Infinite dilution partial molar volumes of platinum(II) 2,4-pentanedionate in supercritical carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Kong, Chang Yi; Siratori, Tomoya; Funazukuri, Toshitaka; Wang, Guosheng

2014-10-03

The effects of temperature and density on retention of platinum(II) 2,4-pentanedionate in supercritical fluid chromatography were investigated at temperatures of 308.15-343.15K and pressure range from 8 to 40MPa by the chromatographic impulse response method with curve fitting. The retention factors were utilized to derive the infinite dilution partial molar volumes of platinum(II) 2,4-pentanedionate in supercritical carbon dioxide. The determined partial molar volumes were small and positive at high pressures but exhibited very large and negative values in the highly compressible near critical region of carbon dioxide. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Partial molar volumes of proteins: amino acid side-chain contributions derived from the partial molar volumes of some tripeptides over the temperature range 10-90 degrees C.

PubMed

Häckel, M; Hinz, H J; Hedwig, G R

1999-11-15

The partial molar volumes of tripeptides of sequence glycyl-X-glycine, where X is one of the amino acids alanine, leucine, threonine, glutamine, phenylalanine, histidine, cysteine, proline, glutamic acid, and arginine, have been determined in aqueous solution over the temperature range 10-90 degrees C using differential scanning densitometry . These data, together with those reported previously, have been used to derive the partial molar volumes of the side-chains of all 20 amino acids. The side-chain volumes are critically compared with literature values derived using partial molar volumes for alternative model compounds. The new amino acid side-chain volumes, along with that for the backbone glycyl group, were used to calculate the partial specific volumes of several proteins in aqueous solution. The results obtained are compared with those observed experimentally. The new side-chain volumes have also been used to re-determine residue volume changes upon protein folding.

Standard partial molar volumes of some aqueous alkanolamines and alkoxyamines at temperatures up to 325 degrees C: functional group additivity in polar organic solutes under hydrothermal conditions.

PubMed

Bulemela, E; Tremaine, Peter R

2008-05-08

Apparent molar volumes of dilute aqueous solutions of monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), N,N-dimethylethanolamine (DMEA), ethylethanolamine (EAE), 2-diethylethanolamine (2-DEEA), and 3-methoxypropylamine (3-MPA) and their salts were measured at temperatures from 150 to 325 degrees C and pressures as high as 15 MPa. The results were corrected for the ionization and used to obtain the standard partial molar volumes, Vo2. A three-parameter equation of state was used to describe the temperature and pressure dependence of the standard partial molar volumes. The fitting parameters were successfully divided into functional group contributions at all temperatures to obtain the standard partial molar volume contributions. Including literature results for alcohols, carboxylic acids, and hydroxycarboxylic acids yielded the standard partial molar volume contributions of the functional groups >CH-, >CH2, -CH3, -OH, -COOH, -O-, -->N, >NH, -NH2, -COO-Na+, -NH3+Cl-, >NH2+Cl-, and -->NH+Cl- over the range (150 degrees C

Finite-volume and partial quenching effects in the magnetic polarizability of the neutron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, J. M. M.; Leinweber, D. B.; Young, R. D.

2014-03-01

There has been much progress in the experimental measurement of the electric and magnetic polarizabilities of the nucleon. Similarly, lattice QCD simulations have recently produced dynamical QCD results for the magnetic polarizability of the neutron approaching the chiral regime. In order to compare the lattice simulations with experiment, calculation of partial quenching and finite-volume effects is required prior to an extrapolation in quark mass to the physical point. These dependencies are described using chiral effective field theory. Corrections to the partial quenching effects associated with the sea-quark-loop electric charges are estimated by modeling corrections to the pion cloud. These are compared to the uncorrected lattice results. In addition, the behavior of the finite-volume corrections as a function of pion mass is explored. Box sizes of approximately 7 fm are required to achieve a result within 5% of the infinite-volume result at the physical pion mass. A variety of extrapolations are shown at different box sizes, providing a benchmark to guide future lattice QCD calculations of the magnetic polarizabilities. A relatively precise value for the physical magnetic polarizability of the neutron is presented, βn=1.93(11)stat(11)sys×10-4 fm3, which is in agreement with current experimental results.

Apparent CBF decrease with normal aging due to partial volume effects: MR-based partial volume correction on CBF SPECT.

PubMed

Inoue, Kentaro; Ito, Hiroshi; Goto, Ryoi; Nakagawa, Manabu; Kinomura, Shigeo; Sato, Tachio; Sato, Kazunori; Fukuda, Hiroshi

2005-06-01

Several studies using single photon emission tomography (SPECT) have shown changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) with age, which were associated with partial volume effects by some authors. Some studies have also demonstrated gender-related differences in CBF. The present study aimed to examine age and gender effects on CBF SPECT images obtained using the 99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer and a SPECT scanner, before and after partial volume correction (PVC) using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Forty-four healthy subjects (29 males and 15 females; age range, 27-64 y; mean age, 50.0 +/- 9.8 y) participated. Each MR image was segmented to yield grey and white matter images and coregistered to a corresponding SPECT image, followed by convolution to approximate the SPECT spatial resolution. PVC-SPECT images were produced using the convoluted grey matter MR (GM-MR) and white matter MR images. The age and gender effects were assessed using SPM99. Decreases with age were detected in the anterolateral prefrontal cortex and in areas along the lateral sulcus and the lateral ventricle, bilaterally, in the GM-MR images and the SPECT images. In the PVC-SPECT images, decreases in CBF in the lateral prefrontal cortex lost their statistical significance. Decreases in CBF with age found along the lateral sulcus and the lateral ventricle, on the other hand, remained statistically significant, but observation of the spatially normalized MR images suggests that these findings are associated with the dilatation of the lateral sulcus and lateral ventricle, which was not completely compensated for by the spatial normalization procedure. Our present study demonstrated that age effects on CBF in healthy subjects could reflect morphological differences with age in grey matter.

Effect of visual experience on structural organization of the human brain: a voxel based morphometric study using DARTEL.

PubMed

Modi, Shilpi; Bhattacharya, Manisha; Singh, Namita; Tripathi, Rajendra Prasad; Khushu, Subash

2012-10-01

To investigate structural reorganization in the brain with differential visual experience using Voxel-Based Morphometry with Diffeomorphic Anatomic Registration Through Exponentiated Lie algebra algorithm (DARTEL) approach. High resolution structural MR images were taken in fifteen normal sighted healthy controls, thirteen totally blind subjects and six partial blind subjects. The analysis was carried out using SPM8 software on MATLAB 7.6.0 platform. VBM study revealed gray matter volume atrophy in the cerebellum and left inferior parietal cortex in total blind subjects and in left inferior parietal cortex, right caudate nucleus, and left primary visual cortex in partial blind subjects as compared to controls. White matter volume loss was found in calcarine gyrus in total blind subjects and Thlamus-somatosensory region in partially blind subjects as compared to controls. Besides, an increase in Gray Matter volume was also found in left middle occipital and middle frontal gyrus and right entorhinal cortex, and an increase in White Matter volume was found in superior frontal gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus and right Heschl's gyrus in totally blind subjects as compared to controls. Comparison between total and partial blind subjects revealed a greater Gray Matter volume in left cerebellum of partial blinds and left Brodmann area 18 of total blind subjects. Results suggest that, loss of vision at an early age can induce significant structural reorganization on account of the loss of visual input. These plastic changes are different in early onset of total blindness as compared to partial blindness. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improved estimates of partial volume coefficients from noisy brain MRI using spatial context.

PubMed

Manjón, José V; Tohka, Jussi; Robles, Montserrat

2010-11-01

This paper addresses the problem of accurate voxel-level estimation of tissue proportions in the human brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Due to the finite resolution of acquisition systems, MRI voxels can contain contributions from more than a single tissue type. The voxel-level estimation of this fractional content is known as partial volume coefficient estimation. In the present work, two new methods to calculate the partial volume coefficients under noisy conditions are introduced and compared with current similar methods. Concretely, a novel Markov Random Field model allowing sharp transitions between partial volume coefficients of neighbouring voxels and an advanced non-local means filtering technique are proposed to reduce the errors due to random noise in the partial volume coefficient estimation. In addition, a comparison was made to find out how the different methodologies affect the measurement of the brain tissue type volumes. Based on the obtained results, the main conclusions are that (1) both Markov Random Field modelling and non-local means filtering improved the partial volume coefficient estimation results, and (2) non-local means filtering was the better of the two strategies for partial volume coefficient estimation. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Partial volume correction of PET-imaged tumor heterogeneity using expectation maximization with a spatially varying point spread function

PubMed Central

Barbee, David L; Flynn, Ryan T; Holden, James E; Nickles, Robert J; Jeraj, Robert

2010-01-01

Tumor heterogeneities observed in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging are frequently compromised of partial volume effects which may affect treatment prognosis, assessment, or future implementations such as biologically optimized treatment planning (dose painting). This paper presents a method for partial volume correction of PET-imaged heterogeneous tumors. A point source was scanned on a GE Discover LS at positions of increasing radii from the scanner’s center to obtain the spatially varying point spread function (PSF). PSF images were fit in three dimensions to Gaussian distributions using least squares optimization. Continuous expressions were devised for each Gaussian width as a function of radial distance, allowing for generation of the system PSF at any position in space. A spatially varying partial volume correction (SV-PVC) technique was developed using expectation maximization (EM) and a stopping criterion based on the method’s correction matrix generated for each iteration. The SV-PVC was validated using a standard tumor phantom and a tumor heterogeneity phantom, and was applied to a heterogeneous patient tumor. SV-PVC results were compared to results obtained from spatially invariant partial volume correction (SINV-PVC), which used directionally uniform three dimensional kernels. SV-PVC of the standard tumor phantom increased the maximum observed sphere activity by 55 and 40% for 10 and 13 mm diameter spheres, respectively. Tumor heterogeneity phantom results demonstrated that as net changes in the EM correction matrix decreased below 35%, further iterations improved overall quantitative accuracy by less than 1%. SV-PVC of clinically observed tumors frequently exhibited changes of ±30% in regions of heterogeneity. The SV-PVC method implemented spatially varying kernel widths and automatically determined the number of iterations for optimal restoration, parameters which are arbitrarily chosen in SINV-PVC. Comparing SV-PVC to SINV-PVC demonstrated that similar results could be reached using both methods, but large differences result for the arbitrary selection of SINV-PVC parameters. The presented SV-PVC method was performed without user intervention, requiring only a tumor mask as input. Research involving PET-imaged tumor heterogeneity should include correcting for partial volume effects to improve the quantitative accuracy of results. PMID:20009194

Numerical Investigation on Absorption Enhancement of Black Carbon Aerosols Partially Coated With Nonabsorbing Organics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaolin; Mao, Mao; Yin, Yan; Wang, Bin

2018-01-01

This study numerically evaluates the effects of aerosol microphysics, including coated volume fraction of black carbon (BC), shell/core ratio, and size distribution, on the absorption enhancement (Eab) of polydisperse BC aggregates partially coated by organics, which is calculated by the exact multiple-sphere T-matrix method. The coated volume fraction of BC plays a substantial role in determining the absorption enhancement of partially coated BC aggregates, which typically have an Eab in the range of 1.0-2.0 with a larger value for larger coated volume fraction of BC as the shell/core ratio, BC geometry, and size distribution are fixed. The shell/core ratio, BC geometry, and size distribution have little impact on the Eab of coated BC with small coated volume fraction of BC, while they become significant for large coated volume fraction of BC. The Eab of partially coated BC particles can be slightly less than 1.0 for the large BC in the accumulation mode exhibiting large shell/core ratio and small coated volume fraction of BC, indicating that the absorption shows even slight decrease relative to uncoated BC particles. For partially coated BC aggregates in the accumulation and coarse modes, the refractive index uncertainties of BC result in the Eab differences of less than 9% and 2%, respectively, while those of organics can induce larger variations with the maximum differences up to 22% and 18%, respectively. Our study indicates that accounting for particle coating microphysics, particularly the coated volume fraction of BC, can potentially help to understand the differences in observations of largely variable absorption enhancements over various regions.

White matter atlas of the human spinal cord with estimation of partial volume effect.

PubMed

Lévy, S; Benhamou, M; Naaman, C; Rainville, P; Callot, V; Cohen-Adad, J

2015-10-01

Template-based analysis has proven to be an efficient, objective and reproducible way of extracting relevant information from multi-parametric MRI data. Using common atlases, it is possible to quantify MRI metrics within specific regions without the need for manual segmentation. This method is therefore free from user-bias and amenable to group studies. While template-based analysis is common procedure for the brain, there is currently no atlas of the white matter (WM) spinal pathways. The goals of this study were: (i) to create an atlas of the white matter tracts compatible with the MNI-Poly-AMU template and (ii) to propose methods to quantify metrics within the atlas that account for partial volume effect. The WM atlas was generated by: (i) digitalizing an existing WM atlas from a well-known source (Gray's Anatomy), (ii) registering this atlas to the MNI-Poly-AMU template at the corresponding slice (C4 vertebral level), (iii) propagating the atlas throughout all slices of the template (C1 to T6) using regularized diffeomorphic transformations and (iv) computing partial volume values for each voxel and each tract. Several approaches were implemented and validated to quantify metrics within the atlas, including weighted-average and Gaussian mixture models. Proof-of-concept application was done in five subjects for quantifying magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) in each tract of the atlas. The resulting WM atlas showed consistent topological organization and smooth transitions along the rostro-caudal axis. The median MTR across tracts was 26.2. Significant differences were detected across tracts, vertebral levels and subjects, but not across laterality (right-left). Among the different tested approaches to extract metrics, the maximum a posteriori showed highest performance with respect to noise, inter-tract variability, tract size and partial volume effect. This new WM atlas of the human spinal cord overcomes the biases associated with manual delineation and partial volume effect. Combined with multi-parametric data, the atlas can be applied to study demyelination and degeneration in diseases such as multiple sclerosis and will facilitate the conduction of longitudinal and multi-center studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fornix Under Water? Ventricular Enlargement Biases Forniceal Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Indices in Anorexia Nervosa.

PubMed

Kaufmann, Lisa-Katrin; Baur, Volker; Hänggi, Jürgen; Jäncke, Lutz; Piccirelli, Marco; Kollias, Spyros; Schnyder, Ulrich; Pasternak, Ofer; Martin-Soelch, Chantal; Milos, Gabriella

2017-07-01

Acute anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by reduced brain mass and corresponding increased sulcal and ventricular cerebrospinal fluid. Recent studies of white matter using diffusion tensor imaging consistently identified alterations in the fornix, such as reduced fractional anisotropy (FA). However, because the fornix penetrates the ventricles, it is prone to cerebrospinal fluid-induced partial volume effects that interfere with a valid assessment of FA. We investigated the hypothesis that in the acute stage of AN, FA of the fornix is markedly affected by ventricular volumes. First, using diffusion tensor imaging data we established the inverse associations between forniceal FA and volumes of the third and lateral ventricles in a prestudy with 32 healthy subjects to demonstrate the strength of ventricular influence on forniceal FA independent of AN. Second, we investigated a sample of 25 acute AN patients and 25 healthy control subjects. Using ventricular volumes as covariates markedly reduced the group effect of forniceal FA, even with tract-based spatial statistics focusing only on the center of the fornix. In addition, after correcting for free water on voxel level, the group differences in forniceal FA between AN patients and controls disappeared completely. It is unlikely that microstructural changes affecting FA occurred in the fornix of AN patients. Previously identified alterations in acute AN may have been biased by partial volume effects and the proposed central role of this structure in the pathophysiology may need to be reconsidered. Future studies on white matter alterations in AN should carefully deal with partial volume effects. Copyright © 2017 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analytical-Based Partial Volume Recovery in Mouse Heart Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dumouchel, Tyler; deKemp, Robert A.

2011-02-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful imaging modality that has the ability to yield quantitative images of tracer activity. Physical phenomena such as photon scatter, photon attenuation, random coincidences and spatial resolution limit quantification potential and must be corrected to preserve the accuracy of reconstructed images. This study focuses on correcting the partial volume effects that arise in mouse heart imaging when resolution is insufficient to resolve the true tracer distribution in the myocardium. The correction algorithm is based on fitting 1D profiles through the myocardium in gated PET images to derive myocardial contours along with blood, background and myocardial activity. This information is interpolated onto a 2D grid and convolved with the tomograph's point spread function to derive regional recovery coefficients enabling partial volume correction. The point spread function was measured by placing a line source inside a small animal PET scanner. PET simulations were created based on noise properties measured from a reconstructed PET image and on the digital MOBY phantom. The algorithm can estimate the myocardial activity to within 5% of the truth when different wall thicknesses, backgrounds and noise properties are encountered that are typical of healthy FDG mouse scans. The method also significantly improves partial volume recovery in simulated infarcted tissue. The algorithm offers a practical solution to the partial volume problem without the need for co-registered anatomic images and offers a basis for improved quantitative 3D heart imaging.

Physiological Effects of Training.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-25

applies only to short-term programs, the resting heart rate is norrally reduced as a result of aerobic training in all age groups. I0 Studies with ...in order to maintain cardiao output in conjunction with a decreased heart rate, stroke volume has to Increase. Stroke volume increases in the...volume is partially due too increased end diastolic volume. Thus, the pumping ability of the heart , I.e. increased stroke volume, is improved with

Studies of Partial Molar Volumes of Some Narcotic-Analgesic Drugs in Aqueous-Alcoholic Mixtures at 25°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Poonam; Chauhan, S.; Syal, V. K.; Chauhan, M. S.

2008-04-01

Partial molar volumes of the drugs Parvon Spas, Parvon Forte, Tramacip, and Parvodex in aqueous mixtures of methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), and propan-1-ol (1-PrOH) have been determined. The data have been evaluated using the Masson equation. The parameters, apparent molar volumes {(φ_v)}, partial molar volumes {(φ_v0)}, and S v values (experimental slopes) have been interpreted in terms of solute solvent interactions. In addition, these studies have also been extended to determine the effect of these drugs on the solvation behavior of an electrolyte (sodium chloride), a surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate), and a non-electrolyte (sucrose). It can be inferred from these studies that all drug cations can be regarded as structure makers/promoters due to hydrophobic hydration. Furthermore, the results are correlated to understand the solution behavior of drugs in aqueous-alcoholic systems, as a function of the nature of the alcohol and solutes.

Parsing partial molar volumes of small molecules: a molecular dynamics study.

PubMed

Patel, Nisha; Dubins, David N; Pomès, Régis; Chalikian, Tigran V

2011-04-28

We used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in conjunction with the Kirkwood-Buff theory to compute the partial molar volumes for a number of small solutes of various chemical natures. We repeated our computations using modified pair potentials, first, in the absence of the Coulombic term and, second, in the absence of the Coulombic and the attractive Lennard-Jones terms. Comparison of our results with experimental data and the volumetric results of Monte Carlo simulation with hard sphere potentials and scaled particle theory-based computations led us to conclude that, for small solutes, the partial molar volume computed with the Lennard-Jones potential in the absence of the Coulombic term nearly coincides with the cavity volume. On the other hand, MD simulations carried out with the pair interaction potentials containing only the repulsive Lennard-Jones term produce unrealistically large partial molar volumes of solutes that are close to their excluded volumes. Our simulation results are in good agreement with the reported schemes for parsing partial molar volume data on small solutes. In particular, our determined interaction volumes() and the thickness of the thermal volume for individual compounds are in good agreement with empirical estimates. This work is the first computational study that supports and lends credence to the practical algorithms of parsing partial molar volume data that are currently in use for molecular interpretations of volumetric data.

An analysis of the nucleon spectrum from lattice partially-quenched QCD

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

W. Armour; Allton, C. R.; Leinweber, Derek B.

2010-09-01

The chiral extrapolation of the nucleon mass, Mn, is investigated using data coming from 2-flavour partially-quenched lattice simulations. The leading one-loop corrections to the nucleon mass are derived for partially-quenched QCD. A large sample of lattice results from the CP-PACS Collaboration is analysed, with explicit corrections for finite lattice spacing artifacts. The extrapolation is studied using finite range regularised chiral perturbation theory. The analysis also provides a quantitative estimate of the leading finite volume corrections. It is found that the discretisation, finite-volume and partial quenching effects can all be very well described in this framework, producing an extrapolated value ofmore » Mn in agreement with experiment. This procedure is also compared with extrapolations based on polynomial forms, where the results are less encouraging.« less

What is the fundamental ion-specific series for anions and cations? Ion specificity in standard partial molar volumes of electrolytes and electrostriction in water and non-aqueous solvents.

PubMed

Mazzini, Virginia; Craig, Vincent S J

2017-10-01

The importance of electrolyte solutions cannot be overstated. Beyond the ionic strength of electrolyte solutions the specific nature of the ions present is vital in controlling a host of properties. Therefore ion specificity is fundamentally important in physical chemistry, engineering and biology. The observation that the strengths of the effect of ions often follows well established series suggests that a single predictive and quantitative description of specific-ion effects covering a wide range of systems is possible. Such a theory would revolutionise applications of physical chemistry from polymer precipitation to drug design. Current approaches to understanding specific-ion effects involve consideration of the ions themselves, the solvent and relevant interfaces and the interactions between them. Here we investigate the specific-ion effects trends of standard partial molar volumes and electrostrictive volumes of electrolytes in water and eleven non-aqueous solvents. We choose these measures as they relate to bulk properties at infinite dilution, therefore they are the simplest electrolyte systems. This is done to test the hypothesis that the ions alone exhibit a specific-ion effect series that is independent of the solvent and unrelated to surface properties. The specific-ion effects trends of standard partial molar volumes and normalised electrostrictive volumes examined in this work show a fundamental ion-specific series that is reproduced across the solvents, which is the Hofmeister series for anions and the reverse lyotropic series for cations, supporting the hypothesis. This outcome is important in demonstrating that ion specificity is observed at infinite dilution and demonstrates that the complexity observed in the manifestation of specific-ion effects in a very wide range of systems is due to perturbations of solvent, surfaces and concentration on the underlying fundamental series. This knowledge will guide a general understanding of specific-ion effects and assist in the development of a quantitative predictive theory of ion specificity.

Regenerate Healing Outcomes in Unilateral Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis Using Quantitative Histomorphometry

PubMed Central

Schwarz, Daniel A.; Arman, Krikor G.; Kakwan, Mehreen S.; Jamali, Ameen M.; Elmeligy, Ayman A.; Buchman, Steven R.

2015-01-01

Background The authors’ goal was to ascertain regenerate bone-healing metrics using quantitative histomorphometry at a single consolidation period. Methods Rats underwent either mandibular distraction osteogenesis (n=7) or partially reduced fractures (n=7); their contralateral mandibles were used as controls (n=11). External fixators were secured and unilateral osteotomies performed, followed by either mandibular distraction osteogenesis (4 days’ latency, then 0.3 mm every 12 hours for 8 days; 5.1 mm) or partially reduced fractures (fixed immediately postoperatively; 2.1 mm); both groups underwent 4 weeks of consolidation. After tissue processing, bone volume/tissue volume ratio, osteoid volume/tissue volume ratio, and osteocyte count per high-power field were analyzed by means of quantitative histomorphometry. Results Contralateral mandibles had statistically greater bone volume/tissue volume ratio and osteocyte count per high-power field compared with both mandibular distraction osteogenesis and partially reduced fractures by almost 50 percent, whereas osteoid volume/tissue volume ratio was statistically greater in both mandibular distraction osteogenesis specimens and partially reduced fractures compared with contralateral mandibles. No statistical difference in bone volume/tissue volume ratio, osteoid volume/tissue volume ratio, or osteocyte count per high-power field was found between mandibular distraction osteogenesis specimens and partially reduced fractures. Conclusions The authors’ findings demonstrate significantly decreased bone quantity and maturity in mandibular distraction osteogenesis specimens and partially reduced fractures compared with contralateral mandibles using the clinically analogous protocols. If these results are extrapolated clinically, treatment strategies may require modification to ensure reliable, predictable, and improved outcomes. PMID:20463629

The role of gray and white matter segmentation in quantitative proton MR spectroscopic imaging.

PubMed

Tal, Assaf; Kirov, Ivan I; Grossman, Robert I; Gonen, Oded

2012-12-01

Since the brain's gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) metabolite concentrations differ, their partial volumes can vary the voxel's ¹H MR spectroscopy (¹H-MRS) signal, reducing sensitivity to changes. While single-voxel ¹H-MRS cannot differentiate between WM and GM signals, partial volume correction is feasible by MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) using segmentation of the MRI acquired for VOI placement. To determine the magnitude of this effect on metabolic quantification, we segmented a 1-mm³ resolution MRI into GM, WM and CSF masks that were co-registered with the MRSI grid to yield their partial volumes in approximately every 1 cm³ spectroscopic voxel. Each voxel then provided one equation with two unknowns: its i- metabolite's GM and WM concentrations C(i) (GM) , C(i) (WM) . With the voxels' GM and WM volumes as independent coefficients, the over-determined system of equations was solved for the global averaged C(i) (GM) and C(i) (WM) . Trading off local concentration differences offers three advantages: (i) higher sensitivity due to combined data from many voxels; (ii) improved specificity to WM versus GM changes; and (iii) reduced susceptibility to partial volume effects. These improvements made no additional demands on the protocol, measurement time or hardware. Applying this approach to 18 volunteered 3D MRSI sets of 480 voxels each yielded N-acetylaspartate, creatine, choline and myo-inositol C(i) (GM) concentrations of 8.5 ± 0.7, 6.9 ± 0.6, 1.2 ± 0.2, 5.3 ± 0.6 mM, respectively, and C(i) (WM) concentrations of 7.7 ± 0.6, 4.9 ± 0.5, 1.4 ± 0.1 and 4.4 ± 0.6mM, respectively. We showed that unaccounted voxel WM or GM partial volume can vary absolute quantification by 5-10% (more for ratios), which can often double the sample size required to establish statistical significance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy versus laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: A propensity score-matched comparative analysis of surgical outcomes and preserved renal parenchymal volume.

PubMed

Tachibana, Hidekazu; Takagi, Toshio; Kondo, Tsunenori; Ishida, Hideki; Tanabe, Kazunari

2018-04-01

To compare surgical outcomes, including renal function and the preserved renal parenchymal volume, between robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using propensity score-matched analyses. In total, 253 patients, with a normal contralateral kidney, who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (n = 131) or robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (n = 122) with renal arterial clamping between 2010 and 2015, were included. Patients' background and tumor factors were adjusted by propensity score matching. Surgical outcomes, including postoperative renal function, complications, warm ischemia time and preserved renal parenchymal volume, evaluated by volumetric analysis, were compared between the surgical procedures. After matching, 64 patients were assigned to each group. The mean age was 56-57 years, and the mean tumor size was 22 mm. Approximately 50% of patients had low complexity tumors (RENAL nephrometry score 4-7). The incidence rate of acute kidney failure was significantly lower in the robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (11%) than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (23%) group (P = 0.049), and warm ischemia time shorter in the robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (17 min) than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (25 min) group (P < 0.0001). The preservation rate of renal function, measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate, at 6 months post-surgery was 96% for robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and 90% for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (P < 0.0001). The preserved renal parenchymal volume was higher for robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (89%) than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (77%; P < 0.0001). The rate of perioperative complications, surgical margin status and length of hospital stay were equivalent for both techniques. Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy allows to achieve better preservation of renal function and parenchymal volume than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. © 2018 The Japanese Urological Association.

The partial volume effect in the quantification of 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy in Alzheimer's disease and aging.

PubMed

Mato Abad, Virginia; Quirós, Alicia; García-Álvarez, Roberto; Loureiro, Javier Pereira; Alvarez-Linera, Juan; Frank, Ana; Hernández-Tamames, Juan Antonio

2014-01-01

1H-MRS variability increases due to normal aging and also as a result of atrophy in grey and white matter caused by neurodegeneration. In this work, an automatic process was developed to integrate data from spectra and high-resolution anatomical images to quantify metabolites, taking into account tissue partial volumes within the voxel of interest avoiding additional spectra acquisitions required for partial volume correction. To evaluate this method, we use a cohort of 135 subjects (47 male and 88 female, aged between 57 and 99 years) classified into 4 groups: 38 healthy participants, 20 amnesic mild cognitive impairment patients, 22 multi-domain mild cognitive impairment patients, and 55 Alzheimer's disease patients. Our findings suggest that knowing the voxel composition of white and grey matter and cerebrospinal fluid is necessary to avoid partial volume variations in a single-voxel study and to decrease part of the variability found in metabolites quantification, particularly in those studies involving elder patients and neurodegenerative diseases. The proposed method facilitates the use of 1H-MRS techniques in statistical studies in Alzheimer's disease, because it provides more accurate quantitative measurements, reduces the inter-subject variability, and improves statistical results when performing group comparisons.

Effect of cerebral spinal fluid suppression for diffusional kurtosis imaging.

PubMed

Yang, Alicia W; Jensen, Jens H; Hu, Caixia C; Tabesh, Ali; Falangola, Maria F; Helpern, Joseph A

2013-02-01

To evaluate the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) partial volume effect on diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) metrics in white matter and cortical gray matter. Four healthy volunteers participated in this study. Standard DKI and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) DKI experiments were performed using a twice-refocused-spin-echo diffusion sequence. The conventional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean, axial, and radial diffusivity (MD, D[symbol in text], D[symbol in text] together with DKI metrics of mean, axial, and radial kurtosis (MK, K[symbol in text], K[symbol in text], were measured and compared. Single image slices located above the lateral ventricles, with similar anatomical features for each subject, were selected to minimize the effect of CSF from the ventricles. In white matter, differences of less than 10% were observed between diffusion metrics measured with standard DKI and FLAIR-DKI sequences, suggesting minimal CSF contamination. For gray matter, conventional DTI metrics differed by 19% to 52%, reflecting significant CSF partial volume effects. Kurtosis metrics, however, changed by 11% or less, indicating greater robustness with respect to CSF contamination. Kurtosis metrics are less sensitive to CSF partial voluming in cortical gray matter than conventional diffusion metrics. The kurtosis metrics may then be more specific indicators of changes in tissue microstructure, provided the effect sizes for the changes are comparable. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Partial Molar Volumes of 15-Crown-5 Ether in Mixtures of N,N-Dimethylformamide with Water.

PubMed

Tyczyńska, Magdalena; Jóźwiak, Małgorzata

2014-01-01

The density of 15-crown-5 ether (15C5) solutions in the mixtures of N,N -dimethylformamide (DMF) and water (H 2 O) was measured within the temperature range 293.15-308.15 K using an Anton Paar oscillatory U-tube densimeter. The results were used to calculate the apparent molar volumes ( V Φ ) of 15C5 in the mixtures of DMF + H 2 O over the whole concentration range. Using the apparent molar volumes and Redlich and Mayer equation, the standard partial molar volumes of 15-crown-5 were calculated at infinite dilution ([Formula: see text]). The limiting apparent molar expansibilities ( α ) were also calculated. The data are discussed from the point of view of the effect of concentration changes on interactions in solution.

Alzheimer's disease detection using 11C-PiB with improved partial volume effect correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raniga, Parnesh; Bourgeat, Pierrick; Fripp, Jurgen; Acosta, Oscar; Ourselin, Sebastien; Rowe, Christopher; Villemagne, Victor L.; Salvado, Olivier

2009-02-01

Despite the increasing use of 11C-PiB in research into Alzheimer's disease (AD), there are few standardized analysis procedures that have been reported or published. This is especially true with regards to partial volume effects (PVE) and partial volume correction. Due to the nature of PET physics and acquisition, PET images exhibit relatively low spatial resolution compared to other modalities, resulting in bias of quantitative results. Although previous studies have applied PVE correction techniques on 11C-PiB data, the results have not been quantitatively evaluated and compared against uncorrected data. The aim of this study is threefold. Firstly, a realistic synthetic phantom was created to quantify PVE. Secondly, MRI partial volume estimate segmentations were used to improve voxel-based PVE correction instead of using hard segmentations. Thirdly, quantification of PVE correction was evaluated on 34 subjects (AD=10, Normal Controls (NC)=24), including 12 PiB positive NC. Regional analysis was performed using the Anatomical Automatic Labeling (AAL) template, which was registered to each patient. Regions of interest were restricted to the gray matter (GM) defined by the MR segmentation. Average normalized intensity of the neocortex and selected regions were used to evaluate the discrimination power between AD and NC both with and without PVE correction. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were computed for the binary discrimination task. The phantom study revealed signal losses due to PVE between 10 to 40 % which were mostly recovered to within 5% after correction. Better classification was achieved after PVE correction, resulting in higher areas under ROC curves.

Effects of online cone-beam computed tomography with active breath control in determining planning target volume during accelerated partial breast irradiation.

PubMed

Li, Y; Zhong, R; Wang, X; Ai, P; Henderson, F; Chen, N; Luo, F

2017-04-01

To test if active breath control during cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) could improve planning target volume during accelerated partial breast radiotherapy for breast cancer. Patients who were more than 40 years old, underwent breast-conserving dissection and planned for accelerated partial breast irradiation, and with postoperative staging limited to T1-2 N0 M0, or postoperative staging T2 lesion no larger than 3cm with a negative surgical margin greater than 2mm were enrolled. Patients with lobular carcinoma or extensive ductal carcinoma in situ were excluded. CBCT images were obtained pre-correction, post-correction and post-treatment. Set-up errors were recorded at left-right, anterior-posterior and superior-inferior directions. The differences between these CBCT images, as well as calculated radiation doses, were compared between patients with active breath control or free breathing. Forty patients were enrolled, among them 25 had active breath control. A total of 836 CBCT images were obtained for analysis. CBCT significantly reduced planning target volume. However, active breath control did not show significant benefit in decreasing planning target volume margin and the doses of organ-at-risk when compared to free breathing. CBCT, but not active breath control, could reduce planning target volume during accelerated partial breast irradiation. Copyright © 2017 Société française de radiothérapie oncologique (SFRO). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Partial volume correction of magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yao; Wu, Dee; Magnotta, Vincent A.

2007-03-01

The ability to study the biochemical composition of the brain is becoming important to better understand neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) can non-invasively provide quantification of brain metabolites in localized regions. The reliability of MRS is limited in part due to partial volume artifacts. This results from the relatively large voxels that are required to acquire sufficient signal-to-noise ratios for the studies. Partial volume artifacts result when a MRS voxel contains a mixture of tissue types. Concentrations of metabolites vary from tissue to tissue. When a voxel contains a heterogeneous tissue composition, the spectroscopic signal acquired from this voxel will consist of the signal from different tissues making reliable measurements difficult. We have developed a novel tool for the estimation of partial volume tissue composition within MRS voxels thus allowing for the correction of partial volume artifacts. In addition, the tool can localize MR spectra to anatomical regions of interest. The tool uses tissue classification information acquired as part of a structural MR scan for the same subject. The tissue classification information is co-registered with the spectroscopic data. The user can quantify the partial volume composition of each voxel and use this information as covariates for metabolite concentrations.

Super-resolution reconstruction in frequency, image, and wavelet domains to reduce through-plane partial voluming in MRI.

PubMed

Gholipour, Ali; Afacan, Onur; Aganj, Iman; Scherrer, Benoit; Prabhu, Sanjay P; Sahin, Mustafa; Warfield, Simon K

2015-12-01

To compare and evaluate the use of super-resolution reconstruction (SRR), in frequency, image, and wavelet domains, to reduce through-plane partial voluming effects in magnetic resonance imaging. The reconstruction of an isotropic high-resolution image from multiple thick-slice scans has been investigated through techniques in frequency, image, and wavelet domains. Experiments were carried out with thick-slice T2-weighted fast spin echo sequence on the Academic College of Radiology MRI phantom, where the reconstructed images were compared to a reference high-resolution scan using peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity image metric (SSIM), mutual information (MI), and the mean absolute error (MAE) of image intensity profiles. The application of super-resolution reconstruction was then examined in retrospective processing of clinical neuroimages of ten pediatric patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) to reduce through-plane partial voluming for improved 3D delineation and visualization of thin radial bands of white matter abnormalities. Quantitative evaluation results show improvements in all evaluation metrics through super-resolution reconstruction in the frequency, image, and wavelet domains, with the highest values obtained from SRR in the image domain. The metric values for image-domain SRR versus the original axial, coronal, and sagittal images were PSNR = 32.26 vs 32.22, 32.16, 30.65; SSIM = 0.931 vs 0.922, 0.924, 0.918; MI = 0.871 vs 0.842, 0.844, 0.831; and MAE = 5.38 vs 7.34, 7.06, 6.19. All similarity metrics showed high correlations with expert ranking of image resolution with MI showing the highest correlation at 0.943. Qualitative assessment of the neuroimages of ten TSC patients through in-plane and out-of-plane visualization of structures showed the extent of partial voluming effect in a real clinical scenario and its reduction using SRR. Blinded expert evaluation of image resolution in resampled out-of-plane views consistently showed the superiority of SRR compared to original axial and coronal image acquisitions. Thick-slice 2D T2-weighted MRI scans are part of many routine clinical protocols due to their high signal-to-noise ratio, but are often severely affected by through-plane partial voluming effects. This study shows that while radiologic assessment is performed in 2D on thick-slice scans, super-resolution MRI reconstruction techniques can be used to fuse those scans to generate a high-resolution image with reduced partial voluming for improved postacquisition processing. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation showed the efficacy of all SRR techniques with the best results obtained from SRR in the image domain. The limitations of SRR techniques are uncertainties in modeling the slice profile, density compensation, quantization in resampling, and uncompensated motion between scans.

Correction of partial volume effect in (18)F-FDG PET brain studies using coregistered MR volumes: voxel based analysis of tracer uptake in the white matter.

PubMed

Coello, Christopher; Willoch, Frode; Selnes, Per; Gjerstad, Leif; Fladby, Tormod; Skretting, Arne

2013-05-15

A voxel-based algorithm to correct for partial volume effect in PET brain volumes is presented. This method (named LoReAn) is based on MRI based segmentation of anatomical regions and accurate measurements of the effective point spread function of the PET imaging process. The objective is to correct for the spill-out of activity from high-uptake anatomical structures (e.g. grey matter) into low-uptake anatomical structures (e.g. white matter) in order to quantify physiological uptake in the white matter. The new algorithm is presented and validated against the state of the art region-based geometric transfer matrix (GTM) method with synthetic and clinical data. Using synthetic data, both bias and coefficient of variation were improved in the white matter region using LoReAn compared to GTM. An increased number of anatomical regions doesn't affect the bias (<5%) and misregistration affects equally LoReAn and GTM algorithms. The LoReAn algorithm appears to be a simple and promising voxel-based algorithm for studying metabolism in white matter regions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Accurate Measurement of Small Airways on Low-Dose Thoracic CT Scans in Smokers

PubMed Central

Conradi, Susan H.; Atkinson, Jeffrey J.; Zheng, Jie; Schechtman, Kenneth B.; Senior, Robert M.; Gierada, David S.

2013-01-01

Background: Partial volume averaging and tilt relative to the scan plane on transverse images limit the accuracy of airway wall thickness measurements on CT scan, confounding assessment of the relationship between airway remodeling and clinical status in COPD. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of partial volume averaging and tilt corrections on airway wall thickness measurement accuracy and on relationships between airway wall thickening and clinical status in COPD. Methods: Airway wall thickness measurements in 80 heavy smokers were obtained on transverse images from low-dose CT scan using the open-source program Airway Inspector. Measurements were corrected for partial volume averaging and tilt effects using an attenuation- and geometry-based algorithm and compared with functional status. Results: The algorithm reduced wall thickness measurements of smaller airways to a greater degree than larger airways, increasing the overall range. When restricted to analyses of airways with an inner diameter < 3.0 mm, for a theoretical airway of 2.0 mm inner diameter, the wall thickness decreased from 1.07 ± 0.07 to 0.29 ± 0.10 mm, and the square root of the wall area decreased from 3.34 ± 0.15 to 1.58 ± 0.29 mm, comparable to histologic measurement studies. Corrected measurements had higher correlation with FEV1, differed more between BMI, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity (BODE) index scores, and explained a greater proportion of FEV1 variability in multivariate models. Conclusions: Correcting for partial volume averaging improves accuracy of airway wall thickness estimation, allowing direct measurement of the small airways to better define their role in COPD. PMID:23172175

What is the fundamental ion-specific series for anions and cations? Ion specificity in standard partial molar volumes of electrolytes and electrostriction in water and non-aqueous solvents† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c7sc02691a Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Mazzini, Virginia

2017-01-01

The importance of electrolyte solutions cannot be overstated. Beyond the ionic strength of electrolyte solutions the specific nature of the ions present is vital in controlling a host of properties. Therefore ion specificity is fundamentally important in physical chemistry, engineering and biology. The observation that the strengths of the effect of ions often follows well established series suggests that a single predictive and quantitative description of specific-ion effects covering a wide range of systems is possible. Such a theory would revolutionise applications of physical chemistry from polymer precipitation to drug design. Current approaches to understanding specific-ion effects involve consideration of the ions themselves, the solvent and relevant interfaces and the interactions between them. Here we investigate the specific-ion effects trends of standard partial molar volumes and electrostrictive volumes of electrolytes in water and eleven non-aqueous solvents. We choose these measures as they relate to bulk properties at infinite dilution, therefore they are the simplest electrolyte systems. This is done to test the hypothesis that the ions alone exhibit a specific-ion effect series that is independent of the solvent and unrelated to surface properties. The specific-ion effects trends of standard partial molar volumes and normalised electrostrictive volumes examined in this work show a fundamental ion-specific series that is reproduced across the solvents, which is the Hofmeister series for anions and the reverse lyotropic series for cations, supporting the hypothesis. This outcome is important in demonstrating that ion specificity is observed at infinite dilution and demonstrates that the complexity observed in the manifestation of specific-ion effects in a very wide range of systems is due to perturbations of solvent, surfaces and concentration on the underlying fundamental series. This knowledge will guide a general understanding of specific-ion effects and assist in the development of a quantitative predictive theory of ion specificity. PMID:29147533

Projected Improvements in Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Using a Novel Breast Stereotactic Radiotherapy Device: A Dosimetric Analysis.

PubMed

Snider, James W; Mutaf, Yildirim; Nichols, Elizabeth; Hall, Andrea; Vadnais, Patrick; Regine, William F; Feigenberg, Steven J

2017-01-01

Accelerated partial breast irradiation has caused higher than expected rates of poor cosmesis. At our institution, a novel breast stereotactic radiotherapy device has demonstrated dosimetric distributions similar to those in brachytherapy. This study analyzed comparative dose distributions achieved with the device and intensity-modulated radiation therapy accelerated partial breast irradiation. Nine patients underwent computed tomography simulation in the prone position using device-specific immobilization on an institutional review board-approved protocol. Accelerated partial breast irradiation target volumes (planning target volume_10mm) were created per the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-39 protocol. Additional breast stereotactic radiotherapy volumes using smaller margins (planning target volume_3mm) were created based on improved immobilization. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy and breast stereotactic radiotherapy accelerated partial breast irradiation plans were separately generated for appropriate volumes. Plans were evaluated based on established dosimetric surrogates of poor cosmetic outcomes. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were utilized to contrast volumes of critical structures receiving a percentage of total dose ( Vx). The breast stereotactic radiotherapy device consistently reduced dose to all normal structures with equivalent target coverage. The ipsilateral breast V20-100 was significantly reduced ( P < .05) using planning target volume_10mm, with substantial further reductions when targeting planning target volume_3mm. Doses to the chest wall, ipsilateral lung, and breast skin were also significantly lessened. The breast stereotactic radiotherapy device's uniform dosimetric improvements over intensity-modulated accelerated partial breast irradiation in this series indicate a potential to improve outcomes. Clinical trials investigating this benefit have begun accrual.

Degradation of self-compacting concrete (SCC) due to sulfuric acid attack: Experiment investigation on the effect of high volume fly ash content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kristiawan, S. A.; Sunarmasto; Tyas, G. P.

2016-02-01

Concrete is susceptible to a variety of chemical attacks. In the sulfuric acid environment, concrete is subjected to a combination of sulfuric and acid attack. This research is aimed to investigate the degradation of self-compacting concrete (SCC) due to sulfuric acid attack based on measurement of compressive strength loss and diameter change. Since the proportion of SCC contains higher cement than that of normal concrete, the vulnerability of this concrete to sulfuric acid attack could be reduced by partial replacement of cement with fly ash at high volume level. The effect of high volume fly ash at 50-70% cement replacement levels on the extent of degradation owing to sulfuric acid will be assessed in this study. It can be shown that an increase in the utilization of fly ash to partially replace cement tends to reduce the degradation as confirmed by less compressive strength loss and diameter change. The effect of fly ash to reduce the degradation of SCC is more pronounced at a later age.

Comparative study of standard space and real space analysis of quantitative MR brain data.

PubMed

Aribisala, Benjamin S; He, Jiabao; Blamire, Andrew M

2011-06-01

To compare the robustness of region of interest (ROI) analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain data in real space with analysis in standard space and to test the hypothesis that standard space image analysis introduces more partial volume effect errors compared to analysis of the same dataset in real space. Twenty healthy adults with no history or evidence of neurological diseases were recruited; high-resolution T(1)-weighted, quantitative T(1), and B(0) field-map measurements were collected. Algorithms were implemented to perform analysis in real and standard space and used to apply a simple standard ROI template to quantitative T(1) datasets. Regional relaxation values and histograms for both gray and white matter tissues classes were then extracted and compared. Regional mean T(1) values for both gray and white matter were significantly lower using real space compared to standard space analysis. Additionally, regional T(1) histograms were more compact in real space, with smaller right-sided tails indicating lower partial volume errors compared to standard space analysis. Standard space analysis of quantitative MRI brain data introduces more partial volume effect errors biasing the analysis of quantitative data compared to analysis of the same dataset in real space. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Super-resolution reconstruction in frequency, image, and wavelet domains to reduce through-plane partial voluming in MRI

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

Gholipour, Ali, E-mail: ali.gholipour@childrens.harvard.edu; Afacan, Onur; Scherrer, Benoit

Purpose: To compare and evaluate the use of super-resolution reconstruction (SRR), in frequency, image, and wavelet domains, to reduce through-plane partial voluming effects in magnetic resonance imaging. Methods: The reconstruction of an isotropic high-resolution image from multiple thick-slice scans has been investigated through techniques in frequency, image, and wavelet domains. Experiments were carried out with thick-slice T2-weighted fast spin echo sequence on the Academic College of Radiology MRI phantom, where the reconstructed images were compared to a reference high-resolution scan using peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity image metric (SSIM), mutual information (MI), and the mean absolute error (MAE) ofmore » image intensity profiles. The application of super-resolution reconstruction was then examined in retrospective processing of clinical neuroimages of ten pediatric patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) to reduce through-plane partial voluming for improved 3D delineation and visualization of thin radial bands of white matter abnormalities. Results: Quantitative evaluation results show improvements in all evaluation metrics through super-resolution reconstruction in the frequency, image, and wavelet domains, with the highest values obtained from SRR in the image domain. The metric values for image-domain SRR versus the original axial, coronal, and sagittal images were PSNR = 32.26 vs 32.22, 32.16, 30.65; SSIM = 0.931 vs 0.922, 0.924, 0.918; MI = 0.871 vs 0.842, 0.844, 0.831; and MAE = 5.38 vs 7.34, 7.06, 6.19. All similarity metrics showed high correlations with expert ranking of image resolution with MI showing the highest correlation at 0.943. Qualitative assessment of the neuroimages of ten TSC patients through in-plane and out-of-plane visualization of structures showed the extent of partial voluming effect in a real clinical scenario and its reduction using SRR. Blinded expert evaluation of image resolution in resampled out-of-plane views consistently showed the superiority of SRR compared to original axial and coronal image acquisitions. Conclusions: Thick-slice 2D T2-weighted MRI scans are part of many routine clinical protocols due to their high signal-to-noise ratio, but are often severely affected by through-plane partial voluming effects. This study shows that while radiologic assessment is performed in 2D on thick-slice scans, super-resolution MRI reconstruction techniques can be used to fuse those scans to generate a high-resolution image with reduced partial voluming for improved postacquisition processing. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation showed the efficacy of all SRR techniques with the best results obtained from SRR in the image domain. The limitations of SRR techniques are uncertainties in modeling the slice profile, density compensation, quantization in resampling, and uncompensated motion between scans.« less

Super-resolution reconstruction in frequency, image, and wavelet domains to reduce through-plane partial voluming in MRI

PubMed Central

Gholipour, Ali; Afacan, Onur; Aganj, Iman; Scherrer, Benoit; Prabhu, Sanjay P.; Sahin, Mustafa; Warfield, Simon K.

2015-01-01

Purpose: To compare and evaluate the use of super-resolution reconstruction (SRR), in frequency, image, and wavelet domains, to reduce through-plane partial voluming effects in magnetic resonance imaging. Methods: The reconstruction of an isotropic high-resolution image from multiple thick-slice scans has been investigated through techniques in frequency, image, and wavelet domains. Experiments were carried out with thick-slice T2-weighted fast spin echo sequence on the Academic College of Radiology MRI phantom, where the reconstructed images were compared to a reference high-resolution scan using peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity image metric (SSIM), mutual information (MI), and the mean absolute error (MAE) of image intensity profiles. The application of super-resolution reconstruction was then examined in retrospective processing of clinical neuroimages of ten pediatric patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) to reduce through-plane partial voluming for improved 3D delineation and visualization of thin radial bands of white matter abnormalities. Results: Quantitative evaluation results show improvements in all evaluation metrics through super-resolution reconstruction in the frequency, image, and wavelet domains, with the highest values obtained from SRR in the image domain. The metric values for image-domain SRR versus the original axial, coronal, and sagittal images were PSNR = 32.26 vs 32.22, 32.16, 30.65; SSIM = 0.931 vs 0.922, 0.924, 0.918; MI = 0.871 vs 0.842, 0.844, 0.831; and MAE = 5.38 vs 7.34, 7.06, 6.19. All similarity metrics showed high correlations with expert ranking of image resolution with MI showing the highest correlation at 0.943. Qualitative assessment of the neuroimages of ten TSC patients through in-plane and out-of-plane visualization of structures showed the extent of partial voluming effect in a real clinical scenario and its reduction using SRR. Blinded expert evaluation of image resolution in resampled out-of-plane views consistently showed the superiority of SRR compared to original axial and coronal image acquisitions. Conclusions: Thick-slice 2D T2-weighted MRI scans are part of many routine clinical protocols due to their high signal-to-noise ratio, but are often severely affected by through-plane partial voluming effects. This study shows that while radiologic assessment is performed in 2D on thick-slice scans, super-resolution MRI reconstruction techniques can be used to fuse those scans to generate a high-resolution image with reduced partial voluming for improved postacquisition processing. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation showed the efficacy of all SRR techniques with the best results obtained from SRR in the image domain. The limitations of SRR techniques are uncertainties in modeling the slice profile, density compensation, quantization in resampling, and uncompensated motion between scans. PMID:26632048

Partial molar volume of anionic polyelectrolytes in aqueous solution.

PubMed

Salamanca, Constain; Contreras, Martín; Gamboa, Consuelo

2007-05-15

In this work the partial molar volumes (V) of different anionic polyelectrolytes and hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes (PHM) were measured. Polymers like polymaleic acid-co-styrene, polymaleic acid-co-1-olefin, polymaleic acid-co-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, and polyacrylic acid (abbreviated as MAS-n, PA-n-K2, AMVP, and PAA, respectively) were employed. These materials were investigated by density measurements in highly dilute aqueous solutions. The molar volume results allow us to discuss the effect of the carboxylic groups and the contributions from the comonomeric principal chain. The PAA presents the smaller V, while the largest V value was for AMVP. The V of PHM shows a linear relationship with the number of methylene groups in the lateral chain. It is found that the magnitude of the contribution per methylene group decreases as the hydrophobic character of the environment increases.

Raman Line Imaging of Poly(ε-caprolactone)/Carbon Dioxide Solutions at High Pressures: A Combined Experimental and Computational Study for Interpreting Intermolecular Interactions and Free-Volume Effects.

PubMed

Pastore Carbone, Maria Giovanna; Musto, Pellegrino; Pannico, Marianna; Braeuer, Andreas; Scherillo, Giuseppe; Mensitieri, Giuseppe; Di Maio, Ernesto

2016-09-01

In the present study, a Raman line-imaging setup was employed to monitor in situ the CO2 sorption at elevated pressures (from 0.62 to 7.10 MPa) in molten PCL. The method allowed the quantitative measurement of gas concentration in both the time-resolved and the space-resolved modes. The combined experimental and theoretical approach allowed a molecular level characterization of the system. The dissolved CO2 was found to occupy a volume essentially coincident with its van der Waals volume and the estimated partial molar volume of the probe did not change with pressure. Lewis acid-Lewis base interactions with the PCL carbonyls was confirmed to be the main interaction mechanism. The geometry of the supramolecular complex and the preferential interaction site were controlled more by steric than electronic effects. On the basis of the indications emerging from Raman spectroscopy, an equation of state thermodynamic model for the PCL-CO2 system, based upon a compressible lattice fluid theory endowed with specific interactions, has been tailored to account for the interaction types detected spectroscopically. The predictions of the thermodynamic model in terms of molar volume of solution have been compared with available volumetric measurements while predictions for CO2 partial molar volume have been compared with the values estimated on the basis of Raman spectroscopy.

Experimental investigation of thermodynamic properties of binary mixture of acetic acid + n-butanol and acetic acid + water at temperature from 293.15 K to 343.15 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paul, M. Danish John; Shruthi, N.; Anantharaj, R.

2018-04-01

The derived thermodynamic properties like excess molar volume, partial molar volume, excess partial molar volume and apparent volume of binary mixture of acetic acid + n-butanolandacetic acid + water has been investigated using measured density of mixtures at temperatures from 293.15 K to 343.15.

Partial Molar Volumes of Aqua Ions from First Principles.

PubMed

Wiktor, Julia; Bruneval, Fabien; Pasquarello, Alfredo

2017-08-08

Partial molar volumes of ions in water solution are calculated through pressures obtained from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The correct definition of pressure in charged systems subject to periodic boundary conditions requires access to the variation of the electrostatic potential upon a change of volume. We develop a scheme for calculating such a variation in liquid systems by setting up an interface between regions of different density. This also allows us to determine the absolute deformation potentials for the band edges of liquid water. With the properly defined pressures, we obtain partial molar volumes of a series of aqua ions in very good agreement with experimental values.

Effect of perfluorocarbon (perfluorooctyl bromide) vapor on tidal volume measurement during partial liquid ventilation.

PubMed

Davies, Mark W; Dunster, Kimble R

2002-05-01

To compare measured tidal volumes with and without perfluorocarbon (perfluorooctyl bromide) vapor, by using tidal volumes in the range suitable for neonates ventilated with partial liquid ventilation. We also aimed to determine the correction factor needed to calculate tidal volumes measured in the presence of perfluorooctyl bromide vapor. Prospective, experimental study. Neonatal research laboratory. Reproducible tidal volumes from 5 to 30 mL were produced with a rodent ventilator and drawn from humidifier chambers immersed in a water bath at 37 degrees C. Control tidal volumes were drawn from a chamber containing oxygen and water vapor, and the perfluorocarbon tidal volumes were drawn from a chamber containing oxygen, water vapor, and perfluorooctyl bromide vapor. Tidal volumes were measured by a VenTrak respiratory mechanics monitor with a neonatal flow sensor and a Dräger pneumotachometer attached to a Dräger neonatal ventilator. All tidal volumes measured with perfluorooctyl bromide vapor were increased compared with control. The VenTrak-measured tidal volumes increased by 1.8% to 3.5% (an overall increase of 2.2%). The increase was greater with the Dräger hot-wire anemometer: from 2.4% to 6.1% (an overall increase of 5.9%). Regression equations for mean control tidal volumes (response, Y) vs. mean perfluorooctyl bromide tidal volumes (predictor, X) are as follows: for the VenTrak, Y = -0.026 + (0.978 x X), r =.9999, p <.0001; and for the Dräger, Y = 0.251 + (0.944 x X), r =.9996, p <.0001. The presence of perfluorooctyl bromide vapor in the gas flowing through pneumotachometers gives falsely high tidal volume measurements. An estimate of the true tidal volume allowing for the presence of perfluorooctyl bromide vapor can be made from regression equations. Any calculation of lung mechanics must take into account the effect of perfluorooctyl bromide vapor on the measurement of tidal volume.

Effect of pressure on the dissociation constant of boric acid in water and seawater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Millero, Frank J.; Ward, Gary K.; Surdo, Antonio Lo; Huang, Fen

2012-01-01

The sound speeds of boric acid and sodium borate in water and 0.725 m NaCl have been measured from 0 to 50 °C and to near 1 molal. These results have been used to determine the partial molal adiabatic compressibilities of B(OH) 3 and NaB(OH) 4. The partial molal volumes, v¯(i), and compressibilities, κ¯(i), have been used to estimate the changes in the volume (Δ V) and compressibility (Δ κ) for the dissociation of boric acid in water and average seawater (0.725 m NaCl, SA ˜ 35 g/kg) B(OH)3+H2O=H++B(OH)4- where

Effect of lung-protective ventilation with lower tidal volumes on clinical outcomes among patients undergoing surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Gu, Wan-Jie; Wang, Fei; Liu, Jing-Chen

2015-02-17

In anesthetized patients undergoing surgery, the role of lung-protective ventilation with lower tidal volumes is unclear. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of this ventilation strategy on postoperative outcomes. We searched electronic databases from inception through September 2014. We included RCTs that compared protective ventilation with lower tidal volumes and conventional ventilation with higher tidal volumes in anesthetized adults undergoing surgery. We pooled outcomes using a random-effects model. The primary outcome measures were lung injury and pulmonary infection. We included 19 trials (n=1348). Compared with patients in the control group, those who received lung-protective ventilation had a decreased risk of lung injury (risk ratio [RR] 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17 to 0.78; I2=0%) and pulmonary infection (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.83; I2=8%), and higher levels of arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (standardized mean difference 0.47, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.75; I2=65%). No significant differences were observed between the patient groups in atelectasis, mortality, length of hospital stay, length of stay in the intensive care unit or the ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen. Anesthetized patients who received ventilation with lower tidal volumes during surgery had a lower risk of lung injury and pulmonary infection than those given conventional ventilation with higher tidal volumes. Implementation of a lung-protective ventilation strategy with lower tidal volumes may lower the incidence of these outcomes. © 2015 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors.

Is the Maxillary Sinus Really Suitable in Sex Determination? A Three-Dimensional Analysis of Maxillary Sinus Volume and Surface Depending on Sex and Dentition.

PubMed

Möhlhenrich, Stephan Christian; Heussen, Nicole; Peters, Florian; Steiner, Timm; Hölzle, Frank; Modabber, Ali

2015-11-01

The morphometric analysis of maxillary sinus was recently presented as a helpful instrument for sex determination. The aim of the present study was to examine the volume and surface of the fully dentate, partial, and complete edentulous maxillary sinus depending on the sex. Computed tomography data from 276 patients were imported in DICOM format via special virtual planning software, and surfaces (mm) and volumes (mm) of maxillary sinuses were measured. In sex-specific comparisons (women vs men), statistically significant differences for the mean maxillary sinus volume and surface were found between fully dentate (volume, 13,267.77 mm vs 16,623.17 mm, P < 0.0001; surface, 3480.05 mm vs 4100.83 mm, P < 0.0001) and partially edentulous (volume, 10,577.35 mm vs 14,608.10 mm, P = 0.0002; surface, 2980.11 mm vs 3797.42 mm, P < 0.0001) or complete edentulous sinuses (volume, 11,200.99 mm vs 15,382.29 mm, P < 0.0001; surface, 3118.32 mm vs 3877.25 mm, P < 0.0001). For males, the statistically different mean values were calculated between fully dentate and partially edentulous (volume, P = 0.0022; surface, P = 0.0048) maxillary sinuses. Between the sexes, no differences were only measured for female and male partially dentate fully edentulous sinuses (2 teeth missing) and between partially edentulous sinuses in women and men (1 teeth vs 2 teeth missing). With a corresponding software program, it is possible to analyze the maxillary sinus precisely. The dentition influences the volume and surface of the pneumatic maxillary sinus. Therefore, sex determination is possible by analysis of the maxillary sinus event through the increase in pneumatization.

Partial harvesting of hardwood sawtimber in Kentucky and Tennessee, 2002–2014

Treesearch

Thomas J. Brandeis

2017-01-01

Partial harvesting is the predominant but not exclusive cutting treatment applied to the hardwood forests of Kentucky and Tennessee. Hardwood harvest in Kentucky showed a slight downward trend from 2006 to 2014, with most of the volume harvested in partial logging operations. Tennessee did not show this same downward trend, and the amount of hardwood volume harvested...

3D magneto-convective heat transfer in CNT-nanofluid filled cavity under partially active magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Rashed, Abdullah A. A. A.; Kolsi, Lioua; Oztop, Hakan F.; Aydi, Abdelkarim; Malekshah, Emad Hasani; Abu-Hamdeh, Nidal; Borjini, Mohamed Naceur

2018-05-01

A computational study has been performed to investigate the effects of partially active magnetic field on natural convection heat transfer in CNT-nanofluid filled and three-dimensional differentially heated closed space. Two cases are considered to see this effect as magnetic field is applied to upper half (Case I) and lower half (Case II) while remaining walls are insulated. The finite volume method is used to solve governing equations and results are obtained for different governing parameters as Hartmann number (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 100), nanoparticle volume fraction (0 ≤ φ ≤ 0.05) and height of the active zone (0 ≤ LB ≤ 1). It is found that location of magnetic field plays an important role even at the same Hartmann number. Thus, it can be a good parameter to control heat and fluid flow inside the closed space.

Hydration of alcohol clusters in 1-propanol-water mixture studied by quasielastic neutron scattering and an interpretation of anomalous excess partial molar volume.

PubMed

Misawa, M; Inamura, Y; Hosaka, D; Yamamuro, O

2006-08-21

Quasielastic neutron scattering measurements have been made for 1-propanol-water mixtures in a range of alcohol concentration from 0.0 to 0.167 in mole fraction at 25 degrees C. Fraction alpha of water molecules hydrated to fractal surface of alcohol clusters in 1-propanol-water mixture was obtained as a function of alcohol concentration. Average hydration number N(ws) of 1-propanol molecule is derived from the value of alpha as a function of alcohol concentration. By extrapolating N(ws) to infinite dilution, we obtain values of 12-13 as hydration number of isolated 1-propanol molecule. A simple interpretation of structural origin of anomalous excess partial molar volume of water is proposed and as a result a simple equation for the excess partial molar volume is deduced in terms of alpha. Calculated values of the excess partial molar volumes of water and 1-propanol and the excess molar volume of the mixture are in good agreement with experimental values.

Partial molar volumes and viscosities of aqueous hippuric acid solutions containing LiCl and MnCl2 · 4H2O at 303.15 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deosarkar, S. D.; Tawde, P. D.; Zinjade, A. B.; Shaikh, A. I.

2015-09-01

Density (ρ) and viscosity (η) of aqueous hippuric acid (HA) solutions containing LiCl and MnCl2 · 4H2O have been studied at 303.15 K in order to understand volumetric and viscometric behavior of these systems. Apparent molar volume (φv) of salts were calculated from density data and fitted to Massons relation and partial molar volumes (φ{v/0}) at infinite dilution were determined. Relative viscosity data has been used to determine viscosity A and B coefficients using Jones-Dole relation. Partial molar volume and viscosity coefficients have been discussed in terms of ion-solvent interactions and overall structural fittings in solution.

A Novel Two-Compartment Model for Calculating Bone Volume Fractions and Bone Mineral Densities From Computed Tomography Images.

PubMed

Lin, Hsin-Hon; Peng, Shin-Lei; Wu, Jay; Shih, Tian-Yu; Chuang, Keh-Shih; Shih, Cheng-Ting

2017-05-01

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by a degradation of bone structures. Various methods have been developed to diagnose osteoporosis by measuring bone mineral density (BMD) of patients. However, BMDs from these methods were not equivalent and were incomparable. In addition, partial volume effect introduces errors in estimating bone volume from computed tomography (CT) images using image segmentation. In this study, a two-compartment model (TCM) was proposed to calculate bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and BMD from CT images. The TCM considers bones to be composed of two sub-materials. Various equivalent BV/TV and BMD can be calculated by applying corresponding sub-material pairs in the TCM. In contrast to image segmentation, the TCM prevented the influence of the partial volume effect by calculating the volume percentage of sub-material in each image voxel. Validations of the TCM were performed using bone-equivalent uniform phantoms, a 3D-printed trabecular-structural phantom, a temporal bone flap, and abdominal CT images. By using the TCM, the calculated BV/TVs of the uniform phantoms were within percent errors of ±2%; the percent errors of the structural volumes with various CT slice thickness were below 9%; the volume of the temporal bone flap was close to that from micro-CT images with a percent error of 4.1%. No significant difference (p >0.01) was found between the areal BMD of lumbar vertebrae calculated using the TCM and measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In conclusion, the proposed TCM could be applied to diagnose osteoporosis, while providing a basis for comparing various measurement methods.

Solubility of non-polar gases in electrolyte solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, R. L., Jr.

1970-01-01

Solubility theory describes the effects of both concentration and temperature on solute activity coefficients. It predicts the salting-out effect and the decrease in solubility of non-polar gases with increased electrolyte concentration, and can be used to calculate heats of solution, entropies, and partial molal volumes of dissolved gases

Object strength--an accurate measure for small objects that is insensitive to partial volume effects.

PubMed

Tofts, P S; Silver, N C; Barker, G J; Gass, A

2005-07-01

There are currently four problems in characterising small nonuniform lesions or other objects in Magnetic Resonance images where partial volume effects are significant. Object size is over- or under-estimated; boundaries are often not reproducible; mean object value cannot be measured; and fuzzy borders cannot be accommodated. A new measure, Object Strength, is proposed. This is the sum of all abnormal intensities, above a uniform background value. For a uniform object, this is simply the product of the increase in intensity and the size of the object. Biologically, this could be at least as relevant as existing measures of size or mean intensity. We hypothesise that Object Strength will perform better than traditional area measurements in characterising small objects. In a pilot study, the reproducibility of object strength measurements was investigated using MR images of small multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. In addition, accuracy was investigated using artificial lesions of known volume (0.3-6.2 ml) and realistic appearance. Reproducibility approached that of area measurements (in 33/90 lesion reports the difference between repeats was less than for area measurements). Total lesion volume was accurate to 0.2%. In conclusion, Object Strength has potential for improved characterisation of small lesions and objects in imaging and possibly spectroscopy.

Reproducible MRI Measurement of Adipose Tissue Volumes in Genetic and Dietary Rodent Obesity Models

PubMed Central

Johnson, David H.; Flask, Chris A.; Ernsberger, Paul R.; Wong, Wilbur C. K.; Wilson, David L.

2010-01-01

Purpose To develop ratio MRI [lipid/(lipid+water)] methods for assessing lipid depots and compare measurement variability to biological differences in lean controls (spontaneously hypertensive rats, SHRs), dietary obese (SHR-DO), and genetic/dietary obese (SHROBs) animals. Materials and Methods Images with and without CHESS water-suppression were processed using a semi-automatic method accounting for relaxometry, chemical shift, receive coil sensitivity, and partial volume. Results Partial volume correction improved results by 10–15%. Over six operators, volume variation was reduced to 1.9 ml from 30.6 ml for single-image-analysis with intensity inhomogeneity. For three acquisitions on the same animal, volume reproducibility was <1%. SHROBs had 6X visceral and 8X subcutaneous adipose tissue than SHRs. SHR-DOs had enlarged visceral depots (3X SHRs). SHROB had significantly more subcutaneous adipose tissue, indicating a strong genetic component to this fat depot. Liver ratios in SHR-DO and SHROB were higher than SHR, indicating elevated fat content. Among SHROBs, evidence suggested a phenotype SHROB* having elevated liver ratios and visceral adipose tissue volumes. Conclusion Effects of diet and genetics on obesity were significantly larger than variations due to image acquisition and analysis, indicating that these methods can be used to assess accumulation/depletion of lipid depots in animal models of obesity. PMID:18821617

Pressure-volume relations and bulk modulus under pressure of tetrahedral compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soma, T.; Takahashi, Y.; Kagaya, H.-M.

1985-03-01

The pressure-volume relation and the compression effect on the bulk modulus of tetrahedral compounds such as GaP, InP, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe and CdTe are investigated from the electronic theory of solids by using a recently presented binding force, which includes mainly covalent interactions in the pseudopotential formalism and partially ionic interactions. The calculated results of the pressure-volume relations involving the pressure-induced phase transition are useful when comparing with the experimental data under high pressure. The calculated bulk modulus of these compounds increases as the crystal volume decreases. Further, the pressure derivative of bulk modulus is not constant and decreases with the reduction of the crystal volume.

PETPVC: a toolbox for performing partial volume correction techniques in positron emission tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Benjamin A.; Cuplov, Vesna; Bousse, Alexandre; Mendes, Adriana; Thielemans, Kris; Hutton, Brian F.; Erlandsson, Kjell

2016-11-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) images are degraded by a phenomenon known as the partial volume effect (PVE). Approaches have been developed to reduce PVEs, typically through the utilisation of structural information provided by other imaging modalities such as MRI or CT. These methods, known as partial volume correction (PVC) techniques, reduce PVEs by compensating for the effects of the scanner resolution, thereby improving the quantitative accuracy. The PETPVC toolbox described in this paper comprises a suite of methods, both classic and more recent approaches, for the purposes of applying PVC to PET data. Eight core PVC techniques are available. These core methods can be combined to create a total of 22 different PVC techniques. Simulated brain PET data are used to demonstrate the utility of toolbox in idealised conditions, the effects of applying PVC with mismatched point-spread function (PSF) estimates and the potential of novel hybrid PVC methods to improve the quantification of lesions. All anatomy-based PVC techniques achieve complete recovery of the PET signal in cortical grey matter (GM) when performed in idealised conditions. Applying deconvolution-based approaches results in incomplete recovery due to premature termination of the iterative process. PVC techniques are sensitive to PSF mismatch, causing a bias of up to 16.7% in GM recovery when over-estimating the PSF by 3 mm. The recovery of both GM and a simulated lesion was improved by combining two PVC techniques together. The PETPVC toolbox has been written in C++, supports Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems, is open-source and publicly available.

Unifying framework for multimodal brain MRI segmentation based on Hidden Markov Chains.

PubMed

Bricq, S; Collet, Ch; Armspach, J P

2008-12-01

In the frame of 3D medical imaging, accurate segmentation of multimodal brain MR images is of interest for many brain disorders. However, due to several factors such as noise, imaging artifacts, intrinsic tissue variation and partial volume effects, tissue classification remains a challenging task. In this paper, we present a unifying framework for unsupervised segmentation of multimodal brain MR images including partial volume effect, bias field correction, and information given by a probabilistic atlas. Here-proposed method takes into account neighborhood information using a Hidden Markov Chain (HMC) model. Due to the limited resolution of imaging devices, voxels may be composed of a mixture of different tissue types, this partial volume effect is included to achieve an accurate segmentation of brain tissues. Instead of assigning each voxel to a single tissue class (i.e., hard classification), we compute the relative amount of each pure tissue class in each voxel (mixture estimation). Further, a bias field estimation step is added to the proposed algorithm to correct intensity inhomogeneities. Furthermore, atlas priors were incorporated using probabilistic brain atlas containing prior expectations about the spatial localization of different tissue classes. This atlas is considered as a complementary sensor and the proposed method is extended to multimodal brain MRI without any user-tunable parameter (unsupervised algorithm). To validate this new unifying framework, we present experimental results on both synthetic and real brain images, for which the ground truth is available. Comparison with other often used techniques demonstrates the accuracy and the robustness of this new Markovian segmentation scheme.

Different partial volume correction methods lead to different conclusions: An (18)F-FDG-PET study of aging.

PubMed

Greve, Douglas N; Salat, David H; Bowen, Spencer L; Izquierdo-Garcia, David; Schultz, Aaron P; Catana, Ciprian; Becker, J Alex; Svarer, Claus; Knudsen, Gitte M; Sperling, Reisa A; Johnson, Keith A

2016-05-15

A cross-sectional group study of the effects of aging on brain metabolism as measured with (18)F-FDG-PET was performed using several different partial volume correction (PVC) methods: no correction (NoPVC), Meltzer (MZ), Müller-Gärtner (MG), and the symmetric geometric transfer matrix (SGTM) using 99 subjects aged 65-87years from the Harvard Aging Brain study. Sensitivity to parameter selection was tested for MZ and MG. The various methods and parameter settings resulted in an extremely wide range of conclusions as to the effects of age on metabolism, from almost no changes to virtually all of cortical regions showing a decrease with age. Simulations showed that NoPVC had significant bias that made the age effect on metabolism appear to be much larger and more significant than it is. MZ was found to be the same as NoPVC for liberal brain masks; for conservative brain masks, MZ showed few areas correlated with age. MG and SGTM were found to be similar; however, MG was sensitive to a thresholding parameter that can result in data loss. CSF uptake was surprisingly high at about 15% of that in gray matter. The exclusion of CSF from SGTM and MG models, which is almost universally done, caused a substantial loss in the power to detect age-related changes. This diversity of results reflects the literature on the metabolism of aging and suggests that extreme care should be taken when applying PVC or interpreting results that have been corrected for partial volume effects. Using the SGTM, significant age-related changes of about 7% per decade were found in frontal and cingulate cortices as well as primary visual and insular cortices. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Different Partial Volume Correction Methods Lead to Different Conclusions: an 18F-FDG PET Study of Aging

PubMed Central

Greve, Douglas N.; Salat, David H.; Bowen, Spencer L.; Izquierdo-Garcia, David; Schultz, Aaron P.; Catana, Ciprian; Becker, J. Alex; Svarer, Claus; Knudsen, Gitte; Sperling, Reisa A.; Johnson, Keith A.

2016-01-01

A cross-sectional group study of the effects of aging on brain metabolism as measured with 18F-FDG PET was performed using several different partial volume correction (PVC) methods: no correction (NoPVC), Meltzer (MZ), Müller-Gärtner (MG), and the symmetric geometric transfer matrix (SGTM) using 99 subjects aged 65-87 from the Harvard Aging Brain study. Sensitivity to parameter selection was tested for MZ and MG. The various methods and parameter settings resulted in an extremely wide range of conclusions as to the effects of age on metabolism, from almost no changes to virtually all of cortical regions showing a decrease with age. Simulations showed that NoPVC had significant bias that made the age effect on metabolism appear to be much larger and more significant than it is. MZ was found to be the same as NoPVC for liberal brain masks; for conservative brain masks, MZ showed few areas correlated with age. MG and SGTM were found to be similar; however, MG was sensitive to a thresholding parameter that can result in data loss. CSF uptake was surprisingly high at about 15% of that in gray matter. Exclusion of CSF from SGTM and MG models, which is almost universally done, caused a substantial loss in the power to detect age-related changes. This diversity of results reflects the literature on the metabolism of aging and suggests that extreme care should be taken when applying PVC or interpreting results that have been corrected for partial volume effects. Using the SGTM, significant age-related changes of about 7% per decade were found in frontal and cingulate cortices as well as primary visual and insular cortices. PMID:26915497

Densities, Ultrasonic Speeds, and Excess Properties of Binary Mixtures of Diethylene Glycol with 1-Butanol, 2-Butanol, and 1,4-Butanediol at Different Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Anwar; Ansari, Sana; Uzair, Sahar; Tasneem, Shadma; Nabi, Firdosa

2015-11-01

Densities ρ and ultrasonic speeds u for pure diethylene glycol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, and 1,4-butanediol and for their binary mixtures over the entire composition range were measured at 298.15 K, 303.15 K, 308.15 K, and 313.15 K. Using these data, the excess molar volumes, VE_m, deviations in isentropic compressibilities, {\\varDelta }ks, apparent molar volumes, V_{φi} , partial molar volumes, overline{V}_{m,i} , and excess partial molar volumes, overline{V}_{m,i}^E , have been calculated over the entire composition range, and also the excess partial molar volumes of the components at infinite dilution, overline{V}_{m,i}^{E,infty } have been calculated. The excess functions have been correlated using the Redlich-Kister equation at different temperatures. The variations of these derived parameters with composition and temperature are presented graphically.

Assessing the potential for using wetlands as intermediary storages to conjunctively maintain ecological values and support agricultural demands.

PubMed

Ning, Nathan S P; Watkins, Susanne C; Gawne, Ben; Nielsen, Daryl L

2012-09-30

Water sharing to meet both agricultural and environmental demands is a critical issue affecting the health of many floodplain river systems around the world. This study explored the potential for using wetlands as temporary off-river storages to conjunctively maintain ecological values and support agricultural demands by assessing the effects of artificial drawdown on wetland aquatic plant communities. An initial experiment was undertaken in outdoor mesocosms in which four different treatments were compared over a 131 day duration: (1) natural drawdown where the water was left to drawdown naturally via evaporation; (2) partial drawdown where approximately half of the volume of water was pumped out after 42 days; (3) stepped drawdown where approximately half of the volume of water pumped out after 42 days, and then the remaining volume of water was pumped out after 117 days; and (4) total drawdown where all of the of water was pumped out after 117 days. A complementary field study was subsequently undertaken where two wetlands were left to drawdown naturally and two were partially drawn down artificially (i.e. had approximately half of their volume removed by pumping). Results from both of these studies indicated that neither aquatic plant abundance nor taxon richness were adversely affected by partial drawdown. Rather, both studies showed that aquatic plant communities subjected to a partial drawdown treatment became more species rich and diverse than communities subjected to a natural drawdown treatment. This suggests that it may be possible to use wetlands as intermediary storages for the dual purposes of maintaining ecological values and supporting agricultural demands. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quantitative Amyloid Imaging in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease: Results from the DIAN Study Group.

PubMed

Su, Yi; Blazey, Tyler M; Owen, Christopher J; Christensen, Jon J; Friedrichsen, Karl; Joseph-Mathurin, Nelly; Wang, Qing; Hornbeck, Russ C; Ances, Beau M; Snyder, Abraham Z; Cash, Lisa A; Koeppe, Robert A; Klunk, William E; Galasko, Douglas; Brickman, Adam M; McDade, Eric; Ringman, John M; Thompson, Paul M; Saykin, Andrew J; Ghetti, Bernardino; Sperling, Reisa A; Johnson, Keith A; Salloway, Stephen P; Schofield, Peter R; Masters, Colin L; Villemagne, Victor L; Fox, Nick C; Förster, Stefan; Chen, Kewei; Reiman, Eric M; Xiong, Chengjie; Marcus, Daniel S; Weiner, Michael W; Morris, John C; Bateman, Randall J; Benzinger, Tammie L S

2016-01-01

Amyloid imaging plays an important role in the research and diagnosis of dementing disorders. Substantial variation in quantitative methods to measure brain amyloid burden exists in the field. The aim of this work is to investigate the impact of methodological variations to the quantification of amyloid burden using data from the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network (DIAN), an autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease population. Cross-sectional and longitudinal [11C]-Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) PET imaging data from the DIAN study were analyzed. Four candidate reference regions were investigated for estimation of brain amyloid burden. A regional spread function based technique was also investigated for the correction of partial volume effects. Cerebellar cortex, brain-stem, and white matter regions all had stable tracer retention during the course of disease. Partial volume correction consistently improves sensitivity to group differences and longitudinal changes over time. White matter referencing improved statistical power in the detecting longitudinal changes in relative tracer retention; however, the reason for this improvement is unclear and requires further investigation. Full dynamic acquisition and kinetic modeling improved statistical power although it may add cost and time. Several technical variations to amyloid burden quantification were examined in this study. Partial volume correction emerged as the strategy that most consistently improved statistical power for the detection of both longitudinal changes and across-group differences. For the autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease population with PiB imaging, utilizing brainstem as a reference region with partial volume correction may be optimal for current interventional trials. Further investigation of technical issues in quantitative amyloid imaging in different study populations using different amyloid imaging tracers is warranted.

Quantitative Amyloid Imaging in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease: Results from the DIAN Study Group

PubMed Central

Su, Yi; Blazey, Tyler M.; Owen, Christopher J.; Christensen, Jon J.; Friedrichsen, Karl; Joseph-Mathurin, Nelly; Wang, Qing; Hornbeck, Russ C.; Ances, Beau M.; Snyder, Abraham Z.; Cash, Lisa A.; Koeppe, Robert A.; Klunk, William E.; Galasko, Douglas; Brickman, Adam M.; McDade, Eric; Ringman, John M.; Thompson, Paul M.; Saykin, Andrew J.; Ghetti, Bernardino; Sperling, Reisa A.; Johnson, Keith A.; Salloway, Stephen P.; Schofield, Peter R.; Masters, Colin L.; Villemagne, Victor L.; Fox, Nick C.; Förster, Stefan; Chen, Kewei; Reiman, Eric M.; Xiong, Chengjie; Marcus, Daniel S.; Weiner, Michael W.; Morris, John C.; Bateman, Randall J.; Benzinger, Tammie L. S.

2016-01-01

Amyloid imaging plays an important role in the research and diagnosis of dementing disorders. Substantial variation in quantitative methods to measure brain amyloid burden exists in the field. The aim of this work is to investigate the impact of methodological variations to the quantification of amyloid burden using data from the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network (DIAN), an autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease population. Cross-sectional and longitudinal [11C]-Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) PET imaging data from the DIAN study were analyzed. Four candidate reference regions were investigated for estimation of brain amyloid burden. A regional spread function based technique was also investigated for the correction of partial volume effects. Cerebellar cortex, brain-stem, and white matter regions all had stable tracer retention during the course of disease. Partial volume correction consistently improves sensitivity to group differences and longitudinal changes over time. White matter referencing improved statistical power in the detecting longitudinal changes in relative tracer retention; however, the reason for this improvement is unclear and requires further investigation. Full dynamic acquisition and kinetic modeling improved statistical power although it may add cost and time. Several technical variations to amyloid burden quantification were examined in this study. Partial volume correction emerged as the strategy that most consistently improved statistical power for the detection of both longitudinal changes and across-group differences. For the autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease population with PiB imaging, utilizing brainstem as a reference region with partial volume correction may be optimal for current interventional trials. Further investigation of technical issues in quantitative amyloid imaging in different study populations using different amyloid imaging tracers is warranted. PMID:27010959

Density contrast sedimentation velocity for the determination of protein partial-specific volumes.

PubMed

Brown, Patrick H; Balbo, Andrea; Zhao, Huaying; Ebel, Christine; Schuck, Peter

2011-01-01

The partial-specific volume of proteins is an important thermodynamic parameter required for the interpretation of data in several biophysical disciplines. Building on recent advances in the use of density variation sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation for the determination of macromolecular partial-specific volumes, we have explored a direct global modeling approach describing the sedimentation boundaries in different solvents with a joint differential sedimentation coefficient distribution. This takes full advantage of the influence of different macromolecular buoyancy on both the spread and the velocity of the sedimentation boundary. It should lend itself well to the study of interacting macromolecules and/or heterogeneous samples in microgram quantities. Model applications to three protein samples studied in either H(2)O, or isotopically enriched H(2) (18)O mixtures, indicate that partial-specific volumes can be determined with a statistical precision of better than 0.5%, provided signal/noise ratios of 50-100 can be achieved in the measurement of the macromolecular sedimentation velocity profiles. The approach is implemented in the global modeling software SEDPHAT.

Partial drift volume due to a self-propelled swimmer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chisholm, Nicholas G.; Khair, Aditya S.

2018-01-01

We assess the ability of a self-propelled swimmer to displace a volume of fluid that is large compared to its own volume via the mechanism of partial drift. The swimmer performs rectilinear locomotion in an incompressible, unbounded Newtonian fluid. The partial drift volume D is the volume of fluid enclosed between the initial and final profiles of an initially flat circular disk of marked fluid elements; the disk is initially aligned perpendicular to the direction of locomotion and subsequently distorted due to the passage of the swimmer, which travels a finite distance. To focus on the possibility of large-scale drift, we model the swimmer simply as a force dipole aligned with the swimming direction. At zero Reynolds number (Re =0 ), we demonstrate that D grows without limit as the radius of the marked fluid disk h is made large, indicating that a swimmer at Re =0 can generate a partial drift volume much larger than its own volume. Next, we consider a steady swimmer at small Re , which is modeled as the force-dipole solution to Oseen's equation. Here, we find that D no longer diverges with h , which is due to inertial screening of viscous forces, and is effectively proportional to the magnitude of the force dipole exerted by the swimmer. The validity of this result is extended to Re ≥O (1 ) —the realm of intermediate-Re swimmers such as copepods—by taking advantage of the fact that, in this case, the flow is also described by Oseen's equations at distances much larger than the characteristic linear dimension of the swimmer. Next, we utilize an integral momentum balance to demonstrate that our analysis for a steady inertial swimmer also holds, in a time-averaged sense, for an unsteady swimmer that does not experience a net acceleration over a stroke cycle. Finally, we use experimental data to estimate D for a few real swimmers. Interestingly, we find that D depends heavily on the kinematics of swimming, and, in certain cases, D can be significantly greater than the volume of the swimmer at Re ≥O (1 ) . Our work also highlights that D due to a self-propelled body is fundamentally different than that due to a body towed by an external force. In particular, predictions of D in the latter case cannot be utilized to estimate D for a self-propelled swimmer.

Volumetric gain of the human pancreas after left partial pancreatic resection: A CT-scan based retrospective study.

PubMed

Phillip, Veit; Zahel, Tina; Danninger, Assiye; Erkan, Mert; Dobritz, Martin; Steiner, Jörg M; Kleeff, Jörg; Schmid, Roland M; Algül, Hana

2015-01-01

Regeneration of the pancreas has been well characterized in animal models. However, there are conflicting data on the regenerative capacity of the human pancreas. The aim of the present study was to assess the regenerative capacity of the human pancreas. In a retrospective study, data from patients undergoing left partial pancreatic resection at a single center were eligible for inclusion (n = 185). Volumetry was performed based on 5 mm CT-scans acquired through a 256-slice CT-scanner using a semi-automated software. Data from 24 patients (15 males/9 females) were included. Mean ± SD age was 68 ± 11 years (range, 40-85 years). Median time between surgery and the 1st postoperative CT was 9 days (range, 0-27 days; IQR, 7-13), 55 days (range, 21-141 days; IQR, 34-105) until the 2nd CT, and 191 days (range, 62-1902; IQR, 156-347) until the 3rd CT. The pancreatic volumes differed significantly between the first and the second postoperative CT scans (median volume 25.6 mL and 30.6 mL, respectively; p = 0.008) and had significantly increased further by the 3rd CT scan (median volume 37.9 mL; p = 0.001 for comparison with 1st CT scan and p = 0.003 for comparison with 2nd CT scan). The human pancreas shows a measurable and considerable potential of volumetric gain after partial resection. Multidetector-CT based semi-automated volume analysis is a feasible method for follow-up of the volume of the remaining pancreatic parenchyma after partial pancreatectomy. Effects on exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function have to be evaluated in a prospective manner. Copyright © 2015 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Volumetric and calorimetric properties of aqueous ionene solutions

PubMed Central

Lukšič, Miha; Hribar-Lee, Barbara

2016-01-01

The volumetric (partial and apparent molar volumes) and calorimetric properties (apparent heat capacities) of aqueous cationic polyelectrolyte solutions – ionenes – were studied using the oscillating tube densitometer and differential scanning calorimeter. The polyion’s charge density and the counterion properties were considered as variables. The special attention was put to evaluate the contribution of electrostatic and hydrophobic effects to the properties studied. The contribution of the CH2 group of the polyion’s backbone to molar volumes and heat capacities was estimated. Synergistic effect between polyion and counterions was found. PMID:28503012

Solute-solvent interactions in 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone isonicotinoylhydrazone solutions in N, N-dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide at 298-313 K on ultrasonic and viscometric data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dikkar, A. B.; Pethe, G. B.; Aswar, A. S.

2016-02-01

The speed of sound ( u), density (ρ), and viscosity (η) of 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone isonicotinoylhydrazone (DHAIH) have been measured in N, N-dimethyl formamide and dimethyl sulfoxide at equidistance temperatures 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, and 313.15 K. These data were used to calculate some important ultrasonic and thermodynamic parameters such as apparent molar volume ( V ϕ s st ), apparent molar compressibility ( K ϕ), partial molar volume ( V ϕ 0 ) and partial molar compressibility ( K ϕ 0 ), were estimated by using the values of ( V ϕ 0 ) and ( K ϕ), at infinite dilution. Partial molar expansion at infinite dilution, (ϕ E 0 ) has also been calculated from temperature dependence of partial molar volume V ϕ 0 . The viscosity data have been analyzed using the Jones-Dole equation, and the viscosity, B coefficients are calculated. The activation free energy has been calculated from B coefficients and partial molar volume data. The results have been discussed in the term of solute-solvent interaction occurring in solutions and it was found that DHAIH acts as a structure maker in present systems.

Partial volume segmentation in 3D of lesions and tissues in magnetic resonance images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnston, Brian; Atkins, M. Stella; Booth, Kellogg S.

1994-05-01

An important first step in diagnosis and treatment planning using tomographic imaging is differentiating and quantifying diseased as well as healthy tissue. One of the difficulties encountered in solving this problem to date has been distinguishing the partial volume constituents of each voxel in the image volume. Most proposed solutions to this problem involve analysis of planar images, in sequence, in two dimensions only. We have extended a model-based method of image segmentation which applies the technique of iterated conditional modes in three dimensions. A minimum of user intervention is required to train the algorithm. Partial volume estimates for each voxel in the image are obtained yielding fractional compositions of multiple tissue types for individual voxels. A multispectral approach is applied, where spatially registered data sets are available. The algorithm is simple and has been parallelized using a dataflow programming environment to reduce the computational burden. The algorithm has been used to segment dual echo MRI data sets of multiple sclerosis patients using lesions, gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid as the partial volume constituents. The results of the application of the algorithm to these datasets is presented and compared to the manual lesion segmentation of the same data.

Standard Partial Molar Heat Capacities and Volumes of Barium and Cadmium Ions in Dimethylsulfoxide at 298.15 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novikov, A. N.; Doronin, Ya. I.; Rakhmanova, P. A.

2018-07-01

The heat capacities and volumes of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solutions of barium and cadmium iodides at 298.15 K were measured by calorimetry and densimetry. The standard partial molar heat capacities \\bar C_{p,2}^° and volumes \\bar V2^° of BaI2 and CdI2 in DMSO were calculated. The standard heat capacities \\bar C_{p,i}^° and volumes \\bar {V}i^° of barium and cadmium ions in DMSO at 298.15 K were determined.

Two-year analysis for predicting renal function and contralateral hypertrophy after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: A three-dimensional segmentation technology study.

PubMed

Kim, Dae Keun; Jang, Yujin; Lee, Jaeseon; Hong, Helen; Kim, Ki Hong; Shin, Tae Young; Jung, Dae Chul; Choi, Young Deuk; Rha, Koon Ho

2015-12-01

To analyze long-term changes in both kidneys, and to predict renal function and contralateral hypertrophy after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. A total of 62 patients underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy, and renal parenchymal volume was calculated using three-dimensional semi-automatic segmentation technology. Patients were evaluated within 1 month preoperatively, and postoperatively at 6 months, 1 year and continued up to 2-year follow up. Linear regression models were used to identify the factors predicting variables that correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate changes and contralateral hypertrophy 2 years after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. The median global estimated glomerular filtration rate changes were -10.4%, -11.9%, and -2.4% at 6 months, 1 and 2 years post-robot-assisted partial nephrectomy, respectively. The ipsilateral kidney median parenchymal volume changes were -24%, -24.4%, and -21% at 6 months, 1 and 2 years post-robot-assisted partial nephrectomy, respectively. The contralateral renal volume changes were 2.3%, 9.6% and 12.9%, respectively. On multivariable linear analysis, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was the best predictive factor for global estimated glomerular filtration rate change on 2 years post-robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (B -0.452; 95% confidence interval -0.84 to -0.14; P = 0.021), whereas the parenchymal volume loss rate (B -0.43; 95% confidence interval -0.89 to -0.15; P = 0.017) and tumor size (B 5.154; 95% confidence interval -0.11 to 9.98; P = 0.041) were the significant predictive factors for the degree of contralateral renal hypertrophy on 2 years post-robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. Preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate significantly affects post-robot-assisted partial nephrectomy renal function. Renal mass size and renal parenchyma volume loss correlates with compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney. Contralateral hypertrophy of the renal parenchyma compensates for the functional loss of the ipsilateral kidney. © 2015 The Japanese Urological Association.

Water-vapor pressure control in a volume

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scialdone, J. J.

1978-01-01

The variation with time of the partial pressure of water in a volume that has openings to the outside environment and includes vapor sources was evaluated as a function of the purging flow and its vapor content. Experimental tests to estimate the diffusion of ambient humidity through openings and to validate calculated results were included. The purging flows required to produce and maintain a certain humidity in shipping containers, storage rooms, and clean rooms can be estimated with the relationship developed here. These purging flows are necessary to prevent the contamination, degradation, and other effects of water vapor on the systems inside these volumes.

Brain extraction in partial volumes T2*@7T by using a quasi-anatomic segmentation with bias field correction.

PubMed

Valente, João; Vieira, Pedro M; Couto, Carlos; Lima, Carlos S

2018-02-01

Poor brain extraction in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has negative consequences in several types of brain post-extraction such as tissue segmentation and related statistical measures or pattern recognition algorithms. Current state of the art algorithms for brain extraction work on weighted T1 and T2, being not adequate for non-whole brain images such as the case of T2*FLASH@7T partial volumes. This paper proposes two new methods that work directly in T2*FLASH@7T partial volumes. The first is an improvement of the semi-automatic threshold-with-morphology approach adapted to incomplete volumes. The second method uses an improved version of a current implementation of the fuzzy c-means algorithm with bias correction for brain segmentation. Under high inhomogeneity conditions the performance of the first method degrades, requiring user intervention which is unacceptable. The second method performed well for all volumes, being entirely automatic. State of the art algorithms for brain extraction are mainly semi-automatic, requiring a correct initialization by the user and knowledge of the software. These methods can't deal with partial volumes and/or need information from atlas which is not available in T2*FLASH@7T. Also, combined volumes suffer from manipulations such as re-sampling which deteriorates significantly voxel intensity structures making segmentation tasks difficult. The proposed method can overcome all these difficulties, reaching good results for brain extraction using only T2*FLASH@7T volumes. The development of this work will lead to an improvement of automatic brain lesions segmentation in T2*FLASH@7T volumes, becoming more important when lesions such as cortical Multiple-Sclerosis need to be detected. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Technique for bone volume measurement from human femur head samples by classification of micro-CT image histograms.

PubMed

Marinozzi, Franco; Bini, Fabiano; Marinozzi, Andrea; Zuppante, Francesca; De Paolis, Annalisa; Pecci, Raffaella; Bedini, Rossella

2013-01-01

Micro-CT analysis is a powerful technique for a non-invasive evaluation of the morphometric parameters of trabecular bone samples. This elaboration requires a previous binarization of the images. A problem which arises from the binarization process is the partial volume artifact. Voxels at the external surface of the sample can contain both bone and air so thresholding operates an incorrect estimation of volume occupied by the two materials. The aim of this study is the extraction of bone volumetric information directly from the image histograms, by fitting them with a suitable set of functions. Nineteen trabecular bone samples were extracted from femoral heads of eight patients subject to a hip arthroplasty surgery. Trabecular bone samples were acquired using micro-CT Scanner. Hystograms of the acquired images were computed and fitted by Gaussian-like functions accounting for: a) gray levels produced by the bone x-ray absorption, b) the portions of the image occupied by air and c) voxels that contain a mixture of bone and air. This latter contribution can be considered such as an estimation of the partial volume effect. The comparison of the proposed technique to the bone volumes measured by a reference instrument such as by a helium pycnometer show the method as a good way for an accurate bone volume calculation of trabecular bone samples.

Density Contrast Sedimentation Velocity for the Determination of Protein Partial-Specific Volumes

PubMed Central

Brown, Patrick H.; Balbo, Andrea; Zhao, Huaying; Ebel, Christine; Schuck, Peter

2011-01-01

The partial-specific volume of proteins is an important thermodynamic parameter required for the interpretation of data in several biophysical disciplines. Building on recent advances in the use of density variation sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation for the determination of macromolecular partial-specific volumes, we have explored a direct global modeling approach describing the sedimentation boundaries in different solvents with a joint differential sedimentation coefficient distribution. This takes full advantage of the influence of different macromolecular buoyancy on both the spread and the velocity of the sedimentation boundary. It should lend itself well to the study of interacting macromolecules and/or heterogeneous samples in microgram quantities. Model applications to three protein samples studied in either H2O, or isotopically enriched H2 18O mixtures, indicate that partial-specific volumes can be determined with a statistical precision of better than 0.5%, provided signal/noise ratios of 50–100 can be achieved in the measurement of the macromolecular sedimentation velocity profiles. The approach is implemented in the global modeling software SEDPHAT. PMID:22028836

Effect of different seated positions on lung volume and oxygenation in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

PubMed

Dellamonica, J; Lerolle, N; Sargentini, C; Hubert, S; Beduneau, G; Di Marco, F; Mercat, A; Diehl, J L; Richard, J C M; Bernardin, G; Brochard, L

2013-06-01

Lung volume available for ventilation is markedly decreased during acute respiratory distress syndrome. Body positioning may contribute to increase lung volume and partial verticalization is simple to perform. This study evaluated whether verticalization had parallel effects on oxygenation and end expiratory lung volume (EELV). Prospective multicenter study in 40 mechanically ventilated patients with ALI/ARDS in five university hospital MICUs. We evaluated four 45-min successive trunk position epochs (supine slightly elevated at 15°; semi recumbent with trunk elevated at 45°; seated with trunk elevated at 60° and legs down at 45°; back to supine). Arterial blood gases, EELV measured using the nitrogen washin/washout, and static compliance were measured. Responders were defined by a PaO₂/FiO₂ increase >20 % between supine and seated position. Results are median [25th-75th percentiles]. With median PEEP = 10 cmH₂O, verticalization increased lung volume but only responders (13 patients, 32 %) had a significant increase in EELV/PBW (predicted body weight) compared to baseline. This increase persisted at least partially when patients were positioned back to supine. Responders had a lower EELV/PBW supine [14 mL/kg (13-15) vs. 18 mL/kg (15-27) (p = 0.005)] and a lower compliance [30 mL/cmH₂O (22-38) vs. 42 (30-46) (p = 0.01)] than non-responders. Strain decreased with verticalization for responders. EELV/PBW increase and PaO₂/FiO₂ increase were not correlated. Verticalization is easily achieved and improves oxygenation in approximately 32 % of the patients together with an increase in EELV. Nonetheless, effect of verticalization on EELV/PBW is not predictable by PaO₂/FiO₂ increase, its monitoring may be helpful for strain optimization.

PROCEEDINGS OF INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON RECENT ADVANCES IN THE ASSESSMENT OF THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, HELD AT PARIS (FRANCE) ON 24-28 JUNE 1974. VOLUME I

EPA Science Inventory

;Partial contents: The effect of environmental factors on health - methods for population studies; Relationship of air pollution to prevalance of lower respiratory illness and lung function in Australian school children; Clinical investigation in Northwest Quebec, Canada, of envi...

An ion interaction model for the volumetric properties of natural waters: Density of the solution and partial molal volumes of electrolytes to high concentrations at 25°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monnin, Christophe

1989-06-01

Literature density data for binary and common ion ternary solutions in the Na-K-Ca-Mg-Cl-SO 4-HCO 3-CO3-H 2O system at 25°C have been analysed with Pitzer's ion interaction model, which provides an adequate representation of the experimental data for binary and common ion ternary solutions up to high concentration. This analysis yields Pitzer's interaction parameters for the apparent and partial molal volumes, which are the first derivatives with respect to pressure of the interaction parameters for the free energy. From this information, densities of natural waters as well as partial molal volumes of their solutes can be predicted with good accuracy, as shown by several comparisons of calculated and measured values. It is shown that V¯MX - V¯0mx, the excess partial molal volume of the salt MX, depends more on the type of salt than on the electrolyte itself and that it increases with the charges of the salt components. The influence of concentration and composition on the variation of activity coefficients with pressure and on the partial molal volumes of the salts is discussed, using as an example the partial molal volume of CaSO 4(aq) in solutions of various compositions. The increase of V¯CaSO 4, with ionic strength is very large but is not very different for a NaCl-dominated natural water like the Red Sea lower brine than for a simple NaCl solution. Although the variation of activity coefficients with pressure is usually ignored for moderate pressures, like those found in hydrothermal environments, the present example shows that it can be as large as 30% for a 2-2 salt for a pressure increase from 1 to 500 bars at high ionic strength.

The effect of water on the thermal expansion behavior of FM5055 carbon phenolic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sullivan, Roy M.

1995-01-01

The effect of water on the thermal expansion behavior of FM5055 carbon phenolic is studied using a theory of mixtures approach. A partial pressure expression for the water constituent was obtained based upon certain assumptions regarding the thermodynamic state of water as it resides in the free volumes of the polymer. A simple constitutive model is used to simulate the polymer strain due to the application of the partial pressure of water. The resulting theory is applied to model the effect of moisture on the thermal expansion of FM5055 carbon phenolic specimens. The application of the theory results in calculated strains which were in close agreement with the measured strains.

Finite volume for three-flavour Partially Quenched Chiral Perturbation Theory through NNLO in the meson sector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bijnens, Johan; Rössler, Thomas

2015-11-01

We present a calculation of the finite volume corrections to meson masses and decay constants in three flavour Partially Quenched Chiral Perturbation Theory (PQChPT) through two-loop order in the chiral expansion for the flavour-charged (or off-diagonal) pseudoscalar mesons. The analytical results are obtained for three sea quark flavours with one, two or three different masses. We reproduce the known infinite volume results and the finite volume results in the unquenched case. The calculation has been performed using the supersymmetric formulation of PQChPT as well as with a quark flow technique.

Automated quantification of myocardial infarction from MR images by accounting for partial volume effects: animal, phantom, and human study.

PubMed

Heiberg, Einar; Ugander, Martin; Engblom, Henrik; Götberg, Matthias; Olivecrona, Göran K; Erlinge, David; Arheden, Håkan

2008-02-01

Ethics committees approved human and animal study components; informed written consent was provided (prospective human study [20 men; mean age, 62 years]) or waived (retrospective human study [16 men, four women; mean age, 59 years]). The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate a clinically applicable method, accounting for the partial volume effect, to automatically quantify myocardial infarction from delayed contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance images. Pixels were weighted according to signal intensity to calculate infarct fraction for each pixel. Mean bias +/- variability (or standard deviation), expressed as percentage left ventricular myocardium (%LVM), were -0.3 +/- 1.3 (animals), -1.2 +/- 1.7 (phantoms), and 0.3 +/- 2.7 (patients), respectively. Algorithm had lower variability than dichotomous approach (2.7 vs 7.7 %LVM, P < .01) and did not differ from interobserver variability for bias (P = .31) or variability (P = .38). The weighted approach provides automatic quantification of myocardial infarction with higher accuracy and lower variability than a dichotomous algorithm. (c) RSNA, 2007.

(131)I-MIBG therapy for malignant paraganglioma and phaeochromocytoma: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

van Hulsteijn, L T; Niemeijer, N D; Dekkers, O M; Corssmit, E P M

2014-04-01

(131)I-MIBG therapy can be used for palliative treatment of malignant paraganglioma and phaeochromocytoma. The main objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the effect of (131)I-MIBG therapy on tumour volume in patients with malignant paraganglioma/phaeochromocytoma. A literature search was performed in December 2012 to identify potentially relevant studies. Main outcomes were the pooled proportions of complete response, partial response and stable disease after radionuclide therapy. A meta-analysis was performed with an exact likelihood approach using a logistic regression with a random effect at the study level. Pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Seventeen studies concerning a total of 243 patients with malignant paraganglioma/phaeochromocytoma were treated with (131)I-MIBG therapy. The mean follow-up ranged from 24 to 62 months. A meta-analysis of the effect of (131)I-MIBG therapy on tumour volume showed pooled proportions of complete response, partial response and stable disease of, respectively, 0·03 (95% CI: 0·06-0·15), 0·27 (95% CI: 0·19-0·37) and 0·52 (95% CI: 0·41-0·62) and for hormonal response 0·11 (95% CI: 0·05-0·22), 0·40 (95% CI: 0·28-0·53) and 0·21 (95% CI: 0·10-0·40), respectively. Separate analyses resulted in better results in hormonal response for patients with paraganglioma than for patients with phaeochromocytoma. Data on the effects of (131)I-MIBG therapy on malignant paraganglioma/phaeochromocytoma suggest that stable disease concerning tumour volume and a partial hormonal response can be achieved in over 50% and 40% of patients, respectively, treated with (131)I-MIBG therapy. It cannot be ruled out that stable disease reflects not only the effect of MIBG therapy, but also (partly) the natural course of the disease. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Determination of partial molar volumes from free energy perturbation theory†

PubMed Central

Vilseck, Jonah Z.; Tirado-Rives, Julian

2016-01-01

Partial molar volume is an important thermodynamic property that gives insights into molecular size and intermolecular interactions in solution. Theoretical frameworks for determining the partial molar volume (V°) of a solvated molecule generally apply Scaled Particle Theory or Kirkwood–Buff theory. With the current abilities to perform long molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations, more direct methods are gaining popularity, such as computing V° directly as the difference in computed volume from two simulations, one with a solute present and another without. Thermodynamically, V° can also be determined as the pressure derivative of the free energy of solvation in the limit of infinite dilution. Both approaches are considered herein with the use of free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations to compute the necessary free energies of solvation at elevated pressures. Absolute and relative partial molar volumes are computed for benzene and benzene derivatives using the OPLS-AA force field. The mean unsigned error for all molecules is 2.8 cm3 mol−1. The present methodology should find use in many contexts such as the development and testing of force fields for use in computer simulations of organic and biomolecular systems, as a complement to related experimental studies, and to develop a deeper understanding of solute–solvent interactions. PMID:25589343

Determination of partial molar volumes from free energy perturbation theory.

PubMed

Vilseck, Jonah Z; Tirado-Rives, Julian; Jorgensen, William L

2015-04-07

Partial molar volume is an important thermodynamic property that gives insights into molecular size and intermolecular interactions in solution. Theoretical frameworks for determining the partial molar volume (V°) of a solvated molecule generally apply Scaled Particle Theory or Kirkwood-Buff theory. With the current abilities to perform long molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations, more direct methods are gaining popularity, such as computing V° directly as the difference in computed volume from two simulations, one with a solute present and another without. Thermodynamically, V° can also be determined as the pressure derivative of the free energy of solvation in the limit of infinite dilution. Both approaches are considered herein with the use of free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations to compute the necessary free energies of solvation at elevated pressures. Absolute and relative partial molar volumes are computed for benzene and benzene derivatives using the OPLS-AA force field. The mean unsigned error for all molecules is 2.8 cm(3) mol(-1). The present methodology should find use in many contexts such as the development and testing of force fields for use in computer simulations of organic and biomolecular systems, as a complement to related experimental studies, and to develop a deeper understanding of solute-solvent interactions.

Dilatometric measurement of the partial molar volume of water sorbed to durum wheat flour.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Ayako; Ogawa, Takenobu; Adachi, Shuji

2013-01-01

Moisture sorption isotherms were measured at 25 °C for untreated, dry-heated and pre-gelatinized durum wheat flour samples. The isotherms could be expressed by the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer equation. The amount of water sorbed to the untreated flour was highest for low water activity, with water sorbed to the pre-gelatinized and dry-heated flour samples following. The dry-heated and pregelatinized flour samples exhibited the same dependence of the moisture content on the partial molar volume of water at 25 °C as the untreated flour. The partial molar volume of water was ca. 9 cm(3)/mol at a moisture content of 0.03 kg-H2O/kg-d.m. The volume increased with increasing moisture content, and reached a constant value of ca. 17.5 cm(3)/mol at a moisture content of 0.2 kg-H2O/kg-d.m. or higher.

A New Approach for Deep Gray Matter Analysis Using Partial-Volume Estimation.

PubMed

Bonnier, Guillaume; Kober, Tobias; Schluep, Myriam; Du Pasquier, Renaud; Krueger, Gunnar; Meuli, Reto; Granziera, Cristina; Roche, Alexis

2016-01-01

The existence of partial volume effects in brain MR images makes it challenging to understand physio-pathological alterations underlying signal changes due to pathology across groups of healthy subjects and patients. In this study, we implement a new approach to disentangle gray and white matter alterations in the thalamus and the basal ganglia. The proposed method was applied to a cohort of early multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy subjects to evaluate tissue-specific alterations related to diffuse inflammatory or neurodegenerative processes. Forty-three relapsing-remitting MS patients and nineteen healthy controls underwent 3T MRI including: (i) fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, double inversion recovery, magnetization-prepared gradient echo for lesion count, and (ii) T1 relaxometry. We applied a partial volume estimation algorithm to T1 relaxometry maps to gray and white matter local concentrations as well as T1 values characteristic of gray and white matter in the thalamus and the basal ganglia. Statistical tests were performed to compare groups in terms of both global T1 values, tissue characteristic T1 values, and tissue concentrations. Significant increases in global T1 values were observed in the thalamus (p = 0.038) and the putamen (p = 0.026) in RRMS patients compared to HC. In the Thalamus, the T1 increase was associated with a significant increase in gray matter characteristic T1 (p = 0.0016) with no significant effect in white matter. The presented methodology provides additional information to standard MR signal averaging approaches that holds promise to identify the presence and nature of diffuse pathology in neuro-inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.

Statistical representative elementary volumes of porous media determined using greyscale analysis of 3D tomograms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruns, S.; Stipp, S. L. S.; Sørensen, H. O.

2017-09-01

Digital rock physics carries the dogmatic concept of having to segment volume images for quantitative analysis but segmentation rejects huge amounts of signal information. Information that is essential for the analysis of difficult and marginally resolved samples, such as materials with very small features, is lost during segmentation. In X-ray nanotomography reconstructions of Hod chalk we observed partial volume voxels with an abundance that limits segmentation based analysis. Therefore, we investigated the suitability of greyscale analysis for establishing statistical representative elementary volumes (sREV) for the important petrophysical parameters of this type of chalk, namely porosity, specific surface area and diffusive tortuosity, by using volume images without segmenting the datasets. Instead, grey level intensities were transformed to a voxel level porosity estimate using a Gaussian mixture model. A simple model assumption was made that allowed formulating a two point correlation function for surface area estimates using Bayes' theory. The same assumption enables random walk simulations in the presence of severe partial volume effects. The established sREVs illustrate that in compacted chalk, these simulations cannot be performed in binary representations without increasing the resolution of the imaging system to a point where the spatial restrictions of the represented sample volume render the precision of the measurement unacceptable. We illustrate this by analyzing the origins of variance in the quantitative analysis of volume images, i.e. resolution dependence and intersample and intrasample variance. Although we cannot make any claims on the accuracy of the approach, eliminating the segmentation step from the analysis enables comparative studies with higher precision and repeatability.

Fasting does not induce gastric emptying in rats.

PubMed

Brito, Marcus Vinicius Henriques; Yasojima, Edson Yuzur; Teixeira, Renan Kleber Costa; Houat, Abdallah de Paula; Yamaki, Vitor Nagai; Costa, Felipe Lobato da Silva

2015-03-01

To evaluate the effect of fasting on gastric emptying in mice. Twenty-eight mice were distributed into three study groups: a normal group (N=4): normal standard animals; a total fasting group (N=12): subjected to food and water deprivation and a partial fasting group (N=12): subjected to food deprivation only. The fasting groups were subdivided into three subgroups of four animals each, according to the date of euthanasia: 24, 48 and 72 hours. Was analyzed: the gastric volume, degree of the gastric wall distention and the presence of food debris in gastrointestinal tract. The mean gastric volume was 1601 mm3 in the normal group, 847 mm3 in total fasting group and 997 mm3 in partial fasting group. There was difference between the fasting groups in any analyzed period (p<0.05). Regarding the presence of food debris in the gastrointestinal tract and the degree of distension of the stomach, there was no difference between the groups that underwent total or partial fasting (p>0.05). Total fasting or only-solids deprivation does not induce gastric emptying in mice.

Tested Demonstrations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilbert, George L.

1983-01-01

An apparatus is described in which effects of pressure, volume, and temperature changes on a gas can be observed simultaneously. Includes use of the apparatus in demonstrating Boyle's, Gay-Lussac's, and Charles' Laws, attractive forces, Dalton's Law of Partial pressures, and in illustrating measurable vapor pressures of liquids and some solids.…

Evaluation of percutaneous ethanol injections in benign thyroid nodules.

PubMed

Perez, Camila Luhm Silva; Fighera, Tayane Muniz; Miasaki, Fabiola; Mesa Junior, Cleo Otaviano; Paz Filho, Gilberto Jorge da; Graf, Hans; Carvalho, Gisah Amaral de

2014-12-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. We evaluated 120 patients with benign thyroid nodules. Patients underwent evaluation of serum TSH and free T4, cervical ultrasound, and thyroid scintigraphy (in those with suppressed TSH levels). The application of sterile ethanol 99% was guided by ultrasound, with the injected volume amounting to one-third of the nodule volume. Response was considered complete (reduction of 90%); partial (reduction between 50 and 90%); or none (reduction of < 50%). Autonomous nodules were evaluated for normalization of TSH levels. Among the nodules studied, 30.8% were solid, 56.7% were mixed, 12.5% were cystic, and 21.6% were hyperfunctioning. The initial volume of the treated nodules ranged from 0.9 to 74.8 mL (mean 13.1 ± 12.4 mL). We performed 1-8 sessions of PEI, applying an average of 6.2 mL of ethanol for patient. After 2 years of follow-up, 17% of patients achieved a complete response (94% reduction); 53%, a partial response (70% reduction); and 30%, no response. A reduction in the volume of autonomous nodules was noted in 70% of cases, and 54% had a normalized value of TSH. The main side effect is local pain, lasting less than 24 hours in most cases. This study showed that PEI is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of benign, solid or mixed thyroid nodules. Most cases resulted in significant reduction in nodule volume, with normalization of thyroid function.

Turbulent piloted partially-premixed flames with varying levels of O2/N2: stability limits and PDF calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juddoo, Mrinal; Masri, Assaad R.; Pope, Stephen B.

2011-12-01

This paper reports measured stability limits and PDF calculations of piloted, turbulent flames of compressed natural gas (CNG) partially-premixed with either pure oxygen, or with varying levels of O2/N2. Stability limits are presented for flames of CNG fuel premixed with up to 20% oxygen as well as CNG-O2-N2 fuel where the O2 content is varied from 8 to 22% by volume. Calculations are presented for (i) Sydney flame B [Masri et al. 1988] which uses pure CNG as well as flames B15 to B25 where the CNG is partially-premixed with 15-25% oxygen by volume, respectively and (ii) Sandia methane-air (1:3 by volume) flame E [Barlow et al. 2005] as well as new flames E15 and E25 that are partially-premixed with 'reconstituted air' where the O2 content in nitrogen is 15 and 25% by volume, respectively. The calculations solve a transported PDF of composition using a particle-based Monte Carlo method and employ the EMST mixing model as well as detailed chemical kinetics. The addition of oxygen to the fuel increases stability, shortens the flames, broadens the reaction zone, and shifts the stoichiometric mixture fraction towards the inner side of the jet. It is found that for pure CNG flames where the reaction zone is narrow (∼0.1 in mixture fraction space), the PDF calculations fail to reproduce the correct level of local extinction on approach to blow-off. A broadening in the reaction zone up to about 0.25 in mixture fraction space is needed for the PDF/EMST approach to be able to capture these finite-rate chemistry effects. It is also found that for the same level of partial premixing, increasing the O2/N2 ratio increases the maximum levels of CO and NO but shifts the peak to richer mixture fractions. Over the range of oxygenation investigated here, stability limits have shown to improve almost linearly with increasing oxygen levels in the fuel and with increasing the contribution of release rate from the pilot.

Clinical application of calculated split renal volume using computed tomography-based renal volumetry after partial nephrectomy: Correlation with technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan data.

PubMed

Lee, Chan Ho; Park, Young Joo; Ku, Ja Yoon; Ha, Hong Koo

2017-06-01

To evaluate the clinical application of computed tomography-based measurement of renal cortical volume and split renal volume as a single tool to assess the anatomy and renal function in patients with renal tumors before and after partial nephrectomy, and to compare the findings with technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan. The data of 51 patients with a unilateral renal tumor managed by partial nephrectomy were retrospectively analyzed. The renal cortical volume of tumor-bearing and contralateral kidneys was measured using ImageJ software. Split estimated glomerular filtration rate and split renal volume calculated using this renal cortical volume were compared with the split renal function measured with technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan. A strong correlation between split renal function and split renal volume of the tumor-bearing kidney was observed before and after surgery (r = 0.89, P < 0.001 and r = 0.94, P < 0.001). The preoperative and postoperative split estimated glomerular filtration rate of the operated kidney showed a moderate correlation with split renal function (r = 0.39, P = 0.004 and r = 0.49, P < 0.001). The correlation between reductions in split renal function and split renal volume of the operated kidney (r = 0.87, P < 0.001) was stronger than that between split renal function and percent reduction in split estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.64, P < 0.001). The split renal volume calculated using computed tomography-based renal volumetry had a strong correlation with the split renal function measured using technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan. Computed tomography-based split renal volume measurement before and after partial nephrectomy can be used as a single modality for anatomical and functional assessment of the tumor-bearing kidney. © 2017 The Japanese Urological Association.

Magma ocean formation due to giant impacts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tonks, W. B.; Melosh, H. J.

1993-01-01

The thermal effects of giant impacts are studied by estimating the melt volume generated by the initial shock wave and corresponding magma ocean depths. Additionally, the effects of the planet's initial temperature on the generated melt volume are examined. The shock pressure required to completely melt the material is determined using the Hugoniot curve plotted in pressure-entropy space. Once the melting pressure is known, an impact melting model is used to estimate the radial distance melting occurred from the impact site. The melt region's geometry then determines the associated melt volume. The model is also used to estimate the partial melt volume. Magma ocean depths resulting from both excavated and retained melt are calculated, and the melt fraction not excavated during the formation of the crater is estimated. The fraction of a planet melted by the initial shock wave is also estimated using the model.

Combining MRI With PET for Partial Volume Correction Improves Image-Derived Input Functions in Mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Eleanor; Buonincontri, Guido; Izquierdo, David; Methner, Carmen; Hawkes, Rob C.; Ansorge, Richard E.; Krieg, Thomas; Carpenter, T. Adrian; Sawiak, Stephen J.

2015-06-01

Accurate kinetic modelling using dynamic PET requires knowledge of the tracer concentration in plasma, known as the arterial input function (AIF). AIFs are usually determined by invasive blood sampling, but this is prohibitive in murine studies due to low total blood volumes. As a result of the low spatial resolution of PET, image-derived input functions (IDIFs) must be extracted from left ventricular blood pool (LVBP) ROIs of the mouse heart. This is challenging because of partial volume and spillover effects between the LVBP and myocardium, contaminating IDIFs with tissue signal. We have applied the geometric transfer matrix (GTM) method of partial volume correction (PVC) to 12 mice injected with 18F - FDG affected by a Myocardial Infarction (MI), of which 6 were treated with a drug which reduced infarction size [1]. We utilised high resolution MRI to assist in segmenting mouse hearts into 5 classes: LVBP, infarcted myocardium, healthy myocardium, lungs/body and background. The signal contribution from these 5 classes was convolved with the point spread function (PSF) of the Cambridge split magnet PET scanner and a non-linear fit was performed on the 5 measured signal components. The corrected IDIF was taken as the fitted LVBP component. It was found that the GTM PVC method could recover an IDIF with less contamination from spillover than an IDIF extracted from PET data alone. More realistic values of Ki were achieved using GTM IDIFs, which were shown to be significantly different (p <; 0.05) between the treated and untreated groups.

Significance of starch properties and quantity on sponge cake volume

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We evaluated the qualitative and quantitative effects of wheat starch on sponge cake (SC) baking quality. Twenty wheat flours, including soft white and club wheat of normal, partial waxy and waxy endosperm, and hard wheat, were tested for amylose content, pasting properties, and SC baking quality. S...

Establishing the 3-D finite element solid model of femurs in partial by volume rendering.

PubMed

Zhang, Yinwang; Zhong, Wuxue; Zhu, Haibo; Chen, Yun; Xu, Lingjun; Zhu, Jianmin

2013-01-01

It remains rare to report three-dimensional (3-D) finite element solid model of femurs in partial by volume rendering method, though several methods of femoral 3-D finite element modeling are already available. We aim to analyze the advantages of the modeling method by establishing the 3-D finite element solid model of femurs in partial by volume rendering. A 3-D finite element model of the normal human femurs, made up of three anatomic structures: cortical bone, cancellous bone and pulp cavity, was constructed followed by pretreatment of the CT original image. Moreover, the finite-element analysis was carried on different material properties, three types of materials given for cortical bone, six assigned for cancellous bone, and single for pulp cavity. The established 3-D finite element of femurs contains three anatomical structures: cortical bone, cancellous bone, and pulp cavity. The compressive stress primarily concentrated in the medial surfaces of femur, especially in the calcar femorale. Compared with whole modeling by volume rendering method, the 3-D finite element solid model created in partial is more real and fit for finite element analysis. Copyright © 2013 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Positron beam study of indium tin oxide films on GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheung, C. K.; Wang, R. X.; Beling, C. D.; Djurisic, A. B.; Fung, S.

2007-02-01

Variable energy Doppler broadening spectroscopy has been used to study open-volume defects formed during the fabrication of indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films grown by electron-beam evaporation on n-GaN. The films were prepared at room temperature, 200 and 300 °C without oxygen and at 200 °C under different oxygen partial pressures. The results show that at elevated growth temperatures the ITO has fewer open volume sites and grows with a more crystalline structure. High temperature growth, however, is not sufficient in itself to remove open volume defects at the ITO/GaN interface. Growth under elevated temperature and under partial pressure of oxygen is found to further reduce the vacancy type defects associated with the ITO film, thus improving the quality of the film. Oxygen partial pressures of 6 × 10-3 mbar and above are found to remove open volume defects associated with the ITO/GaN interface. The study suggests that, irrespective of growth temperature and oxygen partial pressure, there is only one type of defect in the ITO responsible for trapping positrons, which we tentatively attribute to the oxygen vacancy.

REVIEW: High pressure NMR study of proteins - seeking roots for function, evolution, disease and food applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akasaka, Kazuyuki

2010-12-01

NMR experiments at variable pressure reveal a wide range of conformation of a globular protein spanning from within the folded ensemble to the fully unfolded ensemble, herewith collectively called "high-energy conformers". The observation of "high-energy conformers" in a wide variety of globular proteins has led to the "volume theorem": the partial molar volume of a protein decreases with the decrease in its conformational order. Since "high-energy conformers" are intrinsically more reactive than the basic folded conformer, they could play decisive roles in all phenomena of proteins, namely function, environmental adaptation and misfolding. Based on the information on high-energy conformers and the rules on their partial volume in its monomeric state and amyloidosis, one may have a general view on what is happening on proteins under pressure. Moreover, one may even choose a high-energy conformer of a protein with pressure as variable for a particular purpose. Bridging "high-energy conformers" to macroscopic pressure effects could be a key to success in pressure application to biology, medicine, food technology and industry in the near future.

Solution properties and taste behavior of lactose monohydrate in aqueous ascorbic acid solutions at different temperatures: Volumetric and rheological approach.

PubMed

Sarkar, Abhijit; Sinha, Biswajit

2016-11-15

The densities and viscosities of lactose monohydrate in aqueous ascorbic acid solutions with several molal concentrations m=(0.00-0.08)molkg(-1) of ascorbic acid were determined at T=(298.15-318.15)K and pressure p=101kPa. Using experimental data apparent molar volume (ϕV), standard partial molar volume (ϕV(0)), the slope (SV(∗)), apparent specific volumes (ϕVsp), standard isobaric partial molar expansibility (ϕE(0)) and its temperature dependence [Formula: see text] the viscosity B-coefficient and solvation number (Sn) were determined. Viscosity B-coefficients were further employed to obtain the free energies of activation of viscous flow per mole of the solvents (Δμ1(0≠)) and of the solute (Δμ2(0≠)). Effects of molality, solute structure and temperature and taste behavior were analyzed in terms of solute-solute and solute-solvent interactions; results revealed that the solutions are characterized predominantly by solute-solvent interactions and lactose monohydrate behaves as a long-range structure maker. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anatomical-based partial volume correction for low-dose dedicated cardiac SPECT/CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hui; Chan, Chung; Grobshtein, Yariv; Ma, Tianyu; Liu, Yaqiang; Wang, Shi; Stacy, Mitchel R.; Sinusas, Albert J.; Liu, Chi

2015-09-01

Due to the limited spatial resolution, partial volume effect has been a major degrading factor on quantitative accuracy in emission tomography systems. This study aims to investigate the performance of several anatomical-based partial volume correction (PVC) methods for a dedicated cardiac SPECT/CT system (GE Discovery NM/CT 570c) with focused field-of-view over a clinically relevant range of high and low count levels for two different radiotracer distributions. These PVC methods include perturbation geometry transfer matrix (pGTM), pGTM followed by multi-target correction (MTC), pGTM with known concentration in blood pool, the former followed by MTC and our newly proposed methods, which perform the MTC method iteratively, where the mean values in all regions are estimated and updated by the MTC-corrected images each time in the iterative process. The NCAT phantom was simulated for cardiovascular imaging with 99mTc-tetrofosmin, a myocardial perfusion agent, and 99mTc-red blood cell (RBC), a pure intravascular imaging agent. Images were acquired at six different count levels to investigate the performance of PVC methods in both high and low count levels for low-dose applications. We performed two large animal in vivo cardiac imaging experiments following injection of 99mTc-RBC for evaluation of intramyocardial blood volume (IMBV). The simulation results showed our proposed iterative methods provide superior performance than other existing PVC methods in terms of image quality, quantitative accuracy, and reproducibility (standard deviation), particularly for low-count data. The iterative approaches are robust for both 99mTc-tetrofosmin perfusion imaging and 99mTc-RBC imaging of IMBV and blood pool activity even at low count levels. The animal study results indicated the effectiveness of PVC to correct the overestimation of IMBV due to blood pool contamination. In conclusion, the iterative PVC methods can achieve more accurate quantification, particularly for low count cardiac SPECT studies, typically obtained from low-dose protocols, gated studies, and dynamic applications.

Towards a universal method for calculating hydration free energies: a 3D reference interaction site model with partial molar volume correction.

PubMed

Palmer, David S; Frolov, Andrey I; Ratkova, Ekaterina L; Fedorov, Maxim V

2010-12-15

We report a simple universal method to systematically improve the accuracy of hydration free energies calculated using an integral equation theory of molecular liquids, the 3D reference interaction site model. A strong linear correlation is observed between the difference of the experimental and (uncorrected) calculated hydration free energies and the calculated partial molar volume for a data set of 185 neutral organic molecules from different chemical classes. By using the partial molar volume as a linear empirical correction to the calculated hydration free energy, we obtain predictions of hydration free energies in excellent agreement with experiment (R = 0.94, σ = 0.99 kcal mol (- 1) for a test set of 120 organic molecules).

A multifractal approach to space-filling recovery for PET quantification.

PubMed

Willaime, Julien M Y; Aboagye, Eric O; Tsoumpas, Charalampos; Turkheimer, Federico E

2014-11-01

A new image-based methodology is developed for estimating the apparent space-filling properties of an object of interest in PET imaging without need for a robust segmentation step and used to recover accurate estimates of total lesion activity (TLA). A multifractal approach and the fractal dimension are proposed to recover the apparent space-filling index of a lesion (tumor volume, TV) embedded in nonzero background. A practical implementation is proposed, and the index is subsequently used with mean standardized uptake value (SUV mean) to correct TLA estimates obtained from approximate lesion contours. The methodology is illustrated on fractal and synthetic objects contaminated by partial volume effects (PVEs), validated on realistic (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET simulations and tested for its robustness using a clinical (18)F-fluorothymidine PET test-retest dataset. TLA estimates were stable for a range of resolutions typical in PET oncology (4-6 mm). By contrast, the space-filling index and intensity estimates were resolution dependent. TLA was generally recovered within 15% of ground truth on postfiltered PET images affected by PVEs. Volumes were recovered within 15% variability in the repeatability study. Results indicated that TLA is a more robust index than other traditional metrics such as SUV mean or TV measurements across imaging protocols. The fractal procedure reported here is proposed as a simple and effective computational alternative to existing methodologies which require the incorporation of image preprocessing steps (i.e., partial volume correction and automatic segmentation) prior to quantification.

Comparison of 2 cuff inflation methods of laryngeal mask airway Classic for safe use without cuff manometer in adults.

PubMed

Kim, Min-Soo; Lee, Jeong-Rim; Shin, Yang-Sik; Chung, Ji-Won; Lee, Kyu-Ho; Ahn, Ki Ryang

2014-03-01

This single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, 2-arm, parallel group comparison trial was performed to establish whether the adult-sized laryngeal mask airway (LMA) Classic (The Laryngeal Mask Company Ltd, Henley-on-Thames, UK) could be used safely without any consideration of cuff hyperinflation when a cuff of the LMA Classic was inflated using half the maximum inflation volume or the resting volume before insertion of device. Eighty patients aged 20 to 70 years scheduled for general anesthesia using the LMA Classic were included. Before insertion, the cuff was partially filled with half the maximum inflation volume in the half volume group or the resting volume created by opening the pilot balloon valve to equalize with atmospheric pressure in the resting volume group. Several parameters regarding insertion, intracuff pressure, airway leak pressure, and leakage volume/fraction were collected after LMA insertion. The LMA Classic with a partially inflated cuff was successfully inserted in all enrolled patients. Both groups had the same success rate of 95% at the first insertion attempt. The half volume group had a lower mean intracuff pressure compared with the resting volume group (54.5 ± 16.1 cm H2O vs 61.8 ± 16.1 cm H2O; P = .047). There was no difference in airway leak pressure or leakage volume/fraction between the 2 groups under mechanical ventilation. The partially inflated cuff method using half the maximum recommended inflation volume or the resting volume is feasible with the adult-sized LMA Classic, resulting in a high success rate of insertion and adequate range of intracuff pressures. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures to Determine the Vapor Pressure of a Volatile Liquid

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hilgeman, Fred R.; Bertrand, Gary; Wilson, Brent

2007-01-01

This experiment, designed for a general chemistry laboratory, illustrates the use of Dalton's law of partial pressures to determine the vapor pressure of a volatile liquid. A predetermined volume of air is injected into a calibrated tube filled with a liquid whose vapor pressure is to be measured. The volume of the liquid displaced is greater than…

Utility of a Multiparametric Quantitative MRI Model That Assesses Myelin and Edema for Evaluating Plaques, Periplaque White Matter, and Normal-Appearing White Matter in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Feasibility Study.

PubMed

Hagiwara, A; Hori, M; Yokoyama, K; Takemura, M Y; Andica, C; Kumamaru, K K; Nakazawa, M; Takano, N; Kawasaki, H; Sato, S; Hamasaki, N; Kunimatsu, A; Aoki, S

2017-02-01

T1 and T2 values and proton density can now be quantified on the basis of a single MR acquisition. The myelin and edema in a voxel can also be estimated from these values. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a multiparametric quantitative MR imaging model that assesses myelin and edema for characterizing plaques, periplaque white matter, and normal-appearing white matter in patients with MS. We examined 3T quantitative MR imaging data from 21 patients with MS. The myelin partial volume, excess parenchymal water partial volume, the inverse of T1 and transverse T2 relaxation times (R1, R2), and proton density were compared among plaques, periplaque white matter, and normal-appearing white matter. All metrics differed significantly across the 3 groups ( P < .001). Those in plaques differed most from those in normal-appearing white matter. The percentage changes of the metrics in plaques and periplaque white matter relative to normal-appearing white matter were significantly more different from zero for myelin partial volume (mean, -61.59 ± 20.28% [plaque relative to normal-appearing white matter], and mean, -10.51 ± 11.41% [periplaque white matter relative to normal-appearing white matter]), and excess parenchymal water partial volume (13.82 × 10 3 ± 49.47 × 10 3 % and 51.33 × 10 2 ± 155.31 × 10 2 %) than for R1 (-35.23 ± 13.93% and -6.08 ± 8.66%), R2 (-21.06 ± 11.39% and -4.79 ± 6.79%), and proton density (23.37 ± 10.30% and 3.37 ± 4.24%). Multiparametric quantitative MR imaging captures white matter damage in MS. Myelin partial volume and excess parenchymal water partial volume are more sensitive to the MS disease process than R1, R2, and proton density. © 2017 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Numerical analysis of partially molten splat during thermal spray process using the finite element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zirari, M.; Abdellah El-Hadj, A.; Bacha, N.

2010-03-01

A finite element method is used to simulate the deposition of the thermal spray coating process. A set of governing equations is solving by a volume of fluid method. For the solidification phenomenon, we use the specific heat method (SHM). We begin by comparing the present model with experimental and numerical model available in the literature. In this study, completely molten or semi-molten aluminum particle impacts a H13 tool steel substrate is considered. Next we investigate the effect of inclination of impact of a partially molten particle on flat substrate. It was found that the melting state of the particle has great effects on the morphologies of the splat.

Radiation Dose–Dependent Hippocampal Atrophy Detected With Longitudinal Volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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

Seibert, Tyler M.; Karunamuni, Roshan; Bartsch, Hauke

Purpose: After radiation therapy (RT) to the brain, patients often experience memory impairment, which may be partially mediated by damage to the hippocampus. Hippocampal sparing in RT planning is the subject of recent and ongoing clinical trials. Calculating appropriate hippocampal dose constraints would be improved by efficient in vivo measurements of hippocampal damage. In this study we sought to determine whether brain RT was associated with dose-dependent hippocampal atrophy. Methods and Materials: Hippocampal volume was measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 52 patients who underwent fractionated, partial brain RT for primary brain tumors. Study patients had high-resolution, 3-dimensional volumetric MRI beforemore » and 1 year after RT. Images were processed using software with clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration and Conformité Européene marking for automated measurement of hippocampal volume. Automated results were inspected visually for accuracy. Tumor and surgical changes were censored. Mean hippocampal dose was tested for correlation with hippocampal atrophy 1 year after RT. Average hippocampal volume change was also calculated for hippocampi receiving high (>40 Gy) or low (<10 Gy) mean RT dose. A multivariate analysis was conducted with linear mixed-effects modeling to evaluate other potential predictors of hippocampal volume change, including patient (random effect), age, hemisphere, sex, seizure history, and baseline volume. Statistical significance was evaluated at α = 0.05. Results: Mean hippocampal dose was significantly correlated with hippocampal volume loss (r=−0.24, P=.03). Mean hippocampal volume was significantly reduced 1 year after high-dose RT (mean −6%, P=.009) but not after low-dose RT. In multivariate analysis, both RT dose and patient age were significant predictors of hippocampal atrophy (P<.01). Conclusions: The hippocampus demonstrates radiation dose–dependent atrophy after treatment for brain tumors. Quantitative MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique capable of measuring radiation effects on intracranial structures. This technique could be investigated as a potential biomarker for development of reliable dose constraints for improved cognitive outcomes.« less

Direct estimation of 17 O MR images (DIESIS) for quantification of oxygen metabolism in the human brain with partial volume correction.

PubMed

Kurzhunov, Dmitry; Borowiak, Robert; Reisert, Marco; Özen, Ali Caglar; Bock, Michael

2018-05-16

To provide a data post-processing method that corrects for partial volume effects (PVE) and fast T2* decay in dynamic 17 O MRI for the mapping of cerebral metabolic rates of oxygen consumption (CMRO 2 ). CMRO 2 is altered in neurodegenerative diseases and tumors and can be measured after 17 O gas inhalation using dynamic 17 O MRI. CMRO 2 quantification is difficult because of PVE. To correct for PVE, a direct estimation of the MR images (DIESIS) method is proposed and used in 4 dynamic 17 O MRI data sets of a healthy volunteer acquired on a 3T MRI system. With DIESIS, 17 O MR signal time curves in selected regions were directly estimated based on parcellation of a coregistered 1 H MPRAGE image. Profile likelihood analysis of the DIESIS method showed identifiability of CMRO 2 . In white matter (WM), DIESES reduced CMRO 2 from 0.97 ± 0.25 µmol/g tissue /min with Kaiser-Bessel gridding reconstruction to 0.85 ± 0.21 µmol/g tissue /min, whereas in gray matter (GM) it increases from 1.3 ± 0.31 µmol/g tissue /min to 1.86 ± 0.36 µmol/g tissue /min; both values are closer to the literature values from the 15 O-PET studies. DIESIS provided an increased separation of CMRO 2 values in GM and WM brain regions and corrected for partial volume effects in 17 O-MRI inhalation experiments. DIESIS could also be applied to more heterogeneous tissues such as glioblastomas if subregions of the tumor can be represented as additional parcels. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

What approach to brain partial volume correction is best for PET/MRI?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hutton, B. F.; Thomas, B. A.; Erlandsson, K.; Bousse, A.; Reilhac-Laborde, A.; Kazantsev, D.; Pedemonte, S.; Vunckx, K.; Arridge, S. R.; Ourselin, S.

2013-02-01

Many partial volume correction approaches make use of anatomical information, readily available in PET/MRI systems but it is not clear what approach is best. Seven novel approaches to partial volume correction were evaluated, including several post-reconstruction methods and several reconstruction methods that incorporate anatomical information. These were compared with an MRI-independent approach (reblurred van Cittert ) and uncorrected data. Monte Carlo PET data were generated for activity distributions representing both 18F FDG and amyloid tracer uptake. Post-reconstruction methods provided the best recovery with ideal segmentation but were particularly sensitive to mis-registration. Alternative approaches performed better in maintaining lesion contrast (unseen in MRI) with good noise control. These were also relatively insensitive to mis-registration errors. The choice of method will depend on the specific application and reliability of segmentation and registration algorithms.

Structure and Dynamics of Bimodal Colloidal Dispersions in a Low-Molecular-Weight Polymer Solution

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Fan; Allen, Andrew J.; Levine, Lyle E.; ...

2017-02-24

We present an experimental study of the structural and dynamical properties of bimodal, micrometersized colloidal dispersions (size ratio ≈ 2) in an aqueous solution of low-molecular weight polymer (polyethylene glycol 2000) using synchrotron ultra-small angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) and USAXSbased X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy. We fixed the volume fraction of the large particles at 5 % and systematically increased the volume fraction of the small particles from 0 % to 5 % to evaluate its effect on the structure and dynamics. The bimodal dispersions were homogenous through the investigated parameter space. We found that the partial structure factors can bemore » satisfactorily retrieved for the bimodal colloidal dispersions using a Percus-Yevick hard sphere potential when the particle size distributions of the particles were taken into account. We also found that the partial structure factor between the large particles does not exhibit significant variation with increasing volume fraction of small particles, whereas the isothermal compressibility of the binary mixture was found to decrease with increasing volume fraction of small particles. The dynamics of single-component large particle dispersion obey the principles of de Gennes narrowing, where the wave vector dependence of the interparticle diffusion coefficient is inversely proportional to the interparticle structure factor. The dynamics of the bimodal dispersions demonstrate strong dependence on the fraction of small particles. As a result, we also made a comparison between the experimental effective dynamic viscosity of the bimodal dispersion with theoretical predictions, which suggest that the complex mutual interactions between large and small particles have a strong effect on the dynamic behaviors of bimodal dispersions.« less

Structure and Dynamics of Bimodal Colloidal Dispersions in a Low-Molecular-Weight Polymer Solution.

PubMed

Zhang, Fan; Allen, Andrew J; Levine, Lyle E; Tsai, De-Hao; Ilavsky, Jan

2017-03-21

We present an experimental study of the structural and dynamical properties of bimodal, micrometer-sized colloidal dispersions (size ratio ≈ 2) in an aqueous solution of low-molecular-weight polymer (polyethylene glycol 2000) using synchrotron ultra-small angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) and USAXS-based X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy. We fixed the volume fraction of the large particles at 5% and systematically increased the volume fraction of the small particles from 0 to 5% to evaluate their effects on the structure and dynamics. The bimodal dispersions were homogenous through the investigated parameter space. We found that the partial structure factors can be satisfactorily retrieved for the bimodal colloidal dispersions using a Percus-Yevick hard-sphere potential when the size distributions of the particles were taken into account. We also found that the partial structure factor between the large particles did not exhibit a significant variation with increasing volume fraction of the small particles, whereas the isothermal compressibility of the binary mixture was found to decrease with increasing volume fraction of the small particles. The dynamics of single-component large-particle dispersion obey the principles of de Gennes narrowing, where the wave vector dependence of the interparticle diffusion coefficient is inversely proportional to the interparticle structure factor. The dynamics of the bimodal dispersions demonstrate a strong dependence on the fraction of small particles. We also made a comparison between the experimental effective dynamic viscosity of the bimodal dispersion with the theoretical predictions, which suggest that the complex mutual interactions between the large and small particles have a strong effect on the dynamic behaviors of bimodal dispersions.

Structure and Dynamics of Bimodal Colloidal Dispersions in a Low-Molecular-Weight Polymer Solution

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

Zhang, Fan; Allen, Andrew J.; Levine, Lyle E.

We present an experimental study of the structural and dynamical properties of bimodal, micrometersized colloidal dispersions (size ratio ≈ 2) in an aqueous solution of low-molecular weight polymer (polyethylene glycol 2000) using synchrotron ultra-small angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) and USAXSbased X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy. We fixed the volume fraction of the large particles at 5 % and systematically increased the volume fraction of the small particles from 0 % to 5 % to evaluate its effect on the structure and dynamics. The bimodal dispersions were homogenous through the investigated parameter space. We found that the partial structure factors can bemore » satisfactorily retrieved for the bimodal colloidal dispersions using a Percus-Yevick hard sphere potential when the particle size distributions of the particles were taken into account. We also found that the partial structure factor between the large particles does not exhibit significant variation with increasing volume fraction of small particles, whereas the isothermal compressibility of the binary mixture was found to decrease with increasing volume fraction of small particles. The dynamics of single-component large particle dispersion obey the principles of de Gennes narrowing, where the wave vector dependence of the interparticle diffusion coefficient is inversely proportional to the interparticle structure factor. The dynamics of the bimodal dispersions demonstrate strong dependence on the fraction of small particles. As a result, we also made a comparison between the experimental effective dynamic viscosity of the bimodal dispersion with theoretical predictions, which suggest that the complex mutual interactions between large and small particles have a strong effect on the dynamic behaviors of bimodal dispersions.« less

Explaining Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Use of High-Volume Hospitals

PubMed Central

Gray, Bradford H.; Schlesinger, Mark

2014-01-01

Racial/ethnic minorities are less likely to use higher-quality hospitals than whites. We propose that a higher level of information-related complexity in their local hospital environments compounds the effects of discrimination and more limited access to services, contributing to racial/ethnic disparities in hospital use. While minorities live closer than whites to high-volume hospitals, minorities also face greater choice complexity and live in neighborhoods with lower levels of medical experience. Our empirical results reveal that it is generally the overall context associated with proximity, choice complexity, and local experience, rather than differential sensitivity to these factors, that provides a partial explanation of the disparity gap in high-volume hospital use. PMID:25316717

A Virtual Reality System for PTCD Simulation Using Direct Visuo-Haptic Rendering of Partially Segmented Image Data.

PubMed

Fortmeier, Dirk; Mastmeyer, Andre; Schröder, Julian; Handels, Heinz

2016-01-01

This study presents a new visuo-haptic virtual reality (VR) training and planning system for percutaneous transhepatic cholangio-drainage (PTCD) based on partially segmented virtual patient models. We only use partially segmented image data instead of a full segmentation and circumvent the necessity of surface or volume mesh models. Haptic interaction with the virtual patient during virtual palpation, ultrasound probing and needle insertion is provided. Furthermore, the VR simulator includes X-ray and ultrasound simulation for image-guided training. The visualization techniques are GPU-accelerated by implementation in Cuda and include real-time volume deformations computed on the grid of the image data. Computation on the image grid enables straightforward integration of the deformed image data into the visualization components. To provide shorter rendering times, the performance of the volume deformation algorithm is improved by a multigrid approach. To evaluate the VR training system, a user evaluation has been performed and deformation algorithms are analyzed in terms of convergence speed with respect to a fully converged solution. The user evaluation shows positive results with increased user confidence after a training session. It is shown that using partially segmented patient data and direct volume rendering is suitable for the simulation of needle insertion procedures such as PTCD.

Dose Distribution in Bladder and Surrounding Normal Tissues in Relation to Bladder Volume in Conformal Radiotherapy for Bladder Cancer

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

Majewski, Wojciech, E-mail: wmajewski1@poczta.onet.p; Wesolowska, Iwona; Urbanczyk, Hubert

2009-12-01

Purpose: To estimate bladder movements and changes in dose distribution in the bladder and surrounding tissues associated with changes in bladder filling and to estimate the internal treatment margins. Methods and Materials: A total of 16 patients with bladder cancer underwent planning computed tomography scans with 80- and 150-mL bladder volumes. The bladder displacements associated with the change in volume were measured. Each patient had treatment plans constructed for a 'partially empty' (80 mL) and a 'partially full' (150 mL) bladder. An additional plan was constructed for tumor irradiation alone. A subsequent 9 patients underwent sequential weekly computed tomography scanningmore » during radiotherapy to verify the bladder movements and estimate the internal margins. Results: Bladder movements were mainly observed cranially, and the estimated internal margins were nonuniform and largest (>2 cm) anteriorly and cranially. The dose distribution in the bladder worsened if the bladder increased in volume: 70% of patients (11 of 16) would have had bladder underdosed to <95% of the prescribed dose. The dose distribution in the rectum and intestines was better with a 'partially empty' bladder (volume that received >70%, 80%, and 90% of the prescribed dose was 23%, 20%, and 15% for the rectum and 162, 144, 123 cm{sup 3} for the intestines, respectively) than with a 'partially full' bladder (volume that received >70%, 80%, and 90% of the prescribed dose was 28%, 24%, and 18% for the rectum and 180, 158, 136 cm{sup 3} for the intestines, respectively). The change in bladder filling during RT was significant for the dose distribution in the intestines. Tumor irradiation alone was significantly better than whole bladder irradiation in terms of organ sparing. Conclusion: The displacements of the bladder due to volume changes were mainly related to the upper wall. The internal margins should be nonuniform, with the largest margins cranially and anteriorly. The changes in bladder filling during RT could influence the dose distribution in the bladder and intestines. The dose distribution in the rectum and bowel was slightly better with a 'partially empty' than with a 'full' bladder.« less

Cortical thickness measurement from magnetic resonance images using partial volume estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuluaga, Maria A.; Acosta, Oscar; Bourgeat, Pierrick; Hernández Hoyos, Marcela; Salvado, Olivier; Ourselin, Sébastien

2008-03-01

Measurement of the cortical thickness from 3D Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can aid diagnosis and longitudinal studies of a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases. We estimate the cortical thickness using a Laplacian approach whereby equipotentials analogous to layers of tissue are computed. The thickness is then obtained using an Eulerian approach where partial differential equations (PDE) are solved, avoiding the explicit tracing of trajectories along the streamlines gradient. This method has the advantage of being relatively fast and insure unique correspondence points between the inner and outer boundaries of the cortex. The original method is challenged when the thickness of the cortex is of the same order of magnitude as the image resolution since partial volume (PV) effect is not taken into account at the gray matter (GM) boundaries. We propose a novel way to take into account PV which improves substantially accuracy and robustness. We model PV by computing a mixture of pure Gaussian probability distributions and use this estimate to initialize the cortical thickness estimation. On synthetic phantoms experiments, the errors were divided by three while reproducibility was improved when the same patients was scanned three consecutive times.

Improving the accuracy of ionization chamber dosimetry in small megavoltage x-ray fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McNiven, Andrea L.

The dosimetry of small x-ray fields is difficult, but important, in many radiation therapy delivery methods. The accuracy of ion chambers for small field applications, however, is limited due to the relatively large size of the chamber with respect to the field size, leading to partial volume effects, lateral electronic disequilibrium and calibration difficulties. The goal of this dissertation was to investigate the use of ionization chambers for the purpose of dosimetry in small megavoltage photon beams with the aim of improving clinical dose measurements in stereotactic radiotherapy and helical tomotherapy. A new method for the direct determination of the sensitive volume of small-volume ion chambers using micro computed tomography (muCT) was investigated using four nominally identical small-volume (0.56 cm3) cylindrical ion chambers. Agreement between their measured relative volume and ionization measurements (within 2%) demonstrated the feasibility of volume determination through muCT. Cavity-gas calibration coefficients were also determined, demonstrating the promise for accurate ion chamber calibration based partially on muCT. The accuracy of relative dose factor measurements in 6MV stereotactic x-ray fields (5 to 40mm diameter) was investigated using a set of prototype plane-parallel ionization chambers (diameters of 2, 4, 10 and 20mm). Chamber and field size specific correction factors ( CSFQ ), that account for perturbation of the secondary electron fluence, were calculated using Monte Carlo simulation methods (BEAM/EGSnrc simulations). These correction factors (e.g. CSFQ = 1.76 (2mm chamber, 5mm field) allow for accurate relative dose factor (RDF) measurement when applied to ionization readings, under conditions of electronic disequilibrium. With respect to the dosimetry of helical tomotherapy, a novel application of the ion chambers was developed to characterize the fan beam size and effective dose rate. Characterization was based on an adaptation of the computed tomography dose index (CTDI), a concept normally used in diagnostic radiology. This involved experimental determination of the fan beam thickness using the ion chambers to acquire fan beam profiles and extrapolation to a 'zero-size' detector. In conclusion, improvements have been made in the accuracy of small field dosimetry measurements in stereotactic radiotherapy and helical tomotherapy. This was completed through introduction of an original technique involving micro-CT imaging for sensitive volume determination and potentially ion chamber calibration coefficients, the use of appropriate Monte Carlo derived correction factors for RDF measurement, and the exploitation of the partial volume effect for helical tomotherapy fan beam dosimetry. With improved dosimetry for a wide range of challenging small x-ray field situations, it is expected that the patient's radiation safety will be maintained, and that clinical trials will adopt calibration protocols specialized for modern radiotherapy with small fields or beamlets. Keywords. radiation therapy, ionization chambers, small field dosimetry, stereotactic radiotherapy, helical tomotherapy, micro-CT.

Partial volume correction using cortical surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blaasvær, Kamille R.; Haubro, Camilla D.; Eskildsen, Simon F.; Borghammer, Per; Otzen, Daniel; Ostergaard, Lasse R.

2010-03-01

Partial volume effect (PVE) in positron emission tomography (PET) leads to inaccurate estimation of regional metabolic activities among neighbouring tissues with different tracer concentration. This may be one of the main limiting factors in the utilization of PET in clinical practice. Partial volume correction (PVC) methods have been widely studied to address this issue. MRI based PVC methods are well-established.1 Their performance depend on the quality of the co-registration of the MR and PET dataset, on the correctness of the estimated point-spread function (PSF) of the PET scanner and largely on the performance of the segmentation method that divide the brain into brain tissue compartments.1, 2 In the present study a method for PVC is suggested, that utilizes cortical surfaces, to obtain detailed anatomical information. The objectives are to improve the performance of PVC, facilitate a study of the relationship between metabolic activity in the cerebral cortex and cortical thicknesses, and to obtain an improved visualization of PET data. The gray matter metabolic activity after performing PVC was recovered by 99.7 - 99.8 % , in relation to the true activity when testing on simple simulated data with different PSFs and by 97.9 - 100 % when testing on simulated brain PET data at different cortical thicknesses. When studying the relationship between metabolic activities and anatomical structures it was shown on simulated brain PET data, that it is important to correct for PVE in order to get the true relationship.

A comparison of five partial volume correction methods for Tau and Amyloid PET imaging with [18F]THK5351 and [11C]PIB.

PubMed

Shidahara, Miho; Thomas, Benjamin A; Okamura, Nobuyuki; Ibaraki, Masanobu; Matsubara, Keisuke; Oyama, Senri; Ishikawa, Yoichi; Watanuki, Shoichi; Iwata, Ren; Furumoto, Shozo; Tashiro, Manabu; Yanai, Kazuhiko; Gonda, Kohsuke; Watabe, Hiroshi

2017-08-01

To suppress partial volume effect (PVE) in brain PET, there have been many algorithms proposed. However, each methodology has different property due to its assumption and algorithms. Our aim of this study was to investigate the difference among partial volume correction (PVC) method for tau and amyloid PET study. We investigated two of the most commonly used PVC methods, Müller-Gärtner (MG) and geometric transfer matrix (GTM) and also other three methods for clinical tau and amyloid PET imaging. One healthy control (HC) and one Alzheimer's disease (AD) PET studies of both [ 18 F]THK5351 and [ 11 C]PIB were performed using a Eminence STARGATE scanner (Shimadzu Inc., Kyoto, Japan). All PET images were corrected for PVE by MG, GTM, Labbé (LABBE), Regional voxel-based (RBV), and Iterative Yang (IY) methods, with segmented or parcellated anatomical information processed by FreeSurfer, derived from individual MR images. PVC results of 5 algorithms were compared with the uncorrected data. In regions of high uptake of [ 18 F]THK5351 and [ 11 C]PIB, different PVCs demonstrated different SUVRs. The degree of difference between PVE uncorrected and corrected depends on not only PVC algorithm but also type of tracer and subject condition. Presented PVC methods are straight-forward to implement but the corrected images require careful interpretation as different methods result in different levels of recovery.

Isotropic non-white matter partial volume effects in constrained spherical deconvolution.

PubMed

Roine, Timo; Jeurissen, Ben; Perrone, Daniele; Aelterman, Jan; Leemans, Alexander; Philips, Wilfried; Sijbers, Jan

2014-01-01

Diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive imaging method, which can be used to investigate neural tracts in the white matter (WM) of the brain. Significant partial volume effects (PVEs) are present in the DW signal due to relatively large voxel sizes. These PVEs can be caused by both non-WM tissue, such as gray matter (GM) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and by multiple non-parallel WM fiber populations. High angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) methods have been developed to correctly characterize complex WM fiber configurations, but to date, many of the HARDI methods do not account for non-WM PVEs. In this work, we investigated the isotropic PVEs caused by non-WM tissue in WM voxels on fiber orientations extracted with constrained spherical deconvolution (CSD). Experiments were performed on simulated and real DW-MRI data. In particular, simulations were performed to demonstrate the effects of varying the diffusion weightings, signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), fiber configurations, and tissue fractions. Our results show that the presence of non-WM tissue signal causes a decrease in the precision of the detected fiber orientations and an increase in the detection of false peaks in CSD. We estimated 35-50% of WM voxels to be affected by non-WM PVEs. For HARDI sequences, which typically have a relatively high degree of diffusion weighting, these adverse effects are most pronounced in voxels with GM PVEs. The non-WM PVEs become severe with 50% GM volume for maximum spherical harmonics orders of 8 and below, and already with 25% GM volume for higher orders. In addition, a low diffusion weighting or SNR increases the effects. The non-WM PVEs may cause problems in connectomics, where reliable fiber tracking at the WM-GM interface is especially important. We suggest acquiring data with high diffusion-weighting 2500-3000 s/mm(2), reasonable SNR (~30) and using lower SH orders in GM contaminated regions to minimize the non-WM PVEs in CSD.

The effects of endothelin-1 on the cardiorespiratory physiology of the freshwater trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and the marine dogfish (Squalus acanthias).

PubMed

Perry, S F; Montpetit, C J; McKendry, J; Desforges, P R; Gilmour, K M; Wood, C M; Olson, K R

2001-11-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of endothelin-l-elicited cardiovascular events on respiratory gas transfer in the freshwater rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and the marine dogfish (Squalus acanthias). In both species, endothelin-1 (666 pmol kg(-1)) caused a rapid (within 4 min) reduction (ca. 30-50 mmHg) in arterial blood partial pressure of O2. The effects of endothelin-1 on arterial blood partial pressure of CO2 were not synchronised with the changes in O2 partial pressure and the responses were markedly different in trout and dogfish. In trout, arterial CO2 partial pressure was increased transiently by approximately 1.0 mmHg but the onset of the response was delayed and occurred 12 min after endothelin-1 injection. In contrast, CO2 partial pressure remained more-or-less constant in dogfish after injection of endothelin-1 and was increased only slightly (approximately 0.1 mmHg) after 60 min. Pre-treatment of trout with bovine carbonic anhydrase (5 mg ml(-1)) eliminated the increase in CO2 partial pressure that was normally observed after endothelin-1 injection. In both species, endothelin-1 injection caused a decrease in arterial blood pH that mirrored the changes in CO2 partial pressure. Endothelin-1 injection was associated with transient (trout) or persistent (dogfish) hyperventilation as indicated by pronounced increases in breathing frequency and amplitude. In trout, arterial blood pressure remained constant or was decreased slightly and was accompanied by a transient increase in systemic resistance, and a temporary reduction in cardiac output. The decrease in cardiac output was caused solely by a reduction in cardiac frequency; cardiac stroke volume was unaffected. In dogfish, arterial blood pressure was lowered by approximately 10 mmHg at 6-10 min after endothelin-1 injection but then was rapidly restored to pre-injection levels. The decrease in arterial blood pressure reflected an increase in branchial vascular resistance (as determined using in situ perfused gill preparations) that was accompanied by simultaneous decreases in systemic resistance and cardiac output. Cardiac frequency and stroke volume were reduced by endothelin-1 injection and thus both variables contributed to the changes in cardiac output. We conclude that the net consequences of endothelin-1 on arterial blood gases result from the opposing effects of reduced gill functional surface area (caused by vasoconstriction) and an increase in blood residence time within the gill (caused by decreased cardiac output.

Volume, size, professionals' specialization and nutrition management of NICUs and their association with treatment quality in VLBW infants.

PubMed

Miedaner, Felix; Langhammer, Kristina; Enke, Christian; Göpel, Wolfgang; Kribs, Angela; Nitzsche, Anika; Riedel, Rainer; Woopen, Christiane; Kuntz, Ludwig; Roth, Bernhard

2018-04-01

To assess the association of volume, size, the availability of highly-specialized professionals and nutrition management of NICUs with treatment quality among VLBW infants. A prospective multicenter study of 923 VLBW infants in 66 German NICUs, born between May and October 2013. Using multilevel modeling, we examined the association between the aforementioned organizational characteristics and treatment quality, measured via major morbidities (severe IVH, PVL, BPD, NEC, FIP, ROP, and discharge without severe complications) and medical process measures of VLBW infants. After risk-adjustment and accounting for other NICU characteristics, infants in low-volume NICUs were at higher risk of IVH, ROP and PVL. However, the initial effect of volume on process measures (growth velocity, administration of antenatal steroids) disappeared. Volume can only partially explain differences in the treatment quality of VLBWs. The underlying organizational mechanisms should be considered to improve the quality of care.

Does adjuvant radiotherapy suppress liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy?

PubMed

Choi, Jin-Hwa; Kim, Kyubo; Chie, Eui Kyu; Jang, Jin-Young; Kim, Sun Whe; Oh, Do-Youn; Im, Seock-Ah; Kim, Tae-You; Bang, Yung-Jue; Ha, Sung W

2009-05-01

To analyze the influence of the adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) on the liver regeneration and liver function after partial hepatectomy (PH). Thirty-four patients who underwent PH for biliary tract cancer between October 2003 and July 2005 were reviewed. Hemihepatectomy was performed in 14 patients and less extensive surgery in 20. Of the patients, 19 patients had no adjuvant therapy (non-RT group) and 15 underwent adjuvant RT by a three-dimensional conformal technique (RT group). Radiation dose range was 40 to 50 Gy (median, 40 Gy). Liver volume on computed tomography and the results of liver function tests at 1, 4, 12, 24, and 52 weeks after PH were compared between the RT and non-RT groups. The preoperative characteristics were identical for both groups. During the interval between Weeks 4 and 12 when adjuvant RT was delivered in the RT group, the increase in liver volume was significantly smaller in the RT group than non-RT group (22.9 +/- 38.3cm(3) and 81.5 +/- 75.6cm(3), respectively, p = 0.007). However, the final liver volume measured at 1 year after PH did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.878). Liver function tests were comparable for both groups. The resection extent and original liver volume was independent factors for final liver volume measured at 1 year after PH. In this study, adjuvant RT delayed the liver regeneration process after PH, but the volume difference between the two study groups became nonsignificant after 1 year. Adjuvant RT had no additional adverse effect on liver function after PH.

Effects of Long-Term Treatment on Brain Volume in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

PubMed Central

Kim, Hosung; Joo, Eun Yeon; Suh, Sooyeon; Kim, Jae-Hun; Kim, Sung Tae; Hong, Seung Bong

2015-01-01

We assessed structural brain damage in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) patients (21 males) and the effects of long-term continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment (18.2 ± 12.4 months; 8-44 months) on brain structures and investigated the relationship between severity of OSA and effects of treatment. Using deformation-based morphometry to measure local volume changes, we identified widespread neocortical and cerebellar atrophy in untreated patients compared to controls (59 males; Cohen's D = 0.6; FDR < 0.05). Analysis of longitudinally scanned magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans both before and after treatment showed increased brain volume following treatment (FDR < 0.05). Volume increase was correlated with longer treatment in the cortical areas that largely overlapped with the initial atrophy. The areas overlying the hippocampal dentate gyrus and the cerebellar dentate nucleus displayed a volume increase after treatment. Patients with very severe OSA (AHI > 64) presented with prefrontal atrophy and displayed an additional volume increase in this area following treatment. Higher impairment of working memory in patients prior to treatment correlated with prefrontal volume increase after treatment. The large overlap between the initial brain damage and the extent of recovery after treatment suggests partial recovery of non-permanent structural damage. Volume increases in the dentate gyrus and the dentate nucleus possibly likely indicate compensatory neurogenesis in response to diminishing oxidative stress. Such changes in other brain structures may explain gliosis, dendritic volume increase, or inflammation. This study provides neuroimaging evidence that revealed the positive effects of long-term CPAP treatment in patients with OSA. PMID:26503297

Can a safety-in-numbers effect and a hazard-in-numbers effect co-exist in the same data?

PubMed

Elvik, Rune

2013-11-01

Safety-in-numbers denotes a non-linear relationship between exposure (traffic volume) and the number of accidents, characterised by declining risk as traffic volume increases. There is safety-in-numbers when the number of accidents increases less than proportional to traffic volume, e.g. a doubling of traffic volume is associated with less than a doubling of the number of accidents. Hazard-in-numbers, a less-used concept, refers to the opposite effect: the number of accidents increases more than in proportion to traffic volume, e.g. is more than doubled when traffic volume is doubled. This paper discusses whether a safety-in-numbers effect and a hazard-in-numbers effect can co-exist in the same data. It is concluded that both effects can exist in a given data set. The paper proposes to make a distinction between partial safety-in-numbers and complete safety-in-numbers. Another issue that has been raised in discussions about the safety-in-numbers effect is whether the effect found in some studies is an artefact created by the way exposure was measured. The paper discusses whether measuring exposure as a rate or a share, e.g. kilometres travelled per inhabitant per year, will generate a safety-in-numbers effect as a statistical artefact. It is concluded that this is the case. The preferred measure of exposure is a count of the number of road users. The count should not be converted to a rate or to the share any group of road user contribute to total traffic volume. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Effect of SO2 volume fraction in flue gas on the adsorption behaviors adsorbed by ZL50 activated carbon and kinetic analysis].

PubMed

Gao, Ji-xian; Wang, Tie-feng; Wang, Jin-fu

2010-05-01

The influence of SO2 dynamic adsorption behaviors using ZL50 activated carbon for flue gas desulphurization and denitrification under different SO2 volume fraction was investigated experimentally, and the kinetic analysis was conducted by kinetic models. With the increase of SO2 volume fraction in flue gas, the SO2 removal ratio and the activity ratio of ZL50 activated carbon decreased, respectively, and SO2 adsorption rate and capacity increased correspondingly. The calculated results indicate that Bangham model has the best prediction effect, the chemisorption processes of SO2 was significantly affected by catalytic oxidative reaction. The adsorption rate constant of Lagergren's pseudo first order model increased with the increase of inlet SO, volume fraction, which indicated that catalytic oxidative reaction of SO2 adsorbed by ZL50 activated carbon may be the rate controlling step in earlier adsorption stage. The Lagergren's and Bangham's initial adsorption rate were deduced and defined, respectively. The Ho's and Elovich's initial adsorption rate were also deduced in this paper. The Bangham's initial adsorption rate values were defined in good agreement with those of experiments. The defined Bangham's adsorptive reaction kinetic model can describe the SO2 dynamic adsorption rate well. The studied results indicated that the SO2 partial order of initial reaction rate was one or adjacent to one, while the O2 and water vapor partial order of initial reaction rate were constants ranging from 0.15-0.20 and 0.45-0.50, respectively.

A multifractal approach to space-filling recovery for PET quantification

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

Willaime, Julien M. Y., E-mail: julien.willaime@siemens.com; Aboagye, Eric O.; Tsoumpas, Charalampos

2014-11-01

Purpose: A new image-based methodology is developed for estimating the apparent space-filling properties of an object of interest in PET imaging without need for a robust segmentation step and used to recover accurate estimates of total lesion activity (TLA). Methods: A multifractal approach and the fractal dimension are proposed to recover the apparent space-filling index of a lesion (tumor volume, TV) embedded in nonzero background. A practical implementation is proposed, and the index is subsequently used with mean standardized uptake value (SUV {sub mean}) to correct TLA estimates obtained from approximate lesion contours. The methodology is illustrated on fractal andmore » synthetic objects contaminated by partial volume effects (PVEs), validated on realistic {sup 18}F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET simulations and tested for its robustness using a clinical {sup 18}F-fluorothymidine PET test–retest dataset. Results: TLA estimates were stable for a range of resolutions typical in PET oncology (4–6 mm). By contrast, the space-filling index and intensity estimates were resolution dependent. TLA was generally recovered within 15% of ground truth on postfiltered PET images affected by PVEs. Volumes were recovered within 15% variability in the repeatability study. Results indicated that TLA is a more robust index than other traditional metrics such as SUV {sub mean} or TV measurements across imaging protocols. Conclusions: The fractal procedure reported here is proposed as a simple and effective computational alternative to existing methodologies which require the incorporation of image preprocessing steps (i.e., partial volume correction and automatic segmentation) prior to quantification.« less

Fast Computation of Solvation Free Energies with Molecular Density Functional Theory: Thermodynamic-Ensemble Partial Molar Volume Corrections.

PubMed

Sergiievskyi, Volodymyr P; Jeanmairet, Guillaume; Levesque, Maximilien; Borgis, Daniel

2014-06-05

Molecular density functional theory (MDFT) offers an efficient implicit-solvent method to estimate molecule solvation free-energies, whereas conserving a fully molecular representation of the solvent. Even within a second-order approximation for the free-energy functional, the so-called homogeneous reference fluid approximation, we show that the hydration free-energies computed for a data set of 500 organic compounds are of similar quality as those obtained from molecular dynamics free-energy perturbation simulations, with a computer cost reduced by 2-3 orders of magnitude. This requires to introduce the proper partial volume correction to transform the results from the grand canonical to the isobaric-isotherm ensemble that is pertinent to experiments. We show that this correction can be extended to 3D-RISM calculations, giving a sound theoretical justification to empirical partial molar volume corrections that have been proposed recently.

Multi-tissue partial volume quantification in multi-contrast MRI using an optimised spectral unmixing approach.

PubMed

Collewet, Guylaine; Moussaoui, Saïd; Deligny, Cécile; Lucas, Tiphaine; Idier, Jérôme

2018-06-01

Multi-tissue partial volume estimation in MRI images is investigated with a viewpoint related to spectral unmixing as used in hyperspectral imaging. The main contribution of this paper is twofold. It firstly proposes a theoretical analysis of the statistical optimality conditions of the proportion estimation problem, which in the context of multi-contrast MRI data acquisition allows to appropriately set the imaging sequence parameters. Secondly, an efficient proportion quantification algorithm based on the minimisation of a penalised least-square criterion incorporating a regularity constraint on the spatial distribution of the proportions is proposed. Furthermore, the resulting developments are discussed using empirical simulations. The practical usefulness of the spectral unmixing approach for partial volume quantification in MRI is illustrated through an application to food analysis on the proving of a Danish pastry. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Genetic and Dynamic Analyses of Murine Peak Bone Density

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-10-01

DAMD17-96-1-6309 differences, the location of bone regulatory genes with strong and modifier effects , the mode of inheritance for each gene, the...estimate the cortical cross-sectional area, most likely due to partial volume effects . Thus, the high density bone area was consistently estimated to be...significant or highly significant linkage with BMD; b) 9 Beamer, WG DAMD17-96-1-6309 none of the loci exhibited significant interaction effects by ANOVA

Calibration of two passive air samplers for monitoring phthalates and brominated flame-retardants in indoor air.

PubMed

Saini, Amandeep; Okeme, Joseph O; Goosey, Emma; Diamond, Miriam L

2015-10-01

Two passive air samplers (PAS), polyurethane foam (PUF) disks and Sorbent Impregnated PUF (SIP) disks, were characterized for uptake of phthalates and brominated flame-retardants (BFRs) indoors using fully and partially sheltered housings. Based on calibration against an active low-volume air sampler for gas- and particle-phase compounds, we recommend generic sampling rates of 3.5±0.9 and 1.0±0.4 m(3)/day for partially and fully sheltered housing, respectively, which applies to gas-phase phthalates and BFRs as well as particle-phase DEHP (the later for the partially sheltered PAS). For phthalates, partially sheltered SIPs are recommended. Further, we recommend the use of partially sheltered PAS indoors and a deployment period of one month. The sampling rate for the partially sheltered PUF and SIP of 3.5±0.9 m(3)/day is indistinguishable from that reported for fully sheltered PAS deployed outdoors, indicating the role of the housing outdoors to minimize the effect of variable wind velocities on chemical uptake, versus the partially sheltered PAS deployed indoors to maximize chemical uptake where air flow rates are low. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Fully automatic multi-atlas segmentation of CTA for partial volume correction in cardiac SPECT/CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Qingyi; Mohy-ud-Din, Hassan; Boutagy, Nabil E.; Jiang, Mingyan; Ren, Silin; Stendahl, John C.; Sinusas, Albert J.; Liu, Chi

2017-05-01

Anatomical-based partial volume correction (PVC) has been shown to improve image quality and quantitative accuracy in cardiac SPECT/CT. However, this method requires manual segmentation of various organs from contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) data. In order to achieve fully automatic CTA segmentation for clinical translation, we investigated the most common multi-atlas segmentation methods. We also modified the multi-atlas segmentation method by introducing a novel label fusion algorithm for multiple organ segmentation to eliminate overlap and gap voxels. To evaluate our proposed automatic segmentation, eight canine 99mTc-labeled red blood cell SPECT/CT datasets that incorporated PVC were analyzed, using the leave-one-out approach. The Dice similarity coefficient of each organ was computed. Compared to the conventional label fusion method, our proposed label fusion method effectively eliminated gaps and overlaps and improved the CTA segmentation accuracy. The anatomical-based PVC of cardiac SPECT images with automatic multi-atlas segmentation provided consistent image quality and quantitative estimation of intramyocardial blood volume, as compared to those derived using manual segmentation. In conclusion, our proposed automatic multi-atlas segmentation method of CTAs is feasible, practical, and facilitates anatomical-based PVC of cardiac SPECT/CT images.

Research on spectroscopic imaging. Volume 1: Technical discussion. [birefringent filters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Title, A.; Rosenberg, W.

1979-01-01

The principals of operation and the capabilities of birefringent filters systems are examined. Topics covered include: Lyot, Solc, and partial polarizer filters; transmission profile management; tuning birefringent filters; field of view; bandpass control; engineering considerations; and recommendations. Improvements for field of view effects, and the development of birefringent filters for spaceflight are discussed in appendices.

A Bibliography of Recreational Mathematics, Volume 1. Fourth Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schaaf, William L.

This book is a partially annotated bibliography of books, articles, and periodicals concerned with mathematical games, puzzles, and amusements. It is a reprinting of Volume 1 of a three-volume series. This volume, originally published in 1955, treats problems and recreations which have been important in the history of mathematics as well as some…

SU-E-QI-11: Measurement of Renal Pyruvate-To-Lactate Exchange with Hyperpolarized 13C MRI

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

Adamson, E; Johnson, K; Fain, S

Purpose: Previous work [1] modeling the metabolic flux between hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate and [1-13C]lactate in magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) experiments failed to account for vascular signal artifacts. Here, we investigate a method to minimize the vascular signal and its impact on the fidelity of metabolic modeling. Methods: MRSI was simulated for renal metabolism in MATLAB both with and without bipolar gradients. The resulting data were fit to a two-site exchange model [1], and the effects of vascular partial volume artifacts on kinetic modeling were assessed. Bipolar gradients were then incorporated into a gradient echo sequence to validate the simulations experimentally.more » The degree of diffusion weighting (b = 32 s/mm{sup 2}) was determined empirically from 1H imaging of murine renal vascular signal. The method was then tested in vivo using MRSI with bipolar gradients following injection of hyperpolarized [1-{sup 13}C]pyruvate (∼80 mM at 20% polarization). Results: In simulations, vascular signal contaminated the renal metabolic signal at resolutions as high as 2 × 2 mm{sup 2} due to partial volume effects. The apparent exchange rate from pyruvate to lactate (k{sub p}) was underestimated in the presence of these artifacts due to contaminating pyruvate signal. Incorporation of bipolar gradients suppressed vascular signal and improved the accuracy of kp estimation. Experimentally, the in vivo results supported the ability of bipolar gradients to suppress vascular signal. The in vivo exchange rate increased, as predicted in simulations, from k{sub p} = 0.012 s-{sup 1} to k{sub p} = 0.020-{sup 1} after vascular signal suppression. Conclusion: We have demonstrated the limited accuracy of the two-site exchange model in the presence of vascular partial volume artifacts. The addition of bipolar gradients suppressed vascular signal and improved model accuracy in simulations. Bipolar gradients largely affected kp estimation in vivo. Currently, slow-flowing spins in small vessels and capillaries are only partially suppressed, so further improvement is possible. Funding support: Seed Grant from the Radiological Society of North America, GE Healthcare, University of Wisconsin Graduate School.« less

Geometric convex cone volume analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hsiao-Chi; Chang, Chein-I.

2016-05-01

Convexity is a major concept used to design and develop endmember finding algorithms (EFAs). For abundance unconstrained techniques, Pixel Purity Index (PPI) and Automatic Target Generation Process (ATGP) which use Orthogonal Projection (OP) as a criterion, are commonly used method. For abundance partially constrained techniques, Convex Cone Analysis is generally preferred which makes use of convex cones to impose Abundance Non-negativity Constraint (ANC). For abundance fully constrained N-FINDR and Simplex Growing Algorithm (SGA) are most popular methods which use simplex volume as a criterion to impose ANC and Abundance Sum-to-one Constraint (ASC). This paper analyze an issue encountered in volume calculation with a hyperplane introduced to illustrate an idea of bounded convex cone. Geometric Convex Cone Volume Analysis (GCCVA) projects the boundary vectors of a convex cone orthogonally on a hyperplane to reduce the effect of background signatures and a geometric volume approach is applied to address the issue arose from calculating volume and further improve the performance of convex cone-based EFAs.

MRI Shows that Exhaustion Syndrome Due to Chronic Occupational Stress is Associated with Partially Reversible Cerebral Changes.

PubMed

Savic, I; Perski, A; Osika, W

2018-03-01

The present study investigates the cerebral effects of chronic occupational stress and its possible reversibility. Forty-eight patients with occupational exhaustion syndrome (29 women) and 80 controls (47 women) underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological testing. Forty-four participants (25 patients, 19 controls) also completed a second MRI scan after 1-2 years. Only patients received cognitive therapy. The stressed group at intake had reduced thickness in the right prefrontal cortex (PFC) and left superior temporal gyrus (STG), enlarged amygdala volumes, and reduced caudate volumes. Except for the caudate volume, these abnormalities were more pronounced in females. They were all related to perceived stress, which was similar for both genders. Thickness of the PFC also correlated with an impaired ability to down-modulate negative emotions. Thinning of PFC and reduction of caudate volume normalized in the follow-up. The amygdala enlargement and the left STG thinning remained. Longitudinal changes were not detected among controls. Chronic occupational stress was associated with partially reversible structural abnormalities in key regions for stress processing. These changes were dynamically correlated with the degree of perceived stress, highlighting a possible causal link. They seem more pronounced in women, and could be a substrate for an increased cerebral vulnerability to stress-related psychiatric disorders. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Effect of PEEP and inhaled nitric oxide on pulmonary gas exchange during gaseous and partial liquid ventilation with small volumes of perfluorocarbon.

PubMed

Max, M; Kuhlen, R; Falter, F; Reyle-Hahn, M; Dembinski, R; Rossaint, R

2000-04-01

Partial liquid ventilation, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and inhaled nitric oxide (NO) can improve ventilation/perfusion mismatch in acute lung injury (ALI). The aim of the present study was to compare gas exchange and hemodynamics in experimental ALI during gaseous and partial liquid ventilation at two different levels of PEEP, with and without the inhalation of nitric oxide. Seven pigs (24+/-2 kg BW) were surfactant-depleted by repeated lung lavage with saline. Gas exchange and hemodynamic parameters were assessed in all animals during gaseous and subsequent partial liquid ventilation at two levels of PEEP (5 and 15 cmH2O) and intermittent inhalation of 10 ppm NO. Arterial oxygenation increased significantly with a simultaneous decrease in cardiac output when PEEP 15 cmH2O was applied during gaseous and partial liquid ventilation. All other hemodynamic parameters revealed no relevant changes. Inhalation of NO and instillation of perfluorocarbon had no additive effects on pulmonary gas exchange when compared to PEEP 15 cmH2O alone. In experimental lung injury, improvements in gas exchange are most distinct during mechanical ventilation with PEEP 15 cmH2O without significantly impairing hemodynamics. Partial liquid ventilation and inhaled NO did not cause an additive increase of PaO2.

Topographic Effects on Geologic Mass Movements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baloga, Stephen M.; Frey, Herbert (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

This report describes research directed toward understanding the response of volcanic lahars and lava flows to changes in the topography along the path of the flow. We have used a variety of steady-state and time-dependent models of lahars and lava flows to calculate the changes in flow dynamics due to variable topography. These models are based on first-order partial differential equations for the local conservation of volume. A global volume conservation requirement is also imposed to determine the extent of the flow as a function of time and the advance rate. Simulated DEMs have been used in this report.

LANDSAT-D data format control book. Volume 6, appendix C: Partially processed multispectral scanner high density tape (HDT-AM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andersen, K. E.

1982-01-01

The format of high density tapes which contain partially processed LANDSAT 4 and LANDSAT D prime MSS image data is defined. This format is based on and is compatible with the existing format for partially processed LANDSAT 3 MSS image data HDTs.

Intrinsic alterations in the partial molar volume on the protein denaturation: surficial Kirkwood-Buff approach.

PubMed

Yu, Isseki; Takayanagi, Masayoshi; Nagaoka, Masataka

2009-03-19

The partial molar volume (PMV) of the protein chymotrypsin inhibitor 2 (CI2) was calculated by all-atom MD simulation. Denatured CI2 showed almost the same average PMV value as that of native CI2. This is consistent with the phenomenological question of the protein volume paradox. Furthermore, using the surficial Kirkwood-Buff approach, spatial distributions of PMV were analyzed as a function of the distance from the CI2 surface. The profiles of the new R-dependent PMV indicate that, in denatured CI2, the reduction in the solvent electrostatic interaction volume is canceled out mainly by an increment in thermal volume in the vicinity of its surface. In addition, the PMV of the denatured CI2 was found to increase in the region in which the number density of water atoms is minimum. These results provide a direct and detailed picture of the mechanism of the protein volume paradox suggested by Chalikian et al.

The Partial Molar Volume and Compressibility of the FeO Component in Model Basalts (Mixed CaAl2Si2O8-CaMgSi2O6-CaFeSi2O6 Liquids) at 0 GPa: evidence of Fe2+ in 6-fold coordination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, X.; Lange, R. A.; Ai, Y.

2010-12-01

FeO is an important component in magmatic liquids and yet its partial molar volume at one bar is not as well known as that for Fe2O3 because of the difficulty of performing double-bob density measurements under reducing conditions. Moreover, there is growing evidence from spectroscopic studies that Fe2+ occurs in 4, 5, and 6-fold coordination in silicate melts, and it is expected that the partial molar volume and compressibility of the FeO component will vary accordingly. We have conducted both density and relaxed sound speed measurements on four liquids in the An-Di-Hd (CaAl2Si2O8-CaMgSi2O6-CaFeSi2O6) system: (1) Di-Hd (50:50), (2) An-Hd (50:50), (3) An-Di-Hd (33:33:33) and (4) Hd (100). Densities were measured between 1573 and 1838 K at one bar with the double-bob Archimedean method using molybdenum bobs and crucibles in a reducing gas (1%CO-99%Ar) environment. The sound speeds were measured under similar conditions with a frequency-sweep acoustic interferometer, and used to calculate isothermal compressibility. All the density data for the three multi-component (model basalt) liquids were combined with density data on SiO2-Al2O3-CaO-MgO-K2O-Na2O liquids (Lange, 1997) in a fit to a linear volume equation; the results lead to a partial molar volume (±1σ) for FeO =11.7 ± 0.3(±1σ) cm3/mol at 1723 K. This value is similar to that for crystalline FeO at 298 K (halite structure; 12.06 cm3/mol), which suggests an average Fe2+ coordination of ~6 in these model basalt compositions. In contrast, the fitted partial molar volume of FeO in pure hedenbergite liquid is 14.6 ± 0.3 at 1723 K, which is consistent with an average Fe2+ coordination of 4.3 derived from EXAFS spectroscopy (Rossano, 2000). Similarly, all the compressibility data for the three multi-component liquids were combined with compressibility data on SiO2-Al2O3-CaO-MgO liquids (Ai and Lange, 2008) in a fit to an ideal mixing model for melt compressibility; the results lead to a partial molar compressibility (±1σ) for FeO = 2.4 (± 0.3) 10-2 GPa-1 at 1723 K. In contrast, the compressibility of FeO in pure hedenbergite liquid is more than twice as large: 6.3 (± 0.2) 10-2 GPa-1. When these results are combined with density and sound speed data on CaO-FeO-SiO2 liquids at one bar (Guo et al., 2009), a systematic and linear variation between the partial molar volume and compressibility of the FeO component is obtained, which appears to track changes in the average Fe2+ coordination in these liquids. Therefore, the three most important conclusions of this study are: (1) ideal mixing of volume and compressibility does not occur for all FeO-bearing magmatic liquids, owing to changes in Fe2+ coordination, (2) the partial molar volume and compressibility of FeO varies linearly and systematically with Fe2+ coordination, and (3) ideal mixing of volume and compressibility does occur among the three mixed An-Di-Hd liquids, presumably because of a common, average Fe2+ coordination of ~6.

Changes of pituitary gland volume in Kennedy disease.

PubMed

Pieper, C C; Teismann, I K; Konrad, C; Heindel, W L; Schiffbauer, H

2013-12-01

Kennedy disease is a rare X-linked neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the first exon of the androgen-receptor gene. Apart from neurologic signs, this mutation can cause a partial androgen insensitivity syndrome with typical alterations of gonadotropic hormones produced by the pituitary gland. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the impact of Kennedy disease on pituitary gland volume under the hypothesis that endocrinologic changes caused by partial androgen insensitivity may lead to morphologic changes (ie, hypertrophy) of the pituitary gland. Pituitary gland volume was measured in sagittal sections of 3D T1-weighted 3T-MR imaging data of 8 patients with genetically proven Kennedy disease and compared with 16 healthy age-matched control subjects by use of Multitracer by a blinded, experienced radiologist. The results were analyzed by a univariant ANOVA with total brain volume as a covariant. Furthermore, correlation and linear regression analyses were performed for pituitary volume, patient age, disease duration, and CAG repeat expansion length. Intraobserver reliability was evaluated by means of the Pearson correlation coefficient. Pituitary volume was significantly larger in patients with Kennedy disease (636 [±90] mm(3)) than in healthy control subjects (534 [±91] mm(3)) (P = .041). There was no significant difference in total brain volume (P = .379). Control subjects showed a significant decrease in volume with age (r = -0.712, P = .002), whereas there was a trend to increasing gland volume in patients with Kennedy disease (r = 0.443, P = .272). Gland volume correlated with CAG repeat expansion length in patients (r = 0.630, P = .047). The correlation coefficient for intraobserver reliability was 0.94 (P < .001). Patients with Kennedy disease showed a significantly higher pituitary volume that correlated with the CAG repeat expansion length. This could reflect hypertrophy as the result of elevated gonadotropic hormone secretion caused by the androgen receptor mutation with partial androgen insensitivity.

Effects of Turbulence on the Combustion Properties of Partially Premixed Flames of Canola Methyl Ester and Diesel Blends

DOE PAGES

Dhamale, N.; Parthasarathy, R. N.; Gollahalli, S. R.

2011-01-01

Canola methyl ester (CME) is a biofuel that is a renewable alternative energy resource and is produced by the transesterification of canola oil. The objective of this study was to document the effects of turbulence on the combustion characteristics of blends of CME and No 2 diesel fuel in a partially-premixed flame environment. The experiments were conducted with mixtures of pre-vaporized fuel and air at an initial equivalence ratio of 7 and three burner exit Reynolds numbers, 2700, 3600, and 4500. Three blends with 25, 50, and 75% volume concentration of CME were studied. The soot volume fraction was highestmore » for the pure diesel flames and did not change significantly with Reynolds number due to the mutually compensating effects of increased carbon input rate and increased air entrainment as the Reynolds number was increased. The global NOx emission index was highest and the CO emission index was the lowest for the pure CME flame, and varied non-monotonically with biofuel content in the blend The mean temperature and the NOx concentration at three-quarter flame height were generally correlated, indicating that the thermal mechanism of NOx formation was dominant in the turbulent biofuel flames also.« less

Water resources data for Pennsylvania, water year 1994. Volume 2. Susquehanna and Potomac River basins. Water-data report (Annual), 1 October 1993-30 September 1994

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

Durlin, R.R.; Schaffstall, W.P.

1996-03-01

Volume 2 contains: (1) discharge records for 94 continuous-record streamflow-gaging stations and 39 partial-record stations; (2) elevation and contents records for 12 lakes and reservoirs; (3) water-quality records for 17 gaging stations and 125 partial-record and project stations; and (4) water-level records for 25 observation wells. Additional water data collected at various sites not involved in the systematic data-collection program are also presented.

Water resources data for California, water year 1995. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican border to Mono Lake basin, and Pacific slope basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River. Water-data report (Annual), 1 October 1994-30 SeptembeR 1995

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

Agajanian, J.A.; Rockwell, G.L.; Hayes, P.D.

1996-04-01

Volume 1 contains (1) discharge records for 141 streamflow-gaging stations, 6 crest-stage partial-record streamflow stations; (2) stage and contents records for 20 lakes and reservoirs; (3) water quality records for 21 streamflow-gaging stations and 3 partial-record stations; and (4) precipitation records for 1 station.

PROCEEDINGS OF INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON RECENT ADVANCES IN THE ASSESSMENT OF THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, HELD AT PARIS (FRANCE) ON 24-28 JUNE 1974. VOLUME III

EPA Science Inventory

;Partial contents: The incidence of elevated blood lead values in an asymptomatic pediatric population residing in a major American industrial state; Method for the identification of environmental noise levels requisite to protect public health and welfare; Improved methods of sa...

Effects of spring defoliation on first-year growth of young loblolly and slash pines

Treesearch

David R. Weise; Ragnar W. Johansen; Dale D. Wade

1987-01-01

Partial and complete spring defoliation reduced first-year diameter, height, and volume growth of 4-year-old loblolly and slash pines. Early and late growth differed significantly between defoliation levels (P=0.05). However, the number of height growth flushes produced during the 1986 growing season was not affected by defoliation treatments. No mortality occurred...

Measurements of evaporated perfluorocarbon during partial liquid ventilation by a zeolite absorber.

PubMed

Proquitté, Hans; Rüdiger, Mario; Wauer, Roland R; Schmalisch, Gerd

2004-01-01

During partial liquid ventilation (PLV) the knowledge of the quantity of exhaled perfluorocarbon (PFC) allows a continuous substitution of the PFC loss to achieve a constant PFC level in the lungs. The aim of our in vitro study was to determine the PFC loss in the mixed expired gas by an absorber and to investigate the effect of the evaporated PFC on ventilatory measurements. To simulate the PFC loss during PLV, a heated flask was rinsed with a constant airflow of 4 L min(-1) and PFC was infused by different speeds (5, 10, 20 mL h(-1)). An absorber filled with PFC selective zeolites was connected with the flask to measure the PFC in the gas. The evaporated PFC volume and the PFC concentration were determined from the weight gain of the absorber measured by an electronic scale. The PFC-dependent volume error of the CO2SMO plus neonatal pneumotachograph was measured by manual movements of a syringe with volumes of 10 and 28 mL with a rate of 30 min(-1). Under steady state conditions there was a strong correlation (r2 = 0.999) between the infusion speed of PFC and the calculated PFC flow rate. The PFC flow rate was slightly underestimated by 4.3% (p < 0.01). However, this bias was independent from PFC infusion rate. The evaporated PFC volume was precisely measured with errors < 1%. The volume error of the CO2SMO-Plus pneumotachograph increased with increasing PFC content for both tidal volumes (p < 0.01). However for PFC flow rates up to 20 mL/h the error of the measured tidal volumes was < 5%. PFC selective zeolites can be used to quantify accurately the evaporated PFC volume during PLV. With increasing PFC concentrations in the exhaled air the measurement errors of ventilatory parameters have to be taken into account.

Feasibility and performance of novel software to quantify metabolically active volumes and 3D partial volume corrected SUV and metabolic volumetric products of spinal bone marrow metastases on 18F-FDG-PET/CT.

PubMed

Torigian, Drew A; Lopez, Rosa Fernandez; Alapati, Sridevi; Bodapati, Geetha; Hofheinz, Frank; van den Hoff, Joerg; Saboury, Babak; Alavi, Abass

2011-01-01

Our aim was to assess feasibility and performance of novel semi-automated image analysis software called ROVER to quantify metabolically active volume (MAV), maximum standardized uptake value-maximum (SUV(max)), 3D partial volume corrected mean SUV (cSUV(mean)), and 3D partial volume corrected mean MVP (cMVP(mean)) of spinal bone marrow metastases on fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computerized tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET/CT). We retrospectively studied 16 subjects with 31 spinal metastases on FDG-PET/CT and MRI. Manual and ROVER determinations of lesional MAV and SUV(max), and repeated ROVER measurements of MAV, SUV(max), cSUV(mean) and cMVP(mean) were made. Bland-Altman and correlation analyses were performed to assess reproducibility and agreement. Our results showed that analyses of repeated ROVER measurements revealed MAV mean difference (D)=-0.03±0.53cc (95% CI(-0.22, 0.16)), lower limit of agreement (LLOA)=-1.07cc, and upper limit of agreement (ULOA)=1.01cc; SUV(max) D=0.00±0.00 with LOAs=0.00; cSUV(mean) D=-0.01±0.39 (95% CI(-0.15, 0.13)), LLOA=-0.76, and ULOA=0.75; cMVP(mean) D=-0.52±4.78cc (95% CI(-2.23, 1.23)), LLOA=-9.89cc, and ULOA=8.86cc. Comparisons between ROVER and manual measurements revealed volume D= -0.39±1.37cc (95% CI (-0.89, 0.11)), LLOA=-3.08cc, and ULOA=2.30cc; SUV(max) D=0.00±0.00 with LOAs=0.00. Mean percent increase in lesional SUV(mean) and MVP(mean) following partial volume correction using ROVER was 84.25±36.00% and 84.45±35.94% , respectively. In conclusion, it is feasible to estimate MAV, SUV(max), cSUV(mean), and cMVP(mean) of spinal bone marrow metastases from (18)F-FDG-PET/CT quickly and easily with good reproducibility via ROVER software. Partial volume correction is imperative, as uncorrected SUV(mean) and MVP(mean) are significantly underestimated, even for large lesions. This novel approach has great potential for practical, accurate, and precise combined structural-functional PET quantification of disease before and after therapeutic intervention.

A Bibliography of Recreational Mathematics, Volume 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schaaf, William L.

This book is a partially annotated bibliography of books, articles and periodicals concerned with mathematical games, puzzles, tricks, amusements, and paradoxes. Because the literature in recreational mathematics has proliferated to amazing proportions since Volume 2 of this series (ED 040 874), Volume 3 is more than just an updating of the…

Molar volume and adsorption isotherm dependence of capillary forces in nanoasperity contacts.

PubMed

Asay, David B; Kim, Seong H

2007-11-20

The magnitude of the capillary force at any given temperature and adsorbate partial pressure depends primarily on four factors: the surface tension of the adsorbate, its liquid molar volume, its isothermal behavior, and the contact geometry. At large contacting radii, the adsorbate surface tension and the contact geometry are dominating. This is the case of surface force apparatus measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments with micrometer-size spheres. However, as the size of contacting asperities decreases to the nanoscale as in AFM experiments with sharp tips, the molar volume and isotherm of the adsorbate become very important to capillary formation as well as capillary adhesion. This effect is experimentally and theoretically explored with simple alcohol molecules (ethanol, 1-butanol, and 1-pentanol) which have comparable surface tensions but differing liquid molar volumes. Adsorption isotherms for these alcohols on silicon oxide are also reported.

Radiotherapy Dose-Volume Effects on Salivary Gland Function

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

Deasy, Joseph O., E-mail: jdeasy@radonc.wustl.ed; Moiseenko, Vitali; Marks, Lawrence

2010-03-01

Publications relating parotid dose-volume characteristics to radiotherapy-induced salivary toxicity were reviewed. Late salivary dysfunction has been correlated to the mean parotid gland dose, with recovery occurring with time. Severe xerostomia (defined as long-term salivary function of <25% of baseline) is usually avoided if at least one parotid gland is spared to a mean dose of less than {approx}20 Gy or if both glands are spared to less than {approx}25 Gy (mean dose). For complex, partial-volume RT patterns (e.g., intensity-modulated radiotherapy), each parotid mean dose should be kept as low as possible, consistent with the desired clinical target volume coverage. Amore » lower parotid mean dose usually results in better function. Submandibular gland sparing also significantly decreases the risk of xerostomia. The currently available predictive models are imprecise, and additional study is required to identify more accurate models of xerostomia risk.« less

On a relationship between molecular polarizability and partial molar volume in water.

PubMed

Ratkova, Ekaterina L; Fedorov, Maxim V

2011-12-28

We reveal a universal relationship between molecular polarizability (a single-molecule property) and partial molar volume in water that is an ensemble property characterizing solute-solvent systems. Since both of these quantities are of the key importance to describe solvation behavior of dissolved molecular species in aqueous solutions, the obtained relationship should have a high impact in chemistry, pharmaceutical, and life sciences as well as in environments. We demonstrated that the obtained relationship between the partial molar volume in water and the molecular polarizability has in general a non-homogeneous character. We performed a detailed analysis of this relationship on a set of ~200 organic molecules from various chemical classes and revealed its fine well-organized structure. We found that this structure strongly depends on the chemical nature of the solutes and can be rationalized in terms of specific solute-solvent interactions. Efficiency and universality of the proposed approach was demonstrated on an external test set containing several dozens of polyfunctional and druglike molecules.

Transport of water and ions in partially water-saturated porous media. Part 1. Constitutive equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Revil, A.

2017-05-01

I developed a model of cross-coupled flow in partially saturated porous media based on electrokinetic coupling including the effect of ion filtration (normal and reverse osmosis) and the multi-component nature of the pore water (wetting) phase. The model also handles diffusion and membrane polarization but is valid only for saturations above the irreducible water saturation. I start with the local Nernst-Planck and Stokes equations and I use a volume-averaging procedure to obtain the generalized Ohm, Fick, and Darcy equations with cross-coupling terms at the scale of a representative elementary volume of the porous rock. These coupling terms obey Onsager's reciprocity, which is a required condition, at the macroscale, to keep the total dissipation function of the system positive. Rather than writing the electrokinetic terms in terms of zeta potential (the double layer electrical potential on the slipping plane located in the pore water), I developed the model in terms of an effective charge density dragged by the flow of the pore water. This effective charge density is found to be strongly controlled by the permeability and the water saturation. I also developed an electrical conductivity equation including the effect of saturation on both bulk and surface conductivities, the surface conductivity being associated with electromigration in the electrical diffuse layer coating the grains. This surface conductivity depends on the CEC of the porous material.

The effect of partially stabilized zirconia on the biological properties of HA/HDPE composites in vitro.

PubMed

Sadi, A Yari; Shokrgozar, M A; Homaeigohar, S Sh; Hosseinalipour, M; Khavandi, A; Javadpour, J

2006-05-01

The effect of partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) on the biological properties of the hyroxyapatite - high density polyethylene (HA/HDPE) composites was studied by investigating the simultaneous effect of hydroxyapatite and PSZ volume fractions on the in vitro response of human osteoblast cells. The biocompatibility of composite samples with different volume fraction of HA and PSZ powders was assessed by proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cell attachment assays on the osteoblast cell line (G-292) in different time periods. The effect of composites on the behavior of G-292 cells was compared with those of HDPE and TPS (Tissue Culture Poly Styrene as negative control) samples. Results showed a higher proliferation rate of G-292 cells in the presence of composite samples as compared to the HDPE sample after 7 and 14 days of incubation period. ALP production rate in all composite samples was higher than HDPE and TPS samples. The number of adhered cells on the composite samples was higher than the number adhered on the HDPE and TPS samples after the above mentioned incubation periods. These findings indicates that the addition of PSZ does not have any adverse affect on the biocompatibility of HA/HDPE composites. In fact in some experiments PSZ added HA/HDPE composites performed better in proliferation, differentiation and attachment of osteoblastic cells.

Effect of oral D-tagatose on liver volume and hepatic glycogen accumulation in healthy male volunteers.

PubMed

Boesch, C; Ith, M; Jung, B; Bruegger, K; Erban, S; Diamantis, I; Kreis, R; Bär, A

2001-04-01

Standard toxicity tests with high levels of D-tagatose showed a reversible enlargement of the liver in Sprague-Dawley rats without increase of liver enzymes. The present study tests the hypotheses that partial substitution of dietary sucrose by D-tagatose for 28 days increases the volume of human liver and the concentration of liver glycogen. Twelve healthy, male volunteers were studied in a double-blind crossover study with ingestion of D-tagatose (3x15 g daily) and placebo (sucrose, 3x15 g daily) for periods of 28 days each. Liver volume and glycogen concentration have been determined by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy, which were accompanied by routine medical examinations. MR examinations before and after the treatments revealed no effects (P>0.05) of treatment, period, or subject for changes in liver volume or glycogen concentration. A steady increase of liver volumes, independent of the D-tagatose or placebo intake, has been observed over the study in parallel with a slight increase in body weight. The treatment with D-tagatose was not associated with clinically relevant changes of the examined clinico-chemical and hematological parameters, including liver enzymes and uric acid. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Hydrolysis and fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass

DOEpatents

Torget, Robert W.; Padukone, Nandan; Hatzis, Christos; Wyman, Charles E.

2000-01-01

A multi-function process is described for the hydrolysis and fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass to separate hemicellulosic sugars from other biomass components such as extractives and proteins; a portion of the solubilized lignin; cellulose; glucose derived from cellulose; and insoluble lignin from said biomass comprising one or more of the following: optionally, as function 1, introducing a dilute acid of pH 1.0-5.0 into a continual shrinking bed reactor containing a lignocellulosic biomass material at a temperature of about 94 to about 160.degree. C. for a period of about 10 to about 120 minutes at a volumetric flow rate of about 1 to about 5 reactor volumes to effect solubilization of extractives, lignin, and protein by keeping the solid to liquid ratio constant throughout the solubilization process; as function 2, introducing a dilute acid of pH 1.0-5.0, either as virgin acid or an acidic stream from another function, into a continual shrinking bed reactor containing either fresh biomass or the partially fractionated lignocellulosic biomass material from function 1 at a temperature of about 94-220.degree. C. for a period of about 10 to about 60 minutes at a volumetric flow rate of about 1 to about 5 reactor volumes to effect solubilization of hemicellulosic sugars, semisoluble sugars and other compounds, and amorphous glucans by keeping the solid to liquid ratio constant throughout the solubilization process; as function 3, optionally, introducing a dilute acid of pH 1.0-5.0 either as virgin acid or an acidic stream from another function, into a continual shrinking bed reactor containing the partially fractionated lignocellulosic biomass material from function 2 at a temperature of about 180-280.degree. C. for a period of about 10 to about 60 minutes at a volumetric flow rate of 1 to about 5 reactor volumes to effect solubilization of cellulosic sugars by keeping the solid to liquid ratio constant throughout the solubilization process; and as function 4, optionally, introducing a dilute acid of pH 1.0-5.0 either as virgin acid or an acidic stream from another function, into a continual shrinking bed reactor containing the partially fractionated lignocellulosic biomass material from function 3 at a temperature of about 180-280.degree. C. for a period of about 10 to about 60 minutes at a volumetric flow rate of about 1 to about 5 reactor volumes to effect solubilization of cellulosic sugars by keeping the solid to liquid ratio constant throughout the solubilization process.

Effect of body position on respiratory system volumes in anesthetized red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) as measured via computed tomography.

PubMed

Malka, Shachar; Hawkins, Michelle G; Jones, James H; Pascoe, Peter J; Kass, Philip H; Wisner, Erik R

2009-09-01

To determine the effects of body position on lung and air-sac volumes in anesthetized and spontaneously breathing red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis). 6 adult red-tailed hawks (sex unknown). A crossover study design was used for quantitative estimation of lung and air-sac volumes in anesthetized hawks in 3 body positions: dorsal, right lateral, and sternal recumbency. Lung volume, lung density, and air-sac volume were calculated from helical computed tomographic (CT) images by use of software designed for volumetric analysis of CT data. Effects of body position were compared by use of repeated-measures ANOVA and a paired Student t test. Results for all pairs of body positions were significantly different from each other. Mean +/- SD lung density was lowest when hawks were in sternal recumbency (-677 +/- 28 CT units), followed by right lateral (-647 +/- 23 CT units) and dorsal (-630 +/- 19 CT units) recumbency. Mean lung volume was largest in sternal recumbency (28.6 +/- 1.5 mL), followed by right lateral (27.6 +/- 1.7 mL) and dorsal (27.0 +/- 1.5 mL) recumbency. Mean partial air-sac volume was largest in sternal recumbency (27.0 +/- 19.3 mL), followed by right lateral (21.9 +/- 16.1 mL) and dorsal (19.3 +/- 16.9 mL) recumbency. In anesthetized red-tailed hawks, positioning in sternal recumbency resulted in the greatest lung and air-sac volumes and lowest lung density, compared with positioning in right lateral and dorsal recumbency. Additional studies are necessary to determine the physiologic effects of body position on the avian respiratory system.

Tin induced a-Si crystallization in thin films of Si-Sn alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neimash, V.; Poroshin, V.; Shepeliavyi, P.; Yukhymchuk, V.; Melnyk, V.; Kuzmich, A.; Makara, V.; Goushcha, A. O.

2013-12-01

Effects of tin doping on crystallization of amorphous silicon were studied using Raman scattering, Auger spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence techniques. Formation of silicon nanocrystals (2-4 nm in size) in the amorphous matrix of Si1-xSnx, obtained by physical vapor deposition of the components in vacuum, was observed at temperatures around 300 °C. The aggregate volume of nanocrystals in the deposited film of Si1-xSnx exceeded 60% of the total film volume and correlated well with the tin content. Formation of structures with ˜80% partial volume of the nanocrystalline phase was also demonstrated. Tin-induced crystallization of amorphous silicon occurred only around the clusters of metallic tin, which suggested the crystallization mechanism involving an interfacial molten Si:Sn layer.

Correlation among body height, intelligence, and brain gray matter volume in healthy children.

PubMed

Taki, Yasuyuki; Hashizume, Hiroshi; Sassa, Yuko; Takeuchi, Hikaru; Asano, Michiko; Asano, Kohei; Kotozaki, Yuka; Nouchi, Rui; Wu, Kai; Fukuda, Hiroshi; Kawashima, Ryuta

2012-01-16

A significant positive correlation between height and intelligence has been demonstrated in children. Additionally, intelligence has been associated with the volume of gray matter in the brains of children. Based on these correlations, we analyzed the correlation among height, full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) and gray matter volume applying voxel-based morphometry using data from the brain magnetic resonance images of 160 healthy children aged 5-18 years of age. As a result, body height was significantly positively correlated with brain gray matter volume. Additionally, the regional gray matter volume of several regions such as the bilateral prefrontal cortices, temporoparietal region, and cerebellum was significantly positively correlated with body height and that the gray matter volume of several of these regions was also significantly positively correlated with full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) scores after adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Our results demonstrate that gray and white matter volume may mediate the correlation between body height and intelligence in healthy children. Additionally, the correlations among gray and white matter volume, height, and intelligence may be at least partially explained by the effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 and growth hormones. Given the importance of the effect of environmental factors, especially nutrition, on height, IQ, and gray matter volume, the present results stress the importance of nutrition during childhood for the healthy maturation of body and brain. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neostigmine but not sugammadex impairs upper airway dilator muscle activity and breathing

PubMed Central

Eikermann, M.; Zaremba, S.; Malhotra, A.; Jordan, A. S.; Rosow, C.; Chamberlin, N. L.

2008-01-01

Background Cholinesterase inhibitor-based reversal agents, given in the absence of neuromuscular block, evoke a partial upper airway obstruction by decreasing skeletal upper airway muscle function. Sugammadex reverses neuromuscular block by encapsulating rocuronium. However, its effects on upper airway integrity and breathing are unknown. Methods Fifty-one adult male rats were anaesthetized with isoflurane, tracheostomized, and a femoral artery and vein were cannulated. First, we compared the efficacy of sugammadex 15 mg kg−1 and neostigmine 0.06 mg kg−1 to reverse respiratory effects of rocuronium-induced partial paralysis [train-of-four ratio (T4/T1)=0.5]. Subsequently, we compared the safety of sugammadex and neostigmine given after recovery of the T4/T1 to 1, by measuring phasic genioglossus activity and breathing. Results During partial paralysis (T4/T1=0.5), time to recovery of minute volume to baseline values was 10.9 (2), 75.8 (18), and 153 (54) s with sugammadex, neostigmine, and placebo, respectively (sugammadex was significantly faster than neostigmine and placebo, P<0.05). Recovery of T4/T1 was also faster for sugammadex than neostigmine and placebo. Neostigmine administration after complete recovery of T4/T1 decreased upper airway dilator muscle activity to 64 (30)% of baseline and decreased tidal volume (P<0.05 for both variables), whereas sugammadex had no effect on either variable. Conclusions In contrast to neostigmine, which significantly impairs upper airway dilator muscle activity when given after recovery from neuromuscular block, a reversal dose of sugammadex given under the same conditions does not affect genioglossus muscle activity and normal breathing. Human studies will be required to evaluate the clinical relevance of our findings. PMID:18559352

Voluminous low-T granite: fluid present partial melting of the crust?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hand, Martin; Barovich, Karin; Morrissey, Laura; Bockmann, Kiara; Kelsey, David; Williams, Megan

2017-04-01

Voluminous low-T granite: fluid present partial melting of the crust? Martin Hand(1), Karin Barovich(1), Laura Morrissey(1), Vicki Lau(1), Kiara Bockmann(1), David Kelsey(1), Megan Williams(1) (1) Department of Earth Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia Two general schools of thought exist for the formation of granites from predominantly crustal sources. One is that large-scale anatexis occurs via fluid-absent partial melting. This essentially thermal argument is based on the reasonable premise that the lower crust is typically fluid depleted, and experimental evidence which indicates that fluid-absent partial melting can produce significant volumes of melt, creating compositionally depleted residua that many believe are recorded by granulite facies terranes. The other school of thought is that large-scale anatexis can occur via fluid-fluxed melting. This essentially compositional-based contention is also supported by experimental evidence which shows that fluid-fluxed melting is efficient, including at temperatures not much above the solidus. However, generating significant volumes of melt at low temperatures requires a large reservoir of fluid. If fluid-fluxed melting is a realistic model, the resultant granites should be comparatively low temperature compared to those derived from predominantly fluid-absent partial melting. Using a voluminous suite of aluminous granites in the Aileron Province in the North Australian Craton together with metasedimentary granulites as models for source behaviour, we evaluate fluid-absent verse fluid-present regimes for generating large volumes of crustally-derived melt. The central Aileron Province granites occupy 32,500km2, and in places are in excess of 8 km thick. They are characterised by abundant zircon inheritance that can be matched with metasedimentary successions in the region, suggesting they were derived in large part from melting of crust similar to that presently exposed. A notable feature of many of the granites is their enriched Th concentrations compared to typical Aileron Province sub solidus metapelitic successions. However, based on continuous transects within metasedimentary rocks from a number of different regions that record transitions from sub-solidus assemblages to supra-solidus rocks petrologically characterised by typical fluid-absent peritectic assemblages (central Aileron Province, Broken Hill Zone, Ivrea-Verbano Zone), fluid-absent partial melting does not deplete Th concentrations in the residuum with respect to their sub-solidus protoliths. If these compositional transects are used as a guide to the general behaviour of Th during fluid-absent partial melting, the voluminous Th-enriched granites in the Aileron Province are unlikely to be the products of fluid-absent partial melting. This contention is supported by phase equilibria modelling of sub-solidus metasedimentary units whose detrital zircons match in age the granite-hosted xenocrysts, which indicate that temperatures in excess of 840°C are required to generate significant volumes (ie ≥ 30%) of melt under fluid-absent conditions. However, zircon saturation temperatures for the granites have a weighted mean of 776 ± 4 °C (n = 220). Because the granites contain abundant inheritance, this is an upper-T limit that also suggests fluid-absent partial melting was not the primary mechanism for granite formation. We suggest that voluminous granite formation in the Aileron Province occurred in a fluid-rich regime that was particularly effective at destabilising monazite and liberating Th into melt. Because of the propensity of monazite to destabilise in the presence of fluid, we suggest that high-grade metasedimentary terrains that are notably depleted in Th may be residuum associated with fluid-fluxed melt loss.

Fluid balance concepts in medicine: Principles and practice

PubMed Central

Roumelioti, Maria-Eleni; Glew, Robert H; Khitan, Zeid J; Rondon-Berrios, Helbert; Argyropoulos, Christos P; Malhotra, Deepak; Raj, Dominic S; Agaba, Emmanuel I; Rohrscheib, Mark; Murata, Glen H; Shapiro, Joseph I; Tzamaloukas, Antonios H

2018-01-01

The regulation of body fluid balance is a key concern in health and disease and comprises three concepts. The first concept pertains to the relationship between total body water (TBW) and total effective solute and is expressed in terms of the tonicity of the body fluids. Disturbances in tonicity are the main factor responsible for changes in cell volume, which can critically affect brain cell function and survival. Solutes distributed almost exclusively in the extracellular compartment (mainly sodium salts) and in the intracellular compartment (mainly potassium salts) contribute to tonicity, while solutes distributed in TBW have no effect on tonicity. The second body fluid balance concept relates to the regulation and measurement of abnormalities of sodium salt balance and extracellular volume. Estimation of extracellular volume is more complex and error prone than measurement of TBW. A key function of extracellular volume, which is defined as the effective arterial blood volume (EABV), is to ensure adequate perfusion of cells and organs. Other factors, including cardiac output, total and regional capacity of both arteries and veins, Starling forces in the capillaries, and gravity also affect the EABV. Collectively, these factors interact closely with extracellular volume and some of them undergo substantial changes in certain acute and chronic severe illnesses. Their changes result not only in extracellular volume expansion, but in the need for a larger extracellular volume compared with that of healthy individuals. Assessing extracellular volume in severe illness is challenging because the estimates of this volume by commonly used methods are prone to large errors in many illnesses. In addition, the optimal extracellular volume may vary from illness to illness, is only partially based on volume measurements by traditional methods, and has not been determined for each illness. Further research is needed to determine optimal extracellular volume levels in several illnesses. For these reasons, extracellular volume in severe illness merits a separate third concept of body fluid balance. PMID:29359117

Studying pressure denaturation of a protein by molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Sarupria, Sapna; Ghosh, Tuhin; García, Angel E; Garde, Shekhar

2010-05-15

Many globular proteins unfold when subjected to several kilobars of hydrostatic pressure. This "unfolding-up-on-squeezing" is counter-intuitive in that one expects mechanical compression of proteins with increasing pressure. Molecular simulations have the potential to provide fundamental understanding of pressure effects on proteins. However, the slow kinetics of unfolding, especially at high pressures, eliminates the possibility of its direct observation by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Motivated by experimental results-that pressure denatured states are water-swollen, and theoretical results-that water transfer into hydrophobic contacts becomes favorable with increasing pressure, we employ a water insertion method to generate unfolded states of the protein Staphylococcal Nuclease (Snase). Structural characteristics of these unfolded states-their water-swollen nature, retention of secondary structure, and overall compactness-mimic those observed in experiments. Using conformations of folded and unfolded states, we calculate their partial molar volumes in MD simulations and estimate the pressure-dependent free energy of unfolding. The volume of unfolding of Snase is negative (approximately -60 mL/mol at 1 bar) and is relatively insensitive to pressure, leading to its unfolding in the pressure range of 1500-2000 bars. Interestingly, once the protein is sufficiently water swollen, the partial molar volume of the protein appears to be insensitive to further conformational expansion or unfolding. Specifically, water-swollen structures with relatively low radii of gyration have partial molar volume that are similar to that of significantly more unfolded states. We find that the compressibility change on unfolding is negligible, consistent with experiments. We also analyze hydration shell fluctuations to comment on the hydration contributions to protein compressibility. Our study demonstrates the utility of molecular simulations in estimating volumetric properties and pressure stability of proteins, and can be potentially extended for applications to protein complexes and assemblies. Proteins 2010. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

PROCEEDINGS: SYMPOSIUM ON FLUE GAS DESULFURIZATION HELD AT LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, MARCH 1979; VOLUME II

EPA Science Inventory

The publication, in two volumes, contains the text of all papers presented at EPA's fifth flue gas desulfurization (FGD) symposium, March 5-8, 1979, at Las Vegas, Nevada. A partial listing of papers in Volume 2 includes the following: Basin Electric's involvement with dry flue ga...

Detection of melting by X-ray imaging at high pressure

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

Li, Li; Weidner, Donald J.

2014-06-15

The occurrence of partial melting at elevated pressure and temperature is documented in real time through measurement of volume strain induced by a fixed temperature change. Here we present the methodology for measuring volume strains to one part in 10{sup −4} for mm{sup 3} sized samples in situ as a function of time during a step in temperature. By calibrating the system for sample thermal expansion at temperatures lower than the solidus, the onset of melting can be detected when the melting volume increase is of comparable size to the thermal expansion induced volume change. We illustrate this technique withmore » a peridotite sample at 1.5 GPa during partial melting. The Re capsule is imaged with a CCD camera at 20 frames/s. Temperature steps of 100 K induce volume strains that triple with melting. The analysis relies on image comparison for strain determination and the thermal inertia of the sample is clearly seen in the time history of the volume strain. Coupled with a thermodynamic model of the melting, we infer that we identify melting with 2 vol.% melting.« less

Large splenic volume may be a useful predictor for partial splenic embolization-induced liver functional improvement in cirrhotic patients.

PubMed

Hayashi, Hiromitsu; Beppu, Toru; Masuda, Toshiro; Okabe, Hirohisa; Imai, Katsunori; Hashimoto, Daisuke; Ikuta, Yoshiaki; Chikamoto, Akira; Watanabe, Masayuki; Baba, Hideo

2014-01-01

Partial splenic embolization (PSE) for cirrhotic patients has been reported not only to achieve an improvement in thrombocytopenia and portal hypertension, but also to induce PSE-associated fringe benefit such as individual liver functional improvement. The purpose of this study was to clarify the predictive marker of liver functional improvement due from PSE in cirrhotic patients. From April 1999 to January 2009, 83 cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism-induced thrombocytopenia (platelet count <10 × 10(4)/μl) underwent PSE. Of them, 71 patients with follow-up for more than one year after PSE were retrospectively investigated. In liver tissues after PSE, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive hepatocytes were remarkably increased, speculating that PSE induced liver regenerative response. Indeed, serum albumin and cholinesterase levels increased to 104 ± 14% and 130 ± 65% each of the pretreatment level at one year after PSE. In a multiple linear regression analysis, preoperative splenic volume was extracted as the predictive factor for the improvement in cholinesterase level after PSE. Cirrhotic patients with preoperative splenic volume >600 ml obtained significantly higher serum albumin and cholinesterase levels at one year after PSE compared to those with less than 600 ml (P-values were 0.029 in both). A large preoperative splenic volume was the useful predictive marker for an effective PSE-induced liver functional improvement. © 2013 Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.

Thermodynamic properties of deep eutectic solvent and ionic liquid mixtures at temperatures from 293.15 K to 343.15 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Achsah, R. S.; Shyam, S.; Mayuri, N.; Anantharaj, R.

2018-04-01

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) and ionic liquids (ILs) have their applications in various fields of research and in industries due to their attractive physiochemical properties. In this study, the combined thermodynamic properties of DES (choline chloride-glycerol) + IL1 (1-butyl-3-methylimiazolium acetate) and DES(choline chloride-glycerol) + IL2 (1-ethyl-3-methylimadzolium ethyl sulphate) have been studied. The thermodynamic properties such as excess molar volume, partial molar volume, excess partial molar volume and apparent molar volume were calculated for different mole fractions ranging from 0 to 1 and varying temperatures from 293.15 K to 343.15 K. In order to know the solvent properties of DESs and ILs mixtures at different temperatures and their molecular interactions to enhance the solvent performance and process efficiency at fixed composition and temperature the thermodynamic properties were analyzed.

Standardizing a simpler, more sensitive and accurate tail bleeding assay in mice

PubMed Central

Liu, Yang; Jennings, Nicole L; Dart, Anthony M; Du, Xiao-Jun

2012-01-01

AIM: To optimize the experimental protocols for a simple, sensitive and accurate bleeding assay. METHODS: Bleeding assay was performed in mice by tail tip amputation, immersing the tail in saline at 37 °C, continuously monitoring bleeding patterns and measuring bleeding volume from changes in the body weight. Sensitivity and extent of variation of bleeding time and bleeding volume were compared in mice treated with the P2Y receptor inhibitor prasugrel at various doses or in mice deficient of FcRγ, a signaling protein of the glycoprotein VI receptor. RESULTS: We described details of the bleeding assay with the aim of standardizing this commonly used assay. The bleeding assay detailed here was simple to operate and permitted continuous monitoring of bleeding pattern and detection of re-bleeding. We also reported a simple and accurate way of quantifying bleeding volume from changes in the body weight, which correlated well with chemical assay of hemoglobin levels (r2 = 0.990, P < 0.0001). We determined by tail bleeding assay the dose-effect relation of the anti-platelet drug prasugrel from 0.015 to 5 mg/kg. Our results showed that the correlation of bleeding time and volume was unsatisfactory and that compared with the bleeding time, bleeding volume was more sensitive in detecting a partial inhibition of platelet’s haemostatic activity (P < 0.01). Similarly, in mice with genetic disruption of FcRγ as a signaling molecule of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 leading to platelet dysfunction, both increased bleeding volume and repeated bleeding pattern defined the phenotype of the knockout mice better than that of a prolonged bleeding time. CONCLUSION: Determination of bleeding pattern and bleeding volume, in addition to bleeding time, improved the sensitivity and accuracy of this assay, particularly when platelet function is partially inhibited. PMID:24520531

Consistency in seroma contouring for partial breast radiotherapy: Impact of guidelines

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

Wong, Elaine K.; Truong, Pauline T.; Kader, Hosam A.

2006-10-01

Purpose: Inconsistencies in contouring target structures can undermine the precision of conformal radiation therapy (RT) planning and compromise the validity of clinical trial results. This study evaluated the impact of guidelines on consistency in target volume contouring for partial breast RT planning. Methods and Materials: Guidelines for target volume definition for partial breast radiation therapy (PBRT) planning were developed by members of the steering committee for a pilot trial of PBRT using conformal external beam planning. In phase 1, delineation of the breast seroma in 5 early-stage breast cancer patients was independently performed by a 'trained' cohort of four radiationmore » oncologists who were provided with these guidelines and an 'untrained' cohort of four radiation oncologists who contoured without guidelines. Using automated planning software, the seroma target volume (STV) was expanded into a clinical target volume (CTV) and planning target volume (PTV) for each oncologist. Means and standard deviations were calculated, and two-tailed t tests were used to assess differences between the 'trained' and 'untrained' cohorts. In phase 2, all eight radiation oncologists were provided with the same contouring guidelines, and were asked to delineate the seroma in five new cases. Data were again analyzed to evaluate consistency between the two cohorts. Results: The 'untrained' cohort contoured larger seroma volumes and had larger CTVs and PTVs compared with the 'trained' cohort in three of five cases. When seroma contouring was performed after review of contouring guidelines, the differences in the STVs, CTVs, and PTVs were no longer statistically significant. Conclusion: Guidelines can improve consistency among radiation oncologists performing target volume delineation for PBRT planning.« less

Immediate Partial Breast Reconstruction with Endoscopic Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap Harvest

PubMed Central

Yang, Chae Eun; Roh, Tai Suk; Yun, In Sik; Lew, Dae Hyun

2014-01-01

Background Currently, breast conservation therapy is commonly performed for the treatment of early breast cancer. Depending on the volume excised, patients may require volume replacement, even in cases of partial mastectomy. The use of the latissimus dorsi muscle is the standard method, but this procedure leaves an unfavorable scar on the donor site. We used an endoscope for latissimus dorsi harvesting to minimize the incision, thus reducing postoperative scars. Methods Ten patients who underwent partial mastectomy and immediate partial breast reconstruction with endoscopic latissimus dorsi muscle flap harvest were reviewed retrospectively. The total operation time, hospital stay, and complications were reviewed. Postoperative scarring, overall shape of the reconstructed breast, and donor site deformity were assessed using a 10-point scale. Results In the mean follow-up of 11 weeks, no tumor recurrence was reported. The mean operation time was 294.5 (±38.2) minutes. The postoperative hospital stay was 11.4 days. Donor site seroma was reported in four cases and managed by office aspiration and compressive dressing. Postoperative scarring, donor site deformity, and the overall shape of the neobreast were acceptable, scoring above 7. Conclusions Replacement of 20% to 40% of breast volume in the upper and the lower outer quadrants with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap by using endoscopic harvesting is a good alternative reconstruction technique after partial mastectomy. Short incision benefits from a very acceptable postoperative scar, less pain, and early upper extremity movement. PMID:25276643

The Effect of Dose-Volume Parameters and Interfraction Interval on Cosmetic Outcome and Toxicity After 3-Dimensional Conformal Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation

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

Leonard, Kara Lynne, E-mail: karalynne.kerr@gmail.com; Hepel, Jaroslaw T.; Department of Radiation Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island

2013-03-01

Purpose: To evaluate dose-volume parameters and the interfraction interval (IFI) as they relate to cosmetic outcome and normal tissue effects of 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). Methods and Materials: Eighty patients were treated by the use of 3D-CRT to deliver APBI at our institutions from 2003-2010 in strict accordance with the specified dose-volume constraints outlined in the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B39/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0413 (NSABP-B39/RTOG 0413) protocol. The prescribed dose was 38.5 Gy in 10 fractions delivered twice daily. Patients underwent follow-up with assessment for recurrence, late toxicity, andmore » overall cosmetic outcome. Tests for association between toxicity endpoints and dosimetric parameters were performed with the chi-square test. Univariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of interfraction interval (IFI) with these outcomes. Results: At a median follow-up time of 32 months, grade 2-4 and grade 3-4 subcutaneous fibrosis occurred in 31% and 7.5% of patients, respectively. Subcutaneous fibrosis improved in 5 patients (6%) with extended follow-up. Fat necrosis developed in 11% of women, and cosmetic outcome was fair/poor in 19%. The relative volume of breast tissue receiving 5%, 20%, 50%, 80%, and 100% (V5-V100) of the prescribed dose was associated with risk of subcutaneous fibrosis, and the volume receiving 50%, 80%, and 100% (V50-V100) was associated with fair/poor cosmesis. The mean IFI was 6.9 hours, and the minimum IFI was 6.2 hours. The mean and minimum IFI values were not significantly associated with late toxicity. Conclusions: The incidence of moderate to severe late toxicity, particularly subcutaneous fibrosis and fat necrosis and resulting fair/poor cosmesis, remains high with continued follow-up. These toxicity endpoints are associated with several dose-volume parameters. Minimum and mean IFI values were not associated with late toxicity.« less

Effect of baffle size and orientation on lateral sloshing of partially filled containers: a numerical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Sajid; Kamran, Muhammad Ali; Khan, Sikandar

2017-11-01

The fluid sloshing in partially filled road tankers has significantly increased the number of road accidents for the last few decades. Significant research is needed to investigate and to come up with optimum baffles designs that can help to increase the rollover stability of the partially filled tankers. In this investigation, a detailed analysis of the anti-slosh effectiveness of different baffle configurations is presented. This investigation extends the already available studies in the literature by introducing new modified rectangular tank's shapes that correspond to maximum rollover stability as compared to the already available standard tank designs. The various baffles configurations that are analysed in this study are horizontal, vertical, vertical-horizontal and diagonal. In the current study, numerical investigations are performed for rectangular, elliptical and circular tank shapes. Lateral sloshing, caused by constant radius turn manoeuvre, was simulated numerically using the volume-of-fluid method, and effect of the different baffle configurations was analysed. The effect of tank fill levels on sloshing measured in terms of horizontal force and pressure moments is also reported for with and without baffles configurations. Vertical baffles were the most effective at reducing sloshing in modified rectangular tanks, whereas a combination of horizontal and vertical baffles gave better results for the circular and elliptical tanks geometries.

Algebraic Methods to Design Signals

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-27

sequence pairs with optimal correlation values. 5. K.T. Arasu, Pradeep Bansal , Cody Watson, Partially balanced incomplete block designs with two...IEEE Transactions Information Theory, Volume: 58, Issue: 11, Nov 2012, Page(s): 6968 – 6978 5. K.T. Arasu, Pradeep Bansal , Cody Watson, Partially

Partial Updating of TSCA Inventory DataBase; Production and Site Reports; Final Rule

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

A partial updating of the TSCA inventory database. The final rule requires manufacturers and importers of certain chemical substances included on the TSCA Chemical Substances Inventory to report current data on the production volume, plant site, etc.

Use of hydrogel breast biopsy tissue markers reduces the need for wire localization.

PubMed

Blumencranz, Peter W; Ellis, Debra; Barlowe, Kylee

2014-10-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether breast biopsy tissue markers composed of an ultrasound-visible hydrogel reduced the need for preoperative wire localization (WL) in patients undergoing a partial mastectomy. A single-surgeon, single-institution, retrospective chart review was performed on 691 consecutive female patients, with mean age 67 years (range 36-98 years), from 2009 to 2012 undergoing partial mastectomies after percutaneous biopsies by stereotactic or ultrasound guidance. Overall, the use of WL was more frequent in patients who had standard (other) markers placed during biopsy as opposed to those with hydrogel markers (HydroMARK). For stereotactic biopsy, 75.8 % of patients with a standard marker required WL versus 17.1 % with HydroMARK and for ultrasound biopsy, 22.6 % standard versus 4.3 % HydroMARK (p < .0001, p < .0001). In some cases where hydrogel markers were used, WL was used for "bracketing" because of the presence of microcalcifications. In cases where standard markers were used, WL was not used because of either IOUS visibility of residual lesion or marker visibility. Specimen volume and re-excision rate were comparable between patients with hydrogel and standard markers, showing no significant differences (p = .1673, p = .1813 respectively). Hydrogel biopsy tissue markers optimize the surgeon's ability to perform a partial mastectomy without the use of WL. HydroMARK was as effective as a standard marker in terms of partial mastectomy specimen volume and re-excision rate. This yields potential for cost savings, increased efficacy in operating room and radiology scheduling, and patient comfort and convenience.

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

Donovan, Ellen M., E-mail: ellen.donovan@icr.ac.u; Ciurlionis, Laura; Fairfoul, Jamie

Purpose: To establish planning solutions for a concomitant three-level radiation dose distribution to the breast using linear accelerator- or tomotherapy-based intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), for the U.K. Intensity Modulated and Partial Organ (IMPORT) High trial. Methods and Materials: Computed tomography data sets for 9 patients undergoing breast conservation surgery with implanted tumor bed gold markers were used to prepare three-level dose distributions encompassing the whole breast (36 Gy), partial breast (40 Gy), and tumor bed boost (48 or 53 Gy) treated concomitantly in 15 fractions within 3 weeks. Forward and inverse planned IMRT and tomotherapy were investigated as solutions. A standardmore » electron field was compared with a photon field arrangement encompassing the tumor bed boost volume. The out-of-field doses were measured for all methods. Results: Dose-volume constraints of volume >90% receiving 32.4 Gy and volume >95% receiving 50.4 Gy for the whole breast and tumor bed were achieved. The constraint of volume >90% receiving 36 Gy for the partial breast was fulfilled in the inverse IMRT and tomotherapy plans and in 7 of 9 cases of a forward planned IMRT distribution. An electron boost to the tumor bed was inadequate in 8 of 9 cases. The IMRT methods delivered a greater whole body dose than the standard breast tangents. A contralateral lung volume >2.5 Gy was increased in the inverse IMRT and tomotherapy plans, although it did not exceed the constraint. Conclusion: We have demonstrated a set of widely applicable solutions that fulfilled the stringent clinical trial requirements for the delivery of a concomitant three-level dose distribution to the breast.« less

MRI-guided brain PET image filtering and partial volume correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Jianhua; Chu-Shern Lim, Jason; Townsend, David W.

2015-02-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) image quantification is a challenging problem due to limited spatial resolution of acquired data and the resulting partial volume effects (PVE), which depend on the size of the structure studied in relation to the spatial resolution and which may lead to over or underestimation of the true tissue tracer concentration. In addition, it is usually necessary to perform image smoothing either during image reconstruction or afterwards to achieve a reasonable signal-to-noise ratio. Typically, an isotropic Gaussian filtering (GF) is used for this purpose. However, the noise suppression is at the cost of deteriorating spatial resolution. As hybrid imaging devices such as PET/MRI have become available, the complementary information derived from high definition morphologic images could be used to improve the quality of PET images. In this study, first of all, we propose an MRI-guided PET filtering method by adapting a recently proposed local linear model and then incorporate PVE into the model to get a new partial volume correction (PVC) method without parcellation of MRI. In addition, both the new filtering and PVC are voxel-wise non-iterative methods. The performance of the proposed methods were investigated with simulated dynamic FDG brain dataset and 18F-FDG brain data of a cervical cancer patient acquired with a simultaneous hybrid PET/MR scanner. The initial simulation results demonstrated that MRI-guided PET image filtering can produce less noisy images than traditional GF and bias and coefficient of variation can be further reduced by MRI-guided PET PVC. Moreover, structures can be much better delineated in MRI-guided PET PVC for real brain data.

Cleft closure and undersizing annuloplasty improve mitral repair in atrioventricular canal defects

PubMed Central

Padala, Muralidhar; Vasilyev, Nikolay V.; Owen, James W.; Jimenez, Jorge H.; Dasi, Lakshmi P.; del Nido, Pedro J.; Yoganathan, Ajit P.

2009-01-01

Objective Reoperation rates to correct left atrioventricular valve regurgitation after primary repair of atrioventricular canal defects remain relatively high. The causes of valvular regurgitation are likely multifactorial, and simple cleft closure is often insufficient to prevent recurrence. Methods To elucidate the mechanisms leading to regurgitation, we conducted hemodynamic studies using isolated native mitral valves. Anatomy of these valves was altered to mimic atrioventricular canal type valves and studied under pediatric hemodynamic conditions. The impact of subvalvular geometry, cleft closure, annular dilatation, and annular undersizing on regurgitation were investigated. Results Papillary muscle position did not have a significant effect on regurgitation. Cleft closure had a significant impact on valvular competence, with reduction in regurgitation volume with increased cleft closure. Regurgitation volume decreased from 12.5 ± 2.4 mL/beat for an open cleft to 4.9 ± 1.9 mL/beat for a partially closed cleft and to 1.4 ± 1.6 mL/beat when the cleft was completely closed. Annular dilatation had a significant impact on regurgitation even after cleft closure. A 40% increase in annular size increased regurgitation by 59% for a partially closed cleft and by 84% for a fully closed cleft. Reducing the annular size by 20% from the physiologic level decreased the regurgitation volume by 12% for a fully open cleft and by 58% for the partially closed cleft case. Conclusions Annular dilatation after primary repair has a potentially significant role in the recurrence of atrioventricular valve regurgitation. Reducing the annular size and restricting dilatation as an adjunct to cleft closure is a promising surgical approach in such valve anatomies. PMID:19026810

Defining the Role of Free Flaps in Partial Breast Reconstruction.

PubMed

Smith, Mark L; Molina, Bianca J; Dayan, Erez; Jablonka, Eric M; Okwali, Michelle; Kim, Julie N; Dayan, Joseph H

2018-03-01

 Free flaps have a well-established role in breast reconstruction after mastectomy; however, their role in partial breast reconstruction remains poorly defined. We reviewed our experience with partial breast reconstruction to better understand indications for free tissue transfer.  A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing partial breast reconstruction at our center between February 2009 and October 2015. We evaluated the characteristics of patients who underwent volume displacement procedures versus volume replacement procedures and free versus pedicled flap reconstruction.  There were 78 partial breast reconstructions, with 52 reductions/tissue rearrangements (displacement group) and 26 flaps (replacement group). Bra cup size and body mass index (BMI) were significantly smaller in the replacement group. Fifteen pedicled and 11 free flaps were performed. Most pedicled flaps (80.0%) were used for lateral or upper pole defects. Most free flaps (72.7%) were used for medial and inferior defects or when there was inadequate donor tissue for a pedicled flap. Complications included hematoma, cellulitis, and one aborted pedicled flap.  Free and pedicled flaps are useful for partial breast reconstruction, particularly in breast cancer patients with small breasts undergoing breast-conserving treatment (BCT). Flap selection depends on defect size, location, and donor tissue availability. Medial defects are difficult to reconstruct using pedicled flaps due to arc of rotation and intervening breast tissue. Free tissue transfer can overcome these obstacles. Confirming negative margins before flap reconstruction ensures harvest of adequate volume and avoids later re-operation. Judicious use of free flaps for oncoplastic reconstruction expands the possibility for breast conservation. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

SU-E-T-217: Comprehensive Dosimetric Evaluation On 3D-CRT, IMRT and Non-Coplanar Arc Treatment for Prone Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI)

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

Chiu, T; Yan, Y; Ramirez, E

2015-06-15

Purpose: Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is an effective treatment for early stage breast-cancer. Irradiation in a prone position can mitigate breast motion and spare heart and lung. In this study, a comprehensive study is performed to evaluate various treatment techniques for prone APBI treatment including: 3D-CRT, IMRT, co-planar and non-coplanar partial arcs treatment. Methods: In this treatment planning study, a left breast patient treated in prone position in our clinic was imported into Varian Eclipse TPS. Six beams tangential to chest wall were used in both 3D-CRT and IMRT plans. These six beams were coplanar in a transactional planemore » achieved by both gantry and couch rotation. A 60-beam IMRT plan was also created to explore the maximum benefit of co-planar IMRT. Within deliverable couch rotation range (±30°), partial arc treatment plans with one and up to ten couch positions were generated for comparison. For each plan, 30Gy in 6 fractions was prescribed to 95% PTV volume. Critical dosimetric parameters, such as conformity index, mean, maximum, and volume dose of organ at risk, are evaluated. Results: The conformity indexes (CI) are 3.53, 3.17, 2.21 and 1.08 respectively to 3D-CRT, 6-beam IMRT, 60-beam IMRT, and two-partial-arcs coplanar plans. However, arc plans increase heart dose. CI for non-coplanar arc plans decreases from 1.19 to 1.10 when increases couch positions. Maximum dose in ipsilateral lung (1.98 to 1.13 Gy), and heart (0.62 to 0.43 Gy) are steadily decreased with the increased number of non-coplanar arcs. Conclusions: The dosimetric evaluation results show that partial arc plans have improved CIs compared to conventional 3D-CRT and IMRT plans. Increasing number of partial arcs decreases lung and heart dose. The dosimetric benefit obtained from non-coplanar arcs should be considered with treatment delivery time.« less

A National State of the Art Study of Curriculum Instructional Materials for Distributive Education. Volume 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hirshfeld, Marvin; Leventhal, Jerome I.

Volume 1 of the two-volume annotated bibliography provides a partial listing of available materials for curriculum and instructional enrichment in distributive education. The grouping of all materials was made according to the U. S. Office of Education Classification of Instructional Programs for Distributive Education. Alphabetized by title under…

A National State of the Art Study of Curriculum Instructional Materials for Distributive Education. Volume 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hirshfeld, Marvin; Leventhal, Jerome I.

Volume 2 of the two-volume annotated bibliography provides a partial listing of available materials for curriculum and instructional enrichment in distributive education. The grouping of all materials was made according to the U. S. Office of Education Classification of Instructional Programs for Distributive Education. Alphabetized by title under…

Diffusion of multiple species with excluded-volume effects.

PubMed

Bruna, Maria; Chapman, S Jonathan

2012-11-28

Stochastic models of diffusion with excluded-volume effects are used to model many biological and physical systems at a discrete level. The average properties of the population may be described by a continuum model based on partial differential equations. In this paper we consider multiple interacting subpopulations/species and study how the inter-species competition emerges at the population level. Each individual is described as a finite-size hard core interacting particle undergoing brownian motion. The link between the discrete stochastic equations of motion and the continuum model is considered systematically using the method of matched asymptotic expansions. The system for two species leads to a nonlinear cross-diffusion system for each subpopulation, which captures the enhancement of the effective diffusion rate due to excluded-volume interactions between particles of the same species, and the diminishment due to particles of the other species. This model can explain two alternative notions of the diffusion coefficient that are often confounded, namely collective diffusion and self-diffusion. Simulations of the discrete system show good agreement with the analytic results.

New Language and Old Problems in Breast Cancer Radiotherapy.

PubMed

Chiricuţă, Ion Christian

2017-01-01

New developments in breast cancer radiotherapy make possible new standards in treatment recommandations based on international guidelines. Developments in radiotherapy irradiation techniques from 2D to 3D-Conformal RT and to IMRT (Intensity Modulated Arc Therapy) make possible to reduce the usual side effects on the organs at risk as: skin, lung, miocard, bone, esophagus and brahial plexus. Dispite of all these progresses acute and late side effects are present. Side effects are as old as the radiotherapy was used. New solutions are available now by improving irradiation techniques. New techniques as sentinel node procedure (SNP) or partial breast irradiation (PBRT) and immediate breast reconstruction with silicon implants (IBRIS) make necessary new considerations regarding the target volume delineations. A new language for definition of gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical target volume (CTV) based on the new diagnostic methods as PET/CT,nonaparticle MRI will have real impact on target delineation and irradiation techniques. "The new common language in breast cancer therapy" would be the first step to improve the endresults and finally the quality of life of the patients. Celsius.

Quantification of FDG-PET/CT with delayed imaging in patients with newly diagnosed recurrent breast cancer.

PubMed

Baun, Christina; Falch, Kirsten; Gerke, Oke; Hansen, Jeanette; Nguyen, Tram; Alavi, Abass; Høilund-Carlsen, Poul-Flemming; Hildebrandt, Malene G

2018-05-09

Several studies have shown the advantage of delayed-time-point imaging with 18F-FDG-PET/CT to distinguish malignant from benign uptake. This may be relevant in cancer diseases with low metabolism, such as breast cancer. We aimed at examining the change in SUV from 1 h (1h) to 3 h (3h) time-point imaging in local and distant lesions in patients with recurrent breast cancer. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of partial volume correction in the different types of metastases, using semi-automatic quantitative software (ROVER™). One-hundred and two patients with suspected breast cancer recurrence underwent whole-body PET/CT scans 1h and 3h after FDG injection. Semi-quantitative standardised uptake values (SUVmax, SUVmean) and partial volume corrected SUVmean (cSUVmean), were estimated in malignant lesions, and as reference in healthy liver tissue. The change in quantitative measures from 1h to 3h was calculated, and SUVmean was compared to cSUVmean. Metastases were verified by biopsy. Of the 102 included patients, 41 had verified recurrent disease with in median 15 lesions (range 1-70) amounting to a total of 337 malignant lesions included in the analysis. SUVmax of malignant lesions increased from 6.4 ± 3.4 [0.9-19.7] (mean ± SD, min and max) at 1h to 8.1 ± 4.4 [0.7-29.7] at 3h. SUVmax in breast, lung, lymph node and bone lesions increased significantly (p < 0.0001) between 1h and 3h by on average 25, 40, 33, and 27%, respectively. A similar pattern was observed with (uncorrected) SUVmean. Partial volume correction increased SUVmean significantly, by 63 and 71% at 1h and 3h imaging, respectively. The highest impact was in breast lesions at 3h, where cSUVmean increased by 87% compared to SUVmean. SUVs increased from 1h to 3h in malignant lesions, SUVs of distant recurrence were in general about twice as high as those of local recurrence. Partial volume correction caused significant increases in these values. However, it is questionable, if these relatively modest quantitative advances of 3h imaging are sufficient to warrant delayed imaging in this patient group. ClinicalTrails.gov NCT01552655 . Registered 28 February 2012, partly retrospectively registered.

Numerical Investigations on Aerodynamic Forces of Deformable Foils in Hovering Motions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yong; Yin, Zhen; Su, Xiaohui; Zhang, Jiantao; Cao, Yuanwei

2017-09-01

The aerodynamic effects of wing deformation for hover flight are numerically investigated by a two-dimensional finite-volume (FV) Arbitrary Langrangian Eulerian (ALE) Navier-Stokes solver. Two deformation models are employed to study these effects in this paper, which are a full deformation model and a partial deformation one. Attentions are paid to the generation and development of leading edge vortex (LEV) and trailing edge vortex (TEV) which may illustrate the differences of lift force generation mechanisms from those of rigid wings. Moreover, lift coefficient Cl, drag coefficient Cd, and figure of merit, as well as energy consumption in hovering motion for different deformation foil models, are also studied. The results show that the deformed amplitude, 0.1*chord, among the cases simulated is an optimized camber amplitude for full deformation. The results obtained from the partial deformation foil model show that both Cl and Cd decrease with the increase of camber amplitude. It is found that the effect of deformation in the partial deformation model does not enhance lift force due to unfavorable camber. But TEV is significantly changed by the local AOA due to the deformation of the foil. Introduction.

Pitfalls in 16-detector row CT of the coronary arteries.

PubMed

Nakanishi, Tadashi; Kayashima, Yasuyo; Inoue, Rintaro; Sumii, Kotaro; Gomyo, Yukihiko

2005-01-01

Recently developed 16-detector row computed tomography (CT) has been introduced as a reliable noninvasive imaging modality for evaluating the coronary arteries. In most cases, with appropriate premedication that includes beta-blockers and nitroglycerin, ideal data sets can be acquired from which to obtain excellent-quality coronary CT angiograms, most often with multiplanar reformation, thin-slab maximum intensity projection, and volume rendering. However, various artifacts associated with data creation and reformation, postprocessing methods, and image interpretation can hamper accurate diagnosis. These artifacts can be related to pulsation (nonassessable segments, pseudostenosis) as well as rhythm disorders, respiratory issues, partial volume averaging effect, high-attenuation entities, inappropriate scan pitch, contrast material enhancement, and patient body habitus. Some artifacts have already been resolved with technical advances, whereas others represent partially inherent limitations of coronary CT angiography. Familiarity with the pitfalls of coronary angiography with 16-detector row CT, coupled with the knowledge of both the normal anatomy and anatomic variants of the coronary arteries, can almost always help radiologists avoid interpretive errors in the diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis. (c) RSNA, 2005.

Infarct Volume Prediction by Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Murine Stroke Model Depends on Ischemia Duration and Time of Imaging.

PubMed

Leithner, Christoph; Füchtemeier, Martina; Jorks, Devi; Mueller, Susanne; Dirnagl, Ulrich; Royl, Georg

2015-11-01

Despite standardization of experimental stroke models, final infarct sizes after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) vary considerably. This introduces uncertainties in the evaluation of drug effects on stroke. Magnetic resonance imaging may detect variability of surgically induced ischemia before treatment and thus improve treatment effect evaluation. MCAO of 45 and 90 minutes induced brain infarcts in 83 mice. During, and 3 and 6 hours after MCAO, we performed multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. We evaluated time courses of cerebral blood flow, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), T1, T2, accuracy of infarct prediction strategies, and impact on statistical evaluation of experimental stroke studies. ADC decreased during MCAO but recovered completely on reperfusion after 45 and partially after 90-minute MCAO, followed by a secondary decline. ADC lesion volumes during MCAO or at 6 hours after MCAO largely determined final infarct volumes for 90 but not for 45 minutes MCAO. The majority of chance findings of final infarct volume differences in random group allocations of animals were associated with significant differences in early ADC lesion volumes for 90, but not for 45-minute MCAO. The prediction accuracy of early magnetic resonance imaging for infarct volumes depends on timing of magnetic resonance imaging and MCAO duration. Variability of the posterior communicating artery in C57Bl6 mice contributes to differences in prediction accuracy between short and long MCAO. Early ADC imaging may be used to reduce errors in the interpretation of post MCAO treatment effects on stroke volumes. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Reducing Interpolation Artifacts for Mutual Information Based Image Registration

PubMed Central

Soleimani, H.; Khosravifard, M.A.

2011-01-01

Medical image registration methods which use mutual information as similarity measure have been improved in recent decades. Mutual Information is a basic concept of Information theory which indicates the dependency of two random variables (or two images). In order to evaluate the mutual information of two images their joint probability distribution is required. Several interpolation methods, such as Partial Volume (PV) and bilinear, are used to estimate joint probability distribution. Both of these two methods yield some artifacts on mutual information function. Partial Volume-Hanning window (PVH) and Generalized Partial Volume (GPV) methods are introduced to remove such artifacts. In this paper we show that the acceptable performance of these methods is not due to their kernel function. It's because of the number of pixels which incorporate in interpolation. Since using more pixels requires more complex and time consuming interpolation process, we propose a new interpolation method which uses only four pixels (the same as PV and bilinear interpolations) and removes most of the artifacts. Experimental results of the registration of Computed Tomography (CT) images show superiority of the proposed scheme. PMID:22606673

Hardwood timber sales on state forests in Indiana: characteristics influencing costs and prices

Treesearch

J. Michael Vasievich; W. L., Jr. Mills; Heidi R. Cherry

1997-01-01

Timber sales conducted on State-owned forests in INdiana from 1982 to 1994 were analyzed to determine changes in costs and prices and the effect of sale conditions on costs and prices. The data set included 445 sales that ranged in size from less than 1 acre to more than 500 acres. Sales were predominantly partial cuts in mature hardwood timber. Marked timber volume...

Interaction-component analysis of the effects of urea and its alkylated derivatives on the structure of T4-lysozyme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamori, Yu; Matubayasi, Nobuyuki

2017-06-01

The effects of urea and its alkylated derivatives on the structure of T4-lysozyme were analyzed from the standpoint of energetics. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted with explicit solvent, and the energy-representation method was employed to compute the free energy of transfer of the protein from pure-water solvent to the mixed solvents of water with urea, methylurea, 1,1-dimethylurea, and isopropylurea. Through the decomposition of the transfer free energy into the cosolvent and water contributions, it was observed that the former is partially cancelled by the latter and governs the total free energy of transfer. To determine the interaction component responsible for the transfer energetics, the correlations of the transfer free energy were also examined against the change in the solute-solvent interaction energy upon transfer and the corresponding changes in the electrostatic, van der Waals, and excluded-volume components. It was then found over the set of protein structures ranging from native to (partially) unfolded ones that the transfer free energy changes in parallel with the van der Waals component even when the cosolvent is alkylated. The electrostatic and excluded-volume components play minor roles in the structure modification of the protein, and the denaturing ability of alkylurea is brought by the van der Waals interaction.

Noise suppressed partial volume correction for cardiac SPECT/CT

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

Chan, Chung; Liu, Chi, E-mail: chi.liu@yale.edu

Purpose: Partial volume correction (PVC) methods typically improve quantification at the expense of increased image noise and reduced reproducibility. In this study, the authors developed a novel voxel-based PVC method that incorporates anatomical knowledge to improve quantification while suppressing noise for cardiac SPECT/CT imaging. Methods: In the proposed method, the SPECT images were first reconstructed using anatomical-based maximum a posteriori (AMAP) with Bowsher’s prior to penalize noise while preserving boundaries. A sequential voxel-by-voxel PVC approach (Yang’s method) was then applied on the AMAP reconstruction using a template response. This template response was obtained by forward projecting a template derived frommore » a contrast-enhanced CT image, and then reconstructed using AMAP to model the partial volume effects (PVEs) introduced by both the system resolution and the smoothing applied during reconstruction. To evaluate the proposed noise suppressed PVC (NS-PVC), the authors first simulated two types of cardiac SPECT studies: a {sup 99m}Tc-tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion scan and a {sup 99m}Tc-labeled red blood cell (RBC) scan on a dedicated cardiac multiple pinhole SPECT/CT at both high and low count levels. The authors then applied the proposed method on a canine equilibrium blood pool study following injection with {sup 99m}Tc-RBCs at different count levels by rebinning the list-mode data into shorter acquisitions. The proposed method was compared to MLEM reconstruction without PVC, two conventional PVC methods, including Yang’s method and multitarget correction (MTC) applied on the MLEM reconstruction, and AMAP reconstruction without PVC. Results: The results showed that the Yang’s method improved quantification, however, yielded increased noise and reduced reproducibility in the regions with higher activity. MTC corrected for PVE on high count data with amplified noise, although yielded the worst performance among all the methods tested on low-count data. AMAP effectively suppressed noise and reduced the spill-in effect in the low activity regions. However it was unable to reduce the spill-out effect in high activity regions. NS-PVC yielded superior performance in terms of both quantitative assessment and visual image quality while improving reproducibility. Conclusions: The results suggest that NS-PVC may be a promising PVC algorithm for application in low-dose protocols, and in gated and dynamic cardiac studies with low counts.« less

Predictors of pneumothorax following endoscopic valve therapy in patients with severe emphysema.

PubMed

Gompelmann, Daniela; Lim, Hyun-Ju; Eberhardt, Ralf; Gerovasili, Vasiliki; Herth, Felix Jf; Heussel, Claus Peter; Eichinger, Monika

2016-01-01

Endoscopic valve implantation is an effective treatment for patients with advanced emphysema. Despite the minimally invasive procedure, valve placement is associated with risks, the most common of which is pneumothorax. This study was designed to identify predictors of pneumothorax following endoscopic valve implantation. Preinterventional clinical measures (vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, residual volume, total lung capacity, 6-minute walk test), qualitative computed tomography (CT) parameters (fissure integrity, blebs/bulla, subpleural nodules, pleural adhesions, partial atelectasis, fibrotic bands, emphysema type) and quantitative CT parameters (volume and low attenuation volume of the target lobe and the ipsilateral untreated lobe, target air trapping, ipsilateral lobe volume/hemithorax volume, collapsibility of the target lobe and the ipsilateral untreated lobe) were retrospectively evaluated in patients who underwent endoscopic valve placement (n=129). Regression analysis was performed to compare those who developed pneumothorax following valve therapy (n=46) with those who developed target lobe volume reduction without pneumothorax (n=83). Low attenuation volume% of ipsilateral untreated lobe (odds ratio [OR] =1.08, P=0.001), ipsilateral untreated lobe volume/hemithorax volume (OR =0.93, P=0.017), emphysema type (OR =0.26, P=0.018), pleural adhesions (OR =0.33, P=0.012) and residual volume (OR =1.58, P=0.012) were found to be significant predictors of pneumothorax. Fissure integrity (OR =1.16, P=0.075) and 6-minute walk test (OR =1.05, P=0.077) were also indicative of pneumothorax. The model including the aforementioned parameters predicted whether a patient would experience a pneumothorax 84% of the time (area under the curve =0.84). Clinical and CT parameters provide a promising tool to effectively identify patients at high risk of pneumothorax following endoscopic valve therapy.

Predictors of pneumothorax following endoscopic valve therapy in patients with severe emphysema

PubMed Central

Gompelmann, Daniela; Lim, Hyun-ju; Eberhardt, Ralf; Gerovasili, Vasiliki; Herth, Felix JF; Heussel, Claus Peter; Eichinger, Monika

2016-01-01

Background Endoscopic valve implantation is an effective treatment for patients with advanced emphysema. Despite the minimally invasive procedure, valve placement is associated with risks, the most common of which is pneumothorax. This study was designed to identify predictors of pneumothorax following endoscopic valve implantation. Methods Preinterventional clinical measures (vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, residual volume, total lung capacity, 6-minute walk test), qualitative computed tomography (CT) parameters (fissure integrity, blebs/bulla, subpleural nodules, pleural adhesions, partial atelectasis, fibrotic bands, emphysema type) and quantitative CT parameters (volume and low attenuation volume of the target lobe and the ipsilateral untreated lobe, target air trapping, ipsilateral lobe volume/hemithorax volume, collapsibility of the target lobe and the ipsilateral untreated lobe) were retrospectively evaluated in patients who underwent endoscopic valve placement (n=129). Regression analysis was performed to compare those who developed pneumothorax following valve therapy (n=46) with those who developed target lobe volume reduction without pneumothorax (n=83). Finding Low attenuation volume% of ipsilateral untreated lobe (odds ratio [OR] =1.08, P=0.001), ipsilateral untreated lobe volume/hemithorax volume (OR =0.93, P=0.017), emphysema type (OR =0.26, P=0.018), pleural adhesions (OR =0.33, P=0.012) and residual volume (OR =1.58, P=0.012) were found to be significant predictors of pneumothorax. Fissure integrity (OR =1.16, P=0.075) and 6-minute walk test (OR =1.05, P=0.077) were also indicative of pneumothorax. The model including the aforementioned parameters predicted whether a patient would experience a pneumothorax 84% of the time (area under the curve =0.84). Interpretation Clinical and CT parameters provide a promising tool to effectively identify patients at high risk of pneumothorax following endoscopic valve therapy. PMID:27536088

Edoxaban effects on bleeding following punch biopsy and reversal by a 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate.

PubMed

Zahir, Hamim; Brown, Karen S; Vandell, Alexander G; Desai, Madhuri; Maa, Jen-Fue; Dishy, Victor; Lomeli, Barbara; Feussner, Annette; Feng, Wenqin; He, Ling; Grosso, Michael A; Lanz, Hans J; Antman, Elliott M

2015-01-06

The oral factor Xa inhibitor edoxaban has demonstrated safety and efficacy in stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and in the treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism. This study investigated the reversal of edoxaban's effects on bleeding measures and biomarkers by using a 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC). This was a phase 1 study conducted at a single site. This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, 2-way crossover study to determine the reversal effect of descending doses of 4F-PCC on bleeding duration and bleeding volume following edoxaban treatment. A total of 110 subjects (17 in part 1, 93 in part 2) were treated. Intravenous administration of 4F-PCC 50, 25, or 10 IU/kg following administration of edoxaban (60 mg) dose-dependently reversed edoxaban's effects on bleeding duration and endogenous thrombin potential, with complete reversal at 50 IU/kg. Effects on prothrombin time were partially reversed at 50 IU/kg. A similar trend was seen for bleeding volume. The 4F-PCC dose-dependently reversed the effects of edoxaban (60 mg), with complete reversal of bleeding duration and endogenous thrombin potential and partial reversal of prothrombin time following 50 IU/kg. Edoxaban alone and in combination with 4F-PCC was safe and well tolerated in these healthy subjects. A dose of 50 IU/kg 4F-PCC may be suitable for reversing edoxaban anticoagulation. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02047565. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

Densities of L-Glutamic Acid HCl Drug in Aqueous NaCl and KCl Solutions at Different Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryshetti, Suresh; Raghuram, Noothi; Rani, Emmadi Jayanthi; Tangeda, Savitha Jyostna

2016-04-01

Densities (ρ ) of (0.01 to 0.07) {mol}{\\cdot } {kg}^{-1} L-Glutamic acid HCl (L-HCl) drug in water, and in aqueous NaCl and KCl (0.5 and 1.0) {mol}{\\cdot } {kg}^{-1} solutions have been reported as a function of temperature at T = (298.15, 303.15, 308.15, and 313.15) K and atmospheric pressure. The accurate density (ρ ) values are used to estimate the various parameters such as the apparent molar volume (V_{2,{\\upphi }}), the partial molar volume (V2^{∞}), the isobaric thermal expansion coefficient (α 2), the partial molar expansion (E2^{∞}), and Hepler's constant (partial 2V2^{∞}/partial T2)P. The Cosphere overlap model is used to understand the solute-solvent interactions in a ternary mixture (L-HCl drug + NaCl or KCl + water). Hepler's constant (partial 2V2^{∞}/partial T2)_P is utilized to interpret the structure-making or -breaking ability of L-HCl drug in aqueous NaCl and KCl solutions, and the results are inferred that L-HCl drug acts as a structure maker, i.e., kosmotrope in aqueous NaCl solutions and performs as a structure breaker, i.e., chaotrope in aqueous KCl solutions.

Linker histone partial phosphorylation: effects on secondary structure and chromatin condensation

PubMed Central

Lopez, Rita; Sarg, Bettina; Lindner, Herbert; Bartolomé, Salvador; Ponte, Inma; Suau, Pedro; Roque, Alicia

2015-01-01

Linker histones are involved in chromatin higher-order structure and gene regulation. We have successfully achieved partial phosphorylation of linker histones in chicken erythrocyte soluble chromatin with CDK2, as indicated by HPCE, MALDI-TOF and Tandem MS. We have studied the effects of linker histone partial phosphorylation on secondary structure and chromatin condensation. Infrared spectroscopy analysis showed a gradual increase of β-structure in the phosphorylated samples, concomitant to a decrease in α-helix/turns, with increasing linker histone phosphorylation. This conformational change could act as the first step in the phosphorylation-induced effects on chromatin condensation. A decrease of the sedimentation rate through sucrose gradients of the phosphorylated samples was observed, indicating a global relaxation of the 30-nm fiber following linker histone phosphorylation. Analysis of specific genes, combining nuclease digestion and qPCR, showed that phosphorylated samples were more accessible than unphosphorylated samples, suggesting local chromatin relaxation. Chromatin aggregation was induced by MgCl2 and analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Phosphorylated chromatin had lower percentages in volume of aggregated molecules and the aggregates had smaller hydrodynamic diameter than unphosphorylated chromatin, indicating that linker histone phosphorylation impaired chromatin aggregation. These findings provide new insights into the effects of linker histone phosphorylation in chromatin condensation. PMID:25870416

PRospective Imaging of CErvical cancer and neoadjuvant treatment (PRICE) study: role of ultrasound to predict partial response in locally advanced cervical cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation and radical surgery.

PubMed

Testa, A C; Ferrandina, G; Moro, F; Pasciuto, T; Moruzzi, M C; De Blasis, I; Mascilini, F; Foti, E; Autorino, R; Collarino, A; Gui, B; Zannoni, G F; Gambacorta, M A; Valentini, A L; Rufini, V; Scambia, G

2018-05-01

Chemoradiation-based neoadjuvant treatment followed by radical surgery is an alternative therapeutic strategy for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), but ultrasound variables used to predict partial response to neoadjuvant treatment are not well defined. Our goal was to analyze prospectively the potential role of transvaginal ultrasound in early prediction of partial pathological response, assessed in terms of residual disease at histology, in a large, single-institution series of LACC patients triaged to neoadjuvant treatment followed by radical surgery. Between October 2010 and June 2014, we screened 108 women with histologically documented LACC Stage IB2-IVA, of whom 88 were included in the final analysis. Tumor volume, three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler indices and contrast parameters were obtained before (baseline examination) and after 2 weeks of treatment. The pathological response was defined as complete (absence of any residual tumor after treatment) or partial (microscopic and/or macroscopic residual tumor at pathological examination). Complete-response and partial-response groups were compared and receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves were generated for ultrasound variables that were statistically significant on univariate analysis to evaluate their diagnostic ability to predict partial pathological response. There was a complete pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy in 40 (45.5%) patients and a partial response in 48 (54.5%). At baseline examination, tumor volume did not differ between the two groups. However, after 2 weeks of neoadjuvant treatment, the tumor volume was significantly greater in patients with partial response than it was in those with complete response (P = 0.019). Among the 3D vascular indices, the vascularization index (VI) was significantly lower in the partial-response compared with the complete-response group, both before and after 2 weeks of treatment (P = 0.037 and P = 0.024, respectively). At baseline examination in the contrast analysis, women with partial response had lower tumor peak enhancement (PE) as well as lower tumor wash-in rate (WiR) and longer tumor rise time (RT) compared with complete responders (P = 0.006, P = 0.003, P = 0.038, respectively). There was no difference in terms of contrast parameters after 2 weeks of treatment. ROC-curve analysis of baseline parameters showed that the best cut-offs for predicting partial pathological response were 41.5% for VI (sensitivity, 63.6%; specificity, 66.7%); 16123.5 auxiliary units for tumor PE (sensitivity, 47.9%; specificity, 84.2%); 7.8 s for tumor RT (sensitivity, 68.8%; specificity, 57.9%); and 4902 for tumor WiR (sensitivity, 77.1%; specificity, 60.5%). ROC curves of parameters after 2 weeks of treatment showed that the best cut-off for predicting partial pathological response was 18.1 cm 3 for tumor volume (sensitivity, 70.8%; specificity 60.0%) and 39.5% for VI (sensitivity; 62.5%; specificity, 73.5%). Ultrasound and contrast parameters differ between LACC patients with complete response and those with partial response before and after 2 weeks of neoadjuvant treatment. However, neither ultrasound parameters before treatment nor those after 2 weeks of treatment had cut-off values with acceptable sensitivity and specificity for predicting partial pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Completely automated estimation of prostate volume for 3-D side-fire transrectal ultrasound using shape prior approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lu; Narayanan, Ramakrishnan; Miller, Steve; Shen, Feimo; Barqawi, Al B.; Crawford, E. David; Suri, Jasjit S.

2008-02-01

Real-time knowledge of capsule volume of an organ provides a valuable clinical tool for 3D biopsy applications. It is challenging to estimate this capsule volume in real-time due to the presence of speckles, shadow artifacts, partial volume effect and patient motion during image scans, which are all inherent in medical ultrasound imaging. The volumetric ultrasound prostate images are sliced in a rotational manner every three degrees. The automated segmentation method employs a shape model, which is obtained from training data, to delineate the middle slices of volumetric prostate images. Then a "DDC" algorithm is applied to the rest of the images with the initial contour obtained. The volume of prostate is estimated with the segmentation results. Our database consists of 36 prostate volumes which are acquired using a Philips ultrasound machine using a Side-fire transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) probe. We compare our automated method with the semi-automated approach. The mean volumes using the semi-automated and complete automated techniques were 35.16 cc and 34.86 cc, with the error of 7.3% and 7.6% compared to the volume obtained by the human estimated boundary (ideal boundary), respectively. The overall system, which was developed using Microsoft Visual C++, is real-time and accurate.

Experimental flat-panel high-spatial-resolution volume CT of the temporal bone.

PubMed

Gupta, Rajiv; Bartling, Soenke H; Basu, Samit K; Ross, William R; Becker, Hartmut; Pfoh, Armin; Brady, Thomas; Curtin, Hugh D

2004-09-01

A CT scanner employing a digital flat-panel detector is capable of very high spatial resolution as compared with a multi-section CT (MSCT) scanner. Our purpose was to determine how well a prototypical volume CT (VCT) scanner with a flat-panel detector system defines fine structures in temporal bone. Four partially manipulated temporal-bone specimens were imaged by use of a prototypical cone-beam VCT scanner with a flat-panel detector system at an isometric resolution of 150 microm at the isocenter. These specimens were also depicted by state-of-the-art multisection CT (MSCT). Forty-two structures imaged by both scanners were qualitatively assessed and rated, and scores assigned to VCT findings were compared with those of MSCT. Qualitative assessment of anatomic structures, lesions, cochlear implants, and middle-ear hearing aids indicated that image quality was significantly better with VCT (P < .001). Structures near the spatial-resolution limit of MSCT (e.g., bony covering of the tympanic segment of the facial canal, the incudo-stapedial joint, the proximal vestibular aqueduct, the interscalar septum, and the modiolus) had higher contrast and less partial-volume effect with VCT. The flat-panel prototype provides better definition of fine osseous structures of temporal bone than that of currently available MSCT scanners. This study provides impetus for further research in increasing spatial resolution beyond that offered by the current state-of-the-art scanners.

Anatomic comparison of traditional and enucleation partial nephrectomy specimens.

PubMed

Calaway, Adam C; Gondim, Dibson D; Flack, Chandra K; Jacob, Joseph M; Idrees, Muhammad T; Boris, Ronald S

2017-05-01

To compare pseudocapsule (PC) properties of clear cell renal cell carcinoma tumors removed via both traditional partial nephrectomy (PNx) and enucleative techniques as well as quantify the difference in volume of normal renal parenchyma removed between groups. A retrospective review of clear cell PNx specimens between 2011 and 2014 was performed. All patients undergoing tumor enucleation (TE) were included. A single pathologist reviewed the pathological specimens. This cohort was compared with a previously collected clear cell traditional PNx database. A total of 47 clear cell partial nephrectomies were reviewed (34 PNx and 13 TE). Invasion of tumor completely through the PC and positive surgical margins were seen in 2 (5.8%) and 1 (7.7%) of traditional and TE specimens, respectively (P = 0.82). PC mean (0.63 vs. 0.52mm), maximum (1.39 vs. 1.65mm), and minimum thickness (0.27 vs. 0.19mm) were similar between cohorts (P = 0.29, P = 0.36, and P = 0.44). Gross specimen volume varied considerably between the 2 groups (35.6 vs. 17.9cm 3 , P≤0.05) although tumor volume did not (12 vs. 14.2cm 3 , P = 0.64). The renal tumor consisted of only 37% of the total volume of the traditional PNx specimens compared to 80% of the volume in TEs (P<0.01). Four TE specimens (31%) were "true" TEs (no additional parenchyma identified outside of the PC). PC properties appear independent of surgical technique. True TEs are uncommon. Regardless, there is considerable volume discrepancy of normal renal parenchymal removed between enucleative and nonenucleative PNx groups. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of blood volume loss on cardiovascular response to lower body negative pressure using a mathematical model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karam, E. H.; Srinivasan, R. S.; Charles, J. B.; Fortney, S. M.

1994-01-01

Different mathematical models of varying complexity have been proposed in recent years to study the cardiovascular (CV) system. However, only a few of them specifically address the response to lower body negative pressure (LBNP), a stress that can be applied in weightlessness to predict changes in orthostatic tolerance. Also, the simulated results produced by these models agree only partially with experimental observations. In contrast, the model proposed by Melchior et al., and modified by Karam et al. is a simple representation of the CV system capable of accurately reproducing observed LBNP responses up to presyncopal levels. There are significant changes in LBNP response due to a loss of blood volume and other alterations that occur in weightlessness and related one-g conditions such as bedrest. A few days of bedrest can cause up to 15% blood volume loss (BVL), with consequent decreases in both stroke volume and cardiac output, and increases in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and total peripheral resistance. These changes are more pronounced at higher levels of LBNP. This paper presents the results of a simulation study using our CV model to examine the effect of BVL on LBNP response.

Type curves for selected problems of flow to wells in confined aquifers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reed, J.E.

1980-01-01

This report presents type curves and related material for 11 conditions of flow to wells m confined aquifers. These solutions, compiled from hydrologic literature, span an interval of time from Theis (1935) to Papadopulos, Bredehoeft, and Cooper (1973). Solutions are presented for constant discharge, constant drawdown, and variable discharge for pumping wells that fully penetrate leaky and nonleaky aquifers. Solutions for wells that partially penetrate leaky and nonleaky aquifers are included. Also, solutions are included for the effect of finite well radius and the sudden injection of a volume of water for nonleaky aquifers. Each problem includes the partial differential equation, boundary and initial conditions, and solutions. Programs in FORTRAN for calculating additional function values are included for most of the solutions.

Exploring for the safer ventilation method in laparoscopic urologic patients? Conventional or low tidal?

PubMed

Ela, Yüksel; Bakı, Elif Doğan; Ateş, Mutlu; Kokulu, Serdar; Keleş, İbrahim; Karalar, Mustafa; Şenay, Hasan; Sıvacı, Remziye Gül

2014-11-01

To study the effects of low tidal volume with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on arterial blood gases of patients undergoing laparoscopic urologic surgeries. Eighty-six laparoscopic urologic patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized into two groups according to the ventilatory settings. In the conventional group (Group C) (n=43), the tidal volume was 10 mL/kg, and the PEEP was set at 0 cm of H2O. In the low tidal volume with PEEP group (Group LP), the tidal volume was 6 mL/kg, with PEEP of 5 cm of H2O. In both groups total minute volume was 6 L/kg. Peak and plateau airway pressure (PPEAK and PPLAT, respectively) and arterial blood gases were recorded before pneumoperitoneum (PNP) (T1) and the first and third hour (T3) after PNP induction and also after extubation in the intensive care unit. Additionally, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and peripheral O2 saturation of hemoglobin were recorded. Heart rate, PPEAK, and PPLAT values were similar in both groups. Partial arterial O2 pressure values measured postoperatively were significantly higher in Group LP, whereas those measured before PNP induction were similar (P=.014 and P=.056, respectively). Compared with the baseline, partial arterial CO2 pressure values measured at T1 and at T3 after PNP induction were significantly higher in Group C than in Group LP (P<.001). The pH values of Group C at T1 and at T3 postoperatively were significantly lower than the values of Group LP (P<.001). Extubation times were significantly lower in Group LP. The results of the present study suggest that low tidal volume with PEEP application may be a good alternative for preventing high CO2 levels and yielding better oxygenation and lower extubation times in patients undergoing prolonged laparoscopic urology.

Is Annual Volume Enough? The Role of Experience and Specialization on Inpatient Mortality After Hepatectomy.

PubMed

Hashimoto, Daniel A; Bababekov, Yanik J; Mehtsun, Winta T; Stapleton, Sahael M; Warshaw, Andrew L; Lillemoe, Keith D; Chang, David C; Vagefi, Parsia A

2017-10-01

To investigate the effect of subspecialty practice and experience on the relationship between annual volume and inpatient mortality after hepatic resection. The impact of annual surgical volume on postoperative outcomes has been extensively examined. However, the impact of cumulative surgeon experience and specialty training on this relationship warrants investigation. The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System inpatient database was queried for patients' ≥18 years who underwent wedge hepatectomy or lobectomy from 2000 to 2014. Primary exposures included annual surgeon volume, surgeon experience (early vs late career), and surgical specialization-categorized as general surgery (GS), surgical oncology (SO), and transplant (TS). Primary endpoint was inpatient mortality. Hierarchical logistic regression was performed accounting for correlation at the level of the surgeon and the hospital, and adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidities, presence of cirrhosis, and annual surgical hospital volume. A total of 13,467 cases were analyzed. Overall inpatient mortality was 2.35%. On unadjusted analysis, late career surgeons had a mortality rate of 2.62% versus 1.97% for early career surgeons. GS had a mortality rate of 2.98% compared with 1.68% for SO and 2.67% for TS. Once risk-adjusted, annual volume was associated with reduced mortality only among early-career surgeons (odds ratio 0.82, P = 0.001) and general surgeons (odds ratio 0.65, P = 0.002). No volume effect was seen among late-career or specialty-trained surgeons. Annual volume alone likely contributes only a partial assessment of the volume-outcome relationship. In patients undergoing hepatic resection, increased annual volume did not confer a mortality benefit on subspecialty surgeons or late career surgeons.

The therapeutic effect of OK-432 (picibanil) sclerotherapy for benign neck cysts.

PubMed

Kim, Myung Gu; Kim, Sun Gon; Lee, Jun Ho; Eun, Young Gyu; Yeo, Seung Geun

2008-12-01

In general, benign neck cysts are treated by surgical excision. This can present technical difficulties and frequent recurrences, because of insufficient surgery. Sclerosing agents such as OK-432 have been tested for the nonsurgical treatment of these cysts. We have assessed the efficacy of OK-432 sclerotherapy for benign neck cysts. The study group consisted of 75 patients (42 men, 33 women) diagnosed with and treated for benign neck cysts between March 2001 and December 2007 by intralesional injection of OK-432. The liquid content of each cyst was aspirated as much as possible, and the same volume of OK-432 solution was injected. Patients were assessed by ultrasonography or computerized tomography, and therapeutic outcomes and adverse effects were evaluated by patient age, sex, cyst type, and number of injections. Of the 75 treated patients, 31 (41.3%) showed total shrinkage, seven (9.3%) showed near-total shrinkage (>90% of cyst volume), five (6.6%) showed marked shrinkage (>70% of cyst volume), and 17 (22.7%) showed partial shrinkage (<70% of cyst volume). No response was seen in 15 patients (20%). Despite repeated sclerotherapy, eight patients (10.7%) showed recurrences. Minor adverse effects of therapy included fever, localized pain, and odynophagia but these complications spontaneously disappeared within several days. OK-432 sclerotherapy is a safe and effective primary alternative to surgery in patients with benign neck cysts.

Aroma profile design of wine spirits: Multi-objective optimization using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Matias-Guiu, Pau; Rodríguez-Bencomo, Juan José; Pérez-Correa, José R; López, Francisco

2018-04-15

Developing new distillation strategies can help the spirits industry to improve quality, safety and process efficiency. Batch stills equipped with a packed column and an internal partial condenser are an innovative experimental system, allowing a fast and flexible management of the rectification. In this study, the impact of four factors (heart-cut volume, head-cut volume, pH and cooling flow rate of the internal partial condenser during the head-cut fraction) on 18 major volatile compounds of Muscat spirits was optimized using response surface methodology and desirability function approaches. Results have shown that high rectification at the beginning of the heart-cut enhances the overall positive aroma compounds of the product, reducing off-flavor compounds. In contrast, optimum levels of heart-cut volume, head-cut volume and pH factors varied depending on the process goal. Finally, three optimal operational conditions (head off-flavors reduction, flowery terpenic enhancement and fruity ester enhancement) were evaluated by chemical and sensory analysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The use of chilled condensers for the recovery of perfluorocarbon liquid in an experimental model of perfluorocarbon vapour loss during neonatal partial liquid ventilation

PubMed Central

Dunster, Kimble R; Davies, Mark W; Fraser, John F

2007-01-01

Background Perfluorocarbon (PFC) vapour in the expired gases during partial liquid ventilation should be prevented from entering the atmosphere and recovered for potential reuse. This study aimed to determine how much PFC liquid could be recovered using a conventional humidified neonatal ventilator with chilled condensers in place of the usual expiratory ventilator circuit and whether PFC liquid could be recovered when using the chilled condensers at the ventilator exhaust outlet. Methods Using a model lung, perfluorocarbon vapour loss during humidified partial liquid ventilation of a 3.5 kg infant was approximated. For each test 30 mL of FC-77 was infused into the model lung. Condensers were placed in the expiratory limb of the ventilator circuit and the amounts of PFC (FC-77) and water recovered were measured five times. This was repeated with the condensers placed at the ventilator exhaust outlet. Results When the condensers were used as the expiratory limb, the mean (± SD) volume of FC77 recovered was 16.4 mL (± 0.18 mL). When the condensers were connected to the ventilator exhaust outlet the mean (± SD) volume of FC-77 recovered was 7.6 mL (± 1.14 mL). The volume of FC-77 recovered was significantly higher when the condenser was used as an expiratory limb. Conclusion Using two series connected condensers in the ventilator expiratory line 55% of PFC liquid (FC-77) can be recovered during partial liquid ventilation without altering the function of the of the ventilator circuit. This volume of PFC recovered was just over twice that recovered with the condensers connected to the ventilator exhaust outlet. PMID:17537270

The Impact of Surgeon Volume on Perioperative Outcomes and Cost for Patients Receiving Robotic Partial Nephrectomy.

PubMed

Khandwala, Yash S; Jeong, In Gab; Kim, Jae Heon; Han, Deok Hyun; Li, Shufeng; Wang, Ye; Chang, Steven L; Chung, Benjamin I

2017-09-01

Little is known about the impact of surgeon volume on the success of the robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). The objective of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes and cost related to RAPN by annual surgeon volumes. Using the Premier Hospital Database, we retrospectively analyzed 39,773 patients who underwent RAPN between 2003 and 2015 in the United States. Surgeons for each index case were grouped into quintiles for each respective year. Outcomes were 90-day postoperative complications, operating room time (ORT), blood transfusion, length of stay, and direct hospital costs. Logistic regression and generalized linear models were used to identify factors predicting complications and cost. After accounting for patient and hospital demographics, high- and very high-volume surgeons had 40% and 42% decreased odds of having major complications (p = 0.045 and p = 0.027, respectively). Surgeons with higher volumes were associated with fewer odds of prolonged ORT (0.68 for low, 0.72 for intermediate, 0.56 for high, 0.44 for very high volume, all p < 0.05) and length of hospital stay (0.67 for intermediate, 0.51 for high, 0.45 for very high volume, all p < 0.01) compared with very low-volume surgeons. The 90-day hospital cost was also significantly lower for the surgeons with higher volume, but the statistical significance diminished after consideration of hospital clustering. Surgeons with very high RAPN volumes were found to have superior perioperative outcomes. Although cost of care appeared to correlate with surgeon volume, there may be other more influential factors predicting cost.

Water Resources Data, New Jersey, Water Year 2002, Volume 1. Surface-Water Data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reed, T.J.; White, B.T.; Centinaro, G.L.; Dudek, J.F.; Spehar, A.B.; Protz, A.R.; Shvanda, J.C.; Watson, A.F.; Holzer, G.K.

2003-01-01

Water-resources data for the 2002 Water Year for New Jersey are presented in three volumes, and consists of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality of ground water. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 93 gaging stations; tide summaries at 31 gaging stations; and stage and contents at 39 lakes and reservoirs. Also included are stage and discharge for 104 crest-stage partial-record stations and stage-only at 31 tidal crest-stage gages. Locations of these sites are shown in figures 8-11. Additional water data were collected at various sites that are not part of the systematic data-collection program. Discharge measurements were made at 201 low-flow partial-record stations and 121 miscellaneous sites.

The influence of surface state and saturation state on the dissolution kinetics of biogenic aragonite in seawater

USGS Publications Warehouse

Acker, James G.; Byrne, R.H.

1989-01-01

Uses several realistic partial molar volume changes (??V) for aragonite dissolution in seawater. Indicates that the molar volume change for aragonite dissolution is within the bounds -37 cm 3/mole ?????V ??? -39.5 cm3/mole. -from Authors

Human Biomechanical and Cardiopulmonary Responses to Partial Gravity - A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Richter, Charlotte; Braunstein, Bjoern; Winnard, Andrew; Nasser, Mona; Weber, Tobias

2017-01-01

The European Space Agency has recently announced to progress from low Earth orbit missions on the International Space Station to other mission scenarios such as exploration of the Moon or Mars. Therefore, the Moon is considered to be the next likely target for European human space explorations. Compared to microgravity (μg), only very little is known about the physiological effects of exposure to partial gravity (μg < partial gravity <1 g). However, previous research studies and experiences made during the Apollo missions comprise a valuable source of information that should be taken into account when planning human space explorations to reduced gravity environments. This systematic review summarizes the different effects of partial gravity (0.1-0.4 g) on the human musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems using data collected during the Apollo missions as well as outcomes from terrestrial models of reduced gravity with either 1 g or microgravity as a control. The evidence-based findings seek to facilitate decision making concerning the best medical and exercise support to maintain astronauts' health during future missions in partial gravity. The initial search generated 1,323 publication hits. Out of these 1,323 publications, 43 studies were included into the present analysis and relevant data were extracted. None of the 43 included studies investigated long-term effects. Studies investigating the immediate effects of partial gravity exposure reveal that cardiopulmonary parameters such as heart rate, oxygen consumption, metabolic rate, and cost of transport are reduced compared to 1 g, whereas stroke volume seems to increase with decreasing gravity levels. Biomechanical studies reveal that ground reaction forces, mechanical work, stance phase duration, stride frequency, duty factor and preferred walk-to-run transition speed are reduced compared to 1 g. Partial gravity exposure below 0.4 g seems to be insufficient to maintain musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary properties in the long-term. To compensate for the anticipated lack of mechanical and metabolic stimuli some form of exercise countermeasure appears to be necessary in order to maintain reasonable astronauts' health, and thus ensure both sufficient work performance and mission safety.

Human Biomechanical and Cardiopulmonary Responses to Partial Gravity – A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Richter, Charlotte; Braunstein, Bjoern; Winnard, Andrew; Nasser, Mona; Weber, Tobias

2017-01-01

The European Space Agency has recently announced to progress from low Earth orbit missions on the International Space Station to other mission scenarios such as exploration of the Moon or Mars. Therefore, the Moon is considered to be the next likely target for European human space explorations. Compared to microgravity (μg), only very little is known about the physiological effects of exposure to partial gravity (μg < partial gravity <1 g). However, previous research studies and experiences made during the Apollo missions comprise a valuable source of information that should be taken into account when planning human space explorations to reduced gravity environments. This systematic review summarizes the different effects of partial gravity (0.1–0.4 g) on the human musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems using data collected during the Apollo missions as well as outcomes from terrestrial models of reduced gravity with either 1 g or microgravity as a control. The evidence-based findings seek to facilitate decision making concerning the best medical and exercise support to maintain astronauts' health during future missions in partial gravity. The initial search generated 1,323 publication hits. Out of these 1,323 publications, 43 studies were included into the present analysis and relevant data were extracted. None of the 43 included studies investigated long-term effects. Studies investigating the immediate effects of partial gravity exposure reveal that cardiopulmonary parameters such as heart rate, oxygen consumption, metabolic rate, and cost of transport are reduced compared to 1 g, whereas stroke volume seems to increase with decreasing gravity levels. Biomechanical studies reveal that ground reaction forces, mechanical work, stance phase duration, stride frequency, duty factor and preferred walk-to-run transition speed are reduced compared to 1 g. Partial gravity exposure below 0.4 g seems to be insufficient to maintain musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary properties in the long-term. To compensate for the anticipated lack of mechanical and metabolic stimuli some form of exercise countermeasure appears to be necessary in order to maintain reasonable astronauts' health, and thus ensure both sufficient work performance and mission safety. PMID:28860998

Improving the developability profile of pyrrolidine progesterone receptor partial agonists

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

Kallander, Lara S.; Washburn, David G.; Hoang, Tram H.

2010-09-17

The previously reported pyrrolidine class of progesterone receptor partial agonists demonstrated excellent potency but suffered from serious liabilities including hERG blockade and high volume of distribution in the rat. The basic pyrrolidine amine was intentionally converted to a sulfonamide, carbamate, or amide to address these liabilities. The evaluation of the degree of partial agonism for these non-basic pyrrolidine derivatives and demonstration of their efficacy in an in vivo model of endometriosis is disclosed herein.

Thermal equation of state of TiC: A synchrotron x-ray diffraction study

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

Yu Xiaohui; National Lab for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS, Beijing 100080; Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026

2010-06-15

The pressure-volume-temperature measurements were carried out for titanium carbide (TiC) at pressures and temperatures up to 8.1 GPa and 1273 K using energy-dispersive synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Thermoelastic parameters were derived for TiC based on a modified high-temperature Birch-Murnaghan equation of state and a thermal pressure approach. With the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K{sub 0}{sup '}, fixed at 4.0, we obtain: the ambient bulk modulus K{sub 0}=268(6) GPa, which is comparable to previously reported value; temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant pressure ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub P}=-0.026(9) GPa K{sup -1}, volumetric thermal expansivity {alpha}{sub T}(K{sup -1})=a+bT with a=1.62(12)x10{sup -5} K{supmore » -1} and b=1.07(17)x10{sup -8} K{sup -2}, pressure derivative of thermal expansion ({partial_derivative}{alpha}/{partial_derivative}P){sub T}=(-3.62{+-}1.14)x10{sup -7} GPa{sup -1} K{sup -1}, and temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant volume ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub V}=-0.015(8) GPa K{sup -1}. These results provide fundamental thermophysical properties for TiC for the first time and are important to theoretical and computational modeling of transition metal carbides.« less

Thermal equation-of-state of TiC: a synchrotron x-ray diffraction study

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

Yu, Xiaohui; Lin, Zhijun; Zhang, Jianzhong

2009-01-01

The pressure (P)-volume (V)-temperature (T) measurements were carried out for titanium carbide at pressures and temperatures up to 8.1 GPa and 1273 K using energy-dispersive synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Thermoelastic parameters were derived for TiC based on a modified high-temperature Birch-Murnaghan equation of state and a thermal-pressure approach. With the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K'{sub 0}, fixed at 4.0, we obtain: the ambient bulk modulus K{sub 0} = 268(6) GPa, temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant pressure ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub p} = -0.026(9) GPa K{sup -1}, volumetric thermal expansivity a{sub T}(K{sup -1}) = a + bT with a =more » 1.62(12) x 10{sup -5} K{sup -1} and b = 1.07(17) x 10{sup -8} K{sup -2}, pressure derivative of thermal expansion ({partial_derivative}a/{partial_derivative}P){sub T} = (-3.62 {+-} 1.14) x 10{sup -7} GPa{sup -1} K{sup -1}, and temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant volume ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub v} = -0.015 (8) GPa K{sup -1}. These results provide fundamental thermo physical properties for TiC and are important to theoretical and computational modeling of transition metal carbides.« less

Two-fold sustainability – Adobe with sawdust as partial sand replacement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jokhio, Gul A.; Syed Mohsin, Sharifah M.; Gul, Yasmeen

2018-04-01

Adobe is a material that is economic, environment friendly, and provides better indoor air quality. The material required for the preparation of adobe include clay, sand, and sometimes straw or other organic materials. These materials do not require industrial processing or transportation, however, sand mining has been recently posing a threat to the environment. Therefore, to enhance the existing sustainability of adobe, sand can be partially or fully replaced by other waste materials. This approach will not only solve the problem of excessive sand mining, it will also address the issue of waste management. Sawdust is one such waste material that can be used to partially replace sand in Adobe. This paper presents the results of compressive and flexural test carried out on Adobe samples with partial sand replacement by sawdust. The results show that about 4% sand replacement by volume produces higher compressive strength, whereas the flexural strength reduces with the use of sawdust. However, since flexural strength is not a critical property for adobe, it is concluded that replacing sand with sawdust by about 4% of volume will be beneficial.

Water resources data for Pennsylvania, water year 1995. Volume 2. Susquehanna and Potomac River basins. Water-data report (Annual), 1 October 1994-30 September 1995

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

Durlin, R.R.; Schaffstall, W.P.

1997-02-01

This report, Volume, 2, includes record from the Susquehanna and Potomac River Basins. Specifically, it contains: (1) discharge records for 90 continuous-record streamflow-gaging stations and 41 partial-record stations; (2) elevation and contents record for 12 lakes and reservoirs; (3) water-quality records for 13 streamflow-gaging stations and 189 partial-record and project stations; and (4) water-level records for 25 network observation wells. Site locations are shown in figures throughout the report. Additional water data collected at various sites not involved in the systematic data-collection program are also presented.

Proceedings of the International Conference on Cyclic Nucleotides, Calcium and Protein Phosphorylation (6th) Held in Bethesda, Maryland on September 2-7, 1986. Advances in Second Messenger and Phosphorprotein Research. Volume 21A. Abstracts Volume

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-11-16

oxoireamorine. Oxotremorine inhibited Ach release for a shorter duration. The ACh release-inhibition induced by 50 PH Aech-M was only acutely blocked...and the partial agonist oxotresorine in the presence of 59K of Lit. Carbacbol showed a 10-fold lover ECS0-value (3.7liM) and oxotremorine a 3-fold...however, only a decrease in the maximal response was seen. In both tissues, the maximal, response of the partial agonist oxotremorine was suppressed

Operational considerations in monitoring oxygen levels at the National Transonic Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zalenski, M. A.; Rowe, E. L.; Mcphee, J. R.

1985-01-01

Laboratory monitoring of the level of oxygen in sample gas mixtures is a process which can be performed with accurate and repeatable results. Operations at the National Transonic Facility require the storage and pumping of large volumes of liquid nitrogen. To protect against the possibility of a fault resulting in a localized oxygen deficient atmosphere, the facility is equipped with a monitoring system with an array of sensors. During the early operational stages, the system produced recurrent alarms, none of which could be traced to a true oxygen deficiency. A thorough analysis of the system was undertaken with primary emphasis placed on the sensor units. These units sense the partial pressure of oxygen which, after signal conditioning, is presented as a % by volume indication at the system output. It was determined that many of the problems experienced were due to a lack of proper accounting for the partial pressure/% by volume relationship, with a secondary cause being premature sensor failure. Procedures were established to consider atmospherically induced partial pressure variations. Sensor rebuilding techniques were examined, and those elements contributing to premature sensor failure were identified. The system now operates with a high degree of confidence and reliability.

Vapor condensation onto a non-volatile liquid drop

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

Inci, Levent; Bowles, Richard K., E-mail: richard.bowles@usask.ca

2013-12-07

Molecular dynamics simulations of miscible and partially miscible binary Lennard–Jones mixtures are used to study the dynamics and thermodynamics of vapor condensation onto a non-volatile liquid drop in the canonical ensemble. When the system volume is large, the driving force for condensation is low and only a submonolayer of the solvent is adsorbed onto the liquid drop. A small degree of mixing of the solvent phase into the core of the particles occurs for the miscible system. At smaller volumes, complete film formation is observed and the dynamics of film growth are dominated by cluster-cluster coalescence. Mixing into the coremore » of the droplet is also observed for partially miscible systems below an onset volume suggesting the presence of a solubility transition. We also develop a non-volatile liquid drop model, based on the capillarity approximations, that exhibits a solubility transition between small and large drops for partially miscible mixtures and has a hysteresis loop similar to the one observed in the deliquescence of small soluble salt particles. The properties of the model are compared to our simulation results and the model is used to study the formulation of classical nucleation theory for systems with low free energy barriers.« less

Interactions of urea with native and unfolded proteins: a volumetric study.

PubMed

Son, Ikbae; Shek, Yuen Lai; Tikhomirova, Anna; Baltasar, Eduardo Hidalgo; Chalikian, Tigran V

2014-11-26

We describe a statistical thermodynamic approach to analyzing urea-dependent volumetric properties of proteins. We use this approach to analyze our urea-dependent data on the partial molar volume and adiabatic compressibility of lysozyme, apocytochrome c, ribonuclease A, and α-chymotrypsinogen A. The analysis produces the thermodynamic properties of elementary urea-protein association reactions while also yielding estimates of the effective solvent-accessible surface areas of the native and unfolded protein states. Lysozyme and apocytochrome c do not undergo urea-induced transitions. The former remains folded, while the latter is unfolded between 0 and 8 M urea. In contrast, ribonuclease A and α-chymotrypsinogen A exhibit urea-induced unfolding transitions. Thus, our data permit us to characterize urea-protein interactions in both the native and unfolded states. We interpreted the urea-dependent volumetric properties of the proteins in terms of the equilibrium constant, k, and changes in volume, ΔV0, and compressibility, ΔKT0, for a reaction in which urea binds to a protein with a concomitant release of two waters of hydration to the bulk. Comparison of the values of k, ΔV0, and ΔKT0 with the similar data obtained on small molecules mimicking protein groups reveals lack of cooperative effects involved in urea-protein interactions. In general, the volumetric approach, while providing a unique characterization of cosolvent-protein interactions, offers a practical way for evaluating the effective solvent accessible surface area of biologically significant fully or partially unfolded polypeptides.

Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor Increases Cerebral Blood Flow via a NO Surge Mediated by Akt/eNOS Pathway to Reduce Ischemic Injury

PubMed Central

Kuo, Jon-Son; Wang, Jia-Yi

2015-01-01

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) protects brain from ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthases partially reduces G-CSF protection. We thus further investigated the effects of G-CSF on ischemia-induced NO production and its consequence on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and neurological deficit. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) microinfused above middle cerebral artery caused a rapid reduction of rCBF (ischemia) which lasted for 30 minutes and was followed by a gradual recovery of blood flow (reperfusion) within the striatal region. Regional NO concentration increased rapidly (NO surge) during ischemia and recovered soon to the baseline. G-CSF increased rCBF resulting in shorter ischemic duration and an earlier onset of reperfusion. The enhancement of the ischemia-induced NO by G-CSF accompanied by elevation of phospho-Akt and phospho-eNOS was noted, suggesting an activation of Akt/eNOS. I/R-induced infarct volume and neurological deficits were also reduced by G-CSF treatment. Inhibition of NO synthesis by L-NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) significantly reduced the effects of G-CSF on rCBF, NO surge, infarct volume, and neurological deficits. We conclude that G-CSF increases rCBF through a NO surge mediated by Akt/eNOS, which partially contributes to the beneficial effect of G-CSF on brain I/R injury. PMID:26146654

Feasibility and accuracy of computational robot-assisted partial nephrectomy planning by virtual partial nephrectomy analysis.

PubMed

Isotani, Shuji; Shimoyama, Hirofumi; Yokota, Isao; China, Toshiyuki; Hisasue, Shin-ichi; Ide, Hisamitsu; Muto, Satoru; Yamaguchi, Raizo; Ukimura, Osamu; Horie, Shigeo

2015-05-01

To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of virtual partial nephrectomy analysis, including a color-coded three-dimensional virtual surgical planning and a quantitative functional analysis, in predicting the surgical outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. Between 2012 and 2014, 20 patients underwent virtual partial nephrectomy analysis before undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. Virtual partial nephrectomy analysis was carried out with the following steps: (i) evaluation of the arterial branch for selective clamping by showing the vascular-supplied area; (ii) simulation of the optimal surgical margin in precise segmented three-dimensional model for prediction of collecting system opening; and (iii) detailed volumetric analyses and estimates of postoperative renal function based on volumetric change. At operation, the surgeon identified the targeted artery and determined the surgical margin according to the virtual partial nephrectomy analysis. The surgical outcomes between the virtual partial nephrectomy analysis and the actual robot-assisted partial nephrectomy were compared. All 20 patients had negative cancer surgical margins and no urological complications. The tumor-specific renal arterial supply areas were shown in color-coded three-dimensional model visualization in all cases. The prediction value of collecting system opening was 85.7% for sensitivity and 100% for specificity. The predicted renal resection volume was significantly correlated with actual resected specimen volume (r(2) = 0.745, P < 0.001). The predicted estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly correlated with actual postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (r(2) = 0.736, P < 0.001). Virtual partial nephrectomy analysis is able to provide the identification of tumor-specific renal arterial supply, prediction of collecting system opening and prediction of postoperative renal function. This technique might allow urologists to compare various arterial clamping methods and resection margins with surgical outcomes in a non-invasive manner. © 2015 The Japanese Urological Association.

Wetting Transitions Displayed by Persistent Active Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sepúlveda, Néstor; Soto, Rodrigo

2017-08-01

A lattice model for active matter is studied numerically, showing that it displays wetting transitions between three distinctive phases when in contact with an impenetrable wall. The particles in the model move persistently, tumbling with a small rate α , and interact via exclusion volume only. When increasing the tumbling rates α , the system transits from total wetting to partial wetting and unwetting phases. In the first phase, a wetting film covers the wall, with increasing heights when α is reduced. The second phase is characterized by wetting droplets on the wall with a periodic spacing between them. Finally, the wall dries with few particles in contact with it. These phases present nonequilibrium transitions. The first transition, from partial to total wetting, is continuous and the fraction of dry sites vanishes continuously when decreasing the tumbling rate α . For the second transition, from partial wetting to dry, the mean droplet distance diverges logarithmically when approaching the critical tumbling rate, with saturation due to finite-size effects.

A comparison of synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation and pressure-regulated volume control ventilation in elderly patients with acute exacerbations of COPD and respiratory failure

PubMed Central

Chang, Suchi; Shi, Jindong; Fu, Cuiping; Wu, Xu; Li, Shanqun

2016-01-01

Background COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Acute exacerbations of COPD may cause respiratory failure, requiring intensive care unit admission and mechanical ventilation. Intensive care unit patients with acute exacerbations of COPD requiring mechanical ventilation have higher mortality rates than other hospitalized patients. Although mechanical ventilation is the most effective intervention for these conditions, invasive ventilation techniques have yielded variable effects. Objective We evaluated pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC) ventilation treatment efficacy and preventive effects on pulmonary barotrauma in elderly COPD patients with respiratory failure. Patients and methods Thirty-nine intubated patients were divided into experimental and control groups and treated with the PRVC and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation – volume control methods, respectively. Vital signs, respiratory mechanics, and arterial blood gas analyses were monitored for 2–4 hours and 48 hours. Results Both groups showed rapidly improved pH, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), and PaO2 per fraction of inspired O2 levels and lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels. The pH and PaCO2 levels at 2–4 hours were lower and higher, respectively, in the test group than those in the control group (P<0.05 for both); after 48 hours, blood gas analyses showed no statistical difference in any marker (P>0.05). Vital signs during 2–4 hours and 48 hours of treatment showed no statistical difference in either group (P>0.05). The level of peak inspiratory pressure in the experimental group after mechanical ventilation for 2–4 hours and 48 hours was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), while other variables were not significantly different between groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Among elderly COPD patients with respiratory failure, application of PRVC resulted in rapid improvement in arterial blood gas analyses while maintaining a low peak inspiratory pressure. PRVC can reduce pulmonary barotrauma risk, making it a safer protective ventilation mode than synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation – volume control. PMID:27274223

A comparison of synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation and pressure-regulated volume control ventilation in elderly patients with acute exacerbations of COPD and respiratory failure.

PubMed

Chang, Suchi; Shi, Jindong; Fu, Cuiping; Wu, Xu; Li, Shanqun

2016-01-01

COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Acute exacerbations of COPD may cause respiratory failure, requiring intensive care unit admission and mechanical ventilation. Intensive care unit patients with acute exacerbations of COPD requiring mechanical ventilation have higher mortality rates than other hospitalized patients. Although mechanical ventilation is the most effective intervention for these conditions, invasive ventilation techniques have yielded variable effects. We evaluated pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC) ventilation treatment efficacy and preventive effects on pulmonary barotrauma in elderly COPD patients with respiratory failure. Thirty-nine intubated patients were divided into experimental and control groups and treated with the PRVC and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation - volume control methods, respectively. Vital signs, respiratory mechanics, and arterial blood gas analyses were monitored for 2-4 hours and 48 hours. Both groups showed rapidly improved pH, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), and PaO2 per fraction of inspired O2 levels and lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels. The pH and PaCO2 levels at 2-4 hours were lower and higher, respectively, in the test group than those in the control group (P<0.05 for both); after 48 hours, blood gas analyses showed no statistical difference in any marker (P>0.05). Vital signs during 2-4 hours and 48 hours of treatment showed no statistical difference in either group (P>0.05). The level of peak inspiratory pressure in the experimental group after mechanical ventilation for 2-4 hours and 48 hours was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), while other variables were not significantly different between groups (P>0.05). Among elderly COPD patients with respiratory failure, application of PRVC resulted in rapid improvement in arterial blood gas analyses while maintaining a low peak inspiratory pressure. PRVC can reduce pulmonary barotrauma risk, making it a safer protective ventilation mode than synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation - volume control.

Precast concrete deck panel performance on long span, high traffic volume bridges : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-02-01

The NHDOT prohibited the use of partial depth precast deck panels on its long span, high traffic volume bridges until it could investigate if the precast : slabs and the concrete overpour were acting in a composite manner. The NHDOT also wanted to en...

Patterns of age related changes for phosphodiesterase type-10A in comparison with dopamine D2/3 receptors and sub-cortical volumes in the human basal ganglia: A PET study with 18F-MNI-659 and 11C-raclopride with correction for partial volume effect.

PubMed

Fazio, Patrik; Schain, Martin; Mrzljak, Ladislav; Amini, Nahid; Nag, Sangram; Al-Tawil, Nabil; Fitzer-Attas, Cheryl J; Bronzova, Juliana; Landwehrmeyer, Bernhard; Sampaio, Cristina; Halldin, Christer; Varrone, Andrea

2017-05-15

Phosphodiesterase 10A enzyme (PDE10A) is an important striatal target that has been shown to be affected in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Huntington´s disease (HD). PDE10A is expressed on striatal neurones in basal ganglia where other known molecular targets are enriched such as dopamine D 2/3 receptors (D 2/3 R). The aim of this study was to examine the availability of PDE10A enzyme in relation with age and gender and to compare those changes with those related to D 2/3 R and volumes in different regions of the basal ganglia. As a secondary objective we examined the relative distribution of D 2/3 R and PDE10A enzyme in the striatum and globus pallidus. Forty control subjects (20F/20M; age: 44±11y, age range 27-69) from an ongoing positron emission tomography (PET) study in HD gene expansion carriers were included. Subjects were examined with PET using the high-resolution research tomograph (HRRT) and with 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The PDE10A radioligand 18 F-MNI-659 and D 2/3 R radioligand 11 C-raclopride were used. The outcome measure was the binding potential (BP ND ) estimated with the two-tissue compartment model ( 18 F-MNI-659) and the simplified reference tissue model ( 11 C-raclopride) using the cerebellum as reference region. The PET data were corrected for partial volume effects. In the striatum, PDE10A availability showed a significant age-related decline that was larger compared to the age-related decline of D 2/3 R availability and to the age-related decline of volumes measured with MRI. In the globus pallidus, a less pronounced decline of PDE10A availability was observed, whereas D 2/3 R availability and volumes seemed to be rather stable with aging. The distribution of the PDE10A enzyme was different from the distribution of D 2/3 R, with higher availability in the globus pallidus. These results indicate that aging is associated with a considerable physiological reduction of the availability of PDE10A enzyme in the striatum. Moreover as result of the analysis, in the striatum for both the molecular targets, we observed a gender effect with higher BP ND the female group. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Demonstration of Aflatoxin Inhibitory Activity in a Cotton Seed Coat Xylan

PubMed Central

Mellon, J. E.; Cotty, P. J.; Godshall, M. A.; Roberts, E.

1995-01-01

An inhibitor of aflatoxin biosynthesis localized in the seed coats of developing cotton was partially purified and characterized. Aqueous extracts from 25-day postanthesis seed coat tissue inhibited aflatoxin (B(inf1)) production in liquid cultures of Aspergillus flavus AF13. Inhibition was concentration dependent, with a 50% effective dose of 173 (mu)g of crude extract per ml of medium. The inhibitor was neutral in charge. Two active fractions were obtained from crude preparations by gel filtration chromatography (BioGel P-100). The purest fraction eluted in the void volume. Carbohydrate composition analysis of this void volume inhibitor indicated a composition of xylose (>90%) and mannose. Aflatoxin production in vitro was inversely related to inhibitor concentration in the fermentation medium (log of aflatoxin versus log of [inhibitor]; r(sup2) = 0.82; P < 0.002). The void volume inhibitor had a 50% effective dose of 6.2 (mu)g/ml, a 28-fold purification of the inhibitor material. These data support the hypothesis that seed coat inhibitory activity is associated with a cottonseed-specific xylan. PMID:16535194

Journal of Special Operations Medicine. Volume 8, Edition 1, Winter 2008

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

Open, comminuted humerus fracture , treated with external fixation. • Partial transection of the brachial artery. This injury was effectively...would have lost his arm had it not been for the excellent treatment in the field and the rapid evacuation to surgical care. • Three fractured ribs, one of...Soldier with GSW to his left thigh and buttock and left inferior pelvic ac- etabular and rami fractures with communication into the pelvic cavity, with a

Differentiation of uric acid versus non-uric acid kidney stones in the presence of iodine using dual-energy CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, J.; Qu, M.; Leng, S.; McCollough, C. H.

2010-04-01

In this study, the feasibility of differentiating uric acid from non-uric acid kidney stones in the presence of iodinated contrast material was evaluated using dual-energy CT (DECT). Iodine subtraction was accomplished with a commercial three material decomposition algorithm to create a virtual non-contrast (VNC) image set. VNC images were then used to segment stone regions from tissue background. The DE ratio of each stone was calculated using the CT images acquired at two different energies with DECT using the stone map generated from the VNC images. The performance of DE ratio-based stone differentiation was evaluated at five different iodine concentrations (21, 42, 63, 84 and 105 mg/ml). The DE ratio of stones in iodine solution was found larger than those obtained in non-iodine cases. This is mainly caused by the partial volume effect around the boundary between the stone and iodine solution. The overestimation of the DE ratio leads to substantial overlap between different stone types. To address the partial volume effect, an expectation-maximization (EM) approach was implemented to estimate the contribution of iodine and stone within each image pixel in their mixture area. The DE ratio of each stone was corrected to maximally remove the influence of iodine solutions. The separation of uric-acid and non-uric-acid stone was improved in the presence of iodine solution.

The e[sup [minus

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

Holroyd, R.A.; Schwarz, H.A.; Stradowska, E.

The rate constants for attachment of excess electrons to 1,3-butadiene (k[sub a]) and detachment from the butadiene anion (k[sub d]) in n-hexane are reported. The equilibrium constant, K[sub eq] = k[sub a]/k[sub d], increases rapidly with pressure and decreases as the temperature increases. At -7[degree]C attachment is observed at 1 bar. At high pressures the attachment rate is diffusion controlled. The activation energy for detachment is about 21 kcal/mol; detachment is facilitated by the large entropy of activation. The reaction volumes for attachment range from -181 cm[sup 3]/mol at 400 bar to-122 cm[sup 3]/mol at 1500 bar and are largelymore » attributed to the electrostriction volume of the butadiene anion ([Delta][bar V][sub el]). Values of [Delta][bar V][sub el] calculated by a model, which includes a glassy shell of solvent molecules around the ion, are in agreement with experimental reaction volumes. The analysis indicates the partial molar volume of the electron in hexane is small and probably negative. It is shown that the entropies of reaction are closely related to the partial molar volumes of reaction. 22 refs., 5 figs., 5 tabs.« less

The effect of water on thermal stresses in polymer composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sullivan, Roy M.

1994-01-01

The fundamentals of the thermodynamic theory of mixtures and continuum thermochemistry are reviewed for a mixture of condensed water and polymer. A specific mixture which is mechanically elastic with temperature and water concentration gradients present is considered. An expression for the partial pressure of water in the mixture is obtained based on certain assumptions regarding the thermodynamic state of the water in the mixture. Along with a simple diffusion equation, this partial pressure expression may be used to simulate the thermostructural behavior of polymer composite materials due to water in the free volumes of the polymer. These equations are applied to a specific polymer composite material during isothermal heating conditions. The thermal stresses obtained by the application of the theory are compared to measured results to verify the accuracy of the approach.

Single-molecule Protein Unfolding in Solid State Nanopores

PubMed Central

Talaga, David S.; Li, Jiali

2009-01-01

We use single silicon nitride nanopores to study folded, partially folded and unfolded single proteins by measuring their excluded volumes. The DNA-calibrated translocation signals of β-lactoglobulin and histidine-containing phosphocarrier protein match quantitatively with that predicted by a simple sum of the partial volumes of the amino acids in the polypeptide segment inside the pore when translocation stalls due to the primary charge sequence. Our analysis suggests that the majority of the protein molecules were linear or looped during translocation and that the electrical forces present under physiologically relevant potentials can unfold proteins. Our results show that the nanopore translocation signals are sensitive enough to distinguish the folding state of a protein and distinguish between proteins based on the excluded volume of a local segment of the polypeptide chain that transiently stalls in the nanopore due to the primary sequence of charges. PMID:19530678

Solute-solvent interactions in solutions of 2-hydroxy-5-chloro-3-nitroacetophenone isonicotinoylhydrazone in N, N-dimethylformamide at 298-313 K according to ultrasonic and viscometric data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dikkar, A. B.; Pethe, G. B.; Aswar, A. S.

2015-12-01

Density (ρ), speed of sound ( u), and viscosity (η), measurements have been carried on 2-hydroxy- 5-chloro-3-nitroacetophenone isonicotinoylhydrazone (HCNAIH) in N, N-dimethylformamide at 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, and 313.15 K. Adiabatic compressibility (βs), intermolecular free length ( L f), acoustic impedance ( Z), internal pressure ( P int), the apparent molar volume ( V w), limiting apparent molar volume ( V w 0), partial molar expansibility (wE 0), apparent molar adiabatic compressibility ( K w), limiting apparent molar adiabatic compressibility ( K w 0), viscosity B coefficients of Jones-Dole equation have been calculated. The activation free energy (Δμ 2 0 *) for viscous flow in solution have been calculated from B coefficient and partial molar volume data. The calculated parameters are used to interpret the solute-solvent interactions and structure forming/breaking ability of solute in DMF.

Prolonged partial cardiopulmonary bypass in rats.

PubMed

Alexander, B; Al Ani, H R

1983-07-01

Membrane oxygenators have been shown to be atraumatic during cardiopulmonary bypass. A novel design for a membrane tubing oxygenator originated in this laboratory was used for prolonged partial supportive cardiopulmonary bypass in lambs and displayed excellent biocompatability characteristics. This was miniaturized, to result in a prime volume of 12 ml, in order to investigate the feasibility of prolonged partial supportive cardiopulmonary bypass in rats. The performance of this miniaturized circuit over perfusion periods up to 6 hr is described, with particular reference to hematological changes.

Simulating effects of brain atrophy in longitudinal PET imaging with an anthropomorphic brain phantom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jonasson, L. S.; Axelsson, J.; Riklund, K.; Boraxbekk, C. J.

2017-07-01

In longitudinal positron emission tomography (PET), the presence of volumetric changes over time can lead to an overestimation or underestimation of the true changes in the quantified PET signal due to the partial volume effect (PVE) introduced by the limited spatial resolution of existing PET cameras and reconstruction algorithms. Here, a 3D-printed anthropomorphic brain phantom with attachable striata in three sizes was designed to enable controlled volumetric changes. Using a method to eliminate the non-radioactive plastic wall, and manipulating BP levels by adding different number of events from list-mode acquisitions, we investigated the artificial volume dependence of BP due to PVE, and potential bias arising from varying BP. Comparing multiple reconstruction algorithms we found that a high-resolution ordered-subsets maximization algorithm with spatially variant point-spread function resolution modeling provided the most accurate data. For striatum, the BP changed by 0.08% for every 1% volume change, but for smaller volumes such as the posterior caudate the artificial change in BP was as high as 0.7% per 1% volume change. A simple gross correction for striatal volume is unsatisfactory, as the amplitude of the PVE on the BP differs depending on where in the striatum the change occurred. Therefore, to correctly interpret age-related longitudinal changes in the BP, we must account for volumetric changes also within a structure, rather than across the whole volume. The present 3D-printing technology, combined with the wall removal method, can be implemented to gain knowledge about the predictable bias introduced by the PVE differences in uptake regions of varying shape.

46 CFR 39.40-5 - Operational requirements for vapor balancing-TB/ALL.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... tanks have partial bulkheads, the oxygen content of each area of that tank formed by each partial... vapor collection system must be tested prior to cargo transfer to ensure that the oxygen content in the vapor space does not exceed 8 percent by volume. The oxygen content of each tank must be measured at a...

Physiological responses and evaluation of effects of BMI, smoking and drinking in high altitude acclimatization: a cohort study in Chinese Han young males.

PubMed

Peng, Qian-Qian; Basang, Zhuoma; Cui, Chao-Ying; Li, Lei; Qian, Ji; Gesang, Quzhen; Yang, La; La, Zong; De, Yang; Dawa, Puchi; Qu, Ni; Suo, Qu; Dan, Zhen; Xiao, Duoji; Wang, Xiao-Feng; Jin, Li

2013-01-01

High altitude acclimatization is a series of physiological responses taking places when subjects go to altitude. Many factors could influence these processes, such as altitude, ascending speed and individual characteristics. In this study, based on a repeated measurement design of three sequential measurements at baseline, acute phase and chronic phase, we evaluated the effect of BMI, smoking and drinking on a number of physiological responses in high altitude acclimatization by using mixed model and partial least square path model on a sample of 755 Han Chinese young males. We found that subjects with higher BMI responses were reluctant to hypoxia. The effect of smoking was not significant at acute phase. But at chronic phase, red blood cell volume increased less while respiratory function increased more for smoking subjects compared with nonsmokers. For drinking subjects, red blood cell volume increased less than nondrinkers at both acute and chronic phases, while blood pressures increased more than nondrinkers at acute phase and respiratory function, red blood cell volume and oxygen saturation increased more than nondrinkers at chronic phase. The heavy and long-term effect of smoking, drinking and other factors in high altitude acclimatization needed to be further studied.

Physiological Responses and Evaluation of Effects of BMI, Smoking and Drinking in High Altitude Acclimatization: A Cohort Study in Chinese Han Young Males

PubMed Central

Cui, Chao-ying; Li, Lei; Qian, Ji; Gesang, Quzhen; Yang, La; La, Zong; De, Yang; Dawa, Puchi; Qu, Ni; Suo, Qu; Dan, Zhen; Xiao, Duoji; Wang, Xiao-feng; Jin, Li

2013-01-01

High altitude acclimatization is a series of physiological responses taking places when subjects go to altitude. Many factors could influence these processes, such as altitude, ascending speed and individual characteristics. In this study, based on a repeated measurement design of three sequential measurements at baseline, acute phase and chronic phase, we evaluated the effect of BMI, smoking and drinking on a number of physiological responses in high altitude acclimatization by using mixed model and partial least square path model on a sample of 755 Han Chinese young males. We found that subjects with higher BMI responses were reluctant to hypoxia. The effect of smoking was not significant at acute phase. But at chronic phase, red blood cell volume increased less while respiratory function increased more for smoking subjects compared with nonsmokers. For drinking subjects, red blood cell volume increased less than nondrinkers at both acute and chronic phases, while blood pressures increased more than nondrinkers at acute phase and respiratory function, red blood cell volume and oxygen saturation increased more than nondrinkers at chronic phase. The heavy and long-term effect of smoking, drinking and other factors in high altitude acclimatization needed to be further studied. PMID:24260204

Mechanism of action of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.

PubMed

Cihangir, Uzunçakmak; Ebru, Akbay; Murat, Ekin; Levent, Yaşar

2013-11-01

To assess the efficacy and adverse effects, and reveal the effective pathway of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. In a prospective single-center study in Istanbul, Turkey, the LNG-IUS was inserted in 60 patients diagnosed with heavy menstrual bleeding between January 2008 and June 2010. Menstrual bleeding pattern, coagulation parameters, uterine arterial blood flow, endometrial thickness, and uterine and ovarian volumes were assessed pre-insertion, and at 6 and 12months. Forty-nine women completed the study. When compared with pre-insertion values, the LNG-IUS led to improvements in hemoglobin and marked decreases in visual bleeding scores, endometrial thickness, and fibrinogen levels (P<0.001); platelet count, international normalized ratio, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and uterine volume also decreased (P<0.05). No significant change in ovarian volumes, or uterine artery resistive and pulsatility indices was observed at 6 or 12months compared with pre-insertion values. The decline in menstrual blood loss among LNG-IUS users was associated with local progestogenic effects and aggravation of intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways. Although the LNG-IUS is a highly effective method for treating heavy menstrual bleeding, care must be taken when a patient has thromboembolic risk factors. © 2013.

Long space missions, gene therapy, and the vital role of magnesium: a three-pronged plan for the next 50 years

PubMed Central

Rowe, William J

2010-01-01

Since pharmaceuticals cannot be used in space until liver and kidney dysfunctions are corrected, and with invariable malabsorption, it appears there is no alternative other than to use subcutaneous magnesium (Mg) replacements in the presence of deficiencies and use of gene therapy. I suggest beginning with the correction of as many as four gene deficiencies: atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and erythropoietin (EPO), all as well as Mg related to perfusion and angiogenesis. There is no evidence of significant lunar radiation levels in the absence of a solar storm. It could then be determined whether this has resulted in correction of liver and kidney dysfunction. If this persists, serial additions of gene therapy will be required determining the effect of each individual gene trial on organ function. Microgravity and endothelial gaps with leaks trigger reduced plasma volume. Partial correction by use of a plasma volume substitute and development of a delivery device may reduce complexity of gene therapy. Research would be conducted both on Earth and in microgravity, with the development of subcutaneous pharmaceuticals and Mg, and a space walk-reliable subcutaneous silicon device, given that no replenishable subcutaneous device is presently available. A three-pronged approach provides a plan for the next 50 years: A. complete correction of a Mg deficit; B. partial replacement with plasma volume substitutes, and C. multiple gene factor strategy. PMID:21694938

Long space missions, gene therapy, and the vital role of magnesium: a three-pronged plan for the next 50 years.

PubMed

Rowe, William J

2010-01-01

Since pharmaceuticals cannot be used in space until liver and kidney dysfunctions are corrected, and with invariable malabsorption, it appears there is no alternative other than to use subcutaneous magnesium (Mg) replacements in the presence of deficiencies and use of gene therapy. I suggest beginning with the correction of as many as four gene deficiencies: atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and erythropoietin (EPO), all as well as Mg related to perfusion and angiogenesis. There is no evidence of significant lunar radiation levels in the absence of a solar storm. It could then be determined whether this has resulted in correction of liver and kidney dysfunction. If this persists, serial additions of gene therapy will be required determining the effect of each individual gene trial on organ function. Microgravity and endothelial gaps with leaks trigger reduced plasma volume. Partial correction by use of a plasma volume substitute and development of a delivery device may reduce complexity of gene therapy. Research would be conducted both on Earth and in microgravity, with the development of subcutaneous pharmaceuticals and Mg, and a space walk-reliable subcutaneous silicon device, given that no replenishable subcutaneous device is presently available. A three-pronged approach provides a plan for the next 50 years: A. complete correction of a Mg deficit; B. partial replacement with plasma volume substitutes, and C. multiple gene factor strategy. 2010 Halvorson et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.

Optimized statistical parametric mapping for partial-volume-corrected amyloid positron emission tomography in patients with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Jungsu S.; Kim, Jae Seung; Chae, Sun Young; Oh, Minyoung; Oh, Seung Jun; Cha, Seung Nam; Chang, Ho-Jong; Lee, Chong Sik; Lee, Jae Hong

2017-03-01

We present an optimized voxelwise statistical parametric mapping (SPM) of partial-volume (PV)-corrected positron emission tomography (PET) of 11C Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB), incorporating the anatomical precision of magnetic resonance image (MRI) and amyloid β (A β) burden-specificity of PiB PET. First, we applied region-based partial-volume correction (PVC), termed the geometric transfer matrix (GTM) method, to PiB PET, creating MRI-based lobar parcels filled with mean PiB uptakes. Then, we conducted a voxelwise PVC by multiplying the original PET by the ratio of a GTM-based PV-corrected PET to a 6-mm-smoothed PV-corrected PET. Finally, we conducted spatial normalizations of the PV-corrected PETs onto the study-specific template. As such, we increased the accuracy of the SPM normalization and the tissue specificity of SPM results. Moreover, lobar smoothing (instead of whole-brain smoothing) was applied to increase the signal-to-noise ratio in the image without degrading the tissue specificity. Thereby, we could optimize a voxelwise group comparison between subjects with high and normal A β burdens (from 10 patients with Alzheimer's disease, 30 patients with Lewy body dementia, and 9 normal controls). Our SPM framework outperformed than the conventional one in terms of the accuracy of the spatial normalization (85% of maximum likelihood tissue classification volume) and the tissue specificity (larger gray matter, and smaller cerebrospinal fluid volume fraction from the SPM results). Our SPM framework optimized the SPM of a PV-corrected A β PET in terms of anatomical precision, normalization accuracy, and tissue specificity, resulting in better detection and localization of A β burdens in patients with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.

Considerations in high resolution skeletal muscle DTI using single-shot EPI with stimulated echo preparation and SENSE

PubMed Central

Karampinos, Dimitrios C.; Banerjee, Suchandrima; King, Kevin F.; Link, Thomas M.; Majumdar, Sharmila

2011-01-01

Previous studies have shown that skeletal muscle diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can non-invasively probe changes in the muscle fiber architecture and microstructure in diseased and damaged muscles. However, DTI fiber reconstruction in small muscles and in muscle regions close to aponeuroses and tendons remains challenging because of partial volume effects. Increasing the spatial resolution of skeletal muscle single-shot diffusion weighted (DW)-EPI can be hindered by the inherently low SNR of muscle DW-EPI due to the short muscle T2 and the high sensitivity of single-shot EPI to off-resonance effects and T2* blurring. In the present work, eddy-current compensated diffusion-weighted stimulated echo preparation is combined with sensitivity encoding (SENSE) to maintain good SNR properties and reduce the sensitivity to distortions and T2* blurring in high resolution skeletal muscle single-shot DW-EPI. An analytical framework is developed for optimizing the reduction factor and diffusion weighting time to achieve maximum SNR. Arguments for the selection of the experimental parameters are then presented considering the compromise between SNR, B0-induced distortions, T2* blurring effects and tissue incoherent motion effects. Based on the selected parameters in a high resolution skeletal muscle single-shot DW-EPI protocol, imaging protocols at lower acquisition matrix sizes are defined with matched bandwidth in the phase-encoding direction and SNR. In vivo results show that high resolution skeletal muscle DTI with minimized sensitivity to geometric distortions and T2* blurring is feasible using the proposed methodology. In particular, a significant benefit is demonstrated from reducing partial volume effects on resolving multi-pennate muscles and muscles with small cross sections in calf muscle DTI. PMID:22081519

Physiological and biochemical principles underlying volume-targeted therapy--the "Lund concept".

PubMed

Nordström, Carl-Henrik

2005-01-01

The optimal therapy of sustained increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) remains controversial. The volume-targeted therapy ("Lund concept") discussed in this article focuses on the physiological volume regulation of the intracranial compartments. The balance between effective transcapillary hydrostatic and osmotic pressures constitutes the driving force for transcapillary fluid exchange. The low permeability for sodium and chloride combined with the high crystalloid osmotic pressure (approximately 5700 mmHg) on both sides of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) counteracts fluid exchange across the intact BBB. Additionally, variations in systemic blood pressure generally are not transmitted to these capillaries because cerebral intracapillary hydrostatic pressure (and blood flow) is physio-logically tightly autoregulated. Under pathophysiological conditions, the BBB may be partially disrupted. Transcapillary water exchange is then determined by the differences in hydrostatic and colloid osmotic pressure between the intra- and extracapillary compartments. Pressure autoregulation of cerebral blood flow is likely to be impaired in these conditions. A high cerebral perfusion pressure accordingly increases intracapillary hydrostatic pressure and leads to increased intracerebral water content and an increase in ICP. The volume-targeted "Lund concept" has been evaluated in experimental and clinical studies to examine the physiological and biochemical (utilizing intracerebral microdialysis) effects, and the clinical experiences have been favorable.

Improved quantification for local regions of interest in preclinical PET imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cal-González, J.; Moore, S. C.; Park, M.-A.; Herraiz, J. L.; Vaquero, J. J.; Desco, M.; Udias, J. M.

2015-09-01

In Positron Emission Tomography, there are several causes of quantitative inaccuracy, such as partial volume or spillover effects. The impact of these effects is greater when using radionuclides that have a large positron range, e.g. 68Ga and 124I, which have been increasingly used in the clinic. We have implemented and evaluated a local projection algorithm (LPA), originally evaluated for SPECT, to compensate for both partial-volume and spillover effects in PET. This method is based on the use of a high-resolution CT or MR image, co-registered with a PET image, which permits a high-resolution segmentation of a few tissues within a volume of interest (VOI) centered on a region within which tissue-activity values need to be estimated. The additional boundary information is used to obtain improved activity estimates for each tissue within the VOI, by solving a simple inversion problem. We implemented this algorithm for the preclinical Argus PET/CT scanner and assessed its performance using the radionuclides 18F, 68Ga and 124I. We also evaluated and compared the results obtained when it was applied during the iterative reconstruction, as well as after the reconstruction as a postprocessing procedure. In addition, we studied how LPA can help to reduce the ‘spillover contamination’, which causes inaccurate quantification of lesions in the immediate neighborhood of large, ‘hot’ sources. Quantification was significantly improved by using LPA, which provided more accurate ratios of lesion-to-background activity concentration for hot and cold regions. For 18F, the contrast was improved from 3.0 to 4.0 in hot lesions (when the true ratio was 4.0) and from 0.16 to 0.06 in cold lesions (true ratio  =  0.0), when using the LPA postprocessing. Furthermore, activity values estimated within the VOI using LPA during reconstruction were slightly more accurate than those obtained by post-processing, while also visually improving the image contrast and uniformity within the VOI.

Improved quantification for local regions of interest in preclinical PET imaging

PubMed Central

Cal-González, J.; Moore, S. C.; Park, M.-A.; Herraiz, J. L.; Vaquero, J. J.; Desco, M.; Udias, J. M.

2015-01-01

In Positron Emission Tomography, there are several causes of quantitative inaccuracy, such as partial volume or spillover effects. The impact of these effects is greater when using radionuclides that have a large positron range, e.g., 68Ga and 124I, which have been increasingly used in the clinic. We have implemented and evaluated a local projection algorithm (LPA), originally evaluated for SPECT, to compensate for both partial-volume and spillover effects in PET. This method is based on the use of a high-resolution CT or MR image, co-registered with a PET image, which permits a high-resolution segmentation of a few tissues within a volume of interest (VOI) centered on a region within which tissue-activity values need to be estimated. The additional boundary information is used to obtain improved activity estimates for each tissue within the VOI, by solving a simple inversion problem. We implemented this algorithm for the preclinical Argus PET/CT scanner and assessed its performance using the radionuclides 18F, 68Ga and 124I. We also evaluated and compared the results obtained when it was applied during the iterative reconstruction, as well as after the reconstruction as a postprocessing procedure. In addition, we studied how LPA can help to reduce the “spillover contamination”, which causes inaccurate quantification of lesions in the immediate neighborhood of large, “hot” sources. Quantification was significantly improved by using LPA, which provided more accurate ratios of lesion-to-background activity concentration for hot and cold regions. For 18F, the contrast was improved from 3.0 to 4.0 in hot lesions (when the true ratio was 4.0) and from 0.16 to 0.06 in cold lesions (true ratio = 0.0), when using the LPA postprocessing. Furthermore, activity values estimated within the VOI using LPA during reconstruction were slightly more accurate than those obtained by post-processing, while also visually improving the image contrast and uniformity within the VOI. PMID:26334312

External pancreatic secretion after bombesin infusion in man.

PubMed

Basso, N; Giri, S; Improta, G; Lezoche, E; Melchiorri, P; Percoco, M; Speranza, V

1975-12-01

The effect of bombesin on external pancreatic secretion was studied in seven healthy volunteers and intwo patients with a two-thirds gastrectomy and a pancreatic fistula. After bombesin infusion (15 ng/kg/min), gastrin levels were significantly raised in all volunteers, but remained at basal levels in the gastrectomized patients. Bombesin was effective in stimulating pancreatic secretion in all patients. The volume of secretion increased tow-fold when compared with basal volume. Amylase and trypsin concentrations and outputs in the duodenal juice were greatly agumented (amylase concentration: basal, 70 dye U/ml; post-bombesin, 620 dye U/ml. Amylase output: basal, 1000 dye U/15 min; post-bombesin, 15,800 dye U/15 min). Secretin, when administered in conjunction with bombesin, partially inhibited its secretory effect. Bicarbonate secretion was slightly stimulated by bombesin, but at a very low level. A similar pattern of results was obtained in the two gastrectomized patients. In man, bombesin exerts an effect on pancreatic secretion that mimics the effect of CCK-PZ, thus confirming the results obtained in the experimental animal. Gastrin does not play a fundamental role in this phenomenon.

External pancreatic secretion after bombesin infusion in man.

PubMed Central

Basso, N; Giri, S; Improta, G; Lezoche, E; Melchiorri, P; Percoco, M; Speranza, V

1975-01-01

The effect of bombesin on external pancreatic secretion was studied in seven healthy volunteers and intwo patients with a two-thirds gastrectomy and a pancreatic fistula. After bombesin infusion (15 ng/kg/min), gastrin levels were significantly raised in all volunteers, but remained at basal levels in the gastrectomized patients. Bombesin was effective in stimulating pancreatic secretion in all patients. The volume of secretion increased tow-fold when compared with basal volume. Amylase and trypsin concentrations and outputs in the duodenal juice were greatly agumented (amylase concentration: basal, 70 dye U/ml; post-bombesin, 620 dye U/ml. Amylase output: basal, 1000 dye U/15 min; post-bombesin, 15,800 dye U/15 min). Secretin, when administered in conjunction with bombesin, partially inhibited its secretory effect. Bicarbonate secretion was slightly stimulated by bombesin, but at a very low level. A similar pattern of results was obtained in the two gastrectomized patients. In man, bombesin exerts an effect on pancreatic secretion that mimics the effect of CCK-PZ, thus confirming the results obtained in the experimental animal. Gastrin does not play a fundamental role in this phenomenon. PMID:1218823

Occurrence of Partial Nuclei in Eggs of the Sand Dollar, Clypeaster japonicus.

PubMed

Yoneda, M; Nemoto, S I

1990-10-01

Females of Clypeaster japonicus bearing eggs with multiple nuclei were occasionally found. DAPI (4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) stained all these nuclei. The summed volume of the two nuclei in binucleate eggs was similar to the nuclear volume in mononucleate eggs from the same batch. On fertilization, two partial nuclei migrated to the center of the egg with a time-course similar to that taken by a single nucleus; they then participated in forming the zygote nucleus, which subsequently formed a single mitotic spindle. These multiple nuclei thus appear to function as genuine nuclei. Possibly they result from the failure of a single nucleus to form during oogenesis.

Water Resources Data for California, Water Year 1985. Volume 2. Pacific Slope Basins from Arroyo Grande to Oregon State Line except Central Valley

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anderson, S.; Markham, K.L.; Trujillo, L.F.; Shelton, W.F.; Grillo, D.A.

1987-01-01

Water resources data for the 1985 water year for California consists of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; and stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 2 contains discharge records for 133 gaging stations; stage and contents for 9 lakes and reservoirs; and water quality for 34 stations. Also included are 3 low-flow partial-record stations and 1 water-quality partial-record stations. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water resources data for California water year 1994. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican border to Mono Lake basin, and Pacific Slope basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria river. Water-data report (Annual), 1 October 1993-30 September 1994

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

Hayes, P.D.; Agajanian, J.A.; Rockwell, G.L.

1995-03-01

Water resources data for the 1994 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains (1) discharge records for 143 streamflow-gaging stations, 15 crest-stage partial-record streamflow stations; (2) stage and contents records for 20 lakes and reservoirs; (3) water quality records for 19 streamflow-gaging stations and 2 partial-record stations; and (4) precipitation records for 8 stations.

Development of Self-Consolidating High Strength Concrete Incorporating Treated Palm Oil Fuel Ash

PubMed Central

Alsubari, Belal; Shafigh, Payam; Jumaat, Mohd Zamin

2015-01-01

Palm oil fuel ash (POFA) has previously been used as a partial cement replacement in concrete. However, limited research has been undertaken to utilize POFA in high volume in concrete. This paper presents a study on the treatment and utilization of POFA in high volume of up to 50% by weight of cement in self-consolidating high strength concrete (SCHSC). POFA was treated via heat treatment to reduce the content of unburned carbon. Ordinary Portland cement was substituted with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50% treated POFA in SCHSC. Tests have been conducted on the fresh properties, such as filling ability, passing ability and segregation resistance, as well as compressive strength, drying shrinkage and acid attack resistance to check the effect of high volume treated POFA on SCHSC. The results revealed that compared to the control concrete mix, the fresh properties, compressive strength, drying shrinkage, and resistance against acid attack have been significantly improved. Conclusively, treated POFA can be used in high volume as a cement replacement to produce SCHSC with an improvement in its properties.

Vacuum structure and gravitational bags produced by metric-independent space-time volume-form dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guendelman, Eduardo; Nissimov, Emil; Pacheva, Svetlana

2015-07-01

We propose a new class of gravity-matter theories, describing R + R2 gravity interacting with a nonstandard nonlinear gauge field system and a scalar “dilaton,” formulated in terms of two different non-Riemannian volume-forms (generally covariant integration measure densities) on the underlying space-time manifold, which are independent of the Riemannian metric. The nonlinear gauge field system contains a square-root -F2 of the standard Maxwell Lagrangian which is known to describe charge confinement in flat space-time. The initial new gravity-matter model is invariant under global Weyl-scale symmetry which undergoes a spontaneous breakdown upon integration of the non-Riemannian volume-form degrees of freedom. In the physical Einstein frame we obtain an effective matter-gauge-field Lagrangian of “k-essence” type with quadratic dependence on the scalar “dilaton” field kinetic term X, with a remarkable effective scalar potential possessing two infinitely large flat regions as well as with nontrivial effective gauge coupling constants running with the “dilaton” φ. Corresponding to each of the two flat regions we find “vacuum” configurations of the following types: (i) φ = const and a nonzero gauge field vacuum -F2≠0, which corresponds to a charge confining phase; (ii) X = const (“kinetic vacuum”) and ordinary gauge field vacuum -F2 = 0 which supports confinement-free charge dynamics. In one of the flat regions of the effective scalar potential we also find: (iii) X = const (“kinetic vacuum”) and a nonzero gauge field vacuum -F2≠0, which again corresponds to a charge confining phase. In all three cases, the space-time metric is de Sitter or Schwarzschild-de Sitter. Both “kinetic vacuums” (ii) and (iii) can exist only within a finite-volume space region below a de Sitter horizon. Extension to the whole space requires matching the latter with the exterior region with a nonstandard Reissner-Nordström-de Sitter geometry carrying an additional constant radial background electric field. As a result, we obtain two classes of gravitational bag-like configurations with properties, which on one hand partially parallel some of the properties of the solitonic “constituent quark” model and, on the other hand, partially mimic some of the properties of MIT bags in QCD phenomenology.

The Synthesis of Calcium Salt from Brine Water by Partial Evaporation and Chemical Precipitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lalasari, L. H.; Widowati, M. K.; Natasha, N. C.; Sulistiyono, E.; Prasetyo, A. B.

2017-02-01

In this study would be investigated the effects of partial evaporation and chemical precipitation in the formation of calcium salt from brine water resources. The chemical reagents used in the study was oxalate acid (C2H2O4), ammonium carbonate (NH4)2CO3) and ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) with reagent concentration of 2 N, respectively. The procedure was 10 liters brine water evaporated until 20% volume and continued with filtration process to separate brine water filtrate from residue (salt). Salt resulted from evaporation process was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques. Filtrate then was reacted with C2H2O4, (NH4)2CO3 and NH4OH reagents to get salt products in atmospheric condition and variation ratio volume brine water/chemicals (v/v) [10/1; 10/5; 10/10; 10/20; 10/30; 10:50; 20/1; 20/5; 20/10; 20/20; 20/30; 20:50]. The salt product than were filtered, dried, measured weights and finally characterized by SEM/EDS and XRD techniques. The result of experiment showed the chemical composition of brine water from Tirta Sanita, Bogor was 28.87% Na, 9.17% Mg, 2.94% Ca, 22.33% O, 0.71% Sr, 30.02% Cl, 1.51% Si, 1.23% K, 0.55% S, 1.31% Al. The chemical composition of salt resulted by partial evaporation was 53.02% Ca, 28.93%O, 9.50% Na, 2.10% Mg, 1.53% Sr, 1.20% Cl, 1.10% Si, 0.63% K, 0.40% S, 0.39% Al. The salt resulted by total evaporation was indicated namely as NaCl. Whereas salt resulted by partial evaporation was CaCO3 with a purity of 90 % from High Score Plus analysis. In the experiment by chemical precipitation was reported that the reagents of ammonium carbonate were more reactive for synthesizing calcium salt from brine water compared to reagents of oxalate acid and ammonium hydroxide. The salts precipitated by NH4OH, (NH4)2CO3, and H2C2O4 reagents were indicated as NaCl, CaCO3 and CaC2O4.H2O, respectively. The techniques of partial evaporation until 20% volume sample of brine water and chemical precipitation using (NH4)2CO3 reagent are recommended in the synthesis of calcium salts from brine water because are simple, flexible and economical.

Thermal Equation of State of TiC: A Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction

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

Yu, X.; Lin, Z; Zhang, J

2010-01-01

The pressure-volume-temperature measurements were carried out for titanium carbide (TiC) at pressures and temperatures up to 8.1 GPa and 1273 K using energy-dispersive synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Thermoelastic parameters were derived for TiC based on a modified high-temperature Birch-Murnaghan equation of state and a thermal pressure approach. With the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K{prime}{sub 0}, fixed at 4.0, we obtain: the ambient bulk modulus K{sub 0} = 268(6) GPa, which is comparable to previously reported value; temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant pressure ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub P} = -0.026(9) GPa K{sup -1}, volumetric thermal expansivity {alpha}{sub T}(K{sup -1}) =more » a+b T with a = 1.62(12) x 10{sup -5} K{sup -1} and b = 1.07(17) x 10{sup -8}K{sup -2}, pressure derivative of thermal expansion ({partial_derivative}{sub {alpha}}/{partial_derivative}{sub P}){sub T} = (-3.62 {+-} 1.14) x 10{sup -7} GPa{sup -1} K{sup -1}, and temperature derivative of bulk modulus at constant volume ({partial_derivative}K{sub T}/{partial_derivative}T){sub V} = -0.015(8) GPa K{sup -1}. These results provide fundamental thermophysical properties for TiC for the first time and are important to theoretical and computational modeling of transition metal carbides.« less

SAGUARO: a finite-element computer program for partially saturated porous flow problems

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

Eaton, R.R.; Gartling, D.K.; Larson, D.E.

1983-06-01

SAGUARO is a finite element computer program designed to calculate two-dimensional flow of mass and energy through porous media. The media may be saturated or partially saturated. SAGUARO solves the parabolic time-dependent mass transport equation which accounts for the presence of partially saturated zones through the use of highly non-linear material characteristic curves. The energy equation accounts for the possibility of partially saturated regions by adjusting the thermal capacitances and thermal conductivities according to the volume fraction of water present in the local pores. Program capabilities, user instructions and a sample problem are presented in this manual.

Study of thermodynamic and acoustic behaviour of nicotinic acid in binary aqueous mixtures of D-lactose

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Ravi; Thakur, R. C.

2017-07-01

In the present study, the thermodynamic properties such as partial molar volumes, partial molar expansibilities, partial molar compressibilities, partial molar heat capacities and isobaric thermal expansion coefficient of different solutions of nicotinic acid in binary aqueous mixtures of D-lactose have been determined at different temperatures (298.15, 303.15, 308.15, 313.15) K. Masson's equation is used to interpret the data in terms of solute-solute and solute-solvent interactions. In the present study it has been found that nicotinic acid behaves as structure maker in aqueous and binary aqueous mixtures of D-lactose.

Molecular simulation of excess isotherm and excess enthalpy change in gas-phase adsorption.

PubMed

Do, D D; Do, H D; Nicholson, D

2009-01-29

We present a new approach to calculating excess isotherm and differential enthalpy of adsorption on surfaces or in confined spaces by the Monte Carlo molecular simulation method. The approach is very general and, most importantly, is unambiguous in its application to any configuration of solid structure (crystalline, graphite layer or disordered porous glass), to any type of fluid (simple or complex molecule), and to any operating conditions (subcritical or supercritical). The behavior of the adsorbed phase is studied using the partial molar energy of the simulation box. However, to characterize adsorption for comparison with experimental data, the isotherm is best described by the excess amount, and the enthalpy of adsorption is defined as the change in the total enthalpy of the simulation box with the change in the excess amount, keeping the total number (gas + adsorbed phases) constant. The excess quantities (capacity and energy) require a choice of a reference gaseous phase, which is defined as the adsorptive gas phase occupying the accessible volume and having a density equal to the bulk gas density. The accessible volume is defined as the mean volume space accessible to the center of mass of the adsorbate under consideration. With this choice, the excess isotherm passes through a maximum but always remains positive. This is in stark contrast to the literature where helium void volume is used (which is always greater than the accessible volume) and the resulting excess can be negative. Our definition of enthalpy change is equivalent to the difference between the partial molar enthalpy of the gas phase and the partial molar enthalpy of the adsorbed phase. There is no need to assume ideal gas or negligible molar volume of the adsorbed phase as is traditionally done in the literature. We illustrate this new approach with adsorption of argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide under subcritical and supercritical conditions.

The effects of centrally injected arachidonic acid on respiratory system: Involvement of cyclooxygenase to thromboxane signaling pathway.

PubMed

Erkan, Leman Gizem; Guvenc, Gokcen; Altinbas, Burcin; Niaz, Nasir; Yalcin, Murat

2016-05-01

Arachidonic acid (AA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is present in the phospholipids of the cell membranes of the body and is abundant in the brain. Exogenously administered AA has been shown to affect brain metabolism and to exhibit cardiovascular and neuroendocrine actions. However, little is known regarding its respiratory actions and/or central mechanism of its respiratory effects. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the possible effects of centrally injected AA on respiratory system and the mediation of the central cyclooxygenase (COX) to thromboxane A2 (TXA2) signaling pathway on AA-induced respiratory effects in anaesthetized rats. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of AA induced dose- and time-dependent increase in tidal volume, respiratory rates and respiratory minute ventilation and also caused an increase in partial oxygen pressure (pO2) and decrease in partial carbon dioxide pressure (pCO2) in male anaesthetized Spraque Dawley rats. I.c.v. pretreatment with ibuprofen, a non-selective COX inhibitor, completely blocked the hyperventilation and blood gases changes induced by AA. In addition, central pretreatment with different doses of furegrelate, a TXA2 synthesis inhibitor, also partially prevented AA-evoked hyperventilation and blood gases effects. These data explicitly show that centrally administered AA induces hyperventilation with increasing pO2 and decreasing pCO2 levels which are mediated by the activation of central COX to TXA2 signaling pathway. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Proceedings of the Dundee Conference (10th) Held in Dundee, Scotland on July 1988. Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-07-01

a priori inequalities with applications to R J Knops boundary value problems 40 Singular systems of differential equations V G Sigiilito S L...Stochastic functional differential equations S E A Mohammed 100 Optimal control of variational inequalities 125 Ennio de Giorgi Colloquium V Barbu P Kr e...location of the period-doubled bifurcation point varies slightly with Zc [ 3 ]. In addition, no significant effect is found if a smoother functional

Creation of anatomical models from CT data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alaytsev, Innokentiy K.; Danilova, Tatyana V.; Manturov, Alexey O.; Mareev, Gleb O.; Mareev, Oleg V.

2018-04-01

Computed tomography is a great source of biomedical data because it allows a detailed exploration of complex anatomical structures. Some structures are not visible on CT scans, and some are hard to distinguish due to partial volume effect. CT datasets require preprocessing before using them as anatomical models in a simulation system. The work describes segmentation and data transformation methods for an anatomical model creation from the CT data. The result models may be used for visual and haptic rendering and drilling simulation in a virtual surgery system.

Intranasal volume increases with age: Computed tomography volumetric analysis in adults.

PubMed

Loftus, Patricia A; Wise, Sarah K; Nieto, Daniel; Panella, Nicholas; Aiken, Ashley; DelGaudio, John M

2016-10-01

It is theorized that intranasal cavity volumes change throughout the aging process, possibly secondary to hormonal changes and atrophy of the sinonasal mucosa. Our objective is to compare intranasal volumes from different age groups to test the hypothesis that intranasal cavity volume increases with age. Case series. An analysis of computed tomography (CT) scans performed for reasons other than sinonasal complaints. Intranasal volumes of three groups (age 20-30 years, 40-50 years, and 70 years and above) were calculated using Vitrea software. The total intranasal volume was measured from the nasal vestibule anteriorly, the nasopharynx posteriorly, the olfactory cleft superiorly, and the nasal floor inferiorly. The total volume included the sum of the right and left sides. Sixty-two CT scans were analyzed. There was a progressive, relatively linear, increase in intranasal volume with increasing age: 20 to 30 years = 15.73 mL, 40 to 50 years = 17.30 mL, and 70 years and above = 18.38 mL. Mean intranasal volume for males was 19.07 mL, and for females was 15.23 mL. Analysis of variance demonstrated significant group differences in mean intranasal volume for age (P = .003) and gender (P < .001), with moderate-to-large effect size of 0.206 and 0.289 (partial η(2) ), respectively. Post hoc testing revealed a significant difference between the 20 to 30-year and >70-year age groups (P = .006). There was no significant difference in intranasal volume dependent upon body mass index. Intranasal volume increases with age and is larger in males. Specific etiologies responsible for increased intranasal cavity volume with age are actively being evaluated. 4 Laryngoscope, 126:2212-2215, 2016. © 2016 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Flank muscle volume changes after open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

PubMed

Crouzet, Sebastien; Chopra, Sameer; Tsai, Sheaumei; Kamoi, Kazumi; Haber, Georges-Pascal; Remer, Erick M; Berger, Andre K; Gill, Inderbir S; Aron, Monish

2014-10-01

To determine the occurrence of flank symptoms, flank muscle atrophy, bulge, and hernia formation after open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Our prospective Institutional Review Board-approved database was queried to identify 50 consecutive patients who were treated with open partial nephrectomy (OPN) and 50 consecutive patients who were treated with LPN between September 2006 and May 2008. Study patients had: Solitary clinical T1 renal tumor, preoperative and ≥6 month postoperative CT scan performed at our institution, and a confirmed renal-cell carcinoma on the final pathology report. Patients with previous abdominal surgery and neuromuscular disorders were excluded. Oncocare software was used to measure abdominal wall musculature on preoperative and postoperative CT scan. Bilateral flanks were compared for muscle volume, bulge, and hernia. Patients were administered a phone questionnaire to assess postoperative flank symptoms. No statistical significant difference was found in the demographics between the two groups. Median age (range) was 59.9 years (20.6-80.7) in the OPN group and 57.5 years (25-78) in the LPN group (P=0.89). Median (range) body mass index and American Society of Anesthesiologists scores were similar between the two groups. On CT scans, median percent variation (range) in abdominal wall muscle volume was significantly greater in the OPN group: -1.03% (-31.4-1.5) vs-0.39% (-5.2-1.8) (P=0.006). The median extent of flank bulge on CT scans (range) was also greater in the OPN group: 0.75 cm (-1.9-7.6) vs 0 cm (-2.7-2.8) (P=0.0004). The OPN group was also more symptomatic, including paresthesia 48% vs 8% (P=0.0053); numbness 44% vs 0% (P=0.002); and flank bulge 57% vs 12% (P=0.007). Minimally invasive partial nephrectomy has lesser deleterious impact on flank muscle volume compared with OPN with fewer symptoms of flank bulge, paresthesia, and numbness.

Thermo-mechanical Processing of TRIP-Aided Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranjan, Ravi; Beladi, Hossein; Singh, Shiv Brat; Hodgson, Peter D.

2015-07-01

The effects of the partial replacement of Si with Al and the addition of P on the microstructure and mechanical properties of experimental TRIP-aided steels subjected to different thermo-mechanical cycles were studied. Based on the available literature and thermodynamics-based calculations, three steels with different compositions were designed to obtain optimum results from a relatively low number of experiments. Different combinations of microstructure were developed through three different kinds of thermo-mechanical-controlled processing (TMCP) routes, and the corresponding tensile properties were evaluated. The results indicated that partial replacement of Si with Al improved the strength-ductility balance along with providing an improved variation in the incremental change in the strain-hardening exponent. However, the impact of the P addition was found to depend more on the final microstructure obtained by the different TMCP cycles. It has also been shown that an increase in the volume fraction of the retained austenite () or its carbon content () resulted in an improved strength-ductility balance, which can be attributed to better exploitation of the TRIP effect.

Confinement-induced p-wave resonances from s-wave interactions

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

Nishida, Yusuke; Tan, Shina; School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332

2010-12-15

We show that a purely s-wave interaction in three dimensions (3D) can induce higher partial-wave resonances in mixed dimensions. We develop two-body scattering theories in all three cases of 0D-3D, 1D-3D, and 2D-3D mixtures and determine the positions of higher partial-wave resonances in terms of the 3D s-wave scattering length assuming a harmonic confinement potential. We also compute the low-energy scattering parameters in the p-wave channel (scattering volume and effective momentum) that are necessary for the low-energy effective theory of the p-wave resonance. We point out that some of the resonances observed in the Florence group experiment [Phys. Rev. Lett.more » 104, 153202 (2010)] can be interpreted as the p-wave resonances in the 2D-3D mixed dimensions. Our study paves the way for a variety of physics, such as Anderson localization of matter waves under p-wave resonant scatterers.« less

Effect of ischemic cerebral volume changes on behavior.

PubMed

Lyden, P D; Lonzo, L M; Nunez, S Y; Dockstader, T; Mathieu-Costello, O; Zivin, J A

1997-08-01

Ischemia causes long-term effects on brain volume and neurologic function but the relationship between the two is poorly characterized. We studied the relationships between brain volume and three measures of rodent behavior after cerebral ischemia was induced by injecting several thousand microspheres into the internal carotid arteries of rats. Forty eight hours later, each subject was rated using a global neurologic rating scale. Several weeks later, the subjects were tested for open field activity and visual spatial learning. Post-mortem we measured the volume of the cerebral hemispheres and estimated the volume densities of cortex, white matter, hippocampus, basal ganglia, thalamus, ventricle, and visible infarction. Ischemia caused significant impairment, as measured by the global rating scale; the probability of an abnormal rating was correlated with the number of microspheres trapped in the brains. Visual spatial learning was significantly impaired by ischemia, but this deficit was independent of the count of microspheres, whether the subject was abnormal at 48 h, and whether the left or right hemisphere was embolized. Cerebral hemisphere volume was reduced from 430 mm3 to 376 mm3 (P < 0.05). The cortex was reduced from 22 to 19% of cerebrum (P < 0.05) and the white matter compartment was reduced to similar degree. The lesion volume was 6% of cerebrum, comparable to that seen with other ischemia methods. The global outcome rating was significantly related to total cerebral volume, but not to volume changes in any single compartment. On the other hand, visual spatial learning was significantly influenced by volume changes in the cortex and white matter, but not by the topography of the visible infarctions. Open field activity was not altered by infarction. Our data suggests that the total volume of brain tissue lost to infarction may partially determine global neurological rating independently of the topography of the volume loss. Integrative functions such as learning may depend more on the integrity of specific compartments and less on the total volume of intact brain. The volume of visible cystic infarction was not related to long term behavioral outcome. These results should be confirmed using another method of inducing ischemia.

Hydrophobic hydration and the anomalous partial molar volumes in ethanol-water mixtures

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

Tan, Ming-Liang; Te, Jerez; Cendagorta, Joseph R.

2015-02-14

The anomalous behavior in the partial molar volumes of ethanol-water mixtures at low concentrations of ethanol is studied using molecular dynamics simulations. Previous work indicates that the striking minimum in the partial molar volume of ethanol V{sub E} as a function of ethanol mole fraction X{sub E} is determined mainly by water-water interactions. These results were based on simulations that used one water model for the solute-water interactions but two different water models for the water-water interactions. This is confirmed here by using two more water models for the water-water interactions. Furthermore, the previous work indicates that the initial decreasemore » is caused by association of the hydration shells of the hydrocarbon tails, and the minimum occurs at the concentration where all of the hydration shells are touching each other. Thus, the characteristics of the hydration of the tail that cause the decrease and the features of the water models that reproduce this type of hydration are also examined here. The results show that a single-site multipole water model with a charge distribution that mimics the large quadrupole and the p-orbital type electron density out of the molecular plane has “brittle” hydration with hydrogen bonds that break as the tails touch, which reproduces the deep minimum. However, water models with more typical site representations with partial charges lead to flexible hydration that tends to stay intact, which produces a shallow minimum. Thus, brittle hydration may play an essential role in hydrophobic association in water.« less

Comparison of air space measurement imaged by CT, small-animal CT, and hyperpolarized Xe MRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madani, Aniseh; White, Steven; Santyr, Giles; Cunningham, Ian

2005-04-01

Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the western world. Lung air volume measurements are thought to be early indicators of lung disease and markers in pharmaceutical research. The purpose of this work is to develop a lung phantom for assessing and comparing the quantitative accuracy of hyperpolarized xenon 129 magnetic resonance imaging (HP 129Xe MRI), conventional computed tomography (HRCT), and highresolution small-animal CT (μCT) in measuring lung gas volumes. We developed a lung phantom consisting of solid cellulose acetate spheres (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm diameter) uniformly packed in circulated air or HP 129Xe gas. Air volume is estimated based on simple thresholding algorithm. Truth is calculated from the sphere diameters and validated using μCT. While this phantom is not anthropomorphic, it enables us to directly measure air space volume and compare these imaging methods as a function of sphere diameter for the first time. HP 129Xe MRI requires partial volume analysis to distinguish regions with and without 129Xe gas and results are within %5 of truth but settling of the heavy 129Xe gas complicates this analysis. Conventional CT demonstrated partial-volume artifacts for the 1mm spheres. μCT gives the most accurate air-volume results. Conventional CT and HP 129Xe MRI give similar results although non-uniform densities of 129Xe require more sophisticated algorithms than simple thresholding. The threshold required to give the true air volume in both HRCT and μCT, varies with sphere diameters calling into question the validity of thresholding method.

Quadrupole terms in the Maxwell equations: Born energy, partial molar volume, and entropy of ions.

PubMed

Slavchov, Radomir I; Ivanov, Tzanko I

2014-02-21

A new equation of state relating the macroscopic quadrupole moment density Q to the gradient of the field ∇E in an isotropic fluid is derived: Q = αQ(∇E - U∇·E/3), where the quadrupolarizability αQ is proportional to the squared molecular quadrupole moment. Using this equation of state, a generalized expression for the Born energy of an ion dissolved in quadrupolar solvent is obtained. It turns out that the potential and the energy of a point charge in a quadrupolar medium are finite. From the obtained Born energy, the partial molar volume and the partial molar entropy of a dissolved ion follow. Both are compared to experimental data for a large number of simple ions in aqueous solutions. From the comparison the value of the quadrupolar length LQ is determined, LQ = (αQ/3ɛ)(1/2) = 1-4 Å. Data for ion transfer from aqueous to polar oil solution are analyzed, which allowed for the determination of the quadrupolarizability of nitrobenzene.

Melt production in large-scale impact events: Implications and observations at terrestrial craters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grieve, Richard A. F.; Cintala, Mark J.

1992-01-01

The volume of impact melt relative to the volume of the transient cavity increases with the size of the impact event. Here, we use the impact of chondrite into granite at 15, 25, and 50 km s(sup -1) to model impact-melt volumes at terrestrial craters in crystalline targets and explore the implications for terrestrial craters. Figures are presented that illustrate the relationships between melt volume and final crater diameter D(sub R) for observed terrestrial craters in crystalline targets; also included are model curves for the three different impact velocities. One implication of the increase in melt volumes with increasing crater size is that the depth of melting will also increase. This requires that shock effects occurring at the base of the cavity in simple craters and in the uplifted peaks of central structures at complex craters record progressively higher pressures with increasing crater size, up to a maximum of partial melting (approx. 45 GPa). Higher pressures cannot be recorded in the parautochthonous rocks of the cavity floor as they will be represented by impact melt, which will not remain in place. We have estimated maximum recorded pressures from a review of the literature, using such observations as planar features in quartz and feldspar, diaplectic glasses of feldspar and quartz, and partial fusion and vesiculation, as calibrated with estimates of the pressures required for their formation. Erosion complicates the picture by removing the surficial (most highly shocked) rocks in uplifted structures, thereby reducing the maximum shock pressures observed. In addition, the range of pressures that can be recorded is limited. Nevertheless, the data define a trend to higher recorded pressures with crater diameter, which is consistent with the implications of the model. A second implication is that, as the limit of melting intersects the base of the cavity, central topographic peaks will be modified in appearance and ultimately will not occur. That is, the peak will first develop a central depression, due to the flow of low-strength melted materials, when the melt volume begins to intersect the transient-cavity base.

Dynamic void behavior in polymerizing polymethyl methacrylate cement.

PubMed

Muller, Scott D; McCaskie, Andrew W

2006-02-01

Cement mantle voids remain controversial with respect to survival of total hip arthroplasty. Void evolution is poorly understood, and attempts at void manipulation can only be empirical. We induced voids in a cement model simulating the constraints of the proximal femur. Intravoid pressure and temperature were recorded throughout polymerization, and the initial and final void volumes were measured. Temperature-dependent peak intravoid pressures and void volume increases were observed. After solidification, subatmospheric intravoid pressures were observed. The magnitude of these observations could not be explained by the ideal gas law. Partial pressures of the void gas at peak pressures demonstrated a dominant effect of gaseous monomer, thereby suggesting that void growth is a pressure-driven phenomenon resulting from temperature-dependent evaporation of monomer into existing trapped air voids.

Predictors of Long-Term Toxicity Using Three-Dimensional Conformal External Beam Radiotherapy to Deliver Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation

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

Shaitelman, Simona F.; Kim, Leonard H.; Grills, Inga S.

Purpose: We analyzed variables associated with long-term toxicity using three-dimensional conformal external beam radiation therapy (3D-CRT) to deliver accelerated partial breast irradiation. Methods and Materials: One hundred patients treated with 3D-CRT accelerated partial breast irradiation were evaluated using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 scale. Cosmesis was scored using Harvard criteria. Multiple dosimetric and volumetric parameters were analyzed for their association with worst and last (W/L) toxicity outcomes. Results: Sixty-two patients had a minimum of 36 months of toxicity follow-up (median follow-up, 4.8 years). The W/L incidence of poor-fair cosmesis, any telangiectasia, and grade {>=}2 induration, volume reduction,more » and pain were 16.4%/11.5%, 24.2%/14.5%, 16.1%/9.7%, 17.7%/12.9%, and 11.3%/3.2%, respectively. Only the incidence of any telangiectasia was found to be predicted by any dosimetric parameter, with the absolute breast volume receiving 5% to 50% of the prescription dose (192.5 cGy-1925 cGy) being significant. No associations with maximum dose, volumes of lumpectomy cavity, breast, modified planning target volume, and PTV, dose homogeneity index, number of fields, and photon energy used were identified with any of the aforementioned toxicities. Non-upper outer quadrant location was associated with grade {>=}2 volume reduction (p = 0.02 W/p = 0.04 L). A small cavity-to-skin distance was associated with a grade {>=}2 induration (p = 0.03 W/p = 0.01 L), a borderline significant association with grade {>=}2 volume reduction (p = 0.06 W/p = 0.06 L) and poor-fair cosmesis (p = 0.08 W/p = 0.09 L), with threshold distances ranging from 5 to 8 mm. Conclusions: No dose--volume relationships associated with long-term toxicity were identified in this large patient cohort with extended follow-up. Cosmetic results were good-to-excellent in 88% of patients at 5 years.« less

Improving the clinical correlation of multiple sclerosis black hole volume change by paired-scan analysis.

PubMed

Tam, Roger C; Traboulsee, Anthony; Riddehough, Andrew; Li, David K B

2012-01-01

The change in T 1-hypointense lesion ("black hole") volume is an important marker of pathological progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). Black hole boundaries often have low contrast and are difficult to determine accurately and most (semi-)automated segmentation methods first compute the T 2-hyperintense lesions, which are a superset of the black holes and are typically more distinct, to form a search space for the T 1w lesions. Two main potential sources of measurement noise in longitudinal black hole volume computation are partial volume and variability in the T 2w lesion segmentation. A paired analysis approach is proposed herein that uses registration to equalize partial volume and lesion mask processing to combine T 2w lesion segmentations across time. The scans of 247 MS patients are used to compare a selected black hole computation method with an enhanced version incorporating paired analysis, using rank correlation to a clinical variable (MS functional composite) as the primary outcome measure. The comparison is done at nine different levels of intensity as a previous study suggests that darker black holes may yield stronger correlations. The results demonstrate that paired analysis can strongly improve longitudinal correlation (from -0.148 to -0.303 in this sample) and may produce segmentations that are more sensitive to clinically relevant changes.

Reduced native state stability in crowded cellular environment due to protein-protein interactions.

PubMed

Harada, Ryuhei; Tochio, Naoya; Kigawa, Takanori; Sugita, Yuji; Feig, Michael

2013-03-06

The effect of cellular crowding environments on protein structure and stability is a key issue in molecular and cellular biology. The classical view of crowding emphasizes the volume exclusion effect that generally favors compact, native states. Here, results from molecular dynamics simulations and NMR experiments show that protein crowders may destabilize native states via protein-protein interactions. In the model system considered here, mixtures of villin head piece and protein G at high concentrations, villin structures become increasingly destabilized upon increasing crowder concentrations. The denatured states observed in the simulation involve partial unfolding as well as more subtle conformational shifts. The unfolded states remain overall compact and only partially overlap with unfolded ensembles at high temperature and in the presence of urea. NMR measurements on the same systems confirm structural changes upon crowding based on changes of chemical shifts relative to dilute conditions. An analysis of protein-protein interactions and energetic aspects suggests the importance of enthalpic and solvation contributions to the crowding free energies that challenge an entropic-centered view of crowding effects.

Pineal gland volume in primary insomnia and healthy controls: a magnetic resonance imaging study.

PubMed

Bumb, Jan M; Schilling, Claudia; Enning, Frank; Haddad, Leila; Paul, Franc; Lederbogen, Florian; Deuschle, Michael; Schredl, Michael; Nolte, Ingo

2014-06-01

Little is known about the relation between pineal volume and insomnia. Melatonin promotes sleep processes and, administered as a drug, it is suitable to improve primary and secondary sleep disorders in humans. Recent magnetic resonance imaging studies suggest that human plasma and saliva melatonin levels are partially determined by the pineal gland volume. This study compares the pineal volume in a group of patients with primary insomnia to a group of healthy people without sleep disturbance. Pineal gland volume (PGV) was measured on the basis of high-resolution 3 Tesla MRI (T1-magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo) in 23 patients and 27 controls, matched for age, gender and educational status. Volume measurements were performed conventionally by manual delineation of the pineal borders in multi-planar reconstructed images. Pineal gland volume was significantly smaller (P < 0.001) in patients (48.9 ± 26.6 mm(3) ) than in controls (79 ± 30.2 mm(3) ). In patients PGV correlated negatively with age (r = -0.532; P = 0.026). Adjusting for the effect of age, PGV and rapid eye movement (REM) latency showed a significant positive correlation (rS  = 0.711, P < 0.001) in patients. Pineal volume appears to be reduced in patients with primary insomnia compared to healthy controls. Further studies are needed to clarify whether low pineal volume is the basis or the consequence of functional sleep changes to elucidate the molecular pathology for the pineal volume loss in primary insomnia. © 2014 European Sleep Research Society.

Partial liquid ventilation: effects of closed breathing systems, heat-and-moisture-exchangers and sodalime absorbers on perfluorocarbon evaporation.

PubMed

Wilms, C T; Schober, P; Kalb, R; Loer, S A

2006-01-01

During partial liquid ventilation perfluorocarbons are instilled into the airways from where they subsequently evaporate via the bronchial system. This process is influenced by multiple factors, such as the vapour pressure of the perfluorocarbons, the instilled volume, intrapulmonary perfluorocarbon distribution, postural positioning and ventilatory settings. In our study we compared the effects of open and closed breathing systems, a heat-and-moisture-exchanger and a sodalime absorber on perfluorocarbon evaporation during partial liquid ventilation. Isolated rat lungs were suspended from a force transducer. After intratracheal perfluorocarbon instillation (10 mL kg(-1)) the lungs were either ventilated with an open breathing system (n = 6), a closed breathing system (n = 6), an open breathing system with an integrated heat-and-moisture-exchanger (n = 6), an open breathing system with an integrated sodalime absorber (n = 6), or a closed breathing system with an integrated heat-and-moisture-exchanger and a sodalime absorber (n = 6). Evaporative perfluorocarbon elimination was determined gravimetrically. When compared to the elimination half-life in an open breathing system (1.2 +/- 0.07 h), elimination half-life was longer with a closed system (6.4 +/- 0.9 h, P 0.05) when compared to a closed system. Evaporative perfluorocarbon loss can be reduced effectively with closed breathing systems, followed by the use of sodalime absorbers and heat-and-moisture-exchangers.

A 3-dimensional mathematic cylinder phantom for the evaluation of the fundamental performance of SPECT.

PubMed

Onishi, Hideo; Motomura, Nobutoku; Takahashi, Masaaki; Yanagisawa, Masamichi; Ogawa, Koichi

2010-03-01

Degradation of SPECT images results from various physical factors. The primary aim of this study was the development of a digital phantom for use in the characterization of factors that contribute to image degradation in clinical SPECT studies. A 3-dimensional mathematic cylinder (3D-MAC) phantom was devised and developed. The phantom (200 mm in diameter and 200 mm long) comprised 3 imbedded stacks of five 30-mm-long cylinders (diameters, 4, 10, 20, 40, and 60 mm). In simulations, the 3 stacks and the background were assigned radioisotope concentrations and attenuation coefficients. SPECT projection datasets that included Compton scattering effects, photoelectric effects, and gamma-camera models were generated using the electron gamma-shower Monte Carlo simulation program. Collimator parameters, detector resolution, total photons acquired, number of projections acquired, and radius of rotation were varied in simulations. The projection data were formatted in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) and imported to and reconstructed using commercial reconstruction software on clinical SPECT workstations. Using the 3D-MAC phantom, we validated that contrast depended on size of region of interest (ROI) and was overestimated when the ROI was small. The low-energy general-purpose collimator caused a greater partial-volume effect than did the low-energy high-resolution collimator, and contrast in the cold region was higher using the filtered backprojection algorithm than using the ordered-subset expectation maximization algorithm in the SPECT images. We used imported DICOM projection data and reconstructed these data using vendor software; in addition, we validated reconstructed images. The devised and developed 3D-MAC SPECT phantom is useful for the characterization of various physical factors, contrasts, partial-volume effects, reconstruction algorithms, and such, that contribute to image degradation in clinical SPECT studies.

Disposition of pentachlorophenol in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri ): Effect of inhibition of metabolism

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stehly, G.R.; Hayton, W.L.

1989-01-01

The accumulation kinetics of pentachlorophenol (PCP) were investigated in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri ) in the absence and presence of 25 mg/l salicylamide, an inhibitor of PCP metabolism. After exposure to 5 mu g/l PCP over 1-96 h, the amount of PCP in the whole fish, its concentration in water and the total amount of metabolites (water, whole fish and bile) were measured. Equations for these variables, based on a two compartment pharmacokinetic model, were fitted simultaneously to the data using the computer program NONLIN, which uses an iterative nonlinear least squares technique. Salicylamide decreased the metabolic clearance of PCP, which resulted in an increase in the bioconcentration factor (BCF); this increase was partially offset by a salicylamide-induced decrease in the apparent volume of distribution of PCP. A clearance-volume compartment model permitted partitioning of the BCF in terms of the underlying physiologic and biochemical processes (uptake clearance, metabolic clearance and apparent volume of distribution).

Mammographic density estimation with automated volumetric breast density measurement.

PubMed

Ko, Su Yeon; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Kim, Min Jung; Moon, Hee Jung

2014-01-01

To compare automated volumetric breast density measurement (VBDM) with radiologists' evaluations based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), and to identify the factors associated with technical failure of VBDM. In this study, 1129 women aged 19-82 years who underwent mammography from December 2011 to January 2012 were included. Breast density evaluations by radiologists based on BI-RADS and by VBDM (Volpara Version 1.5.1) were compared. The agreement in interpreting breast density between radiologists and VBDM was determined based on four density grades (D1, D2, D3, and D4) and a binary classification of fatty (D1-2) vs. dense (D3-4) breast using kappa statistics. The association between technical failure of VBDM and patient age, total breast volume, fibroglandular tissue volume, history of partial mastectomy, the frequency of mass > 3 cm, and breast density was analyzed. The agreement between breast density evaluations by radiologists and VBDM was fair (k value = 0.26) when the four density grades (D1/D2/D3/D4) were used and moderate (k value = 0.47) for the binary classification (D1-2/D3-4). Twenty-seven women (2.4%) showed failure of VBDM. Small total breast volume, history of partial mastectomy, and high breast density were significantly associated with technical failure of VBDM (p = 0.001 to 0.015). There is fair or moderate agreement in breast density evaluation between radiologists and VBDM. Technical failure of VBDM may be related to small total breast volume, a history of partial mastectomy, and high breast density.

SteamTables: An approach of multiple variable sets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Mahendra P.

2009-10-01

Using the IAPWS-95 formulation, an ActiveX component SteamTablesIIE in Visual Basic 6.0 is developed to calculate thermodynamic properties of pure water as a function of two independent intensive variables: (1) temperature ( T) or pressure ( P) and (2) T, P, volume ( V), internal energy ( U), enthalpy ( H), entropy ( S) or Gibbs free energy ( G). The second variable cannot be the same as variable 1. Additionally, it calculates the properties along the separation boundaries (i.e., sublimation, saturation, critical isochor, ice I melting, ice III to ice IIV melting and minimum volume curves) considering the input parameter as T or P for the variable 1. SteamTablesIIE is an extension of the ActiveX component SteamTables implemented earlier considering T (190 to 2000 K) and P (3.23×10 -8 to 10000 MPa) as independent variables. It takes into account the following 27 intensive properties: temperature ( T), pressure ( P), fraction, state, volume ( V), density ( Den), compressibility factor ( Z0), internal energy ( U), enthalpy ( H), Gibbs free energy ( G), Helmholtz free energy ( A), entropy ( S), heat capacity at constant pressure ( C p), heat capacity at constant volume ( C v), coefficient of thermal expansion ( CTE), isothermal compressibility ( Z iso), speed of sound ( VelS), partial derivative of P with T at constant V ( dPdT), partial derivative of T with V at constant P ( dTdV), partial derivative of V with P at constant T ( dVdP), Joule-Thomson coefficient ( JTC), isothermal throttling coefficient ( IJTC), viscosity ( Vis), thermal conductivity ( ThrmCond), surface tension ( SurfTen), Prandtl number ( PrdNum) and dielectric constant ( DielCons).

Adsorption of polypropylene from dilute solutions on a zeolite column packing.

PubMed

Macko, Tibor; Pasch, Harald; Denayer, Joeri F

2005-01-01

Faujasite type zeolite CBV-780 was tested as adsorbent for isotactic polypropylene by liquid chromatography. When cyclohexane, cyclohexanol, n-decanol, n-dodecanol, diphenylmethane, or methylcyclohexane was used as mobile phase, polypropylene was fully or partially retained within the column packing. This is the first series of sorbent-solvent systems to show a pronounced retention of isotactic polypropylene. According to the hydrodynamic volumes of polypropylene in solution, macromolecules of polypropylene should be fully excluded from the pore volume of the sorbent. Sizes of polypropylene macromolecules in linear conformations, however, correlate with the pore size of the column packing used. It is presumed that the polypropylene chains partially penetrate into the pores and are retained due to the high adsorption potential in the narrow pores.

Water resources data-California, water year 2004. volume 4. northern central valley basins and the Great Basin from Honey Lake basin to Oregon state line

USGS Publications Warehouse

Webster, M.D.; Rockwell, G.L.; Friebel, M.F.; Brockner, S.J.

2005-01-01

Water-resources data for the 2004 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams, stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs, and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 4 contains discharge records for 188 gaging stations, stage and contents for 62 lakes and reservoirs, gage-height records for 1 station, water quality for 20 streamflow-gaging stations and 1 partial-record stations. Also included are 4 miscellaneous partial-record sites. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water Resources Data--California, Water Year 2002, Volume 2, Pacific Slope Basins from Arroyo Grande to Oregon State Line except Central Valley

USGS Publications Warehouse

Freeman, L.A.; Smithson, J.R.; Webster, M.D.; Pope, G.L.; Friebel, M.F.

2003-01-01

Water-resources data for the 2002 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams, stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs, and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 2 contains discharge records for 133 gaging stations, stage and contents for 8 lakes and reservoirs, gage-height records for 6 stations, water quality for 43 streamflow-gaging stations and 5 partial-record stations. Also included are data for 1 low-flow partial-record station, and 5 miscellaneous-measurement stations. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water Resources Data for California, Water Year 1986. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin, and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bowers, J.C.; McConaughy, C.E.; Polinoski, K.G.; Smith, G.B.

1988-01-01

Water resources data for the 1986 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 144 gaging stations; stage and contents for 15 lakes and reservoirs; watet quality for 21 streams. Also included are crest-stage partial-record stations, 3 miscellaneous measurement sites, and 5 water-quality partial-record stations. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water Resources Data for California, Water Year 1985. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin, and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bowers, J.C.; McConaughy, C.E.; Polinoski, K.G.; Smith, G.B.

1987-01-01

Water resources data for the 1985 water year for California consists of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 150 gaging stations; stage and contents for 17 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 23 streams. Also included are 10 crest-stage partial-record stations, three miscellaneous measurement sites, and one waterquality partial-record station. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water resources data for california, water year 1992. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican border to Mono lake basin, and pacific slope basins from Tijuana river to Santa Maria river. Water-data report (Annual), 1 October 1991-30 September 1992

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

Hoffman, E.B.; Bowers, J.C.; Mullen, J.R.

1993-09-01

Water resources data for the 1992 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains (1) discharge records for 161 streamflow-gaging stations, 15 crest-stage partial-record streamflow stations, and 5 miscellaneous measurement stations; (2) stage and contents records for 26 lakes and reservoirs; (3) water-quality records for 23 streamflow-gaging stations and 3 partial-record stations; and (4) precipitation records for 11 stations.

Water resources data for California, water year 1993. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican border to Mono Lake Basin, and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River. Water-data report (Annual), 1 October 1992-30 September 1993

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

Mullen, J.R.; Hayes, P.D.; Agajanian, J.A.

1994-06-01

Water resources data for the 1993 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains (1) discharge records for 156 streamflow-gaging stations, 12 crest-stage partial-record streamflow stations, and 5 miscellaneous measurement stations; (2) stage and contents records for 26 lakes and reservoirs; (3) water-quality records for 17 streamflow-gaging stations and 6 partial-record stations; and (4) precipitation records for 10 stations.

Adjoint-based constant-mass partial derivatives

DOE PAGES

Favorite, Jeffrey A.

2017-09-01

In transport theory, adjoint-based partial derivatives with respect to mass density are constant-volume derivatives. Likewise, adjoint-based partial derivatives with respect to surface locations (i.e., internal interface locations and the outer system boundary) are constant-density derivatives. This study derives the constant-mass partial derivative of a response with respect to an internal interface location or the outer system boundary and the constant-mass partial derivative of a response with respect to the mass density of a region. Numerical results are given for a multiregion two-dimensional (r-z) cylinder for three very different responses: the uncollided gamma-ray flux at an external detector point, k effmore » of the system, and the total neutron leakage. Finally, results from the derived formulas compare extremely well with direct perturbation calculations.« less

Polymer Coatings Degradation Properties

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-02-01

undertaken 124). The Box-Jenkins approach first evaluates the partial auto -correlation function and determines the order of the moving average memory function...78 - Tables 15 and 16 show the resalit- f- a, the partial auto correlation plots. Second order moving .-. "ra ;;th -he appropriate lags were...coated films. Kaempf, Guenter; Papenroth, Wolfgang; Kunststoffe Date: 1982 Volume: 72 Number:7 Pages: 424-429 Parameters influencing the accelerated

Bad news: The influence of news coverage and Google searches on Gardasil adverse event reporting.

PubMed

Faasse, Kate; Porsius, Jarry T; Faasse, Jonathan; Martin, Leslie R

2017-12-14

Human papilloma virus vaccines are a safe and effective tool for reducing HPV infections that can cause cervical cancer. However, uptake of these vaccines has been suboptimal, with many people holding negative beliefs and misconceptions. Such beliefs have been linked with the experience of unpleasant side effects following medical treatment, and media coverage may heighten such concerns. The present study sought to assess the influence of news coverage (number of news articles per month) on adverse event reporting in response to Gardasil vaccination in New Zealand over a 7.5-year period, and whether the influence of news coverage was mediated by internet search activity (Google search volumes). Multiple linear regression analyses and simple mediation analyses were used, controlling for year and number of vaccinations delivered. News coverage in the previous month, and Google search volumes in the same month, were significant predictors of adverse event reporting, after accounting for vaccination rates and year. Concurrent Google search volumes partially mediated the effect of prior news coverage. The results suggest that some of the adverse events reported were not related to the vaccination itself, but to news coverage and internet search volumes, which may have contributed to public concerns about potentially unpleasant or harmful outcomes. These findings have implications for the importance of psychological and social factors in adverse event reporting, and the role of the news media in disseminating health information. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phloretin differentially inhibits volume-sensitive and cyclic AMP-activated, but not Ca-activated, Cl− channels

PubMed Central

Fan, Hai-Tian; Morishima, Shigeru; Kida, Hajime; Okada, Yasunobu

2001-01-01

Some phenol derivatives are known to block volume-sensitive Cl− channels. However, effects on the channel of the bisphenol phloretin, which is a known blocker of glucose uniport and anion antiport, have not been examined. In the present study, we investigated the effects of phloretin on volume-sensitive Cl− channels in comparison with cyclic AMP-activated CFTR Cl− channels and Ca2+-activated Cl− channels using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique.Extracellular application of phloretin (over 10 μM) voltage-independently, and in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 ∼30 μM), inhibited the Cl− current activated by a hypotonic challenge in human epithelial T84, Intestine 407 cells and mouse mammary C127/CFTR cells.In contrast, at 30 μM phloretin failed to inhibit cyclic AMP-activated Cl− currents in T84 and C127/CFTR cells. Higher concentrations (over 100 μM) of phloretin, however, partially inhibited the CFTR Cl− currents in a voltage-dependent manner.At 30 and 300 μM, phloretin showed no inhibitory effect on Ca2+-dependent Cl− currents induced by ionomycin in T84 cells.It is concluded that phloretin preferentially blocks volume-sensitive Cl− channels at low concentrations (below 100 μM) and also inhibits cyclic AMP-activated Cl− channels at higher concentrations, whereas phloretin does not inhibit Ca2+-activated Cl− channels in epithelial cells. PMID:11487521

Gray matter increases in fronto-parietal regions of depression patients with aripiprazole monotherapy

PubMed Central

Lai, Chien-Han; Wu, Yu-Te; Chen, Cheng-Yu; Hou, Yi-Cheng

2016-01-01

Abstract We investigated the treatment effects of aripiprazole monotherapy in first-episode medication-naïve patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The accompanying changes in the gray matter volume (GMV) were also explored. Fifteen patients completed the trial and received structural scans by 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and partially responding state (sixth week). To account for the test–retest bias, 27 healthy controls were scanned twice within 6 weeks. We utilized optimized voxel-based morphometry with different comparisons between groups. The partially responding patients with MDD had greater GMV in left middle frontal gyrus and left superior parietal gyrus when compared with baseline. However, they had decreases in the GMV of right orbitofrontal gyrus and right inferior temporal gyrus after response. The partially responding patients with MDD still had residual GMV deficits in right superior frontal gyrus when compared with controls. However, the lack of second patient group without aripiprazole intervention would be a significant limitation to interpret the aripiprazole-specific effects on GMV. The changes in the GMV of fronto-parieto-temporal regions and residual GMV deficits in the superior frontal gyrus might represent “state-dependent brain changes” and “residual-deficit brain regions,” respectively, for aripiprzole monotherapy in MDD. PMID:27559967

Effects of inertia on the steady shear rheology of concentrated emulsions: sign reversal of normal stress differences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srivastava, Priyesh; Sarkar, Kausik

2012-11-01

The shear rheology of moderately concentrated emulsions (5-27% volume fraction) in the presence of inertia is numerically investigated. Typically, an emulsion of viscous drops experiences positive first normal stress difference (N1) and negative second normal stress difference (N2) , as has also been predicted by perturbative analysis (Choi-Schowalter model) and numerical simulation. However, recently using single drop results we have shown [Li and Sarkar, 2005, J. Rheo, 49, 1377] that introduction of inertia reverses the signs of the normal stress difference in the dilute limit. Here, we numerically investigate the effects of interactions between drops in a concentrated system. The simulation is validated against the dilute results as well as analytical relations. It also shows the reversal of signs for N1 and N2 for small Capillary numbers above a critical Reynolds number. The physics is explained by the inertia-induced orientation of the individual drops in shear. Increasing volume fraction increases the critical Reynolds number at which N1 and N2change sign. The breakdown of linearity with volume fraction with increasing concentration is also analyzed. Partially supported by NSF.

Low-Tidal-Volume Ventilation in the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

PubMed Central

Malhotra, Atul

2008-01-01

A 55-year-old man who is 178 cm tall and weighs 95 kg is hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia and progressively severe dyspnea. His arterial oxygen saturation while breathing 100% oxygen through a face mask is 76%; a chest radiograph shows diffuse alveolar infiltrates with air bronchograms. He is intubated and receives mechanical ventilation; ventilator settings include a tidal volume of 1000 ml, a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 cm of water, and a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 0.8. With these settings, peak airway pressure is 50 to 60 cm of water, plateau airway pressure is 38 cm of water, partial pressure of arterial oxygen is 120 mm Hg, partial pressure of carbon dioxide is 37 mm Hg, and arterial blood pH is 7.47. The diagnosis of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is made. An intensive care specialist evaluates the patient and recommends changing the current ventilator settings and implementing a low-tidal-volume ventilation strategy. PMID:17855672

Exploring point-cloud features from partial body views for gender classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fouts, Aaron; McCoppin, Ryan; Rizki, Mateen; Tamburino, Louis; Mendoza-Schrock, Olga

2012-06-01

In this paper we extend a previous exploration of histogram features extracted from 3D point cloud images of human subjects for gender discrimination. Feature extraction used a collection of concentric cylinders to define volumes for counting 3D points. The histogram features are characterized by a rotational axis and a selected set of volumes derived from the concentric cylinders. The point cloud images are drawn from the CAESAR anthropometric database provided by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Human Effectiveness Directorate and SAE International. This database contains approximately 4400 high resolution LIDAR whole body scans of carefully posed human subjects. Success from our previous investigation was based on extracting features from full body coverage which required integration of multiple camera images. With the full body coverage, the central vertical body axis and orientation are readily obtainable; however, this is not the case with a one camera view providing less than one half body coverage. Assuming that the subjects are upright, we need to determine or estimate the position of the vertical axis and the orientation of the body about this axis relative to the camera. In past experiments the vertical axis was located through the center of mass of torso points projected on the ground plane and the body orientation derived using principle component analysis. In a natural extension of our previous work to partial body views, the absence of rotational invariance about the cylindrical axis greatly increases the difficulty for gender classification. Even the problem of estimating the axis is no longer simple. We describe some simple feasibility experiments that use partial image histograms. Here, the cylindrical axis is assumed to be known. We also discuss experiments with full body images that explore the sensitivity of classification accuracy relative to displacements of the cylindrical axis. Our initial results provide the basis for further investigation of more complex partial body viewing problems and new methods for estimating the two position coordinates for the axis location and the unknown body orientation angle.

Recent advances in quantitative analysis of fluid interfaces in multiphase fluid flow measured by synchrotron-based x-ray microtomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlueter, S.; Sheppard, A.; Wildenschild, D.

2013-12-01

Imaging of fluid interfaces in three-dimensional porous media via x-ray microtomography is an efficient means to test thermodynamically derived predictions on the relationship between capillary pressure, fluid saturation and specific interfacial area (Pc-Sw-Anw) in partially saturated porous media. Various experimental studies exist to date that validate the uniqueness of the Pc-Sw-Anw relationship under static conditions and with current technological progress direct imaging of moving interfaces under dynamic conditions is also becoming available. Image acquisition and subsequent image processing currently involves many steps each prone to operator bias, like merging different scans of the same sample obtained at different beam energies into a single image or the generation of isosurfaces from the segmented multiphase image on which the interface properties are usually calculated. We demonstrate that with recent advancements in (i) image enhancement methods, (ii) multiphase segmentation methods and (iii) methods of structural analysis we can considerably decrease the time and cost of image acquisition and the uncertainty associated with the measurement of interfacial properties. In particular, we highlight three notorious problems in multiphase image processing and provide efficient solutions for each: (i) Due to noise, partial volume effects, and imbalanced volume fractions, automated histogram-based threshold detection methods frequently fail. However, these impairments can be mitigated with modern denoising methods, special treatment of gray value edges and adaptive histogram equilization, such that most of the standard methods for threshold detection (Otsu, fuzzy c-means, minimum error, maximum entropy) coincide at the same set of values. (ii) Partial volume effects due to blur may produce apparent water films around solid surfaces that alter the specific fluid-fluid interfacial area (Anw) considerably. In a synthetic test image some local segmentation methods like Bayesian Markov random field, converging active contours and watershed segmentation reduced the error in Anw associated with apparent water films from 21% to 6-11%. (iii) The generation of isosurfaces from the segmented data usually requires a lot of postprocessing in order to smooth the surface and check for consistency errors. This can be avoided by calculating specific interfacial areas directly on the segmented voxel image by means of Minkowski functionals which is highly efficient and less error prone.

Effect of azathioprine on Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity in dendritic cells.

PubMed

Bhandaru, Madhuri; Pasham, Venkanna; Yang, Wenting; Bobbala, Diwakar; Rotte, Anand; Lang, Florian

2012-01-01

Azathioprine is a powerful immunosuppressive drug, which is partially effective by interfering with the maturation and function of dendritic cells (DCs), antigen-presenting cells linking innate and adaptive immunity. DCs are stimulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which trigger the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), paralleled by activation of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger. The carrier is involved in the regulation of cytosolic pH, cell volume and migration. The present study explored whether azathioprine influences Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity in DCs. DCs were isolated from murine bone marrow, cytosolic pH (pH(i)) was estimated utilizing 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF-AM) fluorescence, Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity from the Na(+)-dependent realkalinization following an ammonium pulse, cell volume from forward scatter in FACS analysis, ROS production from 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) fluorescence, TNFα release utilizing ELISA, and migration utilizing transwell migration assays. Exposure of DCs to lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 μg/ml) led to a transient increase of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity, an effect paralleled by ROS formation, increased cell volume, TNFα production and stimulated migration. Azathioprine (10 μM) did not significantly alter the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity, cell volume and ROS formation prior to LPS exposure but significantly blunted the LPS-induced stimulation of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity, ROS formation, cell swelling, TNFα production and cell migration. In conclusion, azathioprine interferes with the activation of dendritic cell Na(+)/H(+) exchanger by bacterial lipopolysaccharides, an effect likely participating in the anti-inflammatory action of the drug. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Spinal Cord Tolerance to Single-Fraction Partial-Volume Irradiation: A Swine Model

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

Medin, Paul M., E-mail: Paul.medin@utsouthwestern.ed; Foster, Ryan D.; Kogel, Albert J. van der

2011-01-01

Purpose: To determine the spinal cord tolerance to single-fraction, partial-volume irradiation in swine. Methods and Materials: A 5-cm-long cervical segment was irradiated in 38-47-week-old Yucatan minipigs using a dedicated, image-guided radiosurgery linear accelerator. The radiation was delivered to a cylindrical volume approximately 5 cm in length and 2 cm in diameter that was positioned lateral to the cervical spinal cord, resulting in a dose distribution with the 90%, 50%, and 10% isodose lines traversing the ipsilateral, central, and contralateral spinal cord, respectively. The dose was prescribed to the 90% isodose line. A total of 26 pigs were stratified into eightmore » dose groups of 12-47 Gy. The mean maximum spinal cord dose was 16.9 {+-} 0.1, 18.9 {+-} 0.1, 21.0 {+-} 0.1, 23.0 {+-} 0.2, and 25.3 {+-} 0.3 Gy in the 16-, 18-, 20-, 22-, and 24-Gy dose groups, respectively. The mean percentage of spinal cord volumes receiving {>=}10 Gy for the same groups were 43% {+-} 3%, 48% {+-} 4%, 51% {+-} 2%, 57% {+-} 2%, and 59% {+-} 4%. The study endpoint was motor neurologic deficit determined by a change in gait during a 1-year follow-up period. Results: A steep dose-response curve was observed with a median effective dose for the maximum dose point of 20.0 Gy (95% confidence interval, 18.3-21.7). Excellent agreement was observed between the occurrence of neurologic change and the presence of histologic change. All the minipigs with motor deficits showed some degree of demyelination and focal white matter necrosis on the irradiated side, with relative sparing of the gray matter. The histologic findings were unremarkable in the minipigs with normal neurologic status. Conclusions: Our results have indicated that for a dose distribution with a steep lateral gradient, the pigs had a lower median effective dose for paralysis than has been observed in rats and more closely resembles that for rats, mice, and guinea pigs receiving uniform spinal cord irradiation.« less

Effect of copolymer latexes on physicomechanical properties of mortar containing high volume fly ash as a replacement material of cement.

PubMed

Negim, El-Sayed; Kozhamzharova, Latipa; Gulzhakhan, Yeligbayeva; Khatib, Jamal; Bekbayeva, Lyazzat; Williams, Craig

2014-01-01

This paper investigates the physicomechanical properties of mortar containing high volume of fly ash (FA) as partial replacement of cement in presence of copolymer latexes. Portland cement (PC) was partially replaced with 0, 10, 20, 30 50, and 60% FA. Copolymer latexes were used based on 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (2-HEA) and 2-hydroxymethylacrylate (2-HEMA). Testing included workability, setting time, absorption, chemically combined water content, compressive strength, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The addition of FA to mortar as replacement of PC affected the physicomechanical properties of mortar. As the content of FA in the concrete increased, the setting times (initial and final) were elongated. The results obtained at 28 days of curing indicate that the maximum properties of mortar occur at around 30% FA. Beyond 30% FA the properties of mortar reduce and at 60% FA the properties of mortar are lower than those of the reference mortar without FA. However, the addition of polymer latexes into mortar containing FA improved most of the physicomechanical properties of mortar at all curing times. Compressive strength, combined water, and workability of mortar containing FA premixed with latexes are higher than those of mortar containing FA without latexes.

Effect of Copolymer Latexes on Physicomechanical Properties of Mortar Containing High Volume Fly Ash as a Replacement Material of Cement

PubMed Central

Kozhamzharova, Latipa; Gulzhakhan, Yeligbayeva; Bekbayeva, Lyazzat; Williams, Craig

2014-01-01

This paper investigates the physicomechanical properties of mortar containing high volume of fly ash (FA) as partial replacement of cement in presence of copolymer latexes. Portland cement (PC) was partially replaced with 0, 10, 20, 30 50, and 60% FA. Copolymer latexes were used based on 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (2-HEA) and 2-hydroxymethylacrylate (2-HEMA). Testing included workability, setting time, absorption, chemically combined water content, compressive strength, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The addition of FA to mortar as replacement of PC affected the physicomechanical properties of mortar. As the content of FA in the concrete increased, the setting times (initial and final) were elongated. The results obtained at 28 days of curing indicate that the maximum properties of mortar occur at around 30% FA. Beyond 30% FA the properties of mortar reduce and at 60% FA the properties of mortar are lower than those of the reference mortar without FA. However, the addition of polymer latexes into mortar containing FA improved most of the physicomechanical properties of mortar at all curing times. Compressive strength, combined water, and workability of mortar containing FA premixed with latexes are higher than those of mortar containing FA without latexes. PMID:25254256

A study of shape-dependent partial volume correction in pet imaging using ellipsoidal phantoms fabricated via rapid prototyping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mille, Matthew M.

Positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is being increasingly recognized as an important tool for quantitative assessment of tumor response because of its ability to capture functional information about the tumor's metabolism. However, despite many advances in PET technology, measurements of tumor radiopharmaceutical uptake in PET are still challenged by issues of accuracy and consistency, thereby compromising the use of PET as a surrogate endpoint in clinical trials. One limiting component of the overall uncertainty in PET is the relatively poor spatial resolution of the images which directly affects the accuracy of the tumor radioactivity measurements. These spatial resolution effects, colloquially known as the partial volume effect (PVE), are a function of the characteristics of the scanner as well as the tumor being imaged. Previous efforts have shown that the PVE depends strongly on the tumor volume and the background-to-tumor activity concentration ratio. The PVE is also suspected to be a function of tumor shape, although to date no systematic study of this effect has been performed. This dissertation seeks to help fill the gap in the current knowledge about the shape-dependence of the PVE by attempting to quantify, through both theoretical calculation and experimental measurement, the magnitude of the shape effect for ellipsoidal tumors. An experimental investigation of the tumor shape effect necessarily requires tumor phantoms of multiple shapes. Hence, a prerequisite for this research was the design and fabrication of hollow tumor phantoms which could be filled uniformly with radioactivity and imaged on a PET scanner. The phantom fabrication was achieved with the aid of stereolithography and included prolate ellipsoids of various axis ratios. The primary experimental method involved filling the tumor phantoms with solutions of 18F whose activity concentrations were known and traceable to primary radioactivity standards held by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The tumor phantoms were then placed inside a Jaszczak cylinder (representing the human body) and imaged on a PET scanner located at NIST. This experimental approach allowed for the testing of: (1) The relative difference between tumors phantoms of different shapes, but same volume; (2) The overall accuracy of the PET measurements in terms of a ground truth reference value. Theoretical calculations of the tumor shape effect were also performed by mathematically convolving the phantom shapes with a 3D Gaussian point-spread function, and the results of the calculations were compared with the experimental data. The data show that the shape effect in PET tumor imaging can be as large as 15% for ellipsoid phantoms with axis ratios of 2:1, volume of 1.15 cm 3, and tumor-to-background activity concentration ratio of 9:1. This is explained by a greater loss of counts along the minor axis direction in the ellipsoid tumors compared to that of spheres of the same volume. The results of this PhD research confirm the existence of a tumor shape effect PET imaging. However, except in the case of ellipsoids with major-to-minor axis ratio greater than 2:1, a correction for the effect using recovery coefficients is expected to be challenging because its magnitude is comparable to the repeatability of the PET measurements.

Fluid responsiveness predicted by transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen in patients with circulatory failure: a prospective study.

PubMed

Xu, Jingyuan; Peng, Xiao; Pan, Chun; Cai, Shixia; Zhang, Xiwen; Xue, Ming; Yang, Yi; Qiu, Haibo

2017-12-01

Significant effort has been devoted to defining parameters for predicting fluid responsiveness. Our goal was to study the feasibility of predicting fluid responsiveness by transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (PtcO 2 ) in the critically ill patients. This was a single-center prospective study conducted in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Shock patients who presented with at least one clinical sign of inadequate tissue perfusion, defined as systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg or a decrease >40 mmHg in previously hypertensive patients or the need for vasopressive drugs; urine output <0.5 ml/kg/h for 2 h; tachycardia; lactate >4 mmol/l, for less than 24 h in the absence of a contraindication for fluids were eligible to participate in the study. PtcO 2 was continuously recorded before and during a passive leg raising (PLR) test, and then before and after a 250 ml rapid saline infusion in 10 min. Fluid responsiveness is defined as a change in the stroke volume ≥10% after 250 ml of volume infusion. Thirty-four patients were included, and 14 responded to volume expansion. In the responders, the mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac output, stroke volume and PtcO 2 increased significantly, while the heart rate decreased significantly by both PLR and volume expansion. Changes in the stroke volume induced either by PLR or volume expansion were significantly greater in responders than in non-responders. The correlation between the changes in PtcO 2 and stroke volume induced by volume expansion was significant. Volume expansion induced an increase in the PtcO 2 of 14% and PLR induced an increase in PtcO 2 of 13% predicted fluid responsiveness. This study suggested the changes in PtcO 2 induced by volume expansion and a PLR test predicted fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients. Trial registration NCT02083757.

Water anomalous thermodynamics, attraction, repulsion, and hydrophobic hydration

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

Cerdeiriña, Claudio A., E-mail: calvarez@uvigo.es; Debenedetti, Pablo G., E-mail: pdebene@princeton.edu

A model composed of van der Waals-like and hydrogen bonding contributions that simulates the low-temperature anomalous thermodynamics of pure water while exhibiting a second, liquid-liquid critical point [P. H. Poole et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 73, 1632 (1994)] is extended to dilute solutions of nonionic species. Critical lines emanating from such second critical point are calculated. While one infers that the smallness of the water molecule may be a relevant factor for those critical lines to move towards experimentally accessible regions, attention is mainly focused on the picture our model draws for the hydration thermodynamics of purely hydrophobic and amphiphilicmore » non-electrolyte solutes. We first focus on differentiating solvation at constant volume from the corresponding isobaric process. Both processes provide the same viewpoint for the low solubility of hydrophobic solutes: it originates from the combination of weak solute-solvent attractive interactions and the specific excluded-volume effects associated with the small molecular size of water. However, a sharp distinction is found when exploring the temperature dependence of hydration phenomena since, in contrast to the situation for the constant-V process, the properties of pure water play a crucial role at isobaric conditions. Specifically, the solubility minimum as well as enthalpy and entropy convergence phenomena, exclusively ascribed to isobaric solvation, are closely related to water’s density maximum. Furthermore, the behavior of the partial molecular volume and the partial molecular isobaric heat capacity highlights the interplay between water anomalies, attraction, and repulsion. The overall picture presented here is supported by experimental observations, simulations, and previous theoretical results.« less

Pattern of structural brain changes in social anxiety disorder after cognitive behavioral group therapy: a longitudinal multimodal MRI study.

PubMed

Steiger, V R; Brühl, A B; Weidt, S; Delsignore, A; Rufer, M; Jäncke, L; Herwig, U; Hänggi, J

2017-08-01

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by fears of social and performance situations. Cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) has in general positive effects on symptoms, distress and avoidance in SAD. Prior studies found increased cortical volumes and decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in SAD compared with healthy controls (HCs). Thirty-three participants diagnosed with SAD attended in a 10-week CBGT and were scanned before and after therapy. We applied three neuroimaging methods-surface-based morphometry, diffusion tensor imaging and network-based statistics-each with specific longitudinal processing protocols, to investigate CBGT-induced structural brain alterations of the gray and white matter (WM). Surface-based morphometry revealed a significant cortical volume reduction (pre- to post-treatment) in the left inferior parietal cortex, as well as a positive partial correlation between treatment success (indexed by reductions in Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale) and reductions in cortical volume in bilateral dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. Diffusion tensor imaging analysis revealed a significant increase in FA in bilateral uncinate fasciculus and right inferior longitudinal fasciculus. Network-based statistics revealed a significant increase of structural connectivity in a frontolimbic network. No partial correlations with treatment success have been found in WM analyses. For, we believe, the first time, we present a distinctive pattern of longitudinal structural brain changes after CBGT measured with three established magnetic resonance imaging analyzing techniques. Our findings are in line with previous cross-sectional, unimodal SAD studies and extent them by highlighting anatomical brain alterations that point toward the level of HCs in parallel with a reduction in SAD symptomatology.

Variations in respiratory excretion of carbon dioxide can be used to calculate pulmonary blood flow.

PubMed

Preiss, David A; Azami, Takafumi; Urman, Richard D

2015-02-01

A non-invasive means of measuring pulmonary blood flow (PBF) would have numerous benefits in medicine. Traditionally, respiratory-based methods require breathing maneuvers, partial rebreathing, or foreign gas mixing because exhaled CO2 volume on a per-breath basis does not accurately represent alveolar exchange of CO2. We hypothesized that if the dilutional effect of the functional residual capacity was accounted for, the relationship between the calculated volume of CO2 removed per breath and the alveolar partial pressure of CO2 would be reversely linear. A computer model was developed that uses variable tidal breathing to calculate CO2 removal per breath at the level of the alveoli. We iterated estimates for functional residual capacity to create the best linear fit of alveolar CO2 pressure and CO2 elimination for 10 minutes of breathing and incorporated the volume of CO2 elimination into the Fick equation to calculate PBF. The relationship between alveolar pressure of CO2 and CO2 elimination produced an R(2) = 0.83. The optimal functional residual capacity differed from the "actual" capacity by 0.25 L (8.3%). The repeatability coefficient leveled at 0.09 at 10 breaths and the difference between the PBF calculated by the model and the preset blood flow was 0.62 ± 0.53 L/minute. With variations in tidal breathing, a linear relationship exists between alveolar CO2 pressure and CO2 elimination. Existing technology may be used to calculate CO2 elimination during quiet breathing and might therefore be used to accurately calculate PBF in humans with healthy lungs.

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

Arioka, Masaki; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka; Takahashi-Yanaga, Fumi, E-mail: yanaga@clipharm.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Highlights: •The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was activated in GSK-3β{sup +/−} mice. •The cortical and trabecular bone volumes were increased in GSK-3β{sup +/−} mice. •Regeneration of a partial bone defect was accelerated in GSK-3β{sup +/−} mice. -- Abstract: Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β plays an important role in osteoblastogenesis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, we investigated whether GSK-3β deficiency affects bone development and regeneration using mice heterozygously deficient for GSK-3β (GSK-3β{sup +/−}). The amounts of β-catenin, c-Myc, cyclin D1, and runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2) in the bone marrow cells of GSK-3β{sup +/−} mice were significantly increased compared with those ofmore » wild-type mice, indicating that Wnt/β-catenin signals were enhanced in GSK-3β{sup +/−} mice. Microcomputed tomography of the distal femoral metaphyses demonstrated that the volumes of both the cortical and trabecular bones were increased in GSK-3β{sup +/−} mice compared with those in wild-type mice. Subsequently, to investigate the effect of GSK-3β deficiency on bone regeneration, we established a partial bone defect in the femur and observed new bone at 14 days after surgery. The volume and mineral density of the new bone were significantly higher in GSK-3β{sup +/−} mice than those in wild-type mice. These results suggest that bone formation and regeneration in vivo are accelerated by inhibition of GSK-3β, probably through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.« less

75 FR 62112 - Notice of Availability of a Broad Spectrum of Patents for Exclusive, Partially Exclusive, or Non...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-07

... Systems and methods for collecting particles from a large volume of gas into a small volume of liquid...,797 Use of current channeling in multiple node laser systems and methods thereof. Conroy 7,650,710...,749 Systems and methods for analyzing acoustic waves. Darwish 7,655,944 Systems and methods for...

Growth and yield of western larch under controlled levels of stocking in the Blue Mountains of Oregon.

Treesearch

P.H. Cochran; K.W. Seidel

1999-01-01

Repeated thinning to five growing-stock levels resulted in widely differing tree sizes and volumes per acre after 30 years. Largest trees but the least cubic-volume yield per acre were produced in the heaviest thinning level, whereas highest board-foot yields were found in intermediate thinning levels. Partial defoliation by larch casebearer (Coleophora...

Logging residues under different stand and harvesting conditions, Rocky Mountains

Treesearch

Robert E. Benson; Cameron M. Johnston

1976-01-01

Volume and characteristics of logging residues from 34 harvest areas are presented. Clearcuts and partial cuts logged to conventional utilization levels and to close utilization levels are included. Residue volumes ranged from almost 3, 600 ft3 /acre of wood 3-inches-plus down to about 550 ft3 /acre, depending on treatment. More than 60 percent of the residues were...

Portal vein thrombosis is a potentially preventable complication in clinical islet transplantation

PubMed Central

Kawahara, Toshiyasu; Kin, Tatsuya; Kashkoush, Samy; Gala-Lopez, Boris; Bigam, David L.; Kneteman, Norman M.; Koh, Angela; Senior, Peter A.; Shapiro, A.M. James

2011-01-01

Percutaneous transhepatic portal access avoids surgery, but is rarely associated with bleeding or portal venous thrombosis. We herein report our large, single-center experience of percutaneous islet implantation, and evaluate risk factors of portal vein thrombosis and graft function. Prospective data was collected on 268 intraportal islet transplants (122 subjects). A portal venous Doppler ultrasound was obtained on Days 1 and 7 days posttransplant. Therapeutic heparinization, complete ablation of the portal catheter tract with Avitene paste, and limiting packed cell volume to < 5 ml completely prevented any portal thrombosis in the most recent 101 islet transplant procedures over the past 5 years. In the previous cumulative experience, partial thrombosis did not affect islet function. Standard liver volume correlated negatively (r=−0.257, P<0.001), and packed cell volume correlated positively with portal pressure rise (r=0.463, P<0.001). Overall, partial portal thrombosis occurred after 10 procedures (overall incidence 3.7%, most recent 101 patient incidence 0%). There were no cases of complete thrombosis, and no patient developed sequelae of portal hypertension. In conclusion, portal thrombosis is a preventable complication in clinical islet transplantation, provided therapeutic anticoagulation is maintained, and packed cell volume is limited to <5 ml. PMID:21883914

Endoscopic transpapillary drainage for external fistulas developing after surgical or radiological pancreatic interventions.

PubMed

Rana, Surinder Singh; Bhasin, Deepak Kumar; Nanda, Mohit; Siyad, Ismail; Gupta, Rajesh; Kang, Mandeep; Nagi, Birinder; Singh, Kartar

2010-06-01

External pancreatic fistulas (EPFs) are a therapeutic challenge. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic transpapillary nasopancreatic drainage (NPD) in patients with EPF. Over 12 years, 23 patients (19 males) with EPF underwent attempted endoscopic transpapillary NPD. The end points were fistula closure with healing of pancreatic duct disruption on nasopancreatogram, or need for surgery. All 23 patients had persistent drain output (>50 mL/day) for >6 weeks. The mean output volume of the fistula was 223 mL (range: 60 mL to 750 mL). Sixteen patients had partial and seven patients had complete pancreatic duct disruption. The NPD could be successfully placed in 21/23 (91.3%) patients. Disruption was bridged in 15 of 16 patients with partial duct disruption. EPF healed in 2-8 weeks of placement of NPD in all of the patients with partial duct disruption that was bridged and there was no recurrence at a mean follow-up of 38 months. The EPF resolved in only 2/6 (33%) patients with complete duct disruption. External pancreatic fistulas developing following percutaneous drainage of pancreatic fluid collections or surgical necrosectomy can be effectively treated by transpapillary nasopancreatic drain placement especially when there is partial ductal disruption and the disruption can be bridged.

Decomposing associations between acculturation and drinking in Mexican Americans

PubMed Central

Mills, Britain A.; Caetano, Raul

2011-01-01

Background Acculturation to life in the United States is a known predictor of Hispanic drinking behavior. We compare the ability of 2 theoretical models of this effect – sociocultural theory and general stress theory – to account for associations between acculturation and drinking in a sample of Mexican Americans. Limitations of previous evaluations of these theoretical models are addressed by using a broader range of hypothesized cognitive mediators and a more direct measure of acculturative stress. In addition, we explore nonlinearities as possible underpinnings of attenuated acculturation effects among males. Methods Respondents (N = 2,595, current drinker N = 1,351) were interviewed as part of 2 recent multistage probability samples in a study of drinking behavior among Mexican Americans in the United States. The ability of norms, drinking motives, alcohol expectancies, and acculturation stress to account for relations between acculturation and drinking outcomes (volume and heavy drinking days) were assessed with a hierarchical linear regression strategy. Nonlinear trends were assessed by modeling quadratic effects of acculturation and acculturation stress on cognitive mediators and drinking outcomes. Results Consistent with previous findings, acculturation effects on drinking outcomes were stronger for females than males. Among females, only drinking motives explained acculturation associations with volume or heavy drinking days. Among males, acculturation was linked to increases in norms, and norms were positive predictors of drinking outcomes. However, adjusted effects of acculturation were non-existent or trending in a negative direction, which counter-acted this indirect normative influence. Acculturation stress did not explain positive associations between acculturation and drinking. Conclusions Stress and alcohol outcome expectancies play little role in the positive linear association between acculturation and drinking outcomes, but drinking motives appears to at least partially account for this effect. Consistent with recent reports, these results challenge stress models of linear acculturation effects on drinking outcomes and provide (partial) support for sociocultural models. Inconsistent mediation patterns – rather than nonlinearities – represented a more plausible statistical description of why acculturation-drinking associations are weakened among males. PMID:22316139

Decomposing associations between acculturation and drinking in Mexican Americans.

PubMed

Mills, Britain A; Caetano, Raul

2012-07-01

Acculturation to life in the United States is a known predictor of Hispanic drinking behavior. We compare the ability of 2 theoretical models of this effect-sociocultural theory and general stress theory-to account for associations between acculturation and drinking in a sample of Mexican Americans. Limitations of previous evaluations of these theoretical models are addressed using a broader range of hypothesized cognitive mediators and a more direct measure of acculturative stress. In addition, we explore nonlinearities as possible underpinnings of attenuated acculturation effects among men. Respondents (N = 2,595, current drinker N = 1,351) were interviewed as part of 2 recent multistage probability samples in a study of drinking behavior among Mexican Americans in the United States. The ability of norms, drinking motives, alcohol expectancies, and acculturation stress to account for relations between acculturation and drinking outcomes (volume and heavy drinking days) were assessed with a hierarchical linear regression strategy. Nonlinear trends were assessed by modeling quadratic effects of acculturation and acculturation stress on cognitive mediators and drinking outcomes. Consistent with previous findings, acculturation effects on drinking outcomes were stronger for women than men. Among women, only drinking motives explained acculturation associations with volume or heavy drinking days. Among men, acculturation was linked to increases in norms, and norms were positive predictors of drinking outcomes. However, adjusted effects of acculturation were nonexistent or trending in a negative direction, which counteracted this indirect normative influence. Acculturation stress did not explain the positive associations between acculturation and drinking. Stress and alcohol outcome expectancies play little role in the positive linear association between acculturation and drinking outcomes, but drinking motives appear to at least partially account for this effect. Consistent with recent reports, these results challenge stress models of linear acculturation effects on drinking outcomes and provide (partial) support for sociocultural models. Inconsistent mediation patterns-rather than nonlinearities-represented a more plausible statistical description of why acculturation-drinking associations are weakened among men. Copyright © 2012 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Infrared Light Structured Sensor 3D Approach to Estimate Kidney Volume: A Validation Study.

PubMed

Garisto, Juan; Bertolo, Riccardo; Dagenais, Julien; Kaouk, Jihad

2018-06-26

To validate a new procedure for the three-dimensional (3D) estimation of total renal parenchyma volume (RPV) using a structured-light infrared laser sensor. To evaluate the accuracy of the sensor for assessing renal volume, we performed three experiments. Twenty freshly excised porcine kidneys were obtained. Experiment A, the water displacement method was used to obtain a determination of the RPV after immersing every kidney into 0.9% saline. Thereafter a structured sensor (Occipital, San Francisco, CA, USA) was used to scan the kidney. Kidney sample surface was presented initially as a mesh and then imported into MeshLab (Visual Computing Lab, Pisa, Italy) software to obtain the surface volume. Experiment B, a partial excision of the kidney with measurement of the excised volume and remnant was performed. Experiment C, a renorrhaphy of the remnant kidney was performed then measured. Bias and limits of agreement (LOA) were determined using the Bland-Altman method. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Experiment A, the sensor bias was -1.95 mL (LOA: -19.5 to 15.59, R2= 0.410) with slightly overestimating the volumes. Experiment B, remnant kidney after partial excision and excised kidney volume were measured showing a sensor bias of -0.5 mL (LOA -5.34 to 4.20, R2= 0.490) and -0.6 mL (LOA: -1.97.08 to 0.77, R2= 0.561), respectively. Experiment C, the sensor bias was -0.89 mL (LOA -12.9 to 11.1, R2= 0.888). ICC was 0.9998. The sensor is a reliable method for assessing total renal volume with high levels of accuracy. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Effects of Partial Vibration on Morphological Changes in Bone and Surrounding Muscle of Rats Under Microgravity Condition: Comparative Study by Gender

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Ji Hyung; Seo, Dong-Hyun; Cho, Seungkwan; Kim, Seo-Hyun; Eom, Sinae; Kim, Han Sung

2015-09-01

Musculoskeletal disorders during and after spaceflight are considered as a serious health issue. In space, weight-bearing exercise recognized as the main countermeasure to bone loss, since many anti-resorptive medications have not yet been approved for spaceflight or have been unsuccessful in their limited application. We need to investigate a complementary or alternative way to prevent bone loss and muscle atrophy resulting from microgravity condition. Partial vibration was chosen because it is one of the most feasible ways to adopt safely and effectively. Moreover, although the influence of hind-limb suspension has been studied in both male and female rodents, only rarely are both genders evaluated in the same study. Thus, to further extend our knowledge, the present study performed comparative analysis between genders. A total of 36 12-week-old male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were used and were randomly assigned to control (CON), hind-limb suspension without vibration stimulus (HS), and hind-limb suspension with vibration stimulus (HV) groups. Hind-limb suspension has led to increasing the rate of bone loss and muscle atrophy regardless of gender. The rates of bone loss in male group obviously increased than that of female group. All structural parameters were showed significant difference between HS and HV ( p < 0.05) in male group whereas there are no significant differences in female group. In female, the muscle volume with treatment of partial vibration stimulus significantly increased which compared with that of hind-limb suspension ( p < 0.05) whereas there are no significant differences in male group. Thus partial vibration could prevent bone loss of tibia in males and muscle atrophy in females induced by hind-limb suspension. In other words, partial vibration has positive effects on damaged musculoskeletal tissues that differ based on gender.

Optimization of yttrium-90 PET for simultaneous PET/MR imaging: A phantom study

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

Eldib, Mootaz

2016-08-15

Purpose: Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of yttrium-90 in the liver post radioembolization has been shown useful for personalized dosimetry calculations and evaluation of extrahepatic deposition. The purpose of this study was to quantify the benefits of several MR-based data correction approaches offered by using a combined PET/MR system to improve Y-90 PET imaging. In particular, the feasibility of motion and partial volume corrections were investigated in a controlled phantom study. Methods: The ACR phantom was filled with an initial concentration of 8 GBq of Y-90 solution resulting in a contrast of 10:1 between the hot cylinders and the background.more » Y-90 PET motion correction through motion estimates from MR navigators was evaluated by using a custom-built motion stage that simulated realistic amplitudes of respiration-induced liver motion. Finally, the feasibility of an MR-based partial volume correction method was evaluated using a wavelet decomposition approach. Results: Motion resulted in a large (∼40%) loss of contrast recovery for the 8 mm cylinder in the phantom, but was corrected for after MR-based motion correction was applied. Partial volume correction improved contrast recovery by 13% for the 8 mm cylinder. Conclusions: MR-based data correction improves Y-90 PET imaging on simultaneous PET/MR systems. Assessment of these methods must be studied further in the clinical setting.« less

Efficacy of soft tissue augmentation around dental implants and in partially edentulous areas: a systematic review.

PubMed

Thoma, Daniel S; Buranawat, Borvornwut; Hämmerle, Christoph H F; Held, Ulrike; Jung, Ronald E

2014-04-01

To review the dental literature in terms of efficacy of soft tissue augmentation procedures around dental implants and in partially edentulous sites. A Medline search was performed for human studies augmenting keratinized mucosa (KM) and soft tissue volume around implants and in partially edentulous areas. Due to heterogeneity in between the studies, no meta-analyses could be performed. Nine (KM) and eleven (volume) studies met the inclusion criteria. An apically positioned flap/vestibuloplasty (APF/V) plus a graft material [free gingival graft (FGG)/subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG)/collagen matrix (CM)] resulted in an increase of keratinized tissue (1.4-3.3 mm). Statistically significantly better outcomes were obtained for APF/V plus FGG/SCTG compared with controls (APF/V alone; no treatment) (p < 0.05). For surgery time and patient morbidity, statistically significantly more favourable outcomes were reported for CM compared to SCTGs (p < 0.05) in two randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), even though rendering less keratinized tissue. SCTGs were the best-documented method for gain of soft tissue volume at implant sites and partially edentulous sites. Aesthetically at immediate implant sites, better papilla fill and higher marginal mucosal levels were obtained using SCTGs compared to non-grafted sites. An APF/V plus FGG/SCTG was the best-documented and most successful method to increase the width of KM. APF/V plus CM demonstrated less gain in KM, but also less patient morbidity and surgery time compared to APF/V plus SCTG based on two RCTs. Autogenous grafts (SCTG) rendered an increase in soft tissue thickness and better aesthetics compared to non-grafted sites. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Efficacy of robust optimization plan with partial-arc VMAT for photon volumetric-modulated arc therapy: A phantom study.

PubMed

Miura, Hideharu; Ozawa, Shuichi; Nagata, Yasushi

2017-09-01

This study investigated position dependence in planning target volume (PTV)-based and robust optimization plans using full-arc and partial-arc volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). The gantry angles at the periphery, intermediate, and center CTV positions were 181°-180° (full-arc VMAT) and 181°-360° (partial-arc VMAT). A PTV-based optimization plan was defined by 5 mm margin expansion of the CTV to a PTV volume, on which the dose constraints were applied. The robust optimization plan consisted of a directly optimized dose to the CTV under a maximum-uncertainties setup of 5 mm. The prescription dose was normalized to the CTV D 99% (the minimum relative dose that covers 99% of the volume of the CTV) as an original plan. The isocenter was rigidly shifted at 1 mm intervals in the anterior-posterior (A-P), superior-inferior (S-I), and right-left (R-L) directions from the original position to the maximum-uncertainties setup of 5 mm in the original plan, yielding recalculated dose distributions. It was found that for the intermediate and center positions, the uncertainties in the D 99% doses to the CTV for all directions did not significantly differ when comparing the PTV-based and robust optimization plans (P > 0.05). For the periphery position, uncertainties in the D 99% doses to the CTV in the R-L direction for the robust optimization plan were found to be lower than those in the PTV-based optimization plan (P < 0.05). Our study demonstrated that a robust optimization plan's efficacy using partial-arc VMAT depends on the periphery CTV position. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Quantitative analysis of multiple sclerosis: a feasibility study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lihong; Li, Xiang; Wei, Xinzhou; Sturm, Deborah; Lu, Hongbing; Liang, Zhengrong

2006-03-01

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system with a presumed immune-mediated etiology. For treatment of MS, the measurements of white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) are often used in conjunction with clinical evaluation to provide a more objective measure of MS burden. In this paper, we apply a new unifying automatic mixture-based algorithm for segmentation of brain tissues to quantitatively analyze MS. The method takes into account the following effects that commonly appear in MR imaging: 1) The MR data is modeled as a stochastic process with an inherent inhomogeneity effect of smoothly varying intensity; 2) A new partial volume (PV) model is built in establishing the maximum a posterior (MAP) segmentation scheme; 3) Noise artifacts are minimized by a priori Markov random field (MRF) penalty indicating neighborhood correlation from tissue mixture. The volumes of brain tissues (WM, GM) and CSF are extracted from the mixture-based segmentation. Experimental results of feasibility studies on quantitative analysis of MS are presented.

Influence of thinning style on stand structure and growth in upland oaks: a 58-year case study

Treesearch

Jeffery S. Ward

2003-01-01

In 1937, a study comparing low and high thinning (partial crop tree release) was established in northwestern Connecticut. Oaks accounted for 65 percent of the crop trees that were partially released at stand ages 17, 26, and 42 years. Sawtimber trees had greater diameters, higher volumes, and higher tree grades on thinned than unmanaged plots. The higher oak density on...

Properties of L-ascorbic acid in water and binary aqueous mixtures of D-glucose and D-fructose at different temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Ravi; Thakur, R. C.; Sani, Balwinder; Kumar, Harsh

2017-12-01

Using density and sound velocity partial molar volumes, partial molar adiabatic compressibilities, partial molar expansibilities and structure of L-ascorbic acid have been determined in water and aqueous mixtures of D-glucose and D-fructose at different concentrations and temperatures. Masson's equation was used to analyze the measured data. The obtained parameters have been interpreted in terms of solute-solute and solute-solvent interactions. It is found that the L-ascorbic acid acts as structure breaker in water as well in binary studied mixtures.

Vitamin B-12 concentration, memory performance, and hippocampal structure in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

PubMed

Köbe, Theresa; Witte, A Veronica; Schnelle, Ariane; Grittner, Ulrike; Tesky, Valentina A; Pantel, Johannes; Schuchardt, Jan Philipp; Hahn, Andreas; Bohlken, Jens; Rujescu, Dan; Flöel, Agnes

2016-04-01

Low-normal concentrations of vitamin B-12 (VitB12) may be associated with worse cognition. However, previous evidence has been mixed, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We determined whether serum VitB12 concentrations within the normal range were linked to memory functions and related neuronal structures in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In a cross-sectional design, we assessed 100 amnestic MCI patients (52 women; age range: 50-80 y) with low- and high-normal VitB12 concentration (median split: 304 pmol/L) for memory functions with the use of the Auditory Verbal Learning Test. MRI was performed at 3 tesla (n= 86) for the estimation of the volume and microstructure of the hippocampus and its subfields as indicated by the mean diffusivity on diffusion-weighted images. With the use of a mediation analysis, we examined whether the relation between VitB12 and memory performance was partially explained by volume or microstructure. MCI patients with low-normal VitB12 showed a significantly poorer learning ability (P= 0.014) and recognition performance (P= 0.008) than did patients with high-normal VitB12. Also, the microstructure integrity of the hippocampus was lower in patients with low-normal VitB12, mainly in the cornu ammonis 4 and dentate gyrus region (P= 0.029), which partially mediated the effect of VitB12 on memory performance (32-48%). Adjustments for age, sex, education, apolipoprotein E e4 status, and total homocysteine, folate, and creatinine did not attenuate the effects. Low VitB12 concentrations within the normal range are associated with poorer memory performance, which is an effect that is partially mediated by the reduced microstructural integrity of the hippocampus. Future interventional trials are needed to assess whether supplementation of VitB12 may improve cognition in MCI patients even in the absence of clinically manifested VitB12 deficiency. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01219244. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Effect of hypoxia by intermittent altitude exposure on semen characteristics and testicular morphology of male rhesus monkeys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saxena, D. K.

1995-09-01

Semen characteristics and testicular morphology of rhesus monkeys were studied on exposure to a simulated high altitude of 4411 m for 21 days. There was a partially reversible decrease in the semen volume, sperm count and sperm motility, as well as an elevation of pH and fructose concentration. These changes were associated with degeneration of the germinal epithelium and spermatogenic arrest at the end of third week of exposure which had not recovered even 3 weeks after the exposure.

Brain morphology in older African Americans, Caribbean Hispanics, and whites from northern Manhattan.

PubMed

Brickman, Adam M; Schupf, Nicole; Manly, Jennifer J; Luchsinger, José A; Andrews, Howard; Tang, Ming X; Reitz, Christiane; Small, Scott A; Mayeux, Richard; DeCarli, Charles; Brown, Truman R

2008-08-01

Aging is accompanied by a decrease in brain volume and by an increase in cerebrovascular disease. To examine the effects of age, sex, race/ethnicity, and vascular disease history on measures of brain morphology, including relative brain volume, ventricular volume, hippocampus and entorhinal cortex volumes, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden, in a large community-based cohort of racially/ethnically diverse older adults without dementia. The associations of age, sex, race/ethnicity, and self-reported vascular disease history with brain morphology were examined in a cross-sectional study using multiple linear regression analyses. Sex x race/ethnicity interactions were also considered. The Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project, a community-based epidemiological study of older adults from 3 racial/ethnic groups (white, Hispanic, and African American) from northern Manhattan. Beginning in 2003, high-resolution quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) images were acquired in 769 participants without dementia. Relative brain volume (total brain volume/intracranial volume), ventricular volume, and hippocampus and entorhinal cortex volumes were derived manually on high-resolution MR images. White matter hyperintensities were quantified semiautomatically on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery-T2-weighted MR images. Older age was associated with decreased relative brain volume and with increased ventricular and WMH volumes. Hispanic and African American participants had larger relative brain volumes and more severe WMH burden than white participants, but the associations of these variables with age were similar across racial/ethnic groups. Compared with men, women had larger relative brain volumes. Vascular disease was associated with smaller relative brain volume and with higher WMH burden, particularly among African Americans. Older age and vascular disease, particularly among African Americans, are associated with increased brain atrophy and WMH burden. African American and Hispanic subjects have larger relative brain volumes and more WMH than white subjects. Racial/ethnic group differences in WMH severity seem to be partially attributable to differences in vascular disease. Future work will focus on the determinants and cognitive correlates of these differences.

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Potentiation as a Therapeutic Strategy for Pulmonary Edema: A Proof-of-Concept Study in Pigs.

PubMed

Li, Xiaopeng; Vargas Buonfiglio, Luis G; Adam, Ryan J; Stoltz, David A; Zabner, Joseph; Comellas, Alejandro P

2017-12-01

To determine the feasibility of using a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator potentiator, ivacaftor (VX-770/Kalydeco, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Boston, MA), as a therapeutic strategy for treating pulmonary edema. Prospective laboratory animal investigation. Animal research laboratory. Newborn and 3 days to 1 week old pigs. Hydrostatic pulmonary edema was induced in pigs by acute volume overload. Ivacaftor was nebulized into the lung immediately after volume overload. Grams of water per grams of dry lung tissue were determined in the lungs harvested 1 hour after volume overload. Ivacaftor significantly improved alveolar liquid clearance in isolated pig lung lobes ex vivo and reduced edema in a volume overload in vivo pig model of hydrostatic pulmonary edema. To model hydrostatic pressure-induced edema in vitro, we developed a method of applied pressure to the basolateral surface of alveolar epithelia. Elevated hydrostatic pressure resulted in decreased cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator activity and liquid absorption, an effect which was partially reversed by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator potentiation with ivacaftor. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator potentiation by ivacaftor is a novel therapeutic approach for pulmonary edema.

Tensile strength and fracture of cemented granular aggregates.

PubMed

Affes, R; Delenne, J-Y; Monerie, Y; Radjaï, F; Topin, V

2012-11-01

Cemented granular aggregates include a broad class of geomaterials such as sedimentary rocks and some biomaterials such as the wheat endosperm. We present a 3D lattice element method for the simulation of such materials, modeled as a jammed assembly of particles bound together by a matrix partially filling the interstitial space. From extensive simulation data, we analyze the mechanical properties of aggregates subjected to tensile loading as a function of matrix volume fraction and particle-matrix adhesion. We observe a linear elastic behavior followed by a brutal failure along a fracture surface. The effective stiffness before failure increases almost linearly with the matrix volume fraction. We show that the tensile strength of the aggregates increases with both the increasing tensile strength at the particle-matrix interface and decreasing stress concentration as a function of matrix volume fraction. The proportion of broken bonds in the particle phase reveals a range of values of the particle-matrix adhesion and matrix volume fraction for which the cracks bypass the particles and hence no particle damage occurs. This limit is shown to depend on the relative toughness of the particle-matrix interface with respect to the particles.

A novel multiphysic model for simulation of swelling equilibrium of ionized thermal-stimulus responsive hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hua; Wang, Xiaogui; Yan, Guoping; Lam, K. Y.; Cheng, Sixue; Zou, Tao; Zhuo, Renxi

2005-03-01

In this paper, a novel multiphysic mathematical model is developed for simulation of swelling equilibrium of ionized temperature sensitive hydrogels with the volume phase transition, and it is termed the multi-effect-coupling thermal-stimulus (MECtherm) model. This model consists of the steady-state Nernst-Planck equation, Poisson equation and swelling equilibrium governing equation based on the Flory's mean field theory, in which two types of polymer-solvent interaction parameters, as the functions of temperature and polymer-network volume fraction, are specified with or without consideration of the hydrogen bond interaction. In order to examine the MECtherm model consisting of nonlinear partial differential equations, a meshless Hermite-Cloud method is used for numerical solution of one-dimensional swelling equilibrium of thermal-stimulus responsive hydrogels immersed in a bathing solution. The computed results are in very good agreements with experimental data for the variation of volume swelling ratio with temperature. The influences of the salt concentration and initial fixed-charge density are discussed in detail on the variations of volume swelling ratio of hydrogels, mobile ion concentrations and electric potential of both interior hydrogels and exterior bathing solution.

Neutron radiation shielding properties of polymer incorporated self compacting concrete mixes.

PubMed

Malkapur, Santhosh M; Divakar, L; Narasimhan, Mattur C; Karkera, Narayana B; Goverdhan, P; Sathian, V; Prasad, N K

2017-07-01

In this work, the neutron radiation shielding characteristics of a class of novel polymer-incorporated self-compacting concrete (PISCC) mixes are evaluated. Pulverized high density polyethylene (HDPE) material was used, at three different reference volumes, as a partial replacement to river sand in conventional concrete mixes. By such partial replacement of sand with polymer, additional hydrogen contents are incorporated in these concrete mixes and their effect on the neutron radiation shielding properties are studied. It has been observed from the initial set of experiments that there is a definite trend of reductions in the neutron flux and dose transmission factor values in these PISCC mixes vis-à-vis ordinary concrete mix. Also, the fact that quite similar enhanced shielding results are recorded even when reprocessed HDPE material is used in lieu of the virgin HDPE attracts further attention. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spherically-clustered porous Au-Ag alloy nanoparticle prepared by partial inhibition of galvanic replacement and its application for efficient multimodal therapy.

PubMed

Jang, Hongje; Min, Dal-Hee

2015-03-24

The polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated spherically clustered porous gold-silver alloy nanoparticle (PVP-SPAN) was prepared by low temperature mediated, partially inhibited galvanic replacement reaction followed by silver etching process. The prepared porous nanostructures exhibited excellent photothermal conversion efficiency under irradiation of near-infrared light (NIR) and allowed a high payload of both doxorubicin (Dox) and thiolated dye-labeled oligonucleotide, DNAzyme (FDz). Especially, PVP-SPAN provided 10 times higher loading capacity for oligonucleotide than conventional hollow nanoshells due to increased pore diameter and surface-to-volume ratio. We demonstrated highly efficient chemo-thermo-gene multitherapy based on codelivery of Dox and FDz with NIR-mediated photothermal therapeutic effect using a model system of hepatitis C virus infected human liver cells (Huh7 human hepatocarcinoma cell line containing hepatitis C virus NS3 gene replicon) compared to conventional hollow nanoshells.

Studies on the corrosion resistance of reinforced steel in concrete with ground granulated blast-furnace slag--An overview.

PubMed

Song, Ha-Won; Saraswathy, Velu

2006-11-16

The partial replacement of clinker, the main constituent of ordinary Portland cement by pozzolanic or latent hydraulic industrial by-products such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), effectively lowers the cost of cement by saving energy in the production process. It also reduces CO2 emissions from the cement plant and offers a low priced solution to the environmental problem of depositing industrial wastes. The utilization of GGBFS as partial replacement of Portland cement takes advantage of economic, technical and environmental benefits of this material. Recently offshore, coastal and marine concrete structures were constructed using GGBFS concrete because high volume of GGBFS can contribute to the reduction of chloride ingress. In this paper, the influence of using GGBFS in reinforced concrete structures from the durability aspects such as chloride ingress and corrosion resistance, long term durability, microstructure and porosity of GGBFS concrete has been reviewed and discussed.

The effects of hindlimb unweighting on the capacitance of rat small mesenteric veins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunbar, S. L.; Berkowitz, D. E.; Brooks-Asplund, E. M.; Shoukas, A. A.

2000-01-01

Microgravity is associated with an impaired cardiac output response to orthostatic stress. Mesenteric veins are critical in modulating cardiac filling through venoconstriction. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of simulated microgravity on the capacitance of rat mesenteric small veins. We constructed pressure-diameter relationships from vessels of 21-day hindlimb-unweighted (HLU) rats and control rats by changing the internal pressure and measuring the external diameter. Pressure-diameter relationships were obtained both before and after stimulation with norepinephrine (NE). The pressure-diameter curves of HLU vessels were shifted to larger diameters than control vessels. NE (10(-4) M) constricted veins from control animals such that the pressure-diameter relationship was significantly shifted downward (i.e., to smaller diameters at equal pressure). NE had no effect on vessels from HLU animals. These results indicate that, after HLU, unstressed vascular volume may be increased and can no longer decrease in response to sympathetic stimulation. This may partially underlie the mechanism leading to the exaggerated fall in cardiac output and stroke volume seen in astronauts during an orthostatic stress after exposure to microgravity.

Water Resources Data -- California, Water Year 2003, Volume 1, Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin, and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pope, G.L.; Agajanian, J.; Caldwell, L.A.; Rockwell, G.L.

2004-01-01

Water-resources data for the 2003 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams, stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs, and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 193 gaging stations and 11 crest-stage partial-record stations, stage and contents for 22 lakes and reservoirs, gage-height records for 2 stations, water quality for 47 streamflow-gaging stations and 12 partial-record stations, and precipitation data for 1 station. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water Resources Data--California, Water Year 2001, Volume 1, Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin, and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Agajanian, J.; Rockwell, G.L.; Anderson, S.W.; Pope, G.L.

2002-01-01

Water-resources data for the 2001 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams, stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs, and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 180 gaging stations and 13 crest-stage partial-record stations, stage and contents for 20 lakes and reservoirs, gage-height records for 2 stations, water quality for 37 streamflow-gaging stations and 2 partial-record stations, and precipitation data for 3 stations. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water Resources Data--California, Water Year 2002, Volume 1, Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin, and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rockwell, G.L.; Pope, G.L.; Agajanian, J.; Caldwell, L.A.

2003-01-01

Water-resources data for the 2002 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams, stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs, and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 188 gaging stations and 10 crest-stage partial-record stations, stage and contents for 19 lakes and reservoirs, gage-height records for 2 stations, water quality for 39 streamflow-gaging stations and 11 partial-record stations, and precipitation data for 1 station. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water Resources Data, California, Water Year 1994. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin, and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hayes, P.D.; Agajanian, J.A.; Rockwell, G.L.

1995-01-01

Water resources data for the 1994 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains (1) discharge records for 143 streamflow-gaging stations, 15 crest-stage partial-record streamflow stations; (2) stage and contents records for 20 lakes and reservoirs; (3) water quality records for 19 streamflow-gaging stations and 2 partial-record stations; and ( 4) precipitation records for 8 stations. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water resources data, California, water year 2004, volume 1: Southern Great Basin from Mexican border to Mono Lake Basin, and Pacific Slope basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Agajanian, J.; Caldwell, L.A.; Rockwell, G.L.; Pope, G.L.

2005-01-01

Water-resources data for the 2004 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams, stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs, and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 195 gaging stations and 10 crest-stage partial-record stations, stage and contents for 25 lakes and reservoirs, gage-height records for 2 stations, water quality for 47 streamflow-gaging stations and 7 partial-record stations, and precipitation data for 5 stations. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water Resources Data for California, Water Year 1988. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin, and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Polinoski, K.G.; Hoffman, E.B.; Smith, G.B.; Bowers, J.C.

1989-01-01

Water resources data for the 1988 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 134 gaging stations; stage and contents for 17 lakes and reservoirs; and water quality for 24 streams. Also included are 10 crest-stage partial-record stations, 5 miscellaneous measurement sites, and 16 water-quality partial-record stations. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water Resources Data, California, Water Year 1990. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin; and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bowers, J.C.; Jensen, R.M.; Hoffman, E.B.

1991-01-01

Water resources data for the 1990 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 157 streamflow-gaging stations, 16 crest-stage partial-record streamflow stations, and 2miscellaneous measurement stations; stage and contents records for 16 lakes and reservoirs; water-quality records for 19 streamflow-gaging stations, 2 partial-record stations; and precipitation records for 13 stations. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water Resources Data, California, Water Year 1995. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin; and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Agajanian, J.A.; Rockwell, G.L.; Hayes, P.D.

1996-01-01

Water resources data for the 1995 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains (1) discharge records for 141 streamflow-gaging stations, 6 crest-stage partial-record streamflow stations; (2) stage and contents records for 20 lakes and reservoirs; (3) water quality records for 21 streamflow-gaging stations and 3 partial-record stations; and (4) precipitation records for 1 station. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water Resources Data for California, Water Year 1987. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin, and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bowers, J.C.; McConaughy, C.E.; Polinoski, K.G.; Smith, G.B.

1988-01-01

Water resources data for the 1987 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 134 gaging stations; stage and contents for 16 lakes and reservoirs; and water quality for 16 streams. Also included are 10 crest-stage partial-record stations, 3 miscellaneous measurement sites, and 10 water-quality partial-record stations. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water Resources Data, California, Water Year 1989. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin; and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hoffman, E.B.; Bowers, J.C.; Jensen, R.M.

1990-01-01

Water resources data for the 1989 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 137 gaging stations; stage and contents for 15 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 25 streams; and precipitation for 8 gaging stations. Also included are 15 crest-stage partial-record stations, 7 miscellaneous measurement sites, and 5 water-quality partial record stations. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water Resources Data, California, Water Year 1996. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin, and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rockwell, G.L.; Hayes, P.D.; Agajanian, J.A.

1997-01-01

Water-resources data for the 1996 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams, stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs, and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 149 gaging stations and 6 crest-stage partial-record stations, stage and contents for 21 lakes and reservoirs, gage height records for 1 station, water quality for 19 streamflow-gaging stations and 17 partial record stations, and precipitation data for 4 stations. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water Resources Data, California, Water Year 1991. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin; and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jensen, R.M.; Hoffman, E.B.; Bowers, J.C.; Mullen, J.R.

1992-01-01

Water resources data for the 1991 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains dischrage records for 171 streamflow-gaging stations, 16 crest-stage partial-record streamflow stations, and 3 miscellaneous measurement stations; stage and contents records for 24 lakes and reservoirs; water-quality records for 23 streamflow-gaging stations, 4 partial-record stations; and precipitation records for 16 stations. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U,S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Water Resources Data--California, Water Year 2000, Volume 1, Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin, and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anderson, S.W.; Agajanian, J.; Rockwell, G.L.

2001-01-01

Water-resources data for the 2000 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams, stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs, and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 175 gaging stations and 13 crest-stage partial-record stations, stage and contents for 20 lakes and reservoirs, gage-height records for 2 stations, water quality for 27 streamflow-gaging stations and 3 partial-record stations, and precipitation data for 4 stations. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Theoretical study for volume changes associated with the helix-coil transition of peptides.

PubMed

Imai, T; Harano, Y; Kovalenko, A; Hirata, F

2001-12-01

We calculate the partial molar volumes and their changes associated with the coil(extended)-to-helix transition of two types of peptide, glycine-oligomer and glutamic acid-oligomer, in aqueous solutions by using the Kirkwood-Buff solution theory coupled with the three-dimensional reference interaction site model (3D-RISM) theory. The volume changes associated with the transition are small and positive. The volume is analyzed by decomposing it into five contributions following the procedure proposed by Chalikian and Breslauer: the ideal volume, the van der Waals volume, the void volume, the thermal volume, and the interaction volume. The ideal volumes and the van der Waals volumes do not change appreciably upon the transition. In the both cases of glycine-peptide and glutamic acid-peptide, the changes in the void volumes are positive, while those in the thermal volumes are negative, and tend to balance those in the void volumes. The change in the interaction volume of glycine-peptide does not significantly contribute, while that of glutamic acid-peptide makes a negative contribution. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopolymers 59: 512-519, 2001

Impact of speed and magnitude of weight loss on the development of brain trophic changes in adolescents with anorexia nervosa: a case control study.

PubMed

Bomba, Monica; Riva, Anna; Veggo, Federica; Grimaldi, Marco; Morzenti, Sabrina; Neri, Francesca; Nacinovich, Renata

2013-02-19

Anorexia nervosa commonly arises during adolescence and is associated with more than one medical morbidity. Abnormalities in brain structure (defined as "pseudoatrophy") are common in adolescents with anorexia nervosa; however, their correlations with endocrinological profiles and clinical parameters are still unclear. In particular, no study has described the impact of BMI (body mass index) variations (speed and magnitude of weight loss) on cerebral trophism changes. Eleven adolescents with anorexia nervosa and 8 healthy controls underwent cerebral MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) examination to obtain global and partial volumes (gray matter, white matter and cerebrospinal fluid) and clinical evaluation. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare partial volumes and clinical variables between cases and controls. The Spearman non-parametric test was performed in order to explore correlations between the variables studied. The patients diagnosed with AN showed significantly increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes and decreased total gray (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes. The degree of weight loss (deltaBMI) correlated inversely with the GM volume; the increase of CSF compartment correlated directly with the rapidity of weight loss (DeltaBMI/disease duration). This study suggests a correlation between cerebral alterations in AN and the speed and magnitude of weight loss, and outlines its importance for the therapeutic treatment.

US-guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation for the treatment of solid benign hyperfunctioning or compressive thyroid nodules.

PubMed

Deandrea, Maurilio; Limone, Paolo; Basso, Edoardo; Mormile, Alberto; Ragazzoni, Federico; Gamarra, Elena; Spiezia, Stefano; Faggiano, Antongiulio; Colao, Annamaria; Molinari, Filippo; Garberoglio, Roberto

2008-05-01

The aim of the study was to define the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) thermal ablation in the treatment of compressive solid benign thyroid nodules. Thirty-one patients not eligible for surgery or radioiodine (131I) treatment underwent RF ablation for benign nodules; a total of 33 nodules were treated (2 patients had 2 nodules treated in the same session): 10 cold nodules and 23 hyperfunctioning. Fourteen patients complained of compressive symptoms. Nodule volume, thyroid function and compressive symptoms were evaluated before treatment and at 1, 3 and 6 mo. Ultrasound-guided RF ablation was performed using a Starbust RITA needle, with nine expandable prongs; total exposure time was 6 to 10 min at 95 degrees C in one area or more of the nodule. Baseline volume (measured at the time of RF ablation) was 27.7 +/- 21.5 mL (mean +/- SD), but significantly decreased during follow-up: 19.2 +/- 16.2 at 1 mo (-32.7%; p < 0.001), 15.9 +/- 14.1 mL at 3 mo (-46.4 %; p < 0.001) and 14.6 +/- 12.6 mL at 6 mo (-50.7%; p < 0.001). After treatment, all patients with cold nodules remained euthyroid: five patients with hot nodules normalized thyroid function, and the remaining sixteen showed a partial remission of hyperthyroidism. Besides a sensation of heat and mild swelling of the neck, no major complications were observed. Improvement in compressive symptoms was reported by 13 patients, with a reduction on severity scale from 6.1 +/- 1.4 to 2.2 +/- 1.9 (p < 0.0001). Radiofrequency was effective and safe in reducing volume by about 50% and compressive symptoms in large benign nodules. Hyperfunction was fully controlled in 24% of patients and partially reduced in the others.

Levels-of-growing-stock cooperative study in Douglas-fir: report no. 12—The Iron Creek Study, 1966-89.

Treesearch

Robert O. Curtis; Gary W. Clendenen

1994-01-01

Results of the Iron Creek installation of the levels-of-growing-stock study in Douglasfir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) are summarized. To age 42 (planned completion of the experiment) volume growth in this site II Douglas-fir plantation has been strongly related to level of growing stock, partially offsetting the decrease in volume growth...

Differential effects of cyclic and constant stress on ATP release and mucociliary transport by human airway epithelia

PubMed Central

Button, Brian; Picher, Maryse; Boucher, Richard C

2007-01-01

In the lungs, the first line of defence against bacterial infection is the thin layer of airway surface liquid (ASL) lining the airway surface. The superficial airway epithelium exhibits complex regulatory pathways that blend ion transport to adjust ASL volume to maintain proper mucociliary clearance (MCC). We hypothesized that stresses generated by airflow and transmural pressures during breathing govern ASL volume by regulating the rate of epithelial ATP release. Luminal ATP, via interactions with apical membrane P2-purinoceptors, regulates the balance of active ion secretion versus absorption to maintain ASL volume at optimal levels for MCC. In this study we tested the hypothesis that cyclic compressive stress (CCS), mimicking normal tidal breathing, regulates ASL volume in airway epithelia. Polarized tracheobronchial epithelial cultures from normal and cystic fibrosis (CF) subjects responded to a range of CCS by increasing the rate of ATP release. In normal airway epithelia, the CCS-induced increase in ASL ATP concentration was sufficient to induce purinoceptor-mediated increases in ASL height and MCC, via inhibition of epithelial Na+-channel-mediated Na+ absorption and stimulation of Cl− secretion through CFTR and the Ca2+-activated chloride channels. In contrast, static, non-oscillatory stress did not stimulate ATP release, ion transport or MCC, emphasizing the importance of rhythmic mechanical stress for airway defence. In CF airway cultures, which exhibit basal ASL depletion, CCS was partially effective, producing less ASL volume secretion than in normal cultures, but a level sufficient to restore MCC. The present data suggest that CCS may (1) regulate ASL volume in the normal lung and (2) improve clearance in the lungs of CF patients, potentially explaining the beneficial role of exercise in lung defence. PMID:17317749

Effects of turbinoplasty versus outfracture and bipolar cautery on the compensatory inferior turbinate hypertrophy in septoplasty patients.

PubMed

Bozan, Aykut; Eriş, Hüseyin Naim; Dizdar, Denizhan; Göde, Sercan; Taşdelen, Bahar; Alpay, Hayrettin Cengiz

2018-05-18

The most common cause of septoplasty failure is inferior turbinate hypertrophy that is not treated properly. Several techniques have been described to date: total or partial turbinectomy, submucosal resection (surgical or with a microdebrider), with turbinate outfracture being some of those. In this study, we compared the pre- and postoperative lower turbinate volumes using computed tomography in patients who had undergone septoplasty and compensatory lower turbinate turbinoplasty with those treated with outfracture and bipolar cauterization. This retrospective study enrolled 66 patients (37 men, 29 women) who were admitted to our otorhinolaryngology clinic between 2010 and 2017 because of nasal obstruction and who were operated on for nasal septum deviation. The patients who underwent turbinoplasty due to compensatory lower turbinate hypertrophy were the turbinoplasty group; Outfracture and bipolar cauterization were separated as the out fracture group. Compensatory lower turbinate volumes of all patients participating in the study (mean age 34.0±12.4 years, range 17-61 years) were assessed by preoperative and postoperative 2 month coronal and axial plane paranasal computed tomography. The transverse and longitudinal dimensions of the postoperative turbinoplasty group were significantly lower than those of the out-fracture group (p=0.004). In both groups the lower turbinate volumes were significantly decreased (p=0.002, p<0.001 in order). The postoperative volume of the turbinate on the deviated side of the patients was significantly increased: tubinoplasty group (p=0.033). Both turbinoplasty and outfracture are effective volume-reduction techniques. However, the turbinoplasty method results in more reduction of the lower turbinate volume than outfracture and bipolar cauterization. Copyright © 2018 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Mammographic Density Estimation with Automated Volumetric Breast Density Measurement

PubMed Central

Ko, Su Yeon; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Kim, Min Jung

2014-01-01

Objective To compare automated volumetric breast density measurement (VBDM) with radiologists' evaluations based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), and to identify the factors associated with technical failure of VBDM. Materials and Methods In this study, 1129 women aged 19-82 years who underwent mammography from December 2011 to January 2012 were included. Breast density evaluations by radiologists based on BI-RADS and by VBDM (Volpara Version 1.5.1) were compared. The agreement in interpreting breast density between radiologists and VBDM was determined based on four density grades (D1, D2, D3, and D4) and a binary classification of fatty (D1-2) vs. dense (D3-4) breast using kappa statistics. The association between technical failure of VBDM and patient age, total breast volume, fibroglandular tissue volume, history of partial mastectomy, the frequency of mass > 3 cm, and breast density was analyzed. Results The agreement between breast density evaluations by radiologists and VBDM was fair (k value = 0.26) when the four density grades (D1/D2/D3/D4) were used and moderate (k value = 0.47) for the binary classification (D1-2/D3-4). Twenty-seven women (2.4%) showed failure of VBDM. Small total breast volume, history of partial mastectomy, and high breast density were significantly associated with technical failure of VBDM (p = 0.001 to 0.015). Conclusion There is fair or moderate agreement in breast density evaluation between radiologists and VBDM. Technical failure of VBDM may be related to small total breast volume, a history of partial mastectomy, and high breast density. PMID:24843235

External Beam Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Yields Favorable Outcomes in Patients with Prior Breast Augmentation

PubMed Central

Lei, Rachel Y.; Leonard, Charles E.; Howell, Kathryn T.; Henkenberns, Phyllis L.; Johnson, Timothy K.; Hobart, Tracy L.; Kercher, Jane M.; Widner, Jodi L.; Kaske, Terese; Barke, Lora D.; Carter, Dennis L.

2014-01-01

Purpose: To report outcomes in breast cancer patients with prior breast augmentation treated with external beam accelerated partial breast irradiation (EB-APBI) utilizing intensity-modulated radiotherapy or 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, both with IGRT. Materials and Methods: Sixteen stage 0/1 breast cancer patients with previous elective bilateral augmentation were treated post-lumpectomy on institutional EB-APBI trials (01185132 and 01185145 on clinicaltrials.gov). Patients received 38.5 Gy in 10 fractions over five consecutive days. Breast/chest wall pain and cosmesis were rated by patient; cosmesis was additionally evaluated by physician per RTOG criteria. Results: The median follow-up from accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) completion was 23.9 months (range, 1.2–58.6). Little to no change in cosmesis or pain from baseline was reported. Cosmetic outcomes at last follow-up were judged by patients as excellent/good in 81.2% (13/16), and by physicians as excellent/good in 93.8% (15/16). Ten patients (62.5%) reported no breast/chest wall pain, five (31.2%) reported mild pain, and one (6.2%) reported moderate pain. All patients remain disease free at last follow-up. The median ipsilateral breast, planning target volume (PTV), and implant volumes were 614, 57, and 333 cm3. The median ratios of PTV/ipsilateral breast volume (implant excluded) and PTV/total volume (implant included) were 9 and 6%. Conclusion: These 16 breast cancer cases with prior bilateral augmentation treated with EB-APBI demonstrate favorable clinical outcomes. Further exploration of EB-APBI as a treatment option for this patient population is warranted. PMID:24995159

Effects of oxygen inhalation on cardiac output, coronary blood flow and oxygen delivery in healthy individuals, assessed with MRI.

PubMed

Bodetoft, Stefan; Carlsson, Marcus; Arheden, Håkan; Ekelund, Ulf

2011-02-01

Oxygen (O2) is a cornerstone in the treatment of critically ill patients, and the guidelines prescribe 10-15 l of O2/min even to those who are initially normoxic. Studies using indirect or invasive methods suggest, however, that supplemental O2 may have negative cardiovascular effects. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis, using noninvasive cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, that inhaled supplemental O2 decreases cardiac output (CO) and coronary blood flow in healthy individuals. Sixteen healthy individuals inhaled O2 at 1, 8 and 15 l/min through a standard reservoir bag mask. A 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner was used to measure stroke volume, CO and coronary sinus blood flow. Left ventricular (LV) perfusion was calculated as coronary sinus blood flow/LV mass. The O2 response was dose-dependent. At 15 l of O2/min, blood partial pressure of O2 increased from an average 11.7 to 51.0 kPa with no significant changes in blood partial pressure of CO2 or arterial blood pressure. At the same dose, LV perfusion decreased by 23% (P=0.005) and CO decreased by 10% (P=0.003) owing to a decrease in heart rate (by 9%, P<0.002), with no significant changes in stroke volume or LV dimensions. Owing to the decreased CO and LV perfusion, systemic and coronary O2 delivery fell by 4 and 11% at 8 l of O2/min, despite the increased blood oxygen content. Our data indicate that O2 administration decreases CO, LV perfusion and systemic and coronary O2 delivery in healthy individuals. Further research should address the effects of O2 therapy in normoxic patients.

Detection and volume estimation of artificial hematomas in the subcutaneous fatty tissue: comparison of different MR sequences at 3.0 T.

PubMed

Ogris, Kathrin; Petrovic, Andreas; Scheicher, Sylvia; Sprenger, Hanna; Urschler, Martin; Hassler, Eva Maria; Yen, Kathrin; Scheurer, Eva

2017-06-01

In legal medicine, reliable localization and analysis of hematomas in subcutaneous fatty tissue is required for forensic reconstruction. Due to the absence of ionizing radiation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly suited to examining living persons with forensically relevant injuries. However, there is limited experience regarding MRI signal properties of hemorrhage in soft tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate MR sequences with respect to their ability to show high contrast between hematomas and subcutaneous fatty tissue as well as to reliably determine the volume of artificial hematomas. Porcine tissue models were prepared by injecting blood into the subcutaneous fatty tissue to create artificial hematomas. MR images were acquired at 3T and four blinded observers conducted manual segmentation of the hematomas. To assess segmentability, the agreement of measured volume with the known volume of injected blood was statistically analyzed. A physically motivated normalization taking into account partial volume effect was applied to the data to ensure comparable results among differently sized hematomas. The inversion recovery sequence exhibited the best segmentability rate, whereas the T1T2w turbo spin echo sequence showed the most accurate results regarding volume estimation. Both sequences led to reproducible volume estimations. This study demonstrates that MRI is a promising forensic tool to assess and visualize even very small amounts of blood in soft tissue. The presented results enable the improvement of protocols for detection and volume determination of hemorrhage in forensically relevant cases and also provide fundamental knowledge for future in-vivo examinations.

Utilization of expeller pressed partially defatted peanut cake meal in the preparation of bakery products.

PubMed

Chavan, J K; Shinde, V S; Kadam, S S

1991-07-01

Expeller pressed partially defatted peanut cake obtained from skin-free kernels was used as graded supplements in the preparation of breads, sweet buns, cupcakes and yeast-raised doughnuts. Incorporation of cake meal lowered the specific volume and sensory properties, but improved the fresh weight, water holding capacity and protein content of the products. The products containing 10% peanut cake meal were found to be acceptable.

Imaging of amyloid deposition in human brain using positron emission tomography and [18F]FACT: comparison with [11C]PIB.

PubMed

Ito, Hiroshi; Shinotoh, Hitoshi; Shimada, Hitoshi; Miyoshi, Michie; Yanai, Kazuhiko; Okamura, Nobuyuki; Takano, Harumasa; Takahashi, Hidehiko; Arakawa, Ryosuke; Kodaka, Fumitoshi; Ono, Maiko; Eguchi, Yoko; Higuchi, Makoto; Fukumura, Toshimitsu; Suhara, Tetsuya

2014-04-01

The characteristic neuropathological changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are deposition of amyloid senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The (18)F-labeled amyloid tracer, [(18)F]2-[(2-{(E)-2-[2-(dimethylamino)-1,3-thiazol-5-yl]vinyl}-1,3-benzoxazol-6-yl)oxy]-3-fluoropropan-1-ol (FACT), one of the benzoxazole derivatives, was recently developed. In the present study, deposition of amyloid senile plaques was measured by positron emission tomography (PET) with both [(11)C]Pittsburgh compound B (PIB) and [(18)F]FACT in the same subjects, and the regional uptakes of both radiotracers were directly compared. Two PET scans, one of each with [(11)C]PIB and [(18)F]FACT, were performed sequentially on six normal control subjects, two mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, and six AD patients. The standardized uptake value ratio of brain regions to the cerebellum was calculated with partial volume correction using magnetic resonance (MR) images to remove the effects of white matter accumulation. No significant differences in the cerebral cortical uptake were observed between normal control subjects and AD patients in [(18)F]FACT studies without partial volume correction, while significant differences were observed in [(11)C]PIB. After partial volume correction, the cerebral cortical uptake was significantly larger in AD patients than in normal control subjects for [(18)F]FACT studies as well as [(11)C]PIB. Relatively lower uptakes of [(11)C]PIB in distribution were observed in the medial side of the temporal cortex and in the occipital cortex as compared with [(18)F]FACT. Relatively higher uptake of [(11)C]PIB in distribution was observed in the frontal and parietal cortices. Since [(18)F]FACT might bind more preferentially to dense-cored amyloid deposition, regional differences in cerebral cortical uptake between [(11)C]PIB and [(18)F]FACT might be due to differences in regional distribution between diffuse and dense-cored amyloid plaque shown in the autoradiographic and histochemical assays of postmortem AD brain sections.

NRG Oncology-Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Study 1014: 1-Year Toxicity Report From a Phase 2 Study of Repeat Breast-Preserving Surgery and 3-Dimensional Conformal Partial-Breast Reirradiation for In-Breast Recurrence.

PubMed

Arthur, Douglas W; Winter, Kathryn A; Kuerer, Henry M; Haffty, Bruce G; Cuttino, Laurie W; Todor, Dorin A; Simone, Nicole L; Hayes, Shelly B; Woodward, Wendy A; McCormick, Beryl; Cohen, Randi J; Sahijdak, Walter M; Canaday, Daniel J; Brown, Doris R; Currey, Adam D; Fisher, Christine M; Jagsi, Reshma; White, Julia

2017-08-01

To determine the associated toxicity, tolerance, and safety of partial-breast reirradiation. Eligibility criteria included in-breast recurrence occurring >1 year after whole-breast irradiation, <3 cm, unifocal, and resected with negative margins. Partial-breast reirradiation was targeted to the surgical cavity plus 1.5 cm; a prescription dose of 45 Gy in 1.5 Gy twice daily for 30 treatments was used. The primary objective was to evaluate the rate of grade ≥3 treatment-related skin, fibrosis, and/or breast pain adverse events (AEs), occurring ≤1 year from re-treatment completion. A rate of ≥13% for these AEs in a cohort of 55 patients was determined to be unacceptable (86% power, 1-sided α = 0.07). Between 2010 and 2013, 65 patients were accrued, and the first 55 eligible and with 1 year follow-up were analyzed. Median age was 68 years. Twenty-two patients had ductal carcinoma in situ, and 33 had invasive disease: 19 ≤1 cm, 13 >1 to ≤2 cm, and 1 >2 cm. All patients were clinically node negative. Systemic therapy was delivered in 51%. All treatment plans underwent quality review for contouring accuracy and dosimetric compliance. All treatment plans scored acceptable for tumor volume contouring and tumor volume dose-volume analysis. Only 4 (7%) scored unacceptable for organs at risk contouring and organs at risk dose-volume analysis. Treatment-related skin, fibrosis, and/or breast pain AEs were recorded as grade 1 in 64% and grade 2 in 7%, with only 1 (<2%) grade ≥3 and identified as grade 3 fibrosis of deep connective tissue. Partial-breast reirradiation with 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy after second lumpectomy for patients experiencing in-breast failures after whole-breast irradiation is safe and feasible, with acceptable treatment quality achieved. Skin, fibrosis, and breast pain toxicity was acceptable, and grade 3 toxicity was rare. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lung recruitment manoeuvres are effective in regaining lung volume and oxygenation after open endotracheal suctioning in acute respiratory distress syndrome

PubMed Central

Dyhr, Thomas; Bonde, Jan; Larsson, Anders

2003-01-01

Introduction Lung collapse is a contributory factor in the hypoxaemia that is observed after open endotracheal suctioning (ETS) in patients with acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Lung recruitment (LR) manoeuvres may be effective in rapidly regaining lung volume and improving oxygenation after ETS. Materials and method A prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted in a 15-bed general intensive care unit at a university hospital. Eight consecutive mechanically ventilated patients with acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome were included. One of two suctioning procedures was performed in each patient. In the first procedure, ETS was performed followed by LR manoeuvre and reconnection to the ventilator with positive end-expiratory pressure set at 1 cmH2O above the lower inflexion point, and after 60 min another ETS (but without LR manoeuvre) was performed followed by reconnection to the ventilator with similar positive end-expiratory pressure; the second procedure was the same as the first but conducted in reverse order. Before (baseline) and over 25 min following each ETS procedure, partial arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) and end-expiratory lung volume were measured. Results After ETS, PaO2 decreased by 4.3(0.9–9.7)kPa (median and range; P < 0.005). After LR manoeuvre, PaO2 recovered to baseline. Without LR manoeuvre, PaO2 was reduced (P = 0.05) until 7 min after ETS. With LR manoeuvre end-expiratory lung volume was unchanged after ETS, whereas without LR manoeuvre end-expiratory lung volume was still reduced (approximately 10%) at 5 and 15 min after ETS (P = 0.01). Discussion A LR manoeuvre immediately following ETS was, as an adjunct to positive end-expiratory pressure, effective in rapidly counteracting the deterioration in PaO2 and lung volume caused by open ETS in ventilator-treated patients with acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome. PMID:12617741

Automated cerebral infarct volume measurement in follow-up noncontrast CT scans of patients with acute ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Boers, A M; Marquering, H A; Jochem, J J; Besselink, N J; Berkhemer, O A; van der Lugt, A; Beenen, L F; Majoie, C B

2013-08-01

Cerebral infarct volume as observed in follow-up CT is an important radiologic outcome measure of the effectiveness of treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, manual measurement of CIV is time-consuming and operator-dependent. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a robust automated measurement of the CIV. The CIV in early follow-up CT images of 34 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke was segmented with an automated intensity-based region-growing algorithm, which includes partial volume effect correction near the skull, midline determination, and ventricle and hemorrhage exclusion. Two observers manually delineated the CIV. Interobserver variability of the manual assessments and the accuracy of the automated method were evaluated by using the Pearson correlation, Bland-Altman analysis, and Dice coefficients. The accuracy was defined as the correlation with the manual assessment as a reference standard. The Pearson correlation for the automated method compared with the reference standard was similar to the manual correlation (R = 0.98). The accuracy of the automated method was excellent with a mean difference of 0.5 mL with limits of agreement of -38.0-39.1 mL, which were more consistent than the interobserver variability of the 2 observers (-40.9-44.1 mL). However, the Dice coefficients were higher for the manual delineation. The automated method showed a strong correlation and accuracy with the manual reference measurement. This approach has the potential to become the standard in assessing the infarct volume as a secondary outcome measure for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.

The effect of dental artifacts, contrast media, and experience on interobserver contouring variations in head and neck anatomy.

PubMed

O'Daniel, Jennifer C; Rosenthal, David I; Garden, Adam S; Barker, Jerry L; Ahamad, Anesa; Ang, K Kian; Asper, Joshua A; Blanco, Angel I; de Crevoisier, Renaud; Holsinger, F Christopher; Patel, Chirag B; Schwartz, David L; Wang, He; Dong, Lei

2007-04-01

To investigate interobserver variability in the delineation of head-and-neck (H&N) anatomic structures on CT images, including the effects of image artifacts and observer experience. Nine observers (7 radiation oncologists, 1 surgeon, and 1 physician assistant) with varying levels of H&N delineation experience independently contoured H&N gross tumor volumes and critical structures on radiation therapy treatment planning CT images alongside reference diagnostic CT images for 4 patients with oropharynx cancer. Image artifacts from dental fillings partially obstructed 3 images. Differences in the structure volumes, center-of-volume positions, and boundary positions (1 SD) were measured. In-house software created three-dimensional overlap distributions, including all observers. The effects of dental artifacts and observer experience on contouring precision were investigated, and the need for contrast media was assessed. In the absence of artifacts, all 9 participants achieved reasonable precision (1 SD < or =3 mm all boundaries). The structures obscured by dental image artifacts had larger variations when measured by the 3 metrics (1 SD = 8 mm cranial/caudal boundary). Experience improved the interobserver consistency of contouring for structures obscured by artifacts (1 SD = 2 mm cranial/caudal boundary). Interobserver contouring variability for anatomic H&N structures, specifically oropharyngeal gross tumor volumes and parotid glands, was acceptable in the absence of artifacts. Dental artifacts increased the contouring variability, but experienced participants achieved reasonable precision even with artifacts present. With a staging contrast CT image as a reference, delineation on a noncontrast treatment planning CT image can achieve acceptable precision.

Nonthermal ablation in the rat brain using focused ultrasound and an ultrasound contrast agent: long-term effects

PubMed Central

McDannold, Nathan; Zhang, Yongzhi; Vykhodtseva, Natalia

2016-01-01

OBJECTIVE Thermal ablation with transcranial MRI-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) is currently under investigation as a less invasive alternative to radiosurgery and resection. A major limitation of the method is that its use is currently restricted to centrally located brain targets. The combination of FUS and a microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agent greatly reduces the ultrasound exposure level needed to ablate brain tissue and could be an effective means to increase the “treatment envelope” for FUS in the brain. This method, however, ablates tissue through a different mechanism: destruction of the microvasculature. It is not known whether nonthermal FUS ablation in substantial volumes of tissue can safely be performed without unexpected effects. The authors investigated this question by ablating volumes in the brains of normal rats. METHODS Overlapping sonications were performed in rats (n = 15) to ablate a volume in 1 hemisphere per animal. The sonications (10-msec bursts at 1 Hz for 60 seconds; peak negative pressure 0.8 MPa) were combined with the ultrasound contrast agent Optison (100 μl/kg). The rats were followed with MRI for 4–9 weeks after FUS, and the brains were examined with histological methods. RESULTS Two weeks after sonication and later, the lesions appeared as cyst-like areas in T2-weighted MR images that were stable over time. Histological examination demonstrated well-defined lesions consisting of a cyst-like cavity that remained lined by astrocytic tissue. Some white matter structures within the sonicated area were partially intact. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that nonthermal FUS ablation can be used to safely ablate tissue volumes in the brain without unexpected delayed effects. The findings are encouraging for the use of this ablation method in the brain. PMID:26848919

Augmentation of failed human vertebrae with critical un-contained lytic defect restores their structural competence under functional loading: An experimental study.

PubMed

Alkalay, Ron N; von Stechow, Dietrich; Hackney, David B

2015-07-01

Lytic spinal lesions reduce vertebral strength and may result in their fracture. Vertebral augmentation is employed clinically to provide mechanical stability and pain relief for vertebrae with lytic lesions. However, little is known about its efficacy in strengthening fractured vertebrae containing lytic metastasis. Eighteen unembalmed human lumbar vertebrae, having simulated uncontained lytic defects and tested to failure in a prior study, were augmented using a transpedicular approach and re-tested to failure using a wedge fracture model. Axial and moment based strength and stiffness parameters were used to quantify the effect of augmentation on the structural response of the failed vertebrae. Effects of cement volume, bone mineral density and vertebral geometry on the change in structural response were investigated. Augmentation increased the failed lytic vertebral strength [compression: 85% (P<0.001), flexion: 80% (P<0.001), anterior-posterior shear: 95%, P<0.001)] and stiffness [(40% (P<0.05), 53% (P<0.05), 45% (P<0.05)]. Cement volume correlated with the compressive strength (r(2)=0.47, P<0.05) and anterior-posterior shear strength (r(2)=0.52, P<0.05) and stiffness (r(2)=0.45, P<0.05). Neither the geometry of the failed vertebrae nor its pre-fracture bone mineral density correlated with the volume of cement. Vertebral augmentation is effective in bolstering the failed lytic vertebrae compressive and axial structural competence, showing strength estimates up to 50-90% of historical values of osteoporotic vertebrae without lytic defects. This modest increase suggests that lytic vertebrae undergo a high degree of structural damage at failure, with strength only partially restored by vertebral augmentation. The positive effect of cement volume is self-limiting due to extravasation. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Load dependence of the effective regurgitant orifice area in a sheep model of aortic regurgitation.

PubMed

Reimold, S C; Byrne, J G; Caguioa, E S; Lee, C C; Laurence, R G; Peigh, P S; Cohn, L H; Lee, R T

1991-10-01

Treatment of patients with aortic regurgitation with vasodilators reduces regurgitant volume, ventricular dilation and left ventricular mass. Although these effects are presumably due to afterload reduction, it is also possible that the aortic regurgitant orifice area is not constant. To test the latter hypothesis, aortic regurgitation was created in 10 open chest sheep by partial resection of the noncoronary leaflet under direct visualization. Regurgitant flow was measured with an aortic supravalvular electromagnetic probe; aortic and left ventricular pressures were measured with catheter-tipped micromanometer pressure transducers. The effective regurgitant orifice area was calculated by a modification of the continuity equation in a manner similar to the Gorlin equation. The regurgitant orifice area was measured three times: after aortic regurgitation was created, after mean arterial pressure was increased by 15 to 25 mm Hg with intravenous dopamine and after mean arterial pressure was reduced by 15 to 25 mm Hg with intravenous sodium nitroprusside. Comparison of regurgitant volumes and areas obtained after creation of aortic regurgitation and at the conclusion of the experiment in the absence of dopamine or sodium nitroprusside demonstrated no significant change over time. Dopamine administration was associated with an 86 +/- 81% increase in regurgitant volume (p less than 0.01) and a 38 +/- 44% increase in regurgitant orifice area (p less than 0.01). Sodium nitroprusside administration resulted in a 51 +/- 14% decrease in regurgitant volume (p less than 0.001) and a 28 +/- 21% reduction in regurgitant orifice area (p = 0.007). In this model of acute aortic regurgitation, the effective regurgitant orifice area was altered by increasing or decreasing the aortic transvalvular pressure gradient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mucoactive effects of naringin in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury mice and beagle dogs.

PubMed

Chen, Yan; Wu, Hao; Nie, Yi-chu; Li, Pei-bo; Shen, Jian-gang; Su, Wei-wei

2014-07-01

Our previous study has demonstrated that naringin attenuates EGF-induced MUC5AC hypersecretion in A549 cells by suppressing the cooperative activities of MAPKs/AP-1 and IKKs/IκB/NF-κB signaling pathways. However, the volume of airway mucus is determined by two factors including the number of mucous cells and capacity of mucus secretion. The aim of the present study is to explore the mucoactive effects of naringin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mice and beagle dogs. The results demonstrated that naringin of 12.4 mg/kg treatment significantly decreased LPS-induced enhancement of sputum volume and pulmonary inflammation, remarkably increased the subglottic sputum volume and solids content in sputum of lower trachea, while partially, but not fully, significantly increased the elasticity and viscosity of sputum in lower trachea of beagle dogs. Moreover, the MUC5AC content in BALF and goblet-cells in large airways of LPS-induced ALI mice were significantly attenuated by dexamethasone (5 mg/kg), ambroxol (25 mg/kg), and naringin (15, 60 mg/kg). However, the goblet-cells hyperplasia in small airways induced by LPS was only significantly inhibited by dexamethasone and naringin (60 mg/kg). In conclusion, naringin exhibits mucoactive effects through multiple targets which including reduction of goblet cells hyperplasia and mucus hypersecretion, as well as promotion of sputum excretion. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Factors Associated With Chest Wall Toxicity After Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Using High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy

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

Brown, Sheree, E-mail: shereedst32@hotmail.com; Vicini, Frank; Vanapalli, Jyotsna R.

2012-07-01

Purpose: The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate dose-volume relationships associated with a higher probability for developing chest wall toxicity (pain) after accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) by using both single-lumen and multilumen brachytherapy. Methods and Materials: Rib dose data were available for 89 patients treated with APBI and were correlated with the development of chest wall/rib pain at any point after treatment. Ribs were contoured on computed tomography planning scans, and rib dose-volume histograms (DVH) along with histograms for other structures were constructed. Rib DVH data for all patients were sampled at all volumes {>=}0.008 cubic centimeter (cc)more » (for maximum dose related to pain) and at volumes of 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 cc for analysis. Rib pain was evaluated at each follow-up visit. Patient responses were marked as yes or no. No attempt was made to grade responses. Eighty-nine responses were available for this analysis. Results: Nineteen patients (21.3%) complained of transient chest wall/rib pain at any point in follow-up. Analysis showed a direct correlation between total dose received and volume of rib irradiated with the probability of developing rib/chest wall pain at any point after follow-up. The median maximum dose at volumes {>=}0.008 cc of rib in patients who experienced chest wall pain was 132% of the prescribed dose versus 95% of the prescribed dose in those patients who did not experience pain (p = 0.0035). Conclusions: Although the incidence of chest wall/rib pain is quite low with APBI brachytherapy, attempts should be made to keep the volume of rib irradiated at a minimum and the maximum dose received by the chest wall as low as reasonably achievable.« less

Assessment of the relationship between renal volume and renal function after minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy: the role of computed tomography and nuclear renal scan.

PubMed

Bertolo, Riccardo; Fiori, Cristian; Piramide, Federico; Amparore, Daniele; Barrera, Monica; Sardo, Diego; Veltri, Andrea; Porpiglia, Francesco

2018-05-14

To evaluate the correlation between the loss of renal function as assessed by Tc99MAG-3 renal scan and the loss of renal volume as calculated by volumetric assessment on CT-scan in patients who underwent minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy (PN). PN prospectively-maintained database was retrospectively queried for patients who underwent minimally-invasive PN (2012-2017) for renal mass

Medical image segmentation based on SLIC superpixels model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiang-ting; Zhang, Fan; Zhang, Ruo-ya

2017-01-01

Medical imaging has been widely used in clinical practice. It is an important basis for medical experts to diagnose the disease. However, medical images have many unstable factors such as complex imaging mechanism, the target displacement will cause constructed defect and the partial volume effect will lead to error and equipment wear, which increases the complexity of subsequent image processing greatly. The segmentation algorithm which based on SLIC (Simple Linear Iterative Clustering, SLIC) superpixels is used to eliminate the influence of constructed defect and noise by means of the feature similarity in the preprocessing stage. At the same time, excellent clustering effect can reduce the complexity of the algorithm extremely, which provides an effective basis for the rapid diagnosis of experts.

Preventing Molecular and Particulate Infiltration in a Confined Volume

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scialdone, John J.

1999-01-01

Contaminants from an instrument's self-generated sources or from sources external to the instrument may degrade its critical surfaces and/or create an environment which limits the instrument's intended performance. Analyses have been carried out on a method to investigate the required purging flow of clean, dry gas to prevent the ingestion of external contaminants into the instrument container volume. The pressure to be maintained and the required flow are examined in terms of their effectiveness in preventing gaseous and particulate contaminant ingestion and abatement of self-generated contaminants in the volume. The required venting area or the existing volume venting area is correlated to the volume to be purged, the allowable pressure differential across the volume, the external contaminant partial pressure, and the sizes of the ambient particulates. The diffusion of external water vapor into the volume while it was being purged was experimentally obtained in terms of an infiltration time constant. That data and the acceptable fraction of the outside pressure into the volume indicate the required flow of purge gas expressed in terms of volume change per unit time. The exclusion of particulates is based on the incoming velocity of the particles and the exit flow speed and density of the purge gas. The purging flow pressures needed to maintain the required flows through the vent passages are indicated. The purge gas must prevent or limit the entrance of the external contaminants to the critical locations of the instrument. It should also prevent self- contamination from surfaces, reduce material outgassing, and sweep out the outgassed products. Systems and facilities that can benefit from purging may be optical equipment, clinical facilities, manufacturing facilities, clean rooms, and other systems requiring clean environments.

Acicular photomultiplier photocathode structure

DOEpatents

Craig, Richard A.; Bliss, Mary

2003-09-30

A method and apparatus for increasing the quantum efficiency of a photomultiplier tube by providing a photocathode with an increased surface-to-volume ratio. The photocathode includes a transparent substrate, upon one major side of which is formed one or more large aspect-ratio structures, such as needles, cones, fibers, prisms, or pyramids. The large aspect-ratio structures are at least partially composed of a photoelectron emitting material, i.e., a material that emits a photoelectron upon absorption of an optical photon. The large aspect-ratio structures may be substantially composed of the photoelectron emitting material (i.e., formed as such upon the surface of a relatively flat substrate) or be only partially composed of a photoelectron emitting material (i.e., the photoelectron emitting material is coated over large aspect-ratio structures formed from the substrate material itself.) The large aspect-ratio nature of the photocathode surface allows for an effective increase in the thickness of the photocathode relative the absorption of optical photons, thereby increasing the absorption rate of incident photons, without substantially increasing the effective thickness of the photocathode relative the escape incidence of the photoelectrons.

Structural and electrochemical properties of annealed La1-xYxNi3.55Mno.4Alo.3Coo.75 hydrogen storage alloys.

PubMed

Du, Yulei; Li, Wei

2011-06-01

The effects of the annealing and partial substitution of Y for La on the structural and electrochemical properties of La1-xYxNi3.55Mno.4Alo.3Cro.75 (x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2) alloys were reported in the present work. The single-phased CaCu5-type structure was retained after La was partially substituted by Y. However, the increase of Y content leads to decrease of the lattice parameters and the unit-cell volume. The annealed Lao.9Yo.1Ni3.55Mno.4Alo.3Coo.75 alloys shows typical isometric microstructure, indicating that the composition segregation is improved by annealing. Y substitution for La in the alloys is effective to improve the electrochemical properties at both room temperature and high temperature. A critical substitution content of Y is found at x = 0.1. Copyright © 2011 The Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cul3-mediated Nrf2 ubiquitination and antioxidant response element (ARE) activation are dependent on the partial molar volume at position 151 of Keap1.

PubMed

Eggler, Aimee L; Small, Evan; Hannink, Mark; Mesecar, Andrew D

2009-07-29

Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is a transcription factor that activates transcription of a battery of cytoprotective genes by binding to the ARE (antioxidant response element). Nrf2 is repressed by the cysteine-rich Keap1 (kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) protein, which targets Nrf2 for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation by a Cul3 (cullin 3)-mediated ubiquitination complex. We find that modification of Cys(151) of human Keap1, by mutation to a tryptophan, relieves the repression by Keap1 and allows activation of the ARE by Nrf2. The Keap1 C151W substitution has a decreased affinity for Cul3, and can no longer serve to target Nrf2 for ubiquitination, though it retains its affinity for Nrf2. A series of 12 mutant Keap1 proteins, each containing a different residue at position 151, was constructed to explore the chemistry required for this effect. The series reveals that the extent to which Keap1 loses the ability to target Nrf2 for degradation, and hence the ability to repress ARE activation, correlates well with the partial molar volume of the residue. Other physico-chemical properties do not appear to contribute significantly to the effect. Based on this finding, a structural model is proposed whereby large residues at position 151 cause steric clashes that lead to alteration of the Keap1-Cul3 interaction. This model has significant implications for how electrophiles which modify Cys(151), disrupt the repressive function of Keap1.

INVESTIGATION OF PARTIAL VOLUME EFFECT IN DIFFERENT PET/CT SYSTEMS: A COMPARISON OF RESULTS USING THE MADEIRA PHANTOM AND THE NEMA NU-2 2001 PHANTOM.

PubMed

Chipiga, L; Sydoff, M; Zvonova, I; Bernhardsson, C

2016-06-01

Positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) is a quantitative technique used for diagnosing various diseases and for monitoring treatment response for different types of tumours. However, the accuracy of the data is limited by the spatial resolution of the system. In addition, the so-called partial volume effect (PVE) causes a blurring of image structures, which in turn may cause an underestimation of activity of a structure with high-activity content. In this study, a new phantom, MADEIRA (Minimising Activity and Dose with Enhanced Image quality by Radiopharmaceutical Administrations) for activity quantification in PET and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used to investigate the influence on the PVE by lesion size and tumour-to-background activity concentration ratio (TBR) in four different PET/CT systems. These measurements were compared with data from measurements with the NEMA NU-2 2001 phantom. The results with the MADEIRA phantom showed that the activity concentration (AC) values were closest to the true values at low ratios of TBR (<10) and reduced to 50 % of the actual AC values at high TBR (30-35). For all scanners, recovery of true values became closer to 1 with an increasing diameter of the lesion. The MADEIRA phantom showed good agreement with the results obtained from measurements with the NEMA NU-2 2001 phantom but allows for a wider range of possibilities in measuring image quality parameters. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A quantitative comparison of simultaneous BOLD fMRI and NIRS recordings during functional brain activation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strangman, Gary; Culver, Joseph P.; Thompson, John H.; Boas, David A.; Sutton, J. P. (Principal Investigator)

2002-01-01

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used to noninvasively monitor adult human brain function in a wide variety of tasks. While rough spatial correspondences with maps generated from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have been found in such experiments, the amplitude correspondences between the two recording modalities have not been fully characterized. To do so, we simultaneously acquired NIRS and blood-oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI data and compared Delta(1/BOLD) (approximately R(2)(*)) to changes in oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and total hemoglobin concentrations derived from the NIRS data from subjects performing a simple motor task. We expected the correlation with deoxyhemoglobin to be strongest, due to the causal relation between changes in deoxyhemoglobin concentrations and BOLD signal. Instead we found highly variable correlations, suggesting the need to account for individual subject differences in our NIRS calculations. We argue that the variability resulted from systematic errors associated with each of the signals, including: (1) partial volume errors due to focal concentration changes, (2) wavelength dependence of this partial volume effect, (3) tissue model errors, and (4) possible spatial incongruence between oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin concentration changes. After such effects were accounted for, strong correlations were found between fMRI changes and all optical measures, with oxyhemoglobin providing the strongest correlation. Importantly, this finding held even when including scalp, skull, and inactive brain tissue in the average BOLD signal. This may reflect, at least in part, the superior contrast-to-noise ratio for oxyhemoglobin relative to deoxyhemoglobin (from optical measurements), rather than physiology related to BOLD signal interpretation.

Preoperative single fraction partial breast radiotherapy for early-stage breast cancer.

PubMed

Palta, Manisha; Yoo, Sua; Adamson, Justus D; Prosnitz, Leonard R; Horton, Janet K

2012-01-01

Several recent series evaluating external beam accelerated partial breast irradiation (PBI) have reported adverse cosmetic outcomes, possibly related to large volumes of normal tissue receiving near-prescription doses. We hypothesized that delivery of external beam PBI in a single fraction to the preoperative tumor volume would be feasible and result in a decreased dose to the uninvolved breast compared with institutional postoperative PBI historical controls. A total of 17 patients with unifocal Stage T1 breast cancer were identified. Contrast-enhanced subtraction magnetic resonance images were loaded into an Eclipse treatment planning system and used to define the target volumes. A "virtual plan" was created using four photon beams in a noncoplanar beam arrangement and optimized to deliver 15 Gy to the planning target volume. The median breast volume was 1,713 cm(3) (range: 1,014-2,140), and the median clinical target volume was 44 cm(3) (range: 26-73). In all cases, 100% of the prescription dose covered 95% of the clinical target volume. The median conformity index was 0.86 (range: 0.70-1.12). The median percentage of the ipsilateral breast volume receiving 100% and 50% of the prescribed dose was 3.8% (range: 2.2-6.9) and 13.3% (range: 7.5-20.8) compared with 18% (range: 3-42) and 53% (range: 24-65) in the institutional historical controls treated with postoperative external beam PBI (p = .002). The median maximum skin dose was 9 Gy. The median dose to 1 and 10 cm(3) of skin was 6.7 and 4.9 Gy. The doses to the heart and ipsilateral lung were negligible. Preoperative PBI resulted in a substantial reduction in ipsilateral breast tissue dose compared with postoperative PBI. The skin dose appeared reasonable, given the small volumes. A prospective Phase I trial evaluating this technique is ongoing. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Functional requirements of a mathematical model of the heart.

PubMed

Palladino, Joseph L; Noordergraaf, Abraham

2009-01-01

Functional descriptions of the heart, especially the left ventricle, are often based on the measured variables pressure and ventricular outflow, embodied as a time-varying elastance. The fundamental difficulty of describing the mechanical properties of the heart with a time-varying elastance function that is set a priori is described. As an alternative, a new functional model of the heart is presented, which characterizes the ventricle's contractile state with parameters, rather than variables. Each chamber is treated as a pressure generator that is time and volume dependent. The heart's complex dynamics develop from a single equation based on the formation and relaxation of crossbridge bonds. This equation permits the calculation of ventricular elastance via E(v) = partial differentialp(v)/ partial differentialV(v). This heart model is defined independently from load properties, and ventricular elastance is dynamic and reflects changing numbers of crossbridge bonds. In this paper, the functionality of this new heart model is presented via computed work loops that demonstrate the Frank-Starling mechanism and the effects of preload, the effects of afterload, inotropic changes, and varied heart rate, as well as the interdependence of these effects. Results suggest the origin of the equivalent of Hill's force-velocity relation in the ventricle.

Considerations in high-resolution skeletal muscle diffusion tensor imaging using single-shot echo planar imaging with stimulated-echo preparation and sensitivity encoding.

PubMed

Karampinos, Dimitrios C; Banerjee, Suchandrima; King, Kevin F; Link, Thomas M; Majumdar, Sharmila

2012-05-01

Previous studies have shown that skeletal muscle diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can noninvasively probe changes in the muscle fiber architecture and microstructure in diseased and damaged muscles. However, DTI fiber reconstruction in small muscles and in muscle regions close to aponeuroses and tendons remains challenging because of partial volume effects. Increasing the spatial resolution of skeletal muscle single-shot diffusion-weighted echo planar imaging (DW-EPI) can be hindered by the inherently low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of muscle DW-EPI because of the short muscle T(2) and the high sensitivity of single-shot EPI to off-resonance effects and T(2)* blurring. In this article, eddy current-compensated diffusion-weighted stimulated-echo preparation is combined with sensitivity encoding (SENSE) to maintain good SNR properties and to reduce the sensitivity to distortions and T(2)* blurring in high-resolution skeletal muscle single-shot DW-EPI. An analytical framework is developed to optimize the reduction factor and diffusion weighting time to achieve maximum SNR. Arguments for the selection of the experimental parameters are then presented considering the compromise between SNR, B(0)-induced distortions, T(2)* blurring effects and tissue incoherent motion effects. On the basis of the selected parameters in a high-resolution skeletal muscle single-shot DW-EPI protocol, imaging protocols at lower acquisition matrix sizes are defined with matched bandwidth in the phase-encoding direction and SNR. In  vivo results show that high-resolution skeletal muscle DTI with minimized sensitivity to geometric distortions and T(2)* blurring is feasible using the proposed methodology. In particular, a significant benefit is demonstrated from a reduction in partial volume effects for resolving multi-pennate muscles and muscles with small cross-sections in calf muscle DTI. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Potential use of geothermal resources in the Snake River Basin: an environmental overview. Volume II. Annotated bibliography

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

Spencer, S.G.; Russell, B.F.; Sullivan, J.F.

This volume is a partially annotated bibliography of reference materials pertaining to the seven KGRA's. The bibliography is divided into sections by program element as follows: terrestrial ecology, aquatic ecology, heritage resources, socioeconomics and demography, geology, geothermal, soils, hydrology and water quality, seismicity, and subsidence. Cross-referencing is available for those references which are applicable to specific KGRA's. (MHR)

Structural Studies of NH4-exchanged Natrolites at Ambient Conditions and High Temperature

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

Y Lee; D Seoung; Y Jang

2011-12-31

We report here for the first time that fully and partially NH{sub 4}-exchanged natrolites can be prepared in hydrated states using the solution exchange method with potassium-natrolite. The structural models of the as-prepared hydrated phases and their dehydrated forms at elevated temperature were refined in space group Fdd2 using in situ synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data and Rietveld methods. The unit-cell volumes of the hydrated NH{sub 4}-exchanged natrolites at ambient conditions, (NH{sub 4}){sub 16(2)}Al{sub 16}Si{sub 24}O{sub 80}{center_dot}14.1(9)H{sub 2}O and (NH{sub 4}){sub 5.1(1)}K{sub 10.9(1)}Al{sub 16}Si{sub 24}O{sub 80}{center_dot}15.7(3)H{sub 2}O, are found to be larger than that the original sodium-natrolite by ca. 15.6%more » and 12.8%, respectively. Upon temperature increase, the fully NH{sub 4}-exchanged natrolite undergoes dehydration at ca. 150 C with ca. 16.4% contraction in the unit-cell volume. The dehydrated phase of the fully NH{sub 4}-exchanged natrolite exhibits marginal volume expansion up to 425 C and then becomes amorphized during temperature decrease and exposure to atmospheric condition. In the case of the partially NH{sub 4}-exchanged natrolite, the dehydration starts from ca. 175 C with {approx}15.1% volume contraction and leads to a partial phase separation to show a phase related to the dehydrated K-natrolite. The degree of the phase separation decreases with temperature increase up to 475 C, concomitant to the gradual volume contraction occurring in the partially NH{sub 4}-exchanged natrolite in the dehydrared state. Upon temperature decrease and exposure to atmospheric condition, only the dehydrated K-natrolite is recovered as a crystalline phase from the partially NH{sub 4}-exchanged natrolite. In the hydrated model of the fully NH{sub 4}-exchanged natrolite, the ammonium cations and water molecules are statistically distributed along the elliptical channels, similar to the disordered pattern observed in natrolites exchanged with larger alkali metal cations such as the K-, Rb-, and Cs-forms. The dehydrated model of the fully NH{sub 4}-exchanged natrolite at 400 C is essentially same as the one reported previously from the sample prepared by direct melt exchange method using sodium-natrolite. Both the hydrated and dehydrated structures of the partially NH{sub 4}-exchanged natrolite at RT and at 400 C, respectively, are characterized by having two separate sites for the ammonium and potassium cations. Comparing the structural models of the monovalent cation forms studied so far, we find that the rotation angle of the natrolite chain is inversely proportional to the cation radius both in the hydrated and dehydrated phases. The distribution pattern of the non-framework species along the natrolite channel also seems to be related to the non-framework cation radius and hence to the chain rotation angle.« less

Physical and mechanical properties of mortars containing PET and PC waste aggregates.

PubMed

Hannawi, Kinda; Kamali-Bernard, Siham; Prince, William

2010-11-01

Non-biodegradable plastic aggregates made of polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste are used as partial replacement of natural aggregates in mortar. Various volume fractions of sand 3%, 10%, 20% and 50% are replaced by the same volume of plastic. This paper investigates the physical and mechanical properties of the obtained composites. The main results of this study show the feasibility of the reuse of PC and PET waste aggregates materials as partial volume substitutes for natural aggregates in cementitious materials. Despite of some drawbacks like a decrease in compressive strength, the use of PC and PET waste aggregates presents various advantages. A reduction of the specific weight of the cementitious materials and a significant improvement of their post-peak flexural behaviour are observed. The calculated flexural toughness factors increase significantly with increasing volume fraction of PET and PC-aggregates. Thus, addition of PC and PET plastic aggregates in cementitious materials seems to give good energy absorbing materials which is very interesting for several civil engineering applications like structures subjected to dynamic or impact efforts. The present study has shown quite encouraging results and opened new way for the recycling of PC waste aggregate in cement and concrete composites. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation: What is Dosimetric Effect of Advanced Technology Approaches?

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

Moran, Jean M.; Ben-David, Merav A.; Marsh, Robin B.

2009-09-01

Purpose: The present treatment planning study compared whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT) to accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) for different external beam techniques and geometries (e.g., free breathing [FB] and deep inspiration breath hold [DIBH]). Methods and Materials: After approval by our institutional review board, a treatment planning study was performed of 10 patients with left-sided Stage 0-I breast cancer enrolled in a Phase I-II study of APBI using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). After lumpectomy, patients underwent planning computed tomography scans during FB and using an active breathing control device at DIBH. For the FB geometry, standard WBRT and three-dimensional conformal radiotherapymore » (3D-CRT) APBI plans were created. For the DIBH geometry with active breathing control, WBRT, 3D-CRT, and IMRT APBI plans were created. Results: All APBI techniques had excellent planning target volume coverage. The maximal planning target volume dose was reduced from 116% of the prescription dose to 108% with the IMRT(DIBH) APBI plan. The maximal heart dose was >30 Gy for the WBRT techniques, 8.2 Gy for 3D-CRT(FB), and <5.0 Gy for 3D-CRT(DIBH) and IMRT(DIBH) techniques. The mean left anterior descending artery dose was significantly reduced from 11.4 Gy with WBRT(FB) to 4.2 with WBRT(DIBH) and <2.0 Gy with all APBI techniques. Conclusion: Although planning target volume coverage was acceptable with all techniques, the plans using the DIBH geometry resulted in a marked reduction in the normal tissue dose compared with WBRT planned in the absence of cardiac blocking. Additional study is needed to determine whether these techniques result in clinical benefits.« less

A New Sparse Representation Framework for Reconstruction of an Isotropic High Spatial Resolution MR Volume From Orthogonal Anisotropic Resolution Scans.

PubMed

Jia, Yuanyuan; Gholipour, Ali; He, Zhongshi; Warfield, Simon K

2017-05-01

In magnetic resonance (MR), hardware limitations, scan time constraints, and patient movement often result in the acquisition of anisotropic 3-D MR images with limited spatial resolution in the out-of-plane views. Our goal is to construct an isotropic high-resolution (HR) 3-D MR image through upsampling and fusion of orthogonal anisotropic input scans. We propose a multiframe super-resolution (SR) reconstruction technique based on sparse representation of MR images. Our proposed algorithm exploits the correspondence between the HR slices and the low-resolution (LR) sections of the orthogonal input scans as well as the self-similarity of each input scan to train pairs of overcomplete dictionaries that are used in a sparse-land local model to upsample the input scans. The upsampled images are then combined using wavelet fusion and error backprojection to reconstruct an image. Features are learned from the data and no extra training set is needed. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted to evaluate the proposed algorithm using simulated and clinical MR scans. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves promising results in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio, structural similarity image index, intensity profiles, and visualization of small structures obscured in the LR imaging process due to partial volume effects. Our novel SR algorithm outperforms the nonlocal means (NLM) method using self-similarity, NLM method using self-similarity and image prior, self-training dictionary learning-based SR method, averaging of upsampled scans, and the wavelet fusion method. Our SR algorithm can reduce through-plane partial volume artifact by combining multiple orthogonal MR scans, and thus can potentially improve medical image analysis, research, and clinical diagnosis.

Short-term effect of volume recruitment-derecruitment manoeuvre on chest-wall motion in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

PubMed

Meric, Henri; Falaize, Line; Pradon, Didier; Lacombe, Matthieu; Petitjean, Michel; Orlikowski, David; Prigent, Hélène; Lofaso, Frédéric

2017-05-01

Because progressive respiratory muscle weakness leads to decreased chest-wall motion with eventual ribcage stiffening, the purpose was to compare vital capacity (VC) and contributions of chest-wall compartments before and after volume recruitment-derecruitment manoeuvres (VRDM) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We studied nine patients with DMD and VC lower than 30% of predicted. VRDM was performed using 15 insufflations-exsufflations of +30 to -30 cmH 2 O. VC and three-dimensional chest-wall motion were measured, as well as oxygen saturation, transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide and the rapid shallow breathing index (respiratory rate/tidal volume) before (baseline) and immediately and 1 hour after VRDM. VC increased significantly immediately after VRDM (108% ± 7% of baseline, p = 0.018) but returned to baseline within 1 hour, and the rapid shallow breathing index increased significantly. The non-dominant side systematically increased immediately after VRDM ( p = 0.0077), and in the six patients with abnormal breathing asymmetry (difference >10% of VC) at baseline, this asymmetry was corrected immediately and/or 1 hour after VRDM. VRDM improved VC and reduced chest-wall motion asymmetry, but this beneficial effect waned rapidly with respiratory muscle fatigue, suggesting that VRDM may need to be repeated during the day to produce lasting benefits.

Matrix elements of Δ B =0 operators in heavy hadron chiral perturbation theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jong-Wan

2015-05-01

We study the light-quark mass and spatial volume dependence of the matrix elements of Δ B =0 four-quark operators relevant for the determination of Vu b and the lifetime ratios of single-b hadrons. To this end, one-loop diagrams are computed in the framework of heavy hadron chiral perturbation theory with partially quenched formalism for three light-quark flavors in the isospin limit; flavor-connected and -disconnected diagrams are carefully analyzed. These calculations include the leading light-quark flavor and heavy-quark spin symmetry breaking effects in the heavy hadron spectrum. Our results can be used in the chiral extrapolation of lattice calculations of the matrix elements to the physical light-quark masses and to infinite volume. To provide insight on such chiral extrapolation, we evaluate the one-loop contributions to the matrix elements containing external Bd, Bs mesons and Λb baryon in the QCD limit, where sea and valence quark masses become equal. In particular, we find that the matrix elements of the λ3 flavor-octet operators with an external Bd meson receive the contributions solely from connected diagrams in which current lattice techniques are capable of precise determination of the matrix elements. Finite volume effects are at most a few percent for typical lattice sizes and pion masses.

Young adult waterpipe smokers: Smoking behaviors and associated subjective and physiological effects.

PubMed

Shishani, Kawkab; Howell, Donelle; McPherson, Sterling; Roll, John

2014-06-01

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate smoking behaviors and subjective and physiological effects of nicotine on young adult occasional waterpipe smokers. This study utilized a repeated-measures design that included one repeated factor for condition (nicotine and non-nicotine). For each participant, the sequencing of the repeated factor was assigned using random allocation. The two nicotine conditions were nicotine (0.75 g) and non-nicotine (0 g placebo) tobacco. Over the course of two weeks, twenty-two participants completed subjective (Acute Subjective Effects of Nicotine) and physiological (blood pressure, heart rate, and CO level) measures. Additional measures (QSU and MNWS-R) were used to assess for withdrawal symptoms. The participants (n=22) were young adults (23 ± 3.1years); 71% smoked waterpipe once a month in the past year and 29% smoked waterpipe 1-2 times per week. In addition, 60% reported sharing their waterpipe with friends while smoking. None of the participants reported using any other forms of tobacco products. Under the nicotine condition, participants tended to smoke longer (i.e. smoking duration, p=0.004), take more puffs (p=0.03), take shorter puffs (p=0.03), and inhale less volume with each puff (p=0.02). The repeated measures analysis of the factor headrush revealed an effect of the nicotine condition (F=9.69, p<0.001, partial η(2)=0.31) and time (F=8.17, p=0.02, partial η(2)=0.30). Heart rate increased significantly across the nicotine condition (F=7.92, p=0.01, partial η(2)=0.31) and over time (F=12.64, p=0.01, partial η(2)=0.41). This study demonstrates how differences between nicotine and non-nicotine waterpipe smoking are associated with changes in smoking behaviors, experiencing a headrush and an increase in heart rate. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Therapy of myeloma in vivo using marine phospholipid in combination with Agaricus blazei Murill as an immune respond activator.

PubMed

Murakawa, Kentaro; Fukunaga, Kenji; Tanouchi, Masatoshi; Hosokawa, Masashi; Hossain, Zakir; Takahashi, Koretaro

2007-01-01

Mushroom (Agaricus blazei Murill) extract has been reported to possess antitumor effects through immune activation. Here, we investigated the beneficial effects of combining A. blazei extract with marine phospholipids in comparison to A. blazei extract alone on myeloma sp2 tumor suppression when orally administrated. The experimental groups designed for sp2 tumor bearing BALB/c nu/nu mice were drinks of: (1)control; (2)1.0 mg/mL squid phospholipid liposome alone; (3)0.5 mg/mL A. blazei Murill water extract alone; (4)1.0 mg/mL squid phospholipid liposome with 0.5 mg/mL A. blazei Murill water extract in the form of those simple mixture; and (5)1.0 mg/mL squid phospholipid liposome with 0.5 mg/mL A. blazei Murill water extract partially encapsulated. Orally administrated volumes amounted to approximately 5 mL per day per mouse for all groups. A. blazei Murill water extract alone and squid phospholipid alone served groups show moderate tumor suppression with total administrations of approximately 105 mg/mouse for squid phospholipid through out the experimental term. When both A. blazei Murill water extract and squid phospholipid were administrated simultaneously in a simple mixture form, promotional effect on cancer tumor suppression was observed. And when A. blazei Murill water extract was partially encapsulated in the squid phospholipid liposomes with total administrations being 105 mg/mouse for squid phospholipid, effect on cancer tumor suppression was more pronounced. Though there was no statistically significant difference in tumor sizes between the simple mixture form administrated group i.e. group (4) and the partially encapsulated form administrated group i.e. group (5), the tumor vanished mouse was seen in the partially encapsulated form administrated group. Thus it was concluded that combinational administration of the A. blazei Murill water extract and the marine phospholipid may be useful in myeloma sp2 therapy.

Environment, epigenetics and reproduction.

PubMed

Skinner, Michael K

2017-07-01

A conference summary of the third biannual Kenya Africa Conference "Environment, Epigenetics and Reproduction" is provided. A partial special Environmental Epigenetics issue containing a number of papers in Volume 3, Issue 3 and 4 are discussed.

Transpiring purging access probe for particulate laden or hazardous environments

DOEpatents

VanOsdol, John G

2013-12-03

An access probe for remote-sensing access through a viewing port, viewing volume, and access port into a vessel. The physical boundary around the viewing volume is partially formed by a porous sleeve lying between the viewing volume and a fluid conduit. In a first mode of operation, a fluid supplied to the fluid conduit encounters the porous sleeve and flows through the porous material to maintain the viewing volume free of ash or other matter. When additional fluid force is needed to clear the viewing volume, the pressure of the fluid flow is increased sufficiently to slidably translate the porous sleeve, greatly increasing the flow into the viewing volume. The porous sleeve is returned to position by an actuating spring. The access probe thereby provides for alternate modes of operation based on the pressure of an actuating fluid.

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

Favorite, Jeffrey A.

In transport theory, adjoint-based partial derivatives with respect to mass density are constant-volume derivatives. Likewise, adjoint-based partial derivatives with respect to surface locations (i.e., internal interface locations and the outer system boundary) are constant-density derivatives. This study derives the constant-mass partial derivative of a response with respect to an internal interface location or the outer system boundary and the constant-mass partial derivative of a response with respect to the mass density of a region. Numerical results are given for a multiregion two-dimensional (r-z) cylinder for three very different responses: the uncollided gamma-ray flux at an external detector point, k effmore » of the system, and the total neutron leakage. Finally, results from the derived formulas compare extremely well with direct perturbation calculations.« less

Water Resources Data, California, Water Year 1993. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin, and Pacific Slope Basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria River

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mullen, J.R.; Hayes, P.D.; Agajanian, J.A.

1994-01-01

Water resources data for the 1993 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains (1) discharge records for 156 streamflow-gaging stations, 12 crest-stage partial-record streamflow stations, and 5 miscellaneous measurement stations; (2) stage and contents records for 26 lakes and reservoirs; (3) water-quality records for 17 streamflow-gaging stations and 6 partial-record stations; and (4) precipitation records for 10 stations . These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in California.

Anatomic partial nephrectomy: technique evolution.

PubMed

Azhar, Raed A; Metcalfe, Charles; Gill, Inderbir S

2015-03-01

Partial nephrectomy provides equivalent long-term oncologic and superior functional outcomes as radical nephrectomy for T1a renal masses. Herein, we review the various vascular clamping techniques employed during minimally invasive partial nephrectomy, describe the evolution of our partial nephrectomy technique and provide an update on contemporary thinking about the impact of ischemia on renal function. Recently, partial nephrectomy surgical technique has shifted away from main artery clamping and towards minimizing/eliminating global renal ischemia during partial nephrectomy. Supported by high-fidelity three-dimensional imaging, novel anatomic-based partial nephrectomy techniques have recently been developed, wherein partial nephrectomy can now be performed with segmental, minimal or zero global ischemia to the renal remnant. Sequential innovations have included early unclamping, segmental clamping, super-selective clamping and now culminating in anatomic zero-ischemia surgery. By eliminating 'under-the-gun' time pressure of ischemia for the surgeon, these techniques allow an unhurried, tightly contoured tumour excision with point-specific sutured haemostasis. Recent data indicate that zero-ischemia partial nephrectomy may provide better functional outcomes by minimizing/eliminating global ischemia and preserving greater vascularized kidney volume. Contemporary partial nephrectomy includes a spectrum of surgical techniques ranging from conventional-clamped to novel zero-ischemia approaches. Technique selection should be tailored to each individual case on the basis of tumour characteristics, surgical feasibility, surgeon experience, patient demographics and baseline renal function.

Properties of Cast Films Made from Different Ratios of Whey Protein Isolate, Hydrolysed Whey Protein Isolate and Glycerol

PubMed Central

Schmid, Markus

2013-01-01

Whey protein isolate (WPI)-based cast films are very brittle, due to several chain interactions caused by a large amount of different functional groups. In order to overcome film brittleness, plasticizers, like glycerol, are commonly used. As a result of adding plasticizers, the free volume between the polymer chains increases, leading to higher permeability values. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of partially substituting glycerol by hydrolysed whey protein isolate (h-WPI) in WPI-based cast films on their mechanical, optical and barrier properties. As recently published by the author, it is proven that increasing the h-WPI content in WPI-based films at constant glycerol concentrations significantly increases film flexibility, while maintaining the barrier properties. The present study considered these facts in order to increase the barrier performance, while maintaining film flexibility. Therefore glycerol was partially replaced by h-WPI in WPI-based cast films. The results clearly indicate that partially replacing glycerol by h-WPI reduces the oxygen permeability and the water vapor transmission rate, while the mechanical properties did not change significantly. Thus, film flexibility was maintained, even though the plasticizer concentration was decreased. PMID:28811434

Comparison of cardiorespiratory variables in dorsally recumbent horses anesthetized with guaifenesin-ketamine-xylazine spontaneously breathing 50% or maximal oxygen concentrations.

PubMed

Karrasch, Nicole M; Hubbell, John A E; Aarnes, Turi K; Bednarski, Richard M; Lerche, Phillip

2015-04-01

This study compared cardiorespiratory variables in dorsally recumbent horses anesthetized with guaifenesin-ketamine-xylazine and spontaneously breathing 50% or maximal (> 90%) oxygen (O2) concentrations. Twelve healthy mares were randomly assigned to breathe 50% or maximal O2 concentrations. Horses were sedated with xylazine, induced to recumbency with ketamine-diazepam, and anesthesia was maintained with guaifenesin-ketamine-xylazine to effect. Heart rate, arterial blood pressures, respiratory rate, lithium dilution cardiac output (CO), inspired and expired O2 and carbon dioxide partial pressures, and tidal volume were measured. Arterial and mixed-venous blood samples were collected prior to sedation (baseline), during 30 minutes of anesthesia, 10 minutes after disconnection from O2, and 30 minutes after standing. Shunt fraction, O2 delivery, and alveolar-arterial O2 partial pressures difference [P(A-a)O2] were calculated. Recovery times were recorded. There were no significant differences between groups in cardiorespiratory parameters or in P(A-a)O2 at baseline or 30 minutes after standing. Oxygen partial pressure difference in the 50% group was significantly less than in the maximal O2 group during anesthesia.

Comparison of cardiorespiratory variables in dorsally recumbent horses anesthetized with guaifenesin-ketamine-xylazine spontaneously breathing 50% or maximal oxygen concentrations

PubMed Central

Karrasch, Nicole M.; Hubbell, John A.E.; Aarnes, Turi K.; Bednarski, Richard M.; Lerche, Phillip

2015-01-01

This study compared cardiorespiratory variables in dorsally recumbent horses anesthetized with guaifenesin-ketamine-xylazine and spontaneously breathing 50% or maximal (> 90%) oxygen (O2) concentrations. Twelve healthy mares were randomly assigned to breathe 50% or maximal O2 concentrations. Horses were sedated with xylazine, induced to recumbency with ketamine-diazepam, and anesthesia was maintained with guaifenesin-ketamine-xylazine to effect. Heart rate, arterial blood pressures, respiratory rate, lithium dilution cardiac output (CO), inspired and expired O2 and carbon dioxide partial pressures, and tidal volume were measured. Arterial and mixed-venous blood samples were collected prior to sedation (baseline), during 30 minutes of anesthesia, 10 minutes after disconnection from O2, and 30 minutes after standing. Shunt fraction, O2 delivery, and alveolar-arterial O2 partial pressures difference [P(A-a)O2] were calculated. Recovery times were recorded. There were no significant differences between groups in cardiorespiratory parameters or in P(A-a)O2 at baseline or 30 minutes after standing. Oxygen partial pressure difference in the 50% group was significantly less than in the maximal O2 group during anesthesia. PMID:25829559

Digital tomosynthesis mammography using a parallel maximum-likelihood reconstruction method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Tao; Zhang, Juemin; Moore, Richard; Rafferty, Elizabeth; Kopans, Daniel; Meleis, Waleed; Kaeli, David

2004-05-01

A parallel reconstruction method, based on an iterative maximum likelihood (ML) algorithm, is developed to provide fast reconstruction for digital tomosynthesis mammography. Tomosynthesis mammography acquires 11 low-dose projections of a breast by moving an x-ray tube over a 50° angular range. In parallel reconstruction, each projection is divided into multiple segments along the chest-to-nipple direction. Using the 11 projections, segments located at the same distance from the chest wall are combined to compute a partial reconstruction of the total breast volume. The shape of the partial reconstruction forms a thin slab, angled toward the x-ray source at a projection angle 0°. The reconstruction of the total breast volume is obtained by merging the partial reconstructions. The overlap region between neighboring partial reconstructions and neighboring projection segments is utilized to compensate for the incomplete data at the boundary locations present in the partial reconstructions. A serial execution of the reconstruction is compared to a parallel implementation, using clinical data. The serial code was run on a PC with a single PentiumIV 2.2GHz CPU. The parallel implementation was developed using MPI and run on a 64-node Linux cluster using 800MHz Itanium CPUs. The serial reconstruction for a medium-sized breast (5cm thickness, 11cm chest-to-nipple distance) takes 115 minutes, while a parallel implementation takes only 3.5 minutes. The reconstruction time for a larger breast using a serial implementation takes 187 minutes, while a parallel implementation takes 6.5 minutes. No significant differences were observed between the reconstructions produced by the serial and parallel implementations.

A comparative cost analysis of robot-assisted versus traditional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

PubMed

Hyams, Elias; Pierorazio, Philip; Mullins, Jeffrey K; Ward, Maryann; Allaf, Mohamad

2012-07-01

Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) is supplanting traditional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) as the technique of choice for minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery. This evolution has resulted from potential clinical benefits, as well as proliferation of robotic systems and patient demand for robot-assisted surgery. We sought to quantify the costs associated with the use of robotics for minimally invasive partial nephrectomy. A cost analysis was performed for 20 consecutive robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) and LPN patients at our institution from 2009 to 2010. Data included actual perioperative and hospitalization costs as well as professional fees. Capital costs were estimated using purchase costs and amortization of two robotic systems from 2001 to 2009, as well as maintenance contract costs. The estimated cost/case was obtained using total robotic surgical volume during this period. Total estimated costs were compared between groups. A separate analysis was performed assuming "ideal" robotic utilization during a comparable period. RALPN had a cost premium of +$1066/case compared with LPN, assuming actual robot utilization from 2001 to 2009. Assuming "ideal" utilization during a comparable period, this premium decreased to +$334; capital costs per case decreased from $1907 to $1175. Tumor size, operative time, and length of stay were comparable between groups. RALPN is associated with a small to moderate cost premium depending on assumptions regarding robotic surgical volume. Saturated utilization of robotic systems decreases attributable capital costs and makes comparison with laparoscopy more favorable. Purported clinical benefits of RPN (eg, decreased warm ischemia time, increased utilization of nephron-sparing surgery) need further study, because these may have cost implications.

Application of a multicompartment dynamical model to multimodal optical imaging for investigating individual cerebrovascular properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desjardins, Michèle; Gagnon, Louis; Gauthier, Claudine; Hoge, Rick D.; Dehaes, Mathieu; Desjardins-Crépeau, Laurence; Bherer, Louis; Lesage, Frédéric

2009-02-01

Biophysical models of hemodynamics provide a tool for quantitative multimodal brain imaging by allowing a deeper understanding of the interplay between neural activity and blood oxygenation, volume and flow responses to stimuli. Multicompartment dynamical models that describe the dynamics and interactions of the vascular and metabolic components of evoked hemodynamic responses have been developed in the literature. In this work, multimodal data using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and diffuse correlation flowmetry (DCF) is used to estimate total baseline hemoglobin concentration (HBT0) in 7 adult subjects. A validation of the model estimate and investigation of the partial volume effect is done by comparing with time-resolved spectroscopy (TRS) measures of absolute HBT0. Simultaneous NIRS and DCF measurements during hypercapnia are then performed, but are found to be hardly reproducible. The results raise questions about the feasibility of an all-optical model-based estimation of individual vascular properties.

Three-Dimensions Segmentation of Pulmonary Vascular Trees for Low Dose CT Scans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Jun; Huang, Ying; Wang, Ying; Wang, Jun

2016-12-01

Due to the low contrast and the partial volume effects, providing an accurate and in vivo analysis for pulmonary vascular trees from low dose CT scans is a challenging task. This paper proposes an automatic integration segmentation approach for the vascular trees in low dose CT scans. It consists of the following steps: firstly, lung volumes are acquired by the knowledge based method from the CT scans, and then the data are smoothed by the 3D Gaussian filter; secondly, two or three seeds are gotten by the adaptive 2D segmentation and the maximum area selecting from different position scans; thirdly, each seed as the start voxel is inputted for a quick multi-seeds 3D region growing to get vascular trees; finally, the trees are refined by the smooth filter. Through skeleton analyzing for the vascular trees, the results show that the proposed method can provide much better and lower level vascular branches.

Grating formation by a high power radio wave in near-equator ionosphere

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

Singh, Rohtash; Sharma, A. K.; Tripathi, V. K.

2011-11-15

The formation of a volume grating in the near-equator regions of ionosphere due to a high power radio wave is investigated. The radio wave, launched from a ground based transmitter, forms a standing wave pattern below the critical layer, heating the electrons in a space periodic manner. The thermal conduction along the magnetic lines of force inhibits the rise in electron temperature, limiting the efficacy of heating to within a latitude of few degrees around the equator. The space periodic electron partial pressure leads to ambipolar diffusion creating a space periodic density ripple with wave vector along the vertical. Suchmore » a volume grating is effective to cause strong reflection of radio waves at a frequency one order of magnitude higher than the maximum plasma frequency in the ionosphere. Linearly mode converted plasma wave could scatter even higher frequency radio waves.« less

Noninvasive oxygen partial pressure measurement of human body fluids in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Zaharchuk, Greg; Busse, Reed F; Rosenthal, Guy; Manley, Geoffery T; Glenn, Orit A; Dillon, William P

2006-08-01

The oxygen partial pressure (pO2) of human body fluids reflects the oxygenation status of surrounding tissues. All existing fluid pO2 measurements are invasive, requiring either microelectrode/optode placement or fluid removal. The purpose of this study is to develop a noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging method to measure the pO2 of human body fluids. We developed an imaging paradigm that exploits the paramagnetism of molecular oxygen to create quantitative images of fluid oxygenation. A single-shot fast spin echo pulse sequence was modified to minimize artifacts from motion, fluid flow, and partial volume. Longitudinal relaxation rate (R1 = 1/T1) was measured with a time-efficient nonequilibrium saturation recovery method and correlated with pO2 measured in phantoms. pO2 images of human and fetal cerebrospinal fluid, bladder urine, and vitreous humor are presented and quantitative oxygenation levels are compared with prior literature estimates, where available. Significant pO2 increases are shown in cerebrospinal fluid and vitreous following 100% oxygen inhalation. Potential errors due to temperature, fluid flow, and partial volume are discussed. Noninvasive measurements of human body fluid pO2 in vivo are presented, which yield reasonable values based on prior literature estimates. This rapid imaging-based measurement of fluid oxygenation may provide insight into normal physiology as well as changes due to disease or during treatment.

Rapid Liver Hypertrophy After Portal Vein Occlusion Correlates with the Degree of Collateralization Between Lobes-a Study in Pigs.

PubMed

Deal, Rebecca; Frederiks, Charles; Williams, Lauren; Olthof, Pim B; Dirscherl, Konstantin; Keutgen, Xavier; Chan, Edie; Deziel, Daniel; Hertl, Martin; Schadde, Erik

2018-02-01

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) induces more rapid liver growth than portal vein ligation (PVL). Transection of parenchyma in ALPPS may prevent the formation of collaterals between lobes. The aim of this study was to determine if abrogating the formation of collaterals through parenchymal transection impacted growth rate. Twelve Yorkshire Landrace pigs were randomized to undergo ALPPS, PVL, or "partial ALPPS" by varying degrees of parenchymal transection. Hepatic volume was measured after 7 days. Portal blood flow and pressure were measured. Portal vein collaterals were examined from epoxy casts. PVL, ALPPS, and partial ALPPS led to volume increases of the RLL by 15.5% (range 3-22), 64% (range 45-76), and 32% (range 18-77), respectively, with significant differences between PVL and ALPPS/partial ALPPS (p < 0.05). In PVL and partial ALPPS, substantial new portal vein collaterals were found. The number of collaterals correlated inversely with the growth rate (p = 0.039). Portal vein pressure was elevated in all models after ligation suggesting hyperflow to the portal vein-supplied lobe (p < 0.05). These data suggest that liver hypertrophy following PVL is inversely proportional to the development of collaterals. Hypertrophy after ALPPS is likely more rapid due to reduction of collaterals through transection.

Aerobic Fitness is Associated With Hippocampal Volume in Elderly Humans

PubMed Central

Erickson, Kirk I.; Prakash, Ruchika S.; Voss, Michelle W.; Chaddock, Laura; Hu, Liang; Morris, Katherine S.; White, Siobhan M.; Wójcicki, Thomas R.; McAuley, Edward; Kramer, Arthur F.

2010-01-01

Deterioration of the hippocampus occurs in elderly individuals with and without dementia, yet individual variation exists in the degree and rate of hippocampal decay. Determining the factors that influence individual variation in the magnitude and rate of hippocampal decay may help promote lifestyle changes that prevent such deterioration from taking place. Aerobic fitness and exercise are effective at preventing cortical decay and cognitive impairment in older adults and epidemiological studies suggest that physical activity can reduce the risk for developing dementia. However, the relationship between aerobic fitness and hippocampal volume in elderly humans is unknown. In this study, we investigated whether individuals with higher levels of aerobic fitness displayed greater volume of the hippocampus and better spatial memory performance than individuals with lower fitness levels. Furthermore, in exploratory analyses, we assessed whether hippocampal volume mediated the relationship between fitness and spatial memory. Using a region-of-interest analysis on magnetic resonance images in 165 nondemented older adults, we found a triple association such that higher fitness levels were associated with larger left and right hippocampi after controlling for age, sex, and years of education, and larger hippocampi and higher fitness levels were correlated with better spatial memory performance. Furthermore, we demonstrated that hippocampal volume partially mediated the relationship between higher fitness levels and enhanced spatial memory. Our results clearly indicate that higher levels of aerobic fitness are associated with increased hippocampal volume in older humans, which translates to better memory function. PMID:19123237

Effect of hospital volume on processes of breast cancer care: A National Cancer Data Base study.

PubMed

Yen, Tina W F; Pezzin, Liliana E; Li, Jianing; Sparapani, Rodney; Laud, Purushuttom W; Nattinger, Ann B

2017-05-15

The purpose of this study was to examine variations in delivery of several breast cancer processes of care that are correlated with lower mortality and disease recurrence, and to determine the extent to which hospital volume explains this variation. Women who were diagnosed with stage I-III unilateral breast cancer between 2007 and 2011 were identified within the National Cancer Data Base. Multiple logistic regression models were developed to determine whether hospital volume was independently associated with each of 10 individual process of care measures addressing diagnosis and treatment, and 2 composite measures assessing appropriateness of systemic treatment (chemotherapy and hormonal therapy) and locoregional treatment (margin status and radiation therapy). Among 573,571 women treated at 1755 different hospitals, 38%, 51%, and 10% were treated at high-, medium-, and low-volume hospitals, respectively. On multivariate analysis controlling for patient sociodemographic characteristics, treatment year and geographic location, hospital volume was a significant predictor for cancer diagnosis by initial biopsy (medium volume: odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-1.25; high volume: OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.14-1.49), negative surgical margins (medium volume: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.06-1.24; high volume: OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.13-1.44), and appropriate locoregional treatment (medium volume: OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.07-1.17; high volume: OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.09-1.24). Diagnosis of breast cancer before initial surgery, negative surgical margins and appropriate use of radiation therapy may partially explain the volume-survival relationship. Dissemination of these processes of care to a broader group of hospitals could potentially improve the overall quality of care and outcomes of breast cancer survivors. Cancer 2017;123:957-66. © 2016 American Cancer Society. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

The effect of future time perspective on delay discounting is mediated by the gray matter volume of vmPFC.

PubMed

Guo, Yiqun; Chen, Zhiyi; Feng, Tingyong

2017-07-28

Although several previous studies have shown that individuals' attitude towards time could affect their intertemporal preference, little is known about the neural basis of the relation between time perspective (TP) and delay discounting. In the present study, we quantified the gray matter (GM) cortical volume using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) methods to investigate the effect of TP on delay discounting (DD) across two independent samples. For group 1 (102 healthy college students; 46 male; 20.40 ± 1.87 years), behavioral results showed that only Future TP was a significant predictor of DD, and higher scores on Future TP were related to lower discounting rates. Whole-brain analysis revealed that steeper discounting correlated with greater GM volume in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and ventral part of posterior cingulate cortex (vPCC). Also, GM volume of a cluster in the vmPFC was correlated with Future TP. Interestingly, there was an overlapping region in vmPFC that was correlated with both DD and Future TP. Region-of-interest analysis further indicated that the overlapping region of vmPFC played a partially mediating role in the relation between Future TP and DD in the other independent dataset (Group 2, 36 healthy college students; 14 male; 20.18±1.80 years). Taken together, our results provide a new perspective from neural basis for explaining the relation between DD and future TP. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

One-Lung Ventilation with Additional Ipsilateral Ventilation of Low Tidal Volume and High Frequency in Lung Lobectomy

PubMed Central

Feng, Yong; Wang, Jianyue; Zhang, Yang; Wang, Shiduan

2016-01-01

Background To investigate the protective effects of additional ipsilateral ventilation of low tidal volume and high frequency on lung functions in the patients receiving lobectomy. Material/Methods Sixty patients receiving lung lobectomy were randomized into the conventional one-lung ventilation (CV) group (n=30) and the ipsilateral low tidal volume high frequency ventilation (LV) group (n=30). In the CV group, patients received only contralateral OLV. In the LV group, patients received contralateral ventilation and additional ipsilateral ventilation of low tidal volume of 1–2 ml/kg and high frequency of 40 times/min. Normal lung tissues were biopsied for the analysis of lung injury. Lung injury was scored by evaluating interstitial edema, alveolar edema, neutrophil infiltration, and alveolar congestion. Results At 30 min and 60 min after the initiation of one-lung ventilation and after surgery, patients in the LV group showed significantly higher ratio of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen than those in the CV group (P<0.001). Lung injury was significantly less severe (2.7±0.7) in the LV group than in the CV group (3.1±0.7) (P=0.006). Conclusions Additional ipsilateral ventilation of low tidal volume and high frequency can decrease the risk of hypoxemia and alleviate lung injury in patients receiving lobectomy. PMID:27166086

Automatic, accurate, and reproducible segmentation of the brain and cerebro-spinal fluid in T1-weighted volume MRI scans and its application to serial cerebral and intracranial volumetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemieux, Louis

2001-07-01

A new fully automatic algorithm for the segmentation of the brain and cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) from T1-weighted volume MRI scans of the head was specifically developed in the context of serial intra-cranial volumetry. The method is an extension of a previously published brain extraction algorithm. The brain mask is used as a basis for CSF segmentation based on morphological operations, automatic histogram analysis and thresholding. Brain segmentation is then obtained by iterative tracking of the brain-CSF interface. Grey matter (GM), white matter (WM) and CSF volumes are calculated based on a model of intensity probability distribution that includes partial volume effects. Accuracy was assessed using a digital phantom scan. Reproducibility was assessed by segmenting pairs of scans from 20 normal subjects scanned 8 months apart and 11 patients with epilepsy scanned 3.5 years apart. Segmentation accuracy as measured by overlap was 98% for the brain and 96% for the intra-cranial tissues. The volume errors were: total brain (TBV): -1.0%, intra-cranial (ICV):0.1%, CSF: +4.8%. For repeated scans, matching resulted in improved reproducibility. In the controls, the coefficient of reliability (CR) was 1.5% for the TVB and 1.0% for the ICV. In the patients, the Cr for the ICV was 1.2%.

Regional magnetic resonance imaging measures for multivariate analysis in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.

PubMed

Westman, Eric; Aguilar, Carlos; Muehlboeck, J-Sebastian; Simmons, Andrew

2013-01-01

Automated structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) processing pipelines are gaining popularity for Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. They generate regional volumes, cortical thickness measures and other measures, which can be used as input for multivariate analysis. It is not clear which combination of measures and normalization approach are most useful for AD classification and to predict mild cognitive impairment (MCI) conversion. The current study includes MRI scans from 699 subjects [AD, MCI and controls (CTL)] from the Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). The Freesurfer pipeline was used to generate regional volume, cortical thickness, gray matter volume, surface area, mean curvature, gaussian curvature, folding index and curvature index measures. 259 variables were used for orthogonal partial least square to latent structures (OPLS) multivariate analysis. Normalisation approaches were explored and the optimal combination of measures determined. Results indicate that cortical thickness measures should not be normalized, while volumes should probably be normalized by intracranial volume (ICV). Combining regional cortical thickness measures (not normalized) with cortical and subcortical volumes (normalized with ICV) using OPLS gave a prediction accuracy of 91.5 % when distinguishing AD versus CTL. This model prospectively predicted future decline from MCI to AD with 75.9 % of converters correctly classified. Normalization strategy did not have a significant effect on the accuracies of multivariate models containing multiple MRI measures for this large dataset. The appropriate choice of input for multivariate analysis in AD and MCI is of great importance. The results support the use of un-normalised cortical thickness measures and volumes normalised by ICV.

Effects of laser fluence non-uniformity on ambient-temperature soot measurements using the auto-compensating laser-induced incandescence technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Fengshan; Rogak, Steven; Snelling, David R.; Saffaripour, Meghdad; Thomson, Kevin A.; Smallwood, Gregory J.

2016-11-01

Multimode pulsed Nd:YAG lasers are commonly used in auto-compensating laser-induced incandescence (AC-LII) measurements of soot in flames and engine exhaust as well as black carbon in the atmosphere. Such lasers possess a certain degree of fluence non-uniformity across the laser beam even with the use of beam shaping optics. Recent research showed that the measured volume fraction of ambient-temperature soot using AC-LII increases significantly, by about a factor of 5-8, with increasing the laser fluence in the low-fluence regime from a very low fluence to a relatively high fluence of near sublimation. The causes of this so-called soot volume fraction anomaly are currently not understood. The effects of laser fluence non-uniformity on the measured soot volume fraction using AC-LII were investigated. Three sets of LII experiments were conducted in the exhaust of a MiniCAST soot generator under conditions of high elemental carbon using Nd:YAG lasers operated at 1064 nm. The laser beams were shaped and relay imaged to achieve a relatively uniform fluence distribution in the measurement volume. To further homogenize the laser fluence, one set of LII experiments was conducted by using a diffractive optical element. The measured soot volume fractions in all three sets of LII experiments increase strongly with increasing the laser fluence before a peak value is reached and then start to decrease at higher fluences. Numerical calculations were conducted using the experimental laser fluence histograms. Laser fluence non-uniformity is found partially responsible for the soot volume fraction anomaly, but is insufficient to explain the degree of soot volume fraction anomaly observed experimentally. Representing the laser fluence variations by a histogram derived from high-resolution images of the laser beam energy profile gives a more accurate definition of inhomogeneity than a simple averaged linear profile across the laser beam.

Flow rate measurement in a volume

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

Galvez, Cristhian

A system for measuring flow rate within a volume includes one or more transmission devices that transmit one or more signals through fluid contained within the volume. The volume may be bounded, at least in part, by an outer structure and by an object at least partially contained within the outer structure. A transmission device located at a first location of the outer structure transmits a first signal to a second location of the outer structure. A second signal is transmitted through the fluid from the second location to a third location of the outer structure. The flow rate ofmore » the fluid within the volume may be determined based, at least in part, on the time of flight of both the first signal and the second signal.« less

Toward 2D and 3D imaging of magnetic nanoparticles using EPR measurements.

PubMed

Coene, A; Crevecoeur, G; Leliaert, J; Dupré, L

2015-09-01

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are an important asset in many biomedical applications. An effective working of these applications requires an accurate knowledge of the spatial MNP distribution. A promising, noninvasive, and sensitive technique to visualize MNP distributions in vivo is electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Currently only 1D MNP distributions can be reconstructed. In this paper, the authors propose extending 1D EPR toward 2D and 3D using computer simulations to allow accurate imaging of MNP distributions. To find the MNP distribution belonging to EPR measurements, an inverse problem needs to be solved. The solution of this inverse problem highly depends on the stability of the inverse problem. The authors adapt 1D EPR imaging to realize the imaging of multidimensional MNP distributions. Furthermore, the authors introduce partial volume excitation in which only parts of the volume are imaged to increase stability of the inverse solution and to speed up the measurements. The authors simulate EPR measurements of different 2D and 3D MNP distributions and solve the inverse problem. The stability is evaluated by calculating the condition measure and by comparing the actual MNP distribution to the reconstructed MNP distribution. Based on these simulations, the authors define requirements for the EPR system to cope with the added dimensions. Moreover, the authors investigate how EPR measurements should be conducted to improve the stability of the associated inverse problem and to increase reconstruction quality. The approach used in 1D EPR can only be employed for the reconstruction of small volumes in 2D and 3D EPRs due to numerical instability of the inverse solution. The authors performed EPR measurements of increasing cylindrical volumes and evaluated the condition measure. This showed that a reduction of the inherent symmetry in the EPR methodology is necessary. By reducing the symmetry of the EPR setup, quantitative images of larger volumes can be obtained. The authors found that, by selectively exciting parts of the volume, the authors could increase the reconstruction quality even further while reducing the amount of measurements. Additionally, the inverse solution of this activation method degrades slower for increasing volumes. Finally, the methodology was applied to noisy EPR measurements: using the reduced EPR setup's symmetry and the partial activation method, an increase in reconstruction quality of ≈ 80% can be seen with a speedup of the measurements with 10%. Applying the aforementioned requirements to the EPR setup and stabilizing the EPR measurements showed a tremendous increase in noise robustness, thereby making EPR a valuable method for quantitative imaging of multidimensional MNP distributions.

Prediction of fat globule particle size in homogenized milk using Fourier transform mid-infrared spectra.

PubMed

Di Marzo, Larissa; Cree, Patrick; Barbano, David M

2016-11-01

Our objective was to develop partial least square models using data from Fourier transform mid-infrared (MIR) spectra to predict the particle size distributions d(0.5) and d(0.9), surface volume mean diameter D[3,2], and volume moment mean diameter D[4,3] of milk fat globules and validate the models. The goal of the study was to produce a method built into the MIR milk analyzer that could be used to warn the instrument operator that the homogenizer is near failure and needs to be replaced to ensure quality of results. Five homogenizers with different homogenization efficiency were used to homogenize pasteurized modified unhomogenized milks and farm raw bulk milks. Homogenized milks were collected from the homogenizer outlet and then run through an MIR milk analyzer without an in-line homogenizer to collect a MIR spectrum. A separate portion of each homogenized milk was analyzed with a laser light-scattering particle size analyzer to obtain reference values. The study was replicated 3 times with 3 independent sets of modified milks and bulk tank farm milks. Validation of the models was done with a set of 34 milks that were not used in the model development. Partial least square regression models were developed and validated for predicting the following milk fat globule particle size distribution parameters from MIR spectra: d(0.5) and d(0.9), surface volume mean diameter D[3,2], and volume moment mean diameter D[4,3]. The basis for the ability to model particle size distribution of milk fat emulsions was hypothesized to be the result of the partial least square modeling detecting absorbance shifts in MIR spectra of milk fat due to the Christiansen effect. The independent sample validation of particle size prediction methods found more variation in d(0.9) and D[4,3] predictions than the d(0.5) and D[3,2] predictions relative to laser light-scattering reference values, and this may be due to variation in particle size among different pump strokes. The accuracy of the d(0.9) prediction for routine quality assurance, to determine if a homogenizer within an MIR milk analyzer was near the failure level [i.e., d(0.9) >1.7µm] and needed to be replaced, is fit-for-purpose. The daily average particle size performance [i.e., d(0.9)] of a homogenizer based on the mean for the day could be used for monitoring homogenizer performance. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In-memory integration of existing software components for parallel adaptive unstructured mesh workflows

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

Smith, Cameron W.; Granzow, Brian; Diamond, Gerrett

Unstructured mesh methods, like finite elements and finite volumes, support the effective analysis of complex physical behaviors modeled by partial differential equations over general threedimensional domains. The most reliable and efficient methods apply adaptive procedures with a-posteriori error estimators that indicate where and how the mesh is to be modified. Although adaptive meshes can have two to three orders of magnitude fewer elements than a more uniform mesh for the same level of accuracy, there are many complex simulations where the meshes required are so large that they can only be solved on massively parallel systems.

In-memory integration of existing software components for parallel adaptive unstructured mesh workflows

DOE PAGES

Smith, Cameron W.; Granzow, Brian; Diamond, Gerrett; ...

2017-01-01

Unstructured mesh methods, like finite elements and finite volumes, support the effective analysis of complex physical behaviors modeled by partial differential equations over general threedimensional domains. The most reliable and efficient methods apply adaptive procedures with a-posteriori error estimators that indicate where and how the mesh is to be modified. Although adaptive meshes can have two to three orders of magnitude fewer elements than a more uniform mesh for the same level of accuracy, there are many complex simulations where the meshes required are so large that they can only be solved on massively parallel systems.

Proceedings SPIE: Conference Digest, International Conference on Infrared and Millimeter Waves (18th) Held in Colchester, United Kingdom on 6-10 September 1993. Volume 2104

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-10

effective dielectric constant appears to decrease upon the substitution of PbO, 1. INRODUCTION In V2 05 - TeO2 glasses several studies on equilibrium... glass increases as TeOg is partially replaced by PbO. Previous studies on V20 5 - TeO2 system 4.5 have reported three Infrared absorption bands at 1010...Laboratory, Dr, K,S. Krishnan Road, New Delhi 110012, India. Th4., REFLECTANCE STUDY OF TM,O. GLASSES - AMemon, M,N.Khan, SAI-Dallal, Department of

Evaluating Alzheimer's disease biomarkers as mediators of age-related cognitive decline.

PubMed

Hohman, Timothy J; Tommet, Doug; Marks, Shawn; Contreras, Joey; Jones, Rich; Mungas, Dan

2017-10-01

Age-related changes in cognition are partially mediated by the presence of neuropathology and neurodegeneration. This manuscript evaluates the degree to which biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, (AD) neuropathology and longitudinal changes in brain structure, account for age-related differences in cognition. Data from the AD Neuroimaging Initiative (n = 1012) were analyzed, including individuals with normal cognition and mild cognitive impairment. Parallel process mixed effects regression models characterized longitudinal trajectories of cognitive variables and time-varying changes in brain volumes. Baseline age was associated with both memory and executive function at baseline (p's < 0.001) and change in memory and executive function performances over time (p's < 0.05). After adjusting for clinical diagnosis, baseline, and longitudinal changes in brain volume, and baseline levels of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, age effects on change in episodic memory and executive function were fully attenuated, age effects on baseline memory were substantially attenuated, but an association remained between age and baseline executive function. Results support previous studies that show that age effects on cognitive decline are fully mediated by disease and neurodegeneration variables but also show domain-specific age effects on baseline cognition, specifically an age pathway to executive function that is independent of brain and disease pathways. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

RF induced energy for partially implanted catheters: a computational study

PubMed Central

Lucano, Elena; Liberti, Micaela; Lloyd, Tom; Apollonio, Francesca; Wedan, Steve; Kainz, Wolfgang; Angelone, Leonardo M.

2018-01-01

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a radiological imaging technique widely used in clinical practice. MRI has been proposed to guide the catheters for interventional procedures, such as cardiac ablation. However, there are risks associated with this procedure, such as RF-induced heating of tissue near the catheters. The aim of this study is to develop a quantitative RF-safety method for patients with partially implanted leads at 64 MHz. RF-induced heating is related to the electric field incident along the catheter, which in turns depends on several variables, including the position of the RF feeding sources and the orientation of the polarization, which are however often unknown. This study evaluates the electric field profile along the lead trajectory using simulations with an anatomical human model landmarked at the heart. The energy absorbed in the volume near the tip of ageneric partially implanted lead was computed for all source positions and field orientation. The results showed that varying source positions and field orientation may result in changes of up to 18% for the E-field magnitude and up to 60% for the 10g-averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) in the volume surrounding the tip of the lead. PMID:28268553

The Partial Molar Volume and Compressibility of FeO in CaO-SiO2 Liquids: Systematic Variation with Fe2+ Coordination Change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, X.; Lange, R. A.; Ai, Y.

2009-12-01

Iron is an important element in magmatic liquid, since its concentration can range up to 18% in some basaltic liquids, and it has two oxidation states. In order to model magmatic processes, thermodynamic descriptions of silicate melts must include precise information for both the FeO and Fe2O3 components. Currently, the partial molar volume of FeO is not as well known as that for Fe2O3 because of the difficulty of performing double-bob density measurements under reducing conditions. Yet these data are required in order to convert sound speed measurements on FeO-bearing liquids into compressibility data, which in turn are needed extend density models for magmatic liquids to elevated pressures. Moreover, there is growing evidence from the spectroscopic literature that Fe2+ occurs in 4, 5, and 6-fold coordination in silicate melts, and thus it is possible that the partial molar volume and compressibility of FeO may vary with Fe2+ coordination, and thus with melt composition. To explore these issues, we have conducted both density and relaxed sound speed measurements on liquids in the CaO-FeO-SiO2 system, where the CaO/SiO2 ratio was systematically varied at constant FeO concentration (40 mol%). Density was measured between 1594 and 1813K with the double-bob Archimedean method using molybdenum bobs and crucible in a reducing gas (1%CO-99%Ar) environment. The sounds speeds were measured under similar conditions with a frequency-sweep acoustic interferometer. The derived partial molar volume of FeO increases systematically from 13.7 to 15.2 cm3/mol at 1673 K as the CaO/SiO2 ratio increases and the Fe2+ coordination number decreases. From a comparison with the crystalline volume of FeO (halite structure; 12.06 cm3/mol), which serves as a lower limit for VFeO in silicate liquids when Fe2+ is in 6-fold coordination, we estimate that the average Fe2+ coordination in our experimental melts extends up to values between 5 and 4, consistent with the spectroscopic literature. The partial molar compressibility of FeO also increases systematically as Fe2+ coordination decreases, and its maximum measured value (7.01 x 10-2 GPa-1) is nearly identical to that for the SiO2 component in 4-fold coordination (7.14 x 10-2 GPa-1) and is considerably larger than that for the relatively incompressible component MgO (0.65 x 10-2 GPa-1). Thus, our data indicate that the volumetric properties of FeO component have more in common with those for SiO2 than for MgO.

Risks incurred by hydrogen escaping from containers and conduits

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

Swain, M.R.; Grilliot, E.S.

1998-08-01

This paper is a discussion of a method for hydrogen leak classification. Leaks are classified as; gas escapes into enclosed spaces, gas escapes into partially enclosed spaces (vented), and gas escapes into unenclosed spaces. Each of the three enclosure classifications is further divided into two subclasses; total volume of hydrogen escaped and flow rate of escaping hydrogen. A method to aid in risk assessment determination in partially enclosed spaces is proposed and verified for several enclosure geometries. Examples are discussed for additional enclosure geometries.

The density, compressibility and seismic velocity of hydrous melts at crustal and upper mantle conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueki, K.; Iwamori, H.

2015-12-01

Various processes of subduction zone magmatism, such as upward migration of partial melts and fractional crystallization depend on the density of the hydrous silicate melt. The density and the compressibility of the hydrous melt are key factors for the thermodynamic calculation of phase relation of the hydrous melt, and the geophysical inversion to predict physicochemical conditions of the melting region based on the seismic velocity. This study presents a new model for the calculations of the density of the hydrous silicate melts as a function of T, P, H2O content and melt composition. The Birch-Murnaghan equation is used for the equation of state. We compile the experimentally determined densities of various hydrous melts, and optimize the partial molar volume, compressibility, thermal expansibility and its pressure derivative, and K' of the H2O component in the silicate melt. P-T ranges of the calibration database are 0.48-4.29 GPa and 1033-2073 K. As such, this model covers the P-T ranges of the entire melting region of the subduction zone. Parameter set provided by Lange and Carmichael [1990] is used for the partial molar volume and KT value of the anhydrous silicate melt. K' of anhydrous melt is newly parameterized as a function of SiO2 content. The new model accurately reproduces the experimentally determined density variations of various hydrous melts from basalt to rhyolite. Our result shows that the hydrous melt is more compressive and less dense than the anhydrous melt; with the 5 wt% of H2O in melt, density and KT decrease by ~10% and ~30% from those of the anhydrous melt, respectively. For the application of the model, we calculated the P-wave velocity of the hydrous melt. With the 5 wt% of H2O, P-wave velocity of the silicate melt decreases by >10%. Based on the melt P-wave velocity, we demonstrate the effect of the melt H2O content on the seismic velocity of the partially molten zone of the subduction zone.

Coordination Between Ribs Motion and Thoracoabdominal Volumes in Swimmers During Respiratory Maneuvers

PubMed Central

Sarro, Karine J.; Silvatti, Amanda P.; Barros, Ricardo M. L.

2008-01-01

This work aimed to verify if swimmers present better chest wall coordination during breathing than healthy non-athletes analyzing the correlation between ribs motion and the variation of thoracoabdominal volumes. The results of two up-to-date methods based on videogrammetry were correlated in this study. The first one measured the volumes of 4 separate compartments of the chest wall (superior thorax, inferior thorax, superior abdomen and inferior abdomen) as a function of time. The second calculated the rotation angle of the 2nd to the 10th ribs around the quasi-transversal axis also in function of time. The chest wall was represented by 53 markers, attached to the ribs, vertebrae, thorax and abdomen of 15 male swimmers and of 15 non- athletes. A kinematical analysis system equipped with 6 digital video cameras (60Hz) was used to obtain the 3D coordinates of the markers. Correlating the curves of ribs rotation angles with the curves of the separate volumes, swimmers presented higher values than non-athletes when the superior and inferior abdomen were considered and the highest correlation values were found in swimmers for the inferior thorax. These results suggest a better coordination between ribs motion and thoracoabdominal volumes in swimmers, indicating the prevalent and coordinated action of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to inflate and deflate the chest wall. The results further suggest that swimming practice leads to the formation of an optimized breathing pattern and can partially explain the higher lung volumes found in these athletes reported in literature. Key pointsThe study revealed that swimmers present higher correlation between the ribs motion and the variation of abdominal volumes than non-swimmers, suggesting that swimming practice might lead to the formation of an optimized breathing pattern, increasing the coordination between the thoracoabdominal volumes and the ribs motion.No previous work was found in the literature reporting this optimized breathing pattern in swimmers.The higher coordination between the thoracoabdominal volumes and the ribs motion found in swimmers can partially explain the higher lung volumes reported in literature for these athletes. PMID:24149449

Interactions of glycine betaine with proteins: insights from volume and compressibility measurements.

PubMed

Shek, Yuen Lai; Chalikian, Tigran V

2013-01-29

We report the first application of volume and compressibility measurements to characterization of interactions between cosolvents (osmolytes) and globular proteins. Specifically, we measure the partial molar volumes and adiabatic compressibilities of cytochrome c, ribonuclease A, lysozyme, and ovalbumin in aqueous solutions of the stabilizing osmolyte glycine betaine (GB) at concentrations between 0 and 4 M. The fact that globular proteins do not undergo any conformational transitions in the presence of GB provides an opportunity to study the interactions of GB with proteins in their native states within the entire range of experimentally accessible GB concentrations. We analyze our resulting volumetric data within the framework of a statistical thermodynamic model in which each instance of GB interaction with a protein is viewed as a binding reaction that is accompanied by release of four water molecules. From this analysis, we calculate the association constants, k, as well as changes in volume, ΔV(0), and adiabatic compressibility, ΔK(S0), accompanying each GB-protein association event in an ideal solution. By comparing these parameters with similar characteristics determined for low-molecular weight analogues of proteins, we conclude that there are no significant cooperative effects involved in interactions of GB with any of the proteins studied in this work. We also evaluate the free energies of direct GB-protein interactions. The energetic properties of GB-protein association appear to scale with the size of the protein. For all proteins, the highly favorable change in free energy associated with direct protein-cosolvent interactions is nearly compensated by an unfavorable free energy of cavity formation (excluded volume effect), yielding a modestly unfavorable free energy for the transfer of a protein from water to a GB/water mixture.

Distinct subcortical volume alterations in pediatric and adult OCD

PubMed Central

Boedhoe, Premika S.W.; Schmaal, Lianne; Abe, Yoshinari; Ameis, Stephanie H.; Arnold, Paul D.; Batistuzzo, Marcelo C.; Benedetti, Francesco; Beucke, Jan C.; Bollettini, Irene; Bose, Anushree; Brem, Silvia; Calvo, Anna; Cheng, Yuqi; Cho, Kang Ik K.; Dallaspezia, Sara; Denys, Damiaan; Fitzgerald, Kate D.; Fouche, Jean-Paul; Giménez, Mònica; Gruner, Patricia; Hanna, Gregory L.; Hibar, Derrek P.; Hoexter, Marcelo Q.; Huyser, Chaim; Ikari, Keisuke; Jahanshad, Neda; Kathmann, Norbert; Kaufmann, Christian; Koch, Kathrin; Kwon, Jun Soo; Lazaro, Luisa; Liu, Yanni; Lochner, Christine; Marsh, Rachel; Martínez-Zalacaín, Ignacio; Mataix-Cols, David; Menchón, José M.; Minuzzii, Luciano; Nakamae, Takashi; Nakao, Tomohiro; Narayanaswamy, Janardhanan C.; Piras, Fabrizio; Piras, Federica; Pittenger, Christopher; Reddy, Y.C. Janardhan; Sato, Joao R.; Simpson, H. Blair; Soreni, Noam; Soriano-Mas, Carles; Spalletta, Gianfranco; Stevens, Michael C.; Szeszko, Philip R.; Tolin, David F.; Venkatasubramanian, Ganesan; Walitza, Susanne; Wang, Zhen; van Wingen, Guido A.; Xu, Jian; Xu, Xiufeng; Yun, Je-Yeon; Zhao, Qing; Thompson, Paul M.; Stein, Dan J.; van den Heuvel, Odile A.

2016-01-01

Objective Structural brain imaging studies in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have produced inconsistent findings. This may be partially due to limited statistical power from relatively small samples and clinical heterogeneity related to variation in disease profile and developmental stage. Methods To address these limitations, we conducted a meta- and mega-analysis of data from OCD sites worldwide. T1 images from 1,830 OCD patients and 1,759 controls were analyzed, using coordinated and standardized processing, to identify subcortical brain volumes that differ in OCD patients and healthy controls. We additionally examined potential modulating effects of clinical characteristics on morphological differences in OCD patients. Results The meta-analysis indicated that adult patients had significantly smaller hippocampal volumes (Cohen’s d=−0.13; p=5.1x10−3, % difference −2.80) and larger pallidum volumes (d=0.16; p=1.6x10−3, % difference 3.16) compared to adult controls. Both effects were stronger in medicated patients compared to controls (d=−0.29; p=2.4x10−5, % difference −4.18 and d=0.29; p=1.2x10−5, % difference 4.38, respectively). Unmedicated pediatric patients had larger thalamic volumes (d=0.38, p=2.1x10−3) compared to pediatric controls. None of these findings were mediated by sample characteristics such as mean age or field strength. Overall the mega-analysis yielded similar results. Conclusion Our study indicates a different pattern of subcortical abnormalities in pediatric versus adult OCD patients. The pallidum and hippocampus seem to be of importance in adult OCD, whereas the thalamus seems to be key in pediatric OCD. This highlights the potential importance of neurodevelopmental alterations in OCD, and suggests that further research on neuroplasticity in OCD may be useful. PMID:27609241

Comparison of up-scaling methods in poroelasticity and its generalizations

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

Berryman, J G

2003-12-13

Four methods of up-scaling coupled equations at the microscale to equations valid at the mesoscale and/or macroscale for fluid-saturated and partially saturated porous media will be discussed, compared, and contrasted. The four methods are: (1) effective medium theory, (2) mixture theory, (3) two-scale and multiscale homogenization, and (4) volume averaging. All these methods have advantages for some applications and disadvantages for others. For example, effective medium theory, mixture theory, and homogenization methods can all give formulas for coefficients in the up-scaled equations, whereas volume averaging methods give the form of the up-scaled equations but generally must be supplemented with physicalmore » arguments and/or data in order to determine the coefficients. Homogenization theory requires a great deal of mathematical insight from the user in order to choose appropriate scalings for use in the resulting power-law expansions, while volume averaging requires more physical insight to motivate the steps needed to find coefficients. Homogenization often is performed on periodic models, while volume averaging does not require any assumption of periodicity and can therefore be related very directly to laboratory and/or field measurements. Validity of the homogenization process is often limited to specific ranges of frequency - in order to justify the scaling hypotheses that must be made - and therefore cannot be used easily over wide ranges of frequency. However, volume averaging methods can quite easily be used for wide band data analysis. So, we learn from these comparisons that a researcher in the theory of poroelasticity and its generalizations needs to be conversant with two or more of these methods to solve problems generally.« less

Distinct Subcortical Volume Alterations in Pediatric and Adult OCD: A Worldwide Meta- and Mega-Analysis.

PubMed

Boedhoe, Premika S W; Schmaal, Lianne; Abe, Yoshinari; Ameis, Stephanie H; Arnold, Paul D; Batistuzzo, Marcelo C; Benedetti, Francesco; Beucke, Jan C; Bollettini, Irene; Bose, Anushree; Brem, Silvia; Calvo, Anna; Cheng, Yuqi; Cho, Kang Ik K; Dallaspezia, Sara; Denys, Damiaan; Fitzgerald, Kate D; Fouche, Jean-Paul; Giménez, Mònica; Gruner, Patricia; Hanna, Gregory L; Hibar, Derrek P; Hoexter, Marcelo Q; Hu, Hao; Huyser, Chaim; Ikari, Keisuke; Jahanshad, Neda; Kathmann, Norbert; Kaufmann, Christian; Koch, Kathrin; Kwon, Jun Soo; Lazaro, Luisa; Liu, Yanni; Lochner, Christine; Marsh, Rachel; Martínez-Zalacaín, Ignacio; Mataix-Cols, David; Menchón, José M; Minuzzi, Luciano; Nakamae, Takashi; Nakao, Tomohiro; Narayanaswamy, Janardhanan C; Piras, Fabrizio; Piras, Federica; Pittenger, Christopher; Reddy, Y C Janardhan; Sato, Joao R; Simpson, H Blair; Soreni, Noam; Soriano-Mas, Carles; Spalletta, Gianfranco; Stevens, Michael C; Szeszko, Philip R; Tolin, David F; Venkatasubramanian, Ganesan; Walitza, Susanne; Wang, Zhen; van Wingen, Guido A; Xu, Jian; Xu, Xiufeng; Yun, Je-Yeon; Zhao, Qing; Thompson, Paul M; Stein, Dan J; van den Heuvel, Odile A

2017-01-01

Structural brain imaging studies in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have produced inconsistent findings. This may be partially due to limited statistical power from relatively small samples and clinical heterogeneity related to variation in illness profile and developmental stage. To address these limitations, the authors conducted meta- and mega-analyses of data from OCD sites worldwide. T 1 images from 1,830 OCD patients and 1,759 control subjects were analyzed, using coordinated and standardized processing, to identify subcortical brain volumes that differ between OCD patients and healthy subjects. The authors performed a meta-analysis on the mean of the left and right hemisphere measures of each subcortical structure, and they performed a mega-analysis by pooling these volumetric measurements from each site. The authors additionally examined potential modulating effects of clinical characteristics on morphological differences in OCD patients. The meta-analysis indicated that adult patients had significantly smaller hippocampal volumes (Cohen's d=-0.13; % difference=-2.80) and larger pallidum volumes (d=0.16; % difference=3.16) compared with adult controls. Both effects were stronger in medicated patients compared with controls (d=-0.29, % difference=-4.18, and d=0.29, % difference=4.38, respectively). Unmedicated pediatric patients had significantly larger thalamic volumes (d=0.38, % difference=3.08) compared with pediatric controls. None of these findings were mediated by sample characteristics, such as mean age or scanning field strength. The mega-analysis yielded similar results. The results indicate different patterns of subcortical abnormalities in pediatric and adult OCD patients. The pallidum and hippocampus seem to be of importance in adult OCD, whereas the thalamus seems to be key in pediatric OCD. These findings highlight the potential importance of neurodevelopmental alterations in OCD and suggest that further research on neuroplasticity in OCD may be useful.

Environment, epigenetics and reproduction

PubMed Central

Skinner, Michael K

2017-01-01

Abstract A conference summary of the third biannual Kenya Africa Conference “Environment, Epigenetics and Reproduction” is provided. A partial special Environmental Epigenetics issue containing a number of papers in Volume 3, Issue 3 and 4 are discussed. PMID:29492316

Comparing renal function preservation after laparoscopic radio frequency ablation assisted tumor enucleation and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for clinical T1a renal tumor: using a 3D parenchyma measurement system.

PubMed

Zhu, Liangsong; Wu, Guangyu; Huang, Jiwei; Wang, Jianfeng; Zhang, Ruiyun; Kong, Wen; Xue, Wei; Huang, Yiran; Chen, Yonghui; Zhang, Jin

2017-05-01

To compare the renal function preservation between laparoscopic radio frequency ablation assisted tumor enucleation and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Data were analyzed from 246 patients who underwent laparoscopic radio frequency ablation assisted tumor enucleation and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for solitary cT1a renal cell carcinoma from January 2013 to July 2015. To reduce the intergroup difference, we used a 1:1 propensity matching analysis. The functional renal parenchyma volume preservation were measured preoperative and 12 months after surgery. The total renal function recovery and spilt GFR was compared. Multivariable logistic analysis was used for predictive factors for renal function decline. After 1:1 propensity matching, each group including 100 patients. Patients in the laparoscopic radio frequency ablation assisted tumor enucleation had a smaller decrease in estimate glomerular filtration rate at 1 day (-7.88 vs -20.01%, p < 0.001), 3 months (-2.31 vs -10.39%, p < 0.001), 6 months (-2.16 vs -7.99%, p = 0.015), 12 months (-3.26 vs -8.03%, p = 0.012) and latest test (-3.24 vs -8.02%, p = 0.040), also had better functional renal parenchyma volume preservation (89.19 vs 84.27%, p < 0.001), lower decrease of the spilt glomerular filtration rate (-9.41 vs -17.13%, p < 0.001) at 12 months. The functional renal parenchyma volume preservation, warm ischemia time and baseline renal function were the important independent factors in determining long-term functional recovery. The laparoscopic radio frequency ablation assisted tumor enucleation technology has unique advantage and potential in preserving renal parenchyma without ischemia damage compared to conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, and had a better outcome, thus we recommend this technique in selected T1a patients.

N-arachidonoyl-L-serine (AraS) possesses proneurogenic properties in vitro and in vivo after traumatic brain injury

PubMed Central

Cohen-Yeshurun, Ayelet; Willner, Dafna; Trembovler, Victoria; Alexandrovich, Alexander; Mechoulam, Raphael; Shohami, Esther; Leker, Ronen R

2013-01-01

N-arachidonoyl-L-serine (AraS) is a novel neuroprotective endocannabinoid. We aimed to test the effects of exogenous AraS on neurogenesis after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The effects of AraS on neural progenitor cells (NPC) proliferation, survival, and differentiation were examined in vitro. Next, mice underwent TBI and were treated with AraS or vehicle. Lesion volumes and clinical outcome were evaluated and the effects on neurogenesis were tested using immunohistochemistry. Treatment with AraS led to a dose-dependent increase in neurosphere size without affecting cell survival. These effects were partially reversed by CB1, CB2, or TRPV1 antagonists. AraS significantly reduced the differentiation of NPC in vitro to astrocytes or neurons and led to a 2.5-fold increase in expression of the NPC marker nestin. Similar effects were observed in vivo in mice treated with AraS 7 days after TBI. These effects were accompanied by a reduction in lesion volume and an improvement in neurobehavioral function compared with controls. AraS increases proliferation of NPCs in vitro in cannabinoid-receptor-mediated mechanisms and maintains NPC in an undifferentiated state in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, although given at 7 days post injury, these effects are associated with significant neuroprotective effects leading to an improvement in neurobehavioral functions. PMID:23695434

N-arachidonoyl-L-serine (AraS) possesses proneurogenic properties in vitro and in vivo after traumatic brain injury.

PubMed

Cohen-Yeshurun, Ayelet; Willner, Dafna; Trembovler, Victoria; Alexandrovich, Alexander; Mechoulam, Raphael; Shohami, Esther; Leker, Ronen R

2013-08-01

N-arachidonoyl-L-serine (AraS) is a novel neuroprotective endocannabinoid. We aimed to test the effects of exogenous AraS on neurogenesis after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The effects of AraS on neural progenitor cells (NPC) proliferation, survival, and differentiation were examined in vitro. Next, mice underwent TBI and were treated with AraS or vehicle. Lesion volumes and clinical outcome were evaluated and the effects on neurogenesis were tested using immunohistochemistry. Treatment with AraS led to a dose-dependent increase in neurosphere size without affecting cell survival. These effects were partially reversed by CB1, CB2, or TRPV1 antagonists. AraS significantly reduced the differentiation of NPC in vitro to astrocytes or neurons and led to a 2.5-fold increase in expression of the NPC marker nestin. Similar effects were observed in vivo in mice treated with AraS 7 days after TBI. These effects were accompanied by a reduction in lesion volume and an improvement in neurobehavioral function compared with controls. AraS increases proliferation of NPCs in vitro in cannabinoid-receptor-mediated mechanisms and maintains NPC in an undifferentiated state in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, although given at 7 days post injury, these effects are associated with significant neuroprotective effects leading to an improvement in neurobehavioral functions.

Positron annihilation and X-ray diffraction studies on tin oxide thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prabakar, K.; Abhaya, S.; Krishnan, R.; Kalavathi, S.; Dash, S.; Jayapandian, J.; Amarendra, G.

2009-04-01

Positron annihilation spectroscopy along with glancing incidence X-ray diffraction have been used to investigate tin oxide thin films grown on Si by pulsed laser deposition. The films were prepared at room temperature and at 670 K under oxygen partial pressure. As-grown samples are amorphous and are found to contain large concentration of open volume sites (vacancy defects). Post-deposition annealing of as-grown samples at 970 K is found to drastically reduce the number of open volume sites and the film becomes crystalline. However, film grown under elevated temperature and under partial pressure of oxygen is found to exhibit a lower S-parameter, indicating lower defect concentration. Based on the analysis of experimental positron annihilation results, the defect-sensitive S-parameter and the overlayer thickness of tin oxide thin films are deduced. S- W correlation plots exhibit distinct positron trapping defect states in three samples.

Two dimensional radial gas flows in atmospheric pressure plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Gwihyun; Park, Seran; Shin, Hyunsu; Song, Seungho; Oh, Hoon-Jung; Ko, Dae Hong; Choi, Jung-Il; Baik, Seung Jae

2017-12-01

Atmospheric pressure (AP) operation of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is one of promising concepts for high quality and low cost processing. Atmospheric plasma discharge requires narrow gap configuration, which causes an inherent feature of AP PECVD. Two dimensional radial gas flows in AP PECVD induces radial variation of mass-transport and that of substrate temperature. The opposite trend of these variations would be the key consideration in the development of uniform deposition process. Another inherent feature of AP PECVD is confined plasma discharge, from which volume power density concept is derived as a key parameter for the control of deposition rate. We investigated deposition rate as a function of volume power density, gas flux, source gas partial pressure, hydrogen partial pressure, plasma source frequency, and substrate temperature; and derived a design guideline of deposition tool and process development in terms of deposition rate and uniformity.

Diaphragm electrical activity during negative lower torso pressure in quadriplegic men.

PubMed

Banzett, R B; Inbar, G F; Brown, R; Goldman, M; Rossier, A; Mead, J

1981-09-01

We recorded the diaphragm electromyogram (EMG) of quadriplegic men before and during exposure of the lower torso to continuous negative pressure, which caused shortening of the inspiratory muscles by expanding the respiratory system by one tidal volume. The moving-time-averaged diaphragm EMG was larger during expansion of the respiratory system. When we repeated the experiment with subjects who breathed through a mouthpiece, we found qualitatively similar EMG changes and little or no change in tidal volume or end-tidal CO2 partial pressure. When the pressure was applied or removed rapidly, changes in EMG occurred within one or two breaths. Because end-tidal CO2 partial pressure did not increase, and because the response was rapid, we suggest that the response results from proprioceptive, rather than chemoreceptive, reflexes. As most of these men had complete spinal lesions at C6 or C7 the afferent pathways are likely to be vagal or phrenic.

Water resources data, Ohio, water year 2003 : Volume 1. Ohio River basin excluding project data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shindel, H.L.; Mangus, J.P.; Frum, S.R.

2004-01-01

Water-resources data for the 2003 water year for Ohio consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality of ground-water wells. This report, in two volumes, contains records for water discharge at 138 gaging stations and various partial-record sites; water levels at 217 observation wells and 35 crest-stage gages; and water quality at 30 gaging stations, 34 observation wells, and no partial-record sites. Also included are data from miscellaneous and synoptic sites. Additional water data were collected at various sites not involved in the systematic data-collection program and are published as miscellaneous measurements and analyses. These data represent that part of the National Water Information System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating Federal, State, and local agencies in Ohio.

Water resources data, Ohio, water year 2003: Volume 2. St. Lawrence River basin and statewide project data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shindel, H.L.; Mangus, J.P.; Frum, S.R.

2004-01-01

Water-resources data for the 2003 water year for Ohio consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality of ground-water wells. This report, in two volumes, contains records for water discharge at 138 gaging stations and various partial-record sites; water levels at 217 observation wells and 35 crest-stage gages; and water quality at 30 gaging stations, 34 observation wells, and no partial-record sites. Also included are data from miscellaneous and synoptic sites. Additional water data were collected at various sites not involved in the systematic data-collection program and are published as miscellaneous measurements and analyses. These data represent that part of the National Water Information System collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating Federal, State, and local agencies in Ohio.

Water resources data for California, water year 1996. Volume 1. Southern Great Basin from Mexican Border to Mono Lake Basin and Pacific Slope basins from Tijuana River to Santa Maria river. Water-data report (Annual), 1 October 1995-30 September 1996

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

Rockwell, G.L.; Hayes, P.D.; Agajanian, J.

1997-07-01

Water-resources data for the 1996 water year for California consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams, stage and contents in lakes and reservoirs, and water levels and water quality in wells. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 149 gaging stations and 6 crest-stage partial-record stations, stage and contents for 21 lakes and reservoirs, gage height records for 1 station, water quality for 19 streamflow-gaging stations and 17 partial-record stations, and precipitation data for 4 stations. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State andmore » Federal agencies in California.« less

Dosimetric impact of tumor bed delineation variability based on 4DCT scan for external-beam partial breast irradiation.

PubMed

Guo, Bing; Li, Jianbin; Wang, Wei; Li, Fengxiang; Guo, Yanluan; Li, Yankang; Liu, Tonghai

2015-01-01

This study sought to evaluate the dosimetric impact of tumor bed delineation variability (based on clips, seroma or both clips and seroma) during external-beam partial breast irradiation (EB-PBI) planned utilizing four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) scans. 4DCT scans of 20 patients with a seroma clarity score (SCS) 3~5 and ≥5 surgical clips were included in this study. The combined volume of the tumor bed formed using clips, seroma, or both clips and seroma on the 10 phases of 4DCT was defined as the internal gross target volume (termed IGTVC, IGTVS and IGTVC+S, respectively). A 1.5-cm margin was added by defining the planning target volume (termed PTVC, PTVS and PTVC+S, respectively). Three treatment plans were established using the 4DCT images (termed EB-PBIC, EB-PBIS, EB-PBIC+S, respectively). The results showed that the volume of IGTVC+S was significantly larger than that of IGTVCand IGTVS. Similarly, the volume of PTVC+S was markedly larger than that of PTVC and PTVS. However, the PTV coverage for EB-PBIC+S was similar to that of EB-PBIC and EB-PBIS, and there were no significant differences in the homogeneity index or conformity index between the three treatment plans (P=0.878, 0.086). The EB-PBIS plan resulted in the lowest ipsilateral normal breast and ipsilateral lung doses compared with the EB-PBIC and EB-PBIC+S plans. To conclude, the volume variability delineated based on clips, seroma or both clips and seroma resulted in dosimetric variability for organs at risk, but did not show a marked influence on the dosimetric distribution.

Dosimetric impact of tumor bed delineation variability based on 4DCT scan for external-beam partial breast irradiation

PubMed Central

Guo, Bing; Li, Jianbin; Wang, Wei; Li, Fengxiang; Guo, Yanluan; Li, Yankang; Liu, Tonghai

2015-01-01

This study sought to evaluate the dosimetric impact of tumor bed delineation variability (based on clips, seroma or both clips and seroma) during external-beam partial breast irradiation (EB-PBI) planned utilizing four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) scans. 4DCT scans of 20 patients with a seroma clarity score (SCS) 3~5 and ≥5 surgical clips were included in this study. The combined volume of the tumor bed formed using clips, seroma, or both clips and seroma on the 10 phases of 4DCT was defined as the internal gross target volume (termed IGTVC, IGTVS and IGTVC+S, respectively). A 1.5-cm margin was added by defining the planning target volume (termed PTVC, PTVS and PTVC+S, respectively). Three treatment plans were established using the 4DCT images (termed EB-PBIC, EB-PBIS, EB-PBIC+S, respectively). The results showed that the volume of IGTVC+S was significantly larger than that of IGTVCand IGTVS. Similarly, the volume of PTVC+S was markedly larger than that of PTVC and PTVS. However, the PTV coverage for EB-PBIC+S was similar to that of EB-PBIC and EB-PBIS, and there were no significant differences in the homogeneity index or conformity index between the three treatment plans (P=0.878, 0.086). The EB-PBIS plan resulted in the lowest ipsilateral normal breast and ipsilateral lung doses compared with the EB-PBIC and EB-PBIC+S plans. To conclude, the volume variability delineated based on clips, seroma or both clips and seroma resulted in dosimetric variability for organs at risk, but did not show a marked influence on the dosimetric distribution. PMID:26885108

Nasal airway and septal variation in unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate.

PubMed

Starbuck, John M; Friel, Michael T; Ghoneima, Ahmed; Flores, Roberto L; Tholpady, Sunil; Kula, Katherine

2014-10-01

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) affects the dentoalveolar and nasolabial facial regions. Internal and external nasal dysmorphology may persist in individuals born with CLP despite surgical interventions. 7-18 year old individuals born with unilateral and bilateral CLP (n = 50) were retrospectively assessed using cone beam computed tomography. Anterior, middle, and posterior nasal airway volumes were measured on each facial side. Septal deviation was measured at the anterior and posterior nasal spine, and the midpoint between these two locations. Data were evaluated using principal components analysis (PCA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and post-hoc ANOVA tests. PCA results show partial separation in high dimensional space along PC1 (48.5% variance) based on age groups and partial separation along PC2 (29.8% variance) based on CLP type and septal deviation patterns. MANOVA results indicate that age (P = 0.007) and CLP type (P ≤ 0.001) significantly affect nasal airway volume and septal deviation. ANOVA results indicate that anterior nasal volume is significantly affected by age (P ≤ 0.001), whereas septal deviation patterns are significantly affected by CLP type (P ≤ 0.001). Age and CLP type affect nasal airway volume and septal deviation patterns. Nasal airway volumes tend to be reduced on the clefted sides of the face relative to non-clefted sides of the face. Nasal airway volumes tend to strongly increase with age, whereas septal deviation values tend to increase only slightly with age. These results suggest that functional nasal breathing may be impaired in individuals born with the unilateral and bilateral CLP deformity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Dosimetric comparison of normal structures associated with accelerated partial breast irradiation and whole breast irradiation delivered by intensity modulated radiotherapy for early breast cancer after breast conserving surgery.

PubMed

Wu, S; He, Z; Guo, J; Li, F; Lin, Q; Guan, X

2014-01-01

To assess the heart and lung dosimetry results associated with accelerated partial breast irradiation intensity-modulated radiotherapy (APBI-IMRT) and whole breast field-in-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (WBI-FIF-IMRT). A total of 29 patients with early-stage breast cancer after lumpectomy were included in this study. APBI-IMRT and WBI-FIF-IMRT plans were generated for each patient. The dosimetric parameters of ipsilateral lung and heart in both plans were then compared with and without radiobiological correction. With and without radiobiological correction, the volume of ipsilateral lung showed a substantially lower radiation exposure in APBI-IMRT with moderate to high doses (P < 0.05) but non-significant increases in volume of ipsilateral lung in 2.5 Gy than WBI-FIF-IMRT (P > 0.905).There was no significant difference in volume of ipsilateral lung receiving 1, 2.5, and 5 Gy between APBI-IMRT and WBI (P > 0.05) in patients with medial tumor location, although APBI-IMRT exposed more lung to 2.5 and 5 Gy. APBI-IMRT significantly decreases the volume of heart receiving low to high doses in left-sided breast cancer (P < 0.05). APBI-IMRT can significantly spare the volume of heart and ipsilateral lung receiving moderate and high dose. Non-significant increases in volume of the ipsilateral lung exposed to low doses of radiation were observed for APBI-IMRT in comparison to WBI-FIF-IMRT, particularly in patients with medial tumor location. With the increasing interest in APBI-IMRT, our data may help clinicians individualize patient treatment decisions.

Unsteady mixed convection flow of Casson fluid past an inclined stretching sheet in the presence of nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rawi, N. A.; Ilias, M. R.; Lim, Y. J.; Isa, Z. M.; Shafie, S.

2017-09-01

The influence of nanoparticles on the unsteady mixed convection flow of Casson fluid past an inclined stretching sheet is investigated in this paper. The effect of gravity modulation on the flow is also considered. Carboxymethyl cellulose solution (CMC) is chosen as the base fluid and copper as nanoparticles. The basic governing nonlinear partial differential equations are transformed using appropriate similarity transformation and solved numerically using an implicit finite difference scheme by means of the Keller-box method. The effect of nanoparticles volume fraction together with the effect of inclination angle and Casson parameter on the enhancement of heat transfer of Casson nanofluid is discussed in details. The velocity and temperature profiles as well as the skin friction coefficient and the Nusselt number are presented and analyzed.

Database of normal human cerebral blood flow measured by SPECT: II. Quantification of I-123-IMP studies with ARG method and effects of partial volume correction.

PubMed

Inoue, Kentaro; Ito, Hiroshi; Shidahara, Miho; Goto, Ryoi; Kinomura, Shigeo; Sato, Kazunori; Taki, Yasuyuki; Okada, Ken; Kaneta, Tomohiro; Fukuda, Hiroshi

2006-02-01

The limited spatial resolution of SPECT causes a partial volume effect (PVE) and can lead to the significant underestimation of regional tracer concentration in the small structures surrounded by a low tracer concentration, such as the cortical gray matter of an atrophied brain. The aim of the present study was to determine, using 123I-IMP and SPECT, normal CBF of elderly subjects with and without PVE correction (PVC), and to determine regional differences in the effect of PVC and their association with the regional tissue fraction of the brain. Quantitative CBF SPECT using 123I-IMP was performed in 33 healthy elderly subjects (18 males, 15 females, 54-74 years old) using the autoradiographic method. We corrected CBF for PVE using segmented MR images, and analyzed quantitative CBF and regional differences in the effect of PVC using tissue fractions of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) in regions of interest (ROIs) placed on the cortical and subcortical GM regions and deep WM regions. The mean CBF in GM-ROIs were 31.7 +/- 6.6 and 41.0 +/- 8.1 ml/100 g/min for males and females, and in WM-ROIs, 18.2 +/- 0.7 and 22.9 +/- 0.8 ml/100 g/min for males and females, respectively. The mean CBF in GM-ROIs after PVC were 50.9 +/- 12.8 and 65.8 +/- 16.1 ml/100 g/min for males and females, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the effect of PVC among ROIs, but not between genders. The effect of PVC was small in the cerebellum and parahippocampal gyrus, and it was large in the superior frontal gyrus, superior parietal lobule and precentral gyrus. Quantitative CBF in GM recovered significantly, but did not reach values as high as those obtained by invasive methods or in the H2(15)O PET study that used PVC. There were significant regional differences in the effect of PVC, which were considered to result from regional differences in GM tissue fraction, which is more reduced in the frontoparietal regions in the atrophied brain of the elderly.

Adult human mesenchymal stem cells delivered via intra-articular injection to the knee following partial medial meniscectomy: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study.

PubMed

Vangsness, C Thomas; Farr, Jack; Boyd, Joel; Dellaero, David T; Mills, C Randal; LeRoux-Williams, Michelle

2014-01-15

There are limited treatment options for tissue restoration and the prevention of degenerative changes in the knee. Stem cells have been a focus of intense preclinical research into tissue regeneration but limited clinical investigation. In a randomized, double-blind, controlled study, the safety of the intra-articular injection of human mesenchymal stem cells into the knee, the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to promote meniscus regeneration following partial meniscectomy, and the effects of mesenchymal stem cells on osteoarthritic changes in the knee were investigated. A total of fifty-five patients at seven institutions underwent a partial medial meniscectomy. A single superolateral knee injection was given within seven to ten days after the meniscectomy. Patients were randomized to one of three treatment groups: Group A, in which patients received an injection of 50 × 10⁶ allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells; Group B, 150 × 10⁶ allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells; and the control group, a sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid/hyaluronan) vehicle control. Patients were followed to evaluate safety, meniscus regeneration, the overall condition of the knee joint, and clinical outcomes at intervals through two years. Evaluations included sequential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). No ectopic tissue formation or clinically important safety issues were identified. There was significantly increased meniscal volume (defined a priori as a 15% threshold) determined by quantitative MRI in 24% of patients in Group A and 6% in Group B at twelve months post meniscectomy (p = 0.022). No patients in the control group met the 15% threshold for increased meniscal volume. Patients with osteoarthritic changes who received mesenchymal stem cells experienced a significant reduction in pain compared with those who received the control, on the basis of visual analog scale assessments. There was evidence of meniscus regeneration and improvement in knee pain following treatment with allogeneic human mesenchymal stem cells. These results support the study of human mesenchymal stem cells for the apparent knee-tissue regeneration and protective effects.

Liquid spreading under partial wetting conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, M.; Pahlavan, A. A.; Cueto-Felgueroso, L.; McKinley, G. H.; Juanes, R.

2013-12-01

Traditional mathematical descriptions of multiphase flow in porous media rely on a multiphase extension of Darcy's law, and lead to nonlinear second-order (advection-diffusion) partial differential equations for fluid saturations. Here, we study horizontal redistribution of immiscible fluids. The traditional Darcy-flow model predicts that the spreading of a finite amount of liquid in a horizontal porous medium never stops; a prediction that is not substantiated by observation. To help guide the development of new models of multiphase flow in porous media [1], we draw an analogy with the flow of thin films. The flow of thin films over flat surfaces has been the subject of much theoretical, experimental and computational research [2]. Under the lubrication approximation, the classical mathematical model for these flows takes the form of a nonlinear fourth-order PDE, where the fourth-order term models the effect of surface tension [3]. This classical model, however, effectively assumes that the film is perfectly wetting to the substrate and, therefore, does not capture the partial wetting regime. Partial wetting is responsible for stopping the spread of a liquid puddle. Here, we present experiments of (large-volume) liquid spreading over a flat horizontal substrate in the partial wetting regime, and characterize the four spreading regimes that we observe. We extend our previous theoretical work of two-phase flow in a capillary tube [4], and develop a macroscopic phase-field modeling of thin-film flows with partial wetting. Our model naturally accounts for the dynamic contact angle at the contact line, and therefore permits modeling thin-film flows without invoking a precursor film, leading to compactly-supported solutions that reproduce the spreading dynamics and the static equilibrium configuration observed in the experiments. We anticipate that this modeling approach will provide a natural mathematical framework to describe spreading and redistribution of immiscible fluids in porous media. [1] L. Cueto-Felgueroso and R. Juanes, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 244504 (2008). [2] D. Bonn et al., Rev. Mod. Phys. 81, 739-805 (2009). [3] H. E. Huppert, Nature 300, 427-429 (1982). [4] L. Cueto-Felgueroso and R. Juanes, Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 144502 (2012).

Dosimetric Improvements with a Novel Breast Stereotactic Radiotherapy Device for Delivery of Preoperative Partial-Breast Irradiation.

PubMed

Snider, James W; Mutaf, Yildirim; Nichols, Elizabeth; Hall, Andrea; Vadnais, Patrick; Regine, William F; Feigenberg, Steven J

2017-01-01

Partial-breast irradiation (PBI) with external-beam radiotherapy has produced higher than expected rates of fair-to-poor cosmesis. Worsened outcomes have been correlated with larger volumes of breast tissue exposed to radiation. A novel breast-specific stereotactic radiotherapy (BSRT) device (BSRTD) has been developed at our institution and has shown promise in delivering highly conformal dose distributions. We compared normal tissue sparing with this device with that achieved with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)-PBI. Fifteen women previously treated with breast conservation therapy were enrolled on an institutional review board-approved protocol. Each of them underwent CT simulation in the prone position using the BSRTD-specific immobilization system. Simulated postoperative and preoperative treatment volumes were generated based on surgical bed/clip position. Blinded planners generated IMRT-PBI plans and BSRT plans for each set of volumes. These plans were compared based on clinically validated markers for cosmetic outcome and toxicity using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The BSRT plans consistently reduced the volumes receiving each of several dose levels (Vx) to breast tissue, the chest wall, the lung, the heart, and the skin in both preoperative and postoperative settings (p < 0.05). Preoperative BSRT yielded particularly dramatic improvements. The novel BSRTD has demonstrated significant dosimetric benefits over IMRT-PBI. Further investigation is currently proceeding through initial clinical trials. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Superconductivity enhanced by Se doping in Eu3Bi2(S,Se)4F4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, P.; Zhai, H. F.; Tang, Z. J.; Li, L.; Li, Y. K.; Chen, Q.; Chen, J.; Wang, Z.; Feng, C. M.; Cao, G. H.; Xu, Z. A.

2015-07-01

We investigated the negative-chemical-pressure effect of Eu3Bi2S4-x Se x F4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) by the partial substitution of S with Se. The crystalline lattice substantially expands as Se is doped, suggesting an effective negative chemical pressure. With Se/S doping, the charge-density-wave-like anomaly is suppressed, and meanwhile the superconducting transition temperature (T_c) is enhanced. For x = 2.0 , T c reaches 3.35 K and bulk superconductivity is confirmed by the strong diamagnetic signal, with shielding volume fraction over 90%. Magnetic-susceptibility, specific-heat and Hall-effect measurements reveal that the Se/S doping increases the carrier density, corresponding to the increase of the average Eu valence. Our work provides a rare paradigm of negative-chemical-pressure effect.

Microstructure evolution and texture development of hot form-quench (HFQ) AZ31 twin roll cast (TRC) magnesium alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alias, J.; Zhou, X.; Das, Sanjeev; El-Fakir, Omer; Thompson, G. E.

2017-12-01

The present study on the microstructure evolution of hot form-quench (HFQ) AZ31 twin roll cast magnesium alloy attempt to provide an understanding on the grain structure and heterogeneous intermetallic phase formation in the alloy and texture development following the HFQ process. Grain recrystallization and partial dissolution of eutectic β-Mg17Al12 phase particles were occurred during the solution heat treatment at 450°C, leaving the alloy consists of recrystallized grains and discontinuous or random β-Mg17Al12 phase particles distribution with small volume fraction. The particles act as effective nucleation sites for new grains during recrystallization and variation of recrystallization occurrence contributed to texture alteration. The partial or full β-Mg17Al12 phase dissolution following the HFQ induces void formation that act as fracture nucleation site and the corresponding texture alteration in the recrystallized grains led to poor formability in TRC alloy.

Prediction of Setschenow constants of N-heteroaromatics in NaCl solutions based on the partial charge on the heterocyclic nitrogen atom.

PubMed

Yang, Bin; Li, Zhongjian; Lei, Lecheng; Sun, Feifei; Zhu, Jingke

2016-02-01

The solubilities of 19 different kinds of N-heteroaromatic compounds in aqueous solutions with different concentrations of NaCl were determined at 298.15 K with a UV-vis spectrophotometry and titration method, respectively. Setschenow constants, Ks, were employed to describe the solubility behavior, and it is found that the higher ring numbers of N-heteroaromatics gave rise to the lower values of Ks. Moreover, Ks showed a good linear relationship with the partial charge on the nitrogen atom (QN) for either QN > 0 or QN < 0 N-heteroaromatics. It further revealed that QN was well-matched in the prediction of salting-out effect for N-heteroaromatics compared to the conventional descriptors such as molar volume (VH) and the octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow). The heterocyclic N in N-heteroaromatics may interact with Na(+) ions in NaCl solution for QN < 0 and with Cl(-) for QN > 0.

Investigation of Dalton and Amagat's laws for gas mixtures with shock propagation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wayne, Patrick; Trueba Monje, Ignacio; Yoo, Jason H.; Truman, C. Randall; Vorobieff, Peter

2016-11-01

Two common models describing gas mixtures are Dalton's Law and Amagat's Law (also known as the laws of partial pressures and partial volumes, respectively). Our work is focused on determining the suitability of these models to prediction of effects of shock propagation through gas mixtures. Experiments are conducted at the Shock Tube Facility at the University of New Mexico (UNM). To validate experimental data, possible sources of uncertainty associated with experimental setup are identified and analyzed. The gaseous mixture of interest consists of a prescribed combination of disparate gases - helium and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). The equations of state (EOS) considered are the ideal gas EOS for helium, and a virial EOS for SF6. The values for the properties provided by these EOS are then used used to model shock propagation through the mixture in accordance with Dalton's and Amagat's laws. Results of the modeling are compared with experiment to determine which law produces better agreement for the mixture. This work is funded by NNSA Grant DE-NA0002913.

Group invariant solution for a pre-existing fracture driven by a power-law fluid in impermeable rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fareo, A. G.; Mason, D. P.

2013-12-01

The effect of power-law rheology on hydraulic fracturing is investigated. The evolution of a two-dimensional fracture with non-zero initial length and driven by a power-law fluid is analyzed. Only fluid injection into the fracture is considered. The surrounding rock mass is impermeable. With the aid of lubrication theory and the PKN approximation a partial differential equation for the fracture half-width is derived. Using a linear combination of the Lie-point symmetry generators of the partial differential equation, the group invariant solution is obtained and the problem is reduced to a boundary value problem for an ordinary differential equation. Exact analytical solutions are derived for hydraulic fractures with constant volume and with constant propagation speed. The asymptotic solution near the fracture tip is found. The numerical solution for general working conditions is obtained by transforming the boundary value problem to a pair of initial value problems. Throughout the paper, hydraulic fracturing with shear thinning, Newtonian and shear thickening fluids are compared.

Two-phase anaerobic digestion of partially acidified sewage sludge: a pilot plant study for safe sludge disposal in developing countries.

PubMed

Passio, Luca; Rizzoa, Luigi; Fuchs, Stephan

2012-09-01

The unsafe disposal of wastewater and sludge in different areas of developing countries results in significant environmental pollution, particularly for groundwater, thus increasing the risk of waterborne diseases spreading. In this work, a two-phase anaerobic digestion process for post-treatment of partially acidified sewage sludge was investigated to evaluate its feasibility as a safe sludge disposal system. Pilot tests showed that an effective sludge stabilization can be achieved (total volatile solids content <65%, organic acid concentration <200 mg/L at flow rate = 50 L/d and hydraulic residence time = 18 d) as well as a relative low faecal coliform density (<1000 most probable number per g total solids), showing that land application of the sludge without restrictions is possible according to US Environmental Protection Agency criteria for safe sludge disposal. A biogas production as high as 390 L/d with a 60% methane content by volume was achieved, showing that energy production from biogas may be achieved as well.

Revision of infected knee arthroplasties in Denmark

PubMed Central

Lindberg-Larsen, Martin; Jørgensen, Christoffer C; Bagger, Jens; Schrøder, Henrik M; Kehlet, Henrik

2016-01-01

Background and purpose The surgical treatment of periprosthetic knee infection is generally either a partial revision procedure (open debridement and exchange of the tibial insert) or a 2-stage exchange arthroplasty procedure. We describe the failure rates of these procedures on a nationwide basis. Patients and methods 105 partial revisions (100 patients) and 215 potential 2-stage revision procedures (205 patients) performed due to infection from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2013 were identified from the Danish Knee Arthroplasty Register (DKR). Failure was defined as surgically related death ≤ 90 days postoperatively, re-revision due to infection, or not reaching the second stage for a planned 2-stage procedure within a median follow-up period of 3.2 (2.2–4.2) years. Results The failure rate of the partial revisions was 43%. 71 of the partial revisions (67%) were revisions of a primary prosthesis with a re-revision rate due to infection of 34%, as compared to 55% in revisions of a revision prosthesis (p = 0.05). The failure rate of the 2-stage revisions was 30%. Median time interval between stages was 84 (9–597) days. 117 (54%) of the 2-stage revisions were revisions of a primary prosthesis with a re-revision rate due to infection of 21%, as compared to 29% in revisions of a previously revised prosthesis (p = 0.1). Overall postoperative mortality was 0.6% in high-volume centers (> 30 procedures within 2 years) as opposed to 7% in the remaining centers (p = 0.003). Interpretation The failure rates of 43% after the partial revision procedures and 30% after the 2-stage revisions in combination with the higher mortality outside high-volume centers call for centralization and reconsideration of surgical strategies. PMID:26900908

Phenomenological Partial Specific Volumes for G-Quadruplex DNAs

PubMed Central

Hellman, Lance M.; Rodgers, David W.; Fried, Michael G.

2009-01-01

Accurate partial specific volume (ν̄) values are required for sedimentation velocity and sedimentation equilibrium analyses. For nucleic acids, the estimation of these values is complicated by the fact that ν̄ depends on base composition, secondary structure, solvation and the concentrations and identities of ions in the surrounding buffer. Here we describe sedimentation equilibrium measurements of the apparent isopotential partial specific volume φ′ for two G-quadruplex DNAs and a single-stranded DNA of similar molecular weight and base composition. The G-quadruplex DNAs are a 22 nucleotide fragment of the human telomere consensus sequence and a 27 nucleotide fragment from the human c-myc promoter. The single-stranded DNA is 26 nucleotides long and is designed to have low propensity to form secondary structures. Parallel measurements were made in buffers containing NaCl and in buffers containing KCl, spanning the range 0.09M ≤ [salt] ≤ 2.3M. Limiting values of φ′, extrapolated to [salt] = 0M, were: 22-mer (NaCl-form), 0.525 ± 0.004 mL/g; 22-mer (KCl-form), 0.531 ± 0.006 mL/g; 27-mer (NaCl-form), 0.548 ± 0.005 mL/g; 27-mer (KCl-form), 0.557 ± 0.006 mL/g; 26-mer (NaCl-form), 0.555 ± 0.004 mL/g; 26-mer (KCl-form), 0.564 ± 0.006 mL/g. Small changes in φ′ with [salt] suggest that large changes in counterion association or hydration are unlikely to take place over these concentration ranges. PMID:19238377

CT liver volumetry using three-dimensional image data in living donor liver transplantation: Effects of slice thickness on volume calculation

PubMed Central

Hori, Masatoshi; Suzuki, Kenji; Epstein, Mark L.; Baron, Richard L.

2011-01-01

The purpose was to evaluate a relationship between slice thickness and calculated volume on CT liver volumetry by comparing the results for images with various slice thicknesses including three-dimensional images. Twenty adult potential liver donors (12 men, 8 women; mean age, 39 years; range, 24–64) underwent CT with a 64-section multi-detector row CT scanner after intra-venous injection of contrast material. Four image sets with slice thicknesses of 0.625 mm, 2.5 mm, 5 mm, and 10 mm were used. First, a program developed in our laboratory for automated liver extraction was applied to CT images, and the liver boundary was obtained automatically. Then, an abdominal radiologist reviewed all images on which automatically extracted boundaries were superimposed, and edited the boundary on each slice to enhance the accuracy. Liver volumes were determined by counting of the voxels within the liver boundary. Mean whole liver volumes estimated with CT were 1322.5 cm3 on 0.625-mm, 1313.3 cm3 on 2.5-mm, 1310.3 cm3 on 5-mm, and 1268.2 cm3 on 10-mm images. Volumes calculated for three-dimensional (0.625-mm-thick) images were significantly larger than those for thicker images (P<.0001). Partial liver volumes of right lobe, left lobe, and lateral segment were also evaluated in a similar manner. Estimated maximum differences in calculated volumes of lateral segment was −10.9 cm3 (−4.6%) between 0.625-mm and 5-mm images. In conclusion, liver volumes calculated on 2.5-mm or thicker images were significantly smaller than volumes calculated on three-dimensional images. If a maximum error of 5% in the calculated graft volume is within the range of having an insignificant clinical impact, 5-mm thick images are acceptable for CT volumetry. If not, three-dimensional images could be essential. PMID:21850689

Evaluation of OK-432 Injection Therapy as Possible Primary Treatment of Intraoral Ranula.

PubMed

Kono, Michihide; Satomi, Takafumi; Abukawa, Harutsugi; Hasegawa, On; Watanabe, Masato; Chikazu, Daichi

2017-02-01

A ranula is a pseudocyst caused by mucous extravasation from the sublingual gland. Recently, a sclerosing agent, OK-432 (picibanil), has been reported to be highly effective for treating lymphangioma and cervical cystic lesions. The present study assessed the effectiveness of OK-432 injection therapy for intraoral ranula to clarify whether it can be used as the primary treatment. The present study was a retrospective clinical study of patients with intraoral ranula who received OK-432 injection therapy from 2005 to 2015. The ranula size was measured on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging studies. We dissolved 1 Klinische Einheit (KE) unit of OK-432 powder in normal saline equal to the aspiration volume. The primary endpoint was the treatment results. The secondary endpoints were the relation between the treatment results and the lesion length and aspiration volume. A total of 23 patients received OK-432 injection therapy for an intraoral ranula. The mean lesion size was 19.96 mm. The mean aspiration volume was 2.14 mL. The number of injections was 1 to 4 (mean 1.70). The treatment results were complete regression (CR) in 18 (78.2%), partial regression (PR) in 3 (13.0%), and no response (NR) in 2 (8%) patients after the last injection. The overall efficacy rate was 91.2% (21 of 23). No serious complications were observed. The lesion length and aspiration volume of the CR group was 17.38 mm and 1.40 mL, respectively. The lesion length and aspiration volume of the PR/NR group was 29.20 mm and 4.80 mL, respectively. The PR/NR group lesions were significantly larger than the CR group lesions. OK-432 injection therapy for intraoral ranula is safe and effective compared with other surgical therapies. This therapy could potentially become a primary treatment of intraoral ranula. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analytical Computation of Effective Grid Parameters for the Finite-Difference Seismic Waveform Modeling With the PREM, IASP91, SP6, and AK135

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toyokuni, G.; Takenaka, H.

2007-12-01

We propose a method to obtain effective grid parameters for the finite-difference (FD) method with standard Earth models using analytical ways. In spite of the broad use of the heterogeneous FD formulation for seismic waveform modeling, accurate treatment of material discontinuities inside the grid cells has been a serious problem for many years. One possible way to solve this problem is to introduce effective grid elastic moduli and densities (effective parameters) calculated by the volume harmonic averaging of elastic moduli and volume arithmetic averaging of density in grid cells. This scheme enables us to put a material discontinuity into an arbitrary position in the spatial grids. Most of the methods used for synthetic seismogram calculation today receives the blessing of the standard Earth models, such as the PREM, IASP91, SP6, and AK135, represented as functions of normalized radius. For the FD computation of seismic waveform with such models, we first need accurate treatment of material discontinuities in radius. This study provides a numerical scheme for analytical calculations of the effective parameters for an arbitrary spatial grids in radial direction as to these major four standard Earth models making the best use of their functional features. This scheme can analytically obtain the integral volume averages through partial fraction decompositions (PFDs) and integral formulae. We have developed a FORTRAN subroutine to perform the computations, which is opened to utilization in a large variety of FD schemes ranging from 1-D to 3-D, with conventional- and staggered-grids. In the presentation, we show some numerical examples displaying the accuracy of the FD synthetics simulated with the analytical effective parameters.

Methods for the correction of vascular artifacts in PET O-15 water brain-mapping studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Kewei; Reiman, E. M.; Lawson, M.; Yun, Lang-sheng; Bandy, D.; Palant, A.

1996-12-01

While positron emission tomographic (PET) measurements of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) can be used to map brain regions that are involved in normal and pathological human behaviors, measurements in the anteromedial temporal lobe can be confounded by the combined effects of radiotracer activity in neighboring arteries and partial-volume averaging. The authors now describe two simple methods to address this vascular artifact. One method utilizes the early frames of a dynamic PET study, while the other method utilizes a coregistered magnetic resonance image (MRI) to characterize the vascular region of interest (VROI). Both methods subsequently assign a common value to each pixel in the VROI for the control (baseline) scan and the activation scan. To study the vascular artifact and to demonstrate the ability of the proposed methods correcting the vascular artifact, four dynamic PET scans were performed in a single subject during the same behavioral state. For each of the four scans, a vascular scan containing vascular activity was computed as the summation of the images acquired 0-60 s after radiotracer administration, and a control scan containing minimal vascular activity was computed as the summation of the images acquired 20-80 s after radiotracer administration. t-score maps calculated from the four pairs of vascular and control scans were used to characterize regional blood flow differences related to vascular activity before and after the application of each vascular artifact correction method. Both methods eliminated the observed differences in vascular activity, as well as the vascular artifact observed in the anteromedial temporal lobes. Using PET data from a study of normal human emotion, these methods permitted the authors to identify rCBF increases in the anteromedial temporal lobe free from the potentially confounding, combined effects of vascular activity and partial-volume averaging.

Evaluation of a 3D local multiresolution algorithm for the correction of partial volume effects in positron emission tomography.

PubMed

Le Pogam, Adrien; Hatt, Mathieu; Descourt, Patrice; Boussion, Nicolas; Tsoumpas, Charalampos; Turkheimer, Federico E; Prunier-Aesch, Caroline; Baulieu, Jean-Louis; Guilloteau, Denis; Visvikis, Dimitris

2011-09-01

Partial volume effects (PVEs) are consequences of the limited spatial resolution in emission tomography leading to underestimation of uptake in tissues of size similar to the point spread function (PSF) of the scanner as well as activity spillover between adjacent structures. Among PVE correction methodologies, a voxel-wise mutual multiresolution analysis (MMA) was recently introduced. MMA is based on the extraction and transformation of high resolution details from an anatomical image (MR/CT) and their subsequent incorporation into a low-resolution PET image using wavelet decompositions. Although this method allows creating PVE corrected images, it is based on a 2D global correlation model, which may introduce artifacts in regions where no significant correlation exists between anatomical and functional details. A new model was designed to overcome these two issues (2D only and global correlation) using a 3D wavelet decomposition process combined with a local analysis. The algorithm was evaluated on synthetic, simulated and patient images, and its performance was compared to the original approach as well as the geometric transfer matrix (GTM) method. Quantitative performance was similar to the 2D global model and GTM in correlated cases. In cases where mismatches between anatomical and functional information were present, the new model outperformed the 2D global approach, avoiding artifacts and significantly improving quality of the corrected images and their quantitative accuracy. A new 3D local model was proposed for a voxel-wise PVE correction based on the original mutual multiresolution analysis approach. Its evaluation demonstrated an improved and more robust qualitative and quantitative accuracy compared to the original MMA methodology, particularly in the absence of full correlation between anatomical and functional information.

Pairwise mixture model for unmixing partial volume effect in multi-voxel MR spectroscopy of brain tumour patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olliverre, Nathan; Asad, Muhammad; Yang, Guang; Howe, Franklyn; Slabaugh, Gregory

2017-03-01

Multi-Voxel Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MV-MRS) provides an important and insightful technique for the examination of the chemical composition of brain tissue, making it an attractive medical imaging modality for the examination of brain tumours. MRS, however, is affected by the issue of the Partial Volume Effect (PVE), where the signals of multiple tissue types can be found within a single voxel and provides an obstacle to the interpretation of the data. The PVE results from the low resolution achieved in MV-MRS images relating to the signal to noise ratio (SNR). To counteract PVE, this paper proposes a novel Pairwise Mixture Model (PMM), that extends a recently reported Signal Mixture Model (SMM) for representing the MV-MRS signal as normal, low or high grade tissue types. Inspired by Conditional Random Field (CRF) and its continuous variant the PMM incorporates the surrounding voxel neighbourhood into an optimisation problem, the solution of which provides an estimation to a set of coefficients. The values of the estimated coefficients represents the amount of each tissue type (normal, low or high) found within a voxel. These coefficients can then be visualised as a nosological rendering using a coloured grid representing the MV-MRS image overlaid on top of a structural image, such as a Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI). Experimental results show an accuracy of 92.69% in classifying patient tumours as either low or high grade compared against the histopathology for each patient. Compared to 91.96% achieved by the SMM, the proposed PMM method demonstrates the importance of incorporating spatial coherence into the estimation as well as its potential clinical usage.

Effect of Channel Geometry and Properties of a Vapor-Gas Mixture on Volume Condensation in a Flow through a Nozzle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sidorov, A. A.; Yastrebov, A. K.

2018-01-01

A method of direct numerical solution of the kinetic equation for the droplet size distribution function was used for the numerical investigation of volume condensation in a supersonic vapor-gas flow. Distributions of temperature for the gas phase and droplets, degree of supersaturation, pressure, fraction of droplets by weight, the number of droplets per unit mass, and of the nucleation rate along the channel were determined. The influence of nozzle geometry, mixture composition, and temperature dependence of the mixture properties on the investigated process was evaluated. It has been found that the nozzle divergence angle determines the vapor-gas mixture expansion rate: an increase in the divergence angle enhances the temperature decrease rate and the supersaturation degree raise rate. With an increase or decrease in the partial pressure of incondensable gas, the droplet temperature approaches the gas phase temperature or the saturation temperature at the partial gas pressure, respectively. A considerable effect of the temperature dependence of the liquid surface tension and properties on gas phase parameters and the integral characteristics of condensation aerosol was revealed. However, the difference in results obtained with or without considering the temperature dependence of evaporation heat is negligible. The predictions are compared with experimental data of other investigations for two mixtures: a mixture of heavy water vapor with nitrogen (incondensable gas) or n-nonane vapor with nitrogen. The predictions agree quite well qualitatively and quantitatively with the experiment. The comparison of the predictions with numerical results from other publications obtained using the method of moments demonstrates the usefulness of the direct numerical solution method and the method of moments in a wide range of input data.

Evaluation of a 3D local multiresolution algorithm for the correction of partial volume effects in positron emission tomography

PubMed Central

Le Pogam, Adrien; Hatt, Mathieu; Descourt, Patrice; Boussion, Nicolas; Tsoumpas, Charalampos; Turkheimer, Federico E.; Prunier-Aesch, Caroline; Baulieu, Jean-Louis; Guilloteau, Denis; Visvikis, Dimitris

2011-01-01

Purpose Partial volume effects (PVE) are consequences of the limited spatial resolution in emission tomography leading to under-estimation of uptake in tissues of size similar to the point spread function (PSF) of the scanner as well as activity spillover between adjacent structures. Among PVE correction methodologies, a voxel-wise mutual multi-resolution analysis (MMA) was recently introduced. MMA is based on the extraction and transformation of high resolution details from an anatomical image (MR/CT) and their subsequent incorporation into a low resolution PET image using wavelet decompositions. Although this method allows creating PVE corrected images, it is based on a 2D global correlation model which may introduce artefacts in regions where no significant correlation exists between anatomical and functional details. Methods A new model was designed to overcome these two issues (2D only and global correlation) using a 3D wavelet decomposition process combined with a local analysis. The algorithm was evaluated on synthetic, simulated and patient images, and its performance was compared to the original approach as well as the geometric transfer matrix (GTM) method. Results Quantitative performance was similar to the 2D global model and GTM in correlated cases. In cases where mismatches between anatomical and functional information were present the new model outperformed the 2D global approach, avoiding artefacts and significantly improving quality of the corrected images and their quantitative accuracy. Conclusions A new 3D local model was proposed for a voxel-wise PVE correction based on the original mutual multi-resolution analysis approach. Its evaluation demonstrated an improved and more robust qualitative and quantitative accuracy compared to the original MMA methodology, particularly in the absence of full correlation between anatomical and functional information. PMID:21978037

Water Resources Data, New Jersey, Water Year 2003; Volume 1. Surface-Water Data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reed, T.J.; White, B.T.; Centinaro, G.L.; Dudek, J.F.; Protz, A.R.; Shvanda, J.C.; Watson, A.F.

2004-01-01

Water-resources data for the 2003 Water Year for New Jersey are presented in three volumes, and consists of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality of ground water. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 100 gaging stations; tide summaries at 29 tidal gaging stations; and stage and contents at 39 lakes and reservoirs. Also included are stage and discharge for 106 crest-stage partial-record stations, stage-only at 33 tidal crest-stage gages, and discharge for 142 low-flow partial- record stations. Locations of these sites are shown in figures 8-11. Additional discharge measurements were made at 143 miscellaneous sites that are not part of the systematic data-collection program. Discontinued station tables for gaging stations, crest-stage gages, tidal crest-stage and tidal gaging stations show historical coverage. The data in this report represent that part of the National Water Information System (NWIS) data collected by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Hydrologic conditions are also described for this water year, including streamflow, precipitation, reservoir conditions, and air temperatures.

Water resources data, New Jersey, water year 2005. Volume 1 - surface-water data

USGS Publications Warehouse

White, B.T.; Hoppe, H.L.; Centinaro, G.L.; Dudek, J.F.; Painter, B.S.; Protz, A.R.; Reed, T.J.; Shvanda, J.C.; Watson, A.F.

2006-01-01

Water-resources data for the 2005 water year for New Jersey are presented in three volumes, and consists of records of stage, discharge, and water-quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water-quality of ground water. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 103 gaging stations; tide summaries at 28 tidal gaging stations; stage and contents at 34 lakes and reservoirs; and diversions from 50 surface-water sources. Also included are stage and discharge for 116 crest-stage partial-record stations, stage-only at 33 tidal crest-stage gages, and discharge for 155 low-flow partial-record stations. Locations of these sites are shown in figures 8-11. Additional discharge measurements were made at 222 miscellaneous sites that are not part of the systematic data-collection program. Discontinued station tables for gaging stations, crest-stage gages, tidal crest-stage and tidal gaging stations show historical coverage. The data in this report represent that part of the National Water Information System (NWIS) data collected by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Hydrologic conditions are also described for this water year, including stream-flow, precipitation, reservoir conditions, and air temperatures.

Water resources data, New Jersey, water year 2004-volume 1. surface-water data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Centinaro, G.L.; White, B.T.; Hoppe, H.L.; Dudek, J.F.; Protz, A.R.; Reed, T.J.; Shvanda, J.C.; Watson, A.F.

2005-01-01

Water-resources data for the 2004 water year for New Jersey are presented in three volumes, and consists of records of stage, discharge, and water-quality of streams; stage and contents of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water-quality of ground water. Volume 1 contains discharge records for 105 gaging stations; tide summaries at 27 tidal gaging stations; stage and contents at 39 lakes and reservoirs; and diversions from 51 surface-water sources. Also included are stage and discharge for 108 crest-stage partial-record stations, stage-only at 34 tidal crest-stage gages, and discharge for 124 low-flow partial-record stations. Locations of these sites are shown in figures 8-11. Additional discharge measurements were made at 131 miscellaneous sites that are not part of the systematic data-collection program. Discontinued station tables for gaging stations, crest-stage gages, tidal crest-stage and tidal gaging stations show historical coverage. The data in this report represent that part of the National Water Information System (NWIS) data collected by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Hydrologic conditions are also described for this water year, including stream-flow, precipitation, reservoir conditions, and air temperatures.

Minoxidil accelerates heart failure development in rats with ascending aortic constriction.

PubMed

Turcani, M; Jacob, R

1998-06-01

To test the ability of the heart to express characteristic geometric features of concentric and eccentric hypertrophy concurrently, constriction of the ascending aorta was performed in 4-week-old rats. Simultaneously, these rats were treated with an arteriolar dilator minoxidil. An examination 6 weeks after induction of the hemodynamic overload revealed no signs of congestion in systemic or pulmonary circulation in rats with aortic constriction or minoxidil-treated sham-operated rats. The magnitude of hemodynamic overload caused by aortic constriction or minoxidil treatment could be considered as equivalent, because the same enlargement of left ventricular pressure-volume area was necessary to compensate for either pressure or volume overload. Myocardial contractility decreased in rats with aortic constriction, and the compensation was achieved wholly by the marked concentric hypertrophy. Volume overload in minoxidil-treated rats was compensated partially by the eccentric hypertrophy and partially by the increased myocardial contractility. In contrast, increased lung weight and pleural effusion were found in all minoxidil-treated rats with aortic constriction. Unfavorable changes in left ventricular mass and geometry, relatively high chamber stiffness, and depressed ventricular and myocardial function were responsible for the massive pulmonary congestion.

Dosimetric considerations and early clinical experience of accelerated partial breast irradiation using multi-lumen applicators in the setting of breast augmentation.

PubMed

Akhtari, Mani; Pino, Ramiro; Scarboro, Sarah B; Bass, Barbara L; Miltenburg, Darlene M; Butler, E Brian; Teh, Bin S

2015-12-01

Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is an accepted treatment option in breast-conserving therapy for early stage breast cancer. However, data regarding outcomes of patients treated with multi-lumen catheter systems who have existing breast implants is limited. The purpose of this study was to report treatment parameters, outcomes, and possible dosimetric correlation with cosmetic outcome for this population of patients at our institution. We report the treatment and outcome of seven consecutive patients with existing breast implants and early stage breast cancer who were treated between 2009 and 2013 using APBI following lumpectomy. All patients were treated twice per day for five days to a total dose of 34 Gy using a high-dose-rate (192)Ir source. Cosmetic outcomes were evaluated using the Harvard breast cosmesis scale, and late toxicities were reported using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) late radiation morbidity schema. After a mean follow-up of 32 months, all patients have remained cancer free. Six out of seven patients had an excellent or good cosmetic outcome. There were no grade 3 or 4 late toxicities. The average total breast implant volume was 279.3 cc, received an average mean dose of 12.1 Gy, and a maximum dose of 234.1 Gy. The average percentage of breast implant volume receiving 50%, 75%, 100%, 150%, and 200% of the prescribed dose was 15.6%, 7.03%, 4.6%, 1.58%, and 0.46%, respectively. Absolute volume of breast implants receiving more than 50% of prescribed dose correlated with worse cosmetic outcomes. Accelerated partial breast irradiation using a multi-lumen applicator in patients with existing breast implants can safely be performed with promising early clinical results. The presence of the implant did not compromise the ability to achieve dosimetric criteria; however, dose to the implant and the irradiated implant volume may be related with worse cosmetic outcomes.

Dosimetric considerations and early clinical experience of accelerated partial breast irradiation using multi-lumen applicators in the setting of breast augmentation

PubMed Central

Akhtari, Mani; Pino, Ramiro; Scarboro, Sarah B.; Bass, Barbara L.; Miltenburg, Darlene M.; Butler, E. Brian

2015-01-01

Purpose Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is an accepted treatment option in breast-conserving therapy for early stage breast cancer. However, data regarding outcomes of patients treated with multi-lumen catheter systems who have existing breast implants is limited. The purpose of this study was to report treatment parameters, outcomes, and possible dosimetric correlation with cosmetic outcome for this population of patients at our institution. Material and methods We report the treatment and outcome of seven consecutive patients with existing breast implants and early stage breast cancer who were treated between 2009 and 2013 using APBI following lumpectomy. All patients were treated twice per day for five days to a total dose of 34 Gy using a high-dose-rate 192Ir source. Cosmetic outcomes were evaluated using the Harvard breast cosmesis scale, and late toxicities were reported using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) late radiation morbidity schema. Results After a mean follow-up of 32 months, all patients have remained cancer free. Six out of seven patients had an excellent or good cosmetic outcome. There were no grade 3 or 4 late toxicities. The average total breast implant volume was 279.3 cc, received an average mean dose of 12.1 Gy, and a maximum dose of 234.1 Gy. The average percentage of breast implant volume receiving 50%, 75%, 100%, 150%, and 200% of the prescribed dose was 15.6%, 7.03%, 4.6%, 1.58%, and 0.46%, respectively. Absolute volume of breast implants receiving more than 50% of prescribed dose correlated with worse cosmetic outcomes. Conclusions Accelerated partial breast irradiation using a multi-lumen applicator in patients with existing breast implants can safely be performed with promising early clinical results. The presence of the implant did not compromise the ability to achieve dosimetric criteria; however, dose to the implant and the irradiated implant volume may be related with worse cosmetic outcomes. PMID:26816499

Long-term outcome of accelerated partial breast irradiation using a multilumen balloon applicator in a patient with existing breast implants.

PubMed

Akhtari, Mani; Nitsch, Paige L; Bass, Barbara L; Teh, Bin S

2015-01-01

Accelerated partial breast irradiation is now an accepted component of breast-conserving therapy. However, data regarding long-term outcomes of patients treated with multilumen catheter systems who have existing breast implants are limited. We report the treatment and outcome of our patient who had existing bilateral silicone subpectoral implants at the time of presentation. Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of the right breast showed infiltrating mucinous carcinoma. Right breast lumpectomy revealed an 8 mm area of infiltrating ductal carcinoma with mucinous features and nuclear grade 1. A 4-5 cm Contura (Bard Biopsy Systems, Tempe, AZ) device was placed, and she was treated over the course of 5 days twice daily to a dose of 34 Gy using a high-dose-rate iridium-192 source. The planning target volume for evaluation was 73.9 cc. The percentage of the planning target volume for evaluation receiving 90%, 95%, and 100% of the prescribed dose was 99.9%, 99.3%, and 97.8%, respectively. The total implant volume was 234.5 cc and received a mean dose of 15.4 Gy and a maximum dose of 72.8 Gy. The percentage of implant volume receiving 50%, 75%, 100%, and 200% of the prescribed dose was 31.1%, 16.5%, 8.6%, 2.0%, and 0%, respectively. Maximum skin dose was 97% of the prescribed dose. With a followup of nearly 5 years, she continues to be cancer free with minimal late toxicities and good to excellent cosmetic outcome. Accelerated partial breast irradiation using a multilumen balloon applicator in patients with existing breast implants can safely be performed with excellent long-term cosmetic outcome. Further studies are needed to establish the absolute dosimetric tolerance of breast implants. Copyright © 2015 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Glass Transition Temperature- and Specific Volume- Composition Models for Tellurite Glasses

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

Riley, Brian J.; Vienna, John D.

This report provides models for predicting composition-properties for tellurite glasses, namely specific gravity and glass transition temperature. Included are the partial specific coefficients for each model, the component validity ranges, and model fit parameters.

Clinical experience with image-guided radiotherapy in an accelerated partial breast intensity-modulated radiotherapy protocol.

PubMed

Leonard, Charles E; Tallhamer, Michael; Johnson, Tim; Hunter, Kari; Howell, Kathryn; Kercher, Jane; Widener, Jodi; Kaske, Terese; Paul, Devchand; Sedlacek, Scot; Carter, Dennis L

2010-02-01

To explore the feasibility of fiducial markers for the use of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) in an accelerated partial breast intensity modulated radiotherapy protocol. Nineteen patients consented to an institutional review board approved protocol of accelerated partial breast intensity-modulated radiotherapy with fiducial marker placement and treatment with IGRT. Patients (1 patient with bilateral breast cancer; 20 total breasts) underwent ultrasound guided implantation of three 1.2- x 3-mm gold markers placed around the surgical cavity. For each patient, table shifts (inferior/superior, right/left lateral, and anterior/posterior) and minimum, maximum, mean error with standard deviation were recorded for each of the 10 BID treatments. The dose contribution of daily orthogonal films was also examined. All IGRT patients underwent successful marker placement. In all, 200 IGRT treatment sessions were performed. The average vector displacement was 4 mm (range, 2-7 mm). The average superior/inferior shift was 2 mm (range, 0-5 mm), the average lateral shift was 2 mm (range, 1-4 mm), and the average anterior/posterior shift was 3 mm (range, 1 5 mm). This study shows that the use of IGRT can be successfully used in an accelerated partial breast intensity-modulated radiotherapy protocol. The authors believe that this technique has increased daily treatment accuracy and permitted reduction in the margin added to the clinical target volume to form the planning target volume. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Commentary on the sphalerite geobarometer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Toulmin, P.; Barton, P.B.; Wiggins, L.B.

1991-01-01

The FeS content of sphalerite in assemblages with pyrite and pyrrhotite has been widely used and widely criticized as a geobarometer. The commonly accepted form of the geobarometer is based on the composition of sphalerite being independent of temperature below about 550??C at all pressures up to at least 10 kbar, but strong thermodynamic arguments require a significant temperature dependence in this region. Most minor components have a negligible effect on the relevant equilibria, but the effect of CuS is somewhat more significant. Molar and partial molar volumes for binary (ZnS-FeS) and ternary (ZnS-FeS-CuS) sphalerite solutions are presented; the ternary data are consistent with charge transfer between Cu and Fe. -from Authors

SU-F-T-121: Abdominal Compression Effectively Reduces the Interplay Effect and Enables Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy of Liver Tumors

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

Souris, K; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Glick, A

Purpose: To study if abdominal compression can reduce breathing motion and mitigate interplay effect in pencil beam scanning proton therapy (PBSPT) treatment of liver tumors in order to better spare healthy liver volumes compared with photon therapy. Methods: Ten patients, six having large tumors initially treated with IMRT and four having small tumors treated with SBRT, were replanned for PBSPT. ITV and beam-specific PTVs based on 4D-CT were used to ensure target coverage in PBSPT. The use of an abdominal compression belt and volumetric repainting was investigated to mitigate the interplay effect between breathing motion and PBSPT dynamic delivery. Anmore » in-house Matlab script has been developed to simulate this interplay effect. The dose is computed on each phase individually by sorting all spots according to their simulated delivery timing. The final dose distribution is then obtained by accumulating all dose maps to a reference phase. Results: For equivalent target coverage PBSPT reduced average healthy liver dose by 9.5% of the prescription dose compared with IMRT/SBRT. Abdominal compression of 113.2±42.2 mmHg was effective for all 10 patients and reduced average motion by 2.25 mm. As a result, the average ITV volume decreased from 128.2% to 123.1% of CTV volume. Similarly, the average beam-specific PTV volume decreased from 193.2% to 183.3%. For 8 of the 10 patients, the average motion was reduced below 5 mm, and up to 3 repainting were sufficient to mitigate interplay. For the other two patients with larger residual motion, 4–5 repainting were needed. Conclusion: We recommend evaluation of the 4DCT motion histogram following simulation and the interplay effect following treatment planning in order to personalize the use of compression and volumetric repainting for each patient. Abdominal compression enables safe and more effective PBS treatment of liver tumors by reduction of motion and interplay effect. Kevin Souris is supported by IBA and Televie Grant from F.R.S.-FNRS. Liyong Lin is partially supported by Varian.« less

Impaired Recognition and Regulation of Disgust Is Associated with Distinct but Partially Overlapping Patterns of Decreased Gray Matter Volume in the Ventroanterior Insula.

PubMed

Woolley, Josh D; Strobl, Eric V; Sturm, Virginia E; Shany-Ur, Tal; Poorzand, Pardis; Grossman, Scott; Nguyen, Lauren; Eckart, Janet A; Levenson, Robert W; Seeley, William W; Miller, Bruce L; Rankin, Katherine P

2015-10-01

The ventroanterior insula is implicated in the experience, expression, and recognition of disgust; however, whether this brain region is required for recognizing disgust or regulating disgusting behaviors remains unknown. We examined the brain correlates of the presence of disgusting behavior and impaired recognition of disgust using voxel-based morphometry in a sample of 305 patients with heterogeneous patterns of neurodegeneration. Permutation-based analyses were used to determine regions of decreased gray matter volume at a significance level p <= .05 corrected for family-wise error across the whole brain and within the insula. Patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia and semantic variant primary progressive aphasia were most likely to exhibit disgusting behaviors and were, on average, the most impaired at recognizing disgust in others. Imaging analysis revealed that patients who exhibited disgusting behaviors had significantly less gray matter volume bilaterally in the ventral anterior insula. A region of interest analysis restricted to behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia and semantic variant primary progressive aphasia patients alone confirmed this result. Moreover, impaired recognition of disgust was associated with decreased gray matter volume in the bilateral ventroanterior and ventral middle regions of the insula. There was an area of overlap in the bilateral anterior insula where decreased gray matter volume was associated with both the presence of disgusting behavior and impairments in recognizing disgust. These findings suggest that regulating disgusting behaviors and recognizing disgust in others involve two partially overlapping neural systems within the insula. Moreover, the ventral anterior insula is required for both processes. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Impaired recognition and regulation of disgust is associated with distinct but partially overlapping patterns of decreased gray matter volume in the ventroanterior insula

PubMed Central

Woolley, Joshua; Strobl, Eric V; Sturm, Virginia E; Shany-Ur, Tal; Poorzand, Pardis; Grossman, Scott; Nguyen, Lauren; Eckart, Janet A; Levenson, Robert W; Seeley, William W; Miller, Bruce L; Rankin, Katherine P

2015-01-01

Background The ventroanterior insula is implicated in the experience, expression, and recognition of disgust; however, whether this brain region is required for recognizing disgust or regulating disgusting behaviors remains unknown. Methods We examined the brain correlates of the presence of disgusting behavior and impaired recognition of disgust using voxel-based morphometry in a sample of 305 patients with heterogeneous patterns of neurodegeneration. Permutation-based analyses were used to determine regions of decreased grey matter volume at a significance level p<0.05 corrected for family-wise error across the whole brain and within the insula. Results Patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) were most likely to exhibit disgusting behaviors and were, on average, the most impaired at recognizing disgust in others. Imaging analysis revealed that patients who exhibited disgusting behaviors had significantly less grey matter volume bilaterally in the ventral anterior insula. A region of interest analysis restricted to bvFTD and svPPA patients alone confirmed this result. Moreover, impaired recognition of disgust was associated with decreased grey matter volume in the bilateral ventroanterior and ventral middle regions of the insula. There was an area of overlap in the bilateral anterior insula where decreased grey matter volume was associated with both the presence of disgusting behavior and impairments in recognizing disgust. Conclusion These findings suggest that regulating disgusting behaviors and recognizing disgust in others involve two partially overlapping neural systems within the insula. Moreover, the ventral anterior insula is required for both processes. PMID:25890642

L-arginine and glycine supplementation in the repair of the irradiated colonic wall of rats.

PubMed

de Aguiar Picanço, Etiene; Lopes-Paulo, Francisco; Marques, Ruy G; Diestel, Cristina F; Caetano, Carlos Eduardo R; de Souza, Mônica Vieira Mano; Moscoso, Gabriela Mendes; Pazos, Helena Maria F

2011-05-01

Radiotherapy is widely used for cancer treatment but has harmful effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of L-arginine and glycine supplementation on the colon wall of rats submitted to abdominal irradiation. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: I-healthy, II-irradiated with no amino acid supplementation, III-irradiated and supplemented with L-arginine, and IV-irradiated and supplemented with glycine. The animals received supplementation for 14 days, with irradiation being applied on the eighth day of the experiment. All animals underwent laparotomy on the 15th day for resection of a colonic segment for stereologic analysis. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at p ≤0.05. Stereologic analysis showed that irradiation induced a reduction of the total volume of the colon wall of group II and III animals compared to healthy controls, but not of group IV animals supplemented with glycine. The mucosal layer of the irradiated animals of all groups was reduced compared to healthy group I animals, but supplementation with L-arginine and glycine was effective in maintaining the epithelial surface of the mucosal layer. The present results suggest that glycine supplementation had a superior effect on the irradiated colon wall compared to L-arginine supplementation since it was able to maintain the thickness of the wall and the epithelial surface of the mucosa, whereas L-arginine maintained the partial volume of the epithelium and the epithelial surface, but not the total volume of the intestinal wall.

A Simple Apparatus for Demonstrating Fluid Forces and Newton's Third Law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohazzabi, Pirooz; James, Mark C.

2012-12-01

Over 2200 years ago, in order to determine the purity of a golden crown of the king of Syracuse, Archimedes submerged the crown in water and determined its volume by measuring the volume of the displaced water. This simple experiment became the foundation of what eventually became known as Archimedes' principle: An object fully or partially immersed in a fluid is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. The principle is used to explain all questions regarding buoyancy, and the method is still prescribed for determination of the volume of irregularly shaped objects.2

Metformin Therapy Decreases Hyperandrogenism and Ovarian Volume in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

PubMed Central

Farimani Sanoee, Marzieh; Neghab, Nosrat; Rabiee, Soghra; Amiri, Iraj

2011-01-01

Background: It is well known that there is a close relationship between elevated androgen plasma levels and the ultrasound findings of stromal hypertrophy in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects metformin on the hyperandrogenism and ovarian volume in PCOS. Methods: The study is an unrandomized clinical trial with before–after design. Twenty eight patients with infertility (male or female factor) meeting the Rotterdam ESHRE/ASRM criteria for PCOS were studied during the 2008-2009. The anthropometric characteristics of the patients, mean bilateral ovarian volume, and morphology by trans vaginal sonography as well as the plasma levels of leutinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, testosterone, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone, and dehydroepianderosterone sulfate were obtained before and after treatment with metformin (500 mg three times a day) for three months. Paired t, Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, or Partial Correlation test was used to analyze the findings. Results: The patients had a mean age of 25.67 years. A significant reduction in mean ovarian volume (11.70±4.31 ml vs 8.27±3.71 ml P=0.001), body mass index (BMI, 28.11±4.55 kg/m2 vs 26.84±4.55 kg/m2 P=0.000) and serum androgen levels was seen after three months of treatment with metformin. There was positive correlations between the ovarian volume and serum testosterone level (r=0.589, P=0.001) or BMI (r=0.663, P=0.000). Conclusion: Metformin therapy may lead to a reduction in ovarian volume. It is likely that the reduction of ovarian volume reflect a decrease in the mass of androgen producing tissues. Trial Registration Number: IRCT138903244176N1 PMID:23358726

Effects of gestational age on brain volume and cognitive functions in generally healthy very preterm born children during school-age: A voxel-based morphometry study.

PubMed

Lemola, Sakari; Oser, Nadine; Urfer-Maurer, Natalie; Brand, Serge; Holsboer-Trachsler, Edith; Bechtel, Nina; Grob, Alexander; Weber, Peter; Datta, Alexandre N

2017-01-01

To determine whether the relationship of gestational age (GA) with brain volumes and cognitive functions is linear or whether it follows a threshold model in preterm and term born children during school-age. We studied 106 children (M = 10 years 1 month, SD = 16 months; 40 females) enrolled in primary school: 57 were healthy very preterm children (10 children born 24-27 completed weeks' gestation (extremely preterm), 14 children born 28-29 completed weeks' gestation, 19 children born 30-31 completed weeks' gestation (very preterm), and 14 born 32 completed weeks' gestation (moderately preterm)) all born appropriate for GA (AGA) and 49 term-born children. Neuroimaging involved voxel-based morphometry with the statistical parametric mapping software. Cognitive functions were assessed with the WISC-IV. General Linear Models and multiple regressions were conducted controlling age, sex, and maternal education. Compared to groups of children born 30 completed weeks' gestation and later, children born <28 completed weeks' gestation had less gray matter volume (GMV) and white matter volume (WMV) and poorer cognitive functions including decreased full scale IQ, and processing speed. Differences in GMV partially mediated the relationship between GA and full scale IQ in preterm born children. In preterm children who are born AGA and without major complications GA is associated with brain volume and cognitive functions. In particular, decreased brain volume becomes evident in the extremely preterm group (born <28 completed weeks' gestation). In preterm children born 30 completed weeks' gestation and later the relationship of GA with brain volume and cognitive functions may be less strong as previously thought.

Spaceflight-induced changes in white matter hyperintensity burden in astronauts.

PubMed

Alperin, Noam; Bagci, Ahmet M; Lee, Sang H

2017-11-21

To assess the effect of weightlessness and the respective roles of CSF and vascular fluid on changes in white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden in astronauts. We analyzed prespaceflight and postspaceflight brain MRI scans from 17 astronauts, 10 who flew a long-duration mission on the International Space Station (ISS) and 7 who flew a short-duration mission on the Space Shuttle. Automated analysis methods were used to determine preflight to postflight changes in periventricular and deep WMH, CSF, and brain tissue volumes in fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and high-resolution 3-dimensional T1-weighted imaging. Differences between cohorts and associations between individual measures were assessed. The short-term reversibility of the identified preflight to postflight changes was tested in a subcohort of 5 long-duration astronauts who had a second postflight MRI scan 1 month after the first postflight scan. Significant preflight to postflight changes were measured only in the long-duration cohort and included only the periventricular WMH and ventricular CSF volumes. Changes in deep WMH and brain tissue volumes were not significant in either cohort. The increase in periventricular WMH volume was significantly associated with an increase in ventricular CSF volume (ρ = 0.63, p = 0.008). A partial reversal of these increases was observed in the long-duration subcohort with a 1-month follow-up scan. Long-duration exposure to microgravity is associated with an increase in periventricular WMH in astronauts. This increase was linked to an increase in ventricular CSF volume documented in ISS astronauts. There was no associated change in or abnormal levels of WMH volumes in deep white matter as reported in U-2 high-altitude pilots. © 2017 American Academy of Neurology.

The effect of bladder outlet obstruction on tissue oxygen tension and blood flow in the pig bladder.

PubMed

Greenland, J E; Hvistendahl, J J; Andersen, H; Jörgensen, T M; McMurray, G; Cortina-Borja, M; Brading, A F; Frøkiaer, J

2000-06-01

To investigate the effect of partial bladder outlet obstruction on detrusor blood flow and oxygen tension (PdetO2) in female pigs. Detrusor-layer oxygen tension and blood flow were measured using oxygen-sensitive electrode and radiolabelled microsphere techniques in five female Large White pigs with a partial urethral obstruction and in five sham-operated controls. The effects of chronic outlet obstruction on bladder weight, and cholinergic nerve density and distribution, are also described. In the obstructed bladders, blood flow and oxygen tension were, respectively, 54.9% and 74.3% of control values at low bladder volume, and 47.5% and 42.5% at cystometric capacity. Detrusor blood flow declined by 27.8% and 37.5% in the control and obstructed bladders, respectively, as a result of bladder filling, whilst PdetO2 did not decrease in the controls, but fell by 42.7% in the obstructed bladders. Bladder weight increased whilst cholinergic nerve density decreased in the obstructed animals. In pigs with chronic bladder outlet obstruction, blood flow and oxygen tension in the detrusor layer were lower than in control animals. In addition, increasing detrusor pressure during filling caused significantly greater decreases in blood flow and oxygen tension in the obstructed than in the control bladders.

On the aquitard-aquifer interface flow and the drawdown sensitivity with a partially penetrating pumping well in an anisotropic leaky confined aquifer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Qinggao; Zhan, Hongbin

2015-02-01

A mathematical model for describing groundwater flow to a partially penetrating pumping well of a finite diameter in an anisotropic leaky confined aquifer is developed. The model accounts for the jointed effects of aquitard storage, aquifer anisotropy, and wellbore storage by treating the aquitard leakage as a boundary condition at the aquitard-aquifer interface rather than a volumetric source/sink term in the governing equation, which has never developed before. A new semi-analytical solution for the model is obtained by the Laplace transform in conjunction with separation of variables. Specific attention was paid on the flow across the aquitard-aquifer interface, which is of concern if aquitard and aquifer have different pore water chemistry. Moreover, Laplace-domain and steady-state solutions are obtained to calculate the rate and volume of (total) leakage through the aquitard-aquifer interface due to pump in a partially penetrating well, which is also useful for engineers to manager water resources. The sensitivity analyses for the drawdown illustrate that the drawdown is most sensitive to the well partial penetration. It is apparently sensitive to the aquifer anisotropic ratio over the entire time of pumping. It is moderately sensitive to the aquitard/aquifer specific storage ratio at the intermediate times only. It is moderately sensitive to the aquitard/aquifer vertical hydraulic conductivity ratio and the aquitard/aquifer thickness ratio with the identical influence at late times.