya, Naoki; Nakamura, Tomohiro; Shimosegawa, Tooru

2017-01-01

The treatment strategy for non-ampullary duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (NAD-NETs) ≤20 mm in diameter has not been established. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the detailed characteristics of NAD-NETs ≤20 mm in diameter to clarify the risk factors of subsequent metastasis. The patients with NAD-NETs ≤20 mm in diameter who had been treated at 12 institutions between 1992 and 2013 were enrolled. Clinical records were retrieved, and histopathological findings of all cases were centrally reviewed by 2 pathologists. We studied 49 patients with a mean follow-up period of 66.5 months. Thirty-five patients were initially treated with endoscopic resection (ER), and 14 with surgery. A univariate analysis revealed the ORs and 95% CIs of the risk factors for metastasis were lymphovascular invasion (12.5 [2.01-77.9]), multiple tumors (9.75 [1.46-65.4]), a tumor size of 11-20 mm (6.67 [1.21-36.6]), and World Health Organization grade G2 (7.13 [1.16-43.9]). Five-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were 86.1 and 97.2%, respectively. This is the first study to demonstrate the risk factors of metastasis in NAD-NETs ≤20 mm in diameter. These findings may be helpful for determining the appropriate therapeutic approach and the clinical strategy of treatment following ER. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Assessment of a Revised Management Strategy for Patients With Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms Involving the Main Pancreatic Duct.

PubMed

Sugimoto, Motokazu; Elliott, Irmina A; Nguyen, Andrew H; Kim, Stephen; Muthusamy, V Raman; Watson, Rabindra; Hines, O Joe; Dawson, David W; Reber, Howard A; Donahue, Timothy R

2017-01-18

According to the 2012 International Consensus Guidelines, the diagnostic criterion of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) involving the main duct (MD IPMNs) or the main and branch ducts (mixed IPMNs) of the pancreatic system is a main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter of 5.0 mm or greater on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, surgical resection is recommended for patients with an MPD diameter of 10.0 mm or greater, which is characterized as a high-risk stigma. An MPD diameter of 5.0 to 9.0 mm is not an indication for immediate resection. To determine an appropriate cutoff (ie, one with high sensitivity and negative predictive value) of the MPD diameter on CT or MRI as a prognostic factor for malignant disease and to propose a new management algorithm for patients with MD or mixed IPMNs. This retrospective cohort study included 103 patients who underwent surgical resection for a preoperative diagnosis of MD or mixed IPMN and in whom IPMN was confirmed by surgical pathologic findings at a single institution from July 1, 1996, to December 31, 2015. Malignant disease was defined as high-grade dysplasia or invasive adenocarcinoma on results of surgical pathologic evaluation. An appropriate MPD diameter on preoperative CT or MRI to predict malignant disease was determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The prognostic value of the new management algorithm that incorporated the new MPD diameter cutoff was evaluated. Among the 103 patients undergoing resection for an MD or mixed IPMN (59 men [57.3%]; 44 women [42.7%]; median [range] age, 71 [48-86] years), 64 (62.1%) had malignant disease. Diagnostic accuracy for malignant neoplasms was highest at an MPD diameter cutoff of 7.2 mm (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.59-0.81). An MPD diameter of 7.2 mm or greater was also an independent prognostic factor for malignant neoplasms (odds ratio, 12.76; 95% CI, 2.43-66.88; P = .003) on logistic regression analysis after controlling for preoperative variables. The new management algorithm, which included an MPD diameter of 7.2 mm or greater as one of the high-risk stigmata, had a higher sensitivity (100%), negative predictive value (100%), and accuracy (66%) for malignant disease than the 2012 version of the International Consensus Guidelines (95%, 57%, and 63%, respectively). In this single-center, retrospective analysis, an MPD diameter of 7.2 mm was identified as an optimal cutoff for a prognostic factor for malignant disease in MD or mixed IPMN. These data support lowering the accepted criteria for MPD diameter when selecting patients for resection vs surveillance so as not to overlook cancer in IPMN.

Minimizing masses in explosively driven two-shockwave physics applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buttler, William; Cherne, Frank; Furlanetto, Michael; Payton, Jeremy; Stone, Joseph; Tabaka, Leonard; Vincent, Samuel

2015-06-01

We have experimentally investigated different two-shockwave high-explosives (HE) physics package designs to maximize the variability of the second shockwave peak stress, while minimizing the total HE load of the physics tool. A critical requirement is to also have a large radial diameter of the second shockwave to maintain its value as an HE driven two-shockwave drive. We have previously shown that we could vary the peak-stress of the second-shockwave with a 76 mm diameter HE lens driving different composite boosters of PBX 9501 and TNT. Here we report on our results with a 56- and 50-mm diameter HE lens driving Baritol. The results indicate that the 56-mm diameter HE lens works well, as does the Baritol, giving total HE loads of about 250 mg TNT equivalent explosives.

Performance of KCl:Eu2+ storage phosphor dosimeters for low dose measurements

PubMed Central

Li, H. Harold; Hansel, Rachael; Knutson, Nels; Yang, Deshan

2013-01-01

Recent research has demonstrated that europium doped potassium chloride (KCl:Eu2+) storage phosphor material has the potential to become the physical foundation of a novel and reusable dosimetry system using either film-like devices or devices similar to thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) chips. The purposes of this work are to quantify the performance of KCl:Eu2+ prototype dosimeters for low dose measurements and to demonstrate how it can be incorporated into clinical application for in vivo peripheral dose measurements. Pellet-style KCl:Eu2+ dosimeters, 6 mm in diameter, and 1 mm thick, were fabricated in-house for this study. The dosimeters were read using a laboratory photostimulated luminescence detection system. KCl:Eu2+ prototype storage phosphor dosimeter was capable of measuring a dose-to-water as low as 0.01 cGy from a 6 MV photon beam with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 6. A pre-readout thermal annealing procedure enabled the dosimeter to be read within an hour post irradiation. After receiving large accumulated doses (~10 kGy), the dosimeters retained linear response in the low dose region with only a 20 percent loss of sensitivity comparing to a fresh sample (zero Gy history). The energy-dependence encountered during low dose peripheral measurements could be accounted for via a single point outside-field calibration per each beam quality. With further development the KCl:Eu2+− based dosimeter could become a versatile and durable dosimetry tool with large dynamic range (sub-cGy to 100 Gy). PMID:23735856

Enhancing the Bounce of a Ball

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cross, Rod

2010-10-01

In sports such as baseball, softball, golf, and tennis, a common objective is to hit the ball as fast or as far as possible. Another common objective is to hit the ball so that it spins as fast as possible, since the trajectory of the ball through the air is strongly affected by ball spin. In an attempt to enhance both the coefficient of restitution (COR) and the spin of a golf ball, I conducted several experiments to see what would happen when a 45-g, 42.8-mm diameter golf ball bounced on: (a) a 58-mm diameter, 103-g Super Ball®; (b) an 8-mm thick, 56-mm diameter circular disk of Super Ball material cut from a large Super Ball and glued to a 3.4-kg lead brick; and (c) a 3-mm thick sheet of rubber glued to a 3.4-kg lead brick. (See Fig. 1.)

The effect of a finite focal spot size on location dependent detectability in a fan beam CT system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Byeongjoon; Baek, Jongduk

2017-03-01

A finite focal spot size is one of the sources to degrade the resolution performance in a fan beam CT system. In this work, we investigated the effect of the finite focal spot size on signal detectability. For the evaluation, five spherical objects with diameters of 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm were used. The optical focal spot size viewed at the iso-center was a 1 mm (height) × 1 mm (width) with a target angle of 7 degrees, corresponding to an 8.21 mm (i.e., 1 mm / sin (7°)) focal spot length. Simulated projection data were acquired using 8 × 8 source lets, and reconstructed by Hanning weighted filtered backprojection. For each spherical object, the detectability was calculated at (0 mm, 0 mm) and (0 mm, 200 mm) using two image quality metrics: pixel signal to noise ratio (SNR) and detection SNR. For all signal sizes, the pixel SNR is higher at the iso-center since the noise variance at the off-center is much higher than that at the iso-center due to the backprojection weightings used in direct fan beam reconstruction. In contrast, detection SNR shows similar values for different spherical objects except 1 mm and 2 mm diameter spherical objects. Overall, the results indicate the resolution loss caused by the finite focal spot size degrades the detection performance, especially for small objects with less than 2 mm diameter.

Microplastics in sediments from the littoral zone of the north Tunisian coast (Mediterranean Sea)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abidli, Sami; Antunes, Joana C.; Ferreira, Joana L.; Lahbib, Youssef; Sobral, Paula; Trigui El Menif, Najoua

2018-05-01

The distribution of microplastics (MPs) was investigated in the sediments of five sampling sites from the northern Tunisian coast during June 2017. MPs were categorized according to type, colour and size. Representative MPs from the five sites were isolated for polymer identification using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR-ATR). Results showed that MPs were recovered, from all sediment samples, indicating for the first time, their extensive distribution in Tunisian coast. Concentrations varied from 141.20 ± 25.98 to 461.25 ± 29.74 items kg-1 dry weight. Fibres, fragments, Styrofoam®, pellets and films were the types registered in this study. With the exception of Menzel Bourguiba (MB), fibres significantly outnumbered plastic particles followed by fragments, Styrofoam®, films and pellets. The predominant colours are as follows: black > clear > white > red > blue > green for fibres, blue > white > clear > red > green > yellow > black for fragments, blue > white > black > clear for films while only white pellets and Styrofoam® were found. MPs particles ranged from 0.1 to 5 mm in length. A total of three polymer types were identified, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS). Except for industrial pellets, the presence of MPs is likely due to the degradation of marine plastic debris accumulating in each site. This work provides original data of the presence of MPs in coastal sediments from Northern Tunisian coast.

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

Antsiferov, P. S., E-mail: Ants@isan.troitsk.ru; Dorokhin, L. A.

The influence of the discharge cavity dimensions on the properties of the spherical plasma formed in a fast discharge was studied experimentally. The passage of a current pulse with an amplitude of 30–40 kA and a rise rate of ~10{sup 12} A/s (a fast discharge) through a spherical ceramic (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) cavity with an inner diameter of 11 mm filled with argon at a pressure of 80 Pa results in the formation of a 1- to 2-mm-diameter spherical plasma with an electron temperature of several tens of electronvolts and a density of 10{sup 18}–10{sup 19} cm{sup –3}. It ismore » shown that an increase in the inner diameter of the discharge cavity from 11 to 21 mm leads to the fourfold increase in the formation time of the spherical plasma and a decrease in the average ion charge. A decrease in the cavity diameter to 7 mm makes the spherical plasma unstable.« less

Measurement of the photoneutron flux density distribution from cylindrical targets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golovkov, V. M.; Basina, T. N.; Yakovlev, M. R.

1989-09-01

Measurements are performed of the density of photoneutron fluxes from cylindrical targets of2H2O (diameter 64 and height 86 mm), Be (outer diameter 70, inner diameter 40, height 100mm), and238U (diameter 44.5 mm, height 50 mm) under the action of braking radiation from electrons with energies of 4 to 8 MeV in order to determine the effect of target form and orientation relative to the detector upon the recorded photoneutron level. The fluxes were measured by an “all-wave” neutron detector based on an SNM-11 counter in a paraffin retarder at an angle of 90‡ to the axis of the braking radiation beam for various target orientations relative to the detector. Measurement results are compared to calculations. Photoneutron fluxes from heavy water and beryllium targets of the indicated dimensions were also measured for angles of 90, 135, and 167‡. An isotropic nature was noted in the photoneutron fluxes from both targets.

The fracture strength by a torsion test at the implant-abutment interface.

PubMed

Watanabe, Fumihiko; Hiroyasu, Kazuhiko; Ueda, Kazuhiko

2015-12-01

Fractured connections between implants and implant abutments or abutment screws are frequently encountered in a clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate fracture strength using a torsion test at the interface between the implant and the abutment. Thirty screw-type implant with diameters of 3.3, 3.8, 4.3, 5.0, and 6.0 mm were submitted to a torsion test. Implants of each size were connected to abutments with abutment screws tightened to 20 N · cm. Mechanical stress was applied with a rotational speed of 3.6 °/min until fracture occurred, and maximum torque (fracture torque) and torsional yield strength were measured. The mean values were calculated and then compared using Tukey's test. The abutments were then removed, and the implant-abutment interfaces were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). No significant differences in mean fracture torque were found among 3.3, 3.8, and 4.3 mm-diameter implants, but significant differences were found between these sizes and 5.0 and 6.0 mm-diameter implants (p < 0.01). Concerning mean torsional yield strength, significant differences were found between 3.3, 3.8, and 4.3 mm-diameter and 5.0 and 6.0 mm-diameter implants (p < 0.01). Observations under the SEM showed that all the projections of the abutment corresponding to the internal notches of the implant body had been destroyed. Smaller diameter implants demonstrated lower fracture torque and torsional yield strength than implants with larger diameters. In internal tube-in-tube connections, three abutment projections corresponding to rotation-prevention notches were destroyed in each implant.

Analysis of lumbar pedicle morphology in degenerative spines using multiplanar reconstruction computed tomography: what can be the reliable index for optimal pedicle screw diameter?

PubMed

Makino, Takahiro; Kaito, Takashi; Fujiwara, Hiroyasu; Yonenobu, Kazuo

2012-08-01

The measurement of transverse pedicle width is still recommended for selecting a screw diameter despite being weakly correlated with the minimum pedicle diameter, except in the upper lumbar spine. The purpose of this study was to reveal the difference between the minimum pedicle diameter and conventional transverse or sagittal pedicle width in degenerative lumbar spines. A total of 50 patients with degenerative lumbar disorders without spondylolysis or lumbar scoliosis of >10° who preoperatively underwent helical CT scans were included. The DICOM data of the scans were reconstructed by imaging software, and the transverse pedicle width (TPW), sagittal pedicle width (SPW), minimum pedicle diameter (MPD), and the cephalocaudal inclination of the pedicles were measured. The mean TPW/SPW/MPD values were 5.46/11.89/5.09 mm at L1, 5.76/10.44/5.39 mm at L2, 7.25/10.23/6.52 mm at L3, 9.01/9.36/6.83 mm at L4, and 12.86/8.95/7.36 mm at L5. There were significant differences between the TPW and MPD at L3, L4, and L5 (p < 0.01) and between the SPW and MPD at all levels (p < 0.01). The MPD was significantly smaller than the TPW and SPW at L3, L4, and L5. The actual measurements of the TPW were not appropriate for use as a direct index for the optimal pedicle screw diameter at these levels. Surgeons should be careful in determining pedicle screw diameter based on plain CT scans especially in the lower lumbar spine.

Experimental development of rod pinch diode radiographic source using modified KALI 1000 pulsed power system

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

Satyanarayana, N.; Basu, Shibaji; Rajawat, R.K., E-mail: satya_3026@yahoo.com

2014-07-01

This paper highlights the development of Rod Pinch (RP) diode for flash X-ray generation as intense radiographic source at BARC, Vizag. The typical RP diode employed used a small diameter (1-2 mm) anode rod extended through a cathode circular aperture (5-6 mm inner diameter). The diode chamber is maintained at 10{sup -5} Torr vacuum by a rotary backed diffusion pump. Experiments performed on a modified Kali 1000 Pulsed Power System (300 kV, 30 kA, 100 ns) were aimed at optimizing the source by maximizing the figure of merit (dose @ 1m in rad/spot diameter{sup 2} in mm{sup 2}) with minimizingmore » of the diode impedance. The typical electron beam parameters used in the experiments are 240-270 kV, 20-25 kA, 100 ns, with a few hundreds of kA/cm{sup 2} current density. The optimization resulted in a configuration with tungsten anode rod having dimensions of a 1.6 mm diameter, tapering extension length 5-25 mm beyond the graphite cathode aperture (Cathode disk ID = 5 mm, thickness = 3mm) to produce a radiation dose of 150-200 milli rad at 1 m distance having an estimated spot-size of 1-2 mm. The radiation emitted from a rod-pinch diode is measured using Thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) at an angular interval of 15° on either side of the rod in horizontal and vertical plane. (author)« less

Evaluation of a novel, ultrathin, tip-bending endoscope in a synthetic force-sensing pancreas with comparison to medical guide wires

PubMed Central

Chandler, John E; Lee, Cameron M; Babchanik, Alexander P; Melville, C David; Saunders, Michael D; Seibel, Eric J

2012-01-01

Purpose Direct visualization of pancreatic ductal tissue is critical for early diagnosis of pancreatic diseases and for guiding therapeutic interventions. A novel, ultrathin (5 Fr) scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) with tip-bending capability has been developed specifically to achieve high resolution imaging as a pancreatoscope during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This device has potential to dramatically improve both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities during ERCP by providing direct video feedback and tool guidance to clinicians. Methods Invasiveness of the new tip-bending SFE was evaluated by a performance comparison to ERCP guide wires, which are routinely inserted into the pancreatic duct during ERCP. An in vitro test model with four force sensors embedded in a synthetic pancreas was designed to detect and compare the insertion forces for 0.89 mm and 0.53 mm diameter guide wires as well as the 1.7 mm diameter SFE. Insertions were performed through the working channel of a therapeutic duodenoscope for the two types of guide wires and using a statistically similar direct insertion method for comparison to the SFE. Results Analysis of the forces detected by the sensors showed the smaller diameter 0.53 mm wire produced significantly less average and maximum forces during insertion than the larger diameter 0.89 mm wire. With the use of tip-bending and optical visualization, the 1.7 mm diameter SFE produced significantly less average force during insertion than the 0.89 mm wire at every sensor, despite its larger size. It was further shown that the use of tip-bending with the SFE significantly reduced the forces at all sensors, compared to insertions when tip-bending was not used. Conclusion Combining high quality video imaging with two-axis tip-bending allows a larger diameter guide wire-style device to be inserted into the pancreatic duct during ERCP with improved capacity to perform diagnostics and therapy. PMID:23166452

Anatomic characteristics of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm on conventional CT scans: Implications for rupture risk.

PubMed

Fillinger, Mark F; Racusin, Jessica; Baker, Robert K; Cronenwett, Jack L; Teutelink, Arno; Schermerhorn, Marc L; Zwolak, Robert M; Powell, Richard J; Walsh, Daniel B; Rzucidlo, Eva M

2004-06-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze anatomic characteristics of patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), with conventional two-dimensional computed tomography (CT), including comparison with control subjects matched for age, gender, and size. Records were reviewed to identify all CT scans obtained at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center or referring hospitals before emergency AAA repair performed because of rupture or acute severe pain (RUP group). CT scans obtained before elective AAA repair (ELEC group) were reviewed for age and gender match with patients in the RUP group. More than 40 variables were measured on each CT scan. Aneurysm diameter matching was achieved by consecutively deleting the largest RUP scan and the smallest ELEC scan to prevent bias. CT scans were analyzed for 259 patients with AAAs: 122 RUP and 137 ELEC. Patients were well matched for age, gender, and other demographic variables or risk factors. Maximum AAA diameter was significantly different in comparisons of all patients (RUP, 6.5 +/- 2 cm vs ELEC, 5.6 +/- 1 cm; P <.0001), and mean diameter of ruptured AAAs was 5 mm smaller in female patients (6.1 +/- 2 cm vs 6.6 +/- 2 cm; P =.007). Two hundred patients were matched for diameter, gender, and age (100 from each group; maximum AAA diameter, 6.0 +/- 1 cm vs 6.0 +/- 1 cm). Analysis of diameter-matched AAAs indicated that most variables were statistically similar in the two groups, including infrarenal neck length (17 +/- 1 mm vs 19 +/- 1 mm; P =.3), maximum thrombus thickness (25 +/- 1 mm vs 23 +/- 1 mm, P =.4), and indices of body habitus, such as [(maximum AAA diameter)/(normal suprarenal aorta diameter)] or [(maximum AAA diameter)/(L3 transverse diameter)]. Multivariate analysis controlling for gender indicated that the most significant variables for rupture were aortic tortuosity (odds ratio [OR] 3.3, indicating greater risk with no or mild tortuosity), diameter asymmetry (OR, 3.2 for a 1-cm difference in major-minor axis), and current smoking (OR, 2.7, with the greater risk in current smokers). When matched for age, gender, and diameter, ruptured AAAs tend to be less tortuous, yet have greater cross-sectional diameter asymmetry. On conventional two-dimensional CT axial sections, it appears that when diameter asymmetry is associated with low aortic tortuosity, the larger diameter on axial sections more accurately reflects rupture risk, and when diameter asymmetry is associated with moderate or severe aortic tortuosity, the smaller diameter on axial sections more accurately reflects rupture risk. Current smoking is significantly associated with rupture, even when controlling for gender and AAA anatomy.

75 FR 20931 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (ECF) Model SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-22

... Community. The MCAI AD reports the separation and loss of a stainless steel ring (75 millimeter (mm) in... of a stainless steel ring (75 mm in diameter) from a blade sleeve resulting in severe, high-frequency... information specifies checking the blade sleeve for slippage of the stainless steel ring (75 mm in diameter...

Classification of corkscrew collaterals in thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease): relationship between corkscrew type and prevalence of ischemic ulcers.

PubMed

Fujii, Yuichi; Soga, Junko; Nakamura, Shuji; Hidaka, Takayuki; Hata, Takaki; Idei, Naomi; Fujimura, Noritaka; Nishioka, Kenji; Chayama, Kazuaki; Kihara, Yasuki; Higashi, Yukihito

2010-08-01

A corkscrew collateral appearance on angiography is one of the diagnostic criteria for Buerger's disease. The purpose of the present study was to classify the angiographic findings of corkscrew collaterals and to evaluate the relationship between corkscrew collateral type and the severity of Buerger's disease. Corkscrew collaterals were assessed on digital subtraction angiography in lower extremities of 28 patients with Buerger's disease (55 limbs). The corkscrew sign was classified into 4 types by size and pattern as follows: type I, artery diameter >2 mm, large helical sign; type II, diameter >1.5 mm and or=1 mm and

Transsacral Osseous Corridor Anatomy Is More Amenable To Screw Insertion In Males: A Biomorphometric Analysis of 280 Pelves.

PubMed

Gras, Florian; Gottschling, Heiko; Schröder, Manuel; Marintschev, Ivan; Hofmann, Gunther O; Burgkart, Rainer

2016-10-01

Percutaneous iliosacral screw placement is the standard procedure for fixation of posterior pelvic ring lesions, although a transsacral screw path is being used more frequently in recent years owing to increased fracture-fixation strength and better ability to fix central and bilateral sacral fractures. However, biomorphometric data for the osseous corridors are limited. Because placement of these screws in a safe and effective manner is crucial to using transsacral screws, we sought to address precise sacral anatomy in more detail to look for anatomic variation in the general population. We asked: (1) What proportion of healthy pelvis specimens have no transsacral corridor at the level of the S1 vertebra owing to sacral dysmorphism? (2) If there is no safe diameter for screw placement in the transsacral S1 corridor, is an increased and thus safe diameter of the transsacral S2 corridor expected? (3) Are there sex-specific differences in sacral anatomy and are these correlated with known anthropometric parameters? CT scans of pelves of 280 healthy patients acquired exclusively for medical indications such as polytrauma (20%), CT angiography (70%), and other reasons (10%), were segmented manually. Using an advanced CT-based image analysis system, the mean shape of all segmented pelves was generated and functioned as a template. On this template, the cylindric transsacral osseous corridor at the level of the S1 and S2 vertebrae was determined manually. Each pelvis then was registered to the template using a free-form registration algorithm to measure the maximum screw corridor diameters on each specimen semiautomatically. Thirty of 280 pelves (11%) had no transsacral S1 corridor owing to sacral dysmorphism. The average of maximum cylindrical diameters of the S1 corridor for the remaining 250 pelves was 12.8 mm (95% CI, 12.1-13.5 mm). A transverse corridor for S2 was found in 279 of 280 pelves, with an average of maximum cylindrical diameter of 11.6 mm (95% CI, 11.3-11.9 mm). Decreasing transsacral S1 corridor diameters are correlated with increasing transsacral S2 corridor diameters (R value for females, -0.260, p < 0.01; for males, -0.311, p < 0.001). Female specimens were more likely to have sacral dysmorphism (defined as a pelvis without a transsacral osseous corridor at the level of the S1 vertebra) than were male specimens (females, 16%; males, 7%; p < 0.003). Furthermore female pelves had smaller-corridor diameters than did male pelves (females versus males for S1: 11.7 mm [95% CI, 10.6-12.8 mm] versus 13.5 mm [95% CI, 12.6-14.4 mm], p < 0.01; and for S2: 10.6 mm [95% CI, 10.1-11.1 mm] versus 12.2 mm [95% CI, 11.8-12.6 mm ], p < 0.0001). Narrow corridors and highly individual, sex-dependent variance of morphologic features of the sacrum make transsacral implant placement technically demanding. Individual preoperative axial-slice CT scan analyses and orthogonal coronal and sagittal reformations are recommended to determine the prevalence of sufficient-sized osseous corridors on both levels for safe screw placements, especially in female patients, owing to their smaller corridor diameters and higher rate of sacral dysmorphism.

High-Performance Silicon-Germanium-Based Thermoelectric Modules for Gas Exhaust Energy Scavenging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanjek, K.; Vesin, S.; Aixala, L.; Baffie, T.; Bernard-Granger, G.; Dufourcq, J.

2015-06-01

Some of the energy used in transportation and industry is lost as heat, often at high-temperatures, during conversion processes. Thermoelectricity enables direct conversion of heat into electricity, and is an alternative to the waste-heat-recovery technology currently used, for example turbines and other types of thermodynamic cycling. The performance of thermoelectric (TE) materials and modules has improved continuously in recent decades. In the high-temperature range ( T hot side > 500°C), silicon-germanium (SiGe) alloys are among the best TE materials reported in the literature. These materials are based on non-toxic elements. The Thermoelectrics Laboratory at CEA (Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives) has synthesized n and p-type SiGe pellets, manufactured TE modules, and integrated these into thermoelectric generators (TEG) which were tested on a dedicated bench with hot air as the source of heat. SiGe TE samples of diameter 60 mm were created by spark-plasma sintering. For n-type SiGe doped with phosphorus the peak thermoelectric figure of merit reached ZT = 1.0 at 700°C whereas for p-type SiGe doped with boron the peak was ZT = 0.75 at 700°C. Thus, state-of-the-art conversion efficiency was obtained while also achieving higher production throughput capacity than for competing processes. A standard deviation <4% in the electrical resistance of batches of ten pellets of both types was indicative of high reproducibility. A silver-paste-based brazing technique was used to assemble the TE elements into modules. This assembly technique afforded low and repeatable electrical contact resistance (<3 nΩ m2). A test bench was developed for measuring the performance of TE modules at high temperatures (up to 600°C), and thirty 20 mm × 20 mm TE modules were produced and tested. The results revealed the performance was reproducible, with power output reaching 1.9 ± 0.2 W for a 370 degree temperature difference. When the temperature difference was increased to 500°C, electrical power output increased to >3.6 W. An air-water heat exchanger was developed and 30 TE modules were clamped and connected electrically. The TEG was tested under vacuum on a hot-air test bench. The measured output power was 45 W for an air flow of 16 g/s at 750°C. The hot surface of the TE module reached 550°C under these conditions. Silicon-germanium TE modules can survive such temperatures, in contrast with commercial modules based on bismuth telluride, which are limited to 400°C.

The principle of low frictional torque in the Charnley total hip replacement.

PubMed

Wroblewski, B M; Siney, P D; Fleming, P A

2009-07-01

The design of the Charnley total hip replacement follows the principle of low frictional torque. It is based on the largest possible difference between the radius of the femoral head and that of the outer aspect of the acetabular component. The aim is to protect the bone-cement interface by movement taking place at the smaller radius, the articulation. This is achieved in clinical practice by a 22.225 mm diameter head articulating with a 40 mm or 43 mm diameter acetabular component of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. We compared the incidence of aseptic loosening of acetabular components with an outer diameter of 40 mm and 43 mm at comparable depths of penetration with a mean follow-up of 17 years (1 to 40). In cases with no measurable wear none of the acetabular components were loose. With increasing acetabular penetration there was an increased incidence of aseptic loosening which reflected the difference in the external radii, with 1.5% at 1 mm, 8.8% at 2 mm, 9.7% at 3 mm and 9.6% at 4 mm of penetration in favour of the larger 43 mm acetabular component. Our findings support the Charnley principle of low frictional torque. The level of the benefit is in keeping with the predicted values.

Studies on Decomposition and Combustion Mechanism of Solid Fuel Rich Propellants

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-30

thrust to cruise at supersonic speed. This was followed by the test of large diameter ramjet called burner test vehicle (BTV). Advanced low volume...propellant surface. Vernekar et al (43) found that in pressed AP-Al pellets , maximum burn rate is obtained at intermediate metal content. Jain et al...conjunction with high pressure window strand burner . They found that the propellant combustion was irregular and regression rate varied from 0.3 to 3

Impacts of Rate of Hexazinone Application on Survival and Growth of the Loblolly Pine

Treesearch

J.L. Michael

1984-01-01

Hexazinone [3-cyc1ohexyl-6-(dimethylamino)-1-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4(1H, 3H)-dionel in 2-cc pellets (10% active ingredient) was applied at rates of 0,2,4, and 8 pounds of active ingredient per acre for site preparation on clay soil in a randomized experiment in May 1980. Loblolly pine seedlings planted to the site in January 1981 were measured for diameter 3 inches...

In Vivo Magnetic Stimulation of Rat Sciatic Nerve With Centimeter- and Millimeter-Scale Solenoid Coils.

PubMed

Kagan, Zachary B; RamRakhyani, Anil Kumar; Lazzi, Gianluca; Normann, Richard A; Warren, David J

2016-11-01

Previous reports of magnetic stimulation of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) used various coil geometries, all with outer diameters larger than 35 mm, and stimulation energies in the 50 J range to evoke neural excitation. Recent reports of central nervous system (CNS) activation used sub-mm-scale solenoid coils with mJ energy levels. The goal of this study was to translate the lower energy levels from the CNS to the PNS via using smaller coils placed in closer proximity to the neural tissue. Such a performance improvement would advance the state of the art of magnetic stimulation and provide a path towards new neuroprosthetic devices. Primarily, we investigated the range of coil outer diameters from 25 mm down to 5 mm to better understand the dependence of coil diameter on energy required for PNS activation. Nine cm- and mm-scale copper solenoid coils, with various resistances, inductances, inner and outer diameters, and heights were compared by quantizing neuromuscular responses to magnetic stimulation via capacitive discharge excitation of rat sciatic nerves in vivo. Additionally, the effects of stimulus duration and coil position were investigated. As opposed to prior work, this study compares a subset of stimulation parameters in an intact nerve preparation, and shows that magnetic stimulation with coils that abut the nerve is a reliable, effective method of neuromuscular stimulation. Although we observed different energies required for neuromuscular activation depending on the coil and excitation parameters used, for the experimental configuration, devices, and stimulus waveform shapes presented in this manuscript, no systematic dependence of PNS activation on coil diameter was found, even for the mm-scale coils investigated herein. However, there was a clear relationship between discharge circuit capacitance and energy required to evoke a neuromuscular response. Coils approximately 12 mm in outer diameter and larger consistently evoked responses, whereas coils 5 mm in outer diameter did not. Furthermore, we observed meaningful neuromuscular excitation when stimulating with energies as low as 20 J. Although this is an improvement over prior work, it is still orders of magnitude greater than the energy required for conventional electrical stimulation, suggesting that these devices are presently not suitable for use in an application requiring continued pulsed stimulation. Nevertheless, these devices are suitable for basic research and as clinical tools that infrequently stimulate, such as in diagnostic applications.

The influence of implantoplasty on the diameter, chemical surface composition, and biocompatibility of titanium implants.

PubMed

Schwarz, Frank; John, Gordon; Becker, Jürgen

2017-09-01

The objective of the study was to assess the influence of implantoplasty (IP) on the diameter, chemical surface composition, and biocompatibility of titanium implants in vitro. Twenty soft tissue-level (TL; machined transmucosal-M and rough endosseous part-SLA) and 20 bone-level (BL; SLA) implants were allocated to IP covering 3 or 6 mm of the structured surface (SLA) area. The samples were subjected to diameter, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and cell viability (ginigval fibroblasts, 6 days) assessments. Median diameter reductions varied between 0.1 (TL 3 mm) and 0.2 mm (TL 6 mm). EDX analysis revealed that IP and M surfaces were characterized by a comparable quantity (Wt%) of elements C, O, Na, Cl, K, and Si, but a significantly different quantity of elements Ti and Al. When compared to SLA surfaces, significant differences were noted for elements C, O, Na, Ti, and Al. At BL implants, the extension of IP (i.e., 3 to 6 mm) was associated with a significant increase in cell viability. IP applied to SLA implants was associated with (i) a minimal diameter reduction, (ii) an undisturbed cell viability, and (iii) a chemical elemental composition comparable to M surfaces. This specific IP procedure appears to be suitable for the management of exposed SLA implant surfaces.

Effects of laser-weld joint opening size on fatigue strength of Ti-6Al-4V structures with several diameters.

PubMed

Nuñez-Pantoja, J M C; Vaz, L G; Nóbilo, M A A; Henriques, G E P; Mesquita, M F

2011-03-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the fatigue strength of Ti-6Al-4V laser-welded joints with several diameters and joint openings. Sixty dumbbell rods were machined in Ti-6Al-4V alloy with central diameters of 1·5, 2·0 and 3·5 mm. The specimens were sectioned and then welded using two joint openings (0·0 and 0·6 mm). The combination of variables created six groups, which when added to the intact groups made a total of nine groups (n = 10). Laser welding was executed as follows: 360 V per 8 ms (1·5 and 2·0 mm) and 380 V per 9 ms (3·5 mm) with focus and frequency regulated to zero. The joints were finished, polished and submitted to radiographic examination to be analysed visually for the presence of porosity. The specimens were then subjected to a mechanical cyclic test, and the number of cycles until failure was recorded. The fracture surface was examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn test (α = 0·05) indicated that the number of cycles required for fracture was lower for all specimens with joint openings of 0·6 mm, and for 3·5-mm-diameter specimens with joint openings of 0·0 mm. The Spearman correlation coefficient (α = 0·05) indicated that there was a negative correlation between the number of cycles and the presence of porosity. So, laser welding of Ti-6Al-4V structures with a thin diameter provides the best conditions for the juxtaposition of parts. Radiographic examination allows for the detection of internal voids in titanium joints. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

The influence of plain bar on bond strength of geopolymer concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dewi, Evrianti Syntia; Ekaputri, Januarti Jaya

2017-06-01

This paper presents some results of experimental study of bond strength of plain bar embedded in geopolymer concrete. Fly ash class F was used as a raw material activated with alkali solutions. The combination of 8 Molar of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) as alkali activators was examined in the mixture with ratio of 2.5 by weight. Nine cubical specimens with a size of 150 × 150 × 150 mm were prepared to measure bond strength and slip between reinforcement and concrete. The influential factors studied for the experimental investigation were the diameter of reinforcement bar, bond area, and concrete cover to diameter (c/d) of reinforcement. The result showed that the average bond strength decreased as the diameter of plain bar and bonded length were increased from 16 mm to 19 mm. However, the 12 mm showed the different result allegedly caused by the effect of bond area and the passive confined provided by the concrete. Based on several equations used to compare the bond strength, it is clear that deformed bar of 12 mm in diameter is potential to increase the bond strength.

Comparison of Epidermal/Dermal Damage Between the Long-Pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG and 755 nm Alexandrite Lasers Under Relatively High Fluence Conditions: Quantitative and Histological Assessments

PubMed Central

Lee, Ju Hwan; Park, So Ra; Jo, Jeong Ho; Park, Sung Yun; Seo, Young Kwon

2014-01-01

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare degrees of epidermal/dermal tissue damage quantitatively and histologically after laser irradiation, to find ideal treatment conditions with relatively high fluence for skin rejuvenation. Background data: A number of recent studies have evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of therapeutic lasers under relatively low fluence conditions. Methods: We transmitted the long-pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG and 755 nm Alexandrite lasers into pig skin according to different fluences and spot diameters, and estimated epidermal/dermal temperatures. Pig skin specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological assessments. The fluence conditions comprised 26, 30, and 36 J/cm2, and the spot diameter conditions were 5, 8, and 10 mm. Pulse duration was 30 ms for all experiments. Results: Both lasers produced reliable thermal damage on the dermis without any serious epidermal injuries, under relatively high fluence conditions. The 1064 nm laser provided more active fibrous formations than the 755 nm laser, while higher risks for tissue damages simultaneously occurred. Conclusions: The ideal treatment conditions for skin rejuvenation were 8 mm diameter with 30 J/cm2 and 10 mm diameter with 26 J/cm2 for the 1064 nm laser, and 8 mm diameter with 36 J/cm2 and 10 mm diameter with 26 J/cm2 for the 755 nm laser. PMID:24992273

Whole-globe biomechanics using high-field MRI.

PubMed

Voorhees, Andrew P; Ho, Leon C; Jan, Ning-Jiun; Tran, Huong; van der Merwe, Yolandi; Chan, Kevin; Sigal, Ian A

2017-07-01

The eye is a complex structure composed of several interconnected tissues acting together, across the whole globe, to resist deformation due to intraocular pressure (IOP). However, most work in the ocular biomechanics field only examines the response to IOP over smaller regions of the eye. We used high-field MRI to measure IOP induced ocular displacements and deformations over the whole globe. Seven sheep eyes were obtained from a local abattoir and imaged within 48 h using MRI at multiple levels of IOP. IOP was controlled with a gravity perfusion system and a cannula inserted into the anterior chamber. T2-weighted imaging was performed to the eyes serially at 0 mmHg, 10 mmHg, 20 mmHg and 40 mmHg of IOP using a 9.4 T MRI scanner. Manual morphometry was conducted using 3D visualization software to quantify IOP-induced effects at the globe scale (e.g. axial length and equatorial diameters) or optic nerve head scale (e.g. canal diameter, peripapillary sclera bowing). Measurement sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine measurement precision. High-field MRI revealed an outward bowing of the posterior sclera and anterior bulging of the cornea due to IOP elevation. Increments in IOP from 10 to 40 mmHg caused measurable increases in axial length in 6 of 7 eyes of 7.9 ± 5.7% (mean ± SD). Changes in equatorial diameter were minimal, 0.4 ± 1.2% between 10 and 40 mmHg, and in all cases less than the measurement sensitivity. The effects were nonlinear, with larger deformations at normal IOPs (10-20 mmHg) than at elevated IOPs (20-40 mmHg). IOP also caused measurable increases in the nasal-temporal scleral canal diameter of 13.4 ± 9.7% between 0 and 20 mmHg, but not in the superior-inferior diameter. This study demonstrates that high-field MRI can be used to visualize and measure simultaneously the effects of IOP over the whole globe, including the effects on axial length and equatorial diameter, posterior sclera displacement and bowing, and even changes in scleral canal diameter. The fact that the equatorial diameter did not change with IOP, in agreement with previous studies, indicates that a fixed boundary condition is a reasonable assumption for half globe inflation tests and computational models. Our results demonstrate the potential of high-field MRI to contribute to understanding ocular biomechanics, and specifically of the effects of IOP in large animal models. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Blast Wave Experiments at Z

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

radiation flows upward, it passes though a 1.7-mm high, tapered, 25-μm thick gold wall cone that is filled 20 ± 3 mg/cm3 silica aerogel (SiO2). Above...this cone is a 20 ± 3 mg/cm3 silica aerogel filled, 1-mm high, 2.4-mm inner diameter, 25-μm thick gold wall cylinder. On the cylinder rests a 4-mm...diameter gold platform that supports a higher density (40-60 mg/cm3) silica aerogel . This aerogel is the region where the blast wave forms after

Single crystal growth of submillimeter diameter sapphire tube by the micro-pulling down method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamada, Kei; Murakami, Rikito; Kochurikhin, Vladimir V.; Luidmila, Gushchina; Jin Kim, Kyoung; Shoji, Yasuhiro; Yamaji, Akihiro; Kurosawa, Shunsuke; Ohashi, Yuji; Yokota, Yuui; Yoshikawa, Akira

2018-06-01

This paper addresses several aspects of the μ-PD growth technology as applied to submillimeter diameter sapphire tubes for UFD application. The μ-PD method has been successfully adapted for single crystal sapphire tube growth. A compound crucible made possible the growth of single crystal sapphire tube as small as around 0.70-0.72 mm in outer diameter and 0.28-0.29 in inner diameter over 160 mm in length at growth rate of 2-4 mm/min along 〈0 0 1〉 direction. An Ir crucible with a die composed of an equivalent hole and Ir wire was heated by RF coil in N2 atmosphere. The μ-PD method has been successfully adapted for single crystal sapphire tube growth. Grown crystal tube showed good XRC value of 30.2 arcsec.

Natural history of moderately dilated tubular ascending aorta: implications for determining the optimal imaging interval.

PubMed

Park, Kay-Hyun; Chung, Suryeun; Kim, Dong Jung; Kim, Jun Sung; Lim, Cheong

2017-05-01

For a moderately dilated ascending aorta (diameter 35-54 mm), current guidelines recommend continuous annual or semi-annual examinations with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. However, few data have shown the yield and benefit of such a protocol. This study aimed to investigate the fate of a moderately dilated ascending aorta and thereby determine the adequate imaging interval. In our institutional database, we identified adult patients having an ascending aortic diameter ≥40 mm in contrast-enhanced computed tomography and follow-up imaging(s) after ≥1 year. Of the 509 patients (mean age 67.2 ± 10.4 years) enrolled in the study, the maximal diameter of the ascending aorta was compared between the first and last images. Also, their medical records were reviewed to investigate the associated illness and clinical events. The mean growth rate of the patients with a 40-44 mm ( n  = 321), 45-49 mm ( n  = 142) and ≥50 mm ( n  = 46) ascending aorta was 0.3 ± 0.5, 0.3 ± 0.5 and 0.7 ± 0.9 mm/year, respectively. During the mean interval of 4.3 ± 2.4 years, significant progression (diameter increase by ≥5 mm) occurred in 3.4, 5.6 and 21.7%, respectively. The 3- to 5-year rates of freedom from significant progression were 99.1%-96.5% (40-44 mm) and 97.8%-96.4% (45-49 mm). In multivariate analysis, initial ascending aortic diameter ≥45 mm and aortic valve regurgitation were significantly associated with significant progression. Acute type A aortic dissection occurred in 5 patients (1%), before the maximal diameter of the ascending aorta reached 55 mm or significant progression was observed. For a moderately dilated ascending aorta not exceeding 45 mm in maximal diameter and stable in the first annual follow-up image, a 3- to 4-year interval would be reasonable before subsequent imaging. More frequent imaging may be warranted in patients with aortic valve insufficiency or with an aortic diameter ≥45 mm. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Towards more physiological manipulations of hormones in field studies: comparing the release dynamics of three kinds of testosterone implants, silastic tubing, time-release pellets and beeswax.

PubMed

Quispe, Rene; Trappschuh, Monika; Gahr, Manfred; Goymann, Wolfgang

2015-02-01

Hormone manipulations are of increasing interest in the areas of physiological ecology and evolution, because hormones are mediators of complex phenotypic changes. Often, however, hormone manipulations in field settings follow the approaches that have been used in classical endocrinology, potentially using supra-physiological doses. To answer ecological and evolutionary questions, it may be important to manipulate hormones within their physiological range. We compare the release dynamics of three kinds of implants, silastic tubing, time-release pellets, and beeswax pellets, each containing 3mg of testosterone. These implants were placed into female Japanese quail, and plasma levels of testosterone measured over a period of 30 days. Testosterone in silastic tubing led to supraphysiological levels. Also, testosterone concentrations were highly variable between individuals. Time-release pellets led to levels of testosterone that were slightly supraphysiological during the first days. Over the period of 30 days, however, testosterone concentrations were more consistent. Beeswax implants led to a physiological increase in testosterone and a relatively constant release. The study demonstrated that hormone implants in 10mm silastic tubing led to a supraphysiological peak in female quail. Thus, the use of similar-sized or even larger silastic implants in males or in other smaller vertebrates needs careful assessment. Time-release pellets and beeswax implants provide a more controlled release and degrade within the body. Thus, it is not necessary to recapture the animal to remove the implant. We propose beeswax implants as an appropriate procedure to manipulate testosterone levels within the physiological range. Hence, such implants may be an effective alternative for field studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An experimental investigation of the cooling channel geometry effects on the internal forced convection of liquid methane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trejo, Adrian

Rocket engine fuel alternatives have been an area of discussion for use in high performance engines and deep spaceflight missions. In particular, LCH4 has showed promise as an alternative option in regeneratively cooled rocket engines due to its non-toxic nature, similar storage temperatures to liquid oxygen, and its potential as an in situ resource. However, data pertaining to the heat transfer characteristics of LCH4 is limited. For this reason, a High Heat Transfer Test Facility (HHTTF) at the University of Texas at El Paso's (UTEP) Center for Space Exploration Technology and Research has been developed for the purpose of flowing LCH4 through several heated tube geometry designs subjected to a constant heat flux. In addition, a Methane Condensing Unit (MCU) is integrated to the system setup to supply LCH4 to the test facility. Through the use of temperature and pressure measurements, this experiment will serve not only to study the heat transfer characteristics of LCH4; it serves as a method of simulating the cooling channels of a regeneratively cooled rocket engine at a subscale level. The cross sections for the cooling channels investigated are a 1.8 mm x 1.8 mm square channel, 1.8 mm x 4.1 mm rectangular channel, 3.2 mm and 6.34 mm inside diameter channel, and a 1.8 mm x 14.2 mm high aspect ratio cooling channel (HARCC). The test facility is currently designed for test pressures between 1.03 MPa to 2.06 MPa and heat fluxes up to 5 MW/m2. Results show that at the given test pressures, the Reynolds number reaches up to 140,000 for smaller cooling channels (3.2 mm diameter tube and 1.8 mm x 4.1 mm rectangle) while larger cooling channel geometries (6.35 mm diameter and HARCC) reached Reynolds number around 70,000. Nusselt numbers reached as high as 320 and 265 for a 3.2 mm diameter tube and 1.8 mm x 4.1 mm rectangular channel respectively. For cooling channel geometries with 6.35 mm diameter and HARCC geometry, Nusselt numbers reached 136 (excluding an outlier) and 106 respectively. Heat transfer predictions applied to the data yielded theoretical correlations within 40% of the experimental data. However, typical theoretical values fall within 10%-15% of the experimental values showing agreeable correlations and supporting theories stated in the present study.

The Volumetric Imaging System for the Ionosphere (VISION)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

telescope mirror is an 80 mm focal length, 50 mm diameter, first surface mirror with magnesium fluoride over aluminum coating on a zerodur blank...will be either a wedge–and–strip anode or a codacon. The telescope mirror is an 80 mm focal length, 2.5 cm diameter, first surface mirror with...magnesium fluoride over aluminum coating on a zerodur blank. The filters are the three reflection bandpass filters developed for and flown on

Determination of Graphite-Liquid-Vapor Triple Point by Laser Heating

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-01-30

difficulties in the temperature measure- ments, which were made with an optical pyrometer . He considered that the failure of graphite rod was caused by...temperature measurements were made with a calibrated optical pyrometer . Spherical shiny frozen droplets of graphite, 1 to 3 mm in diameter, indicated...0.8 mm in diameter and 10 mm long in argon until failure by rupture occurred. They measured the tempera- ture with a two-color pyrometer . The

Excretion rates of indigestible plastic balls of different specific gravities and diameters in dairy cattle.

PubMed

Seyama, Tomohiro; Hirayasu, Hirofumi; Kasai, Koji

2017-01-01

We used plastic balls to investigate how their specific gravity and diameter affect excretion rate and rumination in dairy cattle, to develop a capsule that can be used for reaching the lower gastrointestinal tract without physical breakdown and/or degradation in the rumen. Twelve types of indigestible plastic balls composed of a combination of four specific gravities (0.95, 1.19, 1.41, or 2.20) and three diameters (3.97, 6.35, or 7.94 mm) were orally administered to lactating dairy cows, and the balls were collected from feces, after 120 h post-administration, to evaluate the recovery rate. Recovery rate of the balls with specific gravity 1.19 or 1.41 and diameter 6.35 or 7.94 mm was higher than those with specific gravity 0.95 or 2.20 and diameter 3.97 mm. The cumulative recovery rate at 24 and 48 h post-administration was higher for balls with specific gravity 1.19 than that for balls with other specific gravities. These results suggest that specific gravity 1.19 or 1.41 and diameters 6.35-7.94 mm are optimal for use in bypass capsules for administration to cattle. In addition, the passage time of capsules differed between specific gravities 1.19 and 1.41. © 2016 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Fiber-Supported Droplet Combustion. Experiment 32

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dietrich, Daniel L.; Haggard, John B., Jr.; Nayagam, Vedha; Dryer, Frederick L.; Williams, Forman A.; Shaw, Ben D.

1998-01-01

Individual droplets with diameters ranging from about 2 mm to 5 mm were burned under microgravity conditions in air at 1 bar with an ambient temperature of 300 K. Each droplet was tethered by a silicon carbide fiber of 80 mm or 150 mm diameter to keep it in view of video recording, and, in some tests, a forced air flow was applied in a direction parallel to the fiber axis. Methanol, two methanol-water mixtures, two methanol-dodecanol mixtures, and two heptane-hexadecane mixtures were the fuels. Droplet diameters were measured as functions of time and compared with existing theoretical predictions. The prediction that methanol droplets extinguish at diameters that increase with increasing initial droplet diameter is verified by these experiments. In addition, the quasi-steady burning rate constant of the heptane-hexadecane mixtures appears to decrease with increasing droplet diameter; obscuration consistent with very heavy sooting, but without the formation of soot shells, is observed for the largest of these droplets. Forced convective flow around methanol droplets was found to increase the burning rate and to produce a ratio of downstream-to-upstream flame radius that remained constant as the droplet size decreased, a trend in agreement with earlier results obtained at higher convective velocities for smaller droplets having larger flame standoff ratios. There are a number of implications of the experimental results regarding droplet-combustion theory.

Pulsed dye laser treatment of rosacea using a novel 15 mm diameter treatment beam.

PubMed

Bernstein, Eric F; Schomacker, Kevin; Paranjape, Amit; Jones, Christopher J

2018-04-10

The pulsed-dye laser has been used to treat facial redness and rosacea for decades. Recent advances in dye laser technology enable 50% higher output energies supporting 50% larger treatment areas, and beam-diameters up to 15 mm with clinically-relevant fluences. In this study, we investigate this novel pulsed-dye laser using a 15 mm diameter beam for treatment of rosacea. Twenty subjects with erythemato-telangiectatic rosacea were enrolled in the study. A total of 4 monthly treatments were administered, first treating linear vessels with a 3 × 10 mm elliptical beam, then diffuse redness with a 15-mm diameter circular beam. Blinded assessment of digital, cross-polarized photographs taken 2 months following the last treatment was performed using an 11-point clearance scale. Nineteen subjects completed the study. Blinded reviewers correctly identified baseline photos in 55 out of the total of 57 images (96.5%). The blinded reviewers scored 17 of the 19 subjects with an improvement greater than 40%, and 11 of the 19 subjects greater than 50%. The average improvement was 53.9%. Side effects were limited to mild edema, mild to moderate erythema, and mild to moderate bruising. This study demonstrates that a newly designed pulsed-dye laser having a novel 15-mm diameter treatment beam improves the appearance of rosacea with a favorable safety profile. Lasers Surg. Med. 9999:1-5, 2018. © 2018 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2018 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of acute exercise on the diameter of the spermatic vein, and duration of reflux in patients with varicocele.

PubMed

Atar, Murat; Söylemez, Haluk; Oguz, Fatih; Beytur, Ali; Altunoluk, Bülent; Kahraman, Bayram; Islamoglu, Yahya; Soylu, Ahmet

2013-06-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute exercise on the diameter of the spermatic vein, and on the duration of reflux in patients with varicocele. The study included 38 patients with complaints of infertility and scrotal pain between 2009 and 2010. The diagnoses were made by physical examination and colour Doppler ultrasound, with both performed before and after exercise tests. The mean age of the participants was 25.7 ± 4.9 years. During the first examination, the grades of the varicoceles detected were as follows: grade I, n = 7; II, n = 10; and III, n = 21. The diameters of veins in patients with grades I, II and III varicocele were 2.1 mm, 2.9 mm and 4.2 mm, respectively, before exercise, whereas they were 2.6 mm, 3.2 mm and 4.3 mm, respectively, after exercise. In patients with grade I varicoceles, compared with pre-exercise values, the diameter of the left spermatic vein and duration of reflux measured during Valsalva manoeuvres were increased significantly after exercise (p = 0.042 and p = 0.034, respectively); similar results were obtained for the patients with grade II varicoceles (p = 0.007 and p = 0.008, respectively). However, the minimal relative increase in cases with grade III varicoceles was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). This study demonstrates that acute exercise increases the spermatic vein diameter and reflux time in patients with varicoceles. These outcomes demonstrate that acute exercise may be an aggravating factor for varicocele, as seen in chronic exercise.

Transgressive reef sequences of the Devonian Devils Gate Limestone, Red Hill, Nevada

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

Shapiro, R.; Dehler, C.; Flynn, J.

The Devils Gate Limestone at Red Hill, Simpson Park Range, Eureka Co., Nevada is composed of several conformable transgressive sequences cropping out in a series of step-like cliffs 1--5 m high. The general sequence is as follows: (1) a 1--4 m thick in situ boundstone dominated by large, period rugosans, domical and stratiform stromatoporids and rare, 1--3 cm diameter oncolites. Most of the boundstone is composed of small, cylindrical fossils. Petrographic observation revealed them to be mostly Amphipora and Cladopora. The upper portions of these units are packstones composed of Amphipora/Cladopora and, to a lesser degree, small favositids, round stromatoporoidsmore » (3--4 cm diameter), and rip-up clasts. (2) These beds grade upward into a thinly laminated and/or cross-bedded unfossiliferous mudstone. (3) Stratigraphically above the mudstone or in contact with the packstone, is a cross-bedded and/or bioturbated wackestone containing fossils no greater than 2 mm. In thin section, the mottled reddish-grey wackestone is pelletal, with rare lenses of small crinoid columnals. Disarticulated brachiopod shells of low diversity are found near the tops of some of these layers. Community dominance in the reefal units alternates between Amphipora/Cladopora, colonial rugose, and stromatoporoids. Oncolite mounds are common in the uppermost unit. The typical reef succession consists of domical and digitate stromatoporoids growing on the upper surfaces of in place or disturbed, large rugosans, though the reverse has been noted. Tabulate corals encrusted by stromatoporoids are often found in the packstone. It is important to note that often these successions' can be attributed to juxtaposition along styolites.« less

Role of host microenvironment in angiogenesis and microvascular functions in human breast cancer xenografts: mammary fat pad versus cranial tumors.

PubMed

Monsky, Wayne L; Mouta Carreira, Carla; Tsuzuki, Yoshikazu; Gohongi, Takeshi; Fukumura, Dai; Jain, Rakesh K

2002-04-01

The host microenvironment differs between primary and metastatic sites, affecting gene expression and various physiological functions. Here we show the differences in the physiological parameters between orthotopic primary and metastatic breast tumor xenografts using intravital microscopy and reveal the relationship between angiogenic gene expression and microvascular functions in vivo. ZR75-1, a human estrogen-dependent mammary carcinoma, was implanted into the mammary fat pad (primary site) of ovariectomized SCID female mice carrying estrogen pellets. The same tumor line was also grown in the cranial window (metastasis site). When tumors reached the diameter of 2.5 mm, angiogenesis, hemodynamics, and vascular permeability were measured by intravital microscopy, and expression of angiogenic growth factors was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. ZR75-1 tumors grown in the mammary fat pad had higher microvascular permeability but lower vascular density than the same tumors grown in the cranial window (2.5- and 0.7-fold, respectively). There was no significant difference in RBC velocity, vessel diameter, blood flow rate, and shear rate between two sites. The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptors VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, and angiopoietin-1 mRNA tended to be higher in the mammary fat pad tumors than in the cranial tumors (1.5-, 1.5-, 3-, and 2-fold, respectively). The primary breast cancer exhibited higher vascular permeability, but the cranial tumor showed more angiogenesis, suggesting that the cranial environment is leakage resistant but proangiogenic. Collectively, host microenvironment is an important determinant of tumor gene expression and microvascular functions, and, thus, orthotopic breast tumor models should be useful for obtaining clinically relevant information.

Investigation of Infant Brain with or without Hydrocephalous in Our Environment Using Anterior Transfontanelle Ultrasound Scan.

PubMed

Marchie, Tobechukwu T; Ayara, Charles O

2013-01-01

A prospective study aimed to suggest easy and simple reproducible ventricular site that will be basic measurement plane and normal dimension determined, correlated to sizes of infants for comparative evaluation of hydrocephalous infants and should be reproducible in follow-up. A prospective study done in University of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin, Nigeria. This study used 50 consecutive infants with Ultrasound scan (US) diagnosis of hydrocephalus and a control group of 50 US normal from 1(st) January 2007 to 30(th) June 2008. The infants were scan through the mid-patent anterior fontanelle in sagittal, and transverse planes with minor angulations to properly outline the ventricles and the position of measurement determined at the foramen of Monro of lateral ventricles and the diameter measured. The infants' weight, crown-heel length, and head circumference were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated and correlated to lateral ventricular measurement. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc, USA), Version 11.0. There was no statistically sex and age-related difference. There is statistically comparative high mean weight and height and lower BMI in hydrocephalic infants as against the control group (P < 0.001). The mean head circumference for hydrocephalus was 45.6 (± 10.5 standard deviation [SD]), whereas the control group was 35.9 (± 2.7 SD) with P < 0.001. The mean diameter of the anterior horn of left and right lateral ventricles at the level of foramen of Monro in hydrocephalic subjects is 18.4 mm ± 14.3 mm and 20.1 mm ± 16.8 mm with median diameter of 14.1 mm and 15.2 mm, respectively, whereas control group is 2.5 mm ± 0.6 mm and 2.5 mm ± 0.7 mm with median diameter of 2.5 mm and 2.4 mm, respectively. Transfontanelle US was found highly useful in investigation of hydrocephalous in infant.

Stress distribution on dentin-cement-post interface varying root canal and glass fiber post diameters. A three-dimensional finite element analysis based on micro-CT data

PubMed Central

LAZARI, Priscilla Cardoso; de OLIVEIRA, Rodrigo Caldeira Nunes; ANCHIETA, Rodolfo Bruniera; de ALMEIDA, Erika Oliveira; FREITAS JUNIOR, Amilcar Chagas; KINA, Sidney; ROCHA, Eduardo Passos

2013-01-01

Objective The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of root canal and glass fiber post diameters on the biomechanical behavior of the dentin/cement/post interface of a root-filled tooth using 3D finite element analysis. Material and Methods Six models were built using micro-CT imaging data and SolidWorks 2007 software, varying the root canal (C) and the glass fiber post (P) diameters: C1P1-C=1 mm and P=1 mm; C2P1-C=2 mm and P=1 mm; C2P2-C=2 mm and P=2 mm; C3P1-C=3 mm and P=1 mm; C3P2-C=3 mm and P=2 mm; and C3P3-C=3 mm and P=3 mm. The numerical analysis was conducted with ANSYS Workbench 10.0. An oblique force (180 N at 45º) was applied to the palatal surface of the central incisor. The periodontal ligament surface was constrained on the three axes (x=y=z=0). Maximum principal stress (σmax) values were evaluated for the root dentin, cement layer, and glass fiber post. Results: The most evident stress was observed in the glass fiber post at C3P1 (323 MPa), and the maximum stress in the cement layer occurred at C1P1 (43.2 MPa). The stress on the root dentin was almost constant in all models with a peak in tension at C2P1 (64.5 MPa). Conclusion The greatest discrepancy between root canal and post diameters is favorable for stress concentration at the post surface. The dentin remaining after the various root canal preparations did not increase the stress levels on the root. PMID:24473716

Measurement of the ascending aorta diameter in patients with severe bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve stenosis using dual-source computed tomography coronary angiography.

PubMed

Son, Jee Young; Ko, Sung Min; Choi, Jin Woo; Song, Meong Gun; Hwang, Hweung Kon; Lee, Sook Jin; Kang, Joon-Won

2011-12-01

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of dual-source computed tomography coronary angiography (DSCT-CA) in the measurement of the ascending aorta (AA) diameter and compare the AA diameter in patients with severe bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) stenosis. Eighty-eight consecutive patients (50 men, mean age 60.3 ± 13 year) with severe aortic stenosis (AS) underwent DSCT-CA before aortic valve surgery. Seventy-four of the 88 patients underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). The internal diameter of AA was measured from early-systole with DSCT-CA and CMR by 2 radiologists independently at 4 levels (aortic annulus, sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, and tubular portion at the right pulmonary artery). The patients were divided in to 2 groups (BAV [n = 53]; TAV [n = 35]) according to operative findings. Patients with BAV were significantly younger than those with TAV (P = 0.0035). Inter-observer agreement of AA diameters at 4 levels with DSCT-CA and CMR was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.89-0.97). Also, the DSCT-CA and CMR measurements of the AA diameter strongly correlated (r = 0.871-0.976). Mean diameter of the AA by DSCT-CA was significantly larger in patients with BAV (34.4 ± 8.2 mm) as compared to those with TAV (30.6 ± 5.5 mm). The diameters at the sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, and tubular portion were significantly larger in BAV than in TAV. Twenty-two of 53 (41.5%) patients with BAV and 2 of 35 (5.7%) patients with TAV had AA dilatation > 45 mm. DSCT-CA allows accurate assessment of the AA diameters in patients with severe AS. Patients with severe BAV stenosis had larger AA diameters and higher prevalence of AA dilatation > 45 mm as compared to those with severe TAV stenosis.

A solar-pumped Nd:YAG laser in the high collection efficiency regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lando, Mordechai; Kagan, Jacob; Linyekin, Boris; Dobrusin, Vadim

2003-07-01

Solar-pumped lasers can be used for space and terrestrial applications. We report on solar side-pumped Nd:YAG laser experiments, which included comprehensive beam quality measurements and demonstrated record collection efficiency and day long operation. A 6.75 m 2 segmented primary mirror was mounted on a commercial two-axis positioner and focused the solar radiation towards a stationary non-imaging-optics secondary concentrator, which illuminated a Nd:YAG laser rod. Solar side-pumped laser experiments were conducted in both the low and the high pumping density regimes. The low density system was composed of a 89 × 98-mm 2 aperture two-dimensional compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) and a 10-mm diameter 130-mm long Nd:YAG laser rod. The laser emitted up to 46 W and operated continuously for 5 h. The high density system was composed of a three-dimensional CPC with 98 mm entrance diameter and 24 mm exit diameter, followed by a two-dimensional CPC with a rectangular 24 × 33 mm 2 aperture. It pumped a 6-mm diameter 72 mm long Nd:YAG laser rod, which emitted up to 45 W. The results constitute a record collection efficiency of 6.7 W/m 2 of primary mirror. We compare the current results to previous solar side-pumped laser experiments, including experiments at higher pumping density but with low collection efficiency. Finally, we present a scaled up design for a 400 W laser pumped by a solar collection area of 60 m 2, incorporating simultaneously high collection efficiency and high pumping density.

Summary of a study to determine low-velocity impact damage and residual tension strength for a thick graphite/epoxy motor case

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poe, C. C., Jr.

1990-01-01

Impacters of various shapes and masses were dropped from various heights onto 36 mm (1.4 in.) thick graphite/epoxy cylinders, which represented filament wound cases (FWC) for the booster motors of the Space Shuttle. Insert solid propellant was cast into some of the cylinders. The cylinders were impacted numerous times around the circumference and then cut into 51 mm (2.0 in.) wide tension specimens, each containing an impact site. Four indenters were used: a sharp corner, two hemispheres, and a bolt-like rod. The diameters of the hemispheres were 12.7 mm mm (0.5 in.) and 25.4 mm (1.0 in.), and the diameter of the rod was 6.3 mm (0.25 in.). Impacts with the rod were simulated by pressing the rod against the face of specimens. For the hemispheres, the damage initiated beneath the surface at a critical contact pressure and was not visible on the surface until an even larger pressure was exceeded. The damage consisted of matrix cracking and broken fiber. The rod an corner made visible surface damage in all tests. For the hemispheres, the tension strength was reduced considerably before the damage was visible on the surface, 30 percent for the 25.4 mm (1.0 in.) diameter hemisphere and 10 percent for the 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) diameter hemisphere. Analytical methods were used to predict the damage and residual tension strength. A factor of safety to account for nonvisible damage was determined.

A Novel Ex Vivo Training Model for Acquiring Supermicrosurgical Skills Using a Chicken Leg.

PubMed

Cifuentes, Ignacio J; Rodriguez, José R; Yañez, Ricardo A; Salisbury, María C; Cuadra, Álvaro J; Varas, Julian E; Dagnino, Bruno L

2016-11-01

Background  Supermicrosurgery is a technique used for dissection and anastomosis of submillimeter diameter vessels. This technique requires precise hand movements and superb eye-hand coordination, making continuous training necessary. Biological in vivo and ex vivo models have been described for this purpose, the latter being more accessible and cost-effective. The aim of this study is to present a new ex vivo training model using a chicken leg. Methods  In 28 chicken legs, an anatomical study was performed. An intramuscular perforator vessel was identified and dissected. Arterial diameters of 0.7, 0.5, and 0.3 mm were identified and consistency of the perforator was assessed. In additional 10 chicken legs, 25 submillimeter arteries were anastomosed using this perforator vessel. Five arteries of 0.3 and 10 of 0.5 mm were anastomosed with nylon 11-0 and 12-0 sutures. Intravascular stent (IVaS) technique and open guide (OG) technique were used in 0.5-mm arteries. A total of 10 arteries of 0.7 mm were anastomosed using 10-0 sutures in a conventional fashion. Dissection and anastomosis time were recorded and patency was tested. Results  We were able to identify 0.7 to 0.3 mm diameter arteries in all the specimens and confirm the consistency of the perforator. The median time for dissection was 13.4 minutes. The median time for anastomosis was 32.3 minutes for 0.3-mm arteries, 24.3 minutes for 0.5-mm arteries using IVaS, 29.5 minutes for the OG technique, and 20.9 minutes for the 0.7 mm diameter arteries. All the anastomoses were permeable. Conclusion  Due to its consistent and adequate diameter vessels, this model is adequate for training supermicrosurgical skills. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

A newly designed big cup nitinol stent for gastric outlet obstruction

PubMed Central

Shi, Ding; Liao, Sheng-Hui; Geng, Jian-Ping

2010-01-01

AIM: To find out whether a newly designed big cup nitinol stent is suitable for treatment of patients with gastric outlet obstruction resulting from gastric cancer. METHODS: The new stent is composed of a proximal big cup segment (20 mm in length and 48-55 mm in diameter), a middle part (60 mm in length and 20 mm in diameter) covered by a polyethylene membrane and a distal sphericity (20 mm in length and 28 mm in diameter). Half of the proximal big cup segment is also covered by a polyethlene membrane, which is adjacent to the middle part of the stent. The stent is preloaded in a 6.0-mm-diameter introducer system. Thirteen patients with gastric outlet obstruction resulting from gastric cancer received the new stents under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 12 of 13 (92.3%) patients. Among the 12 patients in whom endoscopic stent was placed successfully, the clinical success rate was 91.7% during a follow-up of average 6.5 mo. During the first month follow-up, the migration rate was 0%, recurrent obstruction 0% and gastric bleeding 8.3%. During the follow-up between 2-12 mo, no migration, recurrent obstruction and gastric bleeding occurred. CONCLUSION: The proximal big cup segment seems to be effective and promising for technical efficacy, clinical outcome, and preventing migration and tumor ingrowth and increasing the emptying rate of sinus ventriculi. PMID:20806440

Risk factors associated with delayed gastric emptying after subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth-I anastomosis using circular stapler for early gastric cancer patients.

PubMed

Kim, Ki Han; Kim, Min Chan; Jung, Ghap Joong

2012-11-01

Gastric surgery may potentiate delayed gastric emptying. Billroth I gastroduodenostomy using a circular stapler is the most preferable reconstruction method. The purpose of this study is to analyze the risk factors associated with delayed gastric emptying after radical subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth I anastomosis using a stapler for early gastric cancer. Three hundred and seventy-eight patients who underwent circular stapled Billroth I gastroduodenostomy after subtotal gastrectomy due to early gastric cancer were analyzed retrospectively. One hundred and eighty-two patients had Billroth I anastomosis using a 25 mm diameter circular stapler, and 196 patients had anastomosis with a 28 or 29 mm diameter circular stapler. Clinicopathological features and postoperative outcomes were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Delayed gastric emptying was diagnosed by symptoms and simple abdomen X-ray with or without upper gastrointestinal series or endoscopy. Postoperative delayed gastric emptying was found in 12 (3.2%) of the 378 patients. Among all the variables, distal margin and circular stapler diameter were significantly different between the cases with delayed gastric emptying and no delayed gastric emptying. There were statistically significant differences in sex, body mass index, comorbidity, complication, and operation type according to circular stapler diameter. In both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, only the stapler diameter was found to be a significant factor affecting delayed gastric emptying (P = 0.040). In this study, the circular stapler diameter was one of the most significant predictable factors of delayed gastric emptying for Billroth I gastroduodenostomy. The use of a 28 or 29 mm diameter circular stapler rather than a 25 mm diameter stapler in stapled gastroduodenostomy for early gastric cancer can reduce postoperative delayed gastric emptying associated with anastomosic stenosis or edema with relative safety.

Cadmium removal from wastewater by sponge iron sphere prepared by hydrogen reduction.

PubMed

Li, Junguo; Wei, Linghong; Li, Yungang; Bi, Na; Song, Fangfang

2011-06-01

A new type of sponge iron sphere (NSIS) with 1-5 mm diameter, made of concentrated iron powder and possessed high activity and intension, was prepared by mini-pellet sintering integrated with H2 direct reduction. Static state experiment has been carried on to investigate the Cd(2+) removal efficiency from wastewater by the NSIS and to explore the Cd(2+) removal reaction kinetics. It was suggested that initial pH value and Cd(2+) original concentration had significant influence on Cd(2+) removal percentage. Cd(2+) removal percentage decreased significantly with the increasing of Cd(2+)original concentration whether the original pH value be adjusted to 3.0 or without adjustment. The results showed that the Cd(2+) removal process followed the first order reaction because the reaction order was from 0.803 to 0.996. The apparent reaction rate constant between Cd(2+) and NSIS was from 0.0025 to 0.1000 (mg·L(-1))(1-n)·min(-1). Compared with SIS reduced by charcoal reduction, NSIS deoxided by hydrogen possessed higher activity, and could remove the same quantity of Cd(2+) within a shorter period of time. Copyright © 2011 The Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The New Dual-beam Spectropluviometer Concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delahaye, J. Y.; Barthes, L.; Golé, P.; Lavergnat, J.; Vinson, J. P.

A Dual Beam Spectropluviometer (DBS) measuring the equivalent diameter D, the vertical velocity V and the time T of arrival of particles is presented. Its main advan- tage over previous optical disdrometers is the extensive measurement range of atmo- spheric precipitations near ground. In particular, 0.15 mm diameter particles can be observed in quiet laboratory conditions and 0.2 mm is the smallest diameter observed in the outdoor turbulent air velocity field. The means for obtaining such results are (i) two uniform beams of rectangular cross-section 2 mm in height, 40 mm in width and 250 mm in length, with a 2 mm vertical gap, (ii) a dual 16-bit analog to digital converter, (iii) a dedicated program for extracting the 3 parameters in real time by computing the signal slopes and determining the correlation between both channels, (iii) various means for reducing splashing and vibration. Laboratory tests and typical rain measurements are shown. The DBS is particularly suited for extensive atmospheric and radio propagation research applications where the smallest drops were not correctly estimated in the distributions because of the lack of appropriate measurement devices.

Dimensions of stabident intraosseous perforators and needles.

PubMed

Ramlee, R A; Whitworth, J

2001-09-01

Problems can be encountered inserting intraosseous injection needles through perforation sites. This in vitro study examined the variability and size compatibility of Stabident intraosseous injection components. The diameters of 40 needles and perforators from a single Stabident kit were measured in triplicate with a toolmakers microscope. One-way ANOVA revealed that mean needle diameter (0.411 mm) was significantly narrower than mean perforator diameter (0.427 mm) (p < 0.001). A frequency distribution plot revealed that needle diameter followed a normal distribution, indicating tight quality control during manufacture. The diameter of perforators was haphazardly distributed, with a clustering of 15% at the lower limit of the size range. However on no occasion was the diameter of a perforator smaller than that of an injection needle. We conclude that components of the Stabident intraosseous anaesthetic system are size-compatible, but there is greater and more haphazard variability in the diameter of perforators than injection needles.

Retrospective cohort clinical investigation of a dental implant with a narrow diameter and short length for the partial rehabilitation of extremely atrophic jaws.

PubMed

Maló, Paulo S; de Araújo Nobre, Miguel A; Lopes, Armando V; Ferro, Ana S

2017-01-01

We investigated the short-term clinical outcomes of narrow-diameter short-length implants for the fixed-prosthetic partial rehabilitation of extremely resorbed jaws. Twenty-three patients requiring partial rehabilitations with narrow-platform short-length implants in any jaw were included in this study. In total, 30 implants 3.3 mm in diameter and 7 (n = 15 implants) or 8.5 (n = 15 implants) mm in length were inserted. The primary outcome measure was implant cumulative survival rate (CSR); the secondary outcome measures were marginal bone resorption at 1 and 3 years and the incidence of biologic and mechanical complications. Five patients (21.7%) with six implants (20%) were lost to follow-up. Two implants failed in two patients, yielding a CSR at 3 years of follow-up of 93.4%. The average (standard deviation) marginal bone resorption was 1.34 mm (0.95 mm) after the first year and 1.38 mm (0.78 mm) after the third year. Biologic complications occurred in three patients; mechanical complications occurred in three patients. Despite the limitations of the study, our findings show that the use of new narrow-diameter short-length implants for the rehabilitation of extremely atrophic regions is viable in the short-term, and can be considered a treatment alternative in extremely resorbed jaws.

Ultra-Compact Multitip Scanning Probe Microscope with an Outer Diameter of 50 mm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherepanov, Vasily; Zubkov, Evgeny; Junker, Hubertus; Korte, Stefan; Blab, Marcus; Coenen, Peter; Voigtländer, Bert

We present a multitip scanning tunneling microscope (STM) where four independent STM units are integrated on a diameter of 50 mm. The coarse positioning of the tips is done under the control of an optical microscope or an SEM in vacuum. The heart of this STM is a new type of piezoelectric coarse approach called Koala Drive which can have a diameter greater than 2.5 mm and a length smaller than 10 mm. Alternating movements of springs move a central tube which holds the STM tip or AFM sensor. This new operating principle provides a smooth travel sequence and avoids shaking which is intrinsically present for nanopositioners based on inertial motion with saw tooth driving signals. Inserting the Koala Drive in a piezo tube for xyz-scanning integrates a complete STM inside a 4 mm outer diameter piezo tube of <10 mm length. The use of the Koala Drive makes the scanning probe microscopy design ultra-compact and accordingly leads to a high mechanical stability. The drive is UHV, low temperature, and magnetic field compatible. The compactness of the Koala Drive allows building a four-tip STM as small as a single-tip STM with a drift of <0.2 nm/min and lowest resonance frequencies of 2.5 (xy) and 5.5 kHz (z). We present examples of the performance of the multitip STM designed using the Koala Drive.

Effects of tool handle dimension and workpiece orientation and size on wrist ulnar/radial torque strength, usability and discomfort in a wrench task.

PubMed

Dianat, Iman; Rahimi, Soleyman; Nedaei, Moein; Asghari Jafarabadi, Mohammad; Oskouei, Ali E

2017-03-01

The effects of tool handle dimension (three modified designs of wrenches with 30-50 mm diameter cylindrical handles and traditional design with rectangular cross-sectional (5 mm × 25 mm) handle), workpiece orientation (vertical/horizontal) and workpiece size (small/large) as well as user's hand size on wrist ulnar/radial (U/R) torque strength, usability and discomfort, and also the relationship between these variables were evaluated in a maximum torque task using wrenches. The highest and lowest levels of maximal wrist U/R torque strength were recorded for the 30 mm diameter handle and traditional wrench design, respectively. The prototype handle with 30 mm diameter, together with 40 mm diameter handle, was also better than other designs as they received higher usability ratings and caused less discomfort. The mean wrist torque strength exerted on a vertically oriented workpiece (in the sagittal plane) was 23.8% higher than that exerted on a horizontally oriented one (in the transverse plane). The user's hand size had no effect on torque exertions. The wrist torque strength and usability were negatively correlated with hand and finger discomfort ratings. The results are also discussed in terms of their implications for hand tool and workstation configuration in torque tasks involving wrenches. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Woloshun, Keith Albert; Dale, Gregory E.; Olivas, Eric Richard

The Northstar target for Mo99 production is made up of Mo100 disks in a stack separated by coolant gaps for helium flow. A number of targets have been tested at ANL for both production of Mo99 and for thermal-hydraulic performance. These have all been with a 12 mm diameter target, even while the production goals have increased the diameter to now 29 mm. A 29 mm diameter target has been designed that is consistent with the ANL beam capabilities and the capabilities of the helium circulation system currently in use at ANL. This target is designed for 500 μA atmore » 35 MeV electrons. While the plant design calls for 42 MeV, the chosen design point is more favorable and higher power given the limits of the ANL accelerator. The intended beam spot size is 12 mm FWHM, but the thermal analysis presented herein conservatively assumed a 10 mm FWHM beam, which results in a 44% higher beam current density at beam center.« less

Role of Plasma Temperature and Residence Time in Stagnation Plasma Synthesis of c-BN Nanopowders

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

outer diameter of 15mm. A center injection 19 nozzle of 1.4mm diameter is implemented for precursor introduction. Plasma and sheath gas ... Gas Phase Synthesis of Nanoparticles..................................................... 5 2.2 Cubic Boron Nitride Synthesis...11 2.2.4 Effects of gas composition ............................................................................................ 11

Thermocouple design for measuring temperatures of small insects

Treesearch

A.A. Hanson; R.C. Venette

2013-01-01

Contact thermocouples often are used to measure surface body temperature changes of insects during cold exposure. However, small temperature changes of minute insects can be difficult to detect, particularly during the measurement of supercooling points. We developed two thermocouple designs, which use 0.51 mm diameter or 0.127 mm diameter copper-constantan wires, to...

7 CFR 51.784 - Classification of defects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... STANDARDS) United States Standards for Grades of Florida Grapefruit Definitions § 51.784 Classification of... discoloration permitted in the grade Very deep or very rough aggregating more than a circle 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) in diameter; deep or rough aggregating more than a circle 1 inch (25.4 mm) in diameter; slightly...

7 CFR 51.1837 - Classification of defects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... STANDARDS) United States Standards for Grades of Florida Tangerines Definitions § 51.1837 Classification of....1828.] Deep or rough aggregating more than a circle 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) in diameter; slightly rough with... slight depth aggregating more than a circle 11/8 inches (28.6 mm) in diameter Deep or rough aggregating...

Installation Restoration Program Phase 2. Confirmation/Quantification. Stage 1. Volume 1.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-10-10

FIGUR 1- EEA LNO EFIG I AiNLanfl GUARD BASESHOWING PHSE II INVTIGTOIE I 1- ........ Site No. - I MAA Site No.Northwest Landfill TS Site.No.4 West...Protective Steel PVC Cap Flush Mount in Casing Plastic Nelson Valve Box Land Surface PVC Cap . Cement Grout 0 L n aBentonite Pellet 4" Diameter Seal...12.0 feet BLS. Clays of high plasticity predominate in all three wells. No sand lenses were encountered and the topsoil at all three well locations is

Effect of Pellet Size of Defoliation and Estimated Kill of Small Stems Treated with Hexazinone

Treesearch

J.L. Michael

1981-01-01

Hexazinone [3-cyclohexyl-6-(dimethylamino)-1-methyl-1,2,5-triaine-2,4,(1H,2H)-dione] was tested in the 2, 1, and 0.5 cc size uellet (10% ai) against very small stems [average height, 1.97m; average ground line diameter (GLD), 2 cm] of water oak, Quercus nigra L., at 1.12 and 2.24 kg/ha on a sandy loam soil. First year defoliation of water oak by...

A thin gold coated hydrogen heat pipe-cryogenic target for external experiments at COSY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdel-Bary, M.; Abdel-Samad, S.; Elawadi, G. A.; Kilian, K.; Ritman, J.

2009-05-01

A gravity assisted Gold coated heat pipe (GCHP) with 5-mm diameter has been developed and tested to cool a liquid hydrogen target for external beam experiments at COSY. The need for a narrow target diameter leads us to study the effect of reducing the heat pipe diameter to 5 mm instead of 7 mm, to study the effect of coating the external surface of the heat pipe by a shiny gold layer (to decrease the radiation heat load), and to study the effect of using the heat pipe without using 20 layers of' super-insulation around it (aluminized Mylar foil) to keep the target diameter as small as possible. The developed gold coated heat pipe was tested with 20 layers of super-insulation (WI) and without super-insulation (WOI). The operating characteristics for both conditions were compared to show the advantages and disadvantages.

Ion extraction capabilities of closely spaced grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rovang, D. C.; Wilbur, P. J.

1982-01-01

The ion extraction capabilities of accelerator systems with small screen hole diameters (less than 2.0 mm) are investigated at net-accelerating voltages of 100, 300, and 500 V. Results show that the impingement-limited perveance is not dramatically affected by reductions in screen hole diameter to 1.0 mm, but impingement-limited performance was found to be dependent on the grid separation distance, the discharge-to-total accelerating voltage ratio, and the net-to-total accelerating voltage ratio. Results obtained using small hole diameters and closely spaced grids indicate a new mode of grid operation where high current density operation can be achieved with a specified net acceleration voltage by operating the grids at a high rather than low net-to-total acceleration voltage. Beam current densities as high as 25 mA/sq cm were obtained using grids with 1.0 mm diameter holes operating at a net accelerating voltage of 500 V.

[Correlation between the width of lingual vein and the changes of hemodynamics of portal system in patients with primary liver cancer].

PubMed

Yue, Xiao-Qiang; Gao, Jing-Dong; Zhai, Xiao-Feng; Liu, Qing; Jiang, Dong; Ling, Chang-Quan

2006-09-01

To explore the correlation between the width of lingual varix and changes of hemodynamics of portal system in patients with primary liver cancer so as to supply the data for the forecast of portal hypertension by observing lingual varix. The diameter of lingual vein (Dlv) was measured by vernier caliper as dependent variable, and the diameters and indexes of hemodynamics of portal vessels were measured by Doppler as independent variables, then a multipe stepwise analysis was performed. The diameters of portal vein (Dpv) and splenic vein (Dsv) entered the formula Dlv (mm) = 0.185 + 0.311 Dsv (mm) + 0.236 Dpv (mm) when the entry and removal values were alpha(in)=0.10 and alpha(out)=0.15, respectively. The width of lingual vein is closely correlated with the diameters of portal vein and splenic vein in patients with primary liver cancer.

Importance of filament diameter when using bass brushing technique.

PubMed

Vowles, A D; Wade, A B

1977-08-01

A comparative study using a crossover experimental construction was made of the effectiveness of brushes containing 6/10 nylon filaments of 0.132 mm mean diameter using a Bass technique with those containing filaments of the same type of nylon but 0.280 mm diameter. Each type of brush was used for a 2-week period. Even though the finer filament brushes contained more than three times as many filaments, they were inferior in cleaning achievement to the brushes with the broader filaments. The difference was particularly marked on the facial aspect, but was largely nullified lingually. The effectiveness of the Bass technique in the gingival zone demonstrated in a previous investigation when brushes containing filaments of 0.18 and 0.20 mm were used, was not found in this investigation. It is concluded that filament diameter is critical in achieving effective cleaning using the Bass technique.

Efficacy and economic impact evaluation of a navigation system for assisted lung biopsy

PubMed Central

Giannatiempo, Sara; Petitti, Tommasangelo; Zobel, Bruno B.; Grasso, Rosario F.; Guglielmelli, Eugenio

2018-01-01

This Letter reports on the testing and assessment of an optical computed tomography-navigation system for percutaneous lung interventional, SIRIO, showing how the lesion diameter affects the bioptic procedure. Clinical data, relating to 501 patients, were collected at the Department of Interventional Radiology of Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico. This Letter shows that the diameter of lesion affects only the procedure duration (50.91 ± 18.87 min for lesions of diameter ≤20 mm and 44.98 ± 19.43 min for lesions of diameter >20 and ≤40 mm). For the nodules with a diameter ≤20 mm, there is a significant increase in the duration of the procedure (for each mm less the time increases by 6 s). Other parameters like the mean effective radiation dose and the presence of a diagnostic or non-diagnostic specimen do not depend, instead, on the lesion size. The economic analysis based on the biopsy procedure with SIRIO shows the necessity to adopt a new reimbursement system for percutaneous biopsy performed using navigation systems to stimulate their use to get important non-economic gains such as early diagnosis, reduction of the absorbed dose of X-rays and increasing number of lung cancers in a curable early stage. PMID:29750112

Efficacy and economic impact evaluation of a navigation system for assisted lung biopsy.

PubMed

Giannatiempo, Sara; Carpino, Giorgio; Petitti, Tommasangelo; Zobel, Bruno B; Grasso, Rosario F; Guglielmelli, Eugenio

2018-04-01

This Letter reports on the testing and assessment of an optical computed tomography-navigation system for percutaneous lung interventional, SIRIO, showing how the lesion diameter affects the bioptic procedure. Clinical data, relating to 501 patients, were collected at the Department of Interventional Radiology of Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico. This Letter shows that the diameter of lesion affects only the procedure duration (50.91 ± 18.87 min for lesions of diameter ≤20 mm and 44.98 ± 19.43 min for lesions of diameter >20 and ≤40 mm). For the nodules with a diameter ≤20 mm, there is a significant increase in the duration of the procedure (for each mm less the time increases by 6 s). Other parameters like the mean effective radiation dose and the presence of a diagnostic or non-diagnostic specimen do not depend, instead, on the lesion size. The economic analysis based on the biopsy procedure with SIRIO shows the necessity to adopt a new reimbursement system for percutaneous biopsy performed using navigation systems to stimulate their use to get important non-economic gains such as early diagnosis, reduction of the absorbed dose of X-rays and increasing number of lung cancers in a curable early stage.

CFD-DEM modeling the effect of column size and bed height on minimum fluidization velocity in micro fluidized beds with Geldart B particles

DOE PAGES

Xu, Yupeng; Li, Tingwen; Musser, Jordan; ...

2017-06-07

The fluidization behavior of Geldart B particles in micro fluidized beds is investigated numerically using Computational Fluid Dynamics coupled with Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) available in the open-source Multiphase Flow with Interphase eXchanges (MFIX) code. The effects of different bed inner diameters (D) of 8 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm and various initial static bed heights (H) were examined. It is found that both decreasing the column diameter and increasing the bed height in a micro fluidized bed increases the minimum fluidization velocity (Umf). The observed overshoot in pressure drop that occurs before the onset of fluidization decreases in magnitudemore » with increasing column diameter, however there is less sensitivity to bed height. Overall, the numerical results agree qualitatively with existing theoretical correlations and experimental studies. The simulations show that both column diameter and particle-wall friction contribute to the variation in minimum fluidization velocity. Finally, these two factors are coupled and hard to separate. The detailed influences of wall friction on minimum fluidization velocity are then investigated for a prescribed column diameter of 8 mm by varying the wall friction from 0 to 0.4.« less

Effects of body conformation and udder morphology on milk yield of zebu cows in North region of Cameroon

PubMed Central

Mingoas, Kilekoung Jean-Pierre; Awah-Ndukum, Julius; Dakyang, Houinga; Zoli, Pagnah André

2017-01-01

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of udder morphological characteristics on milk yield in zebu cows of Cameroon. Materials and Methods: The diameter and height of the udder, length and diameter of the teat, and the milk yield were measured in 29 Djafun (Red Mbororo) and 19 Aku (White Fulani) cows in Louggueré zootechnical station in the North region of Cameroon. Results: Overall, strong positive correlation (rp=0.60) between the diameter (240.21±28.58 mm) and height (131.12±23.64 mm) of udders (p<0.001) and between length (39.51±6.44 mm) and diameter (19.85±3.08 mm) of teats (rp=0.78) were found in the zebu cows. Udder morphologic characteristics varied significantly (p<0.005) according to breed, lactation stage and parity, and height at whiters. There was significant (p<0.001) correlations between udder diameter (rp=0.541) and height (rp=0.549) with milk yield. Conclusion: This study ascertained udder morphological characteristics values in local zebu cows, and showed that udder size is strong and positively correlated to milk yield. The findings are useful in genetic improvement programs of zebu cows. PMID:28919680

CFD-DEM modeling the effect of column size and bed height on minimum fluidization velocity in micro fluidized beds with Geldart B particles

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

Xu, Yupeng; Li, Tingwen; Musser, Jordan

The fluidization behavior of Geldart B particles in micro fluidized beds is investigated numerically using Computational Fluid Dynamics coupled with Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) available in the open-source Multiphase Flow with Interphase eXchanges (MFIX) code. The effects of different bed inner diameters (D) of 8 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm and various initial static bed heights (H) were examined. It is found that both decreasing the column diameter and increasing the bed height in a micro fluidized bed increases the minimum fluidization velocity (Umf). The observed overshoot in pressure drop that occurs before the onset of fluidization decreases in magnitudemore » with increasing column diameter, however there is less sensitivity to bed height. Overall, the numerical results agree qualitatively with existing theoretical correlations and experimental studies. The simulations show that both column diameter and particle-wall friction contribute to the variation in minimum fluidization velocity. Finally, these two factors are coupled and hard to separate. The detailed influences of wall friction on minimum fluidization velocity are then investigated for a prescribed column diameter of 8 mm by varying the wall friction from 0 to 0.4.« less

The longest wheal diameter is the optimal measurement for the evaluation of skin prick tests.

PubMed

Konstantinou, George N; Bousquet, Philippe-Jean; Zuberbier, Torsten; Papadopoulos, Nikolaos G

2010-01-01

Mean diameter or longest diameter are the 2 most frequently used parameters for wheal response assessment after skin prick testing (SPT). We aimed to compare these 2 parameters taking as gold standard the surface of the wheal skin response. Patients suspected of having an allergic reaction against inhalant allergens have been skin prick tested using the Pan-European GA(2)LEN SPT panel. Fifteen minutes later, macroscopically evident wheal and flare reactions were marked with a pen and transferred to paper with a transparent scotch tape. Each paper-transferred wheal was scanned with an ordinary scanner, and its surface-corresponding maximum perpendicular diameters and longest diameters were measured using a computer software application for image recognition, developed for this purpose. Correlation coefficients (Spearman's rho) between surfaces and respective mean (rho(mean)) or longest (rho(longest)) diameters were calculated and subsequently compared. 1,554 SPTs were performed in 74 patients. In 264, a macroscopically evident wheal and flare response was observed. Both mean and longest diameters correlated significantly with the wheal surfaces. However, rho(longest) was statistically significantly larger than rho(mean) when the surface of the wheal was >17 mm(2) (rho(longest) > 0.860 vs. rho(mean) < 0.660; p < 0.05).Such a surface corresponds to a maximum diameter of approximately 7 mm and a mean diameter of approximately 6 mm. Thus, the larger the surface of the wheal, the more appropriate the usage of the longest diameter. The longest wheal diameter alone seems to be a better surrogate marker of the wheal surface in comparison with the mean diameter. In addition, it is easier and faster to measure. Therefore, we propose this as the optimal methodology to evaluate SPTs. 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Undercooling Behavior and Intermetallic Compound Coalescence in Microscale Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu Solder Balls and Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu/Cu Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, M. B.; Ma, X.; Zhang, X. P.

2012-11-01

The microstructure of microscale solder interconnects and soldering defects have long been known to have a significant influence on the reliability of electronic packaging, and both are directly related to the solidification behavior of the undercooled solder. In this study, the undercooling behavior and solidification microstructural evolution of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder balls with different diameters (0.76 mm, 0.50 mm, and 0.30 mm) and the joints formed by soldering these balls on Cu open pads of two diameters (0.48 mm and 0.32 mm) on a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) incorporated into the reflow process. Results show that the decrease in diameter of the solder balls leads to an obvious increase in the undercooling of the balls, while the undercooling of the solder joints shows a dependence on both the diameter of the solder balls and the diameter ratio of solder ball to Cu pad (i.e., D s/ D p), and the diameter of the solder balls has a stronger influence on the undercooling of the joints than the dimension of the Cu pad. Coarse primary intermetallic compound (IMC) solidification phases were formed in the smaller solder balls and joints. The bulk Ag3Sn IMC is the primary solidification phase in the as-reflowed solder balls. Due to the interfacial reaction and dissolution of Cu atoms into the solder matrix, the primary Ag3Sn phase can be suppressed and the bulk Cu6Sn5 IMC is the only primary solidification phase in the as-reflowed solder joints.

Morphological Differences in the Aorto-iliac Segment in AAA Patients of Caucasian and Asian Origin.

PubMed

Banzic, I; Lu, Q; Zhang, L; Stepak, H; Davidovic, L; Oszkinis, G; Mladenovic, A; Markovic, M; Rancic, Z; Jing, Z; Brankovic, M

2016-06-01

The objective was to quantify aorto-iliac morphology differences between AAA patients of Caucasian and Asian origin. Additionally, the impact of patient demographic characteristics was assessed, which could influence the morphological differences. This international multicentre study included two tertiary referral institutions from Europe and one from China. CT scans with 3D reconstruction of 296 patients with infrarenal AAA >5 cm were analysed. Eighteen measurements were recorded from each CT scan and compared between Caucasian and Asian patients. Caucasian patients had longer common iliac arteries (right: 65.0 vs. 33.1 mm, p < .001 left: 65.0 vs. 35.2 mm, p < .001), longer aneurysm neck (33.0 vs. 28.4 mm, p < .001), greater aneurysm to aortic axis angle (153.0° vs. 142.2°, p < .001), and longer combined aorto-iliac length (195.7 vs. 189.2 mm, p < .001). However, Asian patients had a longer infrarenal abdominal aorta (152.0 vs. 130.0 mm, p < .001), longer AAA (126.2 vs. 93.0 mm), and greater linear distance from renal artery to aorto-iliac bifurcation (143.6 vs. 116.0 mm, p < .001). Caucasian patients had a larger inner common iliac artery diameter (right: 16.0 vs. 14.9 mm, p < .001, left: 16.0 vs. 15.2 mm, p < .001), larger inner exernal iliac artery diameter (right: 9.0 vs. 7.5 mm, p < .001 left: 9.0 vs. 7.7 mm, p < .001), and larger inner common femoral artery diameter (right: 10.0 vs. 5.9 mm, p < .001 left: 10.0 vs. 6.1 mm, p < .001). No difference was observed in AAA transverse diameter (62.0 vs. 63.1 mm, p = .492). The results showed that aorto-iliac anatomy in Caucasians differs significantly from Asians, particularly in the length of the common iliac arteries and infrarenal abdominal aorta, and in the transverse diameter of the common, external iliac, and common femoral arteries. Therefore, the exact criteria for stent graft design are dependent on the racial origin of the patient. Copyright © 2015 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Racial Differences in Left Atrial Size: Results from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study.

PubMed

Dewland, Thomas A; Bibbins-Domingo, Kirsten; Lin, Feng; Vittinghoff, Eric; Foster, Elyse; Ogunyankin, Kofo O; Lima, Joao A; Jacobs, David R; Hu, Donglei; Burchard, Esteban G; Marcus, Gregory M

2016-01-01

Whites have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to Blacks. The mechanism underlying this association is unknown. Left atrial (LA) size is an important AF risk factor, and studies in older adults suggest Whites have larger LA diameters. However, because AF itself causes LA dilation, LA size differences may be due to greater subclinical AF among older Whites. We therefore assessed for racial differences in LA size among young adults at low AF risk. The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study enrolled White and Black participants between 18 and 30 years of age. LA diameter was measured in a subset of participants using echocardiography at Year 5 (n = 4,201) and Year 25 (n = 3,373) of follow up. LA volume was also assessed at Year 5 (n = 2,489). Multivariate linear regression models were used to determine the adjusted association between race and LA size. In unadjusted analyses, mean LA diameter was significantly larger among Blacks compared to Whites both at Year 5 (35.5 ± 4.8 mm versus 35.1 ± 4.5 mm, p = 0.01) and Year 25 (37.4 ± 5.1 mm versus 36.8 ± 4.9 mm, p = 0.002). After adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and echocardiographic parameters, Whites demonstrated an increased LA diameter (0.7 mm larger at Year 5, 95% CI 0.3-1.1, p<0.001; 0.6 mm larger at Year 25, 95% CI 0.3-1.0, p<0.001). There was no significant association between race and adjusted Year 5 LA volume. In conclusion, in a young, well-characterized cohort, the larger adjusted LA diameter among White participants suggests inherent differences in atrial structure may partially explain the higher risk of AF in Whites. The incongruent associations between race, LA diameter, and LA volume suggest that LA geometry, rather than size alone, may have implications for AF risk.

Consideration of growth (age)-related effects on globe size and corneal thickness in ovine eyes for use in laboratory studies.

PubMed

Doughty, Michael J

2017-07-01

The aim was to assess differences in eyeball mass, corneal diameter and central corneal thickness in slaughterhouse-procured ovine eyes. Over a 12-year period, measurements of eye globe mass, horizontal corneal diameter and central corneal thickness were routinely undertaken within two hours post-mortem. Only eyes free of obvious mechanical damage or disease were used. From measurements on 736 quality-selected and trimmed eyes, globe wet mass ranged from 10.4 to 25.2 g, horizontal corneal diameter from 19.0 to 26.5 mm and central corneal thickness measured by ultrasonic pachymetry from 0.543 to 0.836 mm (with an overall average of 690 ± 0.056 mm). The ocular globe mass was strongly correlated to horizontal corneal diameter (r 2  = 0.829). Central corneal thickness correlated with globe mass (r = 0.543) and to horizontal corneal diameter (r = 0.402). Based on the different anatomical measurements, a lamb's eye would be expected to have a thinner cornea (average 0.640 mm) than that of an adult outbred ewe (average 0.730 mm). In freshly procured eyes showing signs of slight corneal oedema, central corneal thickness was greater (average 0.856 ± 0.052 mm) and up to 24 hours of cold storage resulted in predictable increases in central corneal thickness of six to 24 per cent, especially in eyes showing signs of corneal oedema before storage. Based on the correlations obtained, differences in ovine eyes can be attributed to growth-related differences in the animals and thus, indirectly to their expected ages. A simple measure of the horizontal corneal diameter in ovine eyes used for laboratory studies would be a useful indicator in reporting these studies. © 2016 Optometry Australia.

Adapted preparation technique for screw-type implants: explorative in vitro pilot study in a porcine bone model.

PubMed

Beer, Andreas; Gahleitner, André; Holm, Anders; Birkfellner, Wolfgang; Homolka, Peter

2007-02-01

The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of adapted preparation on the insertion torque of self-tapping implants in cancellous bone. In adapted preparation, bone condensation - and thus, insertion torque - is controlled by changing the diameter of the drilling. After preparation of cancellous porcine vertebral bone with drills of 2.85, 3, 3.15 or 3.35 mm final diameters, Brånemark sytem Mk III implants (3.75 x 11.5 mm) were inserted in 141 sites. During implantation, the insertion torque was recorded. Prior to implant insertion, bone mineralization (bone mineral density (BMD)) was measured with dental quantative computed tomography. The BMD values measured at the implant position were correlated with insertion torque for varying bone condensation. Based on the average torque recorded during implant insertion into the pre-drilled canals with a diameter of 3 mm, torque increased by approximately 17% on reducing the diameter of the drill by 5% (to 2.85 mm). On increasing the diameter of the osteotomy to 3.15 mm (5%) or 3.35 mm (12%), torque values decreased by approximately 21% and 50%, respectively. The results demonstrate a correlation between primary stability (average insertion torque) and the diameter of the implant bed on using a screw-shaped implant. Thus, using an individualized bone mineralization-dependent drilling technique, optimized torque values could be achieved in all tested bone qualities with BMDs ranging from 330 to 500 mg/cm(3). The results indicate that using a bone-dependent drilling technique, higher torque values can also be achieved in poor bone using an individualized drilling resulting in higher bone condensation. As immediate function is dependent on primary stability (high insertion torque), this indicates that primary stability can be increased using a modified drilling technique in lesser mineralized bone.

The Feasibility of Two Screws Anterior Fixation for Type II Odontoid Fracture Among Arabs.

PubMed

Marwan, Yousef; Kombar, Osama Rabie; Al-Saeed, Osama; Aleidan, Aljarrah; Samir, Ahmed; Esmaeel, Ali

2016-06-01

Retrospective, cross-sectional study. To evaluate the feasibility of two screws anterior fixation of the odontoid process among Arab adults. Anterior screw fixation is the treatment of choice for type II odontoid fractures. In order to perform the procedure safely, the diameter of the odontoid process should be wide enough to allow for the placement of one or two screws. A retrospective review of 156 computed tomography scans of the cervical spine was done. The included patients were Arabs, adults (at least 18 years old), and had no evidence of upper cervical spine trauma, deformity, infection, tumor, or surgery. The minimum external transverse diameter (METD), minimum internal transverse diameter (MITD), minimum external anteroposterior diameter (MEAD), and minimum internal anteroposterior diameter (MIAD) of the odontoid process were measured. A P value of ≤0.05 was considered as the cutoff level of statistical significance. Our study included 94 (60.3%) males and 62 (39.7%) females. The mean age of the subjects was 37.8 ± 16.9 years (range 18-85). The mean values of the METD, MITD, MEAD, and MIAD were 8.7 ± 1.0 mm, 6.0 ± 1.1 mm, 10.3 ± 1.0 mm, and 7.4 ± 1.1 mm, respectively. Men had larger diameters compared to women. This was statistically significant for METD (P = 0.035) and MEAD (P < 0.001). The METD was <9.0 mm in 95 (60.9%) subjects, while the MITD was <8.0 mm in 153 (98.1%) subjects. These findings were not significantly different between males and females. Two screws anterior fixation of type II odontoid fracture is not feasible among the majority of Arabs. 3.

Device-less patent foramen ovale closure by radiofrequency thermal energy.

PubMed

Walpoth, Nazan B; Habermacher, Kathrin; Moarof, Igal; Watson, Sandy; Wahl, Andreas; Windecker, Stephan; Schönenberger, Christa; Meier, Bernhard

2008-02-23

The goal of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety and success of a system which uses radiofrequency energy (RFE) rather than a device for percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO). Sixteen patients (10 men, 6 women, mean age 50 years) were included in the study. All of them had a proven PFO with documented right-to-left shunt (RLS) after Valsalva manoeuvre (VM) during transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The patients had an average PFO diameter of 6 +/- 2 mm at TEE and an average of 23 +/- 4 microembolic signals (MES) in power M-mode transcranial Doppler sonography (pm-TCD), measured over the middle cerebral artery. An atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) was present in 7 patients (44%). Balloon measurement, performed in all patients, revealed a stretched PFO diameter of 8 +/- 3 mm. In 2 patients (stretched diameter 11 and 14 mm respectively, both with ASA >10 mm), radiofrequency was not applied (PFO too large) and the PFO was closed with an Amplatzer PFO occluder instead. A 6-month follow-up TEE was performed in all patients. There were no serious adverse events during the procedure or at follow-up (12 months average). TEE 6 months after the first RFE procedure showed complete closure of the PFO in 50% of the patients (7/14). Closure appeared to be influenced by PFO diameter, complete closure being achieved in 89% (7/8) with a balloon-stretched diameter < or =7 mm but in none of the patients >7 mm. Only one of the complete closure patients had an ASA. Of the remainder, 4 (29%) had an ASA. Although the PFO was not completely closed in this group, some reduction in the diameter of the PFO and in MES was documented by TEE and pm-TCD with VM. Five of the 7 residual shunt patients received an Amplatzer PFO occluder. Except for one patient with a minimal residual shunt, all showed complete closure of PFO at 6-month follow-up TEE and pm-TCD with VM. The other two refused a closure device. The results confirm that radiofrequency closure of the PFO is safe albeit less efficacious and more complex than device closure. The technique in its current state should not be attempted in patients with a balloon-stretched PFO diameter >7 mm and an ASA.

Anatomy of vastus lateralis muscle flap.

PubMed

Tayfur, Volkan; Magden, Orhan; Edizer, Mete; Atabey, Atay

2010-11-01

A vastus lateralis muscle flap is used as a pedicled and free flap. In this study, the vastus lateralis muscles of 15 adult formalin-fixed cadavers (30 cases) were dissected. The dominant pedicle was found to be descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. The mean diameter of the artery was found to be 2.1 mm. This pedicle was located 119.4 mm distal to the pubic symphysis. The mean length of the major pedicle was found to be 56.8 mm when the dominant pedicle was chosen to nourish the flap. The dominant pedicle entered the muscle 155.8 and 213.7 mm from the greater trochanter and the anterior superior iliac spine, respectively. The muscle had proximal minor pedicles from the ascending and transverse branches of lateral circumflex femoral artery. These arteries had mean diameters of 1.8 and 2.0 mm, respectively. The distal minor branches were present in all of the dissections. The distal branch had a mean diameter of 1.8 mm. The origin of this distal branch was located 83.7 mm proximal to the intercondylar line. The motor nerve of the vastus lateralis was found to be originating from femoral nerve. The nerve entered the muscle 194.6 mm from the anterior superior iliac spine.

Three-dimensional relationship between high-order root-mean-square wavefront error, pupil diameter, and aging

PubMed Central

Applegate, Raymond A.; Donnelly, William J.; Marsack, Jason D.; Koenig, Darren E.; Pesudovs, Konrad

2007-01-01

We report root-mean-square (RMS) wavefront error (WFE) for individual aberrations and cumulative high-order (HO) RMS WFE for the normal human eye as a function of age by decade and pupil diameter in 1 mm steps from 3 to 7 mm and determine the relationship among HO RMS WFE, mean age for each decade of life, and luminance for physiologic pupil diameters. Subjects included 146 healthy individuals from 20 to 80 years of age. Ocular aberration was measured on the preferred eye of each subject (for a total of 146 eyes through dilated pupils; computed for 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 mm pupils; and described with a tenth-radial-order normalized Zernike expansion. We found that HO RMS WFE increases faster with increasing pupil diameter for any given age and pupil diameter than it does with increasing age alone. A planar function accounts for 99% of the variance in the 3-D space defined by mean log HO RMS WFE, mean age for each decade of life, and pupil diameter. When physiologic pupil diameters are used to estimate HO RMS WFE as a function of luminance and age, at low luminance (9 cd/m2) HO RMS WFE decreases with increasing age. This normative data set details (1) the 3-D relationship between HO RMS WFE and age for fixed pupil diameters and (2) the 3-D relationship among HO RMS WFE, age, and luminance for physiologic pupil diameters. PMID:17301847

Resin Characterization

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

environmental test chamber attachment to control temperature and disposable parallel plates . The experiment can be stopped when the sample...is auto-stopping when its torque limit is reached and to prevent too high of an extent of cure that could make removal of the disposable plates from...separated by a 0.025-mm-thick Teflon spacer (International Crystal Labs) or pressed with potassium bromide (KBr) powder into pellets. The salt plate

High energy, widely tunable Si-prism-array coupled terahertz-wave parametric oscillator with a deformed pump and optimal crystal location for angle tuning.

PubMed

Zhang, Ruiliang; Qu, Yanchen; Zhao, Weijiang; Chen, Zhenlei

2017-03-20

A high energy, widely tunable Si-prism-array coupled terahertz-wave parametric oscillator (TPO) has been demonstrated by using a deformed pump. The deformed pump is cut from a beam spot of 2 mm in diameter by a 1-mm-wide slit. In comparison with a small pump spot (1-mm diameter), the THz-wave coupling area for the deformed pump is increased without limitation to the low-frequency end of the tuning range. Besides, the crystal location is specially designed to eliminate the alteration of the output position of the pump during angle tuning, so the initially adjusted nearest pumped region to the THz-wave exit surface is maintained throughout the tuning range. The tuning range is 0.58-2.5 THz for the deformed pump, while its low frequency end is limited at approximately 1.2 THz for the undeformed pump with 2 mm diameter. The highest THz-wave output of 2 μJ, which is 2.25 times as large as that from the pump of 1 mm in diameter, is obtained at 1.15 THz under 38 mJ (300  MW/cm²) pumping. The energy conversion efficiency is 5.3×10^-5.

Relevance of impacter shape to nonvisible damage and residual tensile strength of a thick graphite/epoxy laminate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poe, C. C., Jr.

1990-01-01

A study was made to determine the relevance of impacter shape to nonvisible damage and tensile residual strength of a 36 mm (1.4 in.) thick graphite/epoxy motor case. The shapes of the impacters were as follows: 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) and 25.4 mm (1.0 in.) diameter hemispheres, a sharp corner, and a 6.3 mm (0.25 in.) diameter bolt-like rod. The investigation revealed that damage initiated when the contact pressure exceeded a critical level. However, the damage was not visible on the surface until an even higher pressure was exceeded. The damage on the surface consisted of a crater shaped like the impacter, and the damage below the surface consisted of broken fibers. The impact energy to initiate damage or cause visible damage on the surface increased approximately with impacter diameter to the third power. The reduction in strength for nonvisible damage increased with increasing diameter, 9 and 30 percent for the 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) and 25.4 mm (1.0 in.) diameter hemispheres, respectively. The corner impacter made visible damage on the surface for even the smallest impact energy. The rod impacter acted like a punch and sliced through the composite. Even so, the critical level of pressure to initiate damage was the same for the rod and hemispherical impacters. Factors of safety for nonvisible damage increased with increasing kinetic energy of impact. The effects of impacter shape on impact force, damage size, damage visibility, and residual tensile strength were predicted quite well assuming Hertzian contact and using maximum stress criteria and a surface crack analysis.

Immediate provisionalization in the esthetic zone: 1-year interim results from a prospective single-cohort multicenter study evaluating 3.0-mm-diameter tapered implants.

PubMed

Kolinski, Martin; Hess, Pablo; Leziy, Sonia; Friberg, Bertil; Bellucci, Gionata; Trisciuoglio, Davide; Wagner, Wilfried; Moergel, Maximilian; Pozzi, Alessandro; Wiltfang, Jörg; Behrens, Eleonore; Zechner, Werner; Vasak, Christoph; Weigl, Paul

2018-07-01

The aim of this interim analysis of a 5-year prospective multicenter study is to evaluate clinical and radiological performance of immediately provisionalized 3.0-mm-diameter tapered implants. Patients needing implant rehabilitation of maxillary lateral incisors or mandibular lateral and central incisors were treated with 3.0-mm-diameter implants placed in extraction or healed sites and immediately provisionalized. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at implant insertion, 6 months thereafter, and are ongoing. Marginal bone levels and changes, complications, the papilla, plaque, and bleeding indices, and the pink esthetic score (PES) were evaluated at each follow-up visit. Of 112 enrolled patients, 77 patients (91 implants) met the inclusion criteria. Seventy-one patients with 82 implants completed the 1-year follow-up. Three implants failed yielding a CSR of 96.7%. All failures occurred within the first 3 months after implant insertion. Marginal bone level changes from insertion to 6 months was - 0.57 ± 1.30 mm (n = 75) and from insertion to 12 months - 0.25 ± 1.38 mm (n = 72). Fifteen non-serious complications were recorded. Papilla index score and PES improved at the 1-year follow-up. Plaque formation and bleeding-on-probing showed no statistically significant differences between the 6-month and the 1-year visit. This 1-year analysis demonstrated high survival, stable bone levels, and healthy soft tissue with 3.0-mm-diameter implants. Narrow diameter implants are a safe and predictable treatment option in patients with limited bone volume and/or limited interdental space and eligible for immediate loading protocols.

Eligibility for Renal Denervation: Anatomical Classification and Results in Essential Resistant Hypertension

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

Okada, Takuya, E-mail: okabone@gmail.com; Pellerin, Olivier; Savard, Sébastien

PurposeTo classify the renal artery (RA) anatomy based on specific requirements for endovascular renal artery denervation (RDN) in patients with drug-resistant hypertension (RH).Materials and MethodsThe RA anatomy of 122 consecutive RH patients was evaluated by computed tomography angiography and classified as two types: A (main RA ≥20 mm in length and ≥4.0 mm in diameter) or B (main RA <20 mm in length or main RA <4.0 mm in diameter). The A type included three subtypes: A1 (without accessory RAs), A2 (with accessory RAs <3.0 mm in diameter), and A3 (with accessory RAs ≥3.0 mm in diameter]. A1 and A2 types were eligible for RDN withmore » the Simplicity Flex catheter. Type B included twi subtypes based on the main RA length and diameter. Patients were accordingly classified into three eligibility categories: complete (CE; both RAs were eligible), partial (PE; one eligible RA), and noneligibility (NE; no eligible RA).ResultsBilateral A1 type was the most prevalent and was observed in 48.4 % of the patients followed by the A1/A2 type (18 %). CE, PE, and NE were observed in 69.7, 22.9, and 7.4 % of patients, respectively. The prevalence of accessory RAs was 41 %.ConclusionsOf RH patients, 30.3 % were not eligible for bilateral RDN with the current Simplicity Flex catheter. This classification provides the basis for standardized reporting to allow for pooling of results of larger patient cohorts in the future.« less

[Comparison of the anterior corneal asphericity after small incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis].

PubMed

Su, X L; Wang, Y; Wu, W J; Wu, Z Q; Wu, Y N; Yu, C J

2016-09-11

To evaluate and compare the anterior corneal asphericity after small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)and femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK). In this case-control study, 45 subjects who underwent SMILE operation comprised the study group, and 33 subjects with FS-LASIK operation comprised the control group. The asphericity coefficient Q-value of the right eyes in both groups was measured at diameters of 6, 7, 8 and 9 mm, respectively, before surgery and at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 6 months following surgery. The correlation between the variation of Q-value and the central cutting depth was analyzed. The Q-value of anterior corneal surface was 0.85 ± 0.31, 0.80±0.28, 0.69±0.25 and 0.51±0.23 after SMILE, and 1.13±0.56, 1.01±0.47, 0.80±0.39 and 0.51±0.31 after FS-LASIK at 1 week. In both groups, the Q-value was significantly different before and after surgery(P< 0.05); there were interaction effects between the operation method and time; the difference between the two groups at 6-mm and 7-mm diameters was statistically significant(P<0.05). The variation of the Q-value before and after operation(ΔQ)showed significant difference(P6mm=0.004, P7mm=0.014)between the two groups at 6-mm and 7-mm diameters. The cap diameter of the SMILE group was smaller than that of the FS-LASIK group, but the cutting depth was larger. There was no correlation between ΔQ and the cap/disc diameter. It showed a linear relationship(P<0.05)between ΔQ and the central cutting depth at all examined diameters in the two groups, and the relation degree in the FS-LASIK group was superior to the SMILE group. Both SMILE and FS-LASIK operations can change the negative Q-value of the anterior corneal surface to the positive. The impact of SMILE on the asphericity is smaller than that of FS-LASIK. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 681-685).

Impact of the Curve Diameter and Laser Settings on Laser Fiber Fracture.

PubMed

Haddad, Mattieu; Emiliani, Esteban; Rouchausse, Yann; Coste, Frederic; Doizi, Steeve; Berthe, Laurent; Butticé, Salvatore; Somani, Bhaskar; Traxer, Olivier

2017-09-01

To analyze the risk factors for laser fiber fractures when deflected to form a curve, including laser settings, size of the laser fiber, and the fiber bending diameter. Single-use 272 and 365 μm fibers (Rocamed ® , Monaco) were employed along with a holmium laser (Rocamed). Five different fiber curve diameters were tested: 9, 12, 15, 18, and 20 mm. Fragmentation and dusting settings were used at a theoretical power of 7.5 W. The laser was activated for 5 minutes and the principal judgment criterion was fiber fracture. Every test for each parameter, bending diameter, and fiber size combinations was repeated 10 times. With dusting settings, fibers broke more frequently at a curved diameter of 9 mm for both 272 and 365 μm fibers (p = 0.037 and 0.006, respectively). Using fragmentation settings, fibers broke more frequently at 12 mm for 272 μm and 15 mm for 365 μm (p = 0.007 and 0.033, respectively). Short pulse and high energy were significant risk factors for fiber fracture using the 365 μm fibers (p = 0.02), but not for the 272 μm fibers (p = 0.35). Frequency was not a risk factor for fiber rupture. Fiber diameters also seemed to be involved in the failure with a higher number of broken fibers for the 365 μm fibers, but this was not statistically significant when compared with the 272 μm fibers (p > 0.05). Small-core fibers are more resistant than large-core fibers as lower bending diameters (<9 mm) are required to break smaller fibers. In acute angles, the use of small-core fibers, at a low energy and long-pulse (dusting) setting, will reduce the risk of fiber rupture.

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

Lindsay, P. E., E-mail: Patricia.Lindsay@rmp.uhn.on.ca; Granton, P. V.; Hoof, S. van

Purpose: To compare the dosimetric and geometric properties of a commercial x-ray based image-guided small animal irradiation system, installed at three institutions and to establish a complete and broadly accessible commissioning procedure. Methods: The system consists of a 225 kVp x-ray tube with fixed field size collimators ranging from 1 to 44 mm equivalent diameter. The x-ray tube is mounted opposite a flat-panel imaging detector, on a C-arm gantry with 360° coplanar rotation. Each institution performed a full commissioning of their system, including half-value layer, absolute dosimetry, relative dosimetry (profiles, percent depth dose, and relative output factors), and characterization ofmore » the system geometry and mechanical flex of the x-ray tube and detector. Dosimetric measurements were made using Farmer-type ionization chambers, small volume air and liquid ionization chambers, and radiochromic film. The results between the three institutions were compared. Results: At 225 kVp, with 0.3 mm Cu added filtration, the first half value layer ranged from 0.9 to 1.0 mm Cu. The dose-rate in-air for a 40 × 40 mm{sup 2} field size, at a source-to-axis distance of 30 cm, ranged from 3.5 to 3.9 Gy/min between the three institutions. For field sizes between 2.5 mm diameter and 40 × 40 mm{sup 2}, the differences between percent depth dose curves up to depths of 3.5 cm were between 1% and 4% on average, with the maximum difference being 7%. The profiles agreed very well for fields >5 mm diameter. The relative output factors differed by up to 6% for fields larger than 10 mm diameter, but differed by up to 49% for fields ≤5 mm diameter. The mechanical characteristics of the system (source-to-axis and source-to-detector distances) were consistent between all three institutions. There were substantial differences in the flex of each system. Conclusions: With the exception of the half-value layer, and mechanical properties, there were significant differences between the dosimetric and geometric properties of the three systems. This underscores the need for careful commissioning of each individual system for use in radiobiological experiments.« less

Magnetic Resonance-Based Electrical Property Tomography (MR- EPT) for Prostate Cancer Grade Imaging

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-01

TV 2D 5 10 15 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 i 5 10 15 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Figure 10. Prostate-like gelatin phantom with one inclusion (5mm, play dough ...magnitude image (TSE) and reconstructions. 11 c) Multiple Inclusions Two 5 mm diameter inclusions ( play dough to provide significant conductivity...reconstruction, 2D inverse reconstruction with Total Variation, 3D inverse reconstruction 10 b) Single inclusion A single 5 mm diameter inclusion ( play

Analysis of stresses at the bore of a drilled ball operating in a high-speed bearing. [with stiffening web

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coe, H. H.; Lynch, J. E.

1973-01-01

Three-dimensional stress distributions were calculated for both a regular drilled ball with a stiffening web. The balls were 20.6 mm (0.8125 in.) in diameter and had a 12.6 mm (0.496 in.) diameter concentric hole. The stiffening web was 1.5 mm (0.06 in.) thick. The calculations showed that a large reversing tangential stress at the hole bore was reduced by one-half by the addition of the web.

Particulate emissions from the combustion of birch, beech, and spruce logs cause different cytotoxic responses in A549 cells.

PubMed

Kasurinen, Stefanie; Jalava, Pasi I; Happo, Mikko S; Sippula, Olli; Uski, Oskari; Koponen, Hanna; Orasche, Jürgen; Zimmermann, Ralf; Jokiniemi, Jorma; Hirvonen, Maija-Riitta

2017-05-01

According to the World Health Organization particulate emissions from the combustion of solid fuels caused more than 110,000 premature deaths worldwide in 2010. Log wood combustion is the most prevalent form of residential biomass heating in developed countries, but it is unknown how the type of wood logs used in furnaces influences the chemical composition of the particulate emissions and their toxicological potential. We burned logs of birch, beech and spruce, which are used commonly as firewood in Central and Northern Europe in a modern masonry heater, and compared them to the particulate emissions from an automated pellet boiler fired with softwood pellets. We determined the chemical composition (elements, ions, and carbonaceous compounds) of the particulate emissions with a diameter of less than 1 µm and tested their cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, inflammatory potential, and ability to induce oxidative stress in a human lung epithelial cell line. The chemical composition of the samples differed significantly, especially with regard to the carbonaceous and metal contents. Also the toxic effects in our tested endpoints varied considerably between each of the three log wood combustion samples, as well as between the log wood combustion samples and the pellet combustion sample. The difference in the toxicological potential of the samples in the various endpoints indicates the involvement of different pathways of toxicity depending on the chemical composition. All three emission samples from the log wood combustions were considerably more toxic in all endpoints than the emissions from the pellet combustion. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1487-1499, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Compression Molding of Composite of Recycled HDPE and Recycled Tire Particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Ping; Waskom, Tommy L.; Chen, Zhengyu; Li, Yanze; Peng, Linda

1996-01-01

Plastic and rubber recycling is an effective means of reducing solid waste to the environment and preserving natural resources. A project aimed at developing a new composite material from recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) and recycled rubber is currently being conducted at Eastern Illinois University. The recycled plastic pellets with recycled rubber particles are extruded into some HDPE/rubber composite strands. The strand can be further cut into pellets that can be used to fabricate other material forms or products. This experiment was inspired by the above-mentioned research activity. In order to measure Durometer hardness of the extruded composite, a specimen with relatively large dimensions was needed. Thus, compression molding was used to form a cylindrical specimen of 1 in. diameter and 1 in. thickness. The initial poor quality of the molded specimen prompted a need to optimize the processing parameters such as temperature, holding time, and pressure. Design of experiment (DOE) was used to obtain optimum combination of the parameters.

Twelve-year trail of clues leads to impact crater from the K-T boundary

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

Levi, B.G.

1992-12-01

In 1980, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley proposed that a massive comet or asteroid might have struck the earth about 65 million years ago, changing the earth's climate so drastically that dinosaurs and other creatures could no longer survive. This article describes the evidence for the elusive crater required to support this theory. The structure in question is 180 km in diameter and is submeged beneath the Yucatan peninsula and centered on the Mexican village of Chicxulub. Material drilled from this crater has been linked chemically and geologically to pellets found in Northeast Mexico and Haiti. The linkmore » between this ejecta material and the crater was confirmed by a report that the Chicxulub melt rock and pellets are coeval, all having ages consistent with 65 million years. This puts the possible impact at the K-T boundary -- the dividing line between the Cretaceous period of the dinosaurs and the Tertiary period of the mammals. 13 refs.« less

Biodiesel production from transesterification of palm oil with methanol over CaO supported on bimodal meso-macroporous silica catalyst.

PubMed

Witoon, Thongthai; Bumrungsalee, Sittisut; Vathavanichkul, Peerawut; Palitsakun, Supaphorn; Saisriyoot, Maythee; Faungnawakij, Kajornsak

2014-03-01

Calcium oxide-loaded porous materials have shown promise as catalysts in transesterification. However, the slow diffusion of bulky triglycerides through the pores limited the activity of calcium oxide (CaO). In this work, bimodal meso-macroporous silica was used as a support to enhance the accessibility of the CaO dispersed inside the pores. Unimodal porous silica having the identical mesopore diameter was employed for the purpose of comparison. Effects of CaO content and catalyst pellet size on the yield of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were investigated. The basic strength was found to increase with increasing the CaO content. The CaO-loaded bimodal porous silica catalyst with the pellet size of 325μm achieved a high %FAME of 94.15 in the first cycle, and retained an excellent %FAME of 88.87 after five consecutive cycles. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electrohydrodynamic (edh) drying of ginger slices (zingiber officinale)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumariyah; Khuriati, Ainie; Fachriyah, Enny

2018-05-01

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow or ion wind of corona discharges has been generated utilizing pin-multi ring concentred electrodes. The pin was made of stainless steel with a tip diameter of 0.018 mm. The multi-ring constructed electrodes by a metal material connected to each other and each ring has a diameter of 24 mm, 16 mm and 8 mm in the same width and thickness is 4 mm and 1 mm. EHD was generated by using a DC high voltage of 5 kV. Pin as an active electrode of corona discharge and multi-ring concentric electrodes as a collector and passive electrodes. The ion wind or EHD flow is produced through changes in voltage and distance between electrodes. The ionic wind generated system outputs through multi-ring concentric electrodes which will further dry the sample. A circle ginger slices as a sample with a diameter of 26 mm with a thickness of 2 mm. The drying is done at the distance between the fixed electrodes of 4 mm and the varied voltages are 1.2 kV, 1.4 kV, and 1.6 kV. The sample drying time varied 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes and 150 minutes. The result of drying the sample at a fixed voltage is obtained moisture of ginger slices decreased with increased drying time.

Influence of implant diameter in the displacement of dental implants in trabecular bovine bone under a static lateral load: experimental results and computational modeling.

PubMed

Engelke, Wilfried; Decco, Oscar A; Cura, Andrea C; Maldonado, Isai; Crippa, Federico G

2014-12-01

Primary stability and micromovement of dental implants depend on structural properties of the surrounding bone and on implant dimension and design. The purpose of this study was to provide objective data for the influence of implant diameter on the displacement of titanium screw implants. Ninety Semados implants (length 15 mm, diameter 3.25, 3.75, and 4.5 mm; Bego, Bremen, Germany) were inserted in trabecular bone specimens. All implants were inserted with a torque up to 30 N·cm and loaded horizontally with 10, 20, and 30 N for 2 seconds. All implants showed primary stability. With increasing force, a gradual increase of micromovement was observed (Kruskal-Wallis test, P = 0.000). No significant differences were found (Kruskal-Wallis test, P = 0.148) comparing different diameters for every force. Variation of the diameter of standard implants between 3.25 and 4.5 mm does not seem to influence the primary stability in trabecular bone specimen. Differences between experimental and computational results may be due to the simplification used when modeling.

Spatial resolution limits for the isotropic-3D PET detector X’tal cube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Eiji; Tashima, Hideaki; Hirano, Yoshiyuki; Inadama, Naoko; Nishikido, Fumihiko; Murayama, Hideo; Yamaya, Taiga

2013-11-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) has become a popular imaging method in metabolism, neuroscience, and molecular imaging. For dedicated human brain and small animal PET scanners, high spatial resolution is needed to visualize small objects. To improve the spatial resolution, we are developing the X’tal cube, which is our new PET detector to achieve isotropic 3D positioning detectability. We have shown that the X’tal cube can achieve 1 mm3 uniform crystal identification performance with the Anger-type calculation even at the block edges. We plan to develop the X’tal cube with even smaller 3D grids for sub-millimeter crystal identification. In this work, we investigate spatial resolution of a PET scanner based on the X’tal cube using Monte Carlo simulations for predicting resolution performance in smaller 3D grids. For spatial resolution evaluation, a point source emitting 511 keV photons was simulated by GATE for all physical processes involved in emission and interaction of positrons. We simulated two types of animal PET scanners. The first PET scanner had a detector ring 14.6 cm in diameter composed of 18 detectors. The second PET scanner had a detector ring 7.8 cm in diameter composed of 12 detectors. After the GATE simulations, we converted the interacting 3D position information to digitalized positions for realistic segmented crystals. We simulated several X’tal cubes with cubic crystals from (0.5 mm)3 to (2 mm)3 in size. Also, for evaluating the effect of DOI resolution, we simulated several X’tal cubes with crystal thickness from (0.5 mm)3 to (9 mm)3. We showed that sub-millimeter spatial resolution was possible using cubic crystals smaller than (1.0 mm)3 even with the assumed physical processes. Also, the weighted average spatial resolutions of both PET scanners with (0.5 mm)3 cubic crystals were 0.53 mm (14.6 cm ring diameter) and 0.48 mm (7.8 cm ring diameter). For the 7.8 cm ring diameter, spatial resolution with 0.5×0.5×1.0 mm3 crystals was improved 39% relative to the (1 mm)3 cubic crystals. On the other hand, spatial resolution with (0.5 mm)3 cubic crystals was improved 47% relative to the (1 mm)3 cubic crystals. The X’tal cube promises better spatial resolution for the 3D crystal block with isotropic resolution.

Endovascular abdominal aortic stenosis treatment with the OptiMed self-expandable nitinol stent.

PubMed

Ghazi, Payam; Haji-Zeinali, Ali-Mohammad; Shafiee, Nahid; Qureshi, Shakeel A

2009-10-01

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of self-expandable stents (OptiMed) for treatment of abdominal aortic stenosis in the situations in which the aortic stenosis locates near the origin of celiac, superior mesenteric, renal and inferior mesenteric arteries. Five consecutive patients scheduled for endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic stenosis by self-expandable nitinol stent (Sinus-Aorta/OptiMed) implantation. The diameter of the stent was chosen as 10-30% more than that of the normal portion of the aorta above the stenosis. Long stents of 60 mm or longer were chosen. After stent deployment, balloon postdilation was performed with a balloon in patients with residual gradient > 5 mm Hg. All patients were successfully treated with the OptiMed stents. The balloon predilation was performed in one patient due to severe stenosis. The mean diameter and length of the stents deployed were 20.4 +/- 2.9 (range, 16-24 mm) and 64 +/- 8.9 (range, 60-80 mm), respectively. The balloon postdilation was performed in all cases. The mean diameter of the balloons was 13.6 +/- 1.5 (range, 12-15 mm). The mean diameter of stenosis increased from 4.8 +/- 1.9 to 14.4 +/- 1.8 mm after stent placement. The mean peak systolic gradient decreased from 46.8 +/- 31.5 mm Hg to 0.8 +/- 1.8 mm Hg. During follow-up (22.8 +/- 14.3 months), none of the patients had restenosis within the stent, occlusion of any branches of the aorta, or other related complications. In our small series, we observed that abdominal aortic stenosis can be successfully and effectively treated with OptiMed stents in the situations in which the stenotic segment is located next to the origins of the main visceral branches of abdominal aorta.

Suprascarpal fat pad thickness may predict venous drainage patterns in abdominal wall flaps.

PubMed

Bast, John; Pitcher, Austin A; Small, Kevin; Otterburn, David M

2016-02-01

Abdominal wall flaps are routinely used in reconstructive procedures. In some patients inadequate venous drainage from the deep vein may cause fat necrosis or flap failure. Occasionally the superficial inferior epigastric vessels (SIEV) are of sufficient size to allow for microvascular revascularization. This study looked at the ratio of the sub- and suprascarpal fat layers, the number of deep system perforators, and SIEV diameter to determine any correlation of the fat topography and SIEV. 50 abdominal/pelvic CT angiograms (100 hemiabdomens) were examined in women aged 34-70 years for number of perforators, SIEV diameter, and fat pad thickness above and below Scarpa's fascia. Data was analyzed using multivariate model. The average suprascarpal and subscarpal layers were 18.6 ± 11.5 mm and 6.2 ± 7.2 mm thick, respectively. The average SIEV diameter was 2.06 ± 0.81 mm and the average number of perforators was 2.09 ± 1.03 per hemiabdomen. Hemiabdomens with suprascarpal thickness>23 mm had greater SIEV diameter [2.69 mm vs. 1.8 mm (P < 0.0001)] The fat layer thickness did not correlate with the number of perforators. Neither subscarpal fat thickness nor suprascarpal-to-subscarpal fat layer thickness correlated significantly with SIEV caliber or number of perforators in multivariate model. Suprascarpal fat pad thicker than 23 mm had larger SIEVs irrespective of the number of deep system perforators. This may indicate a cohort of patients at risk of venous congestion from poor venous drainage if only the deep system is revascularized. We recommend harvesting the SIEV in patients with suprascarpal fat pad >23 mm to aid in superficial drainage. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Coronary artery size and disease in UK South Asian and Caucasian men.

PubMed

Zindrou, Dlear; Taylor, Kenneth M; Bagger, Jens Peder

2006-04-01

South Asian patients in the UK have a higher mortality rate after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) than Caucasian patients. As coronary artery size has been shown to correlate to outcome from bypass grafting, it has been suggested that smaller coronary arteries in South Asians as compared to Caucasians could contribute to a poorer outcome in the Asian population. We aimed to measure coronary artery size and disease in matched South Asian and Caucasian men undergoing first time coronary artery bypass grafting. Coronary arteriograms from 53 matched first generation South Asian and Caucasian men were examined. The patients had no history of myocardial infarction, coronary revascularisation, familial dyslipidaemia, diabetes or renal disease. They were individually matched for age, height, weight, body mass index and body surface area. Thereafter, coronary artery diameters and significant (> or =50%) diameter stenoses were measured in a blinded fashion using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). In South Asian men, diameters of the left main stem (LMS) and the proximal left anterior descending, the circumflex and the right coronary arteries were 4.6+/-0.9 mm, 3.5+/-0.8 mm, 3.4+/-0.8 mm and 3.5+/-0.8 mm, respectively. The corresponding arterial diameters among Caucasian men (4.5+/-0.9 mm, 3.5+/-0.7 mm, 3.5+/-0.8 mm and 3.8+/-0.8 mm) did not differ from those in South Asians. There was no difference in the number of significant coronary artery stenoses between the two groups and no difference in bypass and cross-clamp times or in adverse outcome (one from each group died after coronary artery bypass grafting). Proximal coronary artery size and number of significant coronary stenoses did not differ between matched pairs of South Asian and Caucasian men using strict inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Summary of a study to determine low-velocity impact damage and residual tension strength for a thick graphite/epoxy motor case

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poe, C. C., Jr.

1990-01-01

Impacters of various shapes and masses were dropped from various heights onto 36 mm (1.4 in.) thick graphite/epoxy cylinders, which represented filament wound cases (FWC) for the booster motors of the Space Shuttle. Insert solid propellant was cast into some of the cylinders. The cylinders were impacted numerous times around the circumference and then cut into 51 mm (2.0 in.) wide tension specimens, each containing an impact site. Four indenters were used: a sharp corner, two hemispheres, and a bolt-like rod. The diameters of the hemispheres were 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) and 25.4 mm (1.0 in.), and the diameter of the rod was 6.3 mm (0.25 in.). Impacts with the rod were simulated by pressing the rod against the face of specimens. For the hemispheres, the damage initiated beneath the surface at a critical contact pressure and was not visible on the surface until an even larger pressure was exceeded. The damage consisted of matrix cracking and broken fiber. The rod and corner made visible surface damage in all tests. For the hemispheres, the tension strength was reduced considerably before the damage was visible on the surface, 30 percent for the 25.4 mm (1.0 in.) diameter hemisphere and 10 percent for the 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) diameter hemisphere. Analytical methods were used to predict the damage and residual tension strength. A factor of safety to account for nonvisible damage was determined.

SU-E-J-229: Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Small Fiducial Markers for Proton Beam Therapy

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

Hu, Y; James, J; Panda, A

2015-06-15

Purpose: For proton beam therapy, small fiducial markers are preferred for patient alignment due to less interference with the proton beam. Visualizing small fiducial markers can be challenging in MRI. This study intends to investigate MRI imaging protocols for better visualization of small fiducial markers. Methods: Two carbon and two coil-shaped gold markers were placed into a gel phantom. Both carbon markers had a diameter of 1mm and a length of 3mm. Both gold markers had a length of 5mm. One gold marker had a diameter of 0.5mm and the other had a diameter of 0.75mm. T1 VIBE, T2 SPACE,more » TrueFISP and susceptibility weighted (SW) images were acquired. To improve marker contrast, high spatial resolution was used to reduce partial volume effect. Slice thickness was 1.5mm for all four sequences and in-plane resolution was 0.6mm for TrueFISP, 0.7mm for T1 VIBE, and 0.8mm for T2 SPACE and SW. For comparison purpose, a 3D T1 VIBE image set at 3mm slice thickness and 1.2mm in-plane resolution was also acquired. Results: All markers were visible in all high-resolution image sets. In each image set, marker-induced signal void was the smallest (in diameter) for carbon markers, followed by the 0.5mm gold marker and the largest for the 0.75mm gold marker. The SW images had the largest marker-induced signal void. However, those might be confused by susceptibility-gradient-induced signal voids. T1 VIBE had good visualization of markers with nicely defined edges. T2 SPACE had reasonable visualization of markers but edges were slightly blurred. TrueFISP had good visualization of markers only if they were not masked by banding artifacts. As a comparison, all markers were hardly visible in the standard resolution T1 VIBE images. Conclusion: 3D high-resolution T1 VIBE and SW have great potential in providing good visualization of small fiducial markers for proton beam therapy.« less

Beat-to-beat respiratory motion correction with near 100% efficiency: a quantitative assessment using high-resolution coronary artery imaging.

PubMed

Scott, Andrew D; Keegan, Jennifer; Firmin, David N

2011-05-01

This study quantitatively assesses the effectiveness of retrospective beat-to-beat respiratory motion correction (B2B-RMC) at near 100% efficiency using high-resolution coronary artery imaging. Three-dimensional (3D) spiral images were obtained in a coronary respiratory motion phantom with B2B-RMC and navigator gating. In vivo, targeted 3D coronary imaging was performed in 10 healthy subjects using B2B-RMC spiral and navigator gated balanced steady-state free-precession (nav-bSSFP) techniques. Vessel diameter and sharpness in proximal and mid arteries were used as a measure of respiratory motion compensation effectiveness and compared between techniques. Phantom acquisitions with B2B-RMC were sharper than those acquired with navigator gating (B2B-RMC vs. navigator gating: 1.01±0.02 mm(-1) vs. 0.86±0.08 mm(-1), P<.05). In vivo B2B-RMC respiratory efficiency was significantly and substantially higher (99.7%±0.5%) than nav-bSSFP (44.0%±8.9%, P<.0001). Proximal and mid vessel sharpnesses were similar (B2B-RMC vs. nav-bSSFP, proximal: 1.00±0.14 mm(-1) vs. 1.08±0.11 mm(-1), mid: 1.01±0.11 mm(-1) vs. 1.05±0.12 mm(-1); both P=not significant [ns]). Mid vessel diameters were not significantly different (2.85±0.39 mm vs. 2.80±0.35 mm, P=ns), but proximal B2B-RMC diameters were slightly higher (2.85±0.38 mm vs. 2.70±0.34 mm, P<.05), possibly due to contrast differences. The respiratory efficiency of B2B-RMC is less variable and significantly higher than navigator gating. Phantom and in vivo vessel sharpness and diameter values suggest that respiratory motion compensation is equally effective. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of fine threads and platform-switching on crestal bone stress around implant-a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

PubMed

Khurana, Pardeep; Sharma, Arun; Sodhi, Kiranmeet Kaur

2013-12-01

The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of implant fine threads on crestal bone stress compared to a standard smooth implant collar and to analyze how different abutment diameters influenced the crestal bone stress level. Three-dimensional finite element imaging was used to create a cross-sectional model in SolidWorks 2007 software of an implant (5-mm platform and 10 mm in length) placed in the premolar region of the mandible. The implant model was created to resemble a commercially available fine thread implant. Abutments of different diameters (5.0 mm: standard, 4.5 mm, 4.0 mm, and 3.5 mm) were loaded with a force of 100 N at 90° vertical and 40° oblique angles. Finite element analysis was done in COSMOSWorks software, which was used to analyze the stress patterns in bone, especially in the crestal region. Upon loading, the fine thread implant model had greater stress at the crestal bone adjacent to the implant than the smooth neck implant in both vertical and oblique loading. When the abutment diameter decreased progressively from 5.0 mm to 4.5 mm to 4 mm and to 3.5 mm the thread model showed a reduction of stress at the crestal bone level from 23.2 MPa to 15.02 MPa for fine thread and from 22.7 to 13.5 MPa for smooth collar implant group after vertical loading and from 43.7 MPa to 33.1 MPa in fine thread model and from 36.9 to 20.5 MPa in smooth collar implant model after oblique loading. Fine threads increase crestal stress upon loading. Reduced abutment diameter that is platform switching resulted in less stress translated to the crestal bone in the fine thread and smooth neck.

Aortic elongation and the risk for dissection: the Tübingen Aortic Pathoanatomy (TAIPAN) project†.

PubMed

Krüger, Tobias; Oikonomou, Alexandre; Schibilsky, David; Lescan, Mario; Bregel, Katharina; Vöhringer, Luise; Schneider, Wilke; Lausberg, Henning; Blumenstock, Gunnar; Bamberg, Fabian; Schlensak, Christian

2017-06-01

We measured aortic dimensions, particularly length parameters, using 3D imaging with the aim of refining the risk-morphology for Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAD). Computer tomography angiography studies were analysed using the curved multiplanar reformats. At defined landmarks, the diameters and lengths of aortic segments were recorded. Three groups were compared retrospectively: patients actually suffering from a TAD (TAD-group; n  = 150), patients before suffering a TAD (preTAD-group n  = 15) and a healthy control group ( n  = 215). Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were analysed (control versus preTAD) to study the diagnostic value of the individual variables. Median diameters of preTAD (43 mm) and TAD (50 mm) aortas were significantly ( P  < 0.001) larger than those of the control group (35 mm). Ninety-three percent of preTAD and 68% of TAD aortas were less than 55 mm in the mid-ascending aorta. The ascending aorta and the aortic arch were significantly longer in both preTAD and TAD aortas compared to control aortas ( P  < 0.001); in the control aortas the central line distance from the aortic valve to the brachiocephalic trunk was 93 mm. In preTAD aortas, it was 111 mm, and it was 117 mm in TAD aortas ( P  < 0.001). In ROC analysis, the area under the curve was 0.912 for the ascending diameter and 0.787 for the ascending and arch lengths. TAD-prediction based on the aortic diameter is ineffective. Besides circumferential dilatation, ascending aorta elongation precedes TAD and appears to be a useful additional parameter for prognostication. We propose a diagnostic score involving ascending aorta diameter and length. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Leaching with Penicillium simplicissimum: Influence of metals and buffers on proton extrusion and citric acid production

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

Franz, A.; Burgstaller, W.; Schinner, F.

1991-03-01

In the presence of insoluble metal oxides (industrial filter dust, zinc oxide, synthetic mixture of metal oxides), Penicillium simplicissimum developed the ability to excrete considerable amounts of citric acid (>100 mM). Parallel with the increase of citric acid concentration in the culture broth, zinc was solubilized from zinc oxide. The adsorption of filter dust onto the mycelium (the pellets formed were less than 1 mm in diameter) was required for not only the citric acid excretion but also the leaching of zinc. When the filter dust was replaced with a synthetic mixture of metal oxides or with zinc oxide inmore » combination with trace elements, levels of adsorption and citric acid production were observed to be similar to those in experiments where industrial filter dust was used. The two most important properties of the filter dust were its heavy-metal content and its buffering capacity. These properties were simulated by adding heavy metals in soluble form (as chlorides, sulfates, or nitrates) or soluble buffers to the medium. Both heavy metals and buffers were not able to induce a citric acid efflux. As with citric acid production by Aspergillus niger, the addition of manganese lowered citric acid excretion (by 40% with metal oxide-induced citric acid efflux and by 100% with urea-induced citric acid efflux). Copper antagonized the effect of manganese. The mechanism for the bulk of citric acid excretion by P. simplicissimum, however, seemed to be different from that described for citric acid accumulation by A. niger. Because of the inefficiency of metals in solubilized form and of soluble buffers to induce a strong citric acid efflux, adsorption of an insoluble metal compound (zinc oxide) turned out to be essential.« less

Management of Sexual Maturation and Natural Spawning of Captive- Reared Yellowtail Kingfish, Seriola lalandi, in an Indoor Rearing Tank.

PubMed

Yang, Sang Geun; Ji, Seung Cheol; Lim, Sang Gu; Hur, Sang Woo; Jeong, Minhwan; Lee, Chi Hoon; Kim, Bong Seok; Lee, Young-Don

2016-06-01

This study describes results on sexual maturation and characteristics of natural spawned eggs to develop a method for the production of stable, healthy fertilized eggs from captive-reared yellowtail kingfish, Seriola lalandi. A total of 59 yellowtail kingfish were captured off the coast of Jeju Island, after which the broodstock was cultured in indoor culture tank (100 m(3)) until they were 6.1-14.9 kg in body weight. As part of the rearing management for induced sex maturation, the intensity of illumination was maintained at 130 lux. The photoperiod (light/dark; L/D) was set to a 12 L/12 D from October 2013 to January 2014, and 15 L/9 D from February 2014 to June 2014. Feeds comprised mainly EP (Extruded Pellets), with squid cuttlefish added for improvement of egg quality, and was given from April to June 2014. The first spawning of yellowtail kingfish occurred in May 3, 2014, at a water temperature of 17.0°C. Spawning continued until June 12, 2014, with the water temperature set at 20.5°C. Time of spawning was 26 times at this period. The total number of eggs that spawned during the spawning period was 4,449×10(3). The buoyant rate of spawning eggs and fertilization rate of buoyant eggs during the spawned period were 76.1% and 100%, respectively. The diameters of the egg and oil globule were 1.388 ± 0.041 mm and 0.378 ± 0.029 mm, respectively, which was higher in early eggs than in those from late during the spawned period.

Experimental study of cryogen spray properties for application in dermatologic laser surgery.

PubMed

Aguilar, Guillermo; Majaron, Boris; Karapetian, Emil; Lavernia, Enrique J; Nelson, J Stuart

2003-07-01

Cryogenic sprays are used for cooling human skin during laser dermatologic surgery. In this paper, six straight-tube nozzles are characterized by photographs of cryogenic spray shapes, as well as measurements of average droplet diameter, velocity, and temperature. A single-droplet evaporation model to predict average spray droplet diameter and temperature is tested using the experimental data presented here. The results show two distinct spray patterns--sprays for 1.4-mm-diameter nozzles (wide nozzles) show significantly larger average droplet diameters and higher temperatures as a function of distance from the nozzle compared with those for 0.5-0.8-mm-diameter nozzles (narrow nozzles). These results complement and support previously reported studies, indicating that wide nozzles induce more efficient heat extraction than the narrow nozzles.

Effect of hole geometry and Electric-Discharge Machining (EDM) on airflow rates through small diameter holes in turbine blade material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hippensteele, S. A.; Cochran, R. P.

1980-01-01

The effects of two design parameters, electrode diameter and hole angle, and two machine parameters, electrode current and current-on time, on air flow rates through small-diameter (0.257 to 0.462 mm) electric-discharge-machined holes were measured. The holes were machined individually in rows of 14 each through 1.6 mm thick IN-100 strips. The data showed linear increase in air flow rate with increases in electrode cross sectional area and current-on time and little change with changes in hole angle and electrode current. The average flow-rate deviation (from the mean flow rate for a given row) decreased linearly with electrode diameter and increased with hole angle. Burn time and finished hole diameter were also measured.

Fabrication and characterization of fine ceramic based on alumina, bentonite, and glass bead

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebayang, P.; Nurdina; Simbolon, S.; Kurniawan, C.; Yunus, M.; Setiadi, E. A.; Sitorus, Z.

2018-03-01

Fabrication of fine ceramics based on alumina, bentonite and glass bead has been carried out by powder metallurgy. The preparation of powder has been performed using High Energy Milling (HEM) with wet milling process and using toluene as medium for 2 hours. The powder milling result was dried in oven at 100 °C for 24 hours. After that, the powder was compacted into pellet by using hydraulic press with 80 kgf/cm2 pressure at room temperature. Then, the pellet was sintered at 900 °C for 4 hours. Materials characterization such as physical properties (true density, bulk density, porosity, and water absorption), average particle diameter, hardness, microstructure and phase were measured by Archimedes method, Particle Size Analyzer (PSA), Hardness Vickers (HV), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM-EDX) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). From the result, the optimum condition is sample D (with addition of 30 wt.% γ-Al2O3) with sintering temperature of 900 °C for 4 hours. At this condition, these properties were measured: average particle diameter of 4.27 μm, true density of 2.32 g/cm3, porosity of 5.57%, water absorption of 2.46%, bulk density of 2.39 g/cm3, and hardness of 632 HV. The fine ceramic has four phases with albite (Al2NaO8Si3) and quartz (SiO2) as dominant phases and corundum (Al2O3) and nepheline (AlNaO4Si) as minor phases.

A numerical study of zone-melting process for the thermoelectric material of Bi2Te3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, W. C.; Wu, Y. C.; Hwang, W. S.; Hsieh, H. L.; Huang, J. Y.; Huang, T. K.

2015-06-01

In this study, a numerical model has been established by employing a commercial software; ProCAST, to simulate the variation/distribution of temperature and the subsequent microstructure of Bi2Te3 fabricated by zone-melting technique. Then an experiment is conducted to measure the temperature variation/distribution during the zone-melting process to validate the numerical system. Also, the effects of processing parameters on crystallization microstructure such as moving speed and temperature of heater are numerically evaluated. In the experiment, the Bi2Te3 powder are filled into a 30mm diameter quartz cylinder and the heater is set to 800°C with a moving speed 12.5 mm/hr. A thermocouple is inserted in the Bi2Te3 powder to measure the temperature variation/distribution of the zone-melting process. The temperature variation/distribution measured by experiment is compared to the results of numerical simulation. The results show that our model and the experiment are well matched. Then the model is used to evaluate the crystal formation for Bi2Te3 with a 30mm diameter process. It's found that when the moving speed is slower than 17.5 mm/hr, columnar crystal is obtained. In the end, we use this model to predict the crystal formation of zone-melting process for Bi2Te3 with a 45 mm diameter. The results show that it is difficult to grow columnar crystal when the diameter comes to 45mm.

Analysis of daylight performance of solar light pipes influenced by size and shape of sunlight captures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yanpeng; Jin, Rendong; Zhang, Wenming; Liu, Li; Zou, Dachao

2009-11-01

Experimental investigations on three different sunlight captures with diameter 150mm, 212mm, 300mm were carried out under different conditions such as sunny conditions, cloudy conditions and overcast conditions and the two different size solar light pipes with diameter 360mm and 160mm under sunny conditions. The illuminance in the middle of the sunlight capture have relationship with its size, but not linear. To improve the efficiency of the solar light pipes, the structure and the performance of the sunlight capture must be enhanced. For example, University of Science and Technology Beijing Gymnasium, Beijing 2008 Olympic events of Judo and Taekwondo, 148 solar light pipes were installed with the diameter 530mm for each light pipe. Two sunlight captures with different shape were installed and tested. From the measuring results of the illuminance on the work plane of the gymnasium, the improvement sunlight captures have better effects with the size of augmenting and the machining of the internal surface at the same time, so that the refraction increased and the efficiency of solar light pipes improved. The better effects of supplementary lighting for the gymnasium have been achieved.

Congenital lumbar spinal stenosis: a prospective, control-matched, cohort radiographic analysis.

PubMed

Singh, Kern; Samartzis, Dino; Vaccaro, Alexander R; Nassr, Ahmad; Andersson, Gunnar B; Yoon, S Tim; Phillips, Frank M; Goldberg, Edward J; An, Howard S

2005-01-01

Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis manifests primarily after the sixth decade of life as a result of facet hypertrophy and degenerative disc disease. Congenital stenosis, on the other hand, presents earlier in age with similar clinical findings but with multilevel involvement and fewer degenerative changes. These patients may have subtle anatomic variations of the lumbar spine that may increase the likelihood of thecal sac compression. However, to the authors' knowledge, no quantitative studies have addressed various radiographic parameters of symptomatic, congenitally stenotic individuals to normal subjects. To radiographically quantify and compare the anatomy of the lumbar spine in symptomatic, congenitally stenotic individuals to age- and sex-matched, asymptomatic, nonstenotic controlled individuals. A prospective, control-matched, cohort radiographic analysis. Axial and sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lateral, lumbar, plain radiographs of 20 surgically treated patients who were given a clinical diagnosis of congenital lumbar stenosis by the senior author were randomized with images of 20, asymptomatic age- and sex-matched subjects. MRIs and lateral, lumbar, plain radiographs were independently quantitatively assessed by two individuals. Measurements obtained from the axial MRIs included: midline anterior-posterior (AP) vertebral body diameter, vertebral body width, midline AP canal diameter, canal width, spinal canal cross-sectional area, pedicle length, and pedicle width. From the sagittal MRIs, the following measurements were calculated: AP vertebral body diameter, vertebral body height, and AP canal diameter at the mid-vertebral level. On the lateral, lumbar, plain radiograph (L3 level), the AP diameters of the vertebral body spinal canal were measured. The images of these 40 individuals were then randomized and distributed in a blinded fashion to five separate spine surgeons who graded the presence and severity of congenital stenosis utilizing a five-tier scale. Images consisting of 15 symptomatic individuals, graded definitely congenitally stenotic (mean age, 51.7 years; range, 43-65 years), and 15 asymptomatic individuals, graded definitely not stenotic (mean age, 50.7 years; range, 41-55 years), were age- and sex-matched and included for further review. From these 30 patients, a lateral, lumbar, plain radiograph and axial and sagittal MRIs (T1/T2 weighted) from L2-L5 were quantitatively analyzed. Rater reliability was assessed by Kappa coefficient testing. The cross-sectional area of the canal was significantly smaller in the congenitally stenotic patients at all lumbar levels measured (L2: 176 mm(2) vs. 259 mm(2), L3: 177 mm(2) vs. 275 mm(2), L4: 183 mm(2) vs. 283 mm(2), L5: 213 mm(2) vs. 323 mm(2), p<.05). Pedicle length was markedly shorter in the stenosis group at each lumbar level (L2: 5.9 mm vs. 8.9 mm, L3: 6.0 mm vs. 8.8 mm, L4: 6.5 mm vs. 9.2 mm, L5: 5.8 mm vs. 9.1 mm, p<.05). Furthermore, midline, axial AP canal diameter, vertebral body width, and sagittal AP canal diameter were all significantly smaller than the control patients (p<.05). A ratio of the AP diameter of the pedicle length to the vertebral body was also noted to be statistically significant on both the lateral plain radiographs (L3: 0.426 vs. 0.704) and sagittal MRI (L2: 0.343 vs. 0.461, L3: 0.361 vs. 0.461, L4: 0.362 vs. 0.481, L5: 0.354 vs. 0.452, p<.05). No difference was noted comparing the AP diameter of the vertebral body (axial and sagittal images), vertebral body height, canal width, and pedicle width. Kappa testing coefficient indicated a strong rater reliability (k=0.81, 95% confidence interval: 0.62-0.94). Congenital lumbar stenosis has not been clearly defined radiographically. Clinically, congenitally stenotic patients present at a younger age with fewer degenerative changes and multiple levels of involvement. Radiographically, these patients have a shorter pedicular length and as a result a smaller cross-sectional spinal canal area (mean critical values of 6.5 mm and 213 mm(2) were observed, respectively). The mean critical ratios were 0.43 (2:1 AP vertebral body: pedicle length) on the lateral lumbar radiograph and 0.36 on the sagittal MRI. The altered canal anatomy resulting from a decreased pedicle length may anatomically predispose these patients to earlier complaints of symptomatic neurogenic claudication. Identification of the presence of congenital stenosis should increase the treating surgeon's awareness of the potential need for multilevel treatment.

Large eccentric laser angioplasty catheter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Kevin D.; Reiser, Christopher

1997-05-01

In response to recent demand for increased debulking of large diameter coronary vascular segments, a large eccentric catheter for excimer laser coronary angioplasty has been developed. The outer tip diameter is 2.0 mm and incorporates approximately 300 fibers of 50 micron diameter in a monorail- type percutaneous catheter. The basic function of the device is to ablate a coronary atherosclerotic lesion with 308 nm excimer laser pulses, while passing the tip of the catheter through the lesion. By employing multiple passes through the lesion, rotating the catheter 90 degrees after each pass, we expect to create luminal diameters close to 3 mm with this device. Design characteristics, in-vitro testing, and initial clinical experience is presented.

Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission Analysis of Crematorium Emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Salina; Nadareski, Benjamin; Yoskowitz, Joshua; Labrake, Scott; Vineyard, Michael

2014-09-01

There has been considerable debate in recent years about possible mercury emissions from crematoria due to amalgam tooth restorations. We have performed a proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis of aerosol and soil samples taken near the Vale Cemetery Crematorium in Schenectady, NY, to address this concern. The aerosol samples were collected on the roof of the crematorium using a nine-stage, cascade impactor that separates the particulate matter by aerodynamic diameter and deposits it onto thin Kapton foils. The soil samples were collected at several different distances from the crematorium and compressed into pellets with a hydraulic press. The Kapton foils containing the aerosol samples and the soil pellets were bombarded with 2.2-MeV protons from the 1.1-MV tandem Pelletron accelerator in the Union College Ion-Beam Analysis Laboratory. We measured significant concentrations of sulfur, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and iron, but essentially no mercury in the aerosol samples. The lower limit of detection for airborne mercury in this experiment was approximately 0.2 ng / m3. The PIXE analysis of the soil samples showed the presence of elements commonly found in soil (Si, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe), but no trace of mercury. There has been considerable debate in recent years about possible mercury emissions from crematoria due to amalgam tooth restorations. We have performed a proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis of aerosol and soil samples taken near the Vale Cemetery Crematorium in Schenectady, NY, to address this concern. The aerosol samples were collected on the roof of the crematorium using a nine-stage, cascade impactor that separates the particulate matter by aerodynamic diameter and deposits it onto thin Kapton foils. The soil samples were collected at several different distances from the crematorium and compressed into pellets with a hydraulic press. The Kapton foils containing the aerosol samples and the soil pellets were bombarded with 2.2-MeV protons from the 1.1-MV tandem Pelletron accelerator in the Union College Ion-Beam Analysis Laboratory. We measured significant concentrations of sulfur, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and iron, but essentially no mercury in the aerosol samples. The lower limit of detection for airborne mercury in this experiment was approximately 0.2 ng / m3. The PIXE analysis of the soil samples showed the presence of elements commonly found in soil (Si, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe), but no trace of mercury. Union College Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Application of face centred central composite design to optimise compression force and tablet diameter for the formulation of mechanically strong and fast disintegrating orodispersible tablets.

PubMed

Pabari, Ritesh M; Ramtoola, Zebunnissa

2012-07-01

A two factor, three level (3(2)) face centred, central composite design (CCD) was applied to investigate the main and interaction effects of tablet diameter and compression force (CF) on hardness, disintegration time (DT) and porosity of mannitol based orodispersible tablets (ODTs). Tablet diameters of 10, 13 and 15 mm, and CF of 10, 15 and 20 kN were studied. Results of multiple linear regression analysis show that both the tablet diameter and CF influence tablet characteristics. A negative value of regression coefficient for tablet diameter showed an inverse relationship with hardness and DT. A positive value of regression coefficient for CF indicated an increase in hardness and DT with increasing CF as a result of the decrease in tablet porosity. Interestingly, at the larger tablet diameter of 15 mm, while hardness increased and porosity decreased with an increase in CF, the DT was resistant to change. The optimised combination was a tablet of 15 mm diameter compressed at 15 kN showing a rapid DT of 37.7s and high hardness of 71.4N. Using these parameters, ODTs containing ibuprofen showed no significant change in DT (ANOVA; p>0.05) irrespective of the hydrophobicity of the ibuprofen. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Probe for Sampling of Interstitial Fluid From Bone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janle, Elsa M.

2004-01-01

An apparatus characterized as both a membrane probe and a bone ultrafiltration probe has been developed to enable in vivo sampling of interstitial fluid in bone. The probe makes it possible to measure the concentration of calcium and other constituents of the fluid that may be relevant to bone physiology. The probe could be especially helpful in experimental studies of microgravitational bone loss and of terrestrial bone-loss disease states, including osteoporosis. The probe can be implanted in the bone tissue of a living animal and can be used to extract samples of the interstitial bone fluid from time to time during a long-term study. The probe includes three 12-cm-long polyacrylonitrile fibers configured in a loop form and attached to polyurethane tubing [inside diameter 0.025 in. (0.64 mm), outside diameter 0.040 in. (1 mm)]; the attachment is made by use of a 1-cm-long connecting piece of polyurethane tubing [inside diameter 0.035 0.003 in. (0.89 0.08 mm), outside diameter 0.060 0.003 in. (1.52 0.08 mm)]. At the distal end, a 2-cm-long piece of polyurethane tubing of the same inner and outer diameters serves as a connector to a hub. A 1-cm long piece of expanded poly (tetrafluoroethylene) tubing over the joint between the fibers and the connecting tubing serves as a tissue-in-growth site.

A low cost adaptive silicone membrane lens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, F.; Müller, C.; Wallrabe, U.

2008-04-01

This article introduces adaptive liquid lenses with thick silicone membranes of 5 mm diameter. These membranes are produced by means of casting in a batch process. The lenses feature an integrated piezo-bending actuator, which is also embedded in silicone. The lenses presented comprise areas of application which are not covered by the electrowetting lenses (diameter <3 mm) already established on the market.

Evaluating the risk of eye injuries: intraocular pressure during high speed projectile impacts.

PubMed

Duma, Stefan M; Bisplinghoff, Jill A; Senge, Danielle M; McNally, Craig; Alphonse, Vanessa D

2012-01-01

To evaluate the risk of eye injuries by determining intraocular pressure during high speed projectile impacts. A pneumatic cannon was used to impact eyes with a variety of projectiles at multiple velocities. Intraocular pressure was measured with a small pressure sensor inserted through the optic nerve. A total of 36 tests were performed on 12 porcine eyes with a range of velocities between 6.2 m/s and 66.5 m/s. Projectiles selected for the test series included a 6.35  mm diameter metal ball, a 9.25  mm diameter aluminum rod, and an 11.16  mm diameter aluminum rod. Experiments were designed with velocities in the range of projectile consumer products such as toy guns. A range of intraocular pressures ranged between 2017 mmHg to 26,426 mmHg (39 psi-511 psi). Four of the 36 impacts resulted in globe rupture. Intraocular pressures dramatically above normal physiological pressure were observed for high speed projectile impacts. These pressure data provide critical insight to chronic ocular injuries and long-term complications such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Comparison between methods using copper, lanthanum, and colorimetry for the determination of the cation exchange capacity of plant cell walls.

PubMed

Wehr, J Bernhard; Blamey, F Pax C; Menzies, Neal W

2010-04-28

The determination of the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of plant cell walls is important for many physiological studies. We describe the determination of cell wall CEC by cation binding, using either copper (Cu) or lanthanum (La) ions, and by colorimetry. Both cations are strongly bound by cell walls, permitting fast and reproducible determinations of the CEC of small samples. However, the dye binding methods using two cationic dyes, Methylene Blue and Toluidine Blue, overestimated the CEC several-fold. Column and centrifugation methods are proposed for CEC determination by Cu or La binding; both provide similar results. The column method involves packing plant material (2-10 mg dry mass) in a chromatography column (10 mL) and percolating with 20 bed volumes of 1 mM La or Cu solution, followed by washing with deionized water. The centrifugation method uses a suspension of plant material (1-2 mL) that is centrifuged, and the pellet is mixed three times with 10 pellet volumes of 1 mM La or Cu solution followed by centrifugation and final washing with deionized water. In both methods the amount of La or Cu bound to the material was determined by spectroscopic methods.

[Inspecting the cochlear scala tympanic with flexible and semi-flexible micro-endoscope].

PubMed

Zhang, Daoxcing; Zhang, Yankun

2006-02-01

Flexible and semi-flexible micro-endoscopes were used in cochlear scala tympani inspection , to explore their application in inner ear examination. Fifteen profound hearing loss patients preparing for cochlear implant were included in this study. During the operation, micro-endoscopy was performed after opening the cochlear scala tympani. And 1 mm diameter semi-flexible micro-endoscope could go as deep as 9 mm into the cochlear scala tympani, while 0. 5 mm diameter flexible micro-endoscope could go as deep as 25 mm. The inspecting results were compared with video recording. Using 0.5 mm flexible micro-endoscope, we canould check cochlear scala tympani with depth range of 15-25 mm, but the video imaging was not clear enough to examine the microstructure in the cochlear. With 1 mm diameter semi-flexible micro-endoscope, we could reach 9 mm deep into the cochlear. During the examination, we found 3 cases with calcification deposit in osseous spiral lamina, l case with granulation tissue in the lateral wall of scala tympani, no abnormal findings in the other 11 cases. Inspecting the cochlear scala tympani with 0.5 mm flexible micro-endoscope, even though we can reach the second circuit of the cochlear, it is difficult to find the pathology in the cochlear because of the poor video imaging. With 1 mm semi-flexible micro-endoscope, we can identify the microstructure of the cochlear clearly and find the pathologic changes, but the inserting depth was limited to 9 mm with limitation to examine the whole cochlear.

Enhanced MicroChannel Heat Transfer in Macro-Geometry using Conventional Fabrication Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ooi, KT; Goh, AL

2016-09-01

This paper presents studies on passive, single-phase, enhanced microchannel heat transfer in conventionally sized geometry. The intention is to allow economical, simple and readily available conventional fabrication techniques to be used for fabricating macro-scale heat exchangers with microchannel heat transfer capability. A concentric annular gap between a 20 mm diameter channel and an 19.4 mm diameter insert forms a microchannel where heat transfer occurs. Results show that the heat transfer coefficient of more than 50 kW/m·K can be obtained for Re≈4,000, at hydraulic diameter of 0.6 mm. The pressure drop values of the system are kept below 3.3 bars. The present study re-confirms the feasibility of fabricating macro-heat exchangers with microchannel heat transfer capability.

A 2.5-mm diameter probe for photoacoustic and ultrasonic endoscopy.

PubMed

Yang, Joon-Mo; Chen, Ruimin; Favazza, Christopher; Yao, Junjie; Li, Chiye; Hu, Zhilin; Zhou, Qifa; Shung, K Kirk; Wang, Lihong V

2012-10-08

We have created a 2.5-mm outer diameter integrated photo-acoustic and ultrasonic mini-probe which can be inserted into a standard video endoscope's instrument channel. A small-diameter focused ultrasonic transducer made of PMN-PT provides adequate signal sensitivity, and enables miniaturization of the probe. Additionally, this new endoscopic probe utilizes the same scanning mirror and micromotor-based built-in actuator described in our previous reports; however, the length of the rigid distal section of the new probe has been further reduced to ~35 mm. This paper describes the technical details of the mini-probe and presents experimental results that both quantify the imaging performance and demonstrate its in vivo imaging capability, which suggests that it could work as a mini-probe for certain clinical applications.

A 2.5-mm diameter probe for photoacoustic and ultrasonic endoscopy

PubMed Central

Yang, Joon-Mo; Chen, Ruimin; Favazza, Christopher; Yao, Junjie; Li, Chiye; Hu, Zhilin; Zhou, Qifa; Shung, K. Kirk; Wang, Lihong V.

2012-01-01

We have created a 2.5-mm outer diameter integrated photo-acoustic and ultrasonic mini-probe which can be inserted into a standard video endoscope’s instrument channel. A small-diameter focused ultrasonic transducer made of PMN-PT provides adequate signal sensitivity, and enables miniaturization of the probe. Additionally, this new endoscopic probe utilizes the same scanning mirror and micromotor-based built-in actuator described in our previous reports; however, the length of the rigid distal section of the new probe has been further reduced to ~35 mm. This paper describes the technical details of the mini-probe and presents experimental results that both quantify the imaging performance and demonstrate its in vivo imaging capability, which suggests that it could work as a mini-probe for certain clinical applications. PMID:23188360

Effect of fiber diameter and matrix alloys on impact-resistant boron/aluminum composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdanels, D. L.; Signorelli, R. A.

1976-01-01

Efforts to improve the impact resistance of B/Al are reviewed and analyzed. Nonstandard thin-sheet charpy and Izod impact tests and standard full-size Charpy impact tests were conducted on composites containing unidirectional 0.10mm, 0.14mm, and 0.20mm diameter boron fibers in 1100, 2024, 5052, and 6061 Al matrices. Impact failure modes of B/Al are proposed in an attempt to describe the mechanisms involved and to provide insight for maximizing impact resistance. The impact strength of B/Al was significantly increased by proper selection of materials and processing. The use of a ductile matrix and large diameter boron fibers gave the highest impact strengths. This combination resulted in improved energy absorption through matrix shear deformation and multiple fiber breakage.

Three-dimensional growth dynamics of the liver in the human fetus.

PubMed

Szpinda, Michał; Paruszewska-Achtel, Monika; Woźniak, Alina; Badura, Mateusz; Mila-Kierzenkowska, Celestyna; Wiśniewski, Marcin

2015-07-01

The fetal liver is indubitably the earliest and the most severely affected organ by abnormal fetal growth. The size of the fetal liver assessed by three-dimensional ultrasonography is indispensable in determining the status of fetal growth, nutrition and maturity, and in the early recognition and monitoring fetal micro- and macrosomias. The aim of the present study was to measure the human fetal liver length, transverse and sagittal diameters to establish their age-specific reference intervals, the 3rd, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 97th smoothed centile curves, and the relative growth of the liver calculated for the 50th centile. Using anatomical, digital (NIS-Elements AR 3.0, Nikon) and statistical methods (one-way ANOVA test for paired data and post hoc RIR Tukey test, Shapiro-Wilk test, Fisher's test, Student's t test, the Altman-Chitty method), length, transverse and sagittal diameters of the liver for the 3rd, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 97th centiles were assessed in 69 human fetuses of both sexes (32 males and 37 females) aged 18-30 weeks, derived from spontaneous abortions or stillbirths. No male-female differences (P > 0.05) concerning the three parameters studied were found. During the study period, the fetal liver increased tri-dimensionally: in length from 19.51 ± 1.02 to 39.65 ± 7.05 mm, in transverse diameter from 29.44 ± 3.73 to 53.13 ± 5.31 mm, and in sagittal diameter from 22.97 ± 3.79 to 43.22 ± 5.49 mm. The natural logarithmic models were found to fit the data with gestational age (P < 0.001) in the following five cutoff points: 3rd, 10th, 50th, 90th and 97th centiles. The values of liver parameters in relation to gestational age in weeks were calculated by the following logarithmic regressions: y = -82.778 + 35.752 × ln(age) ± Z × (-2.778 + 0.308 × age) for liver length, y = -123.06 + 52.668 × ln(age) ± Z × (3.156 + 0.049 × age) for liver transverse diameter, and y = -108.94 + 46.052 × ln(age) ± Z × (-0.541 + 0.188 × age) for liver sagittal diameter. For the 50th centile, at the range of 18-30 weeks, the growth rates per week were gradually decreasing from 1.93 to 1.21 mm for length, from 2.85 to 1.79 mm for transverse diameter, and from 2.49 to 1.56 mm for sagittal diameter of the liver (P < 0.05). During the study period both the length-to-transverse diameter ratio and the sagittal-to-transverse diameter ratio of the liver changed little, attaining the values of 0.71 ± 0.11 and 0.87 ± 0.12, respectively. The fetal liver does not reveal sex differences in its length, transverse and sagittal diameters. The fetal liver length, transverse and sagittal diameters grow logarithmically. The regression equations for the estimation of the mean and standard deviation of liver length, transverse and sagittal diameters allow for calculating any desired centiles according to gestational age. The three-dimensional evolution of the fetal liver follows proportionately. The age-specific reference intervals for evolving liver length, transverse and sagittal diameters constitute the normative values of potential relevance in monitoring normal fetal development and screening for disturbances in fetal growth.

Piezoelectric ultrasonic micromotor with 1.5 mm diameter.

PubMed

Dong, Shuxiang; Lim, Siak P; Lee, Kwork H; Zhang, Jingdong; Lim, Leong C; Uchino, Kenji

2003-04-01

A piezoelectric ultrasonic micromotor has been developed using a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic/metal composite tube stator that was 1.5 mm in diameter and 7 mm in length. The micromotor was operated in its first bending vibration mode (approximately 70 kHz), producing speeds from hundreds to over 2000 rpm in both rotational directions. The maximum torque-output was 45 microN-m, which is far superior to previous PZT thin film-based micromotors. This micromotor showed good reliability and stability for more than 300 hours of continued operation.

Corneal Thickness Profile and Associations in Chinese Children Aged 7 to 15 Years Old.

PubMed

Ma, Yingyan; Zhu, Xiaofeng; He, Xiangui; Lu, Lina; Zhu, Jianfeng; Zou, Haidong

2016-01-01

Corneal thickness (CT) maps of the central (2-mm diameter), para-central (2 to 5-mm diameter), peripheral (5 to 6-mm diameter), and minimum (5-mm diameter) cornea were measured in normal Chinese school children aged 7 to 15 years old using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography. Multiple regression analyses were performed to explore the effect of associated factors [age, gender, refraction, axial length and corneal curvature radius (CCR)] on CT and the relationship between central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP). A total of 1228 eyes from 614 children were analyzed. The average CCT was 532.96 ± 28.33 μm for right eyes and 532.70 ±28.45 μm for left eyes. With a 10 μm increase in CCT, the IOP was elevated by 0.37 mm Hg, as measured by noncontact tonometry. The CT increased gradually from the center to the periphery. The superior and superior nasal regions had the thickest CTs, while the thinnest points were primarily located in the inferior temporal cornea. The CCT was associated with CCR (p = 0.008) but not with gender (p = 0.075), age (p = 0.286), axial length (p = 0.405), or refraction (p = 0.985). In the para-central region and the peripheral cornea, increased CT was associated with younger age, male gender, and a flatter cornea.

Efficacy of a Novel Narrow Knife with Water Jet Function for Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection.

PubMed

Yoshida, Naohisa; Toyonaga, Takashi; Murakami, Takaaki; Hirose, Ryohei; Ogiso, Kiyoshi; Inada, Yutaka; Rani, Rafiz Abdul; Naito, Yuji; Kishimoto, Mitsuo; Ohara, Yoshiko; Azuma, Takeshi; Itoh, Yoshito

2017-01-01

With respect to the knife's design in colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), diameter, water jet function, and electric power are important because these relate to efficient dissection. In this study, we analyzed a novel, narrow ball tip-typed ESD knife with water jet function (Flush knife BT-S, diameter: 2.2 mm, length: 2000 mm, Fujifilm Co., Tokyo, Japan) compared to a regular diameter knife (Flush knife BT, diameter: 2.6 mm, length: 1800 mm). In laboratory and clinical research, electric power, knife insertion time, vacuum/suction amount with knife in the endoscopic channel, and water jet function were analyzed. We used a knife 2.0 mm long for BT-S and BT knives. The BT-S showed faster mean knife insertion time (sec) and better vacuum amount (ml/min) compared to the BT (insertion time: 16.7 versus 21.6, p < 0.001, vacuum amount: 38.0 versus 14.0, p < 0.01). Additionally, the water jet function of the BT-S was not inferior. In 39 colorectal ESD cases in two institutions, there were mean 4.7 times (range: 1-28) of knife insertion. Suction under knife happened 59% (23/39) and suction of fluid could be done in 100%. Our study showed that the narrow knife allows significantly faster knife insertion, better vacuum function, and effective clinical results.

Hydrodynamic flow in capillary-channel fiber columns for liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Stanelle, Rayman D; Sander, Lane C; Marcus, R Kenneth

2005-12-23

The flow characteristics of capillary-channel polymer (C-CP) fiber liquid chromatographic (LC) columns have been investigated. The C-CP fibers are manufactured with eight longitudinal grooves (capillary channels) extending the length of the fibers. Three C-CP fiber examples were studied, with fiber dimensions ranging from approximately 35 microm to 65 microm, and capillary-channel dimensions ranging from approximately 6 microm to 35 microm. The influence of fiber packing density and column inner diameter on peak asymmetry, peak width, and run-to-run reproducibility have been studied for stainless steel LC columns packed with polyester (PET) and polypropylene (PP) C-CP fibers. The van Deemter A-term was evaluated as a function of fiber packing density (approximately 0.3 g/cm(3)-0.75 g/cm(3)) for columns of 4.6 mm inner diameter (i.d.) and at constant packing densities for 1.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.6 mm, and 7.7 mm i.d. columns. Although column diameter had little influence on the eluting peak widths, peak asymmetry increased with increasing column diameter. The A-terms for the C-CP fiber packed columns are somewhat larger than current commercial, microparticulate-packed columns, and means for improvement are discussed. Applications in the area of protein (macromolecule) separations appear the most promising at this stage of the system development.

What do sales data tell us about implant survival?

PubMed

Seemann, Rudolf; Jirku, Alexander; Wagner, Florian; Wutzl, Arno

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of implant diameter, length and shape on a surrogate parameter of implant survival; i.e. the implant return rate in a big data analysis. A retrospective study was conducted and the factors influencing the success rates of 69,377 sold implants over a seven-year period were evaluated. The osseointegration program of a reseller provides reliable data of a single country. Implant loss rates were investigated using logistic regression models and regressed by implant type, diameter, and length. The return rate of 69,377 sold implants was 2.78% and comparable to implant loss rates in previous published prospective studies as its surrogate parameter. A total of 80% of implant returns had occurred within 157 days, and an additional 15% within 750.25 days. Diameters of 3.8 to 5.0mm showed the lowest return rates with its bottom in the 4.3mm implant whilst 6.0mm implants had significantly higher return rates. In comparison to the most sold implant length (13mm) shorter implants showed significantly higher early return rates. The study provides evidence that in cases of standard indications and sufficient bone, the use of screw typed dental implants with 3.8 or 4.3 diameter and 11 or 13 mm length shows the lowest implant return rates. Other implants may be selected only in specific indications.

Risk factors associated with delayed gastric emptying after subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth-I anastomosis using circular stapler for early gastric cancer patients

PubMed Central

Kim, Ki Han; Jung, Ghap Joong

2012-01-01

Purpose Gastric surgery may potentiate delayed gastric emptying. Billroth I gastroduodenostomy using a circular stapler is the most preferable reconstruction method. The purpose of this study is to analyze the risk factors associated with delayed gastric emptying after radical subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth I anastomosis using a stapler for early gastric cancer. Methods Three hundred and seventy-eight patients who underwent circular stapled Billroth I gastroduodenostomy after subtotal gastrectomy due to early gastric cancer were analyzed retrospectively. One hundred and eighty-two patients had Billroth I anastomosis using a 25 mm diameter circular stapler, and 196 patients had anastomosis with a 28 or 29 mm diameter circular stapler. Clinicopathological features and postoperative outcomes were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Delayed gastric emptying was diagnosed by symptoms and simple abdomen X-ray with or without upper gastrointestinal series or endoscopy. Results Postoperative delayed gastric emptying was found in 12 (3.2%) of the 378 patients. Among all the variables, distal margin and circular stapler diameter were significantly different between the cases with delayed gastric emptying and no delayed gastric emptying. There were statistically significant differences in sex, body mass index, comorbidity, complication, and operation type according to circular stapler diameter. In both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, only the stapler diameter was found to be a significant factor affecting delayed gastric emptying (P = 0.040). Conclusion In this study, the circular stapler diameter was one of the most significant predictable factors of delayed gastric emptying for Billroth I gastroduodenostomy. The use of a 28 or 29 mm diameter circular stapler rather than a 25 mm diameter stapler in stapled gastroduodenostomy for early gastric cancer can reduce postoperative delayed gastric emptying associated with anastomosic stenosis or edema with relative safety. PMID:23166886

Peri-implant soft tissue and marginal bone adaptation on implant with non-matching healing abutments: micro-CT analysis.

PubMed

Finelle, Gary; Papadimitriou, Dimitrios E V; Souza, André B; Katebi, Negin; Gallucci, German O; Araújo, Mauricio G

2015-04-01

To assess (i) the outcome of changing the horizontal-offset dimension on the peri-implant soft tissues and the crestal bone and (ii) the effect of different healing abutments (flared vs. straight) on the marginal peri-implant soft tissues and crestal bone. Two-piece dental implants diameters of 3.5 and 4.5 mm were placed at least 1 mm subcrestal in five beagle dogs. Three different investigational groups: (i) 3.5-mm-diameter implant with narrow healing abutment (3.5N), (ii) 4.5-mm-diameter implant with narrow healing abutment (4.5N), and (iii) 3.5-mm-diameter implant with wide healing abutment (3.5W), were assessed. After 4 months of healing, the vertical distance from the marginal crestal bone (MB) to the implant shoulder (IS); the vertical distance from the IS to the first bone-to-implant contact; and the horizontal distance of bone ingrowth on the implant platform were measured with a high-resolution micro-CT (Xradia MicroXCT-200 system). Implants with a narrow healing caps showed an interproximal MB located between 0 and 1 mm above the implant shoulder, while the 3.5W group exhibits a mean value -0.50 mm. As all implants in group 3.5N presented a fBIC located at the level of the IS. For the 4.5N group, the mean fBIC-IS distance was -0.52 mm apically to the IS. For the 3.5WC group, the mean fBIC-IS distance was -1.42 mm. Horizontal bone apposition was only observed for the 3.5N group and the 4.5N group. The dimension of the horizontal offset would play a minimal role in reducing bone remodeling, whereas the configuration of the transmucosal component would directly influence marginal bone remodeling. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Safety of Percutaneous Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure: An Unselected Multicenter Population Experience

PubMed Central

El‐Said, Howaida G.; Bratincsak, Andras; Foerster, Susan R.; Murphy, Joshua J.; Vincent, Julie; Holzer, Ralf; Porras, Diego; Moore, John; Bergersen, Lisa

2013-01-01

Background The technique and safety of transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure have evolved during the past 20 years. We sought to report a multicenter experience of PDA closure with a focus on the rate of adverse events (AE) and a review of institutional practice differences. Methods and Results Outcome data on transcatheter PDA closure were collected at 8 centers prospectively using a multicenter registry (Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Project on Outcome Registry). Between February 2007 and June 2010, 496 PDA closures were recorded using a device in 338 (68%) or coils in 158 (32%). Most patients had an isolated PDA (90%). Fifty percent of patients were between 6 months and 3 years old, with only 40 patients (8%) <6 months old. Median minimum PDA diameter was 2.5 mm (range 1 to 12 mm; IQR 2 to 3 mm) for device closure and 1 mm (range 0.5 to 6 mm; IQR 1 to 2 mm) for coil closure (P<0.001). A device rather than coil was used in patients <3 years, weight <11 kg, and with a PDA minimum diameter >2 mm (all P<0.001). Three of 8 centers exclusively used a device for PDAs with a diameter >1.5 mm. In 9% of cases (n=46), an AE occurred; however, only 11 (2%) were classified as high severity. Younger age was associated with a higher AE rate. Coil‐related AEs were more common than device‐related AEs (10% versus 2%, P<0.001). Conclusions PDA closure in the present era has a very low rate of complications, although these are higher in younger children. Technical intervention‐related events were more common in coil procedures compared with device procedures. For PDAs ≤2.5 mm in diameter, institutional differences in preference for device versus coil exist. PMID:24284214

The high velocity, high adiabat, "Bigfoot" campaign and tests of indirect-drive implosion scaling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casey, D. T.; Thomas, C. A.; Baker, K. L.; Spears, B. K.; Hohenberger, M.; Khan, S. F.; Nora, R. C.; Weber, C. R.; Woods, D. T.; Hurricane, O. A.; Callahan, D. A.; Berger, R. L.; Milovich, J. L.; Patel, P. K.; Ma, T.; Pak, A.; Benedetti, L. R.; Millot, M.; Jarrott, C.; Landen, O. L.; Bionta, R. M.; MacGowan, B. J.; Strozzi, D. J.; Stadermann, M.; Biener, J.; Nikroo, A.; Goyon, C. S.; Izumi, N.; Nagel, S. R.; Bachmann, B.; Volegov, P. L.; Fittinghoff, D. N.; Grim, G. P.; Yeamans, C. B.; Gatu Johnson, M.; Frenje, J. A.; Rice, N.; Kong, C.; Crippen, J.; Jaquez, J.; Kangas, K.; Wild, C.

2018-05-01

The Bigfoot approach is to intentionally trade off high convergence, and therefore areal-density, in favor of high implosion velocity and good coupling between the laser, hohlraum, shell, and hotspot. This results in a short laser pulse that improves hohlraum symmetry and predictability, while the reduced compression reduces hydrodynamic instability growth. The results thus far include demonstrated low-mode symmetry control at two different hohlraum geometries (5.75 mm and 5.4 mm diameters) and at two different target scales (5.4 mm and 6.0 mm hohlraum diameters) spanning 300-405 TW in laser power and 0.8-1.6 MJ in laser energy. Additionally, by carefully scaling the 5.4 mm design to 6.0 mm, an increase in target scale of 13%, equivalent to 40% increase in laser energy, has been demonstrated.

Reference range of fetal transverse cerebellar diameter between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy in a Brazilian population.

PubMed

Araujo Júnior, Edward; Martins, Wellington P; Nardozza, Luciano Marcondes Machado; Pires, Claudio Rodrigues; Filho, Sebastião Marques Zanforlin

2015-02-01

To determine a reference range of fetal transverse cerebellar diameter in Brazilian population. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study with 3772 normal singleton pregnancies between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. The transverse cerebellar diameter was measured on the axial plane of the fetal head at the level of the lateral ventricles, including the thalamus, cavum septum pellucidum, and third ventricle. To assess the correlation between transverse cerebellar diameter and gestational age, polynomial equations were calculated, with adjustments by the determination coefficient (R2). The mean of fetal transverse cerebellar diameter ranged from 18.49 ± 1.24 mm at 18 weeks to 25.86 ± 1.66 mm at 24 weeks of pregnancy. We observed a good correlation between transverse cerebellar diameter and gestational age, which was best represented by a linear equation: transverse cerebellar diameter: -6.21 + 1.307*gestational age (R2 = 0.707). We determined a reference range of fetal transverse cerebellar diameter for the second trimester of pregnancy in Brazilian population. © The Author(s) 2014.