Mineralogic Model (MM3.0) Analysis Model Report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

C. Lum

2002-02-12

The purpose of this report is to document the Mineralogic Model (MM), Version 3.0 (MM3.0) with regard to data input, modeling methods, assumptions, uncertainties, limitations and validation of the model results, qualification status of the model, and the differences between Version 3.0 and previous versions. A three-dimensional (3-D) Mineralogic Model was developed for Yucca Mountain to support the analyses of hydrologic properties, radionuclide transport, mineral health hazards, repository performance, and repository design. Version 3.0 of the MM was developed from mineralogic data obtained from borehole samples. It consists of matrix mineral abundances as a function of x (easting), y (northing), and z (elevation), referenced to the stratigraphic framework defined in Version 3.1 of the Geologic Framework Model (GFM). The MM was developed specifically for incorporation into the 3-D Integrated Site Model (ISM). The MM enables project personnel to obtain calculated mineral abundances at any position, within any region, or within any stratigraphic unit in the model area. The significance of the MM for key aspects of site characterization and performance assessment is explained in the following subsections. This work was conducted in accordance with the Development Plan for the MM (CRWMS M&O 2000). The planning document for this Rev. 00, ICN 02 of this AMR is Technical Work Plan, TWP-NBS-GS-000003, Technical Work Plan for the Integrated Site Model, Process Model Report, Revision 01 (CRWMS M&O 2000). The purpose of this ICN is to record changes in the classification of input status by the resolution of the use of TBV software and data in this report. Constraints and limitations of the MM are discussed in the appropriate sections that follow. The MM is one component of the ISM, which has been developed to provide a consistent volumetric portrayal of the rock layers, rock properties, and mineralogy of the Yucca Mountain site. The ISM consists of three components: (1

Mineralogic Model (MM3.0) Analysis Model Report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lum, C.

2002-01-01

The purpose of this report is to document the Mineralogic Model (MM), Version 3.0 (MM3.0) with regard to data input, modeling methods, assumptions, uncertainties, limitations and validation of the model results, qualification status of the model, and the differences between Version 3.0 and previous versions. A three-dimensional (3-D) Mineralogic Model was developed for Yucca Mountain to support the analyses of hydrologic properties, radionuclide transport, mineral health hazards, repository performance, and repository design. Version 3.0 of the MM was developed from mineralogic data obtained from borehole samples. It consists of matrix mineral abundances as a function of x (easting), y (northing), and z (elevation), referenced to the stratigraphic framework defined in Version 3.1 of the Geologic Framework Model (GFM). The MM was developed specifically for incorporation into the 3-D Integrated Site Model (ISM). The MM enables project personnel to obtain calculated mineral abundances at any position, within any region, or within any stratigraphic unit in the model area. The significance of the MM for key aspects of site characterization and performance assessment is explained in the following subsections. This work was conducted in accordance with the Development Plan for the MM (CRWMS M and O 2000). The planning document for this Rev. 00, ICN 02 of this AMR is Technical Work Plan, TWP-NBS-GS-000003, Technical Work Plan for the Integrated Site Model, Process Model Report, Revision 01 (CRWMS M and O 2000). The purpose of this ICN is to record changes in the classification of input status by the resolution of the use of TBV software and data in this report. Constraints and limitations of the MM are discussed in the appropriate sections that follow. The MM is one component of the ISM, which has been developed to provide a consistent volumetric portrayal of the rock layers, rock properties, and mineralogy of the Yucca Mountain site. The ISM consists of three components

The use of Virtual Analogy Simulation (VAS) in physics learning

Science.gov (United States)

Faizin, M. Noor; Samsudin, A.

2018-05-01

The purpose of this research is to explore the use of VAS software in electrical dynamic learning in junior high student, so as to obtain an overview of this software consistency in help students build a scientific conception. This research was administered via research and Development (R & D) with the design of embedded experimental models. The respondents which were involved in this research were 60 students of ninth grade in one of junior high schools in Kudus central java. The improving process of students’ concept is examined based on normalized gain analysis from pretest and posttest scores. The result of this research shows that there was difference between learning using conventional learning (power point software) with VAS software. VAS is more effective to assist students in understanding the electrical dynamic concept shown with N-gain of 0.36, or 36 % were included in the medium category, whereas the conventional learning with N-gain of 0.28, or 28%.

A comparison of treatment modalities for renal calculi between 100 and 300 mm2: are shockwave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy equivalent?

Science.gov (United States)

Wiesenthal, Joshua D; Ghiculete, Daniela; D'A Honey, R John; Pace, Kenneth T

2011-03-01

Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is considered a standard treatment for patients with upper-tract stones that are less than 10 mm in diameter, whereas stones that are larger than 20 mm are best managed by percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The management of stones between these sizes remains controversial. Our purpose was to review our contemporary series of SWL, ureteroscopy (URS), and PCNL outcomes for intermediate-sized upper tract calculi (100-300 mm(2)). Analysis was restricted to those patients who were treated for a renal calculus that measured between 100 and 300 mm(2) during a 4-year span. Demographic, stone, patient, treatment, and follow-up data were collected from a prospectively maintained database. A total of 137 patients were referred with nonstaghorn calculi with an area between 100 and 300 mm(2). Fifty-three (38.7%) patients were treated with SWL, while 41 (29.9%) and 43 (31.4%) underwent ureteroscopy and PCNL, respectively. Mean stone area was higher in the PCNL group (P < 0.001), whereas stone density was higher for patients undergoing SWL (P = 0.002). Single treatment success rates were better for PCNL at 95.3%,vs 87.8% for ureteroscopy and 60.4% for SWL, P < 0.001. When allowing for two SWL treatments, the success rate improved to 79.2%, thus equalizing the success of the three treatment modalities (P = 0.66). Auxiliary treatments were more common after SWL (42.3%; P < 0.01). For intermediate-sized upper-tract stones, when allowing for up to two SWL treatments, there was no significant difference between treatment modalities. Thus, SWL is a reasonably successful treatment alternative for patients who are not fit for a general anesthetic or who prefer SWL over competing treatments, provided they accept a potentially higher number of treatments.

Endovascular Treatment of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Long-Term Follow-up Clinical Evaluation in 202 Patients

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Laborda, Alicia, E-mail: alaborda@unizar.es; Medrano, Joaquin, E-mail: oauieao@gmail.com [University of Zaragoza, Group of Research in Minimally Invasive Techniques Research (GITMI) (Spain); Blas, Ignacio de, E-mail: deblas@unizar.es [University of Zaragoza, Edificio Hospital Veterinario, Department of Animal Pathology (Unit of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology) (Spain); Urtiaga, Ignacio, E-mail: info@doctorurtiaga.com [Hospital Clinico Universitario ' Lozano Blesa' , Department of Vascular Surgery (Spain); Carnevale, Francisco Cesar, E-mail: fcarnevale@uol.com.br [University of Sao Paulo, Medical School, Interventional Radiology (Brazil); Gregorio, Miguel A. de, E-mail: mgregori@unizar.es [University of Zaragoza, Group of Research in Minimally Invasive Techniques Research (GITMI) (Spain)

2013-08-01

PurposeThis study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcome and patients' satisfaction after a 5 year follow-up period for pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) coil embolization in patients who suffered from chronic pelvic pain that initially consulted for lower limb venous insufficiency.MethodsA total of 202 patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain were recruited prospectively in a single center (mean age 43.5 years; range 27-57) where they were being treated for lower limb varices. Inclusion criteria were: lower limb varices and chronic pelvic pain (>6 months), >6 mm pelvic venous caliber in ultrasonography, and venous reflux or presence of communicating veins. Both ovarian and hypogastric veins were targeted for embolization. Pain level was assessed before and after embolotherapy and during follow-up using a visual analog scale (VAS). Technical and clinical success and recurrence of leg varices were studied. Patients completed a quality questionnaire. Clinical follow-up was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months and every year for 5 years.ResultsTechnical success was 100 %. Clinical success was achieved in 168 patients (93.85 %), with complete disappearance of symptoms in 60 patients (33.52 %). Pain score (VAS) was 7.34 {+-} 0.7 preprocedural versus 0.78 {+-} 1.2 at the end of follow-up (P < 0.0001). Complications were: groin hematoma (n = 6), coil migration (n = 4), and reaction to contrast media (n = 1). Twenty-three cases presented abdominal pain after procedure. In 24 patients (12.5 %), there was recurrence of their leg varices within the follow-up. The mean degree of patients' satisfaction was 7.4/9.ConclusionsCoil embolization of PCS is an effective and safe procedure, with high clinical success rate and degree of satisfaction.

Endovascular Treatment of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Long-Term Follow-up Clinical Evaluation in 202 Patients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Laborda, Alicia; Medrano, Joaquin; Blas, Ignacio de; Urtiaga, Ignacio; Carnevale, Francisco Cesar; Gregorio, Miguel A. de

2013-01-01

PurposeThis study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcome and patients’ satisfaction after a 5 year follow-up period for pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) coil embolization in patients who suffered from chronic pelvic pain that initially consulted for lower limb venous insufficiency.MethodsA total of 202 patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain were recruited prospectively in a single center (mean age 43.5 years; range 27–57) where they were being treated for lower limb varices. Inclusion criteria were: lower limb varices and chronic pelvic pain (>6 months), >6 mm pelvic venous caliber in ultrasonography, and venous reflux or presence of communicating veins. Both ovarian and hypogastric veins were targeted for embolization. Pain level was assessed before and after embolotherapy and during follow-up using a visual analog scale (VAS). Technical and clinical success and recurrence of leg varices were studied. Patients completed a quality questionnaire. Clinical follow-up was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months and every year for 5 years.ResultsTechnical success was 100 %. Clinical success was achieved in 168 patients (93.85 %), with complete disappearance of symptoms in 60 patients (33.52 %). Pain score (VAS) was 7.34 ± 0.7 preprocedural versus 0.78 ± 1.2 at the end of follow-up (P < 0.0001). Complications were: groin hematoma (n = 6), coil migration (n = 4), and reaction to contrast media (n = 1). Twenty-three cases presented abdominal pain after procedure. In 24 patients (12.5 %), there was recurrence of their leg varices within the follow-up. The mean degree of patients’ satisfaction was 7.4/9.ConclusionsCoil embolization of PCS is an effective and safe procedure, with high clinical success rate and degree of satisfaction

Clinical comparison between 100 mm photofluorography and digital (1024/sup 2/) fluoroscopic image acquisition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hynes, D.M.; Edmonds, E.W.; Rowlands, J.A.; Porter, A.J.; Toth, B.D.

1986-01-01

The authors describe current work in progress in which a clinical image can be recorded on both 100-mm film and a 1,024/sup 2/ image store with the same exposure. The 100-mm film is exposed in the usual manner. However, the same radiation exposure is utilized by the optics of the beam splitter to transfer the output image of the intensifier into a 1,024/sup 2/ image store and thence to hard copy by multiformat camera or laser printer. Comparative phantom and clinical images will be presented, along with observations on dose rates needed for diagnostic digital imaging. Use of this system may allow fluoroscopic dose rates to be reduced

Calibration of flavour tagging with B+ -> J/psi(mm)K+ and B0 ->J/psi(mm)K* control channels at LHCb

CERN Document Server

Calvi, M; Leroy, O; Musy, M; Poss, S; Vecchi, S

2009-01-01

B+ -> J/psi(mm)K+ and B0 ->J/psi(mm)K* are suitable control channels for the calibration of flavour tagging for CP measurements in Bs ->J/psi(mm) phi and B0 ->J/psi(mm)KS channels; in the first case if opposite side tagging only is considered. In this note we describe the calibration of the probability of mistag performed with B+ ->J/psi(mm)K+ events and the measurement of the mistag performed with B0 ->J/psi(mm)K* events in a fit to flavour oscillation as a function of proper time. Models are developed to extract this information from selected events taking into account different background components. An expected statistical sensitivity on the average opposite side mistag rate sigma(wOS)/ wOS = 0.3 % is obtained for B0 ->J/psi(mm)K* events, in 2 fb-1 of data.

The relationship between appetite scores and subsequent energy intake: an analysis based on 23 randomized controlled studies.

Science.gov (United States)

Sadoul, Bastien C; Schuring, Ewoud A H; Mela, David J; Peters, Harry P F

2014-12-01

Several studies have assessed relationships of self-reported appetite (eating motivations, mainly by Visual Analogue Scales, VAS) with subsequent energy intake (EI), though usually in small data sets with limited power and variable designs. The objectives were therefore to better quantify the relationships of self-reports (incorporating subject characteristics) to subsequent EI, and to estimate the quantitative differences in VAS corresponding to consistent, significant differences in EI. Data were derived from an opportunity sample of 23 randomized controlled studies involving 549 subjects, testing the effects of various food ingredients in meal replacers or 100-150 ml mini-drinks. In all studies, scores on several VAS were recorded for 30 min to 5 h post-meal, when EI was assessed by ad libitum meal consumption. The relationships between pre-meal VAS scores and EI were examined using correlation, linear models (including subject characteristics) and a cross-validation procedure. VAS correlations with subsequent EI were statistically significant, but of low magnitude, up to r = 0.26. Hunger, age, gender, body weight and estimated basal metabolic rate explained 25% of the total variance in EI. Without hunger the prediction of EI was modestly but significantly lower (19%, P < 0.001). A change of ≥15-25 mm on a 100 mm VAS was the minimum effect consistently corresponding to a significant change in subsequent EI, depending on the starting VAS level. Eating motivations add in a small but consistently significant way to other known predictors of acute EI. Differences of about 15 mm on a 100 mm VAS appear to be the minimum effect expected to result in consistent, significant differences in subsequent EI. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

X-ray cine magnification angiography by 0.6 mm focal spot

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tanaka, Isao; Wakamatsu, Takashi; Sano, Toshiya

1983-01-01

To observe microstructures on the X-ray cinematography by 0.6 mm focal spot, usefulness of enlarged shooting was studied. As a result, even at a focus of 0.6 mm, the enlarged shooting (ca. 1.7-fold) revealed the superior total M.T.F. than that of contact photography. Furthermore, Groedel effect upon magnification was as good as the grid system. In the cardiac catheterization by 0.6 mm focal spot being employed most frequently at present, the enlarged shooting without using grid is a useful method. Thus, it is considered to take up this method as much as possible. (author)

Laser cutting of steel plates up to 100 mm in thickness with a 6-kW fiber laser for application to dismantling of nuclear facilities

Science.gov (United States)

Shin, Jae Sung; Oh, Seong Yong; Park, Hyunmin; Chung, Chin-Man; Seon, Sangwoo; Kim, Taek-Soo; Lee, Lim; Lee, Jonghwan

2018-01-01

A cutting study with a high-power ytterbium-doped fiber laser was conducted for the dismantling of nuclear facilities. Stainless steel and carbon steel plates of various thicknesses were cut at a laser power of 6-kW. Despite the use of a low output of 6-kW, the cutting was successful for both stainless steel and carbon steel plates of up to 100 mm in thickness. In addition, the maximum cutting speeds against the thicknesses were obtained to evaluate the cutting performance. As representative results, the maximum cutting speeds for a 60-mm thickness were 72 mm/min for the stainless steel plates and 35 mm/min for the carbon steel plates, and those for a 100-mm thickness were 7 mm/min for stainless steel and 5 mm/min for carbon steel plates. These results show an efficient cutting capability of about 16.7 mm by kW, whereas other groups have shown cutting capabilities of ∼10 mm by kW. Moreover, the maximum cutting speeds were faster for the same thicknesses than those from other groups. In addition, the kerf widths of 60-mm and 100-mm thick steels were also obtained as another important parameter determining the amount of secondary waste. The front kerf widths were ∼1.0 mm and the rear kerf widths were larger than the front kerf widths but as small as a few millimeters.

Comparative analysis of pain in patients who underwent total knee replacement regarding the tourniquet pressure

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marcos George de Souza Leão

Full Text Available ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: To evaluate through the visual analog scale (VAS the pain in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR with different pressures of the pneumatic tourniquet. METHODS: An observational, randomized, descriptive study on an analytical basis, with 60 patients who underwent TKR, divided into two groups, which were matched: a group where TKR was performed with tourniquet pressures of 350 mmHg (standard and the other with systolic blood pressure plus 100 mmHg (P + 100. These patients had their pain assessed by VAS at 48 h, and at the 5th and 15th days after procedure. Secondarily, the following were also measured: range of motion (ROM, complications, and blood drainage volume in each group; the data were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: After data analysis, there was no statistical difference regarding the incidence of complications (p = 0.612, ROM (p = 0.202, bleeding after 24 and 48 h (p = 0.432 and p = 0.254 or in relation to VAS. No correlation was observed between time of ischemia compared to VAS and bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the pneumatic tourniquet pressure at 350 mmHg or systolic blood pressure plus 100 mmHg did not influence the pain, blood loss, ROM, and complications. Therefore the pressures at these levels are safe and do not change the surgery outcomes; the time of ischemia must be closely observed to avoid major complications.

Electrochemical properties of the MmNi3.55Mn0.4Al0.3Co0.75-xFex (x = 0.55 and 0.75) compounds

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ben Moussa, M.; Abdellaoui, M.; Mathlouthi, H.; Lamloumi, J.; Guegan, A. Percheron

2008-01-01

The hydrogen storage alloys MmNi 3.55 Mn 0.4 Al 0.3 Co 0.75-x Fe x (x = 0.55 and 0.75) were used as negative electrodes in the Ni-MH accumulators. The chronopotentiommetry and the cyclic voltammetry were applied to characterize the electrochemical properties of these alloys. The obtained results showed that the substitution of the cobalt atoms by iron atoms has a good effect on the life cycle of the electrode. For the MmNi 3.55 Mn 0.4 Al 0.3 Co 0.2 Fe 0.55 compound, the discharge capacity reaches its maximum of 210 mAh/g after 12 cycles and then decreases to 190 mAh/g after 30 charge-discharge cycles. However, for the MmNi 3.55 Mn 0.4 Al 0.3 Fe 0.75 compound, the discharge capacity reaches its maximum of 200 mAh/g after 10 cycles and then decreases to 160 mAh/g after 30 cycles. The diffusion behavior of hydrogen in the negative electrodes made from these alloys was characterized by cyclic voltammetry after few activation cycles. The values of the hydrogen coefficient in MmNi 3.55 Mn 0.4 Al 0.3 Co 0.2 Fe 0.55 and MmNi 3.55 Mn 0.4 Al 0.3 Fe 0.75 are, respectively, equal to 2.96 x 10 -9 and 4.98 x 10 -10 cm 2 s -1 . However, the values of the charge transfer coefficients are, respectively, equal to 0.33 and 0.3. These results showed that the substitution of cobalt by iron decreases the reversibility and the kinetic of the electrochemical reaction in these alloys

MmNi 3.55Co 0.75Mn 0.4Al 0.3B 0.3 hydrogen storage alloys for high-power nickel/metal hydride batteries

Science.gov (United States)

Ye, Hui; Huang, Yuexiang; Chen, Jianxia; Zhang, Hong

Non-stoichiometric La-rich MmNi 3.55Co 0.75Mn 0.4Al 0.3B 0.3 hydrogen storage alloys using B-Ni or B-Fe alloy as additive and Ce-rich MmNi 3.55Co 0.75Mn 0.4Al 0.3B 0.3 one using pure B as additive have been prepared and their microstructure, thermodynamic, and electrochemical characteristics have been examined. It is found that all investigated alloys show good activation performance and high-rate dischargeability though there is a certain decrease in electrochemical capacities compared with the commercial MmNi 3.55Co 0.75Mn 0.4Al 0.3 alloy. MmNi 3.55Co 0.75Mn 0.4Al 0.3B 0.3 alloys using B-Ni alloy as additive or adopting Ce-rich mischmetal show excellent rate capability and can discharge capacity over 190 mAh/g even under 3000 mA/g current density, which display their promising use in the high-power type Ni/MH battery. The electrochemical performances of these MmNi 3.55Co 0.75Mn 0.4Al 0.3B 0.3 alloys are well correlated with their microstructure, thermodynamic, and kinetic characteristics.

RDM Lifetime measurement in "1"0"0Ru

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gupta, C.K.; Rohilla, Aman; Chamoli, S.K.; Singh, R.P.; Murlithar, S.; Chakraborty, S.; Sharma, H.P.; Rai, S.; Kumar, A.; Govil, I.M.

2016-01-01

The energy level sequences of nuclei in A ∼ 100 mass region show an interesting interplay between single-particle and collective degrees of freedom. The measured transition probabilities in "9"8Ru suggest that the nucleus has both single-particle and vibrational character. To see how the nature of this nucleus changes with addition of 2 neutrons, we performed RDM lifetime measurement in yrast sequence of "1"0"0Ru at Inter University Accelerator Center (IUAC), New Delhi

Performance of 1m long/100 mm bore superconducting dipole prototypes for HERA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Horlitz, G; Wolff, S.

1983-01-01

Three 1 m long superconducting dipole prototypes with 100 mm inner coil diameter for the proposed HERA electron-proton storage ring have been built and tested. Main design principles are a two layer coil clamped with stainless steel collars inside a cryostat with warm beam tube and surrounded by a warm iron yoke. All prototypes have been tested without yoke and one of them with yoke. The design induction of 4.73 Tesla at 4.6 K has been easily surpassed up to short sample fields with negligible training. The quench behaviour has been investigated between temperatures of 3.8 K and 5.0 K. The field quality has been found well within the specified limits given by the requirements of the storage ring optics. The reproducibility found in this sample of magnets gives great confidence for the production of dipole prototypes of full length

Local profile dependence of coercivity in (MM0.3Nd0.7)-Fe-B sintered magnets

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Xiaoqiang; Zhu, Minggang; Liu, Weiqiang; Li, Wei; Sun, Yachao; Shi, Xiaoning; Yue, Ming

2018-03-01

Two magnets with the same nominal composition of (MM0.3Nd0.7)-Fe-B (Marked as A) and [(La0.27Ce0.53Pr0.03Nd0.17)0.3Nd0.7]-Fe-B (Marked as B) were prepared using traditional powder metallurgical process, respectively. In order to point out the difference between two magnets, the magnetic properties, microstructure and magnetic domain of both magnets were investigated. Both magnets have the same elements, but different raw materials of misch-metal (MM) and La/Ce/Pr/Nd pure metal, which induces different magnetic properties. The magnet A with Br of 13.1 kGs, Hcj of 7.6 kOe, (BH)max of 37.8 MGOe and magnet B with Br of 13.4 kGs, Hcj of 5.8 kOe, (BH)max of 34.5 MGOe are obtained. Although both magnets have the similar Br, magnet A has higher coercivity than that of magnet B. According to refined results of characteristic X-ray diffraction peaks, there is a hard magnetic main phase with higher magnetic anisotropy field (HA) in magnet A and opposite case happens on magnet B. SEM images demonstrate that magnet A has more continuous RE-rich phase and smaller grain size compared to that of magnet B, which contributes to enhancing the coercivity. In addition, two main phases of [Nd0.82(La, Ce)0.18]-Fe-B and [Nd0.75(La, Ce)0.25]-Fe-B were detected by the EDX calculation, and the two main phases in both magnets were observed by magnetic domains again. Compared to magnet B, 2:14:1 main phases in magnet A contain more [Nd0.82(La, Ce)0.18]-Fe-B main phases and less [Nd0.75(La, Ce)0.25]-Fe-B main phases, which also leads to higher coercivity due to the different HA among Nd2Fe14B, La2Fe14B and Ce2Fe14B phases. Therefore, it is concluded that MM substitution could exhibit better magnetic properties than (La0.27Ce0.53Pr0.03Nd0.17)-metal substitution. Furthermore, applications of MM are beneficial to fabricate (MM, Nd)-Fe-B permanent magnets with lower cost.

Electrochemical properties of the MmNi3.55Mn0.4Al0.3Co0.4Fe0.35 compound

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moussa, M. Ben; Abdellaoui, M.; Mathlouthi, H.; Lamloumi, J.; Guegan, A. Percheron

2005-01-01

In this paper, the electrochemical properties of the MmNi 3.55 Mn 0.4 Al 0.3 Co 0.4 Fe 0.35 alloy used as a negative electrode in Ni-MH accumulators, have been investigated by different electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The experimental results indicate that the discharge capacity reaches a maximum value of 260 mAh g -1 after 12 cycles and then decreases to about 200 mAh g -1 after 70 cycles. The value of the mean diffusion coefficient D H , determined by cyclic voltammetry, is about 3.44 x 10 -9 cm 2 s -1 , whereas the charge transfer coefficient α, determined by the same method, is about 0.5 which allows us to conclude that the electrochemical reaction is reversible. The hydrogen diffusion coefficients in this compound, corresponding to 10 and 100% of the charge state, determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, are, respectively, equal to 4.15 x 10 -9 cm 2 s -1 (α phase) and 2.15 x 10 -9 cm 2 s -1 (β phase). These values are higher, for the α phase and less, for the β phase, than the mean value determined by cyclic voltammetry. We assume that this is related to the number of interstitial sites susceptible to accept the hydrogen atom, which are more numerous in the α phase than in the β phase. The chronoamperometry shows that the average size of the particles involved in the electrochemical reaction is about 12 μm

The impact of communication barriers on diagnostic confidence and ancillary testing in the emergency department.

Science.gov (United States)

Garra, Gregory; Albino, Hiram; Chapman, Heather; Singer, Adam J; Thode, Henry C

2010-06-01

Communication barriers (CBs) compromise the diagnostic power of the medical interview and may result in increased reliance on diagnostic tests or incorrect test ordering. The prevalence and degree to which these barriers affect diagnosis, testing, and treatment are unknown. To quantify and characterize CBs encountered in the Emergency Department (ED), and assess the effect of CBs on initial diagnosis and perceived reliance on ancillary testing. This was a prospective survey completed by emergency physicians after initial adult patient encounters. CB severity, diagnostic confidence, and reliance on ancillary testing were quantified on a 100-mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from least (0) to most (100). Data were collected on 417 ED patient encounters. CBs were reported in 46%; with a mean severity of 50 mm on a 100-mm VAS with endpoints of "perfect communication and "no communication." Language was the most commonly reported form of CB (28%). More than one CB was identified in 6%. The 100-mm VAS rating of diagnostic confidence was lower in patients with perceived CBs (64 mm) vs. those without CBs (80 mm), p Communication barriers in our ED setting were common, and resulted in lower diagnostic confidence and increased perception that ancillary tests are needed to narrow the diagnosis. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High throughput batch wafer handler for 100 to 200 mm wafers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rathmell, R.D.; Raatz, J.E.; Becker, B.L.; Kitchen, R.L.; Luck, T.R.; Decker, J.H.

1989-01-01

A new batch processing end station for ion implantation has been developed for wafers of 100 to 200 mm diameter. It usilizes a spinning disk with clampless wafer support. All wafer transport is done with backside handling and is carried out in vacuum. This end station incorporates a new dose control scheme which is able to monitor the incident particle current independently of the charge state of the ions. This technique prevents errors which may be caused by charge exchange between the beam and residual gas. The design and features of this system will be reviewed and the performance to date will be presented. (orig.)

Physiological and Pharmacological Aspects of the Vas Deferens - an Update

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

David Stewart Koslov

2013-08-01

Full Text Available The vas deferens, a muscular conduit conveying spermatozoa from the epididymis to the urethra, has been used as a model tissue for smooth muscle pharmacological and physiological advancements. Many drugs, notably α-adrenergic antagonists, have effects on contractility and thus normal ejaculation, incurring significant side effects for patients that may interfere with compliance. A more thorough understanding of the innervation and neurotransmitter pharmacology of the vas has indicated that this is a highly complex structure and a model for co-transmission at the synapse. Recent models have shown clinical scenarios that alter the vas contraction. This review covers structure, receptors, neurotransmitters, smooth muscle physiology, and clinical implications of the vas deferens.

Comparison between 4.0-mm stainless steel and 4.75-mm titanium alloy single-rod spinal instrumentation for anterior thoracoscopic scoliosis surgery.

Science.gov (United States)

Yoon, Seung Hwan; Ugrinow, Valerie L; Upasani, Vidyadhar V; Pawelek, Jeff B; Newton, Peter O

2008-09-15

Retrospective review of a consecutive, single surgeon case series. To compare minimum 2-year postoperative outcomes between 4.0-mm stainless steel and 4.75-mm titanium alloy single-rod anterior thoracoscopic instrumentation for the treatment of thoracic idiopathic scoliosis. Advances in anterior thoracoscopic spinal instrumentation for scoliosis have attempted to mitigate the postoperative complications of rod failure, pseudarthrosis, and deformity progression. Biomechanical data suggest that the 4.75-mm titanium construct has a lower risk of fatigue failure compared to the 4.0-mm stainless steel construct. Sixty-four consecutive anterior thoracoscopic spinal instrumentation cases in patients with thoracic scoliosis performed by a single surgeon and with minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. The first 34 cases used a 4.0-mm stainless steel (SS) construct, whereas the subsequent 30 cases used a 4.75-mm titanium (Ti) alloy instrumentation system. The first 10 SS cases and the first 5 Ti cases were excluded from the statistical comparison to account for a potential learning curve effect. A multivariate analysis of variance (P 0.13). The average follow-up in the SS group was, however, significantly longer than in the Ti group (4.0 +/- 1.4 years vs. 2.3 +/- 1.0 years; P = 0.001). Preop main thoracic Cobb angles were similar between the 2 groups (P = 0.62); however, the 2-year main thoracic Cobb was significantly smaller (P = 0.03) and the 2-year percent correction was significantly greater in the Ti group (P = 0.03). Five patients (21%) in the SS group had a pseudarthrosis, 3 (13%) experienced rod failure, and 2 (8%) required a revision posterior spinal fusion. In the Ti group, 2 patients (8%) had a pseudarthrosis, and no patient experienced rod failure or required a revision procedure. Although the average follow-up in the Ti group was significantly shorter than in the SS group, the 4.75-mm titanium alloy construct resulted in improved maintenance of

Biomechanical comparison of 3.0 mm headless compression screw and 3.5 mm cortical bone screw in a canine humeral condylar fracture model.

Science.gov (United States)

Gonsalves, Mishka N; Jankovits, Daniel A; Huber, Michael L; Strom, Adam M; Garcia, Tanya C; Stover, Susan M

2016-09-20

To compare the biomechanical properties of simulated humeral condylar fractures reduced with one of two screw fixation methods: 3.0 mm headless compression screw (HCS) or 3.5 mm cortical bone screw (CBS) placed in lag fashion. Bilateral humeri were collected from nine canine cadavers. Standardized osteotomies were stabilized with 3.0 mm HCS in one limb and 3.5 mm CBS in the contralateral limb. Condylar fragments were loaded to walk, trot, and failure loads while measuring construct properties and condylar fragment motion. The 3.5 mm CBS-stabilized constructs were 36% stiffer than 3.0 mm HCS-stabilized constructs, but differences were not apparent in quality of fracture reduction nor in yield loads, which exceeded expected physiological loads during rehabilitation. Small residual fragment displacements were not different between CBS and HCS screws. Small fragment rotation was not significantly different between screws, but was weakly correlated with moment arm length (R² = 0.25). A CBS screw placed in lag fashion provides stiffer fixation than an HCS screw, although both screws provide similar anatomical reduction and yield strength to condylar fracture fixation in adult canine humeri.

Comparison of synthetic glues and 10-0 nylon in rabbit lamellar keratoplasty.

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Cho, Soon Young; Kim, Man Soo; Oh, Su Ja; Chung, Sung Kun

2013-09-01

To evaluate changes in mean keratometry and to compare wound repair with corneal lamellar grafts in rabbit eyes using human synthetic tissue adhesives and 10-0 nylon. Corneal grafts were made using a 6.0-mm-diameter trephine and blades in the eyes of 15 New Zealand white rabbits. Human fibrin tissue adhesive (Tisseel) was used in group 1, human fibrin tissue adhesive (Beriplast P) was used in group 2, polyethylene glycol adhesive (Coseal) was used in group 3, and 8 bite sutures with 10-0 nylon were used in group 4 (control) for lamellar keratoplasty. Four bite sutures were made with 10-0 nylon in groups 1, 2, and 3. Slit-lamp microscopy and keratometry were performed at 3 days and 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the surgery. Histopathologic and electromicroscopic examinations were performed 4 weeks after the surgery. No inflammation or corneal toxicity was seen in groups 1 and 2. Histologically, a few inflammatory cells were seen in groups 3 and 4. Groups 1, 2, and 3 showed no statistically significant changes in mean keratometry at 4 weeks postoperatively compared with preoperative mean keratometry (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P = 0.178, 0.208, and 0.889, respectively). The control group showed significant changes in mean keratometry at 4 weeks postoperatively (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P = 0.018). Human fibrin tissue adhesives were well tolerated in rabbit eyes, with no apparent corneal toxicity. Polyethylene glycol adhesive showed more inflammation and insufficient wound repair compared with human fibrin tissue adhesives. Therefore, human fibrin tissue adhesives can be used as an alternative to sutures in lamellar keratoplasty.

Narrow- (3.0 mm) Versus Standard-Diameter (4.0 and 4.5 mm) Implants for Splinted Partial Fixed Restoration of Posterior Mandibular and Maxillary Jaws: A 5-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

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Pieri, Francesco; Forlivesi, Caterina; Caselli, Ernesto; Corinaldesi, Giuseppe

2017-04-01

Evidence concerning predictability of narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) (3.0 mm) and standard-diameter implants (SDIs) (4.0 to 4.5 mm) supporting fixed partial dentures (FPDs) in posterior mandibular and maxillary jaws. All patients treated with at least two adjacent NDIs or SDIs according to available bone thickness and with a minimum follow-up of 5 years after placement were invited to undergo a clinical and radiologic examination. Outcome measures were implant and FPD failures, biologic and prosthetic complications, and marginal bone loss. A total of 107 out of 127 patients attended the examination: 49 (113 implants) of the NDI group, and 58 (126 implants) of the SDI group. Two NDIs failed in one patient versus four SDIs in four patients (P = 0.37). One FPD failed in the NDI group versus two FPDs in the SDI group (P >0.99). Nine biologic complications occurred in the NDI group and twelve in the SDI group (P = 0.81). Twelve prosthetic complications occurred in the NDI group and only two in the SDI group (P = 0.001). Peri-implant marginal bone loss at 5 years was 0.95 ± 0.84 mm for the NDI group and 1.2 ± 0.86 mm for the SDI group (P = 0.06). Five-year data indicate that FPD treatment in posterior mandibular and maxillary jaws with NDIs was as reliable as with SDIs, although NDIs showed a higher risk of prosthetic complications.

Anticipatory Nausea, Risk Factors, and Its Impact on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Results From the Pan European Emesis Registry Study.

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Molassiotis, Alexander; Lee, Paul H; Burke, Thomas A; Dicato, Mario; Gascon, Pere; Roila, Fausto; Aapro, Matti

2016-06-01

Anticipatory (prechemotherapy) nausea (AN) is a classic conditioned symptom not responding well to current antiemetics. Minimal work has been done to assess its risk factors and impact on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). To evaluate risk factors for AN and assess its impact on CINV development. We analyzed data (n = 991) from a prospective observational multisite study in eight European countries over three cycles of chemotherapy. Patient/treatment characteristics were collected before chemotherapy. History of nausea/vomiting (yes/no), patient expectation of CINV (0-100 mm visual analog scale, [VAS]), and prechemotherapy anxiety (0-100 mm VAS) also were collected before chemotherapy. A patient-completed diary during each chemotherapy cycle obtained information on AN in the 24 hours before chemotherapy administration and nausea and vomiting (episodes of vomiting and severity of nausea) daily for five days after administration of chemotherapy (0-100 mm VAS). AN was reported by 8.3%-13.8% of patients, increasing in frequency and intensity over each cycle. Every 1 mm increase in AN on the VAS was significantly associated with 2%-13% of increase in the likelihood of CINV (all P-values <0.05). Key predictors of AN in Cycle 1 included metastatic disease and prechemotherapy anxiety. However, predictors of AN in subsequent cycles included prechemotherapy anxiety and AN and CINV experience in the previous cycle, the latter being the strongest predictor (odds ratio = 3.30-4.09 for CINV outcomes over the cycles). AN is a challenging symptom, and its prevention needs to consider better CINV prevention in the previous cycles as well as managing prechemotherapy anxiety. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Experience-based VAS values for EQ-5D-3L health states in a national general population health survey in China.

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Sun, Sun; Chen, Jiaying; Kind, Paul; Xu, Ling; Zhang, Yaoguang; Burström, Kristina

2015-03-01

To investigate the feasibility of deriving experience-based visual analogue scale (VAS) values for EQ-5D-3L health states using national general population health survey data in China. The EQ-5D-3L was included in the National Health Services Survey (n = 120,709, aged 15-103 years) to measure health-related quality of life. The respondents reported their current health status on a VAS and completed the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, enabling modelling of the association between the experience-based VAS values and self-reported problems on EQ-5D dimensions and severity levels. VAS values were generally negatively associated with problems reported on the EQ-5D dimensions, and the anxiety/depression dimension had the greatest impact on VAS values. A previously obtained value for dead allowed the values for all 243 EQ-5D-3L health states to be transformed to the 0-1 scale (0 = dead, 1 = full health). This study presents the feasibility of deriving an experience-based VAS values for EQ-5D-3L health states in China. The analysis of these VAS data raises more fundamental issues concerning the universal nature of the classification system and the extent to which Chinese respondents utilise the same concepts of health as defined by this classification system.

Correspondence between EQ-5D health state classifications and EQ VAS scores

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Whynes David K

2008-11-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The EQ-5D health-related quality of life instrument comprises a health state classification followed by a health evaluation using a visual analogue scale (VAS. The EQ-5D has been employed frequently in economic evaluations, yet the relationship between the two parts of the instrument remains ill-understood. In this paper, we examine the correspondence between VAS scores and health state classifications for a large sample, and identify variables which contribute to determining the VAS scores independently of the health states as classified. Methods A UK trial of management of low-grade abnormalities detected on screening for cervical pre-cancer (TOMBOLA provided EQ-5D data for over 3,000 women. Information on distress and multi-dimensional health locus of control had been collected using other instruments. A linear regression model was fitted, with VAS score as the dependent variable. Independent variables comprised EQ-5D health state classifications, distress, locus of control, and socio-demographic characteristics. Equivalent EQ-5D and distress data, collected at twelve months, were available for over 2,000 of the women, enabling us to predict changes in VAS score over time from changes in EQ-5D classification and distress. Results In addition to EQ-5D health state classification, VAS score was influenced by the subject's perceived locus of control, and by her age, educational attainment, ethnic origin and smoking behaviour. Although the EQ-5D classification includes a distress dimension, the independent measure of distress was an additional determinant of VAS score. Changes in VAS score over time were explained by changes in both EQ-5D severities and distress. Women allocated to the experimental management arm of the trial reported an increase in VAS score, independently of any changes in health state and distress. Conclusion In this sample, EQ VAS scores were predictable from the EQ-5D health state classification, although

High volume ultrasound guided injections at the interface between the patellar tendon and Hoffa's body are effective in chronic patellar tendinopathy: A pilot study.

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Crisp, Tom; Khan, Faisal; Padhiar, Nat; Morrissey, Dylan; King, John; Jalan, Rosy; Maffulli, Nicola; Frcr, Otto Chan

2008-01-01

To evaluate a novel conservative management modality for patellar tendinopathy. We recruited nine patients with patellar tendinopathy who had failed conservative management and showed evidence of neovascularisation on power Doppler scanning. A high volume ultrasound guided injection at the interface between the patellar tendon and Hoffa's body. The injection contained 10 ml 0.5% Bupivacaine, 25 mg Hydrocortisone, and between 12 and 40 ml normosaline. 100 mm visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain and for function, and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Patellar tendon (VISA-P) questionnaires at an average of 9 months from the injection. All but one patient (whose pain was unchanged) improved (p = 0.028). The mean improvement in function 2 weeks after injection was 58 mm on VAS (interquartile range 27 - 88, p = 0.018). The mean improvement in pain 2 weeks after injection was 56 mm on a VAS scale (interquartile range 32 - 80, p = 0.018). At a mean follow up of 9 months, an improvement of 22 points from a baseline score of 46 on the VISA-P questionnaire (100 being normal) was established. High volume injections to mechanically disrupt the neovascularisation in patellar tendinopathy are helpful in the management of this condition. Controlled trials would be warranted to investigate in a more conclusive fashion this management modality.

Changes of cytosolic calcium and contractility of young rat vas deferens by acute treatment with amphetamine, fluoxetine or sibutramine.

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Jurkiewicz, Neide Hyppolito; da Silva Júnior, Edilson Dantas; de Souza, Bruno Palmieri; Ferreira Verde, Luciana; Drawanz Pereira, Janaina; Mendes Sobrinho, Cairo; Soubhi Smaili, Soraya; Caricati-Neto, Afonso; Miranda-Ferreira, Regiane; Jurkiewicz, Aron

2012-09-15

Previous studies conducted in our laboratory indicated that administration of amphetamine, fluoxetine or sibutramine affects the sympathetic nervous system of the rat vas deferens. Therefore, our goal was to verify the role of calcium in vasa deferentia from young rats pretreated with a single dose of these drugs. Young 40-day-old male Wistar rats were pretreated with amphetamine 3 mg/kg, fluoxetine 10 mg/kg or sibutramine 6 mg/kg for 4 h before the experiments. CaCl(2) (10 mM) was used to induce contraction through time-effect curves in calcium-free solution to measure phasic and tonic components. We also evaluated the calcium-induced fluorescence of vas deferens cut into thin slices. In rats pretreated with amphetamine, we found an increase of the tonic contraction component which was reduced by verapamil. The phasic and tonic responses were increased in the group treated with fluoxetine, but only the tonic response was more sensitive to the antagonism by verapamil. The group treated with sibutramine showed an increase of phasic response whereas the tonic component was decreased. In this group an increase of the affinity for verapamil antagonism was found. In the calcium fluorescence study it was observed that the group treated with amphetamine, fluoxetine or sibutramine showed higher basal Ca(2+) fluorescence after stimulus with KCl (70 mM), noradrenaline (10(-4)M) or acetylcholine (10(-4)M). In all pretreated groups the calcium fluorescence was diminished by nifedipine 10(-7)M. Therefore, the pretreatment with amphetamine, fluoxetine or sibutramine seems to affect the calcium contractility and homeostasis in young rat vas deferens. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Performance of the PT100 noncontact tonometer in healthy eyes

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AlMubrad T

2011-05-01

Full Text Available Turki M AlMubradCornea Research Chair, Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaBackground: The purpose of this study was to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of the PT100 noncontact tonometer and to compare its consistency with the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT in measuring intraocular pressure (IOP.Methods: Triplicate IOP measurements were obtained on two separate occasions using the PT100 and GAT from randomly selected eyes in 66 healthy volunteers aged 22 ± 1 years. The repeatability and reproducibility of each techniques was assessed. Agreement between the techniques was statistically quantified using intrasession repeatability for each technique as the basis for comparison.Results: Both techniques returned equal IOP values in the first measurement session (15 ± 3 mmHg. The second session showed a mean difference in average IOP (1 ± 0.71. The 95% limits of agreement between the techniques were –5.2 to 5.5 mmHg and –4.0 to 4.7 mmHg (sessions 1 and 2, respectively. These mean differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05, paired t-test, with the PT100 underestimating IOP measurement by 1.00 mmHg. The mean intrasession IOP for GAT sessions 1 and 2 was 0 ± 0.90 mmHg and 0.04 ± 1.06 mmHg, respectively, and the corresponding mean IOP measurement difference for the PT100 was –0.06 ± 0.96 and –0.39 ± 0.94 mmHg (sessions 1 and 2, respectively; P > 0.05, paired t-test. Repeatability coefficients for the GAT IOP measurements were 1.8 mmHg and 2.1 mmHg for sessions 1 and 2, while the PT100 repeatability coefficient was 1.9 mmHg and 1.8 mmHg for sessions 1 and 2, respectively. The intrasession repeatability coefficient of both techniques for test–retest differences were within ±5 mmHg.Conclusion: The PT100 noncontact tonometer produced greater repeatability than the GAT in assessment of IOP, whereas GAT resulted in more reproducible

Detection of a coronary artery vessel wall: performance of 0.3 mm fine-cell detector computed tomography-a phantom study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamada, Minoru; Jinzaki, Masahiro; Tanami, Yutaka; Matsumoto, Kazuhiro; Ueno, Akihisa; Kuribayashi, Sachio; Nukui, Masatake; Imai, Yasuhiro; Ishihara, Yotaro; Nishide, Akihiko; Sasaki, Kosuke

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether experimental fine-cell detector computed tomography with a 0.3125 mm cell (0.3 mm cell CT) can improve the detection of coronary vessel walls compared with conventional 64-slice computed tomography with a 0.625 mm cell (0.6 mm cell CT). A coronary vessel wall phantom was scanned using 0.6 mm cell CT and 0.3 mm cell CT. The data for 0.3 mm cell CT were obtained using four protocols: a radiation dose equal, double, triple or quadruple that were used in the 0.6 mm cell CT protocol. The detectable size of the vessel wall was assessed based on the first and second derivative functions, and the minimum measurable values were compared using a paired t-test. As a result, the minimum detectable wall thickness of 0.6 mm cell CT (1.5 mm) was significantly larger than that of 0.3 mm cell CT performed using the triple- and quadruple-dose protocols (0.9 mm) and the double-dose protocol (1.1 mm). The difference in the minimum detectable vessel wall thickness measured using 0.6 mm cell CT (1.5 ± 0.1 mm) and 0.3 mm cell CT (0.9 ± 0.1 mm, 1.1 ± 0.2 mm) was significant (p < 0.01). We concluded that 0.3 mm cell CT improved the detection of coronary vessel walls when a more than double-dose protocol was used compared with 0.6 mm cell CT.

Iodine imaging in thyroid by fluorescent X-ray CT with 0.05 mm spatial resolution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takeda, T. E-mail: ttakeda@md.tsukuba.ac.jp; Yu, Q.; Yashiro, T.; Zeniya, T.; Wu, J.; Hasegawa, Y.; Thet Thet Lwin; Hyodo, K.; Yuasa, T.; Dilmanian, F.A.; Akatsuka, T.; Itai, Y

2001-07-21

Fluorescent X-ray computed tomography (FXCT) at a 0.05 mm in-plane spatial resolution and 0.05 mm slice thickness depicted the cross sectional distribution of endogenous iodine within thyroid. The distribution obtained from the FXCT image correlated closely to that obtained from the pathological pictures.

Mitigating effects of Jambul against lead induced toxicity in epididymis and vas deferens of mice

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Tahir Abbas

2015-11-01

Full Text Available Background: Precious fruits like jambul are neglected and wasted while environmental pollutants like lead intake remain overlooked. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Jambul pulp extract on lead detrimental effects in pseudostratified epithelium and the stereocilia of mice epididymis and vas deferens. Materials and Methods: Thirty young males mice (Mus musculus were distributed randomly in 3 groups (n= 10 called control, Pb (Lead and Pb-J (Lead-Jambul. The Pb and Pb-J were provided 50ppm Pb in drinking water ad libitum for 15 days and Pb free water for the next 5 days. The Pb-J group received 0.2ml jambul pulp extract on 12 hourly bases. Control group was not given any treatment. Organs (epididymis and vas deference were recovered on 21st day after euthanasia. The organs were finally processed for histological and micrometric studies. Results: Marked histologic and micrometric changes in both organs were noted in Pb group. These include significant (P ≤ 0.05 decrease in cross sectional area of caput and cauda epididymis folding tubing along with evident alterations of their endothelial thickness. Prominent signs of apoptosis (vacuolations in the corpus pseudostratified endothelium and the destruction of stereocilia of the epididymis and vas deferens in Pb compared to control group were observed. Evident signs of recovery, in both organs, such as proliferation and rearrangements in pseudostratified endothelium and the stereocilia along with convincing recovery in micrometric parameters were observed in Pb-J group. Conclusion: The results indicate that epididymis and vas deferens are highly sensitive to Pb exposure while Jambul pulp extract has shown rich mitigating potentials against such histopathologies.

MP-AzeFlu provides rapid and effective allergic rhinitis control: results of a non-interventional study in Romania.

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Agache, I; Doros, I C; Leru, P M; Bucur, I; Poenaru, M; Sarafoleanu, C

2018-03-01

Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) and the European Union (EU) recommend a shift to guide allergic rhinitis (AR) treatment decisions from symptom severity to disease control, using a simple visual analogue scale (VAS). Using this VAS we assessed, in a real-life study in Romania, the effectiveness of MP-AzeFlu nasal spray. In this multi-centre, prospective, non-interventional study, 253 patients (over 11 years old) with moderate-to-severe AR were prescribed MP-AzeFlu and assessed their symptoms on a VAS (0 (not at all bothersome) to 100 mm (very bothersome)) on Days 0, 1, 3, 7 and 14. The proportion of patients who achieved a defined VAS score cut-off for well-controlled (38 mm) AR were also calculated. Patients perception of disease control was assessed on Day 3. MP-AzeFlu use was associated with a mean (standard deviation) VAS score reduction from 78.4 (15.1) mm at baseline to 14.7 (15.1) mm on the last day. Effectiveness was consistent irrespective of disease severity, phenotype or patient age. 83.4% of patients achieved the smaller than 39 mm well-controlled VAS score cut-off by last day and 95.2% considered their symptoms to be well- or partly controlled at Day 3. MP-AzeFlu provided rapid, effective and sustained AR symptom control in a real-life setting in Romania, irrespective of severity, phenotype or patient age, aligning with ARIA and EU recommendations and supporting the position of MP-AzeFlu as the drug of choice for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AR.

Effect of warming anaesthetic solutions on pain during dental injection. A randomized clinical trial.

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Pedro Christian Aravena

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Objective: To determine the effectiveness of warming anesthetic solutions on pain produced during the administration of anesthesia in maxillary dental infiltration technique. Material and Methods: A double-blind cross-over clinical study was designed. Fifty-six volunteer students (mean age 23.1±2.71 years of the Dental School at Universidad Austral de Chile (Valdivia, Chile participated in the study. Subjects were given 0.9ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:100.000 epinephrine (Alphacaine®; Nova DFL - Brazil by two punctions at buccal vestibule of lateral incisor. Warm anesthesia at 42°C (107.6°F was administered in a hemi-arch; and after one week anesthesia at room temperature (21°C; 69.8°F and at a standardized speed was administered at the contralateral side. The intensity of pain felt during injection was registered and compared using visual analog scale (VAS of 100mm (Wilcoxon test p<0.05. Results: The use of anesthesia at room temperature caused a VAS-pain intensity of 34.2±16.6mm, and anesthesia at 42°C a VAS-pain intensity of 15.7±17.4mm (p<0.0001. Conclusion: The use of anesthesia at 42°C resulted in a significantly lower pain intensity perception during injection compared with the use of anesthesia at room temperature during maxillary infiltration technique.

Efficacy and safety of tramadol/acetaminophen in the treatment of breakthrough pain in cancer patients.

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Ho, Ming-Lin; Chung, Chih-Yuan; Wang, Chuan-Cheng; Lin, Hsuan-Yu; Hsu, Nicholas C; Chang, Cheng-Shyong

2010-12-01

We evaluated the analgesic efficacy and safety of tramadol 37.5 mg/acetaminophen 325 mg combination tablet, for the treatment of breakthrough pain in cancer patients. This study was conducted at Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan from January 2006 to February 2007. The single-center and open-label study enrolled 59 opioid-treated cancer patients with at least moderate breakthrough pain (visual analog scale [VAS] score ≥40mm on a 100-mm scale). The efficacy measures included VAS scores and adverse effect assessment 10, 30, and 60 minutes after the administration of tramadol/acetaminophen. Visual analog scale score at time of pain relief was reported. The mean VAS score when the breakthrough pain episode began (0 minute) was 77.8. Analysis showed significant better mean pain VAS scores at 10, 30, and 60 minutes after the administration of tramadol/acetaminophen (p≤0.001 versus 0 min for all 3 time points). The mean time to pain relief was 597.2 seconds and the mean VAS score at time of relief was 43.4. The effective rates, defined by more than 30% reduction of the VAS score, after 10 minutes of administration was 74.6%, 30 minutes 86.4%, and one hour 94.9% (p≤0.001 versus 0 minute for all 3 time points). Two cases of drowsiness were reported. Tramadol/acetaminophen might be efficacious and safe in the treatment of breakthrough pain in cancer.

The fusion-FEM: 0,75 MW of mm-wave power

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Smeets, P.H.M.; Bongers, W.A.; Brons, S.; Geer, C.A.J. van der; Lingier, K.L.; Manintveld, P.; Plomp, J.; Pluygers, J.; Poelman, A.J.; Sterk, A.B.; Verhoeven, A.G.A.; Urbanus, W.H. [FOM Inst. voor Plasmafysica ' Rijnhuizen' , Nieuwegein (Netherlands); Bratman, V.L.; Denisov, G.G.; Savilov, A.V. [Inst. of Applied Physics, Nizhny Novgorod (Russian Federation); Caplan, M. [Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States); Varfolomeev, A.A. [Russian Research Center ' Kurchatov Inst.' , Moscow (Russian Federation)

1998-07-01

The free-electron maser for fusion applications (Fusion-FEM) is the prototype for a high power, rapid tunable mm-wave source. The basic parameters such as frequency range (130 - 260 GHz) and output power (1 MW) are dedicated to Electron Cyclotron Resonance applications on future plasma fusion research devices, such as ITER. In October 1996 the electron beam was successfully accelerated and transported through the undulator and the mm-wave cavity. Loss currents are below 0.05 %. In October 1997 first lasing was achieved. The mm-wave output power has been measured at various frequencies and for various electron beam currents and energies. The highest output power reached so far is 730 kW at 205 GHz, for an electron beam of 7.2 A and 1.77 MeV. Both output power and start-up time correspond well with simulation results. The output beam has a Gaussian mode content of more than 99.8 % for all operating frequencies. So far, the pulse length was limited to 12{mu}s, because the electron beam recovery system was not yet installed. This system, an electron decelerator and a 3-stage depressed collector, is presently under construction. It serves to recover the charge and energy of the spend electron beam. In this paper we will address some aspects of the design of the collector. (author)

The fusion-FEM: 0,75 MW of mm-wave power

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smeets, P.H.M.; Bongers, W.A.; Brons, S.; Geer, C.A.J. van der; Lingier, K.L.; Manintveld, P.; Plomp, J.; Pluygers, J.; Poelman, A.J.; Sterk, A.B.; Verhoeven, A.G.A.; Urbanus, W.H.; Bratman, V.L.; Denisov, G.G.; Savilov, A.V.; Caplan, M.; Varfolomeev, A.A.

1998-01-01

The free-electron maser for fusion applications (Fusion-FEM) is the prototype for a high power, rapid tunable mm-wave source. The basic parameters such as frequency range (130 - 260 GHz) and output power (1 MW) are dedicated to Electron Cyclotron Resonance applications on future plasma fusion research devices, such as ITER. In October 1996 the electron beam was successfully accelerated and transported through the undulator and the mm-wave cavity. Loss currents are below 0.05 %. In October 1997 first lasing was achieved. The mm-wave output power has been measured at various frequencies and for various electron beam currents and energies. The highest output power reached so far is 730 kW at 205 GHz, for an electron beam of 7.2 A and 1.77 MeV. Both output power and start-up time correspond well with simulation results. The output beam has a Gaussian mode content of more than 99.8 % for all operating frequencies. So far, the pulse length was limited to 12μs, because the electron beam recovery system was not yet installed. This system, an electron decelerator and a 3-stage depressed collector, is presently under construction. It serves to recover the charge and energy of the spend electron beam. In this paper we will address some aspects of the design of the collector. (author)

Effects of sympathetic denervation or chronic reserpine on potassium (42K) and chloride (36Cl) efflux from guinea-pig vas deferens

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Urquilla, P.R.; Jones, A.W.; Fleming, W.W.

1980-01-01

Potassium ( 42 K) or chloride ( 36 Cl) efflux curves were determined in guinea-pig vas deferens from control, reserpine-treated animals (1 mg/kg/day i.p. for 5 days), and from animals whose vas deferens had been sympathetically denervated 1 week before. Steady-state 42 K turnover in control tissues was 0.0052+-0.0002 min -1 ; neither reserpine treatment nor sympathetic denervation changed this parameter significantly. Control 36 Cl turnover was 0.058+-0.002 min -1 and it was unaffected by either procedure. Methoxamine (3x10 -6 to 10 -4 M) induced dose-related increases in the fractional exchange of 42 K and 36 Cl. These were of greater magnitude after sympathetic denervation or reserpine treatment. Furtrethonium also produced dose-dependent increases in 42 K efflux; its dose-response curve was shifted 2.6-fold to the left of the control curve by reserpine treatment. These results indicate that interruption of adrenergic transmission to the guinea-pig vas deferens is associated with increased changes in membrane permeability to Cl and possibly K in response to drug activation of α-adrenergic and cholinegic receptors. It is suggested that the supersensitivity phenomenon observed in the guinea-pig vas deferens after reserpine or sympathetic denervation is, in part, related to improved transduction of drug-receptor interaction into ionic permeability changes. (Auth.)

Surgically induced astigmatism after 3.0 mm temporal and nasal clear corneal incisions in bilateral cataract surgery

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Je Hwan Yoon

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Aims: To compare the corneal refractive changes induced after 3.0 mm temporal and nasal corneal incisions in bilateral cataract surgery. Materials and Methods: This prospective study comprised a consecutive case series of 60 eyes from 30 patients with bilateral phacoemulsification that were implanted with a 6.0 mm foldable intraocular lens through a 3.0 mm horizontal clear corneal incision (temporal in the right eyes, nasal in the left eyes. The outcome measures were surgically induced astigmatism (SIA and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA 1 and 3 months, post-operatively. Results: At 1 month, the mean SIA was 0.81 diopter (D for the temporal incisions and 0.92 D for nasal incisions (P = 0.139. At 3 months, the mean SIA were 0.53 D for temporal incisions and 0.62 D for nasal incisions (P = 0.309. The UCVA was similar in the 2 incision groups before surgery, and at 1 and 3 months post-operatively. Conclusion: After bilateral cataract surgery using 3.0 mm temporal and nasal horizontal corneal incisions, the induced corneal astigmatic change was similar in both incision groups. Especially in Asian eyes, both temporal and nasal incisions (3.0 mm or less would be favorable for astigmatism-neutral cataract surgery.

Actuation Characteristics of 0.15mm Diameter Flexinol® and Biometal ® Wire Actuators for Robotic Applications

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Jawaid Daudpoto

2013-01-01

Full Text Available In this paper the actuation properties of two NiTi (Nickel Titanium SMA (Shape Memory Alloy actuators available under the commercial names of Flexinol ® and Biometal ® are investigated and compared with each other. Both actuators have diameter of 0.15mm and transformation temperature of 70 o C. The diameter of 0.15mm is selected because of best combination of force and cooling time. An experimental test rig specially designed and developed by the first author was used to conduct tests on the actuators. Both actuators were tested by supplying actuation voltages of 5 and 5.5V. Actuators were thermomechanically loaded for 100 cycles and their strains were recorded. The results of the tests show that 5.5V actuation resulted in greater strain. It was found from the test results that Biometal ® actuators produced more strain as compared to Flexinol ® actuators for both the actuation voltages. However, the drift results showed that higher strains in Biometal ® are due the permanent deformation of the same. This shows that Flexinol ® actuators possess better actuation characteristics as compared to Biometal ® actuators.

VAS-diagnostiikkatestereiden käyttö ajoneuvojen huolto- ja korjaustöissä

OpenAIRE

Pilvi, Juha

2014-01-01

Tämän insinöörityön aiheena on Volkswagen-konsernissa käytössä olevat VAS- diagnostiikkatesterit. Työssä tarkastellaan VAS-diagnostiikkatestereiden käyttöä ajoneuvojen huolto- ja korjaustoiminnassa. Pääpaino tulee olemaan päivittäisen korjaamotyöskentelyn kannalta olennaisimmissa toiminnoissa ja ominaisuuksissa. Työssä perehdytään myös diagnostiikkatestereiden historiaan ja ohjelmistojen tulevaisuuden näkymiin. Loppuosassa kuvataan kaksi käytännön vianhakua käyttäen VAS5051B- diagnostiikk...

Efficacy and safety of tramadol/acetaminophen in the treatment of breakthrough pain in cancer patients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ming-Lin Ho; Chih-Yuan Chung

2010-01-01

We evaluated the analgesic efficacy and safety of tramadol 37.5 mg/acetaminophen 325 mg combination tablet, for the treatment of breakthrough pain in cancer patients. This study was conducted at Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan from January 2006 to February 2007. The single-center and open-label study enrolled 59 opioid-treated cancer patients with at least moderate breakthrough pain (visual analog scale [VAS] score >/=40mm on a 100-mm scale). The efficacy measures included VAS scores and adverse effect assessment 10, 30, and 60 minutes after the administration of tramadol/acetaminophen. Visual analog scale score at time of pain relief was reported. The mean VAS score when the breakthrough pain episode began (0 minute) was 77.8. Analysis showed significant better mean pain VAS scores at 10, 30, and 60 minutes after the administration of tramadol/acetaminophen (p Tramadol/acetaminophen might be efficacious and safe in the treatment of breakthrough pain in cancer (Author).

Pooled analysis of clinical trial data evaluating the safety and effectiveness of diclofenac epolamine topical patch 1.3% for the treatment of acute ankle sprain

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Lionberger DR

2011-07-01

Full Text Available David R Lionberger1, Eric Joussellin2, Jillmarie Yanchick3, Merrell Magelli3,4, Arturo Lanzarotti51Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP, Houston, TX, USA; 2Institut National du Sport, Paris, France; 3Formerly Alpharma Pharmaceuticals LLC, Piscataway, NJ, USA; 4GTx, Inc., Memphis, TN, USA; 5Institut Biochimique SA, SwitzerlandAbstract: This pooled analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of the diclofenac epolamine topical patch 1.3% (DETP for the treatment of acute mild-to-moderate ankle sprain. Data from 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies enrolling 274 male and female patients aged 18 to 65 years with acute ankle sprain were pooled and evaluated. The primary end point was pain reduction on movement assessed using a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS. Safety and tolerability were also assessed. Beginning approximately 3 hours after initial treatment, DETP-treated patients experienced statistically significant and sustained lower mean VAS scores in pain intensity on movement (mean ± SD, 54.1 ± 20.0 mm versus 60.3 ± 16.8 mm compared with placebo-treated patients, representing a 20% versus 13% reduction in VAS pain scores from baseline (P = 0.012. This statistically significant difference in mean VAS score was maintained through day 7 (9.4 ± 14.4 mm versus 18.4 ± 18.2 mm, P < 0.0001. The DETP and placebo patches were well tolerated. These results further confirm the efficacy and safety of DETP for the treatment of acute pain from ankle sprains.Keywords: soft tissue injury, acute pain, visual analog scale, clinical trial, double-blind, safety

INTRAVASAL INJECTION OF FORMED-IN-PLACE MEDICAL GRADE SILICONE-RUBBER FOR VAS OCCLUSION

NARCIS (Netherlands)

SOEBADI, DM; GARDJITO, W; MENSINK, HJA

This paper describes two consecutive studies: a volume study and an efficacy study. The volume study determined the appropriate volume of Medical Grade Silicone Rubber (MSR) needed to achieve complete occlusion of the vas deferens. This was done by in-vitro testing of 130 human vas specimens

Comparative evaluation of 2.3 mm locking plate system vs conventional 2.0 mm non locking plate system for mandibular condyle fracture fixation: a seven year retrospective study.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, J; Wang, X; Wu, R-H; Zhuang, Q-W; Gu, Q P; Meng, J

2015-01-01

This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of a 2.3 mm locking plate/screw system compared with a 2.0-mm non-locking plate/screw system in fixation of isolated non comminuted mandibular condyle fractures. Surgical records of 101 patients who received either a 2.3 mm locking plate (group A, n = 51) or 2.0 mm non locking plate (group B, n = 50) were analyzed. All patients were followed up to a minimum of 6 months postoperatively and evaluated for hardware related complications, occlusal stability, need for and duration of MMF and mandibular functional results. Four complications occurred in the locking group and eighteen in the non locking group with complication rates equalling 8% and 36% respectively. When comparing the overall results according to plates used, the χ2 test showed a statistically significant difference between the locking and non locking plates (p Mandibular condyle fractures treated with a 2.3 mm locking plate exhibited stable osteosynthesis, were associated with minimal complications and resulted in acceptable mandibular range of motion compared with a 2.0 mm non locking plate.

Ion-implanted capacitively coupled silicon strip detectors with integrated polysilicon bias resistors processed on a 100 mm wafer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hietanen, I.; Lindgren, J.; Orava, R.; Tuuva, T.; Voutilainen, M.; Brenner, R.; Andersson, M.; Leinonen, K.; Ronkainen, H.

1991-01-01

Double-sided silicon strip detectors with integrated coupling capacitors and polysilicon resistors have been processed on a 100 mm wafer. A detector with an active area of 19x19 mm 2 was connected to LSI readout electronics and tested. The strip pitch of the detector is 25 μm on the p-side and 50 μm on the n-side. The readout pitch is 50 μm on both sides. The number of readout strips is 774 and the total number of strips is 1161. On the p-side a signal-to-noise of 35 has been measured using a 90 Sr β-source. The n-side has been studied using a laser. (orig.)

The mm-wave compact component of AGN

Science.gov (United States)

Behar, Ehud; Vogel, Stuart; Baldi, Ranieri D.; Smith, Krista L.; Mushotzky, Richard F.

2018-05-01

mm-wave emission from Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) may hold the key to understanding the physical origin of their radio cores. The correlation between radio/mm and X-ray luminosity may suggest a similar physical origin of the two sources. Since synchrotron self absorption decreases with frequency, mm-waves probe smaller length scales than cm-waves. We report on 100 GHz (3 mm) observations with CARMA of 26 AGNs selected from the hard X-ray Swift/BAT survey. 20/26 targets were detected at 100 GHz down to the 1 mJy (3σ) sensitivity, which corresponds to optically thick synchrotron source sizes of 10-4 - 10-3 pc. Most sources show a 100 GHz flux excess with respect to the spectral slope extrapolated from low frequencies. This mm spectral component likely originates from smaller scales than the few-GHz emission. The measured mm sources lie roughly around the Lmm (100 GHz) ˜10-4LX (2-10 keV) relation, similar to a few previously published X-ray selected sources, and hinting perhaps at a common coronal origin.

Vitamin A supplementation and risk of atopy: long-term follow-up of a randomized trial of vitamin A supplementation at six and nine months of age.

Science.gov (United States)

Kiraly, Nicholas; Balde, Aliu; Lisse, Ida Marie; Eriksen, Helle Brander; Aaby, Peter; Benn, Christine Stabell

2013-11-19

The World Health Organization recommends high-dose vitamin A supplementation (VAS) for children above six months of age in low-income countries. VAS has been associated with up-regulation of the Th2 response. We aimed to determine if VAS is associated with atopy in childhood. Infants in Guinea-Bissau were randomly allocated VAS or placebo, either at six and nine months of age, or only at nine months of age. At six months of age, children were furthermore randomized to measles vaccine or inactivated polio vaccine. At nine months of age all children received measles vaccine. Children were revisited seven years later and skin prick testing was performed. Atopy was defined as a skin prick reaction ≥ 3 mm. 40 of 263 children (15%) were atopic. Overall VAS had no significant effect on the risk of atopy (Prevalence Ratio 1.23; 95% CI 0.69-2.18). The Prevalence Ratio was 1.60 (0.66-3.90) for males and 1.00 (0.46-2.15) for females. There was no significant effect of VAS in infancy on atopy later in childhood. The role of infant VAS in the development of atopy is still unclear.

Findings concerning testis, vas deference, and epididymis in adult cases with nonpalpable testes

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Coskun Sahin

2011-12-01

Full Text Available In this study, we aimed to state the relationship between testis, epididymis and vas deference, in adult cases with nonpalpable testis. Between January 1996 and December 2009, we evaluated 154 adult cases with nonpalpable testes. Mean age was 23 years (20-27 years. Explorations were performed by open inguinal incision, laparoscopy, and by inguinal incision and laparoscopy together on 22, 131 and 1 patient, respectively. Of all the unilateral cases, 32 were accepted as vanishing testis. In five of these cases, vas deference was ending inside the abdomen, and in the others, it was ending inside the scrotum. In the remaining 99 unilateral and 22 bilateral cases, 143 testes were found in total. Testes were found in the inguinal canal as atrophic in one case, at the right renal pedicle level with dysmorphic testis in one case, and anterior to the internal ring between the bladder and the common iliac vessels at a smaller than normal size in 119 cases. One (0.69% case did not have epididymis. While epididymis was attached to the testis only at the head and tail locations in 88 (61.53% cases, it was totally attached to the testis in 54 (37.76% cases. There is an obviously high incidence rate of testis and vas deference anomalies, where epididymis is the most frequent one. In cases with abdominal testes, this rate is highest for high localised abdominal testes.

Mapping health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI) score, pain visual analog scale (VAS), and disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) onto the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) utility score with the KORean Observational study Network for Arthritis (KORONA) registry data.

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Hye-Lin; Kim, Dam; Jang, Eun Jin; Lee, Min-Young; Song, Hyun Jin; Park, Sun-Young; Cho, Soo-Kyung; Sung, Yoon-Kyoung; Choi, Chan-Bum; Won, Soyoung; Bang, So-Young; Cha, Hoon-Suk; Choe, Jung-Yoon; Chung, Won Tae; Hong, Seung-Jae; Jun, Jae-Bum; Kim, Jinseok; Kim, Seong-Kyu; Kim, Tae-Hwan; Kim, Tae-Jong; Koh, Eunmi; Lee, Hwajeong; Lee, Hye-Soon; Lee, Jisoo; Lee, Shin-Seok; Lee, Sung Won; Park, Sung-Hoon; Shim, Seung-Cheol; Yoo, Dae-Hyun; Yoon, Bo Young; Bae, Sang-Cheol; Lee, Eui-Kyung

2016-04-01

The aim of this study was to estimate the mapping model for EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) utility values using the health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI), pain visual analog scale (VAS), and disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) in a large, nationwide cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Korea. The KORean Observational study Network for Arthritis (KORONA) registry data on 3557 patients with RA were used. Data were randomly divided into a modeling set (80 % of the data) and a validation set (20 % of the data). The ordinary least squares (OLS), Tobit, and two-part model methods were employed to construct a model to map to the EQ-5D index. Using a combination of HAQ-DI, pain VAS, and DAS28, four model versions were examined. To evaluate the predictive accuracy of the models, the root-mean-square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were calculated using the validation dataset. A model that included HAQ-DI, pain VAS, and DAS28 produced the highest adjusted R (2) as well as the lowest Akaike information criterion, RMSE, and MAE, regardless of the statistical methods used in modeling set. The mapping equation of the OLS method is given as EQ-5D = 0.95-0.21 × HAQ-DI-0.24 × pain VAS/100-0.01 × DAS28 (adjusted R (2) = 57.6 %, RMSE = 0.1654 and MAE = 0.1222). Also in the validation set, the RMSE and MAE were shown to be the smallest. The model with HAQ-DI, pain VAS, and DAS28 showed the best performance, and this mapping model enabled the estimation of an EQ-5D value for RA patients in whom utility values have not been measured.

The Herschel Multi-Tiered Extragalactic Survey: SPIRE-mm Photometric Redshifts

Science.gov (United States)

Roseboom, I. G.; Ivison, R. J.; Greve, T. R.; Amblard, A.; Arumugam, V.; Auld, R.; Aussel, H.; Bethermin, M.; Blain, A.; Bock, J.;

A comparison of the efficacy of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine in achieving pulpal anesthesia in maxillary teeth with irreversible pulpitis.

Science.gov (United States)

Kanaa, Mohammad D; Whitworth, John M; Meechan, John G

2012-03-01

To assess the efficacy of buccal infiltrations of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine in achieving anesthesia in maxillary teeth with irreversible pulpitis. This randomized double-blind clinical trial included 100 patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in maxillary teeth. Patients received 2.0 mL 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine or 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine in the buccal sulcus adjacent to the tooth with pulpitis. Before and every 2 minutes up to a maximum of 10 minutes after injection, the response of the test tooth was assessed using an electronic pulp tester. Successful pulp anesthesia was considered to have occurred when no response was obtained to the maximum stimulation (80 reading) of the pulp tester during the test period, at which time treatment commenced. Treatment was regarded as being successfully completed when it was associated with no pain. The time to onset of successful pulp anesthesia was recorded for each test tooth. Injection discomfort was recorded on standard 100-mm visual analog scales (VASs). Data were analyzed by the Chi-square and Student t tests. Fifty patients received articaine and 50 received lidocaine. Seventy-three of the 100 patients achieved pulpal anesthesia within 10 minutes of injection: 38 after articaine and 35 after lidocaine (P = .5). The onset of pulpal anesthesia after articaine and lidocaine buccal infiltrations was similar (mean and standard deviations: 4.9 ± 2.7 minutes vs 5.1 ± 2.4 minutes, respectively; t = 0.2; P = .82). Pain-free treatment was completed in 33 patients after articaine and 29 after lidocaine buccal infiltrations (P = .63). Although articaine buccal injection was significantly more comfortable than lidocaine buccal injection (t = 2.3, P = .026), both were associated with mild discomfort on VAS (means ± standard deviation: 10.8 mm ± 11.7 mm vs 17.5 mm ± 17.6 mm, respectively). There was no significant difference in efficacy

[Microscopic innervation of the spermatic ducts and testis. I. Vas deferens].

Science.gov (United States)

Suárez-Garnacho, S; Vega, J A; Alvarez Arenal, A; Pérez Casas, A; Alvarez Menéndez, J C; Hernández, L C

1989-01-01

The microscopic innervation of the vas deferens in the rat was studied both in light and electron microscope. The nerve fibres form perivascular, intramuscular and subepithelial plexuses. Inside the connective tissue surrounding the vas deferens both isolated nerve fibres and sensory corpuscles (glomerular and Ruffine-like types) were observed. The varicosities and endings of nerve fibres contain synaptic vesicles of different sizes and electron characteristics. These varicosities were closely related to the smooth muscle cells and some of them lacked of Schwannian sheath. The nervous fibres were not in direct contact with the epithelial cells.

Ultrasound guided peritubal infiltration of 0.25% Bupivacaine versus 0.25% Ropivacaine for postoperative pain relief after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A prospective double blind randomized study

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Geeta P Parikh

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Background and Aim: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL is a common for managing renal calculi. Pain in the initial post operatie period is relieved by infiltration of local anaesthetic around the nephrostomy tract.We aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of bupivacaine and ropivacaine. Methods: A total of 100 adult patients undergoing elective PCNL- under balanced general anaesthesia were randomly divided into bupivacaine group (Group B and ropivacaine group (Group R. After completion of procedure, 23G spinal needle was inserted at 6 and 12 O′clock position under ultrasonic guidance up to renal capsule along the nephrostomy tube. A volume of 10 ml of either 0.25% bupivacaine or 0.25% ropivacaine solution was infiltrated in each tract while withdrawing the needle. Post-operative pain was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS and dynamic visual analogue scale (D-VAS for initial 24 h. Intravenous tramadol was given as rescue analgesia when VAS >4. Time to first rescue analgesic, number of doses and total amount of tramadol required in initial 24 h and side-effects were noted. Results: Visual analogue scale and D-VAS at 6 h and 8 h in Group B was significantly higher than Group R. Mean time to first rescue analgesia in Group R was significantly longer than Group B. Mean number of doses of tramadol and total consumption of tramadol in 24 h was less in Group R, though not statistically significant. Conclusion: Peritubal infiltration of 0.25% ropivacaine infiltration along the nephrostomy tract is more effective than 0.25% bupivacaine in alleviating initial post-operative pain after PCNL.

The Herschel Multi-Tiered Extragalactic Survey: SPIRE-mm Photometric Redshifts

Science.gov (United States)

Roseboom, I. G.; Ivison, R. J.; Greve, T. R.; Amblard, A.; Arumugam, V.; Auld, R.; Aussel, H.; Bethermin, M.; Blain, A.; Block, J.;

The effect of preoperative dexamethasone on pain 1 year after lumbar disc surgery

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nielsen, Rikke Vibeke; Fomsgaard, Jonna; Mathiesen, Ole

2016-01-01

discectomy. METHODS: This is a prospective 1-year follow-up on a single-centre, randomized, and blinded trial exploring the analgesic effect of 16 mg IV dexamethasone or placebo after lumbar discectomy. One year follow-up was a written questionnaire including back and leg pain (VAS 0-100 mm), Short Form 36...... survey (SF-36), EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D), OSWESTRY Low Back Pain Questionnaire, duration of sick leave, working capability, contentment with surgical result. RESULTS: Response rate was 71% (55 patients) in the dexamethasone group, 58% (44 patients) in the placebo group. Leg pain (VAS) was significantly lower...... in the placebo group compared to the dexamethasone group: 17 (95% CI 10-26) vs 26 (95% CI 19-33) mm, respectively (mean difference 9 mm (95% CI -1 to 0), (P = 0.03). No difference regarding back pain. The placebo group reported significantly more improvement of leg pain and were significantly more satisfied...

A 100 MS/s 9 bit 0.43 mW SAR ADC with custom capacitor array

Science.gov (United States)

Jingjing, Wang; Zemin, Feng; Rongjin, Xu; Chixiao, Chen; Fan, Ye; Jun, Xu; Junyan, Ren

2016-05-01

A low power 9 bit 100 MS/s successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter (SAR ADC) with custom capacitor array is presented. A brand-new 3-D MOM unit capacitor is used as the basic capacitor cell of this capacitor array. The unit capacitor has a capacitance of 1 fF. Besides, the advanced capacitor array structure and switch mode decrease the power consumption a lot. To verify the effectiveness of this low power design, the 9 bit 100 MS/s SAR ADC is implemented in TSMC IP9M 65 nm LP CMOS technology. The measurement results demonstrate that this design achieves an effective number of bits (ENOB) of 7.4 bit, a signal-to-noise plus distortion ratio (SNDR) of 46.40 dB and a spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) of 62.31 dB at 100 MS/s with 1 MHz input. The SAR ADC core occupies an area of 0.030 mm2 and consumes 0.43 mW under a supply voltage of 1.2 V. The figure of merit (FOM) of the SAR ADC achieves 23.75 fJ/conv. Project supported by the National High-Tech Research and Development Program of China (No. 2013AA014101).

Evaporation heat transfer and pressure drop of R-410A in a 7.0 mm O.D. microfin tube at low flow rates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Hae Hyun

2015-01-01

Microfin tubes having an outside diameter (O.D.) of 7.0 mm are widely used in residential air conditioning systems and heat pumps. It is known that the mass fluxes for air conditioners and heat pumps under partial load conditions are several tens of kg/m 2 s. However, literature surveys reveal that previous investigations were limited to mass flux over 100 kg/m 2 s. In this study, we conduct R-410A evaporation heat-transfer tests at low mass fluxes (50-250 kg/m 2 s) using a 7.0 mm O.D. microfin tube. During the test, the saturation temperature was maintained at 8 degrees celsius, and the heat flux was maintained at 4.kW/m"2. For comparison purposes, we also test a smooth tube with a 7.0 mm O.D. The results showed that the heat-transfer enhancement factor of the microfin tube increased as the mass flux decreased up to 150 kg/m 2 s, which decreased as the mass flux further decreased. The reason for this was attributed to the change of the flow pattern from an annular flow to a stratified flow. Within the test range, the frictional pressure drops of the microfin tube were approximately the same as those of the smooth tube. We then compare experimental data obtained with the predictions obtained for the existing correlations

Influence of acute treatment with sibutramine on the sympathetic neurotransmission of the young rat vas deferens.

Science.gov (United States)

de Souza, Bruno Palmieri; da Silva, Edilson Dantas; Jurkiewicz, Aron; Jurkiewicz, Neide Hyppolito

2014-09-05

The effects of acute treatment with sibutramine on the peripheral sympathetic neurotransmission in vas deferens of young rats were still not evaluated. Therefore, we carried out this study in order to verify the effects of acute sibutramine treatment on the neuronal- and exogenous agonist-induced contractions of the young rat vas deferens. Young 45-day-old male Wistar rats were pretreated with sibutramine 6 mg/kg and after 4h the vas deferens was used for experiment. The acute treatment with sibutramine was able to increase the potency (pD2) of noradrenaline and phenylephrine. Moreover, the efficacy (Emax) of noradrenaline was increased while the efficacy of serotonin and nicotine were decreased. The maximum effect induced by a single concentration of tyramine was diminished in the vas deferens from treated group. Moreover, the leftward shift of the noradrenaline curves promoted by uptake blockers (cocaine and corticosterone) and β-adrenoceptor antagonist (propranolol) was reduced in the vas deferens of treated group. The initial phasic and secondary tonic components of the neuronal-evoked contractions of vas deferens from treated group at the frequencies of 2 Hz were decreased. Moreover, only the initial phasic component at 5 Hz was diminished by the acute treatment with sibutramine. In conclusion, we showed that the acute treatment with sibutramine in young rats was able to affect the peripheral sympathetic nervous system by inhibition of noradrenaline uptake and reduction of the neuronal content of this neurotransmitter, leading to an enhancement of vas deferens sensitivity to noradrenaline. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Desire for Sweet Taste Unchanged After Eating: Evidence of a Dessert Mentality?

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Harington, Kate; Smeele, Rebecca; Van Loon, Fiona; Yuan, Jannie; Haszard, Jillian Joy; Drewer, Amanda; Venn, Bernard Joseph

2016-08-01

Added sugars provide calories and desirability to foods and beverages. Our aim was to test whether desire for a sweet taste would be better maintained than a desire for other tastes for 3 hours after a test meal. Eighty-three young adults ate 2 slices of bread on 2 separate occasions after which they were asked to rate their desire for savory, sweet, fatty, or salty tastes and to specify the number of servings of white rice, pizza, cheese and crackers, sweet biscuits, and pasta they could consume. Desirability was assessed using 100-mm visual analog scales (VAS), with 0 mm representing no desire and 100 mm great desire. When participants provided a quantitative assessment of the servings of foods that they wanted to eat following the bread meal, desire decreased on average for all foods measured, χ 2 (3) = 2.63, p = 0.452. Mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) change in VAS taste desirability 30 minutes after eating declined for salty (14.5 mm [10.5, 18.6]), fatty (11.2 mm [7.1, 15.2]), and savory (24.1 mm [19.7, 28.5]) tastes (p foods and beverages. Targeting familial and cultural practices that discourage the consumption of added sugar foods might be useful to combat desire-driven food intake.

The validity and reliability of the handheld SW-100 autokeratometer

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Eghosasere Iyamu

2015-07-01

Full Text Available Background: The agreement of new instruments or clinical tests with other instruments or tests defines the possibility of these being used interchangeably. Aim: To investigate the validity and reliability of the SW-100 autokeratometer using a Bausch & Lomb (B&L keratometer as the ‘gold standard’. Methods: Eighty subjects (80 right eyes aged between 21 and 38 years were recruited. For intra-test repeatability, two measurements of the corneal radius of curvature were taken with the SW-100 and B&L keratometers. Forty of the 80 subjects participated in the inter-test repeatability measurement. Results: Corneal radius of curvature was found to be statistically different between the two instruments (p < 0.001, with the SW-100 providing slightly flatter values of 0.11 mm and 0.05 mm for the horizontal and vertical meridians, respectively, than the B&L keratometer. The average corneal curvature was 0.07 mm flatter with the SW-100 autokeratometer than with the B&L device. Agreement between the SW-100 and B&L keratometers’ axes was 45% within ± 5°, 60.3% within ± 10°, 78.8% within ± 15°, 80.3% within ± 20°, and 88.7% within ± 40°. Intertest repeatability was better for the B&L device than the SW-100 and showed no significant difference between the two sessions. Both instruments demonstrated comparable intrasession repeatability. As such, both instruments were comparatively reliable (per coefficients of repeatability. The range of limits of agreement of ± 0.14 mm (horizontal meridian and ± 0.17 mm (vertical meridian between the SW-100 and B&L devices showed good agreement. Conclusion: The results suggest that the SW-100 autokeratometer is a reliable and objective instrument that, however, provides flatter radii of curvature measurements than the B&L keratometer. A compensating factor incorporated into the instrument could reduce the difference between the two instruments and make them more interchangeable.

Continuous spinal analgesia with levobupivacaine for postoperative pain management: Comparison of 0.125% versus 0.0625% in elective total knee and hip replacement: A double-blind randomized study

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Alessandro D′Ambrosio

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Background and Aims: Continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA has not been widely used for postoperative analgesia, mainly to avoid complications from the subarachnoid injection. Recently, the introduction of low caliber CSA catheters (Spinocath ® , has allowed to decrease anesthetics doses and volumes with good analgesia and reduced complications. The aim of this present study was to compare two concentrations of levobupivacaine administered through CSA for postoperative pain management after major orthopedic surgery. Secondary outcomes were adverse events associated with CSA. Material and Methods: Thirty-two patients were randomized to receive sufentanil 1 mcg/h plus levobupivacaine 0.125%-1 ml/h (Group A 0.125 or 0.0625%-2 ml/h (Group B 0.0625 for postoperative analgesia through CSA catheter, connected to the elastomeric pump over 48 h. The quality of analgesia was assessed based on pain intensity by Visual Analogic Scale (VAS. Sensory and motor function, hemodynamic, and respiratory parameters were recorded for 96 h after surgery, after which the catheter was removed. In addition, joint mobility was assessed, and any side effects were noted. Results: VAS score was ≤30 mm in 25 patients. Three patients in Group A 0.125 and 4 in Group B 0.0625 (NS, received a rescue dose of levobupivacaine. Median VAS in Group A 0.125 was lower than in Group B 0.0625 on T 1 h (8 ± 11 vs 16 ± 11; P < 0.05, and on T 4 h (11 ± 8 vs 18 ± 1; P < 0.05. All patients remained hemodynamically stable. There were no significant differences between groups for postoperative joints mobility. Conclusion: Levobupivacaine at a dose of 1.25 mg/h administered by CSA provides good quality analgesia independent of concentration and solution volume in patients undergoing total knee and hip replacement.

Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation: Refractive Outcome and Safety in Patients with Anterior Chamber Depth between 2.8 and 3.0 versus ≥3.0 mm.

Science.gov (United States)

Guerra, Marta G; Silva, Andreia M M; Marques, Sara H M; Melo, Sofia H; Póvoa, João A; Lobo, Conceição; Murta, Joaquim Neto

2017-01-01

To compare endothelial cell (EC) variation after anterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (AC-pIOL) implantation in highly myopic patients with a preoperative anterior chamber depth (ACD) between 2.8 and 3.0 versus ≥3.0 mm. A total of 280 eyes submitted to primary AC-pIOL implantation were analyzed. Pre- and postoperative values for uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, spherical equivalent, ACD (endothelial surface), and EC count were collected. The eyes were divided into 2 groups: group A - ACD between 2.8 and 3.0 mm; group B - ACD ≥3.0 mm. Mean global EC loss (ECL) and loss for each ACD group, according to pIOL type, were analyzed. Significant improvement of the spherical equivalent (-11.38 ± 4.57 vs. -0.49 ± 0.79; p = 0.000) and a significant decrease in EC density (2,810.95 ± 343.88 vs. 2,584.09 ± 374.88 cells/mm2; p = 0.000) were noted. The mean annual ECL was -2.19 ± 3.97%. Regarding group A (n = 80), a mean annual ECL of -2.06 ± 3.88% was registered, higher for the Acrysof Cachet® subtype, while group B (n = 200) showed -2.25 ± 4.01% ECL, higher for the Verisyse® subtype. There was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.96). AC-pIOL implantation significantly improves the spherical equivalent in myopic patients. The mean annual ECL after pIOL implantation was higher in the larger ACD group, but this value was not statistically significant. A 2.8-mm ACD value seems to be a safe cutoff for AC-pIOL implantation. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

CT-based postimplant dosimetry of prostate brachytherapy. Comparison of 1-mm and 5-mm section CT

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tanaka, Osamu; Hayashi, Shinya; Kanematsu, Masayuki; Matsuo, Masayuki; Hoshi, Hiroaki; Nakano, Masahiro; Maeda, Sanaho; Deguchi, Takashi; Hoshi, Hiroaki

2007-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes between 1-mm and 5-mm section computed tomography (CT)-based postimplant dosimetry. A series of 21 consecutive patients underwent permanent prostate brachytherapy. The postimplant prostate volume was calculated using 1-mm and 5-mm section CT. One radiation oncologist contoured the prostate on CT images to obtain the reconstructed prostate volume (pVol), prostate V 100 (percent of the prostate volume receiving at least the full prescribed dose), and prostate D 90 (mean dose delivered to 90% of the prostate gland). The same radiation oncologist performed the contouring three times to evaluate intraobserver variation and subjectively scored the quality of the CT images. The mean ±1 standard deviation (SD) postimplant pVol was 20.17±6.66 cc by 1-mm section CT and 22.24±8.48 cc by 5-mm section CT; the difference in the mean values was 2.06 cc (P 100 was 80.44%±7.06% by 1-mm section CT and 77.33%±10.22% by 5-mm section CT. The mean postimplant prostate D 90 was 83.28%±10.81% by 1-mm section CT and 78.60%±15.75% by 5-mm section CT. In the evaluation of image quality, 5-mm section CT was assigned significantly higher scores than 1-mm section CT. In regard to intraobserver variation, 5-mm section CT revealed less intraobserver variation than 1-mm section CT. Our current results suggested that the outcomes of postimplant dosimetry using 1-mm section CT did not improved the results over those obtained using 5-mm section CT in terms of the quality of the CT image or reproducibility. (author)

Evaporation heat transfer and pressure drop of R-410A in a 7.0 mm O.D. microfin tube at low flow rates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Hae Hyun [Div. of Mechanical System Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon (Korea, Republic of)

2015-09-15

Microfin tubes having an outside diameter (O.D.) of 7.0 mm are widely used in residential air conditioning systems and heat pumps. It is known that the mass fluxes for air conditioners and heat pumps under partial load conditions are several tens of kg/m{sup 2}s. However, literature surveys reveal that previous investigations were limited to mass flux over 100 kg/m{sup 2}s. In this study, we conduct R-410A evaporation heat-transfer tests at low mass fluxes (50-250 kg/m{sup 2}s) using a 7.0 mm O.D. microfin tube. During the test, the saturation temperature was maintained at 8 degrees celsius, and the heat flux was maintained at 4.kW/m{sup 2}. For comparison purposes, we also test a smooth tube with a 7.0 mm O.D. The results showed that the heat-transfer enhancement factor of the microfin tube increased as the mass flux decreased up to 150 kg/m{sup 2}s, which decreased as the mass flux further decreased. The reason for this was attributed to the change of the flow pattern from an annular flow to a stratified flow. Within the test range, the frictional pressure drops of the microfin tube were approximately the same as those of the smooth tube. We then compare experimental data obtained with the predictions obtained for the existing correlations.

Effect of Zoledronic Acid and Denosumab in Patients With Low Back Pain and Modic Change: A Proof-of-Principle Trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Cai, Guoqi; Laslett, Laura L; Aitken, Dawn; Halliday, Andrew; Pan, Feng; Otahal, Petr; Speden, Deborah; Winzenberg, Tania M; Jones, Graeme

2018-05-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) and denosumab on low back pain (LBP) and Modic change (MC) over 6 months. Adults aged ≥40 years with significant LBP for at least 6 months duration and MC (type 1, 2, or mixed) were randomized to receive ZA (5 mg/100 mL), denosumab (60 mg), or placebo. LBP was measured monthly by visual analogue scale (VAS) and the LBP Rating Scale (RS). MC was measured from MRIs of T 12 -S 1 vertebrae at screening and 6 months. A total of 103 participants with moderate/severe LBP (mean VAS = 57 mm; mean RS = 18) and median total MC area 538 mm 2 were enrolled. Compared to placebo, LBP reduced significantly at 6 months in the ZA group for RS (-3.3; 95% CI, -5.9 to -0.7) but not VAS (-8.2; 95% CI, -18.8 to +2.4) with similar findings for denosumab (RS, -3.0; 95% CI, -5.7 to -0.3; VAS, -10.7; 95% CI, -21.7 to +0.2). There was little change in areal MC size overall and no difference between groups with the exception of denosumab in those with type 1 Modic change (-22.1 mm 2 ; 95% CI, -41.5 to -2.7). In post hoc analyses, both medications significantly reduced VAS LBP in participants with milder disc degeneration and non-neuropathic pain, and denosumab reduced VAS LBP in those with type 1 MC over 6 months, compared to placebo. Adverse events were more frequent in the ZA group. These results suggests a potential therapeutic role for ZA and denosumab in MC-associated LBP. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Two neutrino double-beta decay of 100Mo to the first excited 0+ state in 100Ru

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barabash, A.S.; Avignone, F.T. III; Guerard, C.K.; Umatov, V.I.

1992-06-01

Double-beta decay from the ground state of 100 Mo to the O + excited state at 1,130.29 keV in 100 Ru has been observed. A sample of 956q of Mo metal powder isotopically enriched to 98.468% of 100 Mo was counted in a Marinelli geometry with a well shielded, ultralow-background germanium detector. The cascade gamma-rays at 539.53 and 590.76 keV were observed. The resulting decay half-life is 1.1 -0.2 +0.3 x 10 21 y at 68% CL

Transversus abdominis plane block after laparoscopic colonic resection in cancer patients

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Torup, Henrik; Hansen, Egon G; Bøgeskov, Mikkel Bjerregaard

2016-01-01

with 20 ml of either ropivacaine or isotonic saline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores (0 to 100 mm) while coughing at 6 h after surgery (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes were area under the curve pain scores (2 to 24 h) at rest and while coughing, 24-h morphine...

Multiple effects of sibutramine on ejaculation and on vas deferens and seminal vesicle contractility.

Science.gov (United States)

Nojimoto, Fernanda D; Piffer, Renata C; Kiguti, Luiz Ricardo de A; Lameu, Claudiana; de Camargo, Antônio C M; Pereira, Oduvaldo C M; Pupo, André S

2009-09-15

Sibutramine is an inhibitor of norepinephrine and 5-HT reuptake largely used in the management of obesity. Although a fairly safe drug, postmarketing adverse effects of sibutramine were reported including abnormal ejaculation in men. This study investigates the effects of sibutramine on ejaculation and vas deferens and seminal vesicle contractility. Adult male rats received sibutramine (5; 20; or 50 mg kg(-1), ip) and after 60 min were exposed to receptive females for determination of ejaculation parameters. The vasa deferentia and seminal vesicles of untreated rats were mounted in isolated organ baths for recording of isometric contractions and HEK293 cells loaded with fluorescent calcium indicator were used to measure intracellular Ca(2+) transients. Sibutramine 5 and 20 mg kg(-1) reduced ejaculation latency whereas 50 mg kg(-1) increased ejaculation latency. Sibutramine 3 to 30 microM greatly increased the sensitivity of the seminal vesicle and vas deferens to norepinephrine, but at concentrations higher than 10 microM there were striking depressions of maximal contractions induced by norepinephrine, carbachol and CaCl(2). In HEK293 cells, sibutramine 10 to 100 microM inhibited intracellular Ca(2+) transients induced by carbachol. Depending on the doses, sibutramine either facilitates or inhibits ejaculation. Apart from its actions in the central nervous system, facilitation of ejaculation may result from augmented sensitivity of smooth muscles to norepinephrine while reductions of intracellular Ca(2+) may be involved in the delayed ejaculation observed with high doses of sibutramine.

Multiple effects of sibutramine on ejaculation and on vas deferens and seminal vesicle contractility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nojimoto, Fernanda D.; Piffer, Renata C.; Kiguti, Luiz Ricardo de A.; Lameu, Claudiana; Camargo, Antonio C.M. de; Pereira, Oduvaldo C.M.; Pupo, Andre S.

2009-01-01

Sibutramine is an inhibitor of norepinephrine and 5-HT reuptake largely used in the management of obesity. Although a fairly safe drug, postmarketing adverse effects of sibutramine were reported including abnormal ejaculation in men. This study investigates the effects of sibutramine on ejaculation and vas deferens and seminal vesicle contractility. Adult male rats received sibutramine (5; 20; or 50 mg kg -1 , ip) and after 60 min were exposed to receptive females for determination of ejaculation parameters. The vasa deferentia and seminal vesicles of untreated rats were mounted in isolated organ baths for recording of isometric contractions and HEK293 cells loaded with fluorescent calcium indicator were used to measure intracellular Ca 2+ transients. Sibutramine 5 and 20 mg kg -1 reduced ejaculation latency whereas 50 mg kg -1 increased ejaculation latency. Sibutramine 3 to 30 μM greatly increased the sensitivity of the seminal vesicle and vas deferens to norepinephrine, but at concentrations higher than 10 μM there were striking depressions of maximal contractions induced by norepinephrine, carbachol and CaCl 2 . In HEK293 cells, sibutramine 10 to 100 μM inhibited intracellular Ca 2+ transients induced by carbachol. Depending on the doses, sibutramine either facilitates or inhibits ejaculation. Apart from its actions in the central nervous system, facilitation of ejaculation may result from augmented sensitivity of smooth muscles to norepinephrine while reductions of intracellular Ca 2+ may be involved in the delayed ejaculation observed with high doses of sibutramine.

The assessment of anorexia in patients with cancer: cut-off values for the FAACT-A/CS and the VAS for appetite.

Science.gov (United States)

Blauwhoff-Buskermolen, S; Ruijgrok, C; Ostelo, R W; de Vet, H C W; Verheul, H M W; de van der Schueren, M A E; Langius, J A E

2016-02-01

Anorexia is a frequently observed symptom in patients with cancer and is associated with limited food intake and decreased quality of life. Diagnostic instruments such as the Anorexia/Cachexia Subscale (A/CS) of the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy (FAACT) questionnaire and the visual analog scale (VAS) for appetite have been recommended in the assessment of anorexia, but validated cut-off values are lacking. This study aimed to obtain cut-off values of these instruments for the assessment of anorexia in patients with cancer. The FAACT-A/CS and the VAS for appetite were administered to patients with cancer before start of chemotherapy. As reference standard for anorexia, two external criteria were used: (1) a cut-off value of ≥2 on the anorexia symptom scale of the EORTC QLQ C-30 and (2) the question "Do you experience a decreased appetite?" (yes/no). ROC curves were used to examine the optimal cut-off values for the FAACT-A/CS and VAS. A total of 273 patients (58 % male; 64.0 ± 10.6 years) were included. The median score on the FAACT-A/CS was 38 (IQR 32-42) points and 77 (IQR 47-93) points on the VAS. Considering both external criteria, the optimal cut-off value for the FAACT-A/CS was ≤37 (sensitivity (se) 80 %, specificity (sp) 81 %, positive predictive value (PV(+)) 79 %, negative predictive value (PV(-)) 82 %) and for the VAS was ≤70 (se 76 %, sp 83 %, PV(+) 80 %, PV(-) 79 %). For the assessment of anorexia in patients with cancer, our study suggests cut-off values of ≤37 for the FAACT-A/CS and ≤70 for the VAS. Future studies should confirm our findings in other patient samples.

The Visual Analogue Scale for Rating, Ranking and Paired-Comparison (VAS-RRP): A new technique for psychological measurement.

Science.gov (United States)

Sung, Yao-Ting; Wu, Jeng-Shin

2018-04-17

Traditionally, the visual analogue scale (VAS) has been proposed to overcome the limitations of ordinal measures from Likert-type scales. However, the function of VASs to overcome the limitations of response styles to Likert-type scales has not yet been addressed. Previous research using ranking and paired comparisons to compensate for the response styles of Likert-type scales has suffered from limitations, such as that the total score of ipsative measures is a constant that cannot be analyzed by means of many common statistical techniques. In this study we propose a new scale, called the Visual Analogue Scale for Rating, Ranking, and Paired-Comparison (VAS-RRP), which can be used to collect rating, ranking, and paired-comparison data simultaneously, while avoiding the limitations of each of these data collection methods. The characteristics, use, and analytic method of VAS-RRPs, as well as how they overcome the disadvantages of Likert-type scales, ranking, and VASs, are discussed. On the basis of analyses of simulated and empirical data, this study showed that VAS-RRPs improved reliability, response style bias, and parameter recovery. Finally, we have also designed a VAS-RRP Generator for researchers' construction and administration of their own VAS-RRPs.

Volcanic alert system (VAS) developed during the 2011-2014 El Hierro (Canary Islands) volcanic process

Science.gov (United States)

García, Alicia; Berrocoso, Manuel; Marrero, José M.; Fernández-Ros, Alberto; Prates, Gonçalo; De la Cruz-Reyna, Servando; Ortiz, Ramón

2014-06-01

The 2011 volcanic unrest at El Hierro Island illustrated the need for a Volcanic Alert System (VAS) specifically designed for the management of volcanic crises developing after long repose periods. The VAS comprises the monitoring network, the software tools for analysis of the monitoring parameters, the Volcanic Activity Level (VAL) management, and the assessment of hazard. The VAS presented here focuses on phenomena related to moderate eruptions, and on potentially destructive volcano-tectonic earthquakes and landslides. We introduce a set of new data analysis tools, aimed to detect data trend changes, as well as spurious signals related to instrumental failure. When data-trend changes and/or malfunctions are detected, a watchdog is triggered, issuing a watch-out warning (WOW) to the Monitoring Scientific Team (MST). The changes in data patterns are then translated by the MST into a VAL that is easy to use and understand by scientists, technicians, and decision-makers. Although the VAS was designed specifically for the unrest episodes at El Hierro, the methodologies may prove useful at other volcanic systems.

Effect of annealing treatment on structure and electrochemical performance of quenched MmNi4.2Co0.3Mn0.4Al0.3Mg0.03 hydrogen storage alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhou Zenglin; Song Yueqing; Cui Shun; Huang Changgeng; Qian Wenlian; Lin Chenguang; Zhang Yongjian; Lin Yulin

2010-01-01

MmNi 4.2 Co 0.3 Mn 0.4 Al 0.3 Mg 0.03 hydrogen storage alloy was prepared by single-roll rapid quenching followed by different annealing treatments for 8 h at 1133 K, 1173 K, 1213 K, and 1253 K, respectively. Alloy structure, phase composition, pressure-composition-temperature (PCT) properties, and electrochemical performance of different annealed alloys have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersion spectrometer (EDS), automatic Sieverts-type apparatus, and electrochemical experiments. Electrochemical experiments indicate that the annealing treatment at 1213 K extends cycle life from 193 cycles to 358 cycles, increases the maximum discharge capacity, and slightly decreases the activation behavior. Alloy structure analyses show that the improvement in cycle life is attributed to the formation of a single CaCu 5 -type structure or the relief of an Mg-containing AlMnNi 2 -type second phase. Pressure composition isotherms results illustrate that both the hydrogen absorption capability and the dehydriding equilibrium pressure go up with increased annealing temperature. For its good performance/cost ratio, the Mg-added low-Co alloy annealed at 1213 K would be a promising substitution for MmNi 4.05 Co 0.45 Mn 0.4 Al 0.3 alloy product.

Visual Attention Span and Optometric Conditions: Is There a Connection between a Poor VAS and an Optometric Diagnosis?

Science.gov (United States)

Carroll, Emily

2004-01-01

This paper investigates whether there is a correlation between a poor Visual Attention Span (VAS) and the child's optometric status. Convergence excess impacts most upon a male achieving a VAS-3 more than 75 per cent of the time. Fifty per cent of females with eye-teaming problems are unlikely to achieve a VAS-3 more than 25 per cent of the time.…

Electroplating U-0.75 Ti, 105-mm, XM774 penetrators with nickel and zinc

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dini, J.W.; Johnson, H.R.

1976-06-01

Procedures were developed and utilized whereby 105-mm U-Ti penetrators were plated with 1.0 mil of nickel and 0.2 mil of zinc and then chromated. Twenty-three full-size penetrators were coated to demonstrate the feasibility of the system and to provide parts for ballistic tests. Dimensional inspection of the parts before and after etching and plating revealed the coating process to be viable and repeatable

Regional differences in steroidogenesis and hormone levels in the epididymis and vas deferens of adult rats.

Science.gov (United States)

Kumari, G L; Allag, I S; Das, R P; Datta, J K

1980-06-01

In vivo and in vitro studies with different parts of the epididymis and vas deferens were carried out to determine their inherent capacity to synthesize steroids and to correlate with the endogenous levels with or without the administration of hCG. Incubation with 14C-labelled pregnenolone and testosterone demonstrated that caput epididymidis was more active than other parts in synthesizing testosterone from 14C-pregnenolone and in converting labelled testosterone to 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The cauda epididymidis and vas deferens accumulated more radioactivity in progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) than the caput epididymidis. The levels of DHT, testosterone and 4-androstene-3, 17-dione in the caput epididymidis were reduced after ligation of ipselateral efferent ductules indicating the testicular origin of these steroids. The cauda epididymidis and vas deferens had higher levels of progesterone as compared to the other regions of the epididymis, which were decreased after the ligation. Intravenous injection of hCG increased the levels of oestradiol-17 beta in all tissues and markedly in the cauda epididymidis and vas deferens. The high levels of progesterone and oestradiol-17 beta present in these organs may be of importance in maintaining fertilizing ability of spermatozoa stored in the cauda epididymidis and vas deferens and their transport.

Endovascular Treatment of Visceral Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms: Long-term Outcomes from a Multicenter European Study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spiliopoulos, Stavros; Sabharwal, Tarun; Karnabatidis, Dimitrios; Brountzos, Elias; Katsanos, Konstantinos; Krokidis, Miltiadis; Gkoutzios, Panagiotis; Siablis, Dimitrios; Adam, Andreas

2012-01-01

Purpose: To investigate the percutaneous endovascular management of visceral aneurysms (VA) and visceral pseudoaneurysms (VPA) treated in three European interventional radiology departments. Methods: Patient archives from the department’s databases were examined and retrospectively analyzed. Patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 with VA and/or VPA, confirmed by computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, or digital subtraction angiography and treated exclusively with percutaneous endovascular methods, were included in the study. The study’s primary end points were procedural technical success, target lesion reintervention rate, and periprocedural mortality rate. Secondary end points included major and minor complications rates. Results: The medical records of 54 patients (41 male, mean age 55 ± 18.1 years) with 58 VAs or VPAs and treated with various percutaneous endovascular therapeutic modalities were analyzed. In total, 21 VAs (mean diameter 49.4 ± 21 mm, range 20–100 mm) and 37 VPAs (mean diameter 25.1 ± 14.6 mm, range 8–60 mm) were treated. Procedural technical success was achieved in 100% of the cases, while target lesion reintervention rate was 6.1% (2 of 33) and 14.2% (3 of 21) in the VPA and VA groups, respectively. Mean clinical follow-up period was 19.1 ± 21.4 months. Overall periprocedural mortality rate was 3% (1 of 33) in the VPA group and 0% (0 of 21) in the VA group. Conclusion: Percutaneous endovascular treatment of VAs and VPAs is safe and effective with low morbidity and mortality. There is a small but significant reintervention rate, particularly for true aneurysms; dedicated follow-up imaging is recommended. Successful aneurysm exclusion was achieved in all cases with a second procedure.

Chronic medial knee pain without history of prior trauma: correlation of pain at rest and during exercise using bone scintigraphy and MR imaging

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Buck, Florian M.; Hoffmann, Alexander; Hofer, Bernhard; Allgayer, Bernhard; Pfirrmann, Christian W.A.

2009-01-01

The objective of this study was to correlate chronic medial knee pain at rest and during exercise with bone scintigraphic uptake, bone marrow edema pattern (BMEP), cartilage lesions, meniscal tears, and collateral ligament pathologies on magnetic resonance MR imaging (MRI). Fifty consecutive patients with chronic medial knee pain seen at our institute were included in our study. Pain level at rest and during exercise was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). On MR images, BMEP volume was measured, and the integrity of femoro-tibial cartilage, medial meniscus, and medial collateral ligament (MCL) were assessed. Semiquantitative scintigraphic tracer uptake was measured. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed. At the day of examination, 40 patients reported medial knee pain at rest, 49 when climbing stairs (at rest mean VAS 33 mm, range 0-80 mm; climbing stairs mean VAS, 60 mm, range 20-100 mm). Bone scintigraphy showed increased tracer uptake in 36 patients (uptake factor, average 3.7, range 2.4-18.0). MRI showed BMEP in 31 studies (mean volume, 4,070 mm 3 ; range, 1,200-39,200 mm 3 ). All patients with BMEP had abnormal bone scintigraphy. Ten percent of patients with pain at rest and 8% of patients with pain during exercise showed no BMEP but tracer uptake in scintigraphy. Tracer uptake and signal change around MCL predicted pain at rest significantly (tracer uptake p=0.004; MCL signal changes p=0.002). Only MCL signal changes predicted pain during exercise significantly (p=0.001). In chronic medial knee pain, increased tracer uptake in bone scintigraphy is more sensitive for medial knee pain than BMEP on MRI. Pain levels at rest and during exercise correlate with signal changes in and around the MCL. (orig.)

Patterns, incidence and predictive factors for pain after interventional radiology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

England, A.; Tam, C.L.; Thacker, D.E.; Walker, A.L.; Parkinson, A.S.; DeMello, W.; Bradley, A.J.; Tuck, J.S.; Laasch, H.-U.; Butterfield, J.S.; Ashleigh, R.J.; England, R.E.; Martin, D.F.

2005-01-01

AIM: To evaluate prospectively the pattern, severity and predictive factors of pain after interventional radiological procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing non-arterial radiological interventional procedures were assessed using a visual-analogue scale (VAS) for pain before and at regular intervals for 24 h after their procedure. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty patients (87 men, mean age 62 years, range 18-92 years) were entered into the study. Significant increases in VAS score occurred 8 h after percutaneous biliary procedures (+47.7 mm, SD 14.9 mm; p=0.001), 6 h after central venous access and gastrostomy insertion (+23.7 mm, SD 19.5 mm; p=0.001 and +28.4 mm, SD 9.7 mm; p=0.007, respectively) and 4 h after oesophageal stenting (+27.8 mm, SD 20.2 mm, p=0.001). Non-significant increases in VAS pain score were observed after duodenal and colonic stenting (duodenal: +5.13 mm, SD 7.47 mm; p=0.055, colonic: +23.3 mm, SD 13.10 mm, p=0.250) at a mean of 5 h (range 4-6 h). Patients reported a significant reduction in pain score for nephrostomy insertion (-28.4 mm, SD 7.11 mm, p=0.001). Post-procedural analgesia was required in 99 patients (69.2%), 40 (28.0%) requiring opiates. Maximum post-procedural VAS pain score was significantly higher in patients who had no pre-procedural analgesia (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Post-procedural pain is common and the pattern and severity of pain between procedures is variable. Pain control after interventional procedures is often inadequate, and improvements in pain management are required

Imaging of 1.0-mm-diameter radiopaque markers with megavoltage X-rays: an improved online imaging system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pang, G.; Beachey, D.J.; O'Brien, P.F.; Rowlands, J.A.

2002-01-01

Purpose: To improve an online portal imaging system such that implanted cylindrical gold markers of small diameter (no more than 1.0 mm) can be visualized. These small markers would make the implantation procedure much less traumatic for the patient than the large markers (1.6 mm in diameter), which are usually used today to monitor prostate interfraction motion during radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: Several changes have been made to a mirror-video based online imaging system to improve image quality. First, the conventional camera tube was replaced by an avalanche-multiplication-based video tube. This new camera tube has very high gain at the target such that the camera noise, which is one of the main causes of image degradation of online portal imaging systems, was overcome and effectively eliminated. Second, the conventional linear-accelerator (linac) target was replaced with a low atomic number (low-Z) target such that more diagnostic X-rays are present in the megavoltage X-ray beam. Third, the copper plate buildup layer for the phosphor screen was replaced by a thin plastic layer for detection of the diagnostic X-ray components in the beam generated by the low-Z target. Results: Radiopaque fiducial gold markers of different sizes, i.e., 1.0 mm (diameter) x 5 mm (length) and 0.8 mm (diameter) x 3 mm (length), embedded in an Alderson Rando phantom, can be clearly seen on the images acquired with our improved system. These markers could not be seen on images obtained with any commercial system available in our clinic. Conclusion: This work demonstrates the visibility of small-diameter radiopaque markers with an improved online portal imaging system. These markers can be easily implanted into the prostate and used to monitor the interfraction motion of the prostate

''Spare'' alpha 1-adrenergic receptors and the potency of agonists in rat vas deferens

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Minneman, K.P.; Abel, P.W.

1984-01-01

The existence of ''spare'' alpha 1-adrenergic receptors in rat vas deferens was examined directly using radioligand binding assays and contractility measurements. Alpha 1-adrenergic receptors in homogenates of rat vas deferens were labeled with [ 125 I]BE 2254 ( 125 IBE). Norepinephrine and other full alpha 1-adrenergic receptor agonists were much less potent in inhibiting 125 IBE binding than in contracting the vas deferens in vitro. Treatment with 300 nM phenoxybenzamine for 10 min to irreversibly inactivate alpha 1-adrenergic receptors caused a large decrease in the potency of full agonists in causing contraction of this tissue and a 23-48% decrease in the maximal contraction observed. Using those data, equilibrium constants for activation (Kact values) of the receptors by agonists were calculated. These Kact values agreed well with the equilibrium binding constants (KD values) determined from displacement of 125 IBE binding. The reduction in alpha 1-adrenergic receptor density following phenoxybenzamine treatment was determined by Scatchard analysis of specific 125 IBE binding sites and compared with the expected reduction (q values) calculated from the agonist dose-response curves before and after phenoxybenzamine treatment. This suggests that phenoxybenzamine functionally inactivates alpha 1-adrenergic receptors at or near the receptor binding site. These experiments suggest that the potencies of agonists in activating alpha 1-adrenergic receptors in rat vas deferens agree well with their potencies in binding to the receptors. The greater potency of agonists in causing contraction may be due to spare receptors in this tissue. The data also demonstrate that phenoxybenzamine irreversibly inactivates alpha 1-adrenergic receptors in rat vas deferens, but that the decrease in receptor density is much smaller than that predicted from receptor theory

BRIC-100VC Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC)-100VC

Science.gov (United States)

Richards, Stephanie E.; Levine, Howard G. (Compiler); Romero, Vergel

2016-01-01

The Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC) is an anodized-aluminum cylinder used to provide passive stowage for investigations of the effects of space flight on small specimens. The BRIC 100 mm petri dish vacuum containment unit (BRIC-100VC) has supported Dugesia japonica (flatworm) within spring under normal atmospheric conditions for 29 days in space and Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus L. (daylily) somatic embryo development within a 5% CO2 gaseous environment for 4.5 months in space. BRIC-100VC is a completely sealed, anodized-aluminum cylinder (Fig. 1) providing containment and structural support of the experimental specimens. The top and bottom lids of the canister include rapid disconnect valves for filling the canister with selected gases. These specialized valves allow for specific atmospheric containment within the canister, providing a gaseous environment defined by the investigator. Additionally, the top lid has been designed with a toggle latch and O-ring assembly allowing for prompt sealing and removal of the lid. The outside dimensions of the BRIC-100VC canisters are 16.0 cm (height) x 11.4 cm (outside diameter). The lower portion of the canister has been equipped with sufficient storage space for passive temperature and relative humidity data loggers. The BRIC- 100VC canister has been optimized to accommodate standard 100 mm laboratory petri dishes or 50 mL conical tubes. Depending on storage orientation, up to 6 or 9 canisters have been flown within an International Space Station (ISS) stowage locker.

Cesium contamination of mosses in county Vas, Hungary

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Golya, I.; Sebestyen, R.

1993-01-01

Two species of mosses were examined to assess radiocesium contamination of Vas county, and to analyse some aspects of mosses for use as indicator of radioactive contamination. Experimental results demonstrated that the distribution of contamination in a given region could be characterized by the cesium contamination of mosses. Sampling sites should be selected with special attention paid to spots with high contamination. Regression analysis proved that the contamination of mosses originated from Chernobyl fallout. (author) 4 refs.; 2 figs

Treatment of cyclical mastalgia with a solution containing a Vitex agnus castus extract: results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study.

Science.gov (United States)

Halaska, M; Beles, P; Gorkow, C; Sieder, C

1999-08-01

In a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study the efficacy of a Vitex agnus castus extract-containing solution (VACS) was investigated in patients suffering from cyclical mastalgia. Patients had mastalgia on at least 5 days in the pre-treatment cycle. During this cycle and during treatment (3 cycles; 2 x 30 drops/day), the intensity of mastalgia was recorded once per cycle using a visual analogue scale (VAS). After one/two treatment cycles, the mean decrease in pain intensity (mm, VAS) was 21.4 mm /33.7 mm in women taking VACS (n=48) and 10.6 mm/20.3 mm with placebo (n=49). The differences of the VAS-values for VACS were significantly greater than those with placebo (p=0.018; p=0.006). After three cycles, the mean VAS-score reduction for women taking VACS was 34.3 mm, a reduction of 'borderline significance' (p=0.064) on statistical testing compared with placebo (25.7 mm). There was no difference in the frequency of adverse events between both groups (VACS: n=5; placebo : n=4). VACS appears effective and was well tolerated and further evaluation of this agent in the treatment of cyclical mastalgia is warranted.

Activation tagging of the two closely linked genes LEP and VAS independently affects vascular cell number

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

van der Graaff, Eric; Hooykaas, Paul J J; Keller, Beat

2002-01-01

report that in addition to this leafy petiole phenotype, the size of the vascular bundles is increased in all aerial organs in let as a result of an increase in the number of xylem, phloem (pro)cambial and pericycle cells. This vascular phenotype is caused by activation tagging of the two genes VASCULAR......-promoting factor. The activation tagging of VAS only resulted in a specific increase in phloem (pro)cambial and pericycle cells. We conclude that activation tagging of LEP and VAS results in additive phenotypes. Insertional mutants for LEP and VAS display wild-type vascular development, indicating the relevance...... of activation tagging for functional analysis of novel genes involved in plant development....

Features of two-phase flow in a microchannel of 0.05×20 mm

Science.gov (United States)

Ronshin, Fedor

2017-10-01

We have studied the two-phase flow in a microchannel with cross-section of 0.05×20 mm2. The following two-phase flow regimes have been registered: jet, bubble, stratified, annular, and churn ones. The main features of flow regimes in this channel such as formation of liquid droplets in all two-phase flows have been distinguished.

Tramadol plus metamizole combined or not with anti-inflammatory drugs is clinically effective for moderate to severe chronic pain treatment in cancer patients.

Science.gov (United States)

Flôr, Patrícia B; Yazbek, Karina V B; Ida, Keila K; Fantoni, Denise T

2013-05-01

To test the effectiveness and safety of tramadol plus metamizole combined or not with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for treating moderate to severe chronic neoplastic pain in dogs, and its impact on quality of life (QL). Prospective, uncontrolled, open-label, clinical study. Sixty nine client-owned dogs with multiple forms of cancer and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score ≥ 40 after receiving NSAIDs for at least 7 days. The MN group received metamizole + NSAID, MNT group received metamizole + NSAID + tramadol and MT group received metamizole + tramadol. Pain was scored by the 0 to 100 mm VAS (0 = no pain, 100 = worst pain) and analgesic therapy was considered effective if 25 mm differences in VAS scores were observed between day 0 and the follow ups. The QL was evaluated according to a 0 to 36 scoring method for dogs (0 = worst, 36 = best) and side effects were recorded. Data were registered at day 0 (baseline) and at the first and second follow ups (7 and 14 days after day 0, respectively). The MN group had less analgesia at day 7 (25%) and day 14 (42%) than MNT (59%, p = 0.0274; 76%, p = 0.0251, respectively) and MT groups (69%, p = 0.0151; 81%, p = 0.0341, respectively). The QL scores were lower in the MN group at the first (score 23) and second follow up (score 26) than in MNT (27, p = 0.0847; 30, p = 0.0002) and MT (28, p = 0.0384; 31, p = 0.0001) groups. Side effects were more commonly observed in the MN group (87%) than in MNT (24%, p pain in dogs with cancer and improved QL. © 2013 The Authors. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia © 2013 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.

Effect of boron addition on the microstructures and electrochemical properties of MmNi3.8Co0.4Mn0.6Al0.2 electrode alloys prepared by casting and rapid quenching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Yanghuan; Chen Meiyan; Wang Xinlin; Wang Guoqing; Lin Yufang; Qi Yan

2004-01-01

The rapid quenching technology was used in the preparation of the MmNi 3.8 Co 0.4 Mn 0.6 Al 0.2 B x (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) electrode alloys. The microstructures and electrochemical performances of the as-cast and quenched alloys were analysed and measured. The effects of boron additive on the microstructures and electrochemical properties of as-cast and quenched alloy MmNi 3.8 Co 0.4 Mn 0.6 Al 0.2 were investigated. The experimental results showed that the microstructure of as-cast MmNi 3.8 Co 0.4 Mn 0.6 Al 0.2 B x (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) alloy is composed of CaCu 5 -type main phase and a small amount of CeCo 4 B-type secondary phase. The abundance of the secondary phase increases with the increase of the boron content x. The secondary phase in the alloys disappears when quenching rate is larger than 22 m/s. The electrochemical measurement showed that the addition of boron slightly modifies the activation performance and dramatically enhances the cycle life of the alloys, whereas it reduces the capacities of the as-cast and quenched alloys. The influence of boron additive on the electrochemical characteristics of the as-quenched alloy is much stronger than that on the as-cast alloy. It is because boron strongly promotes the formation of the amorphous phase in the as-quenched alloy

Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution 5.0% versus Placebo for Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: Results of the Randomized Phase III OPUS-2 Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Tauber, Joseph; Karpecki, Paul; Latkany, Robert; Luchs, Jodi; Martel, Joseph; Sall, Kenneth; Raychaudhuri, Aparna; Smith, Valerie; Semba, Charles P

2015-12-01

Lifitegrast is an integrin antagonist that decreases T-cell-mediated inflammation associated with dry eye disease (DED). We report the results of OPUS-2, a phase III study evaluating the efficacy and safety of lifitegrast compared with placebo for the treatment of DED. A 12-week, multicenter, randomized, prospective, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Adults aged ≥18 years with use of artificial tears within 30 days, inferior corneal staining score ≥0.5 (0-4 scale), Schirmer tear test (without anesthesia) ≥1 and ≤10 mm, and eye dryness score ≥40 (0-100 visual analogue scale [VAS]). Subjects were randomized 1:1 after 14-day placebo run-in to lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5.0% or placebo twice daily for 84 days. Co-primary efficacy end points were change, from baseline to day 84, in eye dryness score (VAS, both eyes) and inferior corneal fluorescein staining score in the designated study eye. Secondary end points were change, from baseline to day 84, in ocular discomfort score (0-4 scale) in study eye, eye discomfort score (VAS), total corneal staining score in the study eye, and nasal conjunctival lissamine green staining score (0-4 scale) in the study eye. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were recorded. A total of 718 subjects were randomized: placebo, n = 360; lifitegrast, n = 358 (intent-to-treat population). Lifitegrast-treated subjects experienced greater improvement in eye dryness than placebo-treated subjects (treatment effect, 12.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.51-16.70; P < 0.0001). There was no between-group difference in inferior corneal staining (treatment effect, 0.03; 95% CI, -0.10 to 0.17; P = 0.6186). There was nominally significant improvement of secondary symptom end points among lifitegrast-treated subjects: ocular discomfort (nominal P = 0.0005) and eye discomfort (nominal, P < 0.0001). There were no between-group differences on secondary signs: total corneal staining and nasal lissamine staining. More

Features of two-phase flow in a microchannel of 0.05×20 mm

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ronshin Fedor

2017-01-01

Full Text Available We have studied the two-phase flow in a microchannel with cross-section of 0.05×20 mm2. The following two-phase flow regimes have been registered: jet, bubble, stratified, annular, and churn ones. The main features of flow regimes in this channel such as formation of liquid droplets in all two-phase flows have been distinguished.

The interaction of diadenosine polyphosphates with P2X-receptors in the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens

OpenAIRE

Westfall, T D; McIntyre, C A; Obeid, S; Bowes, J; Kennedy, C; Sneddon, P

1997-01-01

The site(s) at which diadenosine 5′,5′′′-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (AP4A) and diadenosine 5′, 5′′′-P1,P5-pentaphosphate (AP5A) act to evoke contraction of the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens was studied by use of a series of P2-receptor antagonists and the ecto-ATPase inhibitor 6-N,N-diethyl-D-β,γ-dibromomethyleneATP (ARL 67156).Pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulphonic acid (PPADS) (300 nM–30 μM), suramin (3–100 μM) and pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (P-5-P) (3–1000 μM) inhibited contractions evo...

Reference bias: presentation of extreme health states prior to eq-vas improves health-related quality of life scores. a randomised cross-over trial

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McPhail Steven

2010-12-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Clinical practice and clinical research has made a concerted effort to move beyond the use of clinical indicators alone and embrace patient focused care through the use of patient reported outcomes such as health-related quality of life. However, unless patients give consistent consideration to the health states that give meaning to measurement scales used to evaluate these constructs, longitudinal comparison of these measures may be invalid. This study aimed to investigate whether patients give consideration to a standard health state rating scale (EQ-VAS and whether consideration of good and poor health state descriptors immediately changes their self-report. Methods A randomised crossover trial was implemented amongst hospitalised older adults (n = 151. Patients were asked to consider descriptions of extremely good (Description-A and poor (Description-B health states. The EQ-VAS was administered as a self-report at baseline, after the first descriptors (A or B, then again after the remaining descriptors (B or A respectively. At baseline patients were also asked if they had considered either EQ-VAS anchors. Results Overall 106/151 (70% participants changed their self-evaluation by ≥5 points on the 100 point VAS, with a mean (SD change of +4.5 (12 points (p Conclusions Health state self-reports may not be well considered. An immediate significant shift in response can be elicited by exposure to a mere description of an extreme health state despite no actual change in underlying health state occurring. Caution should be exercised in research and clinical settings when interpreting subjective patient reported outcomes that are dependent on brief anchors for meaning. Trial Registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (#ACTRN12607000606482 http://www.anzctr.org.au

Efficacy of aprons equivalent to 0.5 mm of lead in PET procedures using the Monte Carlo method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fonseca, R.B.; Amaral, A.; Campos, L.

2012-01-01

In positron emission tomography (PET), health staff is exposed to 511-keV photons, which is a result of the positron annihilation process. This energy is about four times greater than the 140 keV commonly found in studies based on single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Besides this different level of energy, 0.5 mm lead-equivalent aprons have being used either in SPECT or PET procedures. In this context, this work was designed for evaluating the effectiveness of such aprons in individual radioprotection of health professionals involved in positron emission tomography. For this, by using MCNP4C-based Monte Carlo simulations, the average energy delivered per particle to the regions corresponding to operational quantities Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) were calculated for two conditions of individual exposures: wearing and not wearing a 0.05 mm lead-equivalent apron. The results obtained pointed out that Hp(10) has similar value in both situations. On the other hand, for the region corresponding to Hp(0.07), wearing this lead apron will improve this dose in about 26%. On the basis of this work, 0.5 mm lead equivalent aprons do not offer adequate protection for medical staff working on positron emission tomography. (author)

Effect of Lumbar Disc Degeneration and Low-Back Pain on the Lumbar Lordosis in Supine and Standing

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hansen, Bjarke B; Bendix, Tom; Grindsted, Jacob

2015-01-01

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of low-back pain (LBP) and lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) on the lumbar lordosis in weight-bearing positional magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The lumbar lordosis increases with a change...... of position from supine to standing and is known as an essential contributor to dynamic changes. However, the lordosis may be affected by disc degeneration and pain. METHODS: Patients with LBP >40 on a 0 to 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) both during activity and rest and a sex and age-decade matching...... control group without LBP were scanned in the supine and standing position in a 0.25-T open MRI unit. LDD was graded using Pfirrmann's grading-scale. Subsequently, the L2-to-S1 lumbar lordosis angle (LA) was measured. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients with an average VAS of 58 (±13.8) mm during rest and 75...

Comparison of visual analogue and Likert scales in evaluation of an emergency department bedside teaching programme.

Science.gov (United States)

Celenza, Antonio; Rogers, Ian R

2011-02-01

The present study compares visual analogue scale (VAS) to Likert-type scale (LTS) instruments in evaluating perceptions of an ED bedside clinical teaching programme. A prospective study was conducted in the ED of an urban, adult tertiary hospital. Prospective pairing occurred of a teaching consultant and registrar who were relatively quarantined from normal clinical duties. Registrars received 3 months of the teaching intervention, and 3 months without the intervention in a cross-over fashion. Evaluation questionnaires were completed using both the LTS and 100 mm horizontal VAS for each question. Correlation between VAS and LTS gave a measure of validity, and test-retest stability and internal consistency gave measures of reliability. Registrar perceptions of the teaching programme were positive, but no differences were found between the pre- and post-intervention groups. The test-retest reliabilities (intraclass correlation coefficient) for the questionnaires were 0.51 and 0.54 for the VAS, and 0.58 and 0.58 for the LTS. Cronbach's alpha varied between 0.79 and 0.91 for the VAS, and 0.79 and 0.81 for the LTS. Correlations between the two methods varied from 0.35 to 0.94 for each question. A linear regression equation describing the relationship approximated VAS = 19.5 × LTS-9 with overall r= 0.89. An ED bedside teaching programme is perceived to be a beneficial educational intervention. The VAS is a reliable and valid alternative to the LTS for educational evaluation and might provide advantages in educational measurement. Further research into the significance of extreme values and educationally important changes in scores is required. © 2011 The Authors. EMA © 2011 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and Australasian Society for Emergency Medicine.

Longitudinal Changes in Young Children’s 0-100 to 0-1000 Number-Line Error Signatures

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Robert A. Reeve

2015-05-01

Full Text Available We use a latent difference score (LDS model to examine changes in young children’s number-line (NL error signatures (errors marking numbers on a NL over 18 months. A LDS model (1 overcomes some of the inference limitations of analytic models used in previous research, and in particular (2 provides a more reliable test of hypotheses about the meaning and significance of changes in NL error signatures over time and task. The NL error signatures of 217 6-year-olds’ (on test occasion one were assessed three times over 18 months, along with their math ability on two occasions. On the first occasion (T1 children completed a 0–100 NL task; on the second (T2 a 0–100 NL and a 0–1000 NL task; on the third (T3 occasion a 0–1000 NL task. On the third and fourth occasions (T3 and T4, children completed mental calculation tasks. Although NL error signatures changed over time, these were predictable from other NL task error signatures, and predicted calculation accuracy at T3, as well as changes in calculation between T3 and T4. Multiple indirect effects (change parameters showed that associations between initial NL error signatures (0–100 NL and later mental calculation ability were mediated by error signatures on the 0–1000 NL task. The pattern of findings from the LDS model highlight the value of identifying direct and indirect effects in characterizing changing relationships in cognitive representations over task and time. Substantively, they support the claim that children’s NL error signatures generalize over task and time and thus can be used to predict math ability.

Efek Pemberian Magnesium Sulfat Intravena Perioperatif terhadap Nilai Visual Analog Scale (VAS dan Kebutuhan Analgetik Pascabedah pada Pasien yang Menjalani Pembedahan Abdominal Ginekologi dengan Anestesi Umum

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Dhany Budipratama

2013-08-01

Full Text Available Magnesium sulphate is N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA receptor antagonist and calcium channel blocker with antinociceptive and antihyperalgesia effects. A randomized, double blind, controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effect of perioperative magnesium sulphate infusion on visual analog scale (VAS scores and cumulative rescue analgesic petidin consumption in 30 ASA physical status I–II female patients, aged 18– 60 years, scheduled for gynaecological surgery under general anaesthesia in central operating theatre Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital-Bandung within June–September 2011. Subjects were divided into two groups that received either intravenous bolus and maintenance of MgSO4 (M group or 0.9% normal saline (S group. The results showed that postoperative VAS score during movement and the number of analgesic pethidin were significantly lower in M group compared to S group (p<0.05. In conclusions, intravenous bolus of magnesium sulphate perioperative are able to demonstrate the lower value of VAS during mobilization and reducing the amount of analgesic rescue petidin postoperative abdominal gynaecological surgery.

Performance of a 100-kV, 78-kJ electric-gun system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chau, H.; Dittbenner, G.; Mikkelsen, K.; Weingart, R.; Froeschner, K.; Lee, R.

1981-01-01

A new electric gun system was constructed for use in high-pressure EOS studies. The system is powered by a 100 kV, 15.6 μF capacitor bank. At 100 kV charging voltage the system inductance is 23 nH. This system has driven 0.3 mm-thick Kapton projectiles to > 20 km/s and 0.3 mm Kapton/30 μm Ta projectiles to approx. 10 km/s. Projectile velocity is modeled phenomenlogically by an electrical Gurney model

The minimally important difference for the health assessment questionnaire in rheumatoid arthritis clinical practice is smaller than in randomized controlled trials.

Science.gov (United States)

Pope, Janet E; Khanna, Dinesh; Norrie, Deborah; Ouimet, Janine M

2009-02-01

Patient-reported outcomes are used in clinical practice and trials. We studied a large clinical practice to determine the minimally important difference (MID) estimates for (1) the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Damage Index (HAQ-DI): improvement and worsening using patient global assessment anchor; and (2) pain using a patient-reported pain anchor. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA; N = 225) had clinic visits at 2 timepoints within 1 year, completed the HAQ-DI and pain visual analog scale (VAS; 0-100 mm), and answered the question, "How would you describe your overall status/overall pain since the last visit?", as much worsened, somewhat worsened, the same, somewhat improved, or much improved. If rated as somewhat improved or worsened, they were defined as the minimally changed subgroups. Eighty-three percent were women, mean age 60 years, with disease duration 11.7 +/- 10.7 years. The baseline HAQ-DI was 0.97 +/- SD 0.76, and at followup 1.0 +/- 0.77 (mean change +0.03 +/- 0.40). The baseline pain VAS was 42.3 +/- 28.8, and at followup 38.5 +/- 27.9 (mean change -2.8 +/- 25.9). The mean (SD) HAQ-DI change score was -0.09 (0.42) for somewhat improved and 0.15 (0.33) for somewhat worsened. The HAQ-DI change for somewhat/much better was -0.20 +/- 0.52, and for somewhat/much worse +0.21 +/- 0.33. For pain, somewhat improved changed by -11.9 mm on the VAS, and somewhat worsened by 6.8 mm. Estimates for HAQ-DI and pain were larger than the for no-change group, 0.03 (0.32) and -3.2 (20.9). The MID for HAQ-DI in clinical practice is smaller than it is in trials. This may have implications for observational studies and clinical care.

Performance evaluation of vertical feed fully automated TLD badge reader using 0.8 and 0.4 mm teflon embedded CaSO4:Dy dosimeters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ratna, P.; More, Vinay; Kulkarni, M.S.

2012-01-01

The personnel monitoring of more than 80,000 radiation workers in India is at present carried out by semi-automated TLD badge Reader systems (TLDBR-7B) developed by Radiation Safety Systems Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. More than 60 such reader systems are in use in all the personnel monitoring centers in the country. Radiation Safety Systems Division also developed the fully automated TLD badge reader based on a new TLD badge having built-in machine readable ID code (in the form of 16x3 hole pattern). This automated reader is designed with minimum of changes in the electronics and mechanical hardware in the semiautomatic version (TLDBR-7B) so that such semi-automatic readers can be easily upgraded to the fully automated versions by using the new TLD badge with ID code. The reader was capable of reading 50 TLD cards in 90 minutes. Based on the feedback from the users, a new model of frilly automated TLD badge Reader (model VEFFA-10) is designed which is an improved version of the previously reported fully Automated TLD badge reader. This VEFFA-10 PC based Reader incorporates vertical loading of TLD bards having machine readable ID code. In this new reader, a vertical rack, which can hold 100 such cards, is mounted from the right side of the reader system. The TLD card falls into the channel by gravity from where it is taken to the reading position by rack and pinion method. After the readout, the TLD card is dropped in a eject tray. The reader employs hot N 2 gas heating method and the gas flow is controlled by a specially designed digital gas flow meter on the front panel of the reader system. The system design is very compact and simple and card stuck up problem is totally eliminated in the reader system. The reader has a number of self-diagnostic features to ensure a high degree of reliability. This paper reports the performance evaluation of the Reader using 0.4 mm thick Teflon embedded CaSO 4 :Dy TLD cards instead of 0.8 mm cards

Effect of balneotherapy on temporospatial gait characteristics of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Science.gov (United States)

Kiliçoğlu, Onder; Dönmez, Arif; Karagülle, Zeki; Erdoğan, Nergis; Akalan, Ekin; Temelli, Yener

2010-04-01

Effects of balneotherapy on gait properties of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee were investigated prospectively. A total of 30 patients with knee osteoarthritis received balneotherapy consisting of two daily thermomineral water baths for 2 weeks. Patients were evaluated using gait analysis and clinical scores, both within 2 weeks, before and after spa treatment. Patients were walking faster in their control analyses (0.81 +/- 0.21 to 0.89 +/- 0.19 m/s; P = 0.017), with a shorter mean stance time (63.0 +/- 3.3 to 61.8 +/- 2.5% stride; P = 0.007), an increased cadence (96 +/- 13.1 to 100 +/- 11.9 steps/min; P = 0.094) and stride length (996 +/- 174 to 1,058 +/- 142 mm; P = 0.017). Balneotherapy also resulted in a significant decrease in Lequesne knee osteoarthritis index (12.1 +/- 3.7 to 10.0 +/- 3.3 points; P = 0.003), VAS for pain (58 +/- 25 to 33 +/- 15; P = 0.0001), VAS for patients' (56 +/- 24 to 29 +/- 19; P Balneotherapy has positive effects on gait properties and clinical health quality parameters of patients with knee osteoarthritis in short-term evaluations.

CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy for small (≤20 mm) pulmonary lesions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Y.; Du, Y.; Yang, H.F.; Yu, J.H.; Xu, X.X.

2013-01-01

Aim: To assess the accuracy and risk factors for complications of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (CNB) for small (≤20 mm) pulmonary lesions. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was undertaken comprising 169 patients who underwent CT-guided CNB for small (≤20 mm) pulmonary lesions. To assess the accuracy of the procedure, the diagnosis at biopsy was compared with the diagnosis after definitive surgery or clinical follow-up. The risk factors for pneumothorax and bleeding were determined by multivariate analysis of variables. Results: The overall diagnostic accuracy was 93.5%. The sensitivity for malignancy and specificity for benign lesions were 90.4% and 100%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 83.3%, respectively. Twenty-five patients (14.8%) had pneumothorax after CT percutaneous CNB of the lung. The significant risk factors affecting the incidence of pneumothorax were lesion–pleural distance (p = 0.008) and needle–pleural angle (p = 0.012). The highest rate of pneumothorax correlated with a lesion–pleural distance ≥21 mm (OR = 18.46; 95%CI: 2.27–149.95) and a needle–pleural angle ≥51° (OR = 8.22; 95%CI: 2.14–31.49). Bleeding occurred in 30 patients (17.8%). The only significant risk factor affecting the incidence of bleeding was lesion–pleural distance (p = 0.011). The highest bleeding rate correlated with a lesion–pleural distance ≥21 mm (OR = 7.93; 95%CI: 1.73–36.43). Conclusion: CT-guided percutaneous CNB of small (≤20 mm) pulmonary lesions provides high diagnostic accuracy with acceptable complications. A lesion–pleural distance of ≥21 mm and needle–pleural angle of ≥51° are identified as the risk factors for highest pneumothorax rate. In addition, the needle–pleural angle is a novel predictor of pneumothorax. A lesion–pleural distance of ≥21 mm is also identified as a risk factor for the highest bleeding rate.

Homogeneous-inhomogeneous models of Ag x (Ge0.25Se0.75)100-x bulk glasses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arcondo, B.; Urena, M.A.; Piarristeguy, A.; Pradel, A.; Fontana, M.

2007-01-01

Ge-Se system presents an extensive glass forming composition range even when different metals (Ag, Sb, Bi) are added. In spite that the addition of Ag (up to 30 at%) to Ge-Se does not affect substantially the glass forming tendency, it impacts significantly on the transport properties. (Ge 0.25 Se 0.75 ) 100- x Ag x is a fast ionic conductor with x≥8 at% whereas it is a semiconductor for x 0.25 Se 0.75 ) 100- x Ag x bulk samples. These results appear to sustain this model. However previous structural and thermal studies oppose it. Moessbauer spectrometry on samples (0≤x≤25) containing 0.5 at% of 57 Fe is performed at T≤300 K. The main contribution to the glasses spectra correspond to low spin Fe 2+ in octahedral coordination and high spin Fe 2+ in distorted octahedral environments. The relative population of both sites changes continuously as Ag concentration varies denoting that the change in the transport behavior obeys to a percolation phenomenon. The low temperature results are discussed with the aim to throw light on the controversy about the homogeneity-inhomogeneity of the studied bulk glasses

Effectiveness of benzocaine in reducing deep cavity restoration and post-extraction stress in dental patients

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Khalid H. Al-Samadani

2015-11-01

Full Text Available Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of topical anesthetic, 20% benzocaine in relieving pain and stress in patients following deep cavity restoration and extraction of teeth under local anesthesia (LA. Methods: A prospective clinical trial was conducted from October 2014 until April 2015 at Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Forty-five patients were included in the 20% benzocaine group, and 46 in the normal saline group. Evaluation of the dental stress was made pre-operatively and immediately post-operative treatment using the visual analogue scale (VAS. Furthermore, discomfort of the injections were recorded by the patients after each treatment on standard 100 mm VAS, tagged at the endpoints with “no pain” (0 mm and “unbearable pain” (100 mm. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the mean stress scores for patients in the benzocaine and normal saline groups post-operatively (p=0.002. There were significant differences between the mean pain scores for patients in the post buccal injection (p=0.001, post palatal injection (p=0.01, and the post inferior alveolar nerve block groups (p=0.02. Buccal, palatal, and inferior alveolar nerve block injections were more painful for patients in the normal saline group than the benzocaine group. Conclusion: This investigation has demonstrated that post-operative stress associated with deep cavity restoration and dental extractions under LA can be reduced by the application of topical anesthetic (20% benzocaine at the operative site for intra-oral injections.

Circadian rhythm of glycoprotein secretion in the vas deferens of the moth, Spodoptera littoralis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gvakharia B

2002-09-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Reproductive systems of male moths contain circadian clocks, which time the release of sperm bundles from the testis to the upper vas deferens (UVD and their subsequent transfer from the UVD to the seminal vesicles. Sperm bundles are released from the testis in the evening and are retained in the vas deferens lumen overnight before being transferred to the seminal vesicles. The biological significance of periodic sperm retention in the UVD lumen is not understood. In this study we asked whether there are circadian rhythms in the UVD that are correlated with sperm retention. Results We investigated the carbohydrate-rich material present in the UVD wall and lumen during the daily cycle of sperm release using the periodic acid-Shiff reaction (PAS. Males raised in 16:8 light-dark cycles (LD showed a clear rhythm in the levels of PAS-positive granules in the apical portion of the UVD epithelium. The peak of granule accumulation occurred in the middle of the night and coincided with the maximum presence of sperm bundles in the UVD lumen. These rhythms persisted in constant darkness (DD, indicating that they have circadian nature. They were abolished, however, in constant light (LL resulting in random patterns of PAS-positive material in the UVD wall. Gel-separation of the UVD homogenates from LD moths followed by detection of carbohydrates on blots revealed daily rhythms in the abundance of specific glycoproteins in the wall and lumen of the UVD. Conclusion Secretory activity of the vas deferens epithelium is regulated by the circadian clock. Daily rhythms in accumulation and secretion of several glycoproteins are co-ordinated with periodic retention of sperm in the vas deferens lumen.

Randomized controlled multicenter study comparing short dental implants (6 mm) versus longer dental implants (11-15 mm) in combination with sinus floor elevation procedures. Part 2: clinical and radiographic outcomes at 1 year of loading.

Science.gov (United States)

Schincaglia, Gian Pietro; Thoma, Daniel S; Haas, Robert; Tutak, Marcin; Garcia, Abel; Taylor, Thomas D; Hämmerle, Christoph H F

2015-11-01

To compare, clinically and radiographically, short dental implants (6 mm) to long implants (11-15 mm) placed with sinus grafting. Participants with 5-7 mm of bone height in the posterior maxilla were randomly allocated to receive short implants (GS) or long implants with sinus grafting (GG). Implants were loaded with single crowns 6 months after placement (PR). Patients were re-evaluated 12 months after loading (FU-1). Outcome variables included: Implant survival rate (CSR), marginal bone level alteration (MBL), periodontal probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP), plaque control record (PCR) and crown-to-implant ratios (C/I). Statistical analysis was performed using parametric tests. In 97 subjects, 132 implants were re-evaluated at FU-1. The CSR was 100%. The MBL from implant placement (IP) to (PR) was -0.22 ± 0.4 mm for GG and -0.3 ± 0.45 mm for GS (p 0.05), PPD (p = 1) and PCR (p = 0.09). BoP was higher in the GS (p = 0.04). The C/I was 0.99 ± 0.17 for GG and 1.86 ± 0.23 for GS (p < 0.001). No correlation was observed between C/I and MBL, (GG: p = 0.13; GS: p = 0.38). Both treatment modalities provided similar outcomes. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Arterial puncture using insulin needle is less painful than with standard needle: a randomized crossover study.

Science.gov (United States)

Ibrahim, Irwani; Yau, Ying Wei; Ong, Lizhen; Chan, Yiong Huak; Kuan, Win Sen

2015-03-01

Arterial punctures are important procedures performed by emergency physicians in the assessment of ill patients. However, arterial punctures are painful and can create anxiety and needle phobia in patients. The pain score of radial arterial punctures were compared between the insulin needle and the standard 23-gauge hypodermic needle. In a randomized controlled crossover design, healthy volunteers were recruited to undergo bilateral radial arterial punctures. They were assigned to receive either the insulin or the standard needle as the first puncture, using blocked randomization. The primary outcome was the pain score measured on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and secondary outcomes were rate of hemolysis, mean potassium values, and procedural complications immediately and 24 hours postprocedure. Fifty healthy volunteers were included in the study. The mean (±standard deviation) VAS score in punctures with the insulin needle was lower than the standard needle (23 ± 22 mm vs. 39 ± 24 mm; mean difference = -15 mm; 95% confidence interval = -22 mm to -7 mm; p standard needle (31.3% vs. 11.6%, p = 0.035; and 4.6 ±0.7 mmol/L vs. 4.2 ±0.5 mmol/L, p = 0.002). Procedural complications were lower in punctures with the insulin needle both immediately postprocedure (0% vs. 24%; p standard needles. However, due to the higher rate of hemolysis, its use should be limited to conditions that do not require a concurrent potassium value in the same blood sample. © 2015 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Fixation of femoral capital physeal fractures with 7.0 mm cannulated screws in five bulls

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wilson, D.G.; Crawford, W.H.; Stone, W.C.; Frampton, J.W.

1991-01-01

Salter-Harris type I fractures of the femoral capital physis were repaired in five Holstein bulls with three 7.0 mm cannulated screws placed in lag fashion. Radiographically at months 7 to 10, the fractures were healed and there was periarticular bone production on the femoral necks and the dorsal acetabular rims. Four bulls had normal gaits, and one bull had muscle atrophy and barely detectable lameness

A positron tomograph with 600 BGO crystals and 2.6 mm resolution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Derenzo, S.E.; Huesman, R.H.; Cahoon, J.L.; Geyer, A.B.; Moses, W.W.; Uber, D.C.; Vuletich, T.; Budinger, T.F.

1988-01-01

The authors describe the imaging performance of the Donner 600-Crystal Positron Tomograph, a single 60 cm diam ring of 3 mm wide bismuth germanate (BGO) crystals coupled individually to 14 mm phototubes. With a pulse height threshold of 200 keV and a slice thickness of 5 mm, the sensitivity is 7024 events/sec per μCi/ml in a 20 cm cylinder of water. The measured rates for 18 μCi/ml are 95,000 trues/sec plus 20,000 random/sec. A 0.3 mm diam /sup 22/Na line source near the center of the tomograph has a circular point spread function (PSF) with a full-width at half-maximum (fwhm) of 2.6 mm. At 5 cm from the center the PSF is elliptical with a fwhm of 2.7 mm tangential x 3.2 mm radial. At 10 cm the PSF has a fwhm of 2.8 mm tangential x 4.8 mm radial. Attenuation data are accumulated with a 20 mCi /sup 68/Ge orbiting transmission source and 100 million coincident events are collected in 200 sec

Femoral nerve block using ropivacaine 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%: effects on the rehabilitation programme following total knee arthroplasty: a pilot study.

Science.gov (United States)

Paauwe, J J; Thomassen, B J; Weterings, J; van Rossum, E; Ausems, M E

2008-09-01

Femoral nerve blockade is recommended for analgesia following total knee arthroplasty. Following implementation of this type of postoperative analgesia in our hospital we found that active mobilization the day after surgery, may be difficult due to insufficient quadriceps muscle strength. We therefore designed a pilot study comparing the effect of ropivacaine 0.1%, 0.05% or 0.025% on the patient's postoperative rehabilitation and analgesia. Three groups of 12 patients received bolus doses of ropivacaine via their femoral nerve catheters for postoperative analgesia. The ability to actively mobilize, quadriceps muscle strength, pain VAS-scores and patient's satisfaction were measured during in the first three postoperative days. There were no significant differences in the patient's ability to actively mobilize and the pain VAS-scores. The overall satisfaction of the patients with the pain treatment was significantly better (p = 0.049) in the 0.1% compared with the 0.025% group. This pilot-study demonstrated no advantage associated with the use of a ropivacaine concentration less than 0.1%.

Alpha spectroscopy by the Φ25 mm×0.1 mm YAlO{sub 3}:Ce scintillation detector under atmospheric conditions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kvasnicka, Jiri [Radiation Detection Systems, Unit 10, 186 Pulteney Street, Adelaide SA 5000 (Australia); Urban, Tomas, E-mail: tomas.urban@fjfi.cvut.cz [Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Brehova 78/7, 115 19 Prague, Czech Republic (Czech Republic); Tous, Jan; Smejkal, Jan; Blazek, Karel [Crytur Ltd, Palackeho 175, 511 01 Turnov (Czech Republic); Nikl, Martin [Institute of Physics AS CR, Cukrovarnicka 10, 162 53 Prague (Czech Republic)

2017-06-01

The YAlO{sub 3}:Ce scintillation crystal has excellent mechanical properties and is not affected if used in chemically aggressive environments. The detector with the diameter of Φ25.4 mm and thickness of 0.1 mm was coupled with the PMT, associated electronics and the MCA in order to study its alpha spectroscopy properties. The measured alpha spectra of the surface calibration sources of {sup 241}Am and {sup 230}Th were compared with results of a Monte Carlo simulation. The experiment and the simulation were carried out for three distances between the detector and the surface alpha source in order to assess the effect of the distance on the detected energy of alpha radiation. Finally, the detector was used for the monitoring of radon ({sup 222}Rn) decay products (radon daughters) in the air. It was concluded that the detector is suitable for the in-situ alpha spectroscopy monitoring under ambient atmospheric conditions. Nevertheless, in order to identify radionuclides and their activity from the measured alpha spectra a computer code would need to be developed. - Highlights: • Thin YAP: Ce scintillator crystal is proposed to be used for alpha spectrometry. • Experimental alpha spectra were compared with Monte Carlo simulated spectra. • The proposed detector assembly is suitable for the monitoring of radon decay products in air. • The results give a good potential for a quantitative analysis of the spectrum.

The interaction of diadenosine polyphosphates with P2x-receptors in the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens.

Science.gov (United States)

Westfall, T D; McIntyre, C A; Obeid, S; Bowes, J; Kennedy, C; Sneddon, P

1997-05-01

1. The site(s) at which diadenosine 5',5"'-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (AP4A) and diadenosine 5', 5"'-P1,P5-pentaphosphate (AP5A) act to evoke contraction of the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens was studied by use of a series of P2-receptor antagonists and the ecto-ATPase inhibitor 6-N,N-diethyl-D-beta,gamma-dibromomethyleneATP (ARL 67156). 2. Pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS) (300 nM - 30 microM), suramin (3-100 microM) and pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (P-5-P) (3-1000 microM) inhibited contractions evoked by equi-effective concentrations of AP5A (3 microM), AP4A (30 microM) and alpha,beta-methyleneATP (alpha,beta-meATP) (1 microM), in a concentration-dependent manner and abolished them at the highest concentrations used. 3. PPADS was more potent than suramin, which in turn was more potent than P-5-P. PPADS inhibited AP5A, AP4A and alpha,beta-meATP with similar IC50 values. No significant difference was found between IC50 values for suramin against alpha,beta-meATP and AP5A or alpha,beta-meATP and AP4A, but suramin was more than 2.5 times more potent against AP4A than AP5A. P-5-P showed the same pattern of antagonism. 4. Desensitization of the P2xi-receptor by alpha,beta-meATP abolished contractions evoked by AP5A (3 microM) and AP4A (30 microM), but had no effect on those elicited by noradrenaline (100 microM). 5. ARL 67156 (100 microM) reversibly potentiated contractions evoked by AP4A (30 microM) by 61%, but caused a small, significant decrease in the mean response to AP5A (3 microM). 6. It is concluded that AP4A and AP5A act at the P2xi-receptor, or a site similar to the P2xi-receptor, to evoke contraction of the guinea-pig isolated vas deferens. Furthermore, the potency of AP4A, but not AP5A, appears to be inhibited by an ecto-enzyme which is sensitive to ARL 67156.

Comparison of intraocular pressure measurements with the portable PT100 noncontact tonometer and Goldmann applanation tonometry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sarwat Salim

2009-05-01

Full Text Available Sarwat Salim, Daniel J Linn, James R Echols II, Peter A NetlandHamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USAPurpose: Noncontact tonometers are useful when regulations preclude use of contact tonometers by medical students and other nonophthalmologists. Our study compared the measurements by the portable, noncontact tonometer (PT100 with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT. Methods: This was a prospective study of 98 eyes from 98 patients. Intraocular pressure (IOP was measured by GAT and the PT100 (Reichert, Buffalo, NY.Results: Mean IOP measurements showed no significant differences in measurements performed by the two tonometers (P = 0.64. Measurements by the two tonometers were in agreement by ≤3 mmHg in 92.8% of eyes. Linear regression analysis of PT100 vs GAT measurements revealed a slope of 0.98 with r2 = 0.58. Bland–Altman analysis showed a mean difference of measurements by GAT and PT100 of -0.3 mmHg with two standard deviation = 7.1 mmHg.Conclusion: The portable noncontact PT100 tonometer provides IOP measurements comparable to GAT within the normal range of IOP. Keywords: applanation tonometer, intraocular pressure, noncontact tonometry

CT Fluoroscopy-Guided Core Biopsy for Diagnosis of Small ({<=} 20 mm) Pulmonary Nodules

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Hye Larn; Kim, Yoon Kyung; Woo, Ok Hee; Yong, Hwan Seok; Kang, Eun Young [Dept. of Radiology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Hyun Koo [Dept. of Thoracic Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Shin, Bong Kyung [Dept. of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2011-10-15

To evaluate the efficacy of CT fluoroscopy-guided core biopsy of small pulmonary nodules. This study included 62 patients (35 men, 27 women; age range, 36-85 years) that had a small ({<=} 20 mm) pulmonary nodule and underwent CT fluoroscopy-guided core biopsy. The overall diagnostic accuracy and complication rate were calculated. The diagnostic accuracy was compared between two groups according to the nodule size ({<=} 10 mm vs. > 10 mm), and nodule density (solid vs. subsolid). Malignant or premalignant lesions were finally diagnosed in 39 patients; 36 true-positive and three false-negative findings (sensitivity, 92%). A benign lesion was finally diagnosed in 23 patients, with no false-positive results (specificity, 100%). The overall diagnostic accuracy was 95%. The sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy were 85% and 91% for nodules {<=} 10 mm, and 96% and 97% for nodules > 10 mm (p > 0.05). The sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy were 93% and 96% in the solid group and 90% and 92% in the subsolid group (p > 0.05). Seventeen (27%) patients had a pneumothorax and two (3%) required a closed thoracostomy. CT fluoroscopy-guided core biopsy of small pulmonary nodules yields high diagnostic accuracy with acceptable complication rates.

A positron tomograph with 600 BGO [bismuth germanate] crystals and 2.6 mm resolution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Derenzo, S.E.; Huesman, R.H.; Cahoon, J.L.; Geyer, A.B.; Moses, W.W.; Uber, D.C.; Vuletich, T.; Budinger, T.F.

1987-10-01

We describe the imaging performance of the Donner 600-Crystal Positron Tomograph, a single 600 cm diam ring of 3 mm wide bismuth germanate (BGO) crystals coupled individually to 14 mm phototubes. With a pulse height threshold of 200 keV and a slice thickness of 5 mm, the sensitivity is 7024 eventssec per μCiml in a 20 cm cyliner of water. The measured rates for 18 μCiml are 95,000 truessec plus 20,000 randomsec. A 0.3 mm diam 22 Na line source near the center of the tomograph has a circular point spread function (PSF) with a full-width at half-maximum (fwhm) of 2.6 mm. At 5 cm from the center the PSF is elliptical with a fwhm of 2.7 mm tangential /times/ 3.2 mm radial. At 10 cm the PSF has a fwhm of 2.8 mm tangential /times/ 4.8 mm radial. Attenuation data are accumulated with a 20 mCi 68 Ge orbiting transmission source and 100 million coincident events are collected in 200 sec. 20 refs., 9 figs., 5 tabs

Loss and benefit of DR system in mass screening for upper GI-tracts. Comparison with an II-TV based DR system and 100-mm roll-film system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ogura, Toshihiro; Fujita, Hiroshi.

1995-01-01

A 2048 x 2048 matrix II-TV based digital radiography (DR) system, a fully digital imaging system with diagnosis on the CRT monitor, had been introduced to Cancer Institute Hospital for the GI-tracts examinations since January 1990. Furthermore, we had applied it to the mass screening of upper GI-tract since November 1992. In the present study, a retrospective study on clinical evaluation and features of the DR system for the mass screening were investigated and compared with the screening data taken by conventional 100-mm roll-film technique in the previous year. The loss ratios and appearance of the mucosal patterns in upper gastric images were studied as well. Also determined was the reading time of those images in the mass screening situation. It was found that the loss ratio on the subject image information in 100-mm roll-film images was smaller than that in DR images. However, the DR images processed by windowing technique provided the perfect information without partially over or under density area. It was shown that the clinical image quality greatly depended on the radiographic technique by radiologists or technologists rather than on the imaging modality itself employed; even in II/TV-DR system, the radiographic technique is important. Because of some issues, including the size of CRT monitor, eyestrain for CRT monitor, and windowing operation regard to reading system, the reading time of CRT images was 1.44-2.05 times longer than that of 100-mm roll-film images. (author)

Development and application of specially-focused ultrasonic transducers to location and sizing of defects in 75 mm- to 127 mm-thick austenitic stainless steel weld metals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dalder, E.N.C.; Benson, S.; McKinley, B.J.; Carodiskey, T.

1992-08-01

Special UT transducer parts, capable of focusing incident signals within a 25 mm {times} 25 mm {times} 25 mm volume in an austenitic stainless weld metal at depths that varied from 25 mm to 127 mm, were developed and demonstrated to be capable of detecting a defect with cross section equivalent to that of a 4.76 mm-dia flat-bottom hole. Defect length sizing could be accomplished to {plus_minus}50% for 100% of the time and to {plus_minus}25% on selected defect types as follows: porosity groups, 100%; cracks, 67%; combined slag and porosity, 60%; and linear slag indications, 59%. Extensive linear elastic-fracture-mechanics analyses were performed to establish allowable defect sizes at functions of stress, based on a cyclic-life criterion of 10{sup 3} full power cycles of the MFTF-B magnet system. These defect sizes were used to determine which UT indicating were to be removed and repaired and which were to be retained and their recorded sizes and locations.

Intradiscal corticosteroid injections in spondylotic cervical radiculopathy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fayad, Fouad; Rannou, Francois; Rahmani, Lamia; Lefevre-Colau, Marie-Martine; Nys, Alain; Poiraudeau, Serge; Ledoux, Michel; Revel, Michel; Drape, Jean L.; Chevrot, Alain

2007-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment outcomes with intradiscal injection of corticosteroids (IDIC) in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Twenty consecutive patients were treated with intradiscal injection of 25 mg of acetate of prednisolone under fluoroscopic control. All patients had previously received a nonsurgical treatment for at least 3 months without success. Outcomes were assessed 1, 3 and 6 months after IDIC. Radicular pain reduction as scored on a visual analogue scale (VAS 100-mm length) was statistically significant at 1 month (19.0±28.0 mm; p=0.008), 3 months (25.2±27.5 mm; p=0.002), and 6 months (24.6±28.4 mm; p=0.001). In all, 40% of treated patients described at least 50% pain improvement 6 months after treatment. Four patients had complete relief of radicular pain. In conclusion, IDIC should be an alternative in the nonsurgical management of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. (orig.)

Evaluation of Efficacy and Sedative Profiles of H1 Antihistamines by Large-Scale Surveillance Using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Norimasa Izumi

2008-01-01

Conclusions: The sedative properties of the H1 antihistamines obtained from VAS analysis were very similar to those of H1R occupancy from positron emission tomography (PET studies and PIR from meta-analysis. Our results indicate that large-scale surveillance using VAS might be useful to evaluate the profiles of H1 antihistamines.

Bulk amorphous alloys: Preparation and properties of (Mg0.98Al0.02)x(Cu0.75Y0.25)100

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Eldrup, Morten Mostgaard; Pedersen, Allan Schrøder; Ohnuma, M.

2000-01-01

New bulk amorphous quaternary alloys of the composition (Mg1-xAlx)(60)Cu30Y10 (x = 0 - 0.17) were recently reported by the authors and preliminary results of the influence of Al content on the ability to form a bulk amorphous phase were presented. In the present note we extend this work to look...... for the influence of the Mg-Al content on the glass forming ability by studying a range of compositions, (Mg0.98Al0.02)(x)(Cu0.75Y0.25)(100-x) for x = 60 - 80 at.%. As previously, the alloys were prepared by a relatively simple technique, i.e. rapid cooling of the melt in a wedge-shaped copper mould. This method...... provides a range of cooling rates within a single ingot during the solidification that link the slowly and rapidly cooled microstructure for each alloy composition. Hence, the maximum thickness of the amorphous part of the cast material will be a measure of the glass forming ability (GFA) of the particular...

Sub-dissociative-dose intranasal ketamine for moderate to severe pain in adult emergency department patients.

Science.gov (United States)

Yeaman, Fiona; Meek, Robert; Egerton-Warburton, Diana; Rosengarten, Pamela; Graudins, Andis

2014-06-01

There are currently no studies assessing effectiveness of sub-dissociative intranasal (IN) ketamine as the initial analgesic for adult patients in the ED. The study aims to examine the effectiveness of sub-dissociative IN ketamine as a primary analgesic agent for adult patients in the ED. This is a prospective, observational study of adult ED patients presenting with severe pain (≥6 on 11-point scale at triage). IN ketamine dose was 0.7 mg/kg, with secondary dose of 0.5 mg/kg at 15 min if pain did not improve. After 6 months, initial dose was increased to 1.0 mg/kg with the same optional secondary dose. The primary outcomes are change in VAS rating at 30 min; percentage of patients reporting clinically significant reduction in VAS (≥20 mm) at 30 min; dose resulting in clinically significant pain reduction. Of the 72 patients available for analysis, median age was 34.5 years and 64% were men. Median initial VAS rating was 76 mm (interquartile range [IQR]: 65-82). Median total dose of IN ketamine for all patients was 0.98 mg/kg (IQR: 0.75-1.15, range: 0.59-1.57). Median reduction in VAS rating at 30 min was 24 mm (IQR: 2-45). Forty (56%, 95% CI: 44.0-66.7) reported VAS reduction ≥20 mm, these patients having had a total median ketamine dose of 0.94 mg/kg (IQR: 0.72-1.04). IN ketamine, at a dose of about 1 mg/kg, was an effective analgesic agent in 56% of study patients. The place of IN ketamine in analgesic guidelines for adults requires further investigation. © 2014 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and Australasian Society for Emergency Medicine.

Effect of Lumbar Disc Degeneration and Low-Back Pain on the Lumbar Lordosis in Supine and Standing: A Cross-Sectional MRI Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Hansen, Bjarke B; Bendix, Tom; Grindsted, Jacob; Bliddal, Henning; Christensen, Robin; Hansen, Philip; Riis, Robert G C; Boesen, Mikael

2015-11-01

Cross-sectional study. To examine the influence of low-back pain (LBP) and lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) on the lumbar lordosis in weight-bearing positional magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI). The lumbar lordosis increases with a change of position from supine to standing and is known as an essential contributor to dynamic changes. However, the lordosis may be affected by disc degeneration and pain. Patients with LBP >40 on a 0 to 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) both during activity and rest and a sex and age-decade matching control group without LBP were scanned in the supine and standing position in a 0.25-T open MRI unit. LDD was graded using Pfirrmann's grading-scale. Subsequently, the L2-to-S1 lumbar lordosis angle (LA) was measured. Thirty-eight patients with an average VAS of 58 (±13.8) mm during rest and 75 (±5.0) mm during activities, and 38 healthy controls were included. MRI findings were common in both groups, whereas, the summation of the Pfirrmann's grades (LDD-score) was significantly higher in the patients [(MD 1.44; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.80 to 2.10; P lordosis between the positions may be independent of pain. Decreasing lordosis change seems to be associated with age-related increasing disc degeneration in healthy individuals. 2.

Research and Development of Ultra-High Strength X100 Welded Pipe

Science.gov (United States)

Chuanguo, Zhang; Lei, Zheng; Ping, Hu; Bei, Zhang; Kougen, Wu; Weifeng, Huang

Ultra-high strength X100 welded pipe can be used in the construction of long distance oil and gas pipeline to improve transmission capacity and reduce operation cost. By using the way of thermo-simulation and pilot rolling, the CCT (Continuous Cooling Transformation) diagram and the relationship between ACC (Accelerated Cooling) parameters, microstructure and mechanical properties were studied for the designed X100 pipeline steel with low carbon, high manganese and niobium micro-alloyed composition in lab. The analysis of CCT diagram indicates that the suitable hardness and microstructure can be obtained in the cooling rate of 20 80°C/sec. The pilot rolling results show that the ACC cooling start temperature below Ar3 phase transformation point is beneficial to increase uniform elongation, and the cooling stop temperature of 150 350°C is helpful to obtain high strength and toughness combination. Based on the research conclusions, the X100 plate and UOE pipe with dimension in O.D.1219×W.T.14.8mm, O.D.1219×W.T.17.8mm, designed for the natural gas transmission pipeline, were trial produced. The manufactured pipe body impact absorbed energy at -10°C is over 250J. The DWTT shear area ratio at 0°C is over 85%. The transverse strength meets the X100 grade requirement, and uniform elongation is over 4%. The X100 plate and UOE pipe with dimension in O.D.711×W.T.20.0mm, O.D.711×W.T.12.5mm, designed for an offshore engineering, were also trial produced. The average impact absorbed energy of pipe body at -30°C is over 200J. The average impact absorbed energy of HAZ (Heat-affected zone) and WM (Welded Seam) at -30°C is over 100J. And the good pipe shapes were obtained

Experimental study of the antitumor effect of Z-100 in the treatment of MM46 tumor transplanted in C3H/He mice, 2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ogawa, Yasuhiro; Inomata, Taisuke; Yoshida, Shoji; Maeda, Tomoho; Seguchi, Harumichi

1989-01-01

Female C3H/He mice aged 14 weeks with transplanted MM46 tumor were used to investigate the effect of an immunomodulator, Z-100 (An arabinomannan lipid extracted from Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain Aoyama B) combined with local irradiation of 30 Gy (3,000 rad). Daily doses of 5μg, 50μg and 500μg/kg of Z-100 were injected intramuscularly for 14 consecutive days after irradiation, and 2 times a week for 6 weeks thereafter. The antitumor effect was evaluated by the changes in tumor volume and survival curves. In groups administered 50 μg and 500μg/kg of Z-100, tumor growth decreased significantly compared with the control group (radiotherapy group). Concerning survival rates of each group of mice, there were no marked difference between Z-100 administered groups and the control group. To clarify the mechanisms of action of Z-100, the changes in the lymphocyte subsets infiltrated into tumor tissue after Z-100 treatment were analysed immunohistochemically using monoclonal antibodies, anti-Thy 1.2, anti-Lyt-1, anti-Lyt-2, anti-L3T4, MAS034b and MAS053c and Avidin-Biotin-peroxidase Complex method (ABC method). In the findings of immunohistochemical studies, differences were hardly observed between groups administered Z-100 and groups treated with radiation only. From these results, it was concluded that immunological effects of Z-100 resembled to that of radiotherapy on the topical tumor tissue. (author)

Preparation of hcp-Ni(112-bar 0) epitaxial thin films on Au(100) single-crystal underlayers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohtake, Mitsuru; Tanaka, Takahiro; Futamoto, Masaaki; Kirino, Fumiyoshi

2010-01-01

Ni epitaxial films with an hcp structure are successfully obtained on Au(100) single-crystal underlayers formed on MgO(100) substrates at temperatures lower than 300 0 C by molecular beam epitaxy. With increasing the substrate temperature, the volume ratio of more stable fcc phase inc r eases in the film. The Ni film prepared at 100 0 C consists primarily of hcp crystal with the (112-bar 0) plane parallel to the substrate surface coexisting with a small amount of fcc-Ni(100) crystal. The lattice constant of hcp-Ni crystal is determined as a = 0.249 nm, c = 0.398 nm, and c/a = 1.60.

Global Burden of Hypertension and Systolic Blood Pressure of at Least 110 to 115 mm Hg, 1990-2015.

Science.gov (United States)

Forouzanfar, Mohammad H; Liu, Patrick; Roth, Gregory A; Ng, Marie; Biryukov, Stan; Marczak, Laurie; Alexander, Lily; Estep, Kara; Hassen Abate, Kalkidan; Akinyemiju, Tomi F; Ali, Raghib; Alvis-Guzman, Nelson; Azzopardi, Peter; Banerjee, Amitava; Bärnighausen, Till; Basu, Arindam; Bekele, Tolesa; Bennett, Derrick A; Biadgilign, Sibhatu; Catalá-López, Ferrán; Feigin, Valery L; Fernandes, Joao C; Fischer, Florian; Gebru, Alemseged Aregay; Gona, Philimon; Gupta, Rajeev; Hankey, Graeme J; Jonas, Jost B; Judd, Suzanne E; Khang, Young-Ho; Khosravi, Ardeshir; Kim, Yun Jin; Kimokoti, Ruth W; Kokubo, Yoshihiro; Kolte, Dhaval; Lopez, Alan; Lotufo, Paulo A; Malekzadeh, Reza; Melaku, Yohannes Adama; Mensah, George A; Misganaw, Awoke; Mokdad, Ali H; Moran, Andrew E; Nawaz, Haseeb; Neal, Bruce; Ngalesoni, Frida Namnyak; Ohkubo, Takayoshi; Pourmalek, Farshad; Rafay, Anwar; Rai, Rajesh Kumar; Rojas-Rueda, David; Sampson, Uchechukwu K; Santos, Itamar S; Sawhney, Monika; Schutte, Aletta E; Sepanlou, Sadaf G; Shifa, Girma Temam; Shiue, Ivy; Tedla, Bemnet Amare; Thrift, Amanda G; Tonelli, Marcello; Truelsen, Thomas; Tsilimparis, Nikolaos; Ukwaja, Kingsley Nnanna; Uthman, Olalekan A; Vasankari, Tommi; Venketasubramanian, Narayanaswamy; Vlassov, Vasiliy Victorovich; Vos, Theo; Westerman, Ronny; Yan, Lijing L; Yano, Yuichiro; Yonemoto, Naohiro; Zaki, Maysaa El Sayed; Murray, Christopher J L

2017-01-10

Elevated systolic blood (SBP) pressure is a leading global health risk. Quantifying the levels of SBP is important to guide prevention policies and interventions. To estimate the association between SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg and SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher and the burden of different causes of death and disability by age and sex for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2015. A comparative risk assessment of health loss related to SBP. Estimated distribution of SBP was based on 844 studies from 154 countries (published 1980-2015) of 8.69 million participants. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression was used to generate estimates of mean SBP and adjusted variance for each age, sex, country, and year. Diseases with sufficient evidence for a causal relationship with high SBP (eg, ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke) were included in the primary analysis. Mean SBP level, cause-specific deaths, and health burden related to SBP (≥110-115 mm Hg and also ≥140 mm Hg) by age, sex, country, and year. Between 1990-2015, the rate of SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg increased from 73 119 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 67 949-78 241) to 81 373 (95% UI, 76 814-85 770) per 100 000, and SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher increased from 17 307 (95% UI, 17 117-17 492) to 20 526 (95% UI, 20 283-20 746) per 100 000. The estimated annual death rate per 100 000 associated with SBP of at least 110 to 115 mm Hg increased from 135.6 (95% UI, 122.4-148.1) to 145.2 (95% UI 130.3-159.9) and the rate for SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher increased from 97.9 (95% UI, 87.5-108.1) to 106.3 (95% UI, 94.6-118.1). For loss of DALYs associated with systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher, the loss increased from 95.9 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 87.0-104.9 million) to 143.0 million (95% UI, 130.2-157.0 million) [corrected], and for SBP of 140 mm Hg or higher, the loss increased from 5.2 million (95% UI, 4.6-5.7 million) to 7

Use of a virtual learning environment for training in maxillofacial emergencies: impact on the knowledge and attitudes of staff in accident and emergency departments.

Science.gov (United States)

Elledge, Ross; McAleer, Sean; Thakar, Meera; Begum, Fathema; Singhota, Sanjeet; Grew, Nicholas

2016-02-01

Many graduates will take up junior roles in accident and emergency (A&E) departments to which a large proportion of patients present with facial injuries caused by interpersonal violence. However, it is widely recognised that undergraduates and postgraduates have few opportunities for training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. We aimed to assess the impact of a specifically designed maxillofacial emergencies virtual learning environment (VLE) on the knowledge and confidence of junior doctors in two A&E departments. They were given free access to the VLE for one month, and were asked to complete multiple choice questions and to rate their confidence to deal with 10 common situations on visual analogue scales (VAS) at baseline and one month after training. A total of 29 doctors agreed to pilot the website, 21 (72%) completed both sets of questions, and 18 (62%) completed both VAS assessments. The mean (SD) multiple choice score improved from 10 (2.52) to 13 (3.56) out of a maximum of 20 (p=0.004) and the mean (SD) VAS improved from 29.2 (19.2) mm to 45.7 (16.6) mm out of a maximum of 100 mm (p=0.007). This was a small pilot study with limited numbers, but it showed improvements in the knowledge of maxillofacial emergencies and in confidence, although the latter remained low. Further work is needed to examine how these brief educational interventions affect the attitudes of frontline staff to maxillofacial emergencies. Copyright © 2015 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparation of hcp-Ni(112-bar 0) epitaxial thin films on Au(100) single-crystal underlayers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ohtake, Mitsuru; Tanaka, Takahiro; Futamoto, Masaaki [Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551 (Japan); Kirino, Fumiyoshi, E-mail: ohtake@futamoto.elect.chuo-u.ac.j [Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, 12-8 Ueno-koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8714 (Japan)

2010-01-01

Ni epitaxial films with an hcp structure are successfully obtained on Au(100) single-crystal underlayers formed on MgO(100) substrates at temperatures lower than 300 {sup 0}C by molecular beam epitaxy. With increasing the substrate temperature, the volume ratio of more stable fcc phase inc{sub r}eases in the film. The Ni film prepared at 100 {sup 0}C consists primarily of hcp crystal with the (112-bar 0) plane parallel to the substrate surface coexisting with a small amount of fcc-Ni(100) crystal. The lattice constant of hcp-Ni crystal is determined as a = 0.249 nm, c = 0.398 nm, and c/a = 1.60.

Hardness and microstructure of Al-10.0 wt% Zn-4.0 wt% Mg alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Iqbal, M.; Shaikh, M.A.; Ahmad, W.; Ali, K.L.

1996-01-01

Al-Zn-Mg alloys are widely used in industries as these have excellent physical and mechanical properties. However some aspects of the effect of heat treatment on these alloys are not yet clear. In order to understand the precipitation phenomena in these alloys, microstructure of a locally prepared alloy Al-10.0 wt% Zn-4.0 wt% Mg heat treated under different conditions has been examined in scanning electron microscope/electron probe micro analyser. Precipitates MgZn/sub 2/, MgZn/sub 4/ and Mg/sub 2/Zn/sub 11/ have been observed and these are caused by heat treatment. Correlation between these precipitates and Vickers's hardness has also been studied. In the present paper results of this investigation have been presented and discussed. (author)

Can stroke patients use visual analogue scales?

Science.gov (United States)

Price, C I; Curless, R H; Rodgers, H

1999-07-01

Visual analogue scales (VAS) have been used for the subjective measurement of mood, pain, and health status after stroke. In this study we investigated how stroke-related impairments could alter the ability of subjects to answer accurately. Consent was obtained from 96 subjects with a clinical stroke (mean age, 72.5 years; 50 men) and 48 control subjects without cerebrovascular disease (mean age, 71.5 years; 29 men). Patients with reduced conscious level or severe dysphasia were excluded. Subjects were asked to rate the tightness that they could feel on the (unaffected) upper arm after 3 low-pressure inflations with a standard sphygmomanometer cuff, which followed a predetermined sequence (20 mm Hg, 40 mm Hg, 0 mm Hg). Immediately after each change, they rated the perceived tightness on 5 scales presented in a random order: 4-point rating scale (none, mild, moderate, severe), 0 to 10 numerical rating scale, mechanical VAS, horizontal VAS, and vertical VAS. Standard tests recorded deficits in language, cognition, and visuospatial awareness. Inability to complete scales with the correct pattern was associated with any stroke (P<0.001). There was a significant association between success using scales and milder clinical stroke subtype (P<0.01). Within the stroke group, logistic regression analysis identified significant associations (P<0.05) between impairments (cognitive and visuospatial) and inability to complete individual scales correctly. Many patients after a stroke are unable to successfully complete self-report measurement scales, including VAS.

The use of a newly designed nonabsorbable polymeric stent in reconstructing the vas deferens: a feasibility study in New Zealand white rabbits

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Vrijhof, Eric J.; de Bruine, Adriaan; Zwinderman, Aeilko H.; Lycklama à Nijeholt, August A. B.; Koole, Leo H.

2005-01-01

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the use of a newly designed stent in the reconstruction of the vas deferens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 26 New Zealand White rabbits, 13 conventional one-layer microscopic reconstructions were compared with 13 stented reconstructions of the vas deferens. The newly designed

Fish remains from Miocene beds of Višnja vas near Vojnik, Slovenia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aleš Šoster

2013-06-01

Full Text Available This paper discusses fossil teeth of sharks (Elasmobranchii, Neoselachii and porgies (Teleostei, Sparidae fromthe Miocene glauconite sandstones of Vi{nja vas near Vojnik. The remains of fish teeth, mostly tooth crowns, belongto cartilaginous fishes of the genera Notorynchus, Carcharias, Carcharoides, Isurus and Cosmopolitodus and to abony fish genus Pagrus.

Polyether ether ketone encased monolith frits made of polyether ether ketone tubing with a 0.25 mm opening resulting in an improved separation performance in liquid chromatography.

Science.gov (United States)

Park, Sin Young; Cheong, Won Jo

2016-05-01

Tiny polyether ether ketone encased monolith frits have been prepared by modified catalytic sulfonation of the inner surface of polyether ether tubing (1.6 mm od, 0.25 mm id) followed by modified formation of organic monolith and cutting of the tubing into slices. The frit was placed below the central hole of the column outlet union and supported by a combination of a silica capillary (0.365 mm od, 0.05 mm id) and a polyether ether ketone sleeve (1.6 mm od, 0.38 mm id) tightened with a nut and a ferrule when the column was packed to prevent sinking of the frit element into the union hole (0.25 mm opening) otherwise. The column packed this way with the frits investigated in this study has shown better separation performance owing to the reduced frit volume in comparison to the column packed with a commercial stainless-steel screen frit. This study establishes the strategy of disposable microcolumns in which cheap disposable frits are used whenever the column is re-packed to yield columns of even better chromatographic performance than the columns with commercial frits. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Estimation of position resolution for DOI-PET detector using diameter 0.2 mm WLS fibers [ANIMMA--2015-IO-x5

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kaneko, Naomi; Ito, H.; Han, S.; Kawai, H.; Kodama, S.; Kobayashi, A.; Tabata, M.; Kamada, K.; Shoji, Y.; Yoshikawa, A.

2015-01-01

We have been developing a submillimeter resolution and low-cost DOI-PET detector using wavelength shifting fibers (WLSF), scintillating crystal plates and MPPCs (Hamamatsu Photonics). Conventional design of DOI-PET detectors had approximately mm 3 of resolution by using some scintillating blocks with a volume of 1 mm 3 , which detects gamma-ray. They are expensive due to difficulties in processing scintillating crystals and a large number of photo-detectors, and these technologies are likely to reach the limit of the resolution. Development of a lower cost DOI-PET detector with higher resolution is challenging to popularize the PET diagnosis. We propose two type of PET detector. One is a whole body PET system, and the other is a PET system for brain or small animals. Each PET system consists 6 blocks. The former consists of 6 layers of crystal plates with 300 mm x 300 mm x 4 mm. The latter consists of 16 crystal layers, forming 4 x 4 crystal arrays. The size of the crystal plate is 40 mm x 40 mm x 1 mm. Wavelength shifting fiber (WLSF) sheets are attached to above and up and down side of crystal planes. The whole PET system has 8 MPPCs attached on each side. For the brain PET detector, 9 WLSF fibers are attached on the each side. The expected position resolution would be less than 1 mm at the former system. We have performed an experimental performance estimation for the system component using 22 Na radioactive source. We achieved a collection efficiency of 10% using the WLSF sheet and Ce:Gd 3 (Al,Ga) 5 O 12 (GAGG) crystals at 511 keV. The linear relationship between reconstruction position and incident position was obtained, and a resolution of 0.7 mm (FWHM) for x-axis of DOI by the WLSF readout was achieved. (authors)

Electrical studies of D%AgI-(100-D)%[0.667Ag2O- 0.333{(0.4)B2O3-(0.6)TeO2}] fast ion conducting glasses

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, E. Ramesh; Nageswar Rao, P.; Appa Rao, B.

2016-09-01

Super ion conducting glasses of composition D%AgI-(100-D)%[MAg2O-F{(F1)B2O3- (F2)TeO2}]; D=10.0 to 60.0 in steps of 10.0 for a fixed values of F1 (0.4), F2 (0.6) which are glass network formers, fixed values of modifier M(0.667), F (0.333) and D is dopant salt which was varied. These glasses were prepared by melt quenching technique. XRD spectra taken for all the samples. Electrical characterization was done in terms of AC and DC conductivities. DC and AC conductivities at room temperature increased from 10-5 to 10-1 scm-1 and DC activation energy (Edc) found to decrease from 0.36 to 0.19eV with increase in D% ratio. Measurements are performed over the frequency range 1 kHz to 3 MHz at different temperatures. From the impedance spectroscopy real and imaginary parts of impedances (Z', Z"), conductivities were calculated and plotted, and equivalent R-C circuit parameters were obtained from Cole-Cole plots. With the increase in D%, AC conductivity is observed to increase whereas the AC activation energy (Eac) is observed to decrease from 0.23 to 0.14 eV. The quantitative analysis of these results indicates that the electrical conductivity of silver borate glasses is enhanced with increase in D% ratio. Based on conductivity values these glasses are ionic conductors, in which conduction is by hopping mechanism. An attempt is made to understand the charge transportation process.

Surface structure of VN0.89(100) determined by low-energy electron diffraction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gauthier, Y.; Joly, Y.; Rundgren, J.; Johansson, L.I.; Wincott, P.

1990-01-01

The structure of the (100) surface of substoichiometric vanadium nitride was studied by low-energy electron diffraction on a VN 0.89 (100) sample. A simple 1x1 (100) diffractogram was observed. To describe the electron scattering in substoichiometric VN we apply the averaged t-matrix approximation to the nitrogen atoms. We find that the best structural model is one having no nitrogen vacancies in the surface region. It turns out that the first layer is rippled with the N atoms displaced 0.17 A above the subplane of V atoms, that the spacing between this subplane and the second layer is 1.92 A, and that the spacing between the second and the third layer is 2.08 A. In relation to the (100) spacing of the bulk, 2.06 A, these spacings are 6.8% contracted and 1% expanded, respectively. The Debye temperature of VN is found to be 660 K in good agreement with a prediction from entropy data and from neutron diffraction and helium-ion channeling experiments

Edentulism and dental prostheses in the elderly: impact on quality of life measured with EuroQol--visual analog scale (EQ-VAS).

Science.gov (United States)

Cano-Gutiérrez, Carlos; Borda, Miguel G; Arciniegas, Antonio J; Borda, Claudia X

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to measure the impact of edentulism and dental prostheses on quality of life (QOL) in older adults in Bogota, Colombia. Edentulism is a frequent condition in older adults and has great impact on their QOL. No epidemiological data are currently available on edentulism among older adults in Colombia. Data were obtained from the SABE-Bogota study, a cross-sectional study conducted in 2012, and used to analyze the EQ-VAS (Visual Analog Scale) from the EuroQol instrument to measure the perception of quality of life (QOL) in relation to edentulism. The study included 2,000 individuals over 60 years old. The Spearman-Rho correlation was used to analyze the correlation between EQ-VAS and edentulism. Chi-Square, ANOVA and t-test were used to study the differences in EQ-VAS scores between edentulous and healthy subjects. Statistical significance was set at peducation were related to edentulism. Individuals with fewer teeth and dental prostheses had lower EQ-VAS scores (pmeasuring the perception of QOL in dental health scenarios. Edentulism significantly affects QOL in older adults and the use of dental prosthesis does not improve the perception of QOL.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: M-3.8+0.9 molecular cloud 3mm datacubes (Riquelme+ 2018)

Science.gov (United States)

Riquelme, D.; Amo-Baladron, A.; Martin-Pintado, J.; Mauersberger, R.; Martin, S.; Burton, M.; Cunningham, M.; Jones, P.; Menten, K. M.; Bronfman, L.; Guesten, R.

2018-01-01

We mapped the M-3.8+0.9 molecular cloud placed at the footpoints of a giant molecular loop, in 3-mm range molecular lines using Mopra telescope, and the 13CO (2-1) line at 1 mm using the 12-m Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX) telescope. The Mopra observations were performed during September 2008 and August 2009. We used the digital mode filter bank MOPS in broadband mode, covering 8GHz of bandwidth simultaneously in four 2.2GHz sub-bands, each of them with 8192 channel spaced by 0.27MHz. Two polarizations were measured simultaneously. We produce one data cube per detected molecule. The final spatial resolution of the data cubes is between 49 arcsec and 51 arcsec at 115 and 86GHz respectively. The size of the pixel is 15 arcsec. The spectral resolution of the data is 269.5kHz (0.94-0.78km/s). The data is presented in T*a (K). The APEX observations were carried out on 24 June, and 1, 2, and 3 July 2014 under the APEX project code M-093.F-008-2014 using the APEX-1 (SHIFI) receiver and the eXtended bandwidth Fast Fourier Transform Spectrometer (XFFTS) backend. The data were regridded in equatorial coordinates and then converted to Galactic coordinates for comparison with the Mopra data using standard CLASS routines. The pixel size is 13.8 arcsec. The spatial resolution is 30.1 arcsec and the spectral resolution is 299.8kHz (1.03km/s). The data is presented in Tmb (K). (2 data files).

Results of Cryoenergy and Radiofrequency-Based Catheter Ablation for Treating Ventricular Arrhythmias Arising From the Papillary Muscles of the Left Ventricle, Guided by Intracardiac Echocardiography and Image Integration.

Science.gov (United States)

Rivera, Santiago; Ricapito, Maria de la Paz; Tomas, Leandro; Parodi, Josefina; Bardera Molina, Guillermo; Banega, Rodrigo; Bueti, Pablo; Orosco, Agustin; Reinoso, Marcelo; Caro, Milagros; Belardi, Diego; Albina, Gaston; Giniger, Alberto; Scazzuso, Fernando

2016-04-01

Catheter radiofrequency ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) arising from the left ventricle's papillary muscles has been associated with inconsistent results. The use of cryoenergy versus radiofrequency has not been compared yet. This study compares outcomes and complications of catheter ablation of VA from the papillary muscles of the left ventricle with either cryoenergy or radiofrequency. Twenty-one patients (40±12 years old; 47% males; median ejection fraction 59±7.3%) with drug refractory premature ventricular contractions or ventricular tachycardia underwent catheter cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation. VAs were localized using 3-dimensional mapping, multidetector computed tomography, and intracardiac echocardiography, with arrhythmia foci being mapped at either the anterolateral papillary muscle or posteromedial papillary muscles of the left ventricle. Focal ablation was performed using an 8-mm cryoablation catheter or a 4-mm open-irrigated radiofrequency catheter, via transmitral approach. Acute success rate was 100% for cryoenergy (n=12) and 78% for radiofrequency (n=9; P=0.08). Catheter stability was achieved in all patients (100%) treated with cryoenergy, and only in 2 (25%) patients treated with radiofrequency (P=0.001). Incidence of multiple VA morphologies was observed in 7 patients treated with radiofrequency (77.7%), whereas none was observed in those treated with cryoenergy (P=0.001). VA recurrence at 6 months follow-up was 0% for cryoablation and 44% for radiofrequency (P=0.03). Cryoablation was associated with higher success rates and lower recurrence rates than radiofrequency catheter ablation, better catheter stability, and lesser incidence of polymorphic arrhythmias. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Rat vas deferens SERCA2 is modulated by Ca2+/calmodulin protein kinase II-mediated phosphorylation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rodriguez, J.B.R.; Muzi-Filho, H.; Valverde, R.H.F.; Quintas, L.E.M.; Noel, F.; Einicker-Lamas, M.; Cunha, V.M.N.

2013-01-01

Ca 2+ pumps are important players in smooth muscle contraction. Nevertheless, little information is available about these pumps in the vas deferens. We have determined which subtype of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase isoform (SERCA) is expressed in rat vas deferens (RVD) and its modulation by calmodulin (CaM)-dependent mechanisms. The thapsigargin-sensitive Ca 2+ -ATPase from a membrane fraction containing the highest SERCA levels in the RVD homogenate has the same molecular mass (∼115 kDa) as that of SERCA2 from the rat cerebellum. It has a very high affinity for Ca 2+ (Ca 0.5 = 780 nM) and a low sensitivity to vanadate (IC 50 = 41 µM). These facts indicate that SERCA2 is present in the RVD. Immunoblotting for CaM and Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) showed the expression of these two regulatory proteins. Ca 2+ and CaM increased serine-phosphorylated residues of the 115-kDa protein, indicating the involvement of CaMKII in the regulatory phosphorylation of SERCA2. Phosphorylation is accompanied by an 8-fold increase of thapsigargin-sensitive Ca 2+ accumulation in the lumen of vesicles derived from these membranes. These data establish that SERCA2 in the RVD is modulated by Ca 2+ and CaM, possibly via CaMKII, in a process that results in stimulation of Ca 2+ pumping activity

Coping and recovery in whiplash-associated disorders

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Carroll, Linda J; Ferrari, Robert; Cassidy, John David

2014-01-01

Management Inventory, and neck pain recovery was assessed at each subsequent follow-up, using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Disability was assessed at each follow-up using the Pain Disability Index (PDI). Pain recovery was defined as a VAS score of 0 to 10; disability recovery was defined as a PDI...... recovery, reductions in neck pain, and in disability. METHODS: A population-based prospective cohort study design was used to study 2986 adults with traffic-related WAD. Participants were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 4, 8, and 12 months postinjury. Coping was measured at 6 weeks using the Pain...... score of 0 to 4. Data analysis used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Those using high versus low levels of passive coping at 6 weeks postinjury experienced 28% slower pain recovery and 43% slower disability recovery. Adjusted hazard rate ratios for pain recovery and disability...

Beat-to-beat respiratory motion correction with near 100% efficiency: a quantitative assessment using high-resolution coronary artery imaging.

Science.gov (United States)

Scott, Andrew D; Keegan, Jennifer; Firmin, David N

2011-05-01

This study quantitatively assesses the effectiveness of retrospective beat-to-beat respiratory motion correction (B2B-RMC) at near 100% efficiency using high-resolution coronary artery imaging. Three-dimensional (3D) spiral images were obtained in a coronary respiratory motion phantom with B2B-RMC and navigator gating. In vivo, targeted 3D coronary imaging was performed in 10 healthy subjects using B2B-RMC spiral and navigator gated balanced steady-state free-precession (nav-bSSFP) techniques. Vessel diameter and sharpness in proximal and mid arteries were used as a measure of respiratory motion compensation effectiveness and compared between techniques. Phantom acquisitions with B2B-RMC were sharper than those acquired with navigator gating (B2B-RMC vs. navigator gating: 1.01±0.02 mm(-1) vs. 0.86±0.08 mm(-1), PB2B-RMC respiratory efficiency was significantly and substantially higher (99.7%±0.5%) than nav-bSSFP (44.0%±8.9%, PB2B-RMC vs. nav-bSSFP, proximal: 1.00±0.14 mm(-1) vs. 1.08±0.11 mm(-1), mid: 1.01±0.11 mm(-1) vs. 1.05±0.12 mm(-1); both P=not significant [ns]). Mid vessel diameters were not significantly different (2.85±0.39 mm vs. 2.80±0.35 mm, P=ns), but proximal B2B-RMC diameters were slightly higher (2.85±0.38 mm vs. 2.70±0.34 mm, PB2B-RMC is less variable and significantly higher than navigator gating. Phantom and in vivo vessel sharpness and diameter values suggest that respiratory motion compensation is equally effective. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Buccal mucosa carcinoma: surgical margin less than 3 mm, not 5 mm, predicts locoregional recurrence

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Chiou Wen-Yen

2010-09-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Most treatment failure of buccal mucosal cancer post surgery is locoregional recurrence. We tried to figure out how close the surgical margin being unsafe and needed further adjuvant treatment. Methods Between August 2000 and June 2008, a total of 110 patients with buccal mucosa carcinoma (25 with stage I, 31 with stage II, 11 with stage III, and 43 with Stage IV classified according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer 6th edition were treated with surgery alone (n = 32, surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy (n = 38 or surgery plus adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (n = 40. Main outcome measures: The primary endpoint was locoregional disease control. Results The median follow-up time at analysis was 25 months (range, 4-104 months. The 3-year locoregional control rates were significantly different when a 3-mm surgical margin (≤3 versus >3 mm, 71% versus 95%, p = 0.04 but not a 5-mm margin (75% versus 92%, p = 0.22 was used as the cut-off level. We also found a quantitative correlation between surgical margin and locoregional failure (hazard ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.14 - 4.11; p = 0.019. Multivariate analysis identified pN classification and surgical margin as independent factors affecting disease-free survival and locoregional control. Conclusions Narrow surgical margin ≤3 mm, but not 5 mm, is associated with high risk for locoregional recurrence of buccal mucosa carcinoma. More aggressive treatment after surgery is suggested.

Buccal mucosa carcinoma: surgical margin less than 3 mm, not 5 mm, predicts locoregional recurrence

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chiou, Wen-Yen; Hung, Shih-Kai; Lin, Hon-Yi; Hsu, Feng-Chun; Lee, Moon-Sing; Ho, Hsu-Chueh; Su, Yu-Chieh; Lee, Ching-Chih; Hsieh, Chen-Hsi; Wang, Yao-Ching

2010-01-01

Most treatment failure of buccal mucosal cancer post surgery is locoregional recurrence. We tried to figure out how close the surgical margin being unsafe and needed further adjuvant treatment. Between August 2000 and June 2008, a total of 110 patients with buccal mucosa carcinoma (25 with stage I, 31 with stage II, 11 with stage III, and 43 with Stage IV classified according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer 6 th edition) were treated with surgery alone (n = 32), surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy (n = 38) or surgery plus adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (n = 40). Main outcome measures: The primary endpoint was locoregional disease control. The median follow-up time at analysis was 25 months (range, 4-104 months). The 3-year locoregional control rates were significantly different when a 3-mm surgical margin (≤3 versus >3 mm, 71% versus 95%, p = 0.04) but not a 5-mm margin (75% versus 92%, p = 0.22) was used as the cut-off level. We also found a quantitative correlation between surgical margin and locoregional failure (hazard ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.14 - 4.11; p = 0.019). Multivariate analysis identified pN classification and surgical margin as independent factors affecting disease-free survival and locoregional control. Narrow surgical margin ≤3 mm, but not 5 mm, is associated with high risk for locoregional recurrence of buccal mucosa carcinoma. More aggressive treatment after surgery is suggested

A randomized controlled trial of single point acupuncture in primary dysmenorrhea.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Cun-Zhi; Xie, Jie-Ping; Wang, Lin-Peng; Liu, Yu-Qi; Song, Jia-Shan; Chen, Yin-Ying; Shi, Guang-Xia; Zhou, Wei; Gao, Shu-Zhong; Li, Shi-Liang; Xing, Jian-Min; Ma, Liang-Xiao; Wang, Yan-Xia; Zhu, Jiang; Liu, Jian-Ping

2014-06-01

Acupuncture is often used for primary dysmenorrhea. But there is no convincing evidence due to low methodological quality. We aim to assess immediate effect of acupuncture at specific acupoint compared with unrelated acupoint and nonacupoint on primary dysmenorrhea. The Acupuncture Analgesia Effect in Primary Dysmenorrhoea-II is a multicenter controlled trial conducted in six large hospitals of China. Patients who met inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to classic acupoint (N = 167), unrelated acupoint (N = 167), or non-acupoint (N = 167) group on a 1:1:1 basis. They received three sessions with electro-acupuncture at a classic acupoint (Sanyinjiao, SP6), or an unrelated acupoint (Xuanzhong, GB39), or nonacupoint location, respectively. The primary outcome was subjective pain as measured by a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). Measurements were obtained at 0, 5, 10, 30, and 60 minutes following the first intervention. In addition, patients scored changes of general complaints using Cox retrospective symptom scales (RSS-Cox) and 7-point verbal rating scale (VRS) during three menstrual cycles. Secondary outcomes included VAS score for average pain, pain total time, additional in-bed time, and proportion of participants using analgesics during three menstrual cycles. Five hundred and one people underwent random assignment. The primary comparison of VAS scores following the first intervention demonstrated that classic acupoint group was more effective both than unrelated acupoint (-4.0 mm, 95% CI -7.1 to -0.9, P = 0.010) and nonacupoint (-4.0 mm, 95% CI -7.0 to -0.9, P = 0.012) groups. However, no significant differences were detected among the three acupuncture groups for RSS-Cox or VRS outcomes. The per-protocol analysis showed similar pattern. No serious adverse events were noted. Specific acupoint acupuncture produced a statistically, but not clinically, significant effect compared with unrelated acupoint and nonacupoint acupuncture in

Effect of gamma rays on electrically evoked contractions of non-vascular smooth muscles (rat vas deferens)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Azroony, R.; Ksies, F.; Alya, G.

2002-10-01

We have tried, in this experiment, to study the modifications of non-vascular smooth muscles contraction induced via gamma rays. Smooth muscular fibers were isolated from the vas deferens of an adult rat and contractions were electrically evoked. Our results show that irradiation activates the VOC (Voltage Operated Channel) type of ionic channels which causes an increasing in the inward flux of Ca 2+ and then causes an increasing in the inner calcium concentration [Ca 2] i, the matter which means an increasing in the force of muscular contraction. Concerning to the response of vas deferens smooth muscles to the activation of membrane receptors, we have tried to study the effects of gamma rays on activating adrenergic and cholinergic receptors, also, we have tried to show the effects of different doses of gamma rays (1, 3, 5, 7 Gy) on regulating the contractile response of this type of smooth muscles. And results show that: - Irradiation increases contraction force, mediated by adrenergic and cholinergic receptors, in a dose dependent manner, with E m ax 1 Gy m axc 3 Gy m ax 5 Gy m ax 7 Gy. There is an important shift on irradiated rats (3, 5, 7 Gy) where the maximum effect of Acetylcholine (E m ax) can be obtained in lower concentrations of Acetylcholine. These results mean that irradiation activates the inward flux of Ca 2+ through the ROC (Receptors Operated Channels) type of ionic channels, which rely, in their activation, on activating the membrane receptors. By comparing these results with the effects of gamma rays on activating vascular adrenergic and cholinergic receptors, we concluded that: Non-vascular smooth muscles (vas deferens) are less sensitive to irradiation in comparing with vascular smooth muscles (venae portal hepatica), and irradiation increases the sensitivity of cholinergic receptors to acetylcholine in the smooth muscular fibers of vas deferens while; if decreases this sensitivity in the smooth muscular fibers of venae portal hepatica

Test of freonless operation of resistive plate chambers with glass electrodes--1 mm gas gap vs 2 mm gas gap

CERN Document Server

Sakaue, H; Takahashi, T; Teramoto, Y

2002-01-01

Non-freon gas mixtures (Ar/iso-C sub 4 H sub 1 sub 0) were tested as the chamber gas for 1 and 2 mm gas gap Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) with float glass as the resistive electrodes, operated in the streamer mode. With the narrower (1 mm) gas gap, streamer charge is reduced (approx 1/3), which reduces the dead time (and dead area), associated with each streamer, improving the detection efficiency. The best performance was obtained for two cases: Ar/iso-C sub 4 H sub 1 sub 0 =50/50 and 60/40. For the 50/50 mixture, a detection efficiency of better than 98% was obtained for the 1 mm gap RPC, while the efficiency was 95% for the 2 mm gap RPC, each operated as a double-gap RPC. The measured time resolution (rms) was 1.45+-0.05 (2.52+-0.09) ns for the 1 (2) mm gap RPC for the 50/50 mixture.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SINGLE-DOOR PLATE LAMINOPLASTY WITH LATERAL MASS SCREW FIXATION FOR THE UNSTABLE SEGMENT. REPORT OF TWO CASES WITH LONG FOLLOW-UP

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

SERGIO SORIANO-SOLÍS

Full Text Available ABSTRACT Objective: To report two cases of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy with monosegmental instability, in which we performed a minimally invasive microsurgical transmuscular approach with tubular retractors to create a single-door plate laminoplasty combined with fixation of the unstable segment with lateral mass screws. Methods: The surgical procedures were performed by the senior author. In both patients, the follow-up was performed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, the Visual Analogue Scale for neck and radicular pain (radVAS, neckVAS, the Neck Disability Index (NDI and the Short Form 36 (SF-36, in the preoperative (preop and postoperative (postop periods, and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. A radiological evaluation also was performed, which included AP, lateral and flexion-extension films at 6, 12 and 24 months and CT-scan at 12 months. Results: Case 1 - preop ODI: 40%, 24 months postop ODI: 4%; preop radVAS: 7, 24 months radVAS: 0; preop neckVAS: 8, postop 24 months neckVAS: 0; preopNDI: 43%, 24 months PostopNDI: 8%; SF-36 - preop Physical Functioning (PF: 40, preop Vitality (VT: 40, preop Emotional role functioning (RE: 33.3, Bodily pain (BP: 51, General Health (GH: 57, Social Functioning (SF: 75; postop PF: 95, VT: 95, RE: 100, BP: 74, GH: 87, SF: 100. Case 2 - preopODI: 46%, 24 months postopODI: 10%; preop radVAS: 7, 24m radVAS: 0; preop neckVAS: 9, postop 24 months neckVAS: 0; preopNDI: 56%, 24 months PostopNDI: 15%; SF-36 - preop PF: 39, VT: 45, RE: 33.3, BP: 50, GH: 49, SF: 70; postop PF: 90, VT: 100, RE: 100, BP: 82, GH: 87, SF: 100. No complications, cervical instability or signs of failed surgery were found trough and at final follow-up at 24 months. We found significant clinical improvement in both patients. Conclusions: Minimally invasive cervical laminoplasty combined with lateral mass screw fixation for the unstable segment is a useful technique in cases with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Sampling efficiency of modified 37-mm sampling cassettes using computational fluid dynamics.

Science.gov (United States)

Anthony, T Renée; Sleeth, Darrah; Volckens, John

2016-01-01

In the U.S., most industrial hygiene practitioners continue to rely on the closed-face cassette (CFC) to assess worker exposures to hazardous dusts, primarily because ease of use, cost, and familiarity. However, mass concentrations measured with this classic sampler underestimate exposures to larger particles throughout the inhalable particulate mass (IPM) size range (up to aerodynamic diameters of 100 μm). To investigate whether the current 37-mm inlet cap can be redesigned to better meet the IPM sampling criterion, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were developed, and particle sampling efficiencies associated with various modifications to the CFC inlet cap were determined. Simulations of fluid flow (standard k-epsilon turbulent model) and particle transport (laminar trajectories, 1-116 μm) were conducted using sampling flow rates of 10 L min(-1) in slow moving air (0.2 m s(-1)) in the facing-the-wind orientation. Combinations of seven inlet shapes and three inlet diameters were evaluated as candidates to replace the current 37-mm inlet cap. For a given inlet geometry, differences in sampler efficiency between inlet diameters averaged less than 1% for particles through 100 μm, but the largest opening was found to increase the efficiency for the 116 μm particles by 14% for the flat inlet cap. A substantial reduction in sampler efficiency was identified for sampler inlets with side walls extending beyond the dimension of the external lip of the current 37-mm CFC. The inlet cap based on the 37-mm CFC dimensions with an expanded 15-mm entry provided the best agreement with facing-the-wind human aspiration efficiency. The sampler efficiency was increased with a flat entry or with a thin central lip adjacent to the new enlarged entry. This work provides a substantial body of sampling efficiency estimates as a function of particle size and inlet geometry for personal aerosol samplers.

Preferred Presentation of the Visual Analog Scale for Measurement of Postoperative Pain

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kjeldsen, Helle Birgitte; Klausen, Tobias Wirenfeldt; Rosenberg, Jacob

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in pain scores with different visual analog scale (VAS) presentations and to compare those differences with a numeric rating scale. We also asked the patients for preference of the different methods. METHODS: Prior to the trial, we...... performed power calculations to estimate a preferred sample size, and 62 postoperative patients supplied a complete set of data to the study. Inclusion criteria were newly operated patients within the first 5 days after surgery. Every patient included was with 1-minute intervals and presented with one...... of the following 100-mm VAS lines: VAS horizontal with or without stop lines at the endings, or VAS vertical with or without stop lines. They also completed a numeric rating scale (NRS). RESULTS: We did not find differences in pain scores between the four VAS measures. The NRS had slightly higher pain scores than...

Influence of electroless coatings of Cu, Ni-P and Co-P on MmNi3.25Al0.35Mn0.25Co0.66 alloy used as anodes in Ni-MH batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Raju, M.; Ananth, M.V.; Vijayaraghavan, L.

2009-01-01

Electroless coatings of Ni-P, Co-P and Cu were applied on the surface of non-stoichiometric MmNi 3.25 Al 0.35 Mn 0.25 Co 0.66 (Mm: misch metal) metal hydride alloy. Elemental analysis was made with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX). The structural analysis of bare and coated alloys was done by X-ray diffraction (XRD) whereas surface morphology was examined with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The electrode characteristics inclusive of electrochemical capacity and cycle life were studied at C/5 rate. Superior performance is obtained with copper coated alloy. Microstructure observations indicate that the observed excellent performance could be attributed to uniform and efficient surface coverage with copper. Also, lanthanum surface enrichment in samples during Cu coating leads to improvement in performance. It is inferred from electro analytical investigations that copper coatings act as microcurrent collectors with alterations in hydrogen transport mechanism and facilitate charge transfer reaction on the alloy surface without altering battery properties. Moreover, supportive first time TEM evidence of existence of such copper nano current collectors (about 8 nm in diameter and length about 20 nm) is reported.

Verification of small-scale water vapor features in VAS imagery using high resolution MAMS imagery. [VISSR Atmospheric Sounder - Multispectral Atmospheric Mapping Sensor

Science.gov (United States)

Menzel, Paul W.; Jedlovec, Gary; Wilson, Gregory

1986-01-01

The Multispectral Atmospheric Mapping Sensor (MAMS), a modification of NASA's Airborne Thematic Mapper, is described, and radiances from the MAMS and the VISSR Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) are compared which were collected simultaneously on May 18, 1985. Thermal emission from the earth atmosphere system in eight visible and three infrared spectral bands (12.3, 11.2 and 6.5 microns) are measured by the MAMS at up to 50 m horizontal resolution, and the infrared bands are similar to three of the VAS infrared bands. Similar radiometric performance was found for the two systems, though the MAMS showed somewhat less attenuation from water vapor than VAS because its spectral bands are shifted to shorter wavelengths away from the absorption band center.

Effect of long-term hydrogen absorption/desorption cycling on hydrogen storage properties of MmNi3.55Co0.75Mn0.4Al0.3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, S.L.; Chen, W.; Chen, D.M.; Yang, K.

2009-01-01

The effect of a long-term hydrogen absorption/desorption cycling up to 2000 cycles on the hydrogen storage properties of MmNi 3.55 Co 0.75 Mn 0.4 Al 0.3 alloy was investigated. The pressure-composition (PC) isotherms for absorption/desorption and absorption kinetics were measured at 338 K, 353 K and 368 K both after initial activation and 2000 cycles. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the alloy had a homogeneous hexagonal CaCu 5 type structure and kept this structure even after 2000 hydrogen absorption/desorption cycles. It is found that the absorption/desorption plateau pressures were lowered, the storage capacity and the absorption kinetics were slightly degraded and the hysteresis loss was increased at all the investigated temperatures after 2000 cycles. It is also found that the particle size after 2000 cycles was much smaller compared to that after initial activation. The change of the hydrogen absorption/desorption properties of the alloy after 2000 cycles has been explained by considering the crystal structure, disproportionation property, pulverization of the sample and the impurities in the charging hydrogen employed in cycling

Diagnostic feasibility and safety of CT-guided core biopsy for lung nodules less than or equal to 8 mm. A single-institution experience

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chang, Ying-Yueh [Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Department of Radiology, Taipei (China); Chen, Chun-Ku [Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Department of Radiology, Taipei (China); National Yang-Ming University, School of Medicine, Taipei (China); National Yang-Ming University, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Taipei (China); Yeh, Yi-Chen [National Yang-Ming University, School of Medicine, Taipei (China); Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei (China); Wu, Mei-Han [Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Department of Radiology, Taipei (China); National Yang-Ming University, School of Medicine, Taipei (China)

2018-02-15

This retrospective study evaluated the diagnostic yield and safety of CT-guided core biopsy of pulmonary nodules ≤8 mm. We determined the diagnostic yield and safety profile of CT-guided lung biopsies for 125 pulmonary nodules ≤8 mm. Pathological diagnoses were made by a combination of histopathological examination and imprint cytology. Results were compared with biopsy results for 134 pulmonary nodules >8 and ≤10 mm. Final diagnoses were established in 94 nodules ≤8 mm. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided core biopsy for nodules ≤8 mm were 87.1 % (61/70 nodules), 100 % (24/24) and 90.4 % (85/94), respectively. Diagnostic failure rates were comparable for nodules ≤8 mm and nodules >8 mm and ≤10 mm (9/94, 9.6 % and 7/111, 6.3 %, respectively, P=0.385). The rate of tube thoracostomy for nodules ≤8 mm was comparable to that for nodules >8 and ≤10 mm (1.6 % vs. 0.7 %, P=0.611). Nodules ≤6 mm had a higher non-diagnostic result rate of 15.4 % (6/39) than did nodules >8 and ≤10 mm (3.7 %, 5/134, P=0.017). CT-guided pulmonary biopsy is feasible for lung nodules ≤8 mm, especially those >6 mm, and has an acceptable diagnostic yield and safety profile. (orig.)

Immediate provisionalization in the esthetic zone: 1-year interim results from a prospective single-cohort multicenter study evaluating 3.0-mm-diameter tapered implants.

Science.gov (United States)

Kolinski, Martin; Hess, Pablo; Leziy, Sonia; Friberg, Bertil; Bellucci, Gionata; Trisciuoglio, Davide; Wagner, Wilfried; Moergel, Maximilian; Pozzi, Alessandro; Wiltfang, Jörg; Behrens, Eleonore; Zechner, Werner; Vasak, Christoph; Weigl, Paul

2018-07-01

The aim of this interim analysis of a 5-year prospective multicenter study is to evaluate clinical and radiological performance of immediately provisionalized 3.0-mm-diameter tapered implants. Patients needing implant rehabilitation of maxillary lateral incisors or mandibular lateral and central incisors were treated with 3.0-mm-diameter implants placed in extraction or healed sites and immediately provisionalized. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at implant insertion, 6 months thereafter, and are ongoing. Marginal bone levels and changes, complications, the papilla, plaque, and bleeding indices, and the pink esthetic score (PES) were evaluated at each follow-up visit. Of 112 enrolled patients, 77 patients (91 implants) met the inclusion criteria. Seventy-one patients with 82 implants completed the 1-year follow-up. Three implants failed yielding a CSR of 96.7%. All failures occurred within the first 3 months after implant insertion. Marginal bone level changes from insertion to 6 months was - 0.57 ± 1.30 mm (n = 75) and from insertion to 12 months - 0.25 ± 1.38 mm (n = 72). Fifteen non-serious complications were recorded. Papilla index score and PES improved at the 1-year follow-up. Plaque formation and bleeding-on-probing showed no statistically significant differences between the 6-month and the 1-year visit. This 1-year analysis demonstrated high survival, stable bone levels, and healthy soft tissue with 3.0-mm-diameter implants. Narrow diameter implants are a safe and predictable treatment option in patients with limited bone volume and/or limited interdental space and eligible for immediate loading protocols.

Comparing membranes and bone substitutes in a one-stage procedure for horizontal bone augmentation. A double-blind randomised controlled trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Merli, Mauro; Moscatelli, Marco; Mariotti, Giorgia; Pagliaro, Umberto; Raffaelli, Eugenia; Nieri, Michele

2015-01-01

The objective of this parallel randomised controlled trial is to compare two bone substitutes and collagen membranes in a one-stage procedure for horizontal bone augmentation: anorganic bovine bone (Bio-Oss) and collagen porcine membranes (Bio-Gide) (BB group) versus a synthetic resorbable bone graft substitute made of pure β-tricalcium phosphate (Ceros TCP) and porcine pericardium collagen membranes (Jason) (CJ group). Patients in need of implant treatment having at least one site with horizontal osseous defects at a private clinic in Rimini (Italy) were included in this study. Patients were randomised to receive either the BB or CJ treatment. Randomisation was computer-generated with allocation concealment by opaque sequentially numbered sealed envelopes. Patients and the outcome assessor were blinded to group assignment. The main outcome measures were implant failure, complications, clinical bone gain at augmented sites, and complete filling of the bone defect. Secondary outcome measures were chair-time, postoperative pain and peri-implant marginal bone level changes. Twenty-five patients with 32 implants were allocated to the BB group and 25 patients with 29 implants to the CJ group. All 50 randomised patients received the treatment as allocated and there were no dropouts up to 6-months post-loading (12 months post-surgery). There were no failures and there were three complications in the BB group and three complications in the CJ group (relative risk: 1.00, 95% CI from 0.22 to 4.49, P = 1.00). The estimated difference between treatments in the vertical defect bone gain was -0.15 mm (95% CI from -0.65 to 0.35, P = 0.5504) favouring the BB group, and the estimated difference between treatments in the horizontal defect bone gain was -0.27 mm (95%CI from -0.73 to 0.19, P = 0.3851) favouring the BB group. There was no difference in the complete filling of the defect (relative risk: 0.88, 95%CI from 0.58 to 1.34, P = 0.7688). No significant differences were

Rat vas deferens SERCA2 is modulated by Ca{sup 2+}/calmodulin protein kinase II-mediated phosphorylation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rodriguez, J.B.R.; Muzi-Filho, H. [Programa de Farmacologia e Inflamação, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil); Valverde, R.H.F. [Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil); Quintas, L.E.M. [Programa de Farmacologia e Inflamação, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil); Noel, F. [Programa de Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil); Einicker-Lamas, M. [Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil); Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil); Cunha, V.M.N. [Programa de Farmacologia e Inflamação, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

2013-03-19

Ca{sup 2+} pumps are important players in smooth muscle contraction. Nevertheless, little information is available about these pumps in the vas deferens. We have determined which subtype of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca{sup 2+}-ATPase isoform (SERCA) is expressed in rat vas deferens (RVD) and its modulation by calmodulin (CaM)-dependent mechanisms. The thapsigargin-sensitive Ca{sup 2+}-ATPase from a membrane fraction containing the highest SERCA levels in the RVD homogenate has the same molecular mass (∼115 kDa) as that of SERCA2 from the rat cerebellum. It has a very high affinity for Ca{sup 2+} (Ca{sub 0.5} = 780 nM) and a low sensitivity to vanadate (IC{sub 50} = 41 µM). These facts indicate that SERCA2 is present in the RVD. Immunoblotting for CaM and Ca{sup 2+}/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) showed the expression of these two regulatory proteins. Ca{sup 2+} and CaM increased serine-phosphorylated residues of the 115-kDa protein, indicating the involvement of CaMKII in the regulatory phosphorylation of SERCA2. Phosphorylation is accompanied by an 8-fold increase of thapsigargin-sensitive Ca{sup 2+} accumulation in the lumen of vesicles derived from these membranes. These data establish that SERCA2 in the RVD is modulated by Ca{sup 2+} and CaM, possibly via CaMKII, in a process that results in stimulation of Ca{sup 2+} pumping activity.

Comparative Analysis of the Anesthetic Efficacy of 0.5 and 0.75 % Ropivacaine for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Surgical Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars.

Science.gov (United States)

Bhargava, Darpan; Chakravorty, Nupur; Rethish, Elangovan; Deshpande, Ashwini

2014-12-01

Ropivacaine belongs to pipecoloxylidide group of local anesthetics. There are reports supporting the use of ropivacaine as a long acting local anesthetic in oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, with variable data on the concentration that is clinically suitable. A prospective randomized double-blind study protocol was undertaken to assess the efficacy of 0.5 and 0.75 % ropivacaine for inferior alveolar nerve block in surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. A total of 60 procedures were performed, of which thirty patients received 0.5 % and thirty received 0.75 % concentration of the study drug. All the patients in both the study groups reported subjective numbness of lip and tongue. The time of onset was longer for 0.5 % ropivacaine when compared to 0.75 % solution. 90 % of the study patients in 0.5 % ropivacaine group reported pain corresponding to VAS ≥3 during bone guttering and 93.3 % patients reported pain corresponding to VAS >4 during tooth elevation. None of the patients in 0.75 % ropivacaine group reported VAS >3 at any stage of the surgical procedure. The duration of soft tissue anesthesia recorded with 0.75 % ropivacaine was average 287.57 ± 42.0 min. 0.75 % ropivacaine was found suitable for inferior alveolar nerve blocks in surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.

Use of Pre-Injection Diffusion of Local Anaesthetic as a Means of Reducing Needle Penetration Discomfort

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nuket Sandalli

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Aim: To determine if pre-injection diffusion of local anaesthetic solution influences the discomfort of needle penetration in the palate. Methods: A placebo-controlled, randomised, doubleblind split-mouth investigation was conducted. 25 healthy adult volunteers were recruited and each received two needle penetrations in a random order during one visit. The penetration sites were 1 cm from the gingival margin of the first maxillary premolars on each side of the mouth. 30 gauge-13 mm needles which were attached to syringes that contained either 2% lidocaine with 0.125mg/ml epinephrine or physiological saline were used. For each penetration an operator encouraged a drop of solution to appear at the end of the needle and placed this drop with the bevel of the needle flat on the palate for 20 seconds. The discomfort was noted on a 100 mm visual analogue scale with end points marked “No pain” and “Unbearable pain”. Results: There was no significant difference in penetration discomfort between solutions, (mean VAS = 26.80±19.36mm for lidocaine and 26.20±18.39mm for saline however the 2nd penetration was significantly more uncomfortable than the first (mean VAS = 31.00±19.84 mm and 22.00±16.65 mm respectively. Conclusion: Pre-injection diffusion of local anaesthetic solution did not influence the discomfort of needle penetration in the palate.

A prospective cohort study comparing the VAS spine score and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire in patients with a type A traumatic thoracolumbar spinal fracture

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Siebenga, J.; Leferink, V. J. M.; Segers, M. J. M.; Elzinga, M. J.; Bakker, F. C.; Ten, Duis H. J.; Rommens, P. M.; Patka, P.

The Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ-24) and the VAS spine score have been regularly used to measure functional outcome in patients with back pain. The RMDQ-24 is primarily used in degenerative disease of the spine and the VAS Spine is used in trauma patients. The aim of this study is to

VAS operational procedures and results at the Kansas City Satellite Field Services Station

Science.gov (United States)

Heckman, B.; Carle, W.; Anthony, R.

1983-01-01

An operational assessment of VAS data by using a Man-computer Interactive Data Access System (McIDAS) terminal linked by a 9600 band telephone line is discussed. Seven hours of VAS data were processed and edited daily. Data was scheduled 16 hours a day, 7 days a week; however, during this time period there were very few days with 16 hours of data to evalute. The McIDAS terminal, which has 10 display frames and 5 graphics, provide access to the sounding data processed. These data are processed using two procedures. The dwell sounding data are generated by using all 12 spectral channels with a spin budget of 39. To provide coverage for most of the United States, soundings are made starting at 18 minutes after the hour from approximately 49 deg N to 36 deg N and at 48 minutes after the hour from 36 deg N to 26 deg N. The dwell imaging mode uses 11 channels but the spin budge is 17. With the reduced spin budget, retrievals can be made at 18 or 48 minutes after the hour for approximately 44 deg N to 27 deg N. With these constraints a schedule, of data sets was proposed to use the schedule and how the data set could be used are shown.

Definition of Nonresponse to Analgesic Treatment of Arthritic Pain: An Analytical Literature Review of the Smallest Detectable Difference, the Minimal Detectable Change, and the Minimal Clinically Important Difference on the Pain Visual Analog Scale

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Melissa E. Stauffer

2011-01-01

Full Text Available Our objective was to develop a working definition of nonresponse to analgesic treatment of arthritis, focusing on the measurement of pain on the 0–100 mm pain visual analog scale (VAS. We reviewed the literature to assess the smallest detectable difference (SDD, the minimal detectable change (MDC, and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID. The SDD for improvement reported in three studies of rheumatoid arthritis was 18.6, 19.0, and 20.0. The median MDC was 25.4 for 7 studies of osteoarthritis and 5 studies of rheumatoid arthritis (calculated for a reliability coefficient of 0.85. The MCID increased with increasing baseline pain score. For baseline VAS tertiles defined by scores of 30–49, 50–65, and >65, the MCID for improvement was, respectively, 7–11 units, 19–27 units, and 29–37 units. Nonresponse can thus be defined in terms of the MDC for low baseline pain scores and in terms of the MCID for high baseline scores.

Intravenous paracetamol versus dexketoprofen in acute migraine attack in the emergency department: a randomised clinical trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Turkcuer, Ibrahim; Serinken, Mustafa; Eken, Cenker; Yilmaz, Atakan; Akdag, Ömer; Uyan, Emrah; Kiray, Cihan; Elicabuk, Hayri

2014-03-01

Migraine is a common form of headache that is a major burden for patients who often seek emergency care. The goal of this study was to compare the effectiveness of intravenous non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (dexketoprofen) with paracetamol (acetaminophen) in the treatment of an acute migraine attack. This prospective, randomised, double blind, controlled study was conducted in a tertiary care emergency unit. Study patients were randomised into two groups to receive either 50 mg of dexketoprofen trometamol or 1000 mg of paracetamol intravenously by rapid infusion in 150 mL of normal saline. Pain reduction was measured at baseline, and after 15 and 30 min, using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)) as the primary outcome. VAS is a measurement tool ranging from 0 (no pain) to 100 mm (worst pain). 200 patients were included in the final analysis. Mean (SD) age of the study subjects was 30.1 ± 11 years and 81% (n=162) were women. Median reduction in VAS score at 30 min was 56 (IQR 30-78.5) for the paracetamol group and 55 (IQR 34-75) for the dexketoprofen group, with a difference of 1 mm (95% CI -7 to 10) between the two groups. Intravenous paracetamol and dexketoprofen appear to produce equivalent pain relief for migraine in the emergency department. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV NO: NCT01730326.

Rococo study: a real-world evaluation of an over-the-counter medicine in acute cough (a multicentre, randomised, controlled study).

Science.gov (United States)

Birring, S S; Brew, J; Kilbourn, A; Edwards, V; Wilson, R; Morice, A H

2017-01-16

To investigate the efficacy and safety of CS1002, an over-the-counter cough treatment containing diphenhydramine, ammonium chloride and levomenthol in a cocoa-based demulcent. A multicentre, randomised, parallel group, controlled, single-blinded study in participants with acute upper respiratory tract infection-associated cough. 4 general practitioner (GP) surgeries and 14 pharmacies in the UK. Participants aged ≥18 years who self-referred to a GP or pharmacist with acute cough of <7 days' duration. Participant inclusion criterion was cough severity ≥60 mm on a 0-100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Exclusion criteria included current smokers or history of smoking within the past 12 months (including e-cigarettes). 163 participants were randomised to the study (mean participant age 38 years, 57% females). Participants were randomised to CS1002 (Unicough) or simple linctus (SL), a widely used cough treatment, and treatment duration was 7 days or until resolution of cough. The primary analysis was intention-to-treat (157 participants) and comprised cough severity assessed using a VAS after 3 days' treatment (prespecified primary end point at day 4). Cough frequency, sleep disruption, health status (Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ-acute)) and cough resolution were also assessed. At day 4 (primary end point), the adjusted mean difference (95% CI) in cough severity VAS between CS1002 and SL was -5.9 mm (-14.4 to 2.7), p=0.18. At the end of the study (day 7) the mean difference in cough severity VAS was -4.2 mm (-12.2 to 3.9), p=0.31. CS1002 was associated with a greater reduction in cough sleep disruption (mean difference -11.6 mm (-20.6 to 2.7), p=0.01) and cough frequency (mean difference -8.1 mm (-16.2 to 0.1), p=0.05) compared with SL. There was greater improvement in LCQ-acute quality of life scores with CS1002 compared with SL: mean difference (95% CI) 1.2 (0.05 to 2.36), p=0.04 after 5 days' treatment. More participants prematurely

R245fa Flow Boiling inside a 4.2 mm ID Microfin Tube

Science.gov (United States)

Longo, G. A.; Mancin, S.; Righetti, G.; Zilio, C.

2017-11-01

This paper presents the R245fa flow boiling heat transfer and pressure drop measurements inside a mini microfin tube with internal diameter at the fin tip of 4.2 mm, having 40 fins, 0.15 mm high with a helix angle of 18°. The tube was brazed inside a copper plate and electrically heated from the bottom. Sixteen T-type thermocouples are located in the copper plate to monitor the wall temperature. The experimental measurements were carried out at constant mean saturation temperature of 30 °C, by varying the refrigerant mass velocity between 100 kg m-2 s-1 and 300 kg m-2 s-1, the vapour quality from 0.15 to 0.95, at two different heat fluxes: 30 and 60 kW m-2. The experimental results are presented in terms of two-phase heat transfer coefficient, onset dryout vapour quality, and frictional pressure drop. Moreover, the experimental measurements are compared against the most updated models for boiling heat transfer coefficient and frictional pressure drop estimations available in the open literature for microfin tubes.

A hydrological emulator for global applications - HE v1.0.0

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Yaling; Hejazi, Mohamad; Li, Hongyi; Zhang, Xuesong; Leng, Guoyong

2018-03-01

While global hydrological models (GHMs) are very useful in exploring water resources and interactions between the Earth and human systems, their use often requires numerous model inputs, complex model calibration, and high computation costs. To overcome these challenges, we construct an efficient open-source and ready-to-use hydrological emulator (HE) that can mimic complex GHMs at a range of spatial scales (e.g., basin, region, globe). More specifically, we construct both a lumped and a distributed scheme of the HE based on the monthly abcd model to explore the tradeoff between computational cost and model fidelity. Model predictability and computational efficiency are evaluated in simulating global runoff from 1971 to 2010 with both the lumped and distributed schemes. The results are compared against the runoff product from the widely used Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model. Our evaluation indicates that the lumped and distributed schemes present comparable results regarding annual total quantity, spatial pattern, and temporal variation of the major water fluxes (e.g., total runoff, evapotranspiration) across the global 235 basins (e.g., correlation coefficient r between the annual total runoff from either of these two schemes and the VIC is > 0.96), except for several cold (e.g., Arctic, interior Tibet), dry (e.g., North Africa) and mountainous (e.g., Argentina) regions. Compared against the monthly total runoff product from the VIC (aggregated from daily runoff), the global mean Kling-Gupta efficiencies are 0.75 and 0.79 for the lumped and distributed schemes, respectively, with the distributed scheme better capturing spatial heterogeneity. Notably, the computation efficiency of the lumped scheme is 2 orders of magnitude higher than the distributed one and 7 orders more efficient than the VIC model. A case study of uncertainty analysis for the world's 16 basins with top annual streamflow is conducted using 100 000 model simulations, and it demonstrates

Electrochemical investigations and characterization of a metal hydride alloy (MmNi3.6Al0.4Co0.7Mn0.3) for nickel metal hydride batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Begum, S. Nathira; Muralidharan, V.S.; Basha, C. Ahmed

2009-01-01

The use of new hydrogen absorbing alloys as negative electrodes in rechargeable batteries has allowed the consideration of nickel/metal hydride (Ni/MH) batteries to replace the conventional nickel cadmium alkaline or lead acid batteries. In this study the performance of trisubstituted hydrogen storage alloy (MmNi 3.6 Al 0.4 Co 0.7 Mn 0.3 ) electrodes used as anodes in Ni/MH secondary batteries were evaluated. MH electrodes were prepared and the electrochemical utilization of the active material was investigated. Cyclic voltammetric technique was used to analyze the beneficial effect of the alloy by various substitutions. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurements of the Ni/MH battery were made at various states of depth of discharge. The effect of temperature on specific capacity is studied and specific capacity as a function of discharge current density was also studied and the results were analyzed. The alloy metal hydride electrode was subjected to charge/discharge cycle for more than 200 cycles. The discharge capacities of the alloy remains at 250 mAh/g with a nominal fading in capacity (to the extent of ∼20 mAh/g) on prolonged cycling

The relationship between fear and pain levels during needle procedures in children from the parents' perspective.

Science.gov (United States)

Hedén, L; von Essen, L; Ljungman, G

2016-02-01

The primary objective was to determine the levels of and potential relationships between procedure-related fear and pain in children. Secondary objectives were to determine if there are associations between the child's age and sex, diagnostic group, time since diagnosis, time since last needle insertion, cortisol levels and the parent's fear level in relation to fear and pain. The child's level of pain and fear was reported by parents on 0-100 mm visual analogue scales (VAS). One hundred and fifty-one children were included consecutively when undergoing routine needle insertion into a subcutaneously implanted intravenous port. All children were subjected to one needle insertion following topical anaesthesia (EMLA) application. The effect of the child's age and sex, diagnostic group, time since diagnosis, time since last needle insertion, cortisol change levels and the parent's fear level, on fear and pain levels was investigated with multiple regression analysis. The needle-related fear level (VAS mean 28 mm) was higher than the needle-related pain level (VAS mean 17 mm) when topical anaesthesia is used according to parents' reports (n = 151, p fear as the dependent variable, age and pain were significantly associated and explained 33% of the variance, and with pain as the dependent variable, fear, parents' fear and change in cortisol level were significantly associated and explained 38% of the variance. According to parents, children experienced more fear than pain during needle insertion when topical anaesthesia is used. Therefore, in addition to pain management, an extended focus on fear-reducing interventions is suggested for needle procedures. © 2015 European Pain Federation - EFIC®

Heteroepitaxial growth of In{sub 0.30}Ga{sub 0.70}As high-electron mobility transistor on 200 mm silicon substrate using metamorphic graded buffer

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kohen, David, E-mail: david.kohen@asm.com; Nguyen, Xuan Sang; Made, Riko I; Lee, Kwang Hong; Lee, Kenneth Eng Kian [Low Energy Electronic Systems IRG (LEES), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602 (Singapore); Yadav, Sachin; Kumar, Annie; Gong, Xiao; Yeo, Yee Chia [National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore 119077 (Singapore); Heidelberger, Christopher [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 (United States); Yoon, Soon Fatt [Low Energy Electronic Systems IRG (LEES), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602 (Singapore); School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798 (Singapore); Fitzgerald, Eugene A. [Low Energy Electronic Systems IRG (LEES), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, 1 CREATE Way, Singapore 138602 (Singapore); Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 (United States)

2016-08-15

We report on the growth of an In{sub 0.30}Ga{sub 0.70}As channel high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) on a 200 mm silicon wafer by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy. By using a 3 μm thick buffer comprising a Ge layer, a GaAs layer and an InAlAs compositionally graded strain relaxing buffer, we achieve threading dislocation density of (1.0 ± 0.3) × 10{sup 7} cm{sup −2} with a surface roughness of 10 nm RMS. No phase separation was observed during the InAlAs compositionally graded buffer layer growth. 1.4 μm long channel length transistors are fabricated from the wafer with I{sub DS} of 70 μA/μm and g{sub m} of above 60 μS/μm, demonstrating the high quality of the grown materials.

A comparison of pain experienced by patients treated with labial and lingual orthodontic appliances.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Abby K Y; McGrath, Colman; Wong, Ricky W K; Wiechmann, D; Rabie, A Bakr M

2010-08-01

The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to compare pain experiences among Chinese adult patients treated with labial and lingual orthodontic appliances. Sixty patients, 30 with labial appliances (18 females and 12 males, mean age 20.33 years, SD +/- 4.205) and 30 with lingual appliances (22 females and 8 males, mean age 21.63 years, SD +/- 2.236), rated their overall pain experience on a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) at three time points: 1 week (T(1)), 1 month (T(2)), and 3 months (T(3)) after bracket placement. In addition, on a separate 100 mm VAS, they rated their pain experience at the locations of the tongue, lips, cheeks, gums, face, and jaw at T(1), T(2), and T(3). Changes in pain VAS were conducted using Friedman analysis of variance, area under the curve (AUC) analysis and the data were compared using a t-test. There was no significant difference in global ratings of pain among those treated with labial or lingual appliances (P > 0.05). Among both groups, global ratings of pain decreased over the study period (P appliances reported higher ratings of tongue pain (P appliances reported higher ratings of lip (P appliances rate similarly the level of overall pain they experience during treatment. Ratings of overall pain experienced decreased for both treatment groups with time. However, ratings of pain differed at various sites with respect to the type of orthodontic appliance. These findings have implications in informing patients' treatment decision-making processes regarding labial and lingual appliances and in the management of discomfort associated with different treatment modalities.

Comparative Evaluation of Anesthetic Efficacy of 2% Lidocaine, 4% Articaine, and 0.5% Bupivacaine on Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind Clinical Trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Aggarwal, Vivek; Singla, Mamta; Miglani, Sanjay

2017-01-01

To compare the anesthetic efficacy of 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, and 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine on producing inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. A total of 91 adult patients who were actively experiencing mandibular molar pain were involved in this study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups on the basis of the anesthetic solution used. The first group received IANB with 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, the second group received IANB with 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, and the third group received IANB with 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine. After 15 minutes of IANB, conventional endodontic access preparation was started. The pain during the treatment was noted on a Heft-Parker visual analog scale (HP VAS). The primary outcome measure was anesthetic success, and anesthesia was considered successful if the patient reported no pain or weak/mild pain (HP VAS score .05). The 2% lidocaine solution used for IANB had similar success rates when compared with 4% articaine and 0.5% bupivacaine.

Density Functional Calculation of the 0.5ML-Terminated Allyl Mercaptan/Si(100)-(2 × 1) Surface

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chun-Mei, Tang; Kai-Ming, Deng; Xuan, Chen; Chuan-Yun, Xiao; Yu-Zhen, Liu; Qun-Xiang, Li

2009-01-01

The structural and electronic properties of the 0.5 ML-terminated allyl mercaptan (ALM)/Si(100)-(2 × 1) surface are studied using the density functional method. The calculated absorption energy of the ALM molecule on the 0.5 ML-terminated ALM/Si(100)-(2 × 1) surface is 3.36 eV, implying that adsorption is strongly favorable. The electronic structure calculations show that the ALM/Si(100)-(2 × 1), the clean Si(100)-(2 × 1), and the fully-terminated H/Si(100)-(2 × 1) surfaces have the nature of an indirect band gap semiconductor. The highest occupied molecular orbital is dominated by the ALM, confirming the mechanism proposed by Hossain for its chain reaction. (condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties)

pKI values of prazosin and idazoxan for receptors stimulated by neuronally released transmitter in the epididymal portion of rat isolated vas deferens.

OpenAIRE

Mackay, D.; Kengatharan, M.

1994-01-01

1. A new method has been used to measure pKI values of prazosin and idazoxan against neuronally-released transmitter in the epididymal portion of the rat isolated vas deferens. The most reproducible results were obtained with a prolonged antagonist equilibration time (1 h). 2. Under these conditions the pKI of prazosin was practically unaffected by addition of alpha, beta-methylene-adenosine-5'-triphosphate (10 microM) to desensitize purinoceptors. Addition of desmethylimipramine (DMI) (0.3 m...

Spa therapy and balneotherapy for treating low back pain: meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Science.gov (United States)

Pittler, M H; Karagülle, M Z; Karagülle, M; Ernst, E

2006-07-01

Low back pain is a major public health concern and complementary treatments are frequently used for this condition. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the evidence for or against the effectiveness of spa therapy and balneotherapy for treating low back pain. Systematic searches were conducted on Medline, Embase, Amed Cochrane Central, the UK National Research Register and ClincalTrials.gov (all until July 2005). Hand searches were performed and experts contacted. Methodological quality was assessed using a standard scale. Five randomized clinical trials met all inclusion criteria. Quantitative data synthesis was performed. The data for spa therapy, assessed on a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS), suggest significant beneficial effects compared with waiting list control groups (weighted mean difference 26.6 mm, 95% confidence interval 20.4-32.8, n=442) for patients with chronic low back pain. For balneotherapy the data, assessed on a 100 mm VAS, also suggest beneficial effects compared with control groups (weighted mean difference 18.8 mm, 95% confidence interval 10.3-27.3, n=138). Even though the data are scarce, there is encouraging evidence suggesting that spa therapy and balneotherapy may be effective for treating patients with low back pain. These data are not compelling but warrant rigorous large-scale trials.

Comparison of two systems for rigidly connecting 2.0-mm bone screws to an implantable device : in vitro stability testing

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Loon, JP; de Bont, LGM; Verkerke, GJ

The stability of a screw-fixed implantable device can be improved by eliminating the freedom of movement between the screws and the device. Two systems have been developed for rigidly connecting 2.0-mm bone screws to an implantable device, and the aim of this study was to test and compare the

P2X1 receptors localized in lipid rafts mediate ATP motor responses in the human vas deferens longitudinal muscles.

Science.gov (United States)

Donoso, María Verónica; Norambuena, Andrés; Navarrete, Camilo; Poblete, Inés; Velasco, Alfredo; Huidobro-Toro, Juan Pablo

2014-02-01

To assess the role of the P2X1 receptors (P2X1R) in the longitudinal and circular layers of the human vas deferens, ex vivo-isolated strips or rings were prepared from tissue biopsies to record isometric contractions. To ascertain its membrane distribution, tissue extracts were analyzed by immunoblotting following sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation. ATP, alpha,beta-methylene ATP, or electrical field stimulation elicited robust contractions of the longitudinal layer but not of the circular layer which demonstrated inconsistent responses. Alpha,beta-methylene ATP generated stronger and more robust contractions than ATP. In parallel, prostatic segments of the rat vas deferens were examined. The motor responses in both species were not sustained but decayed within the first minute, showing desensitization to additional applications. Cross-desensitization was established between alpha,beta-methylene ATP or ATP-evoked contractions and electrical field stimulation-induced contractions. Full recovery of the desensitized motor responses required more than 30 min and showed a similar pattern in human and rat tissues. Immunoblot analysis of the human vas deferens extracts revealed a P2X1R oligomer of approximately 200 kDa under nonreducing conditions, whereas dithiothreitol-treated extracts showed a single band of approximately 70 kDa. The P2X1R was identified in ultracentrifugation fractions containing 15%-29% sucrose; the receptor localized in the same fractions as flotillin-1, indicating that it regionalized into smooth muscle lipid rafts. In conclusion, ATP plays a key role in human vas deferens contractile responses of the longitudinal smooth muscle layer, an effect mediated through P2X1Rs.

[Post-operative pain after ultrasound transversus abdominis plane block versus trocar site infiltration in laparoscopic nephrectomy: a prospective study].

Science.gov (United States)

Araújo, Ana M; Guimarães, Joana; Nunes, Catarina S; Couto, Paula S; Amadeu, Eduarda

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is useful in reducing post-operative pain in laparoscopic nephrectomy compared to placebo. The purpose of this work is to compare post-operative pain and recovery after TAP block or trocar site infiltration (TSI) in this surgery. A prospective, single blinded study on patients scheduled for laparoscopic nephrectomy. Patients were assigned to two groups: TSI Group: trocar site infiltration at the end of surgery; TAP Group: unilateral ultrasound-guided TAP block after induction. Sevoflurane and remifentanil, in a target controlled infusion mode, were used for maintenance of general anesthesia. Before the end of surgery paracetamol, tramadol and morphine were administered. Visual analogue scale (VAS 0-100mm) at rest and with cough was applied in three moments: in recovery room (T1 at admission and T2 before discharge) and 24h after surgery (T3). Pain scores with incentive spirometer were also evaluated at T3. In recovery, morphine was administered as a rescue drug whenever VAS>30mm. Time to oral intake, chair sitting, ambulation and length of hospital stay were evaluated 24h after surgery. Student's t-test and Chi-square test, and linear regression models. A p-value0.05). VAS at rest (TAP vs. TSI groups) was: T1=33±29 vs. 39±32, T2=10±9 vs. 17±18 and T3=7±12 vs. 10±18. VAS with cough (TAP vs. TSI groups) was: T1=51±34 vs. 45±32, T2=24±24 vs. 33±23 and T3=20±23 vs. 23±23. VAS with incentive spirometer (TAP vs. TSI groups) was: T3=21±27 vs. 21±25. Intraoperative remifentanil consumption was similar between TAP (0.16±0.07mcg.kg -1 .min -1 ) and TSI (0.18±0.9mcg.kg -1 .min -1 ) groups. There were no differences in opioid consumption between TAP (4.4±3.49mg) and TSI (6.87±4.83mg) groups during recovery. Functional recovery parameters were not statistically different between groups. Multimodal analgesia with TAP block did not show a significant clinical benefit compared with trocar site infiltration in laparoscopic

Post-operative pain after ultrasound transversus abdominis plane block versus trocar site infiltration in laparoscopic nephrectomy: a prospective study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ana M. Araújo

Full Text Available Abstract Background Transversus abdominis plane (TAP block is useful in reducing post-operative pain in laparoscopic nephrectomy compared to placebo. The purpose of this work is to compare post-operative pain and recovery after TAP block or trocar site infiltration (TSI in this surgery. Methods A prospective, single blinded study on patients scheduled for laparoscopic nephrectomy. Patients were assigned to two groups: TSI Group: trocar site infiltration at the end of surgery; TAP Group: unilateral ultrasound-guided TAP block after induction. Sevoflurane and remifentanil, in a target controlled infusion mode, were used for maintenance of general anesthesia. Before the end of surgery paracetamol, tramadol and morphine were administered. Visual analogue scale (VAS 0-100 mm at rest and with cough was applied in three moments: in recovery room (T1 at admission and T2 before discharge and 24 h after surgery (T3. Pain scores with incentive spirometer were also evaluated at T3. In recovery, morphine was administered as a rescue drug whenever VAS > 30 mm. Time to oral intake, chair sitting, ambulation and length of hospital stay were evaluated 24 h after surgery. Statistical analysis: Student's t-test and Chi-square test, and linear regression models. A p-value 0.05. VAS at rest (TAP vs. TSI groups was: T1 = 33 ± 29 vs. 39 ± 32, T2 = 10 ± 9 vs. 17 ± 18 and T3 = 7 ± 12 vs. 10 ± 18. VAS with cough (TAP vs. TSI groups was: T1 = 51 ± 34 vs. 45 ± 32, T2 = 24 ± 24 vs. 33 ± 23 and T3 = 20 ± 23 vs. 23 ± 23. VAS with incentive spirometer (TAP vs. TSI groups was: T3 = 21 ± 27 vs. 21 ± 25. Intraoperative remifentanil consumption was similar between TAP (0.16 ± 0.07 mcg.kg-1.min-1 and TSI (0.18 ± 0.9 mcg.kg-1.min-1 groups. There were no differences in opioid consumption between TAP (4.4 ± 3.49 mg and TSI (6.87 ± 4.83 mg groups during recovery. Functional recovery parameters were not statistically different between groups. Conclusions Multimodal

[Prospective comparison of the new indentation tonometer TGdC-01, the non-contact tonometer PT100 and the conventional Goldmann applanation tonometer].

Science.gov (United States)

Müller, A; Godenschweger, L; Lang, G E; Kampmeier, J

2004-09-01

This study aimed to compare the results of newer tonometric techniques with standard tonometry for the examples of the Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), the indentation tonometer "TGDc-01" and the non-contact tonometer "PT 100". The study was conducted on a total of 52 healthy subjects. The IOP was measured in each subject on both eyes with all three methods. There were 27 males (51.9 %), 25 females (48.1 %) with an average age of 28.5 years, with a minimum of 13 and a maximum of 79 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the non-contact and the Goldmann applanation tonometry. The measurements were 0.4 mmHg lower, no difference for the left or right side was seen. For IOP higher than 15 mmHg - 0.88 mmHg lower and for IOP lower 15 mmHg - 0.15 mmHg. The results for the "TGDc01" were 0.82 mmHg lower than GAT, the standard deviation was a little higher with 2.9 mmHg compared to 2.67 mmHg for GAT. For IOP higher than 15 mmHg they rose up to - 2.28 mmHg, for IOP lower than 15 mmHg the results for "TGDc-01" were only - 0.2 mmHg lower. There was also an effect with respect to the side, on the right eye the difference was significant with 3.03 mmHg (p = 0.006), in contrast to the left eye with 2.69 mmHg (p = 0.235). For "TGDc01" the standard deviation was higher with 2.9 mmHg compared to 2.6 mmHg for "PT 100". The non-contact tonometer showed no clinical relevant difference compared with GAT for measuring IOP. The indentation tonometer showed differences for precision, for higher tension IOP the measurement was lower compared with GAT. There was also a significant side difference using the "TGDc-01".

Melatonin modulation of presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors located on short noradrenergic neurons of the rat vas deferens: a pharmacological characterization

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zago W.M.

1999-01-01

Full Text Available Melatonin, the pineal hormone produced during the dark phase of the light-dark cycle, modulates neuronal acetylcholine receptors located presynaptically on nerve terminals of the rat vas deferens. Recently we showed the presence of high affinity nicotine-binding sites during the light phase, and low and high affinity binding sites during the dark phase. The appearance of the low affinity binding sites was due to the nocturnal melatonin surge and could be mimicked by exposure to melatonin in vitro. The aim of the present research was to identify the receptor subtypes responsible for the functional response during the light and the dark phase. The rank order of potency of agonists was dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP = cytisine > nicotine > carbachol and DMPP = nicotine = cytisine > carbachol, during the light and dark phase, respectively, due to an increase in apparent affinity for nicotine. Mecamylamine similarly blocked the DMPP response during the light and the dark phase, while the response to nicotine was more efficiently blocked during the light phase. In contrast, methyllycaconitine inhibited the nicotine-induced response only at 21:00 h. Since a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs have low affinity for nicotine in binding assays, we suggest that a mixed population composed of a3ß4 - plus a7-bearing nAChR subtypes is present at night. This plasticity in receptor subtypes is probably driven by melatonin since nicotine-induced contraction in organs from animals sacrificed at 15:00 h and incubated with melatonin (100 pg/ml, 4 h is not totally blocked by mecamylamine. Thus melatonin, by acting directly on the short adrenergic neurons that innervate the rat vas deferens, induces the appearance of the low affinity binding site, probably an a7 nAChR subtype.

Fabrication and orientation control of highly cation-ordered epitaxial PbSc{sub 0.5}Ta{sub 0.5}O{sub 3} thin films on Si (100)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chopra, Anuj, E-mail: anujchopraiitm@gmail.com [Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, D-06120 Halle (Saale) (Germany); Faculty of Science and Technology, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede (Netherlands); Alexe, Marin [Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, D-06120 Halle (Saale) (Germany); Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL (United Kingdom); Hesse, Dietrich [Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, D-06120 Halle (Saale) (Germany)

2015-01-28

Highly cation-ordered (100) and (110)-oriented PbSc{sub 0.5}Ta{sub 0.5}O{sub 3} (PST) films were deposited on buffered Si (100) substrates using pulsed laser deposition. Switching of crystal orientation from (100) to (110) was achieved by replacing the Si (100)/ZrO2:Y2O3 (100)/CeO2 (100)/LaNiO3 (100)/PST (100) heterostructure with Si (100)/ZrO2:Y2O3 (YSZ) (100)/SrRuO3 (110)/PST (110). The out-of-plane and in-plane crystal orientation and internal microstructure of (001) and (110) PST films were analyzed in detail by X-ray diffraction, pole figure measurements, and transmission electron microscopy. XRD superstructure reflections indicate that both (100) and (110) PST films are highly cation-ordered and transmission electron microscopy measurements show nano-domains of 15 nm size. The electrical measurements show that the PST films are ferroelectric and that the ferroelectric properties are linked to the microstructure. We have demonstrated the successful integration of PST films on Si substrates with control on growth orientation; this approach can be extended to other oxides to be integrated on silicon substrates for future device applications.

Preparation of sup 125 I-creatine phosphokinase-MM

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jingxian, Su; Jingmin, Ma [Academia Sinica, Beijing, BJ (China). Inst. of Atomic Energy

1988-09-01

{sup 125}I-creatine phosphokinase-MM ({sup 125}I-CPK-MM) was prepared by {sup 125}I-labelled Bolton-Hunter reagent (HPNS). Iodinating conditions of HPNS and its conjugation to protein were studied. {sup 125}I-CPK-MM with immune activity was obtained and used to establish the {sup 125}I-CPK-MM radioimmunoassay method by the General Hospital of PLA. {sup 125}I-CPK-MM in PBS-G solution containing 0.015 mol/l ethyl mercaptan at 4-10 deg C can be used for one month.

The Diagnostic Value of Pressure Algometry for Temporomandibular Disorders

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Włodzimierz Więckiewicz

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic value of pressure algometry in temporomandibular disorders. Two hundred volunteers aged 19.3 to 27.8 (mean 21.50, SD 0.97 participated in this study. An analogue pressure algometer was used for the evaluation of muscle tenderness of the following masticatory muscles: superficial and deep parts of the masseter muscle; anterior and posterior parts of the temporal muscle; and the tissues adjacent to the lateral and dorsal part of the temporomandibular joint capsule. Each patient described the algometry result for the individual components of the masticatory motor system, by selecting each time the intensity of pain on a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS ruler. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC curve, indicating the discriminatory efficiency for asymptomatic subjects and patients with temporomandibular dysfunction according to the dysfunction Di index, was the largest for the mean pain value (AUC = 0.8572; SEM = 0.0531. The 7.4 VAS cut-off point marked 95.3% specificity for this variable in identifying healthy subjects and 58.4% sensitivity in identifying patients with symptoms of dysfunctions (accuracy 68.1%. Assuming comparable sensitivity (74.9% and specificity (74.2% for a diagnostic test, there was test accuracy of 74.5% at the 4.2 VAS cut-off point.

Design of a 10-bit 100 MSamples/s BiCMOS D/A converter

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jørgensen, Ivan Harald Holger; Tunheim, S. A.

1995-01-01

A 10-bit 100 MSamples/s current-steering D/A converter (DAC) has been designed and processed in a 0.8 μm BiCMOS process. The DAC is intended for applications using direct digital synthesis, and focus has been set on achieving a high spurious free dynamic range (SFDR). The main part of the DAC...... current cell to steer the current. At a generated frequency of fg≈0.3·fs (fs=100 MSamples/s), the simulated SFDR is larger than 60 dB. The DAC operates at 5 V, and has a power consumption of approximately 650 mW. The area of the chip-core is 2.2 mm×2.2 mm. Furthermore a measure to estimate the SFDR...... for the DAC based on short term simulations is presented. This measure seems to correspond very well with SFDR for long term simulations...

Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Extruded Mg-9Al-1Zn-1MM-0.7CaO-0.3Mn Alloy Through Pre-aging Treatment

Science.gov (United States)

Jeong, Seok Hoan; Kim, Yong Joo; Kong, Kyung Ho; Cho, Tae Hee; Kim, Young Kyun; Lim, Hyun Kyu; Kim, Won Tae; Kim, Do Hyang

2018-03-01

The effect of pre-aging treatment before extrusion has been investigated in Mg-9.0Al-1.0Zn-1MM-0.7CaO-0.3Mn alloy. The as-cast microstructure consists of α-Mg dendrite with secondary solidification phase particles, (Mg, Al)2Ca, β-Mg17Al12 and Al11RE3 at the inter-dendritic region. After extrusion, β-Mg17Al12 precipitates are present, but higher density and more homogeneous distribution in pre-aged alloy. In addition, μm-scale banded bulk β-Mg17Al12 particles are generated during extrusion. Al11RE3 particles are broken into small particles, and are aligned along the extrusion direction. (Mg, Al)2Ca particles are only slightly elongated along the extrusion direction, providing stronger particle stimulated nucleation (PSN) effect by severe deformation during extrusion. The mechanical properties can be significantly enhanced by introducing pre-aging treatment, i.e. β-Mg17Al12 precipitates provide grain refining and strengthening effects and (Mg, Al)2Ca particles provide PSN effect.

The D0 solenoid NMR magnetometer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sten Uldall Hansen; Terry Kiper; Tom Regan; John Lofgren

2002-01-01

A field monitoring system for the 2 Tesla Solenoid of the D0 detector is described. It is comprised of a very small NMR probe cabled to a DSP based signal processing board. The design magnetic field range is from 1.0 to 2.2 Tesla, corresponding to an RF frequency range of 42.57 to 93.67 MHz. The desired an accuracy is one part in 10 5 . To minimize material in the interaction region of the D0 detector, the overall thickness of the NMR probe is 4 mm, including its mounting plate, and its width is 10 mm. To minimize cable mass, 4mm diameter IMR-100A cables are used for transmitting the RF signals from a nearby patch panel 25 meters to each of four probes mounted within the bore of the solenoid. RG213U cables 45 meters long are used to send the RF from the movable counting house to the patch panel. With this setup, the detector signal voltage at the moving counting room is in the range of 250-400 mV

A hydrological emulator for global applications – HE v1.0.0

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Yaling; Hejazi, Mohamad; Li, Hongyi; Zhang, Xuesong; Leng, Guoyong

2018-01-01

While global hydrological models (GHMs) are very useful in exploring water resources and interactions between the Earth and human systems, their use often requires numerous model inputs, complex model calibration, and high computation costs. To overcome these challenges, we construct an efficient open-source and ready-to-use hydrological emulator (HE) that can mimic complex GHMs at a range of spatial scales (e.g., basin, region, globe). More specifically, we construct both a lumped and a distributed scheme of the HE based on the monthly abcd model to explore the tradeoff between computational cost and model fidelity. Model predictability and computational efficiency are evaluated in simulating global runoff from 1971 to 2010 with both the lumped and distributed schemes. The results are compared against the runoff product from the widely used Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model. Our evaluation indicates that the lumped and distributed schemes present comparable results regarding annual total quantity, spatial pattern, and temporal variation of the major water fluxes (e.g., total runoff, evapotranspiration) across the global 235 basins (e.g., correlation coefficient r between the annual total runoff from either of these two schemes and the VIC is > 0.96), except for several cold (e.g., Arctic, interior Tibet), dry (e.g., North Africa) and mountainous (e.g., Argentina) regions. Compared against the monthly total runoff product from the VIC (aggregated from daily runoff), the global mean Kling–Gupta efficiencies are 0.75 and 0.79 for the lumped and distributed schemes, respectively, with the distributed scheme better capturing spatial heterogeneity. Notably, the computation efficiency of the lumped scheme is 2 orders of magnitude higher than the distributed one and 7 orders more efficient than the VIC model. A case study of uncertainty analysis for the world's 16 basins with top annual streamflow is conducted using 100 000 model simulations, and it

Investigation of Cutting Quality of Remote DOE Laser Cutting in 0.5 mm Stainless Steel

Science.gov (United States)

Villumsen, Sigurd Lazic; Kristiansen, Morten

It has previously been shown that the stability of the remote fusion cutting (RFC) process can be increased by modifying the intensity profile of the laser by means of a diffractive optical element (DOE). This paper investigates the quality of remote DOE cutting (RDC) conducted with a 3 kW single mode fiber laser in 0.5 mm stainless steel. An automatic measurement system is used to investigate how the travel speed, focus offset and angle of incidence effect the kerf width and kerf variance. The study shows that the RDC process has a very low kerf width variance, and that the kerf width decreases with cutting speed. Furthermore, selected etched samples show a significant increase in the perpendicularity of the cuts when compared to RFC. Also, on average, the depth of the layer of molten material for RFC is 83% deeper than for RDC.

Agreement between paper and pen visual analogue scales and a wristwatch-based electronic appetite rating system (PRO-Diary©), for continuous monitoring of free-living subjective appetite sensations in 7-10 year old children.

Science.gov (United States)

Rumbold, P L S; Dodd-Reynolds, C J; Stevenson, E

2013-10-01

Electronic capture of free-living subjective appetite data can provide a more reliable alternative to traditional pen and paper visual analogue scales (P&P VAS), whilst reducing researcher workload. Consequently, the aim of this study was to explore the agreement between P&P VAS and a wristwatch-based electronic appetite rating system known as the PRO-Diary© technique, for monitoring free-living appetite sensations in 7-10 year old children. On one occasion, using a within-subject design, the 12 children (n=6 boys; n=6 girls) recorded their subjective appetite (hunger, prospective food consumption, and fullness), at two time points before lunch (11:30 and 12:00) and every 60 min thereafter until 21:00. The agreement between the P&P VAS and PRO-Diary© technique was explored using 95% limits of agreement and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) calculated using the Bland and Altman (1986) technique. For hunger, prospective food consumption and fullness, the 95% limits of agreement were -1±25 mm (95% CI: lower limit -8mm; upper limit +6mm), 0±21 mm (95% CI: lower limit -6mm; upper limit +6mm) and -6±24 mm (95% CI: lower limit -14 mm; upper limit +1mm), respectively. Given the advantages associated with electronic data capture (inexpensive; integrated alarm; data easily downloaded), we conclude that the PRO-Diary© technique is an equivalent method to employ when continuously monitoring free-living appetite sensations in 7-10 year old children, but should not be used interchangeably with P&P VAS. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Jednodenní srážkové úhrny 300 mm a více ve střední Evropě

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Munzar, Jan; Ondráček, Stanislav; Auer, I.; Dancewicz, A.; Szalai, S.

2011-01-01

Roč. 64, č. 4 (2011), s. 107-112 ISSN 0026-1173 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z30860518 Keywords : daily precipitation amount * extremes * Central Europe Subject RIV: DG - Athmosphere Sciences, Meteorology http://www.chmi.cz/portal/dt?portal_lang=cs&menu=JSPTabContainer/P3_0_Informace_pro_Vas/P3_3_Cas_met_zpravy&last=false

Use of mixed wastewaters from piggery and winery for nutrient removal and lipid production by Chlorella sp. MM3.

Science.gov (United States)

Ganeshkumar, Vimalkumar; Subashchandrabose, Suresh R; Dharmarajan, Rajarathnam; Venkateswarlu, Kadiyala; Naidu, Ravi; Megharaj, Mallavarapu

2018-05-01

The larger-scale generation of piggery and winery wastewaters and consequent eutrophication are quite alarming, necessitating the use of a cost-effective treatment. This study attempted to remediate wastewaters from piggery and winery mixed in the ratios of 20:80, 50:50, 80:20, 100:0 and 0:100, in terms of nutrient removal and subsequent lipid accumulation by soil microalga, Chlorella sp. MM3. The per cent removal of total nitrogen and phosphates by the alga from mixed wastewaters within 10-days ranged between 51 and 89 and 26-49, respectively. As determined by FTIR spectroscopy, the lipid accumulation in the microalgal cells grown in wastewater mixtures ranged between 29 and 51%. Our results suggest that Chlorella sp. MM3 could be a potential candidate for bioremediation of wastewaters derived from piggery farm and winery industry, and that mixing of these wastewaters in 20:80 ratio would be an efficient approach for phycoremediation of mineral-rich effluents and subsequent yield of fairly good amounts of biofuel. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cerenkov maser operation at lower-mm wavelengths

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Garate, E.; Cook, R.; Heim, P.; Layman, R.; Walsh, J.

1985-01-01

The basic operating principles of Cerenkov maser oscillators are briefly reviewed and the experimental performance of a 3-mm device is discussed. A power level of approximately 100 kW was achieved at 88 GHz and voltage tuning from 84 to 128 GHz on the fundamental TM 01 mode was observed. Operation on higher-order modes at frequencies up to 300--320 GHz was demonstrated, and a two-stage buncher-amplifier configuration was investigated

PI-RADS version 2: evaluation of diffusion-weighted imaging interpretation between b = 1000 and b = 1500 s mm-2.

Science.gov (United States)

Kwon, Mi-Ri; Kim, Chan Kyo; Kim, Jae-Hun

2017-11-01

To investigate the variability of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) interpretation of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2 (v2) in evaluating prostate cancer (PCa). 154 patients with PCa underwent multiparametric 3T MRI, followed by radical prostatectomy. DWI with different b values (b = 0, 100, 1000 and 1500 s mm - 2 ) was obtained. Using the PI-RADS v2, two radiologists independently scored suspicious lesions in each patient and compared DWI of b = 1000 (DWI 1000 ) with 1500 (DWI 1500 ) s mm - 2 . On DWI 1000 and DWI 1500 , the intermethod and interobserver agreements of DWI scores were excellent in all patients (κ ≥ 0.873). In each peripheral zone and transition zone DWI scores, both observers showed excellent intermethod agreement between DWI 1000 and DWI 1500 (κ ≥ 0.897), and interobserver agreement for DWI 1000 and DWI 1500 was good to excellent (κ ≥ 0.796). For estimating clinically significant cancer, the area under receiver operating characteristics curves of DWI 1000 and DWI 1500 were 0.710 and 0.724 for observer 1 (p = 0.11), and 0.649 and 0.656 for observer 2 (p = 0.12), respectively. The PI-RADS v2 scoring at 3T shows excellent agreement between DWI 1000 and DWI 1500 in evaluating PCa, with excellent inter-observer agreement. Advance in knowledge: DWI using b = 1000 s mm -2 instead of b = 1500 s mm -2 reduces examination time or image distortion, with improved the signal-to-noise ratio.

Investigation on the structure, thermodynamic and electrochemical properties of the MmNi3.55Mn0.4Al0.3Fe0.75 compound used as negative electrode in Ni–MH batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ben Moussa, M.; Abdellaoui, M.; Lamloumi, J.; Percheron Guégan, A.

2013-01-01

Highlights: •The solid–gas capacity at room temperature is equal to 3.93 H/mol. •The value pressure equilibrium is 0.024 bar. •The average radius particles decrease with number of cycles. •The hydrogen diffusion coefficient D H , increase with number of cycles. -- Abstract: The structure, thermodynamic and electrochemical properties of the hydride poly-substituted MmNi 3.55 Mn 0.4 Al 0.3 Fe 0.75 alloy used as material for negative electrode in Ni–MH batteries investigated. The solid–gas capacity and pressure equilibrium measurement at room temperature are respectively 3.93 H/mol and 0.024 bars. The chronoamperometry method shows the size of the particles (a) participating in the electrochemical reaction decrease of cycle number. The hydrogen diffusion coefficient determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) increase of the number of cycles from 3.5 × 10 −12 cm 2 s −1 before cycling to 7.29 × 10 −10 cm 2 s −1 after 13 cycles charge–decharge

Test documentation for converting TWRS baseline data from RDD-100 V3.0.2.2 to V4.0.3. Revision 1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gneiting, B.C.; Johnston, M.E.

1996-01-01

This document describes the test documentation required for converting between two versions of the RDD-100 software application, specifically version 3.0.2.2 and version 4.0.3. The area of focus in the successful conversion of the master data set between two versions of the database tool and their corresponding data structures

Ultrathin Nanosheet Assembled Sn0.91 Co0.19 S2 Nanocages with Exposed (100) Facets for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Bing; Gu, Peng; Zhang, Guangxun; Lu, Yao; Huang, Kesheng; Xue, Huaiguo; Pang, Huan

2018-02-01

Ultrathin 2D inorganic nanomaterials are good candidates for lithium-ion batteries, as well as the micro/nanocage structures with unique and tunable morphologies. Meanwhile, as a cost-effective method, chemical doping plays a vital role in manipulating physical and chemical properties of metal oxides and sulfides. Thus, the design of ultrathin, hollow, and chemical doped metal sulfides shows great promise for the application of Li-ion batteries by shortening the diffusion pathway of Li ions as well as minimizing the electrode volume change. Herein, ultrathin nanosheet assembled Sn 0.91 Co 0.19 S 2 nanocages with exposed (100) facets are first synthesized. The as-prepared electrode delivers an excellent discharge capacity of 809 mA h g -1 at a current density of 100 mA g -1 with a 91% retention after 60 discharge-charge cycles. The electrochemical performance reveals that the Li-ion batteries prepared by Sn 0.91 Co 0.19 S 2 nanocages have high capacity and great cycling stability. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A Double-Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial of EMLA® Cream (Eutectic Lidocaine/Prilocaine Cream) for Analgesia Prior to Cryotherapy of Plantar Warts in Adults.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Siew Hui; Pakdeethai, Janthorn; Toh, Matthias P H S; Aw, Derrick C W

2014-10-01

Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is an effective, safe and convenient form of treatment for plantar warts. EMLA® cream (eutectic mixture of lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%) is a topical local anaesthetic agent that has proven to be effective and well tolerated in the relief of pain associated with various minor interventions in numerous clinical settings. In a single-centre, double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled study, 64 subjects were randomised into 2 groups. The subjects had a thick layer of EMLA® cream or placebo cream applied to pared plantar wart(s) and onto the surrounding margin of 1 mm to 2 mm under occlusion for 60 minutes prior to receiving cryotherapy. The pain of cryotherapy was evaluated by the subjects using a self-administered Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) immediately after the cryotherapy. There was no statistical difference between the mean VAS score for EMLA® cream (47.0 ± 21.4 mm) and placebo (48.9 ± 22.0 mm). Those with more than 1 wart had a significantly higher VAS score than those with only 1 wart (59.1 ± 21.8 vs. 44.3 ± 20.4, P cryotherapy. We conclude that the application of EMLA® cream prior to cryotherapy does not reduce the pain associated with cryotherapy.

Heat Transfer Experiments with Supercritical CO{sub 2} in a Vertical Circular Tube (9.0 mm)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yoo, Tae Ho; Kim, Hwan Yeol [Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Sim, Woo Gun; Bae, Yoon Yeong [Hannam University, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2008-10-15

Heat transfer test facility, SPHINX(Supercritical Pressure Heat transfer Investigation for NeXt generation), has been operated at KAERI for an investigation of the thermal-hydraulic behaviors of supercritical CO{sub 2} at several test sections with a different geometry. The loop uses CO{sub 2} because it has critical pressure and temperature which is much lower than water. Experimental study of heat transfer to supercritical CO{sub 2} in a vertical circular tube with and inner diameter of 9.0mm has been performed. CO{sub 2} flows downward through the vertical circular tube for the simulation of the water rod which may be used for a moderation of the reactor. The heat transfer characteristics were analyzed and compared with the upward flow test results previously performed at the same test section at KAERI.

Adult and newborn rat inner retinal oxygenation during carbogen and 100% oxygen breathing. Comparison using magnetic resonance imaging delta Po2 mapping.

Science.gov (United States)

Berkowitz, B A

1996-09-01

To test the hypothesis that breathing carbogen (95% O2-5% CO2) oxygenates the inner retina better than breathing 100% oxygen using an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method that noninvasively measures inner retinal oxygenation in normal adult and newborn rats. Urethane-anesthetized adult and newborn (day 18) rats were studied. Sequential images were acquired in room air combined with either 100% oxygen or carbogen breathing. Normalized vitreous signal intensity changes were converted to oxygen tension changes (delta PO2) either on a pixel-by-pixel basis or in specific regions of interest. Systemic levels of hyperoxia during carbogen or 100% oxygen breathing were not significantly different (P > 0.05). In the adult rat, a significant difference (P = 0.017) was found in the preretinal vitreous delta PO2 during the breathing of either carbogen (130 +/- 9 mm Hg, mean +/- SEM; n = 5) or 100% oxygen (88 +/- 16 mm Hg; n = 5). Agreement was found between the MRI-determined delta PO2 values and literature oxygen microelectrodes data. In the newborn rat, significant differences (P delta PO2 were found during carbogen (164 +/- 23 mm Hg; n = 3) and oxygen breathing (91 +/- 8 mm Hg; n = 3). MRI delta PO2 mapping demonstrated for the first time that in the normal adult and newborn rat eye, carbogen breathing oxygenates the inner retina better than 100% oxygen breathing.

Viscous behavior of (Sn61.9Pb38.1)100-xREx (x=0, 0.1, 0.3, 1 wt%) solder alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu Yuqin; Bian Xiufang; Zhao Yan; Li Xuelian; Zhang Yanning; Tian Yongsheng; Lv Xiaoqian

2008-01-01

The viscous behavior of (Sn 61.9 Pb 38.1 ) 100-x RE x (x=0, 0.1, 0.3, 1 wt%) solder alloys has been investigated by a torsional oscillation viscometer. The structural transition temperature T ' increases with increasing addition of RE elements. Above T ' , the viscosities of melts increase with increasing addition of RE, and are fitted well with the Arrhenius equation. The time dependence of viscosity at the measured temperature below T ' follows the exponential relaxation function and reflects the process of the structural transition in the melt, which can be considered as the thermodynamic equilibrium process. The thermodynamic equilibrium relaxation time τ eq increases with both the equilibrium viscosity η eq and the discrepancy in viscosity (Δη), between the initial state and the equilibrium state. However, it decreases with the measured temperature T. The size of clusters in the melts increases with increasing of viscosity and is restricted by the thermodynamic equilibrium conditions

Characterization of hepatic lesions (≤30 mm) with liver-specific contrast agents: A comparison between ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takahashi, Masanori, E-mail: machat1215@yahoo.co.jp [Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670 (Japan); Maruyama, Hitoshi, E-mail: maru-cib@umin.ac.jp [Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670 (Japan); Shimada, Taro, E-mail: bobtaro51@yahoo.co.jp [Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670 (Japan); Kamezaki, Hidehiro, E-mail: ugn29814@yahoo.co.jp [Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670 (Japan); Sekimoto, Tadashi, E-mail: tad_sekimoto@yahoo.co.jp [Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670 (Japan); Kanai, Fumihiko, E-mail: kanaif@faculty.chiba-u.jp [Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670 (Japan); Yokosuka, Osamu, E-mail: yokosukao@faculty.chiba-u.jp [Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670 (Japan)

2013-01-15

Purpose: Imaging-based differentiation of hepatic lesions (≤30 mm) between well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas (w-HCC) and regenerative nodules (RN) presents difficulties. The aim was to compare the diagnostic abilities to differentiate w-HCC from RN using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) both with liver-specific contrast agents. Materials and methods: This prospective study included 67 pathologically proven hepatic lesions (17.5 ± 5.4 mm, 54 w-HCCs, 13 RNs) in 56 patients with chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis (male 40, female 16; 29–79y). Hepatic-arterial/liver-specific phase enhancements were assessed quantitatively by ultrasound with perflubutane microbubble agent and MRI with gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine with respect to the histological findings. Results: Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of hepatic-arterial phase hyper-enhancement for w-HCC were 59.3%, 100% and 67.2% by ultrasound and 46.3%, 100% and 56.7% by MRI without significant difference. Meanwhile, those of liver-specific-phase hypo-enhancement for w-HCC were 44.4%, 100% and 55.2% by ultrasound and 87.0% (p < 0.0001), 46.2% (p = 0.0052) and 79.1% (p = 0.0032) by MRI. Diagnostic accuracies for w-HCC by area under the receiver operating characteristic curves were higher in the hepatic-arterial phase in ultrasound (0.8316) than MRI (0.6659, p = 0.0101) and similar in the liver-specific phase in ultrasound (0.7225) and MRI (0.7347, p = 0.8814). Conclusions: Hypervascularity is a significant feature which distinguishes w-HCC from RN, and ultrasound exerts a beneficial impact better than MRI for such characterization. However, both imaging have comparable abilities in the characterization of non-hypervascular lesions, compensating mutually for the poor sensitivity of ultrasound and the poor specificity of MRI in the liver-specific phase.

Emittance measuring unit for 100% duty factor linac injector beams

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shubaly, M R; Pachner, J Jr; Ormrod, J H; Ungrin, J; Schriber, S O [ed.

1976-11-01

A description is given of a system to measure the emittance of a 750 keV 100 mA dc proton beam suitable for injection into a 100% duty factor linear accelerator. A relatively slowly pulsed 45/sup 0/ magnet switches the beam to a beam dump inside the emittance measuring unit for approx. 10 s. A fast pulsed 5/sup 0/ magnet then deflects the beam to a multiple aperture ''pepper-pot'' plate for 300 ..mu..s. Beamlets passing through the plate travel 520 mm and produce a pattern on a scintillator screen. A photograph of the pattern is analyzed to determine beam emittance. Preliminary results on low current beams show a gross increase in the emittance in the horizontal plane.

A Piezoelectric Micromotor with a Stator of φ=1.6 mm and l=4 mm Using Bulk PZT

Science.gov (United States)

Cagatay, Serra; Koc, Burhanettin; Moses, Paul; Uchino, Kenji

2004-04-01

The smallest discrete piezoelectric ultrasonic motor using bulk ceramics was developed. We are proposing basically a two-part motor: stator and rotor. The stator of the present motor consists of a hollow metal brass tube with outer diameter of 1.6 mm, inner diameter of 0.8 mm and length of only 4 mm with 2 PZT plates bonded onto it. Owing to the asymmetrical stator surface, two degenerated orthogonal bending modes were slightly split, resulting in a wobbling motion. Thus, the motor can be driven by a single driving source. The rotor is a spring, which is basically different from previous designs, pressed at both ends to the stator by a pair of ferrules. Consequently, the length of the whole motor assembly was reduced significantly; a final motor length of only 5 mm was obtained. The working frequency under zero load was approximately 227-233 kHz. Although the size is small, relatively high power was obtained under an optimized load condition: torque of 0.06 mNm, maximum power of 3.2 mW with a speed of 118 rad/s, and maximum efficiency of 11% under 48 Vrms at 221 kHz.

Membrane leakage and increased content of Na+ -K+ pumps and Ca2+ in human muscle after a 100-km run

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Overgaard, Kristian; Lindstrøm, Tue; Ingemann-Hansen, Thorsten

2002-01-01

content, and plasma concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). After completion of a 100-km run, significant increases were found in plasma K+ (from 4.0 +/- 0.1 to 5.5 +/- 0.2 mM, P

Long term efficacy and safety of a combined low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Robert J. Petrella

2011-03-01

Full Text Available The primary objective was to determine the efficacy of intraarticular combined hyaluronic acid versus placebo in patients with grade 1-3 medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee as evaluated through the self-paced 40 m walking pain visual analog scale (VAS at week 16, 52 and 104. Secondary objectives included pain at rest: a 10 cm VAS, patient global satisfaction using a 5-point numerical scale, consumption of concomitant medications, patients with <45 mm pain at followup 52 and 104 weeks. Safety was determined through the number of recorded adverse events. The study was designed as a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled and comparative study. 200 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of four treatment groups, to receive 3 weekly intra-articular injections of either: DMW (combined HA of different molecular weight and concentrations; HMW (high molecular weight HA; LMW (low molecular weight HA; PL (placebo, saline. Patients were assessed baseline and at week 16, 52, 104. Analyses were conducted using sigma stat (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois and Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corp, Redmond, Washington. Significance was established at P<0.05. Analysis of variance with repeated measures and c2 tests were used to test for differences from baseline characteristics of the group among the primary and secondary outcomes at each injection series interval. At 16, 52 and 104 weeks respectively, walking VAS pain was significantly improved in all treatment groups vs. Placebo: DMW (89.3%, P<0.001; 87.4%, P<0.001; 88.1%, P<0.001; LMW (81.3%, P<0.001; 78.2%, P<0.001; 77.0%, P<0.001 and HMW (79.1%, P<0.001; 81.1%, P<0.001; 79.4%, P<0.001. At 52 weeks, 8 patients in DMW group had resting VAS <45 mm. DMW had lower (62 mm, P <0.001 compared to LMW (76 mm and HMW (88 mm VAS at rest. Similar differences were observed for walking VAS 39, 41 and 43 (DMW, LMW, HMW received repeat injections. At 104 weeks, these differences were similar. DMW

Stainless Steel 2.0-mm Locking Compression Plate Osteosynthesis System for the Fixation of Comminuted Hand Fractures in Asian Adults

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hing-Cheong Wong

2011-12-01

Conclusions: The stainless steel 2.0-mm LCP is useful for the fixation of unstable comminuted hand fractures, especially in metacarpal bones, because of its advantage of better stability, which allows more aggressive rehabilitation. However, its design is not very versatile and, therefore, limits its use in the finger region. Its bulkiness frequently causes implant impingement. The patients must be informed about the chance of implant removal later.

Clerget 100 hp heavy-oil engine

Science.gov (United States)

Leglise, Pierre

1931-01-01

A complete technical description of the Clerget heavy-oil engine is presented along with the general characteristics. The general characteristics are: 9 cylinders, bore 120 mm, stroke 130 mm, four-stroke cycle engine, rated power limited to 100 hp at 1800 rpm; weight 228 kg; propeller with direct drive and air cooling. Moving parts, engine block, and lubrication are all presented.

Effect of warming anesthetic on pain perception during dental injection: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aravena PC

2018-02-01

Full Text Available Pedro Christian Aravena,1,2 Camila Barrientos,1 Catalina Troncoso,1 Cesar Coronado,3 Pamela Sotelo-Hitschfeld4 1Department of Dentistry, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; 2Department of Dental Implant Surgery, São Leopoldo Mandic School and Dental Institute, Campinas, SP, Brazil; 3Faculty of Health Science, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile; 4Department of Center for Interdisciplinary Studies on Nervous System (CISNe, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of warming anesthesia on the control of the pain produced during the administration of dental anesthesia injection and to analyze the role of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 nociceptor channels in this effect.Patients and methods: A double-blind, split-mouth randomized clinical trial was designed. Seventy-two volunteer students (22.1±2.45 years old; 51 men from the School of Dentistry at the Universidad Austral de Chile (Valdivia, Chile participated. They were each administered 0.9 mL of lidocaine HCl 2% with epinephrine 1:100,000 (Alphacaine® using two injections in the buccal vestibule at the level of the upper lateral incisor teeth. Anesthesia was administered in a hemiarch at 42°C (107.6°F and after 1 week, anesthesia was administered by randomized sequence on the contralateral side at room temperature (21°C–69.8°F at a standardized speed. The intensity of pain perceived during the injection was compared using a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS; Wilcoxon test p<0.05.Results: The use of anesthesia at room temperature produced an average VAS for pain of 35.3±16.71 mm and anesthesia at 42°C produced VAS for pain of 15±14.67 mm (p<0.001.Conclusion: The use of anesthesia at 42°C significantly reduced the pain during the injection of anesthesia compared to its use at room temperature during maxillary injections. The physiological mechanism of the

Correlação entre as escalas visual analógica, de Melbourne e filamentos de Von Frey na avaliação da dor pós-operatória em cadelas submetidas à ovariossalpingohisterectomia Correlation between visual analog scale, Melbourne pain scale and Von Frey filaments in post-operatory pain evaluation in bitches submitted to ovaryhysterectomy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Virgínia Heinze Pohl

2011-01-01

Full Text Available A avaliação da dor em animais necessita da utilização de escalas de avaliação, que dependem da interpretação realizada por observadores. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a correlação entre a escala visual analógica (EVA, escala de Melbourne e os filamentos de Von Frey, na avaliação da dor pós-operatória em 42 cadelas adultas e saudáveis, submetidas à ovariossalpingohisterectomia (OSH. A dor pós-operatória foi avaliada por dois observadores cegos aos tratamentos analgésicos, em intervalos de uma hora, utilizando a EVA, a escala de Melbourne e os filamentos de Von Frey, aplicados ao redor da incisão cirúrgica. Foram considerados como critérios para realização da analgesia resgate uma pontuação de 50mm na EVA ou de 13 pontos na escala de Melbourne. A EVA revelou-se a escala mais sensível, uma vez que 100% dos animais receberam resgate seguindo esse método. Os valores obtidos na EVA e na escala de Melbourne determinaram boa correlação, com r=0,74, o que não ocorreu com os filamentos de Von Frey (r=-0,18. Já a correlação entre a escala de Melbourne e os filamentos de Von Frey foi de -0.37. Apesar de a EVA e a escala de Melbourne apresentarem boa correlação, sugere-se que se considere uma pontuação menor na escala de Melbourne como critério para administração de analgesia resgate.Pain evaluation in animals requires the use of evaluation scales, which depend on the interpretation made by observers. The present study aimed to evaluate the correlation between visual analog scale (VAS, Melbourne pain scale and Von Frey filaments in the evaluation of post-operatory pain in fourty two healthy adult bitches submited to ovariohysterectomy. Post-operatory pain was evaluated by two observers unaware of the analgesic protocol used, in one-hour intervals, using VAS, Melbourne pain scale and Von Frey filaments, applied around the surgical wound. A score of 50mm in VAS or 13 points in the Melbourne pain scale were

Open capsular and ligament reconstruction with semitendinosus hamstring autograft successfully controls superior and posterior translation for type V acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

Science.gov (United States)

Garofalo, Raffaele; Ceccarelli, Enrico; Castagna, Alessandro; Calvisi, Vittorio; Flanagin, Brody; Conti, Marco; Krishnan, Sumant G

2017-07-01

Appropriate surgical management for type V complete acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation remains controversial. The purpose of this paper is to retrospectively report the clinical and radiographic outcomes of an open surgical technique consisting for AC joint ligamentous and capsular reconstruction using autologous hamstring tendon grafts and semi-permanent sutures. Between January 2005 and December 2011, 32 consecutive patients with symptomatic type V complete AC joint dislocation underwent surgical treatment using the same technique. The median time from injury to surgery was 45 days (range 24-90). The average median postoperative clinical and radiographic follow-up time was 30 months (range 24-33). Clinical outcomes measures included the ASES score, the visual analog score (VAS), and subjective patient satisfaction score. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. ASES score increased from a median of 38.2 ± 6.2 preoperative to 92.1 ± 4.7 postoperatively (p ≤ 0.05). The median VAS score improved from 62 mm (range 45-100 mm) preoperatively to 8 mm (range 0-20 mm) at final follow-up (p ≤ 0.05). No patient experienced pain or discomfort with either direct palpation of the AC joint or with cross-body adduction. Final radiographs demonstrated symmetric AC joint contour in 25/32 (78%) patients. Seven patients (22%) radiographically demonstrated superior translation of the distal clavicle relative to the superior margin of the acromion but less than 50% of the clavicular width. 30/32 patients (93%) were able to return to their pre-injury level of work and sports activities. This novel surgical technique using a free graft and braided suture for simultaneous coracoclavicular ligament and AC joint capsular reconstruction successfully controls superior and posterior translations after type V AC joint dislocation and minimizes the incidence of persistent postoperative AC joint subluxation. Retrospective case series, Level IV.

Differences in Lip Support with and without Labial Flanges in a Maxillary Edentulous Population - Part 3: Unblinded and Discriminatory Subjective Analysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Bidra, Avinash S; Nguyen, Viensuong; Manzotti, Anna; Kuo, Chia-Ling

2018-01-01

To study the subjective differences in direct lip support assessments and to determine if dentists and laypeople are able to discern and correctly identify direct changes in lip support between flange and flangeless dentures. A random sample of 20 maxillary edentulous patients described in part 2 of the study was used for analysis. A total of 60 judges comprising 15 general dentists, 15 prosthodontists, and 30 laypeople, the majority of who were distinct from part 2 of the study, were recruited. All images used in this study were cropped at the infraorbital level and converted to black and white tone, to encourage the judges to focus on lip support. The judges were un-blinded to the study objectives and told what to look for, and were asked to rate the lip support of each of the 80 images on a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). The judges then took a discriminatory sensory analysis test (triangle test) where they were required to correctly identify the image with a flangeless denture out of a set of 3 images. Both the VAS and triangle test ratings were conducted twice in a random order, and mean ratings were used for all analyses. The overall VAS ratings of lip support for images with flangeless dentures were slightly lower compared to images with labial flanges, and this difference was statistically significant (p differences was too small (no greater than 5 mm on a 100-mm scale) to be clinically significant or meaningful. The differences in VAS ratings were not significant between the judges. For the triangle test, judges overall correctly identified the flangeless denture image in 55% of frontal image sets and 60% of profile image sets. The difference in correct identification rate between frontal and profile images was statistically significant (p difference in correct identification rate was statistically significant between various judges (p = 0.012). For all judges, the likelihood of correctly identifying images with flangeless dentures was significantly

"Flipped classrooms" in training in maxillofacial surgery: preparation before the traditional didactic lecture?

Science.gov (United States)

Elledge, Ross; Houlton, Samantha; Hackett, Stephanie; Evans, Martin J

2018-04-28

While virtual learning environments (VLE) can be used in medical education as stand-alone educational interventions, they can also be used in preparation for traditional "face-to-face" training sessions as part of a "flipped classroom" model. We sought to evaluate the introduction of this model in a single module on maxillofacial radiology from a course on trauma skills. Course delegates were randomised into two groups: one was given access to an e-learning resource (test group) and the other attended a traditional didactic lecture (control group). Knowledge and confidence were assessed before and after the course with a 20-question single-best-answer paper and a 10-situation 100mm visual analogue scale (VAS) paper, respectively. All participants were then given free access to the VLE for 30days and were invited to take part in an e-survey. Neither group showed improvements in the single-best-answer scores, but both groups showed comparable improvements in VAS (control: median (range) values improved from 40.8 (17.7-82.5) mm to 62.8 (35.3-88.7) mm, p=0.001; test group: from 47.7 (10.9-58.1) mm to 60.5 (32.4-75.6) mm, p=0.005). Half of the respondents stated that they preferred the "flipped classroom" approach, and 22/22 stated that they would be "likely" or "very likely" to use an e-learning resource with expanded content. The "flipped classroom" approach was well received and there were comparable improvements in confidence. As maxillofacial radiology lends itself to online instruction with its reliance on the recognition of patterns, and problem-based approach to learning, a piloted e-learning resource could be developed in this area. Copyright © 2018 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparing the self-perceived quality of life of multimorbid patients and the general population using the EQ-5D-3L.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alexandra A N'Goran

Full Text Available To assess and compare the self-perceived Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL of multimorbid patients and the general population using health utilities (HU and visual analogue scale (VAS methods.We analyzed data (n = 888 from a national, cross-sectional Swiss study of multimorbid patients recruited in primary care settings. Self-perceived HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-3L instrument, composed of 1 a questionnaire on the five dimensions of mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression (EQ-5D dimensions, and 2 a 0-100 (0 = worst- and 100 = best-imaginable health status VAS. We described the EQ-5D dimensions and VAS and computed HU using a standard pan-European value set. HU and VAS are the two components of the overall HRQoL assessment. We examined the proportions of multimorbid patients reporting problems (moderate/severe in each EQ-5D dimension, corresponding proportions without problems, and mean HU and VAS values across patient characteristics. To test differences between subgroups, we used chi-square tests for dichotomous outcomes and T-tests (ANOVA if more than two groups for continuous outcomes. Finally, we compared observed and predicted HU and VAS values.All 888 participants answered every EQ-5D item. Mean (SD HU and VAS values were 0.70 (0.18 and 63.2 (19.2, respectively. HU and VAS were considerably and significantly lower in multimorbid patients than in the general population and were also lower in multimorbid patients below 60 years old and in women. Differences between observed and predicted means (SD were -0.07 (0.18 for HU and -11.8 (20.3 for VAS.Self-perceived HRQoL is considerably and significantly affected by multimorbidity. More attention should be given to developing interventions that improve the HRQoL of multimorbid patients, particularly women and those aged below 60 years old.

CT assessment-based direct surgical resection of part-solid nodules with solid component larger than 5 mm without preoperative biopsy: experience at a single tertiary hospital

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Sang Min [Seoul National University College of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Asan Medical Center, Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Park, Chang Min; Song, Yong Sub; Kim, Hyungjin; Goo, Jin Mo [Seoul National University College of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Young Tae [Seoul National University College of Medicine, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Park, Young Sik [Seoul National University Hospital, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Seoul National University College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2017-12-15

To retrospectively evaluate the feasibility of CT assessment-based direct surgical resection of part-solid nodules (PSNs) with solid components > 5 mm without preoperative percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsies (PTNBs). From January 2009-December 2014, 85 PSNs with solid components > 5 mm on CT were included. Preoperative PTNBs were performed for 41 PSNs (biopsy group) and CT assessment-based direct resections were performed for 44 PSNs (direct surgery group). Diagnostic accuracy and complication rates of the groups were compared. Pathological results of 83 PSNs excluding two indeterminate nodules included 76 adenocarcinomas (91.6%), two adenocarcinomas in situ (2.4%) and five benign lesions (6.0%). In the biopsy group, the overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma were 78.9% (30/38), 100% (1/1) and 79.5% (31/39), respectively. Pneumothorax and haemoptysis occurred in 11 procedures (26.8%). In the direct surgery group, the respective values for the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma were 100% (38/38), 0% (0/6) and 86.4% (38/44), respectively. Seven pneumothoraces (15.9%); no haemoptysis occurred during localization procedures. There were no significant differences in diagnostic accuracy (P = 0.559) between the two groups. CT assessment-based direct resection can be reasonable for PSNs with solid part > 5 mm. (orig.)

CT assessment-based direct surgical resection of part-solid nodules with solid component larger than 5 mm without preoperative biopsy: experience at a single tertiary hospital

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Sang Min; Park, Chang Min; Song, Yong Sub; Kim, Hyungjin; Goo, Jin Mo; Kim, Young Tae; Park, Young Sik

2017-01-01

To retrospectively evaluate the feasibility of CT assessment-based direct surgical resection of part-solid nodules (PSNs) with solid components > 5 mm without preoperative percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsies (PTNBs). From January 2009-December 2014, 85 PSNs with solid components > 5 mm on CT were included. Preoperative PTNBs were performed for 41 PSNs (biopsy group) and CT assessment-based direct resections were performed for 44 PSNs (direct surgery group). Diagnostic accuracy and complication rates of the groups were compared. Pathological results of 83 PSNs excluding two indeterminate nodules included 76 adenocarcinomas (91.6%), two adenocarcinomas in situ (2.4%) and five benign lesions (6.0%). In the biopsy group, the overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma were 78.9% (30/38), 100% (1/1) and 79.5% (31/39), respectively. Pneumothorax and haemoptysis occurred in 11 procedures (26.8%). In the direct surgery group, the respective values for the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma were 100% (38/38), 0% (0/6) and 86.4% (38/44), respectively. Seven pneumothoraces (15.9%); no haemoptysis occurred during localization procedures. There were no significant differences in diagnostic accuracy (P = 0.559) between the two groups. CT assessment-based direct resection can be reasonable for PSNs with solid part > 5 mm. (orig.)

Development of a 1.0 MV 100 Hz compact tesla transformer with PFL

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kang Qiang; Chang Anbi; Li Mingjia; Meng Fanbao; Su Youbin

2006-01-01

The theory and characteristic of a compact Tesla transformer are introduced, and an unitized configuration design is performed for 1.0 MV, 100 Hz Tesla transformer and 40 Ω, 40 ns pulse forming line (PFL). Two coaxial open cores in Tesla transformer serve as the inner and outer conductors of PFL, and a traditional PFL is combined with the Tesla transformer, then the pulse generator can be smaller, more efficient, and more stable. The designed compact Tesla transformer employed in electron beams accelerator CHP01 can charge PFL of 600 pF for 1.3 MV voltage at a single shot, and keep 1.15 MV at 100 Hz repeated rates. Furthermore, a continuance run in 5 seconds is achieved by Tesla transformer under voltage and frequency ratings. (authors)

Anisotropic strain relaxation in (Ba0.6Sr0.4)TiO3 epitaxial thin films

Science.gov (United States)

Simon, W. K.; Akdogan, E. K.; Safari, A.

2005-05-01

We have studied the evolution of anisotropic epitaxial strains in ⟨110⟩-oriented (Ba0.60Sr0.40)TiO3 paraelectric (m3m) thin films grown on orthorhombic (mm2) ⟨100⟩-oriented NdGaO3 by high-resolution x-ray diffractometry. All the six independent components of the three-dimensional strain tensor were measured in films with 25-1200-nm thickness, from which the principal stresses and strains were obtained. Pole figure analysis indicated that the epitaxial relations are [001]m3m‖[001]mm2 and [1¯10]m3m‖[010]mm2 in the plane of the film, and [110]m3m‖[100]mm2 along the growth direction. The dislocation system responsible for strain relief along [001] has been determined to be ∣b ∣(001)=3/4∣b∣. Strain relief along the [1¯10] direction, on the other hand, has been determined to be due to a coupled mechanism given by ∣b∣(1¯10)=∣b∣ and ∣b∣(1¯10)=√3 /4∣b∣. Critical thicknesses, as determined from nonlinear regression using the Matthews-Blakeslee equation, for misfit dislocation formation along [001] and [1¯10] direction were found to be 5 and 7 nm, respectively. The residual strain energy density was calculated as ˜2.9×106J/m3 at 25 nm, which was found to relax an order of magnitude by 200 nm. At 200 nm, the linear dislocation density along [001] and [1¯10] are ˜6.5×105 and ˜6×105cm-1, respectively. For films thicker than 600 nm, additional strain relief occurred through surface undulations, indicating that this secondary strain-relief mechanism is a volume effect that sets in upon cooling from the growth temperature.

Magnetic resonance cinematography of the fingers: a 3.0 Tesla feasibility study with comparison of incremental and continuous dynamic protocols

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Bayer, Thomas; Janka, Rolf; Uder, Michael; Roemer, Frank [University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Department of Radiology, Erlangen (Germany); Adler, Werner [University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, IMBE, Erlangen (Germany)

2017-12-15

To study the feasibility of magnetic resonance cinematography of the fingers (MRCF) with comparison of image quality of different protocols for depicting the finger anatomy during motion. MRCF was performed during a full flexion and extension movement in 14 healthy volunteers using a finger-gating device. Three real-time sequences (frame rates 17-59 images/min) and one proton density (PD) sequence (3 images/min) were acquired during incremental and continuous motion. Analyses were performed independently by three readers. Qualitative image analysis included Likert-scale grading from 0 (useless) to 5 (excellent) and specific visual analog scale (VAS) grading from 0 (insufficient) to 100 (excellent). Signal-to-noise calculation was performed. Overall percentage agreement and mean absolute disagreement were calculated. Within the real-time sequences a high frame-rate true fast imaging with steady-state free precession (TRUFI) yielded the best image quality with Likert and overall VAS scores of 3.0 ± 0.2 and 60.4 ± 25.3, respectively. The best sequence regarding image quality was an incremental PD with mean values of 4.8 ± 0.2 and 91.2 ± 9.4, respectively. Overall percentage agreement and mean absolute disagreement were 47.9 and 0.7, respectively. No statistically significant SNR differences were found between continuous and incremental motion for the real-time protocols. MRCF is feasible with appropriate image quality during continuous motion using a finger-gating device. Almost perfect image quality is achievable with incremental PD imaging, which represents a compromise for MRCF with the drawback of prolonged scanning time. (orig.)

Magnetic resonance cinematography of the fingers: a 3.0 Tesla feasibility study with comparison of incremental and continuous dynamic protocols.

Science.gov (United States)

Bayer, Thomas; Adler, Werner; Janka, Rolf; Uder, Michael; Roemer, Frank

2017-12-01

To study the feasibility of magnetic resonance cinematography of the fingers (MRCF) with comparison of image quality of different protocols for depicting the finger anatomy during motion. MRCF was performed during a full flexion and extension movement in 14 healthy volunteers using a finger-gating device. Three real-time sequences (frame rates 17-59 images/min) and one proton density (PD) sequence (3 images/min) were acquired during incremental and continuous motion. Analyses were performed independently by three readers. Qualitative image analysis included Likert-scale grading from 0 (useless) to 5 (excellent) and specific visual analog scale (VAS) grading from 0 (insufficient) to 100 (excellent). Signal-to-noise calculation was performed. Overall percentage agreement and mean absolute disagreement were calculated. Within the real-time sequences a high frame-rate true fast imaging with steady-state free precession (TRUFI) yielded the best image quality with Likert and overall VAS scores of 3.0 ± 0.2 and 60.4 ± 25.3, respectively. The best sequence regarding image quality was an incremental PD with mean values of 4.8 ± 0.2 and 91.2 ± 9.4, respectively. Overall percentage agreement and mean absolute disagreement were 47.9 and 0.7, respectively. No statistically significant SNR differences were found between continuous and incremental motion for the real-time protocols. MRCF is feasible with appropriate image quality during continuous motion using a finger-gating device. Almost perfect image quality is achievable with incremental PD imaging, which represents a compromise for MRCF with the drawback of prolonged scanning time.

Magnetic resonance cinematography of the fingers: a 3.0 Tesla feasibility study with comparison of incremental and continuous dynamic protocols

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bayer, Thomas; Janka, Rolf; Uder, Michael; Roemer, Frank; Adler, Werner

2017-01-01

To study the feasibility of magnetic resonance cinematography of the fingers (MRCF) with comparison of image quality of different protocols for depicting the finger anatomy during motion. MRCF was performed during a full flexion and extension movement in 14 healthy volunteers using a finger-gating device. Three real-time sequences (frame rates 17-59 images/min) and one proton density (PD) sequence (3 images/min) were acquired during incremental and continuous motion. Analyses were performed independently by three readers. Qualitative image analysis included Likert-scale grading from 0 (useless) to 5 (excellent) and specific visual analog scale (VAS) grading from 0 (insufficient) to 100 (excellent). Signal-to-noise calculation was performed. Overall percentage agreement and mean absolute disagreement were calculated. Within the real-time sequences a high frame-rate true fast imaging with steady-state free precession (TRUFI) yielded the best image quality with Likert and overall VAS scores of 3.0 ± 0.2 and 60.4 ± 25.3, respectively. The best sequence regarding image quality was an incremental PD with mean values of 4.8 ± 0.2 and 91.2 ± 9.4, respectively. Overall percentage agreement and mean absolute disagreement were 47.9 and 0.7, respectively. No statistically significant SNR differences were found between continuous and incremental motion for the real-time protocols. MRCF is feasible with appropriate image quality during continuous motion using a finger-gating device. Almost perfect image quality is achievable with incremental PD imaging, which represents a compromise for MRCF with the drawback of prolonged scanning time. (orig.)

Composite outcomes in 2.25-mm drug eluting stents: a systematic review

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Justin Z.; Singh, Nirmal; Ortega, Gilbert; Low, See Wei; Kanakadandi, Uday; Fortuin, F. David; Lassar, Tom; Lee, Kwan S.

2015-01-01

Background: Coronary atherosclerosis often involves small-caliber coronaries, yet the safety and efficacy of 2.25-mm DES have been poorly defined, with a general lack of separation of 2.25 with 2.5-mm performance. No randomized head-to-head 2.25 mm DES studies have been reported. There are several single-arm prospective studies, and we aim to systematically review all published specific 2.25-mm data to estimate composite DES-specific performance and highlight current knowledge gaps. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane database for clinical trials of 2.25-mm DES. Angiographic and composite clinical outcomes were compared with descriptive statistics. Results: 2.25 mm-Paclitaxel (PES), sirolimus (SES), everolimus (EES) and platinum chromium EES DES-specific outcomes have been reported. Death at 12 months for SES, PES, EES and platinum chromium EES was 1.3%, 3.0%, 1.5%, and 4.4%. Rates of target vessel revascularization at 12 months for SES, PES, EES and platinum chromium EES were 5.7%, 13.3%, 8.8%, and 3.3%. Angiographic outcomes at 9 months to one year were as follows: mean late lumen loss (LLL) for SES, PES, and EES was 0.15 ± 0.11-mm, 0.28 ± 0.11-mm, and 0.16 ± 0.41-mm and mean diameter restenosis for SES, PES, and EES were 29.5 ± 6.2%, 34.7 ± 4.2%, and 20.9 ± 22.5%. Reported stent thrombosis rates for 2.25-mm DES were low ranging from 0% to 2.2% in up to 24-months of follow-up. Conclusions: This systematic review summarizes and tabulates all available specific data on 2.25-mm DES. Based on our descriptive analysis, 2.25-mm DESs have a favorable safety and efficacy profile for the treatment of very small coronary lesions. - Highlights: • Safety and efficacy of 2.25-mm DES have been poorly defined. • We performed a systematic review on all published 2.25 mm data to estimate composite DES-specific performance and highlight current knowledge gaps. • We pooled data from 9 clinical studies and 1

Composite outcomes in 2.25-mm drug eluting stents: a systematic review

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Justin Z. [Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85724 (United States); Singh, Nirmal [Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85724 (United States); Ortega, Gilbert [College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85724 (United States); Low, See Wei; Kanakadandi, Uday [Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85724 (United States); Fortuin, F. David [Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic Arizona, 5777 East Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ, 85054 (United States); Lassar, Tom [Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85724 (United States); Lee, Kwan S., E-mail: klee@shc.arizona.edu [Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85724 (United States)

2015-06-15

Background: Coronary atherosclerosis often involves small-caliber coronaries, yet the safety and efficacy of 2.25-mm DES have been poorly defined, with a general lack of separation of 2.25 with 2.5-mm performance. No randomized head-to-head 2.25 mm DES studies have been reported. There are several single-arm prospective studies, and we aim to systematically review all published specific 2.25-mm data to estimate composite DES-specific performance and highlight current knowledge gaps. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane database for clinical trials of 2.25-mm DES. Angiographic and composite clinical outcomes were compared with descriptive statistics. Results: 2.25 mm-Paclitaxel (PES), sirolimus (SES), everolimus (EES) and platinum chromium EES DES-specific outcomes have been reported. Death at 12 months for SES, PES, EES and platinum chromium EES was 1.3%, 3.0%, 1.5%, and 4.4%. Rates of target vessel revascularization at 12 months for SES, PES, EES and platinum chromium EES were 5.7%, 13.3%, 8.8%, and 3.3%. Angiographic outcomes at 9 months to one year were as follows: mean late lumen loss (LLL) for SES, PES, and EES was 0.15 ± 0.11-mm, 0.28 ± 0.11-mm, and 0.16 ± 0.41-mm and mean diameter restenosis for SES, PES, and EES were 29.5 ± 6.2%, 34.7 ± 4.2%, and 20.9 ± 22.5%. Reported stent thrombosis rates for 2.25-mm DES were low ranging from 0% to 2.2% in up to 24-months of follow-up. Conclusions: This systematic review summarizes and tabulates all available specific data on 2.25-mm DES. Based on our descriptive analysis, 2.25-mm DESs have a favorable safety and efficacy profile for the treatment of very small coronary lesions. - Highlights: • Safety and efficacy of 2.25-mm DES have been poorly defined. • We performed a systematic review on all published 2.25 mm data to estimate composite DES-specific performance and highlight current knowledge gaps. • We pooled data from 9 clinical studies and 1

Effect of grain boundary layer strain on the magnetic and transport properties of (100-x) La0.7Ca0.3MnO3/(x) BaTiO3 composites showing enhanced magnetoresistance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bose, Esa; Taran, S.; Karmakar, S.; Chaudhuri, B.K.; Pal, S.; Sun, C.P.; Yang, H.D.

2007-01-01

A ferromagnetic/ferroelectric composite system, viz. (100-x)La 0.7 Ca 0.3 MnO 3 [LCMO]/(x) BaTiO 3 [BTO] (with x=0.0%, 1.0%, 5.0%, 7.5%, 10.0% and 15.0%, in wt%) has been synthesized and the temperature-dependent DC magnetization M(T), resistivity ρ(T), magnetoresistance (MR), and thermoelectric power S(T) have been studied. Both metal-insulator transition temperature (T MI ) and the corresponding Curie temperature (T C ) decrease whereas peak resistivity at T MI increases as x is enhanced from 0.0% to 10.0%. For x>10.0%, this trend of variation is reversed. A maximum three-fold increase of magnetoresistance (MR) is observed (for sample with x=10.0%) due to the addition of ferroelectric (non-magnetic) perovskite BTO (compared to the mother compound LCMO). Interestingly, thermoelectric power S(T) shows a pronounced depression (dip) near the magnetic transition region for the composite samples. The above results have been analyzed considering strain induced by the LCMO/BTO grain boundary layer (BL)

Oesophageal heat exchangers with a diameter of 11mm or 14.7mm are equally effective and safe for targeted temperature management.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Daniel C Schroeder

Full Text Available Targeted temperature management (TTM is widely used in critical care settings for conditions including hepatic encephalopathy, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, meningitis, myocardial infarction, paediatric cardiac arrest, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke and sepsis. Furthermore, TTM is a key treatment for patients after out-of-hospital cardiac-arrest (OHCA. However, the optimal cooling method, which is quick, safe and cost-effective still remains controversial. Since the oesophagus is adjacent to heart and aorta, fast heat-convection to the central blood-stream could be achieved with a minimally invasive oesophageal heat exchanger (OHE. To date, the optimal diameter of an OHE is still unknown. While larger diameters may cause thermal- or pressure-related tissue damage after long-term exposure to the oesophageal wall, smaller diameter (e.g., gastric tubes, up to 11mm may not provide effective cooling rates. Thus, the objective of the study was to compare OHE-diameters of 11mm (OHE11 and 14.7mm (OHE14.7 and their effects on tissue and cooling capability.Pigs were randomized to OHE11 (N = 8 or OHE14.7 (N = 8. After cooling, pigs were maintained at 33°C for 1 hour. After 10h rewarming, oesophagi were analyzed by means of histopathology. The oesophagus of four animals from a separate study that underwent exactly the identical preparation and cooling protocol described above but received a maintenance period of 24h were used as histopathological controls.Mean cooling rates were 2.8±0.4°C°C/h (OHE11 and 3.0±0.3°C °C/h (OHE14.7; p = 0.20. Occasional mild acute inflammatory transepithelial infiltrates were found in the cranial segment of the oesophagus in all groups including controls. Deviations from target temperature were 0.1±0.4°C (OHE11 and 0±0.1°C (OHE14.7; p = 0.91. Rewarming rates were 0.19±0.07°C °C/h (OHE11 and 0.20±0.05°C °C/h (OHE14.7; p = 0.75.OHE with diameters of 11 mm and 14.7 mm achieve

A ±6 ms-Accuracy, 0.68 mm2, and 2.21 μW QRS Detection ASIC

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sheng-Chieh Huang

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Healthcare issues arose from population aging. Meanwhile, electrocardiogram (ECG is a powerful measurement tool. The first step of ECG is to detect QRS complexes. A state-of-the-art QRS detection algorithm was modified and implemented to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC. By the dedicated architecture design, the novel ASIC is proposed with 0.68 mm2 core area and 2.21 μW power consumption. It is the smallest QRS detection ASIC based on 0.18 μm technology. In addition, the sensitivity is 95.65% and the positive prediction of the ASIC is 99.36% based on the MIT/BIH arrhythmia database certification.

Ultrasonography-guided Fine-needle Aspiration for Solid Thyroid Nodules Less than 5 mm in the Largest Diameter: Comparison in Diagnostic Adequacy and Accuracy According to Nodule Size

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Jang Hee; Kim, Dong Wook; Baek, Seung Hun [Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan (Korea, Republic of)

2012-03-15

This study assessed the adequacy and accuracy of ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA) of solid thyroid nodules, less than 5 mm in maximum diameter. From January to December 2009, US-FNA was performed for small solid thyroid nodules in 201 patients. Each thyroid nodule was classified into group A and B according to the largest diameter (1 mm {<=} group A < 3 mm and 3 mm {<=} group B < 5 mm). The adequacy and accuracy of US-FNA in two groups were compared using the histopathological results as a reference standard. Of the 227 thyroid nodules in 201 patients, the inadequacy of US-FNA in group A and B was 24.3% (18/74) and 13.1% (20/153), respectively, showing a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.0333, chi-square test). Eighty nodules were removed surgically in 72 patients, from which papillary thyroid carcinoma (n = 52), follicular thyroid carcinoma (n = 1), nodular hyperplasia (n = 26), and pseudonodule related to thyroiditis (n = 1) were confirmed. Based on the histopathological results of the 80 surgical nodules, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of US-FNA in group A and B were 55.0% and 79.4%, 81.8% and 100%, 84.6% and 100%, 50% and 68.2%, and 64.5% and 85.7%, respectively. The adequacy and accuracy of US-FNA for solid thyroid nodules, {>=} 3 mm in the largest diameter, were higher than those of US-FNA for very small nodules, < 3 mm in the largest diameter

Management of Tennis Elbow with sodium hyaluronate periarticular injections

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Petrella Robert J

2010-02-01

Full Text Available Abstract Objectives To determine the efficacy and safety of peri-articular hyaluronic acid injections in chronic lateral epicondylosis (tennis elbow. Design Prospective randomized clinical trial in primary care sport medicine. Patients Three hundred and thirty one consecutive competitive racquette sport athletes with chronic (>3 months lateral epicondylosis were administered 2 injections (first injection at baseline into the subcutaneous tissue and muscle 1 cm. from the lateral epicondyle toward the primary point of pain using a two-dimensional fanning technique. A second injection was administered 1 week later. Outcomes measures Assessments were done at baseline, days 7, 14, 30, 90 and 356. Efficacy measures included patient's visual analogue scale (VAS of pain at rest (0-100 mm and following assessment of grip strength (0-100 mm. Grip strength was determined using a jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer. Other assessments included patients' global assessment of elbow injury (5 point categorical scale; 1 = no disability, 5 = maximal disability, patients' assessment of normal function/activity (5 point categorical scale, patients/physician satisfaction assessment (10 point categorical scale, time to return to pain-free and disability-free sport and adverse events as per WHO definition. Differences between groups were determined using an intent-to-treat ANOVA. Results Average age of the study population was 49 years (± 12 years. One hundred and sixty-five patients were randomized to the HA and 166 were randomized to the control groups. The change in VAS pain was -6.7 (± 2.0 for HA vs -1.3 (± 1.5 for control (p Conclusion Peri-articular HA treatment for tennis elbow was significantly better than control in improving pain at rest and after maximal grip testing. Further, HA treatment was highly satisfactory by patients and physicians and resulted in better return to pain free sport compared to control.

Transient state-dependent fluctuations in anxiety measured using STAI, POMS, PANAS or VAS: a comparative review

OpenAIRE

Rossi, Valentina; Pourtois, Gilles

2012-01-01

Several psychometric instruments can be used to measure state-dependent variations in anxiety, including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Profile of Mood States (POMS), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the Visual Analog Scales (VAS). Each of these instruments rests on specific theoretical assumptions about the construct of state anxiety, and has been widely used for this purpose in different research domains. However, it remains difficult to determine what ma...

Postjunctional effects and neural release of purine compounds in the guinea-pig vas deferens

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Westfall, D P; Stitzel, R E; Rowe, J N [West Virginia Univ., Morgantown (USA). Medical Center

1978-07-01

The smooth muscle of the in vitro guinea-pig vas deferens was shown to contract upon addition of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP), the order of potency being ATP>ADP>AMP. Adenosine did not produce contraction. Pretreatment of animals with reserpine or treatment of tissues with an ..cap alpha..-adrenoceptor blocking agent failed to alter the dose-response relationship for ATP. Because ATP is both a potent agent and is present in the adrenergic storage complex, evidence was sought for the role of ATP as a possible co-transmitter following neural stimulation. Tissues preincubated in /sup 3/H-adenosine, a procedure which results in the incorporation of label into /sup 3/H-adenine nucleotides in the vas deferens, released significant amounts of tritium upon transmural simulation. Because contraction per se can contribute to the tritium overflow, experiments were conducted with bathing solution made hypertonic with sucrose (12.5%). Hypertonic solution prevented the electrically induced tissue contraction, but failed to prevent a tetrodotoxin-sensitive release of tritium from tissue preincubated with either /sup 3/H-norepinephrine or /sup 3/H-adenosine. Because of the known association of ATP with norepinephrine in synaptic vesicles of adrenergic nerves and in view of the present evidence of a postjunctional action of ATP as well as the release of tritium from /sup 3/H-adenosine-treated vasa deferentia, it seems possible that in this tissue ATP, in addition to its other functions, may serve as a co-transmitter with norepinephrine.

Vacuum Die Casting Process and Simulation for Manufacturing 0.8 mm-Thick Aluminum Plate with Four Maze Shapes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chul Kyu Jin

2015-02-01

Full Text Available Using vacuum die casting, 0.8 mm-thick plates in complicated shapes are manufactured with the highly castable aluminum alloy Silafont-36 (AlSi9MgMn. The sizes and shapes of the cavities, made of thin plates, feature four different mazes. To investigate formability and mechanical properties by shot condition, a total of six parameters (melt temperatures of 730 °C and 710 °C; plunger speeds of 3.0 m/s and 2.5 m/s; vacuum pressure of 250 mbar and no vacuum are varied in experiments, and corresponding simulations are performed. Simulation results obtained through MAGMA software show similar tendencies to those of the experiments. When the melt pouring temperature is set to 730 °C rather than 710 °C, formability and mechanical properties are superior, and when the plunger speed is set to 3.0 m/s rather than to 2.5 m/s, a fine, even structure is obtained with better mechanical properties. The non-vacuumed sample is half unfilled. The tensile strength and elongation of the sample fabricated under a melt temperature of 730 °C, plunger speed of 3.0 m/s, and vacuum pressure of 250 mbar are 265 MPa and 8.5%, respectively.

Postoperative shoulder pain after laparoscopic hysterectomy with deep neuromuscular blockade and low-pressure pneumoperitoneum

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Madsen, Matias Vested; Istre, Olav; Staehr-Rye, Anne K

2016-01-01

indicate that the use of deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) improves surgical conditions during a low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (8 mmHg). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (8 mmHg) and deep NMB (posttetanic count 0 to 1) compared with standard......: Ninety-nine patients. INTERVENTIONS: Randomisation to either deep NMB and 8 mmHg pneumoperitoneum (Group 8-Deep) or moderate NMB and 12 mmHg pneumoperitoneum (Group 12-Mod). Pain was assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS) for 14 postoperative days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint...... was the incidence of shoulder pain during 14 postoperative days. Secondary endpoints included area under curve VAS scores for shoulder, abdominal, incisional and overall pain during 4 and 14 postoperative days; opioid consumption; incidence of nausea and vomiting; antiemetic consumption; time to recovery...

A current-steering self-calibration 14-bit 100-MSPs DAC

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Qiu Dong; Fang Sheng; Li Ran; Xie Renzhong; Yi Ting; Hong Zhfflang

2010-01-01

This paper presents the design and implementation of a 14-bit, 100 MS/s CMOS digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Analog background self-calibration based on the concept of analog current trimming is introduced. A constant clock load switch driver, a calibration period randomization circuit and a return-to-zero output stage have been adopted to improve the dynamic performance. The chip has been manufactured in a SMIC 0.13-μm process and occupies 1.33 x 0.97 mm 2 of the core area. The current consumption is 50 mA under 1.2/3.3 V dual power supplies for digital and analog, respectively. The measured differential and integral nonlinearity is 3.1 LSB and 4.3 LSB, respectively. The SFDR is 72.8 dB at a 1 MHz signal and a 100 MHz sampling frequency. (semiconductor integrated circuits)

High current, 0.5-MA, fast, 100-ns, linear transformer driver experiments

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Michael G. Mazarakis

2009-05-01

Full Text Available The linear transformer driver (LTD is a new method for constructing high current, high-voltage pulsed accelerators. The salient feature of the approach is switching and inductively adding the pulses at low voltage straight out of the capacitors through low inductance transfer and soft iron core isolation. Sandia National Laboratories are actively pursuing the development of a new class of accelerator based on the LTD technology. Presently, the high current LTD experimental research is concentrated on two aspects: first, to study the repetition rate capabilities, reliability, reproducibility of the output pulses, switch prefires, jitter, electrical power and energy efficiency, and lifetime measurements of the cavity active components; second, to study how a multicavity linear array performs in a voltage adder configuration relative to current transmission, energy and power addition, and wall plug to output pulse electrical efficiency. Here we report the repetition rate and lifetime studies performed in the Sandia High Current LTD Laboratory. We first utilized the prototype ∼0.4-MA, LTD I cavity which could be reliably operated up to ±90-kV capacitor charging. Later we obtained an improved 0.5-MA, LTD II version that can be operated at ±100  kV maximum charging voltage. The experimental results presented here were obtained with both cavities and pertain to evaluating the maximum achievable repetition rate and LTD cavity performance. The voltage adder experiments with a series of double sized cavities (1 MA, ±100  kV will be reported in future publications.

Epitaxial growth of bcc-FexCo100-x thin films on MgO(1 1 0) single-crystal substrates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohtake, Mitsuru; Nishiyama, Tsutomu; Shikada, Kouhei; Kirino, Fumiyoshi; Futamoto, Masaaki

2010-01-01

Fe x Co 100-x (x=100, 65, 50 at%) epitaxial thin films were prepared on MgO(1 1 0) single-crystal substrates heated at 300 deg. C by ultra-high vacuum molecular beam epitaxy. The film structure and the growth mechanism are discussed. FeCo(2 1 1) films with bcc structure grow epitaxially on MgO(1 1 0) substrates with two types of variants whose orientations are rotated around the film normal by 180 deg. each other for all compositions. Fe x Co 100-x film growth follows the Volmer Weber mode. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates the out-of-plane and the in-plane lattice spacings are in agreement with the values of respective bulk Fe x Co 100-x crystals with very small errors less than ±0.4%, suggesting the strains in the films are very small. High-resolution cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy shows that periodical misfit dislocations are preferentially introduced in the film at the Fe 50 Co 50 /MgO interface along the MgO[1 1-bar 0] direction. The presence of such periodical dislocations decreases the large lattice mismatch of about -17% existing at the FeCo/MgO interface along the MgO[1 1-bar 0] direction.

The effects of multiple anaesthetic episodes on equine recovery quality.

Science.gov (United States)

Platt, J P; Simon, B T; Coleman, M; Martinez, E A; Lepiz, M A; Watts, A E

2018-01-01

Although rare, 70% of equine fatalities during recovery from general anaesthesia (GA) are due to catastrophic fractures from poor recovery quality. To determine the effect of repeated GA recovery on GA recovery quality. Experimental blinded trial. Eight adult horses underwent six GA events on sevoflurane for distal limb MRI examination over a 14-week period. Prior to GA recovery, xylazine was administered. Randomly ordered video-recorded GA recoveries were scored by three blinded board certified veterinary anaesthesiologists, unaware of patient identity or GA event number, for nine parameters using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) where 0 = worst and 100 = best. The number of attempts to stand, duration of lateral and sternal recumbency, total recovery duration and physiologic parameters during each GA event were recorded. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to detect differences. Agreement between observer VAS scores was determined via inter-rater reliability using an intraclass correlation. With GA recovery experience, VAS scores for balance and coordination, knuckling, and overall quality of recovery were improved and the duration of lateral recumbency was increased. There were no differences in total recovery duration, number of attempts to stand, physiologic parameters other than heart rate during GA, or VAS scores for activity in lateral recumbency, move to sternal, move to stand, or strength. Each GA event was relatively short and there was no surgical stimulation. The same results may not occur if there was surgical stimulation and pain during each GA event. Recovery from GA improves with multiple anaesthetic episodes in horses. Clinicians can advise clients that horses are likely to have better GA recovery on repeated GA recovery due to improved balance and coordination and reduced knuckling. Additionally, there is no change in anaesthetic morbidity with six repeated GA events over a 14-week period. © 2017 EVJ Ltd.

Beat-to-beat respiratory motion correction with near 100% efficiency: a quantitative assessment using high-resolution coronary artery imaging☆

Science.gov (United States)

Scott, Andrew D.; Keegan, Jennifer; Firmin, David N.

2011-01-01

This study quantitatively assesses the effectiveness of retrospective beat-to-beat respiratory motion correction (B2B-RMC) at near 100% efficiency using high-resolution coronary artery imaging. Three-dimensional (3D) spiral images were obtained in a coronary respiratory motion phantom with B2B-RMC and navigator gating. In vivo, targeted 3D coronary imaging was performed in 10 healthy subjects using B2B-RMC spiral and navigator gated balanced steady-state free-precession (nav-bSSFP) techniques. Vessel diameter and sharpness in proximal and mid arteries were used as a measure of respiratory motion compensation effectiveness and compared between techniques. Phantom acquisitions with B2B-RMC were sharper than those acquired with navigator gating (B2B-RMC vs. navigator gating: 1.01±0.02 mm−1 vs. 0.86±0.08 mm−1, PB2B-RMC respiratory efficiency was significantly and substantially higher (99.7%±0.5%) than nav-bSSFP (44.0%±8.9%, PB2B-RMC vs. nav-bSSFP, proximal: 1.00±0.14 mm−1 vs. 1.08±0.11 mm−1, mid: 1.01±0.11 mm−1 vs. 1.05±0.12 mm−1; both P=not significant [ns]). Mid vessel diameters were not significantly different (2.85±0.39 mm vs. 2.80±0.35 mm, P=ns), but proximal B2B-RMC diameters were slightly higher (2.85±0.38 mm vs. 2.70±0.34 mm, PB2B-RMC is less variable and significantly higher than navigator gating. Phantom and in vivo vessel sharpness and diameter values suggest that respiratory motion compensation is equally effective. PMID:21292418

Effectiveness of Lower Energy Density Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in the Early Stage of Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head.

Science.gov (United States)

Han, Yong; Lee, June-Kyung; Lee, Bong-Yeon; Kee, Hoi-Sung; Jung, Kwang-Ik; Yoon, Seo-Ra

2016-10-01

To evaluate the effectiveness of lower energy flux density (EFD) extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the early stage of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. Nineteen patients and 30 hips were enrolled. All subjects received 4 weekly sessions of ESWT, at different energy levels; group A (n=15; 1,000 shocks/session, EFD per shock 0.12 mJ/mm 2 ) and group B (n=15; 1,000 shocks/session, EFD per shock 0.32 mJ/mm 2 ). We measured pain by using the visual analog scale (VAS), and disability by using the Harris hip score, Hip dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), and the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). To determine the effect of the lower EFD ESWT, we assessed the VAS, Harris hip score, HOOS, WOMAC of the subjects before and at 1, 3, and 6 months. In both groups, the VAS, Harris hip score, HOOS, and WOMAC scores improved over time (p<0.05). Lower EFD ESWT may be an effective method to improve the function and to relieve pain in the early stage of AVN.

Optoelectronic time-domain characterization of a 100 GHz sampling oscilloscope

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Füser, H; Baaske, K; Kuhlmann, K; Judaschke, R; Pierz, K; Bieler, M; Eichstädt, S; Elster, C

2012-01-01

We have carried out an optoelectronic measurement of the impulse response of an ultrafast sampling oscilloscope with a nominal bandwidth of 100 GHz within a time window of approximately 100 ps. Our experimental technique also considers frequency components above the cut-off frequency of higher order modes of the 1.0 mm coaxial line, which is shown to be important for the specification of the impulse response of ultrafast sampling oscilloscopes. Additionally, we have measured the reflection coefficient of the sampling head induced by the mismatch of the sampling circuit and the coaxial connector which is larger than 0.5 for certain frequencies. The uncertainty analysis has been performed using the Monte Carlo method of Supplement 1 to the 'Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement' and correlations in the estimated impulse response have been determined. Our measurements extend previous work which deals with the characterization of 70 GHz oscilloscopes and the measurement of 100 GHz oscilloscopes up to the cut-off frequency of higher order modes

Effect of warming bupivacaine 0.5% on ultrasound-guided axillary plexus block. Randomized prospective double-blind study.

Science.gov (United States)

Trabelsi, W; Ben Gabsia, A; Lebbi, A; Sammoud, W; Labbène, I; Kchelfi, S; Ferjani, M

2017-02-01

To evaluate the effect of warming bupivacaine 0.5% on ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block. Prospective, randomized, double-blind. Eighty patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery beyond the distal third of the upper limb were divided into two groups of 40 patients: the warm group received 15mL bupivacaine 0.5% heated to 37°C; the cold group received 15mL 0.5% bupivacaine stored for at least 24hours in the lower compartment of a refrigerator at 13-15°C. Onset and duration of sensory and motor blocks were evaluated every 5minutes for 40minutes. Postoperative pain was evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24hours. Effective analgesia time was recorded as the interval between anesthetic injection and the first analgesia requirement (VAS>30mm). Time to onset of sensory and motor block was significantly shorter in the warm group, and mean duration of sensory and motor block and of postoperative analgesia significantly longer. Warming bupivacaine 0.5% to 37°C accelerated onset of sensory and motor block and extended action duration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

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

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Tang, P.; Brouwers, H.J.H.

2017-01-01

The cold-bonding pelletizing technique is applied in this study as an integrated method to recycle municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash fines (BAF, 0–2 mm) and several other industrial powder wastes. Artificial lightweight aggregates are produced successfully based on the combination

Calibration of NOAA-7 AVHRR, GOES-5 and GOES-6 VISSR/VAS solar channels

Science.gov (United States)

Frouin, R.; Gautier, C.

1986-01-01

The NOAA-7, GOES-5 and GOES-6 Visible Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer/Vertical Atmospheric Sounder (VISSR/VAS) solar channels were calibrated. The White Sands Monument area in New Mexico, whose reflectance properties are well known, and space are used as calibration targets. The shortwave reflected terrestrial irradiance that is measured at satellite altitude is computed using a fairly accurate radiative transfer model which accounts for multiple scattering and bidirectional effects. The ground target reflectance and relevant characteristics of the overlying atmosphere are estimated from climatological data and observation at the nearest meteorological sites. The approach is believed to produce accuracies of 8 to 13% depending on the channel considered.

A current-steering self-calibration 14-bit 100-MSPs DAC

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Qiu Dong; Fang Sheng; Li Ran; Xie Renzhong; Yi Ting; Hong Zhfflang, E-mail: yiting@fudan.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of ASIC and System, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203 (China)

2010-12-15

This paper presents the design and implementation of a 14-bit, 100 MS/s CMOS digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Analog background self-calibration based on the concept of analog current trimming is introduced. A constant clock load switch driver, a calibration period randomization circuit and a return-to-zero output stage have been adopted to improve the dynamic performance. The chip has been manufactured in a SMIC 0.13-{mu}m process and occupies 1.33 x 0.97 mm{sup 2} of the core area. The current consumption is 50 mA under 1.2/3.3 V dual power supplies for digital and analog, respectively. The measured differential and integral nonlinearity is 3.1 LSB and 4.3 LSB, respectively. The SFDR is 72.8 dB at a 1 MHz signal and a 100 MHz sampling frequency. (semiconductor integrated circuits)

R + C Factors and Sacro Occipital Technique Orthopedic Blocking: a pilot study using pre and post VAS assessment

Science.gov (United States)

Blum, Charles L.

2015-01-01

Introduction: The concept of a systematic or predictive relationship between distant vertebral levels distinct from accumulative functional compensatory mechanisms, such as in scoliosis, has been perpetuated within chiropractic technique systems based on clinical observation and experience. This study seeks to investigate this relationship between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. Methods: Patients (experimental group n=26 and control group n=12) were selected from the patient base of one office, and were limited to patients that had sensitivity at specific cervical reflex points. Using a pre and post outcome measurement and sacro occipital technique R + C protocols, the related lumbar vertebra was adjusted in the direction indicated by the cervical vertebral sensitivity. Results: Statistical analysis revealed there was a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-VAS measurements and found that the notable difference in mean change in VAS scores were statistically significantly different between the experimental and control groups (p < .001). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that further research into cervical and lumbar vertebra interrelationships, and the efficacy of orthopedic block treatment, may be warranted. Further studies are needed to confirm whether a causal relationship exists between lumbar manipulation and decreased cervical spine sensitivity. PMID:26136605

Reliability and validity study of the Finnish version 2.0 of the oswestry disability index.

Science.gov (United States)

Pekkanen, Liisa; Kautiainen, Hannu; Ylinen, Jari; Salo, Petri; Häkkinen, Arja

2011-02-15

Prospective clinical validation study. The aims of this study were to translate into Finnish and culturally adapt and study the psycho-metric properties of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 2.0. The ODI is one of the most commonly reported back-specific disability questionnaires. It is widely used both in clinical work and in medical studies. To date, no validated Finnish version of the ODI version 2.0 has been reported. The ODI version 2.0 was translated into the Finnish language. A total of 115 patients with back pain, referred by the primary care physician to the outpatient clinic of the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, were recruited for this study. The patients answered a questionnaire package that included the Finnish ODI 2.0, Back Pain Questionnaire for Visual Analogue Assessment (Million-VAS), Visual Analogue Scales of back and leg pain (VASback, VASleg), the Depressions Scale, and a question on their subjectively perceived health. The package was administered twice; 2 weeks before and at the arrival to the clinic. Reproducibility of the ODI was 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85-0.94) and the internal consistency was 0.86 (95% CI = 0.81-0.90). Factor analysis showed that the ODI was loaded on 2 factors, which explained 51% of the total variance. In testing convergent validity ODI correlated with Million-VAS, r = 0.75 (95% CI = 0.64-0.84); VASback, r = 0.48 (95% CI = 0.32-0.62); and VAS leg, r = 0.41 (95% CI = 0.23-0.57). The Finnish ODI version 2.0 proved to be a valid and reliable instrument that showed psychometric properties comparable with the original English version. Therefore, it can be used in assessing the disability among Finnish-speaking patients with back pain for both clinical and scientific purposes.

Ultrasound combined transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (UltraTENS) versus phonophoresis of piroxicam (PhP) in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: A randomized double-blind, controlled trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Boonhong, Jariya; Suntornpiyapan, Phitsanu; Piriyajarukul, Apatchanee

2018-02-02

Ultrasound combined with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (UltraTENS) and phonophoresis of piroxicam (PhP) are combined modality therapy that frequently used in musculoskeletal pain including knee osteoarthritis (OA). But it is lack of a good clinical trial to prove and compare their effects. To compare the effects of UltraTENS with PhP on mild to moderate degree of symptomatic knee OA. Sixty-one patients (55 women), mean age of 63.4 ± 8.1 y, 50-90 mm VAS of knee pain and Kellgren-Lawrence score of grade I-III were randomly allocated into UltraTENS and PhP (N = 31 and 30, respectively). The UltraTENS group received a combined ultrasound with TENS program and a non-drug gel, whereas the PhP group got an ultrasound program with piroxicam gel and sham TENS. All patients were treated for a total of 10 sessions, consisting of five times per week and 10 min per session. Before and after treatment, patients were evaluated knee pain by using the 100-mm VAS and functional performance by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index. The UltraTENS and PhP groups experienced considerable improvement in both VAS and total WOMAC scores post-treatment (PPhP had better VAS of pain and WOMAC scores but no statistical significance. Results show that UltraTENS and PhP were effective for relieving pain and improve functionality knee OA without significant differences between their effects.

Simulation and fabrication of 0-3 composite PZT films for ultrahigh frequency (100-300 MHz) ultrasonic transducers

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Xiaoyang; Fei, Chunlong; Chen, Zeyu; Chen, Ruimin; Yu, Ping; Chen, Zhongping; Shung, K. Kirk; Zhou, Qifa

2016-03-01

This paper presents simulation, fabrication, and characterization of single-element ultrahigh frequency (100-300-MHz) needle ultrasonic transducers based on 0-3 composite Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) films prepared by using composite ceramic sol-gel film and sol-infiltration technique. The center frequency of the developed transducer at 300-MHz was the highest frequency of PbTiO3 ceramic-based ultrasonic transducers ever reported. Furthermore, a brief description of the composite model was followed by the development of a new expression for predicting the longitudinal velocity, the clamped dielectric constant, and the complex electromechanical coupling coefficient kt of these films, which is very important in ultrasonic transducer design. Moreover, these parameters are difficult to obtain by measuring the frequency dependence of impedance and phase angle because of the weak signal of the previous 0-3 composite films transducer (>100 MHz). The modeling results show that the Cubes model with a geometric factor n = 0.05 fits well with the measured data. This model will be helpful for developing the 0-3 composite systems for ultrahigh frequency ultrasonic transducer design.

Coordinated mm/sub-mm observations of Sagittarius A* in May 2007

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kunneriath, D; Eckart, A; Bertram, T; Konig, S [University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 77, D-50937 Cologne (Germany); Vogel, S [Department of Astronomy, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-2421 (United States); Sjouwerman, L [National Radio Astronomy Observatory, PO Box 0, Socorro, NM 87801 (United States); Wiesemeyer, H [IRAM, Avenida Divina Pastora, 7, Nuecleo Central, E-18012 Granada (Spain); Schoedel, R [Instituto de AstrofIsica de AndalucIa, Camino Bajo de Huetor 50, 18008 Granada (Spain); Baganoff, F K [Center for Space Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307 (United States); Morris, M; Mauerhan, J; Meyer, L [Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1547 (United States); Dovciak, M; Karas, V [Astronomical Institute, Academy of Sciences, BocnI II, CZ-14131 Prague (Czech Republic); Dowries, D [Institut de Radio Astronomie Millimetrique, Domaine Universitaire, 38406 St. Martin d' Heres (France); Krichbaum, T; Lu, R-S [Max-Planck-Institut fuer Radioastronomie, Auf dem Huegel 69, 53121 Bonn (Germany); Krips, M [Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, SMA project, 60 Garden Street, MS 78 Cambridge, MA 02138 (United States); Markoff, S [Astronomical Institute ' Anton Pannekoek' , University of Amsterdam, Kruislaan 403, 1098SJ Amsterdam (Netherlands); Duschl, W J, E-mail: eckart@phl.uni-koeln.de (and others)

2008-10-15

At the center of the Milky Way, with a distance of {approx}8 kpc, the compact source Sagittarius A* (SgrA*) can be associated with a super massive black hole of {approx}4x 10{sup 6}M{sub o-dot}. SgrA* shows strong variability from the radio to the X-ray wavelength domains. Here we report on simultaneous NIR/sub-millimeter/X-ray observations from May 2007 that involved the NACO adaptive optics (AO) instrument at the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, the Australian Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), the US mm-array CARMA, the IRAM 30m mm-telescope, and other telescopes. We concentrate on the time series of mm/sub-mm data from CARMA, ATCA, and the MAMBO bolometer at the IRAM 30m telescope.

Development and application of QM/MM methods to study the solvation effects and surfaces

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dibya, Pooja Arora [Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States)

2010-01-01

Quantum mechanical (QM) calculations have the advantage of attaining high-level accuracy, however QM calculations become computationally inefficient as the size of the system grows. Solving complex molecular problems on large systems and ensembles by using quantum mechanics still poses a challenge in terms of the computational cost. Methods that are based on classical mechanics are an inexpensive alternative, but they lack accuracy. A good trade off between accuracy and efficiency is achieved by combining QM methods with molecular mechanics (MM) methods to use the robustness of the QM methods in terms of accuracy and the MM methods to minimize the computational cost. Two types of QM combined with MM (QM/MM) methods are the main focus of the present dissertation: the application and development of QM/MM methods for solvation studies and reactions on the Si(100) surface. The solvation studies were performed using a discreet solvation model that is largely based on first principles called the effective fragment potential method (EFP). The main idea of combining the EFP method with quantum mechanics is to accurately treat the solute-solvent and solvent-solvent interactions, such as electrostatic, polarization, dispersion and charge transfer, that are important in correctly calculating solvent effects on systems of interest. A second QM/MM method called SIMOMM (surface integrated molecular orbital molecular mechanics) is a hybrid QM/MM embedded cluster model that mimics the real surface.3 This method was employed to calculate the potential energy surfaces for reactions of atomic O on the Si(100) surface. The hybrid QM/MM method is a computationally inexpensive approach for studying reactions on larger surfaces in a reasonably accurate and efficient manner. This thesis is comprised of four chapters: Chapter 1 describes the general overview and motivation of the dissertation and gives a broad background of the computational methods that have been employed in this work

Expression of microphthalmia transcription factor, S100 protein, and HMB-45 in malignant melanoma and pigmented nevi.

Science.gov (United States)

Xia, Jianxin; Wang, Yanlong; Li, Fuqiu; Wang, Jinfeng; Mu, Yan; Mei, Xianglin; Li, Xue; Zhu, Wenjing; Jin, Xianhua; Yu, Kai

2016-09-01

Malignant melanoma (MM) is a type of malignant tumor, which originates from neural crest melanocytes. MM progresses rapidly and results in a high mortality rate. The present study aims to investigate the expression of microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF), the S100 protein, and HMB-45 in MM and pigmented nevi. A total of 32 MM samples (including three skin metastasis, three lymph node metastasis and two spindle cell MM samples), two Spitz nevus samples, four pigmented nevus samples and two blue nevus samples were collected. The expression levels of S100 protein, HMB-45, and MITF were observed via immunostaining. The S100 protein exhibited high positive rates in MM and pigment disorders (96.7 and 100%, respectively), but with low specificity. The S100 protein was also expressed in fibroblasts, myoepithelial cells, histocytes and Langerhans cells in normal skin samples. HMB-45 had high specificity. Its positive expression was only confined to MM cells and junctional nevus cells. Furthermore, HMB-45 was not expressed in melanocytes in the normal tissue samples around the tumor or in the benign intradermal nevus cells. MITF exhibited high specificity and high sensitivity. It was expressed in the nuclei of melanocytes, MM cells and nevus cells. It was observed to be strongly expressed in metastatic MM and spindle cell MMs. Thus, MITF may present as a specific immunomarker for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of MM.

Comparison of the anaesthetic efficacy of different volumes of 4% articaine (1.8 and 3.6 mL) as supplemental buccal infiltration after failed inferior alveolar nerve block.

Science.gov (United States)

Singla, M; Subbiya, A; Aggarwal, V; Vivekanandhan, P; Yadav, S; Yadav, H; Venkatesh, A; Geethapriya, N; Sharma, V

2015-01-01

To compare the anaesthetic efficacy of different volumes (1.8 mL vs. 3.6 mL) of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine injected as buccal infiltrations after a failed inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Two hundred and thirty-four adult patients, diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular tooth, participated in this multicentre, randomized double-blinded trial. Patients received IANB with 1.8 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine. Pain during treatment was recorded using the Heft-Parker visual analogue scale (HP VAS). The primary outcome measure, and the definition of 'success', was the ability to undertake pulp chamber access and canal instrumentation with no or mild pain (HP VAS score <55 mm). Patients who experienced 'moderate-to-severe' pain (HP VAS score ≥ 55 mm) were randomly allocated into two groups and received buccal infiltrations with either 1.8 mL or 3.6 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine. Root canal treatment was re-initiated after 10 min. Success was again defined as no pain or weak/mild pain during endodontic access preparation and instrumentation. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests. The initial IANB of 4% articaine gave an overall success rate of 37%. The success rate of supplementary buccal infiltration with 1.8 and 3.6 mL volumes was 62% and 64%, respectively. The difference between the success rates of the two volumes was not statistically significant. Increasing the volume of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine from 1.8 to 3.6 mL, given as supplementary buccal infiltrations after a failed primary IANB with 1.8 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000, did not improve the anaesthetic success rates in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. © 2014 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Design of a high charge (10 - 100 nC) and short pulse (2 - 5 ps) rf photocathode gun for wakefield acceleration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gai, W.

1998-01-01

In this paper we present a design report on a 1-1/2 cell, L Band RF photocathode gun that is capable of generating and accelerating electron beams with peak currents >10 kA. We have performed simulation for bunch intensities in the range of 10-100 nC with peak axial electrical field at the photocathode of 30-100 MV/m. Unlike conventional short electron pulse generation, this design does not require magnetic pulse compression. Based on numerical simulations using SUPERFISH and PARMELA, this design will produce 20-100 nC beam at 18 MeV with rms bunch length 0.6-1.25 mm and normalized transverse emittance 30-108 mm mrad. Applications of this beam for wakefield acceleration is also discussed

Assessment of systemic effects of ginger on salivation in patients with post-radiotherapy xerostomia

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Goli Chamani

2017-07-01

Full Text Available BACKGROUND AND AIM: Our aim was to assess the clinical efficacy of ginger capsule (Zintoma herbal capsule in the relief of symptoms in patients with post-radiotherapy xerostomia. METHODS: This study was a randomized double-blind, parallel clinical trial of ginger usage in patients with post-radiotherapy xerostomia. Sixty-one subjects were selected from patients with xerostomia of Imam Khomeini Cancer Institute, Tehran, Iran. Subject-based dry mouth scores derived from 100 mm visual analogue scales (VAS were recorded at baseline. Patients also completed a questionnaire on the first visit regarding the symptoms of xerostomia. The patients received ginger capsule (30 persons or placebo (31 persons three times daily over a 2-weeks period. At the end of day 14, dry mouth scores derived from VAS were recorded again and patients responded to the additional variables regarding dry mouth symptoms and quality of life issues. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Data were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: The mean treatment effect on day 14 was 33.7 ± 20.9 mm in the ginger group and 23.6 ± 17.3 mm in the placebo group. The analysis indicated marginally significant improvement of xerostomia with ginger prescription (P = 0.057. At the end of intervention there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding improvement of quality of life or dry mouth symptoms. CONCLUSION: It seems that ginger could be helpful in the treatment of xerostomia. Since ginger is considered a safe herbal medicine with only few and insignificant adverse/side effects further studies in larger group of patients are recommended to provide the effect of ginger on different complaints of xerostomia.

Electrode characteristics of the (Mm)Ni 5-based hydrogen storage alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Han, Dong Soo; Choi, Seung Jun; Chang, Min Ho; Choi, Jeon; Park, Choong Nyun [Chonnam National University, Kwangju (Korea, Republic of)

1995-06-01

The MmNi-based alloy electrode was studied for use a negative electrode in Ni-MH battery. Alloys with MmNi{sub 5}-{sub x} M{sub x}(M=Co,Al,Mn) composition were synthesized, and their electrode characteristics of activation rate, temperature dependence, electrode capacity and cycle life were investigated. With increasing Al content and decreasing Mn content in the alloys, the discharge capacity increased while the cycle life decreased. As x in MmNi{sub 5}-{sub x} M{sub x} increased from 1.5 to 2.0, decreasing the Ni content, the discharge capacity, the low temperature property and the rate capability decreased. However its cycle life was improved. Increasing Co content resulted in a prolonged cycle life and decrease of high rate discharge capacity. It can be concluded that the most promising alloy in view of discharge capacity and cycle life is MmNi{sub 3}.5 Co{sub 0}.7 Al{sub 0}.5 Mn{sub 0}.3. (author). 9 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.

Solar brightness distribution at 8.6 mm from interferometer observations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawabata, K.; Fujishita, M.; Kato, T.; Ogawa, H.; Omodaka, T.

1980-01-01

The radial brightness distribution of the quiet Sun at 8.6 mm is synthesized from observations using a sixteen element east-west interferometer in Nagoya. The observed brightness is flat from the disk center to 0.8 Rsub(sun). A slight darkening appeared between 0.8 Rsub(sun) and the limb. No evidence if the bright ring near the limb is found. The radio radius at 8.6 mm is 1.015 +- 0.005 Rsub(sun). In addition there exists a coronal component just outside the radio limb. (orig.)

Denture quality has a minimal effect on health-related quality of life in patients with removable dentures.

Science.gov (United States)

Inoue, M; John, M T; Tsukasaki, H; Furuyama, C; Baba, K

2011-11-01

The present study examined the association of denture quality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with removable dentures. In a study of 171 consecutive patients with removable partial dentures or complete dentures (mean age: 68·0 ± 9·3 years) at a university-based prosthodontic clinic, dentists rated two aspects of denture quality (stability and aesthetics) using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). HRQoL was evaluated using the mental and physical component summary (MCS and PCS) scores of the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36). Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile-Japanese version (OHIP-J). The associations among denture quality, OHRQoL, and HRQoL were examined by linear regression models. Bivariable linear regression analyses revealed that denture stability was significantly associated with the SF-36 MCS [regression coefficient = 0·52 for a 10-unit increase in denture stability on a 0-100 VAS, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·03-1·00, P = 0·04], but not with the PCS (0·11, 95% CI: -0·49 to 0·70). Denture aesthetics was not related to the PCS or the MCS (0·22, 95% CI: -0·44 to 0·88 or 0·07, 95%CI: -0·47 to 0·62). When OHIP-J was added to the regression model, this variable was substantially and significantly associated with the MCS and PCS summary scores; in addition, the regression coefficient for denture quality decreased in magnitude and was statistically nonsignificant in all analyses. The quality of removable dentures had a minimal effect on HRQoL in patients with removable dentures, and this association was mediated by OHRQoL. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Hanford 100N Area Apatite Emplacement: Laboratory Results of Ca-Citrate-PO4 Solution Injection and Sr-90 Immobilization in 100N Sediments

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Szecsody, James E.; Burns, Carolyn A.; Moore, Robert C.; Fruchter, Jonathan S.; Vermeul, Vincent R.; Williams, Mark D.; Girvin, Donald C.; McKinley, James P.; Truex, Michael J.; Phillips, Jerry L.

2007-10-01

, and PO4 solutions show greater Sr and Sr-90 incorporation during initial precipitation and less initial mobilization with solutions with low Ca2+ concentration. While all solutions showed nearly the same Sr uptake into apatite (14 to 17% by 2 weeks, 21% to 30% by 5 weeks), the incorporation efficiency (i.e., mM Sr incorporated per mM PO4 injected) was higher for solutions containing citrate. The Sr incorporation rate into apatite during initial precipitation (by 1 month) averaged 4.64 ± 1.9 x 10-4 h-1 (half-life 1500 ± 430 h, 8.85 x 10-7 mg Sr/day/mg apatite). The injection solution used in field injections #3 to #18 (10 mM PO4, 1 mM Ca, 2.5 mM citrate), which is deficient in Ca (a total of 16.7 mM needed to form apatite with 10 mM of PO4), resulted in the initial Sr and Ca peak (24 h) at 4.7x groundwater. By 30 days, the aqueous Sr concentration was 0.28x groundwater and Ca 0.43x groundwater, as both Sr and Ca are used to form initial apatite precipitates. Reactive transport simulation of the complex ion exchange, biodegradation, and precipitation processes showed that the initial Sr groundwater increase mobilized only 1.5% of the Sr mass in sediments. Citrate biodegradation, a necessary step in Ca-citrate-PO4 solutions forming apatite, had an average half-life of 50 h (at aquifer sediment/water ratio and temperature), and decreased an order of magnitude with sediment depth as the microbial biomass decreased five orders of magnitude. The rate of citrate biodegradation was relatively invariant with biomass and water saturation (50% to 100%, for vadose zone infiltration) possibly due to significant microbial injection using river water and subsurface microbial mobilization.

Sinterability studies on K0.5Na0.5NbO3 using laser as energy source

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tian Xiaoyong; Dittmar, Anne; Melcher, Joerg; Heinrich, Juergen G.

2010-01-01

The sinterability of K 0.5 Na 0.5 NbO 3 (KNN) ceramics by a laser beam has been investigated in the present research. A 100 W CO 2 laser with a beam diameter of 0.6 mm has been used to sinter the KNN specimens prepared on a uniaxial pressing machine. The relations between laser power and thickness of densified layer, crystallographic structures and phase compositions have been studied. A comparison has been made between laser and furnace sintered KNN samples according to the SEM, XRD and XRF results. The possibility of KNN used for the layer-wise laser direct sintering 3D components has been confirmed in this paper.

SSC 40 mm cable results and 50 mm design discussions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Christopherson, D.; Capone, D.; Hannaford, R.; Remsbottom, R.; Delashmit, R.; Jayakumar, R.J.; Snitchler, G.; Scanlan, R.; Royet, J.

1991-01-01

This paper presents a summary of the cable produced for the 1990 40 mm Dipole Program. The cable design parameters for the 50 mm Dipole Program are discussed, as well as portions of the SSC specification draft. Considerations leading to the final cable configuration and the results of preliminary trials are included. The first iteration of a strand mapping program to automate cable strand maps is introduced

Short-term efficacy of physical interventions in osteoarthritic knee pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials

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Bogen Bård

2007-06-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Treatment efficacy of physical agents in osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK pain has been largely unknown, and this systematic review was aimed at assessing their short-term efficacies for pain relief. Methods Systematic review with meta-analysis of efficacy within 1–4 weeks and at follow up at 1–12 weeks after the end of treament. Results 36 randomised placebo-controlled trials (RCTs were identified with 2434 patients where 1391 patients received active treatment. 33 trials satisfied three or more out of five methodological criteria (Jadad scale. The patient sample had a mean age of 65.1 years and mean baseline pain of 62.9 mm on a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS. Within 4 weeks of the commencement of treatment manual acupuncture, static magnets and ultrasound therapies did not offer statistically significant short-term pain relief over placebo. Pulsed electromagnetic fields offered a small reduction in pain of 6.9 mm [95% CI: 2.2 to 11.6] (n = 487. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS, including interferential currents, electro-acupuncture (EA and low level laser therapy (LLLT offered clinically relevant pain relieving effects of 18.8 mm [95% CI: 9.6 to 28.1] (n = 414, 21.9 mm [95% CI: 17.3 to 26.5] (n = 73 and 17.7 mm [95% CI: 8.1 to 27.3] (n = 343 on VAS respectively versus placebo control. In a subgroup analysis of trials with assumed optimal doses, short-term efficacy increased to 22.2 mm [95% CI: 18.1 to 26.3] for TENS, and 24.2 mm [95% CI: 17.3 to 31.3] for LLLT on VAS. Follow-up data up to 12 weeks were sparse, but positive effects seemed to persist for at least 4 weeks after the course of LLLT, EA and TENS treatment was stopped. Conclusion TENS, EA and LLLT administered with optimal doses in an intensive 2–4 week treatment regimen, seem to offer clinically relevant short-term pain relief for OAK.

Microstructure and magnetic properties of nanostructured (Fe{sub 0.8}Al{sub 0.2}){sub 100–x}Si{sub x} alloy produced by mechanical alloying

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Boukherroub, N. [UR-MPE, M' hamed Bougara University, Boumerdes 35000 (Algeria); Guittoum, A., E-mail: aguittoum@gmail.com [Nuclear Research Centre of Algiers, 02 Bd Frantz Fanon, BP 399 Alger-Gare, Algiers (Algeria); Laggoun, A. [UR-MPE, M' hamed Bougara University, Boumerdes 35000 (Algeria); Hemmous, M. [Nuclear Research Centre of Algiers, 02 Bd Frantz Fanon, BP 399 Alger-Gare, Algiers (Algeria); Martínez-Blanco, D. [SCTs, University of Oviedo, EPM, 33600 Mieres (Spain); Blanco, J.A. [Department of Physics, University of Oviedo, Calvo Sotelo St., 33007 Oviedo (Spain); Souami, N. [Nuclear Research Centre of Algiers, 02 Bd Frantz Fanon, BP 399 Alger-Gare, Algiers (Algeria); Gorria, P. [Department of Physics and IUTA, EPI, University of Oviedo, 33203 Gijón (Spain); Bourzami, A. [Laboratoire d' Etudes des Surfaces et Interfaces des Matériaux Solides (LESIMS), Université Sétif1, 19000 Sétif (Algeria); Lenoble, O. [Institut Jean Lamour, CNRS-Université de Lorraine, Boulevard des aiguillettes, BP 70239, F-54506 Vandoeuvre lès Nancy (France)

2015-07-01

We report on how the microstructure and the silicon content of nanocrystalline ternary (Fe{sub 0.8}Al{sub 0.2}){sub 100–x}Si{sub x} powders (x=0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 at%) elaborated by high energy ball milling affect the magnetic properties of these alloys. The formation of a single-phase alloy with body centred cubic (bcc) crystal structure is completed after 72 h of milling time for all the compositions. This bcc phase is in fact a disordered Fe(Al,Si) solid solution with a lattice parameter that reduces its value almost linearly as the Si content is increased, from about 2.9 Å in the binary Fe{sub 80}Al{sub 20} alloy to 2.85 Å in the powder with x=20. The average nanocrystalline grain size also decreases linearly down to 10 nm for x=20, being roughly half of the value for the binary alloy, while the microstrain is somewhat enlarged. Mössbauer spectra show a sextet thus suggesting that the disordered Fe(Al,Si) solid solution is ferromagnetic at room temperature. However, the average hyperfine field diminishes from 27 T (x=0) to 16 T (x=20), and a paramagnetic doublet is observed for the powders with higher Si content. These results together with the evolution of both the saturation magnetization and the coercive field are discussed in terms of intrinsic and extrinsic properties. - Highlights: • Single-phase nanocrystalline (Fe{sub 0.8}Al{sub 0.2}){sub 100–x}Si{sub x} (x=0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 at%) powders were successfully fabricated by mechanical alloying for a milling time of 72 h. • The insertion of Si atoms leads to a unit-cell contraction and a decrease in the average crystallite size. • The hyperfine and magnetic properties of (Fe{sub 0.8}Al{sub 0.2}){sub 100–x}Si{sub x} were influenced by the Si content.

A single CD4 test with 250 cells/mm3 threshold predicts viral suppression in HIV-infected adults failing first-line therapy by clinical criteria.

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Charles F Gilks

Full Text Available In low-income countries, viral load (VL monitoring of antiretroviral therapy (ART is rarely available in the public sector for HIV-infected adults or children. Using clinical failure alone to identify first-line ART failure and trigger regimen switch may result in unnecessary use of costly second-line therapy. Our objective was to identify CD4 threshold values to confirm clinically-determined ART failure when VL is unavailable.3316 HIV-infected Ugandan/Zimbabwean adults were randomised to first-line ART with Clinically-Driven (CDM, CD4s measured but blinded or routine Laboratory and Clinical Monitoring (LCM, 12-weekly CD4s in the DART trial. CD4 at switch and ART failure criteria (new/recurrent WHO 4, single/multiple WHO 3 event; LCM: CD4<100 cells/mm(3 were reviewed in 361 LCM, 314 CDM participants who switched over median 5 years follow-up. Retrospective VLs were available in 368 (55% participants.Overall, 265/361 (73% LCM participants failed with CD4<100 cells/mm(3; only 7 (2% switched with CD4≥250 cells/mm(3, four switches triggered by WHO events. Without CD4 monitoring, 207/314 (66% CDM participants failed with WHO 4 events, and 77(25%/30(10% with single/multiple WHO 3 events. Failure/switching with single WHO 3 events was more likely with CD4≥250 cells/mm(3 (28/77; 36% (p = 0.0002. CD4 monitoring reduced switching with viral suppression: 23/187 (12% LCM versus 49/181 (27% CDM had VL<400 copies/ml at failure/switch (p<0.0001. Amongst CDM participants with CD4<250 cells/mm(3 only 11/133 (8% had VL<400 copies/ml, compared with 38/48 (79% with CD4≥250 cells/mm(3 (p<0.0001.Multiple, but not single, WHO 3 events predicted first-line ART failure. A CD4 threshold 'tiebreaker' of ≥250 cells/mm(3 for clinically-monitored patients failing first-line could identify ∼80% with VL<400 copies/ml, who are unlikely to benefit from second-line. Targeting CD4s to single WHO stage 3 'clinical failures' would particularly avoid premature, costly

[Treatment of temporo-mandibular joint closed-lock using intra-articular injection of mepivacaine with immediate resolution durable in time (six months follow-up)].

Science.gov (United States)

Guarda Nardini, L; Tito, R; Beltrame, A

2002-01-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of intra-articular fluid injection under pressure, as a technique suggested for temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) closed-lock treatment, and to determine if there is a persisting lock resolution in time. Twelve patients were studied at our centre, with a diagnosis of TMJ closed-lock, not amenable with conventional therapies. All patients underwent a MRI scan, confirming the presence of anteriorly displaced disk. This technique is based on intra-articular injection of anaesthetic (mepivacaine cloridrate) under pressure, using the so called pumping technique, that allows an inferior distraction of the condyle. The study has a six months follow-up. After closed-lock resolution all patients underwent physiotherapy with guided mouth opening, for one month. Mandibular function (maximal mouth opening) increased on average of 20.2 mm after treatment, and of 21.1 mm six months later (p=0.00000; with p<0.005). Pain decreased on average from VAS=6.75 to VAS=0.3 (p=0.00001; with p<0.005). The masticatory efficiency improved from VAS=5.25 to VAS=8.75 (p=0.002; p<0.005). Functional TMJ limitation level is significantly increased (p=0.002; p<0.005). Also, patient's efficacy judgement (mean value 3.58= good) and tolerability judgement (mean value 2.92=good) indicate that this therapy is well accepted. This technique is easy to perform, well tolerated and does not need specific instruments: it permits the resolution of TMJ closed-lock, decreases the pain and improves masticatory efficiency. All these effects persist in time. Subjects with recent closed-lock have an immediate and complete functional recovery while patients with chronic closed-lock do not.

Intrinsic evolution of novel (Nd, MM)2Fe14B-system magnetic flakes

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Xiaoqiang; Zhu, Minggang; Liu, Weiqiang; Li, Yanfeng; Zhang, Jiuxing; Yue, Ming; Li, Wei

2018-01-01

The Nd-substituted (Nd x MM1- x )-Fe-B strip-casting flakes were prepared by induction melting in the vacuum furnace and then subsequently by strip-casting technology. The microstructure and magnetic properties of (Nd x MM1- x )-Fe-B alloys are related to the Nd substitution. 2:14:1 main phases and minor impure phases coexist in the MM-Fe-B flake. For example, La2O3 and CeFe2 impure phases are obviously detected in the x = 0 specimen. As an increase of the Ce concentration is inversely accompanied with the decrease of the Nd content ( x) in (Nd x MM1- x )2Fe14B main phases (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), XRD analysis shows that the overall diffraction peaks of the main phases shift to right domestically because of smaller radius Ce4+. The melting point, spin reorientation phase transition temperature, Curie temperature, magneto-crystalline anisotropy field (at 300 K), and the magnetization ( M 9T) for MM-Fe-B/(Nd0.4MM0.6)-Fe-B/(Nd0.7MM0.3)-Fe-B/Nd-Fe-B strip-casting alloys are 1376.15/1414.15/1439.15/1458.15 K, 74/113/124/135 K, 493.2/538.4/559.7/582.3 K, 48/55.2/64.4/70.1 kOe and 136.5/143.7/151.5/153.7 emu/g, respectively. Due to the varied composition of hard magnetic main phases, M 9T increases gradually with the increase of Nd content ( x). SEM observation and EDX results demonstrate that more Nd and Pr elements aggregate into the 2:14:1 ferromagnetic phase, while less La and Ce elements are prone to the RE-rich region compared with the nominal ratio. As a result, the growth of M 9T becomes extraordinary under maximum external field 9 T, indicating that the (Nd0.7MM0.3)-Fe-B flake may display relatively good magnetic properties and those with higher Nd content have evident effect on magnetization, compositions, and microstructures of hard magnetic main phases. Therefore, practical application of (Nd x MM1- x )-Fe-B-sintered magnets will be very prospective.

Compliance and quality of life in patients on prescribed voice rest.

Science.gov (United States)

Rousseau, Bernard; Cohen, Seth M; Zeller, Amy S; Scearce, Leda; Tritter, Andrew G; Garrett, C Gaelyn

2011-01-01

To determine patient compliance with voice rest and the impact of voice rest on quality of life (QOL). Prospective. University hospital. Demographics, self-reported compliance, QOL impact on a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS), and communication methods were collected from 84 participants from 2 academic voice centers. Of 84 participants, 36.9% were men, 63.1% were women, and 64.3% were singers. The mean age of participants was 47.2 years. The mean duration of voice rest was 8.8 days (range, 3-28), and the median was 7 days. Overall compliance was 34.5%. Postoperative voice rest patients were more compliant than non-postoperative patients (42.4% vs 16.0%, P = .04, χ(2)). Voice rest had an impact on QOL (mean ± SD, 68.5 ± 27.7). Voice rest also had a greater impact on singers than nonsingers (mean VAS 77.2 vs 63.6, P = .03, t test) and on those age <60 years than those age ≥ 60 years (mean VAS 74.4 vs 46.7, P < .001, t test). More talkative patients and those with longer periods of voice rest had worse QOL scores (Spearman correlation = 0.35, P = .001 and Spearman correlation = 0.24, P = .03, respectively). Restrictions in personal and social life were noted in 36.9% of patients, 46.4% were unable to work, 44.0% felt frustrated, and 38.1% reported feeling handicapped while on voice rest. Given poor patient compliance and the significant impact of voice rest on QOL, further studies are warranted to examine the efficacy of voice rest and factors that may contribute to patient noncompliance with treatment.

Randomized trial of stopping or continuing ART among postpartum women with pre-ART CD4 ≥ 400 cells/mm3.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Judith S Currier

Full Text Available Health benefits of postpartum antiretroviral therapy (ART for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV positive women with high CD4+ T-counts have not been assessed in randomized trials.Asymptomatic, HIV-positive, non-breastfeeding women with pre-ART CD4+ T-cell counts ≥ 400 cells/mm3 started on ART during pregnancy were randomized up to 42 days after delivery to continue or discontinue ART. Lopinavir/ritonavir plus tenofovir/emtricitabine was the preferred ART regimen. The sample size was selected to provide 88% power to detect a 50% reduction from an annualized primary event rate of 2.07%. A post-hoc analysis evaluated HIV/AIDS-related and World Health Organization (WHO Stage 2 and 3 events. All analyses were intent to treat.1652 women from 52 sites in Argentina, Botswana, Brazil, China, Haiti, Peru, Thailand and the US were enrolled (1/2010-11/2014. Median age was 28 years and major racial categories were Black African (28%, Asian (25% White (15%. Median entry CD4 count was 696 cells/mm3 (IQR 575-869, median ART exposure prior to delivery was 19 weeks (IQR 13-24 and 94% had entry HIV-1 RNA < 1000 copies/ml. After a median follow-up of 2.3 years, the primary composite endpoint rate was significantly lower than expected, and not significantly different between arms (continue arm 0.21 /100 person years(py; discontinue 0.31/100 py, Hazard ratio (HR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.19, 2.40. WHO Stage 2 and 3 events were significantly reduced with continued ART (2.08/100 py vs. 4.36/100 py in the discontinue arm; HR 0.48, 95%CI: 0.33, 0.70. Toxicity rates did not differ significantly between arms. Among women randomized to continue ART, 189/827 (23% had virologic failure; of the 155 with resistance testing, 103 (66% failed without resistance to their current regimen, suggesting non-adherence.Overall, serious clinical events were rare among young HIV-positive post-partum women with high CD4 cell counts. Continued ART was safe and was associated with a halving of the

Evaluation of reproductive parameters of vas deferens sperms in Caucasian snake (Gloydius halys caucasicus).

Science.gov (United States)

Mozafari, Sayedeh Zahra; Shiravi, Abdolhossein; Todehdehghan, Fatemeh

2012-01-01

Reproductive parameters evaluation is considered as helpful tool for gene bank formation in ecological and economically important animals species. Gloydius halys caucasicus is venomous, viviparous pit viper of northwest of Iran. In this research, the spermatic reproductive parameters of this taxon were studied. Twenty six male snakes were collected from Takht-e-Soleiman region between September and October, 2010. Findings revealed that male snakes with body length of 45.07 ± 2.83 cm and body weight of 51.50 ± 10.42 g, and right and left gonads volume of 0.12 ± 0.03 mL and 0.06 ± 0.01 mL are mature ones and sperms concentration in first, middle and final regions of vas deferens duct were, 22.30 ± 19.34 ×10(6) mL(-1), 30.34 ± 11.55 ×10(6) mL(-1), and 37.65 ± 16.46×10(6) mL(-1), respectively. The sperms motility at three regions of duct were 60.53%, 62.07%, and 60.00% and percentage of immotile sperms in these regions were 39.46%, 37.92%, and 39.84%, respectively. Percentage of morphologically normal sperms was 69.23 ± 10.57% and abnormal sperms was 30.76 ± 10.57%; including 12.69 ± 5.25% spiral tailed, 7.33 ± 4.37% coiled tailed and 4.16 ± 2.51% folded tailed sperms. Percentage of live sperms in the first, middle and final regions of duct were 55.76 ± 10.77%, 58.84 ± 12.77%, and 57.69 ± 9.91%, respectively and percentage of dead sperm in these regions were 44.23 ± 10.77%, 41.15 ± 12.77%, and 42.30 ± 9.91%, respectively. Results suggested, mature sperms with acceptable reproductive quality could be collected from Gloydius halys caucasicus snake of Iran between September and October.

Evaluation of reproductive parameters of vas deferens sperms in Caucasian snake (Gloydius halys caucasicus

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sayedeh Zahra Mozafari

2012-06-01

Full Text Available Reproductive parameters evaluation is considered as helpful tool for gene bank formation in ecological and economically important animals species. Gloydius halys caucasicus is venomous, viviparous pit viper of northwest of Iran. In this research, the spermatic reproductive parameters of this taxon were studied. Twenty six male snakes were collected from Takht-e-Soleiman region between September and October, 2010. Findings revealed that male snakes with body length of 45.07 ± 2.83 cm and body weight of 51.50 ± 10.42 g, and right and left gonads volume of 0.12 ± 0.03 mL and 0.06 ± 0.01 mL are mature ones and sperms concentration in first, middle and final regions of vas deferens duct were, 22.30 ± 19.34 ×106 mL-1, 30.34 ± 11.55 ×106 mL-1, and 37.65 ± 16.46×106 mL-1, respectively. The sperms motility at three regions of duct were 60.53%, 62.07%, and 60.00% and percentage of immotile sperms in these regions were 39.46%, 37.92%, and 39.84%, respectively. Percentage of morphologically normal sperms was 69.23 ± 10.57% and abnormal sperms was 30.76 ± 10.57%; including 12.69 ± 5.25% spiral tailed, 7.33 ± 4.37% coiled tailed and 4.16 ± 2.51% folded tailed sperms. Percentage of live sperms in the first, middle and final regions of duct were 55.76 ± 10.77%, 58.84 ± 12.77%, and 57.69 ± 9.91%, respectively and percentage of dead sperm in these regions were 44.23 ± 10.77%, 41.15 ± 12.77%, and 42.30 ± 9.91%, respectively. Results suggested, mature sperms with acceptable reproductive quality could be collected from Gloydius halys caucasicus snake of Iran between September and October.

A comparative study of shadow shield whole body monitor incorporated with 203 mm dia. x 102 mm thick and 102 mm dia. x 76 mm thick NaI(TI) detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sankhla, Rajesh; Singh, I.S.; Rao, D.D.

2016-01-01

The whole body counting using Shadow Shield Whole Body Monitor (SSWBM) proved to be a popular method for assessment of internal contamination due to high energy gamma (E>200 keV) emitting radio nuclides that got inadvertently incorporated in the occupational workers. Currently ∼ 5 SSWBMs are operational at various DAE nuclear facilities throughout the country. The shielding of SSWBMs are said to be designed for 102 mm x 76 mm NaI(Tl) detector and over a period of time, the same concept is being followed. At present, the number of subjects monitored per annum has increased significantly compared to earlier years due to the increase in nuclear facilities at different sites and also increase in number of contract personnel. Aim of this study is to develop/upgrade the existing SSWBMs to increase their capabilities in terms of throughput without compromising on sensitivity. This work includes response studies of individual detectors of sizes 102 mm x 76 mm and 203 mm x 102 mm housed in SSWBM in terms of background, efficiency and Minimum Detection Activity (MDA) for different gamma emitting radio nuclides using Bhabha Atomic Research Centre reference Bottle Mannequin ABsorption (BOMAB) phantom

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PREEMPTIVE USE OF 0.2% ROPIVACAINE AND 0.125% BUPIVACAINE ALONG WITH FENTANYL AND FENTANYL INCREMENTS TO PROVIDE POSTOPERATIVE EPIDURAL ANALGESIA UP TO 24 HOURS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chiranji Lal Khedia

2016-06-01

Full Text Available BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The present study was carried out to compare duration of analgesia, haemodynamic changes (Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure, Pulse Rate, Respiratory Rate, total incremental doses of epidural fentanyl required to maintain VAS 3 up to 24 hours in each group and total required incremental fentanyl doses were compared between both the groups. Once the data were collected from all the patients, they were compared using, chi-square test, two sample t-test. The p-value was calculated and P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The duration of analgesia was more with Group BF (245+17.58 min. than Group RF (217.6+22.41 min., thus it is concluded that difference in duration of analgesia was statistically significant between the groups (P<0.05. In this study, it was noticed that patients of Group RF required much more incremental doses of epidural fentanyl (218+31.88 μg to maintain VAS<3 up to 24 hours than group BF (170+32.27 μg, and difference was statistically significant (P<0.05. Haemodynamic parameters like SBP, DBP, HR and RR were comparable in both the groups. Hypotension and bradycardia were noted in two patients of group BF. CONCLUSION Duration of analgesia was longer and comparatively better in group BF and less incremental doses were required to maintain VAS <3 up to 24 hours as compared to group RF, but haemodynamic stability was more in group RF as compared to group BF.

Intermediate-term results of partial plantar fascia release with microtenotomy using bipolar radiofrequency microtenotomy.

Science.gov (United States)

Lucas, Douglas E; Ekroth, Scott R; Hyer, Christopher F

2015-01-01

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition, with most patients treated successfully with nonoperative management. Recalcitrant disease has been managed with surgical procedures that vary in design and associated morbidity. The present study sought to determine the intermediate-term results of percutaneous bipolar radiofrequency microtenotomy in recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. The patient medical records were reviewed, and data were gathered for all the patients who met the inclusion criteria. The foot function index and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scale questionnaires were mailed to the 111 patients. Of the 111 patients, 61 (55.0%) returned their questionnaires and were ultimately included in the present analysis. Of the 61 patients, 44 (72.1%) were female and 17 were (27.9%) male, with an average reported follow-up of 33.3 ± 8.6 (range 16.1 to 46.6) months. The median postoperative VAS score was 0.0 (range 0.0 to 10.0), and the median foot function index score was 3.1 (range 0.0 to 97.1). The patients were subdivided into success and failure groups according to their satisfaction. Of the 61 patients, 51 (83.6%) were satisfied and would recommend the procedure to a friend. The median VAS score in the success group was 0.0 (range 0.0 to 5.0), and the median VAS score in the failure group was 6.0 (range 0.0 to 10.0), a significant difference (p plantar fasciitis. Copyright © 2015 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Flexible ureterorenoscopy versus miniaturized PNL for solitary renal calculi of 10-30 mm size.

Science.gov (United States)

Knoll, Thomas; Jessen, Jan Peter; Honeck, Patrick; Wendt-Nordahl, Gunnar

2011-12-01

The value of flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) and miniaturized PNL (mPNL) for larger renal calculi is under discussion. This non-randomized prospective study aimed to evaluate fURS and mPNL for solitary renal stones of 10-30 mm size. fURS was carried out in 21 patients with last generation 7.5F endoscopes. Ureteral access sheaths were used in 19 patients. For mPNL, an 18F modified Amplatz sheath with a 14F nephroscope were used (n = 25). The procedure was performed either tubeless with an antegrade stent or a nephrostomy. Outcome and complications of both procedures were assessed. Patients' demographics and stone sizes were comparable (18 ± 5 vs. 19 ± 4 mm, P = 0.08). Patients in the fURS group had a higher mean BMI (31 vs. 27, P < 0.05). Total OR time was significantly longer for fURS (106 ± 51 vs. 59 ± 19 min., P < 0.001). More patients were stone-free after one single percutaneous treatment, while 2nd-stage treatments with fURS were common (total procedures 1.04 vs. 1.52, P < 0.001; immediate stone-free rate (SFR) 96% vs. 71.5%, P < 0.001). SFR after 4 weeks was 100% (mPNL) and 85.8% (fURS) (P < 0.01). Minor complications as classified by Clavien I or II occurred in 16 and 23.8%, mPNL and fURS, respectively, P = 0.13). No major complications (Clavien III-V) occured in both groups. Our series supports both the concept of either percutaneous or retrograde endoscopic treatment for renal calculi with both modalities offering excellent safety. However, while for fURS, a significantly higher rate of 2nd-stage procedures was necessary, and mPNL led to faster and higher SFR without increasing complication rate.

Two-phase flow characteristics of liquid nitrogen in vertically upward 0.5 and 1.0 mm micro-tubes: Visualization studies

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, P.; Fu, X.

2009-10-01

Application of liquid nitrogen to cooling is widely employed in many fields, such as cooling of the high temperature superconducting devices, cryosurgery and so on, in which liquid nitrogen is generally forced to flow inside very small passages to maintain good thermal performance and stability. In order to have a full understanding of the flow and heat transfer characteristics of liquid nitrogen in micro-tube, high-speed digital photography was employed to acquire the typical two-phase flow patterns of liquid nitrogen in vertically upward micro-tubes of 0.531 and 1.042 mm inner diameters. It was found from the experimental results that the flow patterns were mainly bubbly flow, slug flow, churn flow and annular flow. And the confined bubble flow, mist flow, bubble condensation and flow oscillation were also observed. These flow patterns were characterized in different types of flow regime maps. The surface tension force and the size of the diameter were revealed to be the major factors affecting the flow pattern transitions. It was found that the transition boundaries of the slug/churn flow and churn/annular flow of the present experiment shifted to lower superficial vapor velocity; while the transition boundary of the bubbly/slug flow shifted to higher superficial vapor velocity compared to the results of the room-temperature fluids in the tubes with the similar hydraulic diameters. The corresponding transition boundaries moved to lower superficial velocity when reducing the inner diameter of the micro-tubes. Time-averaged void fraction and heat transfer characteristics for individual flow patterns were presented and special attention was paid to the effect of the diameter on the variation of void fraction.

SSC 40 mm cable results and 50 mm design discussions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Christopherson, D.; Capone, D.; Hannaford, R.; Remsbottom, R.; Jayakumar, R.; Snitchler, G.; Scanlan, R.; Royet, J.

1990-09-01

A summary of the cable produced for the 1990 40 mm Dipole Program is presented. The cable design parameters for the 50 mm Dipole Program are discussed, as well as portions of the SSC specification draft. Considerations leading to the final cable configuration and the results of preliminary trials are included. The first iteration of a strand mapping program to automate cable strand maps is introduced. 7 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab

Equipment-based Pilates reduces work-related chronic low back pain and disability: A pilot study.

Science.gov (United States)

Stieglitz, Dana Duval; Vinson, David R; Hampton, Michelle De Coux

2016-01-01

This study investigated effectiveness of an equipment-based Pilates protocol for reducing pain and disability in individuals with work-related chronic low back pain (CLBP). Twelve workers with non-specific CLBP participated in a quasi-experimental, one-group, pretest-posttest pilot study of supervised 6-week equipment-based Pilates exercise. Pain severity was assessed using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). Physical function was assessed using the Oswestry disability index (ODI). The Pilates intervention significantly reduced pain (mean decrease in VAS 30.75 ± 20.27, p Pilates exercise reduced pain and disability in workers with CLBP. Further research is needed to investigate Pilates exercise for rehabilitation of work-related injuries in large populations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Intranasal ketamine for acute traumatic pain in the Emergency Department: a prospective, randomized clinical trial of efficacy and safety.

Science.gov (United States)

Shimonovich, Shachar; Gigi, Roy; Shapira, Amir; Sarig-Meth, Tal; Nadav, Danielle; Rozenek, Mattan; West, Debra; Halpern, Pinchas

2016-11-09

Ketamine has been well studied for its efficacy as an analgesic agent. However, intranasal (IN) administration of ketamine has only recently been studied in the emergency setting. The objective of this study was to elucidate the efficacy and adverse effects of a sub-dissociative dose of IN Ketamine compared to IV and IM morphine. A single-center, randomized, prospective, parallel clinical trial of efficacy and safety of IN ketamine compared to IV and IM morphine for analgesia in the emergency department (ED). A convenience sample of 90 patients aged 18-70 experiencing moderate-severe acute traumatic pain (≥80 mm on 100 mm Visual Analog Scale [VAS]) were randomized to receive either 1.0 mg/kg IN ketamine, 0.1 mg/kg IV MO or 0.15 mg/kg IM MO. Pain relief and adverse effects were recorded for 1 h post-administration. The primary outcome was efficacy of IN ketamine compared to IV and IM MO, measured by "time-to-onset" (defined as a ≥15 mm pain decrease on VAS), as well as time to and degree of maximal pain reduction. The 3 study groups showed a highly significant, similar maximal pain reduction of 56 ± 26 mm for IN Ketamine, and 59 ± 22 and 48 ± 30 for IV MO and IM MO, respectively. IN Ketamine provided clinically-comparable results to those of IV MO with regards to time to onset (14.3 ± 11.2 v. 8.9 ± 5.6 min, respectively) as well as in time to maximal pain reduction (40.4 ± 16.3) versus (33.4 ± 18), respectively. IN ketamine shows efficacy and safety comparable to IV and IM MO. Given the benefits of this mode of analgesia in emergencies, it should be further studied for potential clinical applications. Retrospectively registered on 27 June 2016. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02817477.

[Comparative analysis of three treatment regimens for treating gonarthritis with calcitonin, naproxen and flavonoids based on EULAR criteria and visual analogue scale (VAS)].

Science.gov (United States)

Badurski, J; Jeziernicka, E; Naruszewicz, K; Racewicz, A

1995-11-01

The newest laboratory and clinical elaborations have described a stimulatory effect of salmon calcitonin (sCT) on cultivated chondrocytes and cartilage explants in regard to their secretory function of glycosaminoglycans, collagen t. II and hyaluonic acid as well as have shown anticatabolic effect of sCT on numerous animal models of osteoarthropathy. Moreover, very few clinical indicated profitable effect of CT on degenerative joint diseases and on rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of the present study is to compare the curative effect of sCT (Miacalcic, Sandoz, nasal spray, 2 x 100 IU/day ) vs flavonoides (VR, Venoruton, Zyma, 2 x 0.6 + Vit. C. 0.2/day) with or without naproxen sodium (AP, Apranax, 2 x 0.550/day) in 30 patients suffering from gonarthritis, treated in 10 months in one of the three regimes: I--(n = 10, BMI-33.3, aged 59.5 y., Larsen gr. -2.5): 1st month-VR, 2 and 3-sCT, 4 and 5-VR, 6 and 7-AP, 8.9 and 10-VR; II--(n = 10, BMI-28.8, aged 56 y., Larsen gr. 2.95): 1st m.-VR, 2 and 3-Ap, 4 and 5-VR, 6 and 7-sCT, 9.9 and 10-VR; III--(n = 10, BMI-31.4, aged 58 y., Larsen gr.-2.8): 1st m.-VR, 2 and 3-sCT, 4 and 5-VR, 6 and 7-sCT, 8.9 and 10-VR. Clinical effects of treatment were evaluated by EULAR criteria, VAS, and the paracetamol consumption. The best results according to all three criteria of improvement have been observed in group III treated only with sCT and VR followed by group I in which sCT was given as the first active drug. This effect lasted until three months after the withdrawal of sCT and/or naproxen. This results supported our opinion on antiosteoarthritic ability of salmon calcitonin and marked curative effect of flavonoides in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Effect of adductor canal block on pain in patients with severe pain after total knee arthroplasty

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Grevstad, Jens Ulrik; Mathiesen, Ole; Lind, T

2014-01-01

the patients had received a comprehensive multimodal analgesic regimen. Group A received an ACB with ropivacaine 0.75%, 30 ml at time 0 and isotonic saline after 45 min. Group B received an ACB with isotonic saline at time 0 and ropivacaine 0.75%, 30 ml after 45 min. RESULTS: A 32-mm difference in VAS pain...

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in the treatment of pain and other symptoms in fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled study.

Science.gov (United States)

Multanen, Juhani; Häkkinen, Arja; Heikkinen, Pauli; Kautiainen, Hannu; Mustalampi, Sirpa; Ylinen, Jari

2018-04-30

Low-energy pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has been suggested as a promising therapy to increase microcirculation, which is of great concern in patients with fibromyalgia. This study evaluated the effectiveness of PEMF therapy on the treatment of fibromyalgia. A group of 108 women with fibromyalgia were allocated to a 12-week treatment period with an active Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation (BEMER) device and a similar treatment period with an inactive device. Each patient received active and sham treatments in a random order. Pain and stiffness were assessed on a visual analog scale (VAS, scale 0-100 mm), and functional status was assessed by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Mean VAS pain scores before the active and sham treatment periods were 66 (SD 22) and 63 (SD 22), respectively. After treatment periods, mean VAS pain scores had decreased significantly in active treatment, -12, 95% CI [-18, -6], and in sham treatment, -11, 95% CI [-17, -5]. Similarly, the decrease in stiffness and FIQ index after both treatments was statistically significant. However, per-protocol analysis showed no differences between active and sham treatments at any of the outcomes. This study demonstrated that low-energy PEMF therapy was not efficient in reducing pain and stiffness or in improving functioning in women with fibromyalgia. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease MM1+2C and MM1 are Identical in Transmission Properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Kobayashi, Atsushi; Matsuura, Yuichi; Iwaki, Toru; Iwasaki, Yasushi; Yoshida, Mari; Takahashi, Hitoshi; Murayama, Shigeo; Takao, Masaki; Kato, Shinsuke; Yamada, Masahito; Mohri, Shirou; Kitamoto, Tetsuyuki

2016-01-01

The genotype (methionine, M or valine, V) at polymorphic codon 129 of the PRNP gene and the type (1 or 2) of abnormal prion protein in the brain are the major determinants of the clinicopathological features of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), thus providing molecular basis for classification of sporadic CJD, that is, MM1, MM2, MV1, MV2, VV1 or VV2. In addition to these "pure" cases, "mixed" cases presenting mixed neuropathological and biochemical features have also been recognized. The most frequently observed mixed form is the co-occurrence of MM1 and MM2, namely MM1+2. However, it has remained elusive whether MM1+2 could be a causative origin of dura mater graft-associated CJD (dCJD), one of the largest subgroups of iatrogenic CJD. To test this possibility, we performed transmission experiments of MM1+2 prions and a systematic neuropathological examination of dCJD patients in the present study. The transmission properties of the MM1+2 prions were identical to those of MM1 prions because MM2 prions lacked transmissibility. In addition, the neuropathological characteristics of MM2 were totally absent in dCJD patients examined. These results suggest that MM1+2 can be a causative origin of dCJD and causes neuropathological phenotype similar to that of MM1. © 2015 International Society of Neuropathology.

Aerosol based direct-write micro-additive fabrication method for sub-mm 3D metal-dielectric structures

Science.gov (United States)

Rahman, Taibur; Renaud, Luke; Heo, Deuk; Renn, Michael; Panat, Rahul

2015-10-01

The fabrication of 3D metal-dielectric structures at sub-mm length scale is highly important in order to realize low-loss passives and GHz wavelength antennas with applications in wearable and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. The inherent 2D nature of lithographic processes severely limits the available manufacturing routes to fabricate 3D structures. Further, the lithographic processes are subtractive and require the use of environmentally harmful chemicals. In this letter, we demonstrate an additive manufacturing method to fabricate 3D metal-dielectric structures at sub-mm length scale. A UV curable dielectric is dispensed from an Aerosol Jet system at 10-100 µm length scale and instantaneously cured to build complex 3D shapes at a length scale  <1 mm. A metal nanoparticle ink is then dispensed over the 3D dielectric using a combination of jetting action and tilted dispense head, also using the Aerosol Jet technique and at a length scale 10-100 µm, followed by the nanoparticle sintering. Simulation studies are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of using such structures as mm-wave antennas. The manufacturing method described in this letter opens up the possibility of fabricating an entirely new class of custom-shaped 3D structures at a sub-mm length scale with potential applications in 3D antennas and passives.

Aerosol based direct-write micro-additive fabrication method for sub-mm 3D metal-dielectric structures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rahman, Taibur; Panat, Rahul; Renaud, Luke; Heo, Deuk; Renn, Michael

2015-01-01

The fabrication of 3D metal-dielectric structures at sub-mm length scale is highly important in order to realize low-loss passives and GHz wavelength antennas with applications in wearable and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. The inherent 2D nature of lithographic processes severely limits the available manufacturing routes to fabricate 3D structures. Further, the lithographic processes are subtractive and require the use of environmentally harmful chemicals. In this letter, we demonstrate an additive manufacturing method to fabricate 3D metal-dielectric structures at sub-mm length scale. A UV curable dielectric is dispensed from an Aerosol Jet system at 10–100 µm length scale and instantaneously cured to build complex 3D shapes at a length scale  <1 mm. A metal nanoparticle ink is then dispensed over the 3D dielectric using a combination of jetting action and tilted dispense head, also using the Aerosol Jet technique and at a length scale 10–100 µm, followed by the nanoparticle sintering. Simulation studies are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of using such structures as mm-wave antennas. The manufacturing method described in this letter opens up the possibility of fabricating an entirely new class of custom-shaped 3D structures at a sub-mm length scale with potential applications in 3D antennas and passives. (technical note)

Uniformity across 200 mm silicon wafers printed by nanoimprint lithography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gourgon, C; Perret, C; Tallal, J; Lazzarino, F; Landis, S; Joubert, O; Pelzer, R

2005-01-01

Uniformity of the printing process is one of the key parameters of nanoimprint lithography. This technique has to be extended to large size wafers to be useful for several industrial applications, and the uniformity of micro and nanostructures has to be guaranteed on large surfaces. This paper presents results of printing on 200 mm diameter wafers. The residual thickness uniformity after printing is demonstrated at the wafer scale in large patterns (100 μm), in smaller lines of 250 nm and in sub-100 nm features. We show that a mould deformation occurs during the printing process, and that this deformation is needed to guarantee printing uniformity. However, the mould deformation is also responsible for the potential degradation of the patterns

Towards sub-0.5 A electron beams

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Krivanek, O.L.; Nellist, P.D.; Dellby, N.; Murfitt, M.F.; Szilagyi, Z

2003-09-15

In the 4 years since the previous meeting in the SALSA series, aberration correction has progressed from a promising concept to a powerful research tool. We summarize the factors that have enabled 100-120 kV scanning transmission electron microscopes to achieve sub-A resolution, and to increase the current available in an atom-sized probe by a factor of 10 and more. Once C{sub s} is corrected, fifth-order spherical aberration (C{sub 5}) and chromatic aberration (C{sub c}) pose new limits on resolution. We describe a quadrupole/octupole corrector of a new design, which will correct all fifth-order aberrations while introducing less than 0.2 mm of additional C{sub c}. Coupled to an optimized STEM column, the new corrector promises to lead to routine sub-A electron probes at 100 kV, and to sub-0.5 A probes at higher operating voltages.

Dose-Related Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Su-Jin; Kang, Jung-Ho; Kim, Ja-Young; Kim, Jin-Hong; Jung, Kwang-Ik

2013-01-01

Objective To examine the dose-related effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for plantar fasciitis. Methods Sixty patients with plantar fasciitis despite conservative treatment were enrolled. The patients were divided into a low-energy group (group L: n=30, 1,000 shocks/session, energy flux density [EFD] per shock 0.08 mJ/mm2) and a medium-energy group (group M: n=30, 1,000 shocks/session, EFD 0.16 mJ/mm2). The main outcome measures were visual analogue scale (VAS), Roles and Maudsley (RM) score, and thickness of plantar fascia (PF). To compare the effects between each group, follow-up was carried out 1 week after 3 and 6 sessions, and 1 and 3 months after ESWT. Results Significant VAS and RM score improvement, and PF thickness reduction were observed in both groups (p0.05). Conclusion Therapeutic effect might disclose a dose-related relationship; therefore, EFD and the times of the session are considerable factors when treating with ESWT. PMID:23869336

Gastrointestinal digital fluoroscopy: Comparison of digital pulsed progressive readout images with 100-mm spot films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Steiner, E.; Ferrucci, J.T.; Mueller, P.R.; Hahn, P.F.

1987-01-01

New developments in pulsed progressive readout (PPR) techniques allow short, extremely intense pulses of radiation to be used to produce a latent image which is then progressively read off the video camera and placed in 1,024 x 1,024-pixel digital storage. The resulting image is produced by a 10-20-msec pulse, reducing motion artifact to below that achievable with conventional spot film techniques, with a potential for 50%-95% dose reduction. This technique of reducing motion artifact is ideal for digital applications in gastrointestinal radiology. The authors compared 10-mm spot films and PPR digital radiographs of 86 anatomic regions in 43 patients undergoing routine barium enema and cholangiographic examinations. Parameters evaluated included display of normal and pathologic features, image contrast, and resolution. The benefits of the PPR technique include postprocessing to evaluate low contrast region and the potential for significant dose reduction

Oxygen permeation properties of dense Bi1.5Er0.5O3-Ag cermet membranes

NARCIS (Netherlands)

ten Elshof, Johan E.; Nguyen, N.Q.; den Otter, M.W.; Bouwmeester, Henricus J.M.

1997-01-01

Oxygen permeation experiments were performed on dense mixed-conducting ceramic-metal composite membranes (thickness 0.2 to 2 mm) Bi1.5Er0.5O3-Ag with 10.0, 27.8, and 40.0 volume percent (v/o) silver, respectively, in the temperature range 873 to 993 K and oxygen partial pressure range 10–3.5 to 1

The role of silicon on the microstructure and magnetic behaviour of nanostructured (Fe{sub 0.7}Co{sub 0.3}){sub 100−x}Si{sub x} powders

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hocine, M. [Département de Génie Mécanique, Faculté de Technologies, Université de M' sila, B.P 166 Ichbelia, M' sila (Algeria); UR-MPE, M' hamed Bougara University, Boumerdes, 35000 Algeria (Algeria); Guittoum, A., E-mail: aguittoum@gmail.com [Nuclear Research Centre of Algiers, 02Bd Frantz Fanon, BP 399, Alger-Gare, Algiers (Algeria); Hemmous, M. [Nuclear Research Centre of Algiers, 02Bd Frantz Fanon, BP 399, Alger-Gare, Algiers (Algeria); Martínez-Blanco, D. [SCTs, University of Oviedo, EPM, Mieres, 33600 Spain (Spain); Gorria, P. [Department of Physics, EPI, University of Oviedo, Gijón, 33203 Spain (Spain); Rahal, B. [Nuclear Research Centre of Algiers, 02Bd Frantz Fanon, BP 399, Alger-Gare, Algiers (Algeria); Blanco, J.A. [Department of Physics, University of Oviedo, CalvoSotelo St., Oviedo, 330 07 Spain (Spain); Sunol, J.J. [Departament de Fisica, Universitat de Girona, Campus de Montillivi, Girona, 17071 Spain (Spain); Laggoun, A. [UR-MPE, M' hamed Bougara University, Boumerdes, 35000 Algeria (Algeria)

2017-01-15

Single-phase(Fe{sub 0.7}Co{sub 0.3}){sub 100−x}Si{sub x} nanostructured powders (x=0,5, 10, 15 and 20) have been elaborated by mechanical alloying in order to investigate the effect of silicon on the microstructure and magnetic properties of these alloys. A disordered Fe(Co, Si) solid solution with body centred cubic (bcc) crystal structure is formed after 72 h of milling for all the compositions. The addition of Si gives rise to a progressive decrease of the lattice parameter, from about 2.865 Å for the binary Fe{sub 70}Co{sub 30} compound down to 2.841 Å for the powder with x=20. The sample with the uppermost Si content exhibits the lowest value for the mean grain size (≈10 nm) as well as the largest microstrain (above 1.1%). All the samples are ferromagnetic at room temperature, although the saturation magnetization value reduces almost linearly by adding Si to the composition. A similar trend is observed for the hyperfine magnetic field obtained from the analysis of the room temperature Mössbauer spectra. The hyperfine field distributions show a broad double-peak shape for x>0, which can be ascribed to multiple local environments for the Fe atoms inside a disordered solid solution. - Highlights: • Single-phase (Fe{sub 0.7}Co{sub 0.3}){sub 100−x}Si{sub x} nanostructured powders (x=0, 5, 10, 15 and 20) have been elaborated by mechanical alloying. • The sample with the uppermost Si content exhibits the lowest value for the mean grain size. • The magnetic and hyperfine parameters of (Fe{sub 0.7}Co{sub 0.3}){sub 100−x}Si{sub x} depended intimately on Si content.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces acute low back pain during emergency transport.

Science.gov (United States)

Bertalanffy, Alexander; Kober, Alexander; Bertalanffy, Petra; Gustorff, Burkhard; Gore, Odette; Adel, Sharam; Hoerauf, Klaus

2005-07-01

Patients with acute low back pain may require emergency transport because of pain and immobilization. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a nonpharmaceutical therapy for patients with low back pain. To evaluate the efficacy of paramedic-administered TENS in patients with acute low back pain during emergency transport. This was a prospective, randomized study involving 74 patients transported to hospital. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 (n = 36) was treated with true TENS, while group 2 (n = 36) was treated with sham TENS. The authors recorded pain and anxiety as the main outcome variables using a visual analog scale (VAS). The authors recorded a significant (p pain reduction (mean +/- standard deviation) during transport in group 1 (79.2 +/- 6.5 mm VAS to 48.9 +/- 8.2 mm VAS), whereas pain scores remained unchanged in group 2 (75.9 +/- 16.4 mm VAS and 77.1 +/- 11.2 mm VAS). Similarly, the scores for anxiety were significantly reduced (p TENS was found to be effective and rapid in reducing pain during emergency transport of patients with acute low back pain and should be considered due to its ease of use and lack of side effects in the study population.

Effect of 12 months treatment with chondroitin sulfate on cartilage volume in knee osteoarthritis patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study using MRI.

Science.gov (United States)

Railhac, J-J; Zaim, M; Saurel, A-S; Vial, J; Fournie, B

2012-09-01

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the correlation between clinical symptoms and cartilage volume through MRI in patients with knee osteoarthritis after 48 weeks of treatment with Structum®. Multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis patients aged 50-75 years received either Structum® (500 mg twice daily; N = 22) or placebo (N = 21) during 48 weeks. Inclusion criteria were global pain in the target knee ≥30 mm (VAS 0-100) and radiological Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3. Clinical assessments included Lequesne index and VAS for pain on motion, at baseline, 24 and 48 weeks, and MRI at baseline and at 24 and 48 weeks. Global and compartments cartilage volume, joint cartilage abnormalities, meniscal lesions, ligaments abnormalities, synovitis, synovial effusion, osteophytes, subchondral cysts, popliteal cysts and subchondral oedema were quantified. The quantitative and qualitative reproducibility of MRI was tested by the Spearman correlation coefficient and kappa coefficients, respectively. Treatments were compared by an analysis of covariance with baseline value as covariate. Groups were comparable at baseline for demographics, disease characteristics, and cartilage volumes. A significant inter-readers correlation was seen for the assessment of cartilage volumes, number of cysts, and osteophytes (correlation coefficients from 0.951 to 0.980 within investigator and from 0.714 to 0.957). After 48 weeks, symptoms improved in both groups. The total cartilage volume increased in the Structum® group (+180 mm(3) + SD) which opposed to a loss in the placebo (-46 mm(3) + SD; NS). No statistically significant differences between groups were observed for the other MRI parameters. No correlations were evidenced between key MRI parameters changes and symptoms. The difference in the evolution of cartilage volume between the two groups could reflect a structure modifying effect of Structum

ALMA Discovery of Solar Umbral Brightness Enhancement at λ = 3 mm

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Iwai, Kazumasa [Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601 (Japan); Loukitcheva, Maria [Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 323 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Newark, NJ 07102 (United States); Shimojo, Masumi [Chile Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588 (Japan); Solanki, Sami K. [Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 3, D-37073 Göttingen (Germany); White, Stephen M., E-mail: k.iwai@isee.nagoya-u.ac.jp [Space Vehicles Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Albuquerque, NM (United States)

2017-06-01

We report the discovery of a brightness enhancement in the center of a large sunspot umbra at a wavelength of 3 mm using the Atacama Large Millimeter/sub-millimeter Array (ALMA). Sunspots are among the most prominent features on the solar surface, but many of their aspects are surprisingly poorly understood. We analyzed a λ = 3 mm (100 GHz) mosaic image obtained by ALMA that includes a large sunspot within the active region AR12470, on 2015 December 16. The 3 mm map has a 300″ × 300″ field of view and 4.″9 × 2.″2 spatial resolution, which is the highest spatial resolution map of an entire sunspot in this frequency range. We find a gradient of 3 mm brightness from a high value in the outer penumbra to a low value in the inner penumbra/outer umbra. Within the inner umbra, there is a marked increase in 3 mm brightness temperature, which we call an umbral brightness enhancement. This enhanced emission corresponds to a temperature excess of 800 K relative to the surrounding inner penumbral region and coincides with excess brightness in the 1330 and 1400 Å slit-jaw images of the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph ( IRIS ), adjacent to a partial lightbridge. This λ = 3 mm brightness enhancement may be an intrinsic feature of the sunspot umbra at chromospheric heights, such as a manifestation of umbral flashes, or it could be related to a coronal plume, since the brightness enhancement was coincident with the footpoint of a coronal loop observed at 171 Å.

Field-induced strain and polarization response in lead-free Bi1/2(Na0.80K0.20)1/2TiO3–SrZrO3 ceramics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hussain, Ali; Rahman, Jamil Ur; Zaman, Arif; Malik, Rizwan Ahmed; Kim, Jin Soo; Song, Tae Kwon; Kim, Won Jeong; Kim, Myong Ho

2014-01-01

The structure, field-induced strain, polarization and dielectric response of lead-free SrZrO 3 -modified Bi 1/2 (Na 0.80 K 0.20 ) 1/2 TiO 3 (abbreviated as BNKT–SZ100x, with x = 0–0.05) ceramics were investigated. The X-ray diffraction analysis of BNKT–SZ100x ceramics reveals no remarkable change in the crystal structure within the studied composition range. Around critical composition (x = 0.03) at a driving field of 6 kV mm −1 , large unipolar strain of 0.37% (S max /E max = 617) was obtained at room temperature. The ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of BNKT ceramics were significantly increased at 2 mol%. At x = 0.02, remnant polarization reached a maximum value of 34 μC cm −2 , while the piezoelectric constant (d 33 ) attained maximum value of 190 pC/N. These results indicate that BNKT–SZ100x ceramics can be considered as promising candidate materials for lead-free piezoelectric actuator applications. - Highlights: • BNKT–SZ ceramics were synthesized by a conventional solid state reaction process. • Field-induced strain and piezoelectric constant were increased at critical composition. • BNKT–SZ100x ceramics at x = 0.03 exhibit a large field induced dynamic piezoelectric coefficient. • BNKT–SZ100x ceramics at x = 0.02 exhibit a high static piezoelectric constant. • The depolarization temperature of BNKT–SZ100x ceramics decrease with increase in SZ content

Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation in Parkinson's Disease: A Case-Control Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Kapetanakis, Stylianos; Giovannopoulou, Eirini; Charitoudis, George; Kazakos, Konstantinos

2016-08-01

A case-control study. To investigate the effectiveness of transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (TPED) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Patients with PD frequently suffer from radiculopathy and low back pain. Additionally, they demonstrate higher complication rates after open spine surgery. However, the clinical outcome of minimally invasive techniques for lumbar discectomy, such as TPED, have not been established for this population. Patients diagnosed with lumbar disc hernia were divided into Group A (11 patients diagnosed with PD), and Group B (10 patients as the control, non-PD group). All patients underwent TPED. Indexes of visual analogue scale (VAS) for leg pain and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were assessed right before surgery and at six weeks, three months, six months and one year post-surgery. At the baseline visit, groups did not differ significantly with age (p=0.724), gender (p=0.835), level of operation (p=0.407), ODI (p=0.497) and VAS (p=0.772). Parkinson's patients had higher scores in ODI at every visit, but the outcome was statistically significant only at 3 months (p=0.004) and one year (p=0.007). Similarly, VAS measurements were higher at each time point, with the difference being significant at 3 (p<0.001), 6 (0.021), and 12 (p<0.001) months after surgery. At the end of a year of follow up, ODI was reduced by 49.6% (±16.7) in Group A and 59.2% (±8.0) in Group B (p=0.111), translating to a 79.5% (±13.0) and 91.5% (±4.1) average improvement in daily functionality (p=0.024). VAS was reduced by 59.1 mm (±11.8) in Group A and 62.2 mm (±7.4) in Group B (p=0.485), leading to an 85.3 % (±4.0) and 91.9% (±2.6) general improvement in leg pain (p<0.001). Our data indicate that TPED led to satisfactory improvement in leg pain and daily living in PD patients a year after surgery.

A randomized control trial comparing the visual and verbal communication methods for reducing fear and anxiety during tooth extraction.

Science.gov (United States)

Gazal, Giath; Tola, Ahmed W; Fareed, Wamiq M; Alnazzawi, Ahmad A; Zafar, Muhammad S

2016-04-01

To evaluate the value of using the visual information for reducing the level of dental fear and anxiety in patients undergoing teeth extraction under LA. A total of 64 patients were indiscriminately allotted to solitary of the study groups following reading the information sheet and signing the formal consent. If patient was in the control group, only verbal information and routine warnings were provided. If patient was in the study group, tooth extraction video was showed. The level of dental fear and anxiety was detailed by the patients on customary 100 mm visual analog scales (VAS), with "no dental fear and anxiety" (0 mm) and "severe dental distress and unease" (100 mm). Evaluation of dental apprehension and fretfulness was made pre-operatively, following visual/verbal information and post-extraction. There was a substantial variance among the mean dental fear and anxiety scores for both groups post-extraction (p-value < 0.05). Patients in tooth extraction video group were more comfortable after dental extraction than verbal information and routine warning group. For tooth extraction video group there were major decreases in dental distress and anxiety scores between the pre-operative and either post video information scores or postoperative scores (p-values < 0.05). Younger patients recorded higher dental fear and anxiety scores than older ones (P < 0.05). Dental fear and anxiety associated with dental extractions under local anesthesia can be reduced by showing a tooth extraction video to the patients preoperatively.

Uranium sandwich targets of 0.1 to 100 mg.cm-2 prepared by electron beam gun evaporation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Folger, H.; Klemm, J.

1978-01-01

Metallic uranium layers of 0.1 to 100 mg.cm -2 between different backings and protecting layers were prepared for bombardments with heavy ions such as argon, krypton, xenon, lead, or uranium at energies of up to 8 MeV/u at the UNILAC of the GSI. An experimental set-up for the preparation of thick and oxygen-free sandwich targets using a 6 kVA electron beam gun was installed in a high vacuum apparatus. Then deposition and evaporation rates for uranium were investigated as a function of the electron beam gun power. It turned out that reproducible evaporation rates of up to 7 mg.s -1 were achieved when uranium pieces of 20 to 40 grams were used. Specific evaporation rates and vapor pressures for different temperatures were calculated. Some of these data are compared to measured values, especially evaporation rates at the evaporation point. The preparation, composition, and usage of uranium sandwich targets is described in detail. It concerns uranium layers of 0.1 to 100 mg.cm -2 deposited onto backings of carbon, titanium, nickel, gold, or glass. Evaporated films of carbon, titanium, nickel, or gold of 0.01 to 0.2 mg.cm -2 are used to protect the uranium layers from oxidation

Safety, Tolerability, and Antihypertensive Effect of SER100, an Opiate Receptor-Like 1 (ORL-1) Partial Agonist, in Patients With Isolated Systolic Hypertension.

Science.gov (United States)

Kantola, Ilkka; Scheinin, Mika; Gulbrandsen, Trygve; Meland, Nils; Smerud, Knut T

2017-11-01

The purpose of the present trial was to evaluate safety, tolerability, and effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP) of SER100 in a small group of patients with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) in treatment with at least 1 antihypertensive drug. Eligible patients were randomized to either SER100 (10 mg) or placebo in a crossover design, and 2 doses were given subcutaneously (SC), 8 hours apart, on 2 consecutive days. On all treatment days patients were monitored with an ambulatory blood pressure measurement device for 12 daytime hours. Seventeen patients completed treatment. There were no serious or severe adverse events. Relative to placebo SER100 induced an average reduction of SBP during the 2 treatment days of 7.0 mm Hg (P = 0.0032), whereas the average reduction of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) over the same period was 3.8 mm Hg (P = 0.0011). For patients with ISH, this short-term cross-over study of SC SER100 demonstrated an acceptable safety profile and consistent, significant lowering of SBP and DBP. As initial clinical proof of concept for a new class of drugs, a nociceptin agonist peptide, the results were encouraging and warrant further research. © 2016, The American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

Pulsatile dry cupping in chronic low back pain - a randomized three-armed controlled clinical trial.

Science.gov (United States)

Teut, M; Ullmann, A; Ortiz, M; Rotter, G; Binting, S; Cree, M; Lotz, F; Roll, S; Brinkhaus, B

2018-04-02

We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of two different forms of dry pulsatile cupping in patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP) compared to medication on demand only in a three-armed randomized trial. 110 cLBP patients were randomized to regular pulsatile cupping with 8 treatments plus paracetamol on demand (n = 37), minimal cupping with 8 treatments plus paracetamol on demand (n = 36) or the control group with paracetamol on demand only (n = 37). Primary outcome was the pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-100 mm) after 4 weeks, secondary outcome parameter included VAS pain intensity after 12 weeks, back function as measured with the 'Funktionsfragebogen Hannover Rücken' (FFbH-R) and health related quality of life questionnaire Short form 36 (SF-36) after 4 and 12 weeks. The mean baseline-adjusted VAS after 4 weeks was 34.9 mm (95% CI: 28.7; 41.2) for pulsatile cupping, 40.4 (34.2; 46.7) for minimal cupping and 56.1 (49.8; 62.4) for control group, resulting in statistically significant differences between pulsatile cupping vs. control (21.2 (12.2; 30.1); p back function after 4 weeks, but not after 12 weeks (- 5.4 (- 11.7;0.8); p = 0.088), pulsatile cupping also showed better improvements on SF-36 physical component scale compared to control at 4 and 12 weeks (- 5.6 (- 9.3;-2.0); p = 0.003; - 6.1 (- 9.9;-2.4); p = 0.002). For back function and quality of life minimal cupping group was not statistically different to control after 4 and 12 weeks. Paracetamol intake did not differ between the groups (cupping vs. control (7.3 (- 0.4;15.0); p = 0.063); minimal cupping vs. control (6.3 (- 2.0;14.5); p = 0.133). Both forms of cupping were effective in cLBP without showing significant differences in direct comparison after four weeks, only pulsatile cupping showed effects compared to control after 12 weeks. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02090686 ).

A novel tool to predict food intake: the Visual Meal Creator.

Science.gov (United States)

Holliday, Adrian; Batey, Chris; Eves, Frank F; Blannin, Andrew K

2014-08-01

Subjective appetite is commonly measured using an abstract visual analogue scale (VAS) technique, that provides no direct information about desired portion size or food choice. The purpose of this investigation was to develop and validate a user-friendly tool - the Visual Meal Creator (VIMEC) - that would allow for independent, repeated measures of subjective appetite and provide a prediction of food intake. Twelve participants experienced dietary control over a 5-hour period to manipulate hunger state on three occasions (small breakfast (SB) vs. large breakfast (LB) vs. large breakfast + snacks (LB+S)). Appetite measures were obtained every 60 minutes using the VIMEC and VAS. At 4.5 hours, participants were presented with an ad libitum test meal, from which energy intake (EI) was measured. The efficacy of the VIMEC was assessed by its ability to detect expected patterns of appetite and its strength as a predictor of energy intake. Day-to-day reproducibility and test-retest repeatability were assessed. Between- and within-condition differences in VAS and VIMEC scores (represented as mm and kcal of the "created" meal, respectively) were significantly correlated with one another throughout. Between- and within-condition changes in appetite scores obtained with the VIMEC exhibited a stronger correlation with EI at the test meal than those obtained with VAS. Pearson correlation coefficients for within-condition comparisons were 0.951, 0.914 and 0.875 (all p < 0.001) for SB, LB and LB+S respectively. Correlation coefficients for between-condition differences in VIMEC and EI were 0.273, 0.940 (p < 0.001) and 0.525 (p < 0.05) for SB - LB+S, SB - LB and LB - LB+S respectively. The VIMEC exhibited a similar degree of reproducibility to VAS. These findings suggest that the VIMEC appears to be a stronger predictor of energy intake than VAS. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Performance Characteristics of the Experimental Boiling Water Reactor from 0 to 100 MW(t); Performances de l'EBWR de 0 a 100 MW; Rabochaya kharakteristika ehksperimental'nogo kipyashchego reaktora EBWR pri moshchnosti 0 - 100 mgvt.; Rendimiento del reactor experimental de agua hirviente (EBWR) entre 0 y 100 MW

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Iskenderian, A.; Lipinski, W. C.; Petrick, M.; Wimunc, E. A. [Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL (United States)

1963-10-15

On 25 May 1962 the Argonne National Laboratory received approval from the USAEC to operate EBWR to a power level of 100 MW. Administrative approval to proceed was granted by the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards system on 11 July 1962. On 15 November 1962 an operating power level of 100 MW was reached. The EBWR 100 MW Reactor Experimental Program was completed on 6 December 1962. One of the major goals of this project was to instrument the reactor extensively in order to obtain data and information on the performance characteristics of this reactor type. The programme was the first of its kind to be undertaken and the first to be completed. Many new instrumentation techniques had to be developed for obtaining the desired data. The goal was successfully achieved, and many new data were obtained on the performance characteristics of a natural circulation boiling-water reactor. The data derived from this programme provided information on recirculation flow rates, vapour liquid separation limits (steam carryunder in the downcomer and liquid carryover in the effluent steam), subcooling, location oi the true interface in the reactor and its relation to the water column level, steam collapse rates in the downcomer, void coefficients, H{sub 3}BO{sub 3} worth, temperature coefficients, use of boron strips for control purposes, use of spike elements, transfer functions, noise analysis, some flux measurements, stability, etc. In addition, data were obtained on the behaviour and integrity of certain reactor components and systems such as boric acid control, radiation levels, corrosion product distribution, equipment malfunctions, fuel and control rods, etc. EBWR's performance characteristics were governed almost exclusively by steam carryunder in the downcomer, liquid carryover in the effluent steam, and indirectly by the location of the true interface in the vessel. Carryunder was the dominating factor in the lower power range. Above 65 MW the reactor

Foreword: The 12th International Conference on Vibrations at Surfaces (VAS 12) (Erice, 20 26 July 2007)

Science.gov (United States)

Benedek, Giorgio; Vattuone, Luca

2008-06-01

The 12th International Conference on Vibrations at Surfaces (VAS 12) took place from 20 26 July 2007 as an event of the International School of Solid State Physics at the Ettore Majorana Foundation and Centre for Scientific Culture, Erice (Italy). The format and special environment of the conference have contributed to its transition from a traditional, medium-size conference into a more effective workshop, with a series of lectures reporting the most recent developments in the field, two poster sessions presenting recent results and even works in progress being discussed. The papers collected in this issue cover the highlights of the conference very thoroughly. Quite a few novel aspects concerning vibrations at surfaces are represented here, for example: new aspects in surface phonon spectroscopy, such as the very recent progress in inelastic x-ray scattering, the first observation of the boson peak in disordered surfaces, progress in the theory of atom scattering inelastic resonances, the action spectroscopy, the study of polycrystalline surfaces with electron energy-loss spectroscopy etc; parallel developments in experimental vibrational studies of adsorbed phases, either inorganic or organic, with those in ab initio theoretical simulations; the theory of enhanced electron--phonon interaction in low dimensions (2D and 1D); the extension from the traditional realm of surface vibrations and spectroscopy to other aspects of surface dynamics, like friction and various nonlinear effects, and to relevant dynamical phenomena occurring at interfaces. Other novelties presented at the conference, but already published in recent issues of the Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, are also worth mentioning: the spin-echo spectroscopy with 3He allowing for slow-dynamics spectroscopy at very high, unprecedented resolutions (2007 J. Phys.: Cond. Matter 19 300301 and 305010; the first demonstration of dissociative surface trapping of molecules (2007 J. Phys.: Cond. Matter 19

Fabrication of mm-wave undulator cavities using deep x-ray lithography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Song, J.J.; Kang, Y.W.; Kustom, R.L.; Lai, B.; Nassiri, A.; Feinerman, A.D.; White, V.; Well, G.M.

1995-01-01

The possibility of fabricating mm-wave radio frequency cavities (100-300 GHz) using deep x-ray lithography (DXRL) is being investigated. The fabrication process includes manufacture of precision x-ray masks, exposure of positive resist by x-ray through the mask, resist development, and electroforming of the final microstructure. Highly precise, two-dimensional features can be machined onto wafers using DXRL. Major challenges are: fabrication of the wafers into three-dimensional rf structures; alignment and overlay accuracy of structures; adhesion of the PMMA on the copper substrate; and selection of a developer to obtain high resolution. Rectangular cavity geometry is best suited to this fabrication technique. A 30- or 84-cell 108-GHz mm-wave structure can serve as an electromagnetic undulator. A mm-wave undulator, which will be discussed later, may have special features compared to the conventional undulator. First harmonic undulator radiation at 5.2 KeV would be possible using the Advanced Photon Source (APS) linac system, which provides a low-emittance electron beam by using an rf thermionic gun with an energy as high as 750-MeV. More detailed rf simulation, heat extraction analysis, beam dynamics using a mm-wave structure, and measurements on lOx larger scale models can be found in these proceedings

Condensation heat transfer characteristics of R410A-oil mixture in 5 mm and 4 mm outside diameter horizontal microfin tubes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Huang, Xiangchao; Ding, Guoliang; Hu, Haitao; Zhu, Yu [Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); Gao, Yifeng [International Copper Association Shanghai Office, Shanghai 200020 (China); Deng, Bin [Institute of Heat Transfer Technology, Golden Dragon Precise Copper Tube Group Inc., Shanghai 200135 (China)

2010-10-15

Condensation heat transfer characteristics of R410A-oil mixture in 5 mm and 4 mm outside diameter horizontal microfin tubes were investigated experimentally. The experimental condensing temperature is 40 C, and nominal oil concentration range is from 0% to 5%. The test results indicate that the presence of oil deteriorates the heat transfer. The deterioration effect is negligible at nominal oil concentration of 1%, and becomes obvious with the increase of nominal oil concentration. At 5% nominal oil concentration, the heat transfer coefficient of R410A-oil mixture is found to have a maximum reduction of 25.1% and 23.8% for 5 mm and 4 mm tubes, respectively. The predictabilities of the existing condensation heat transfer correlations were verified with the experimental data, and Yu and Koyama correlation shows the best predictability. By replacing the pure refrigerant properties with the mixture's properties, Yu and Koyama correlation has a deviation of -15% to + 20% in predicting the local condensation heat transfer coefficient of R410A-oil mixture. (author)

VLBA imaging of the 3 mm SiO maser emission in the disk-wind from the massive protostellar system Orion Source I

Science.gov (United States)

Issaoun, S.; Goddi, C.; Matthews, L. D.; Greenhill, L. J.; Gray, M. D.; Humphreys, E. M. L.; Chandler, C. J.; Krumholz, M.; Falcke, H.

2017-10-01

Context. High-mass star formation remains poorly understood due to observational difficulties (e.g. high dust extinction and large distances) hindering the resolution of disk-accretion and outflow-launching regions. Aims: Orion Source I is the closest known massive young stellar object (YSO) and exceptionally powers vibrationally-excited SiO masers at radii within 100 AU, providing a unique probe of gas dynamics and energetics. We seek to observe and image these masers with Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI). Methods: We present the first images of the 28SiO v = 1, J = 2-1 maser emission around Orion Source I observed at 86 GHz (λ3 mm) with the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). These images have high spatial ( 0.3 mas) and spectral ( 0.054 km s-1) resolutions. Results: We find that the λ3 mm masers lie in an X-shaped locus consisting of four arms, with blue-shifted emission in the south and east arms and red-shifted emission in the north and west arms. Comparisons with previous images of the 28SiO v = 1,2, J = 1-0 transitions at λ7 mm (observed in 2001-2002) show that the bulk of the J = 2-1 transition emission follows the streamlines of the J = 1-0 emission and exhibits an overall velocity gradient consistent with the gradient at λ7 mm. While there is spatial overlap between the λ3 mm and λ7 mm transitions, the λ3 mm emission, on average, lies at larger projected distances from Source I ( 44 AU compared with 35 AU for λ7 mm). The spatial overlap between the v = 1, J = 1-0 and J = 2-1 transitions is suggestive of a range of temperatures and densities where physical conditions are favorable for both transitions of a same vibrational state. However, the observed spatial offset between the bulk of emission at λ3 mm and λ7 mm possibly indicates different ranges of temperatures and densities for optimal excitation of the masers. We discuss different maser pumping models that may explain the observed offset. Conclusions: We interpret the λ3 mm and λ7 mm

Enhanced tolerability of the 5-hydroxytryptophane challenge test combined with granisetron.

Science.gov (United States)

Jacobs, G E; Kamerling, I M C; de Kam, M L; Derijk, R H; van Pelt, J; Zitman, F G; van Gerven, J M A

2010-01-01

A recently developed oral serotonergic challenge test consisting of 5-Hydroxytryptophane (5-HTP, 200 mg) combined with carbidopa (CBD, 100 mg + 50 mg) exhibited dose-related neuroendocrine responsiveness and predictable pharmacokinetics. However, its applicability is limited by nausea and vomiting. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-way crossover trial was performed in 12 healthy male volunteers. The 5-HTP/CBD-challenge was combined with two oral anti-emetics (granisetron, 2 mg or domperidone, 10 mg) to investigate its reliability when side-effects are suppressed. The neuroendocrine response (serum cortisol and prolactin), the side-effect profile [Visual Analogue Scale Nausea (VAS)] and vomiting subjects per treatment were the main outcome measures. Compared to 5-HTP/CBD/placebo, 5-HTP/CBD/ granisetron had no impact on cortisol [% change with 95% confidence interval: -7.1% (18.9; 6.5)] or prolactin levels [-9.6% (-25.1; 9.1)]; 5-HTP/CBD/domperidone increased cortisol [+13.0% (-4.2; 33.4)], and increased prolactin extensively [+336.8% (245.7; 451.9)]. Compared to placebo, VAS Nausea increased non-significantly with granisetron [+7.6 mm (-1.3; 16.5)], as opposed to domperidone [+16.2 mm (7.2; 25.2)] and 5-HTP/CBD/placebo [+14.7 mm (5.5; 23.8)]. No subjects vomited with granisetron, compared to two subjects treated with 5-HTP/CBD/placebo and five subjects with domperidone. Compared with 5-HTP/CBD/placebo, granisetron addition decreased C(max) of 5-HTP statistically significantly different (from 1483 to 1272 ng/ml) without influencing AUC(0- infinity). Addition of granisetron to the combined 5-HTP/CBD challenge suppresses nausea and vomiting without influencing the neuroendocrine response or pharmacokinetics, enhancing its clinical applicability in future psychiatric research and drug development.

X-ray analytics for 450-mm wafer; Roentgenanalytik fuer 450-mm-Wafer

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Anon.

2014-09-15

The introduction of the 450-mm technology in the wafer fabrication and the further reduction of critical dimensions requires improved X-ray analysis methods. Therefor the PTB has concipated a metrology chamber for the characterization of 450-mm wafers, the crucial element of which is a multi-axis patent-pending manipulator.

Fabrication of mm-wave undulator cavities using deep x-ray lithography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Song, J.; Feinerman, A.; Kang, Y.; Kustom, R.; Lai, B.; Nassiri, A.; White, V.; Well, G.M.

1996-01-01

The possibility of fabricating mm-wave radio frequency cavities (100 endash 300 GHz) using deep x-ray lithography (DXRL) is being investigated. The fabrication process includes manufacture of precision x-ray masks, exposure of positive resist by x-ray through the mask, resist development, and electroforming of the final microstructure. Highly precise, two-dimensional features can be machined onto wafers using DXRL. Major challenges are: fabrication of the wafers into three-dimensional rf structures; alignment and overlay accuracy of structures; adhesion of the PMMA on the copper substrate; and selection of a developer to obtain high resolution. Rectangular cavity geometry is best suited to this fabrication technique. A 30- or 84-cell 108-GHz mm-wave structure can serve as an electromagnetic undulator. A mm-wave undulator, which will be discussed later, may have special features compared to the conventional undulator. First harmonic undulator radiation at 5.2 keV would be possible using the Advanced Photon Source (APS) linac system, which provides a low-emittance electron beam by using an rf thermionic gun with an energy as high as 750 MeV. More detailed rf simulation, heat extraction analysis, beam dynamics using a mm-wave structure, and measurements on 10x larger scale models can be found in these proceedings [Y.W. Kang et al., open-quote open-quote Design and Construction of Planar mm-wave Accelerating Cavity Structures close-quote close-quote] copyright 1996 American Institute of Physics

Long-term follow-up and salvage surgery in patients with T2N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx who received concurrent chemoradiation therapy with carboplatin (CBDCA) - AUC 1.5 vs AUC 2.0.

Science.gov (United States)

Furusaka, Tohru; Matsuda, Hiroshi; Saito, Tsutomu; Katsura, Yoshihisa; Ikeda, Minoru

2012-11-01

Patients who received concurrent chemoradiation therapy with carboplatin were followed up on a long-term basis. In 25 patients treated with carboplatin at an AUC of 2.0 mg/ml, the complete response (CR), 10-year survival, and 10-year larynx preservation rates were 96.0%, 91.1%, and 75.2%, respectively, and the safety margin for partial laryngectomy was 4 mm from the gross tumor. To perform long-term follow-up of the therapeutic outcomes of concurrent chemoradiation therapy and salvage surgery to determine the additive and synergistic effects of anticancer drugs combined with chemoradiotherapy. Fifty male patients (aged 33-76 years) with untreated T2N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx were included. Carboplatin was intravenously administered once a week for 4 weeks. Radiotherapy was delivered by an external beam of 4 MV linac X-ray (total = 66 Gy). The AUC 1.5 combination group showed overall response, CR, 5-year survival, 10-year survival, 5-year larynx preservation, and 10-year larynx preservation rates of 100.0%, 68.0%, 83.4%, 77.0%, 75.2%, and 75.2%, respectively. The AUC 2.0 combination group showed corresponding rates of 100%, 96.0%, 95.7%, 91.1%, 82.9%, and 72.7%, respectively. The most common side effects of grade 3 or more were leukopenia, neutropenia, and mucositis (stomatitis), and all were reversible. Thirteen patients (52.0%) in the AUC 1.5 combination group and nine patients (36.0%) in the AUC 2.0 combination group required salvage surgery. Histologically, concurrent chemoradiation therapy with carboplatin caused more severe cancer tissue degeneration. Pathological examinations indicated that the safety margin for partial laryngectomy was 4 mm from the gross tumor.

Tribological performance of sub-100-nm femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures on titanium

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bonse, J., E-mail: joern.bonse@bam.de [BAM Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Unter den Eichen 87, D-12205 Berlin (Germany); Höhm, S. [Max-Born-Institut für Nichtlineare Optik und Kurzzeitspektroskopie (MBI), Max-Born-Straße 2A, D-12489 Berlin (Germany); Koter, R.; Hartelt, M.; Spaltmann, D.; Pentzien, S. [BAM Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Unter den Eichen 87, D-12205 Berlin (Germany); Rosenfeld, A. [Max-Born-Institut für Nichtlineare Optik und Kurzzeitspektroskopie (MBI), Max-Born-Straße 2A, D-12489 Berlin (Germany); Krüger, J. [BAM Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Unter den Eichen 87, D-12205 Berlin (Germany)

2016-06-30

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Large areas covered with sub-100 nm LIPSS (HSFL) were manufactured by fs-laser irradiation on titanium surfaces. • Tribological performance of HSFL covered areas was qualified in reciprocal sliding tests in two different lubricating oils. • HSFL on titanium do not endure the tribological tests. • For a beneficial tribological performance, the tribological sample deformation must be smaller than the LIPSS modulation depth. - Abstract: Sub-100-nm laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) were processed on bulk titanium (Ti) surfaces by femtosecond laser pulse irradiation in air (30 fs pulse duration, 790 nm wavelength). The laser peak fluence, the spatial spot overlap, and the number of overscans were optimized in a sample-scanning geometry in order to obtain large surface areas (5 mm × 5 mm) covered homogeneously by the LIPSS. The laser-processed regions were characterized by optical microscopy (OM), white light interference microscopy (WLIM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The friction coefficient of the nanostructured surfaces was tested during 1000 cycles under reciprocal sliding conditions (1 Hz, 1.0 N normal load) against a 10-mm diameter ball of hardened 100Cr6 steel, both in paraffin oil and in engine oil used as lubricants. Subsequently, the corresponding wear tracks were qualified by OM, SEM, and energy dispersive X-ray analyses (EDX). The results of the tribological tests are discussed and compared to that obtained for near wavelength-sized fs-LIPSS, processed under somewhat different irradiation conditions. Some constraints for a beneficial effect of LIPSS on the tribological performance are provided.

Tribological performance of sub-100-nm femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures on titanium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bonse, J.; Höhm, S.; Koter, R.; Hartelt, M.; Spaltmann, D.; Pentzien, S.; Rosenfeld, A.; Krüger, J.

2016-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Large areas covered with sub-100 nm LIPSS (HSFL) were manufactured by fs-laser irradiation on titanium surfaces. • Tribological performance of HSFL covered areas was qualified in reciprocal sliding tests in two different lubricating oils. • HSFL on titanium do not endure the tribological tests. • For a beneficial tribological performance, the tribological sample deformation must be smaller than the LIPSS modulation depth. - Abstract: Sub-100-nm laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) were processed on bulk titanium (Ti) surfaces by femtosecond laser pulse irradiation in air (30 fs pulse duration, 790 nm wavelength). The laser peak fluence, the spatial spot overlap, and the number of overscans were optimized in a sample-scanning geometry in order to obtain large surface areas (5 mm × 5 mm) covered homogeneously by the LIPSS. The laser-processed regions were characterized by optical microscopy (OM), white light interference microscopy (WLIM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The friction coefficient of the nanostructured surfaces was tested during 1000 cycles under reciprocal sliding conditions (1 Hz, 1.0 N normal load) against a 10-mm diameter ball of hardened 100Cr6 steel, both in paraffin oil and in engine oil used as lubricants. Subsequently, the corresponding wear tracks were qualified by OM, SEM, and energy dispersive X-ray analyses (EDX). The results of the tribological tests are discussed and compared to that obtained for near wavelength-sized fs-LIPSS, processed under somewhat different irradiation conditions. Some constraints for a beneficial effect of LIPSS on the tribological performance are provided.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Intravenous Haloperidol vs. Intravenous Metoclopramide for Acute Migraine Therapy in the Emergency Department.

Science.gov (United States)

Gaffigan, Matthew E; Bruner, David I; Wason, Courtney; Pritchard, Amy; Frumkin, Kenneth

2015-09-01

Emergency Department (ED) headache patients are commonly treated with neuroleptic antiemetics like metoclopramide. Haloperidol has been shown to be effective for migraine treatment. Our study compared the use of metoclopramide vs. haloperidol to treat ED migraine patients. A prospective, double-blinded, randomized control trial of 64 adults aged 18-50 years with migraine headache and no recognized risks for QT-prolongation. Haloperidol 5 mg or metoclopramide 10 mg was given intravenously after 25 mg diphenhydramine. Pain, nausea, restlessness (akathisia), and sedation were assessed with 100-mm visual analog scales (VAS) at baseline and every 20 min, to a maximum of 80 min. The need for rescue medications, side effects, and subject satisfaction were recorded. QTc intervals were measured prior to and after treatment. Follow-up calls after 48 h assessed satisfaction and recurrent or persistent symptoms. Thirty-one subjects received haloperidol, 33 metoclopramide. The groups were similar on all VAS measurements, side effects, and in their satisfaction with therapy. Pain relief averaged 53 mm VAS over both groups, with equal times to maximum improvement. Subjects receiving haloperidol required rescue medication significantly less often (3% vs. 24%, p haloperidol-treated subjects experiencing more restlessness (43% vs. 10%). Intravenous haloperidol is as safe and effective as metoclopramide for the ED treatment of migraine headaches, with less frequent need for rescue medications. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The preliminary study on a single balloon cross-medline expansion using unipedicular approach in kyphoplasty

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sun Gang; Jin Peng; Liu Xunwei; Hao Runsong; Xie Zhiyong; Li Fandong; Yi Yuhai; Zhang Xuping

2008-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of kyphoplasty with single balloon cross-midline expansion using unipedicular approach for osteoporotic vertebral body compressive fracture (OVCF). Methods: Thirty six cases of painful OVCF were included in the study, with 61 vertebrae involved. Under X-ray fluoroscopy monitoring, kyphoplasty was performed using a unilateral, single, balloon via a unilateral transpedicular approach. A final balloon position was in the midline of the vertebral body with the balloon cross-midline expansions and bone cement filled. Clinical outcomes were determined by comparison of preoperative and postoperative VAS and ODI scores. Radiographic assessment included vertebral height restoration and correction of kyphosis. Follow-up was conducted for 6.0-12.0 months (mean 9.2 months). Results: Thirty-six consecutive patients with 61 vertebrae were successfully operated with an operative time of (37.4 ± 9.6) min per vertebra. All patients had significant pain relief and functional recovery within 96 h after the procedure with no surgery- and device-related complications. VAS score improved from (7.3 ± 1.0) preoperatively to (2.7 ± 0.8) postoperatively (t=19.53, P<0.01). ODI score was decreased from(71.1±10.9)% preoperatively to(26.6±6.4)% postoperatively(t=18.54, P<0.01). The average anterior body height loss was (14.3±2.8) mm before procedure and (10.0 ± 1.8) mm after procedure (t=14.68, P<0.01). The average middle body height loss was (10.2 ± 2.7) mm before procedure and (5.9±1.8) mm after procedure (t=16.44,P<0.01). The Cobb's angle was corrected from 23.4 degree ± 5.0 degree to 16.2 degree ± 2.8 degree (t=15.60,P<0.01). Some leakages of cement around the anterior margin of vertebra and inter-vertebral space were found in 2 patients, but there were no clinical symptoms. X-ray examination indicated there were no cement leakages in other vertebra. The pain relief and functional recovery were substantial and maintained to

Does a 'tight' hamstring predict low back pain reporting during prolonged standing?

Science.gov (United States)

Raftry, Sean M; Marshall, Paul W M

2012-06-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between hamstring passive stiffness and extensibility in asymptomatic individuals with the reporting of low back pain during 2-h prolonged standing. Twenty healthy participants with no history of low back pain (mean±SD, age 22.6±2.7 years, height 1.74±0.09 m, weight 76.2±14.8 kg). Low back pain (VAS score; mm) was continuously monitored during 2-h prolonged standing. Hamstring extensibility, passive stiffness, and stretch tolerance were measured before and after prolonged standing using an instrumented straight leg raise (iSLR). Ten participants reported a clinically relevant increase (Δ VAS>10mm) in low back pain during prolonged standing. Hamstring extensiblity (leg°(max)), passive stiffness (Nm.°(-1)), and stretch tolerance (VAS; mm) were no different between pain developers and non-pain developers. No changes in hamstring measures were observed following 2-h prolonged standing. No relationship was observed in this study between measures of hamstring extensibility and the reporting of low back pain during prolonged standing. There is no evidence to recommend hamstring extensibility interventions (i.e. passive stretching) as a means of reducing pain reporting in occupations requiring prolonged standing. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Multiple Myeloma: Prospective Long-Term Follow-Up in 106 Consecutive Patients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anselmetti, Giovanni Carlo; Manca, Antonio; Montemurro, Filippo; Hirsch, Joshua; Chiara, Gabriele; Grignani, Giovanni; Carnevale Schianca, Fabrizio; Capaldi, Antonio; Rota Scalabrini, Delia; Sardo, Elena; Debernardi, Felicino; Iussich, Gabriella; Regge, Daniele

2012-01-01

Purpose: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) is a minimally invasive procedure involving the injection of bone cement within a collapsed vertebral body. Although this procedure was demonstrated to be effective in osteoporosis and metastases, few studies have been reported in cases of multiple myeloma (MM). We prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of PV in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) resulting from MM. Materials and Methods: PV was performed in 106 consecutive MM patients who had back pain due to VCFs, the treatment of which had failed conservative therapies. Follow-up (28.2 ± 12.1 months) was evaluated at 7 and 15 days as well as at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and every 6 months after PV. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, opioid use, external brace support, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score were recorded. Results: The median pretreatment VAS score of 9 (range 4–10) significantly (P < 0.001) decreased to 1 (range 0–9) after PV. Median pre-ODI values of 82% (range 36–89%) significantly improved to 7% (range 0–82%) (P < 0.001). Differences in pretreatment and posttreatment use of analgesic drug were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The majority of patients (70 of 81; 86%) did not use an external brace after PV (P < 0.001). Conclusion: PV is a safe, effective, and long-lasting procedure for the treatment of vertebral compression pain resulting from MM.

Can magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0-Tesla reliably detect patients with endometriosis? Initial results.

Science.gov (United States)

Thomeer, Maarten G; Steensma, Anneke B; van Santbrink, Evert J; Willemssen, Francois E; Wielopolski, Piotr A; Hunink, Myriam G; Spronk, Sandra; Laven, Joop S; Krestin, Gabriel P

2014-04-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether an optimized 3.0-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol is sensitive and specific enough to detect patients with endometriosis. This was a prospective cohort study with consecutive patients. Forty consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of endometriosis underwent 3.0-Tesla MRI, including a T2-weighted high-resolution fast spin echo sequence (spatial resolution=0.75 ×1.2 ×1.5 mm³) and a 3D T1-weighted high-resolution gradient echo sequence (spatial resolution=0.75 ×1.2 × 2.0 mm³). Two radiologists reviewed the dataset with consensus reading. During laparoscopy, which was used as reference standard, all lesions were characterized according to the revised criteria of the American Fertility Society. Patient-level and region-level sensitivities and specificities and lesion-level sensitivities were calculated. Patient-level sensitivity was 42% for stage I (5/12) and 100% for stages II, III and IV (25/25). Patient-level specificity for all stages was 100% (3/3). The region-level sensitivity and specificity was 63% and 97%, respectively. The sensitivity per lesion was 61% (90% for deep lesions, 48% for superficial lesions and 100% for endometriomata). The detection rate of obliteration of the cul-the-sac was 100% (10/10) with no false positive findings. The interreader agreement was substantial to perfect (kappa=1 per patient, 0.65 per lesion and 0.71 for obliteration of the cul-the-sac). An optimized 3.0-Tesla MRI protocol is accurate in detecting stage II to stage IV endometriosis. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2014 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

A pilot study of the eccentric decline squat in the management of painful chronic patellar tendinopathy.

Science.gov (United States)

Purdam, C R; Jonsson, P; Alfredson, H; Lorentzon, R; Cook, J L; Khan, K M

2004-08-01

This non-randomised pilot study investigated the effect of eccentric quadriceps training on 17 patients (22 tendons) with painful chronic patellar tendinopathy. Two different eccentric exercise regimens were used by subjects with a long duration of pain with activity (more than six months). (a) Nine consecutive patients (10 tendons; eight men, one woman; mean age 22 years) performed eccentric exercise with the ankle joint in a standard (foot flat) position. (b) Eight patients (12 tendons; five men, three women; mean age 28 years) performed eccentric training standing on a 25 degrees decline board, designed to increase load on the knee extensor mechanism. The eccentric training was performed twice daily, with three sets of 15 repetitions, for 12 weeks. Primary outcome measures were (a) 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS), where the subject recorded the amount of pain during activity, and (b) return to previous activity. Follow up was at 12 weeks, with a further limited follow up at 15 months. Good clinical results were obtained in the group who trained on the decline board, with six patients (nine tendons) returning to sport and showing a significantly reduced amount of pain over the 12 week period. Mean VAS scores fell from 74.2 to 28.5 (p = 0.004). At 15 months, four patients (five tendons) reported satisfactory results (mean VAS 26.2). In the standard squat group the results were poor, with only one athlete returning to previous activity. Mean VAS scores in this group were 79.0 at baseline and 72.3 at 12 weeks (p = 0.144). In a small group of patients with patellar tendinopathy, eccentric squats on a decline board produced encouraging results in terms of pain reduction and return to function in the short term. Eccentric exercise using standard single leg squats in a similar sized group appeared to be a less effective form of rehabilitation in reducing pain and returning subjects to previous levels of activity.

Differentiation grade for extrahepatic bile duct adenocarcinoma: Assessed by diffusion-weighted imaging at 3.0-T MR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huang, Xin-Qiao; Shu, Jian; Luo, Li; Jin, Ming-Li; Lu, Xiao-Fei; Yang, Shu-Gen

2016-01-01

Highlights: • DWI can assess the prognostic of extrahepatic bile duct adenocarcinomas (EBDA). • The ADC value of EBDA lesion descended as the differentiation grade decreased. • The cut off value from ROC Curve of ADC can predict EBDA differentiation grade. • To some extend, it is reliable as we analysed a relatively large number of EBDAs. - Abstract: Purpose—: To assess the pathological differentiation grade in the patients with extrahepatic bile duct adenocarcinoma (EBDA) using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at 3.0-T MR. Methods—: Sixty-eight patients who were clinically and histologically diagnosed with EBDA underwent abdominal DWI within 2 weeks before surgery. The lesion signal intensity, signal intensity ratio of the lesion and hepar (SIR-LH) value, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value in patients with EBDA were retrospectively analysed. Results: —In the 68 patients, 22 well-differentiated, 36 moderately-differentiated, and 10 poorly-differentiated EBDAs were histopathological confirmed. These EBDAs exhibited hyper-intensity on DWI in 95.59% of patients. Hyper-intensity lesions were found in 90.91% of patients with good-differentiation, in 97.22% with moderate-differentiation and in 100% with poor-differentiation. There showed no statistical difference for the lesion signal intensity (P = 0.426) and SIR-LH value (P = 0.766) on DWI among three groups. The median ADC value of the well-differentiated, moderately-differentiated and poorly-differentiated EBDAs were 1.506 × 10 −3 mm 2 /s, 1.275 × 10 −3 mm 2 /s and 1.154 × 10 −3 mm 2 /s, respectively. As the pathological differentiation grade decreased, the lesion ADC value of EBDA gradually declined (x 2 = 51.220, P = 0.000). The ADC value <1.184 × 10 −3 mm 2 /s can predict the poorly-differentiated EBDA with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94.83%. The ADC value >1.316 × 10 −3 mm 2 / s can forecast the well-differentiated EBDA with a sensitivity of 100% and a

Differentiation grade for extrahepatic bile duct adenocarcinoma: Assessed by diffusion-weighted imaging at 3.0-T MR

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Huang, Xin-Qiao, E-mail: 1109489147@qq.com; Shu, Jian, E-mail: shujiannc@163.com; Luo, Li, E-mail: 23857275@qq.com; Jin, Ming-Li, E-mail: 1242037853@qq.com; Lu, Xiao-Fei, E-mail: 82901782@qq.com; Yang, Shu-Gen, E-mail: 82587849@qq.com

2016-11-15

Highlights: • DWI can assess the prognostic of extrahepatic bile duct adenocarcinomas (EBDA). • The ADC value of EBDA lesion descended as the differentiation grade decreased. • The cut off value from ROC Curve of ADC can predict EBDA differentiation grade. • To some extend, it is reliable as we analysed a relatively large number of EBDAs. - Abstract: Purpose—: To assess the pathological differentiation grade in the patients with extrahepatic bile duct adenocarcinoma (EBDA) using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at 3.0-T MR. Methods—: Sixty-eight patients who were clinically and histologically diagnosed with EBDA underwent abdominal DWI within 2 weeks before surgery. The lesion signal intensity, signal intensity ratio of the lesion and hepar (SIR-LH) value, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value in patients with EBDA were retrospectively analysed. Results: —In the 68 patients, 22 well-differentiated, 36 moderately-differentiated, and 10 poorly-differentiated EBDAs were histopathological confirmed. These EBDAs exhibited hyper-intensity on DWI in 95.59% of patients. Hyper-intensity lesions were found in 90.91% of patients with good-differentiation, in 97.22% with moderate-differentiation and in 100% with poor-differentiation. There showed no statistical difference for the lesion signal intensity (P = 0.426) and SIR-LH value (P = 0.766) on DWI among three groups. The median ADC value of the well-differentiated, moderately-differentiated and poorly-differentiated EBDAs were 1.506 × 10{sup −3} mm{sup 2}/s, 1.275 × 10{sup −3} mm{sup 2}/s and 1.154 × 10{sup −3} mm{sup 2}/s, respectively. As the pathological differentiation grade decreased, the lesion ADC value of EBDA gradually declined (x{sup 2} = 51.220, P = 0.000). The ADC value <1.184 × 10{sup −3} mm{sup 2}/s can predict the poorly-differentiated EBDA with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94.83%. The ADC value >1.316 × 10{sup −3} mm{sup 2}/ s can forecast the well

Age-Specific Cutoff Value for the Application of Percent Free Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) in Chinese Men with Serum PSA Levels of 4.0–10.0 ng/ml

Science.gov (United States)

Xie, Liping; He, Dalin; Zhou, Liqun; Xu, Chuanliang; Gao, Xu; Ren, Shancheng; Wang, Fubo; Ma, Lulin; Wei, Qiang; Yin, Changjun; Tian, Ye; Sun, Zhongquan; Fu, Qiang; Ding, Qiang; Zheng, Junhua; Ye, Zhangqun; Ye, Dingwei; Xu, Danfeng; Hou, Jianquan; Xu, Kexin; Yuan, Jianlin; Gao, Xin; Liu, Chunxiao; Pan, Tiejun; Sun, Yinghao

2015-01-01

Objective The influence of age on the performance of percent free prostate-specific antigen (%fPSA) in diagnosing prostate cancer (PCa) in East Asians is controversial. We tested the diagnostic performance of %fPSA in a multi-center biopsy cohort in China and identified the proper age-specific cutoff values to avoid unnecessary biopsies. Methods Consecutive patients with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 4.0–10.0 ng/ml or 10.1–20.0 ng/ml who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided or transperineal prostate biopsy were enrolled from 22 Chinese medical centers from Jan 1, 2010 to Dec 31, 2013. The diagnostic accuracy of PSA and %fPSA was determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Age-specific cutoff values were calculated using ROC curve analysis. Results The median %fPSA was much lower in younger patients compared with older patients with a PSA level of 4.0–10.0 ng/ml or 10.1–20.0 ng/ml. The AUC of %fPSA was higher than PSA only in older patients. In patients aged 50 to 59 years, %fPSA failed to improve the diagnosis compared with PSA in these two PSA ranges. Age-specific cutoff values were 24%, 27% and 32% for patients aged 60–69, 70–79 and ≥80 years, respectively, to reduce unnecessary biopsies in men with PSA levels of 4.0–10.0 ng/ml to detect 90% of all PCa. Conclusions The effectiveness of %fPSA is correlated with age in the Chinese population. Age-specific cutoff values would help avoid unnecessary biopsies in the Chinese population. PMID:26091007

Viscous behavior of (Sn{sub 61.9}Pb{sub 38.1}){sub 100-x}RE{sub x} (x=0, 0.1, 0.3, 1 wt%) solder alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wu Yuqin [Key Laboratory of Liquid Structure and Heredity of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University (Southern Campus), 73 Jingshi Road, Jinan 250061 (China); Bian Xiufang [Key Laboratory of Liquid Structure and Heredity of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University (Southern Campus), 73 Jingshi Road, Jinan 250061 (China)], E-mail: xfbian@sdu.edu.cn; Zhao Yan; Li Xuelian; Zhang Yanning; Tian Yongsheng; Lv Xiaoqian [Key Laboratory of Liquid Structure and Heredity of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University (Southern Campus), 73 Jingshi Road, Jinan 250061 (China)

2008-05-19

The viscous behavior of (Sn{sub 61.9}Pb{sub 38.1}){sub 100-x}RE{sub x} (x=0, 0.1, 0.3, 1 wt%) solder alloys has been investigated by a torsional oscillation viscometer. The structural transition temperature T{sup '} increases with increasing addition of RE elements. Above T{sup '}, the viscosities of melts increase with increasing addition of RE, and are fitted well with the Arrhenius equation. The time dependence of viscosity at the measured temperature below T{sup '} follows the exponential relaxation function and reflects the process of the structural transition in the melt, which can be considered as the thermodynamic equilibrium process. The thermodynamic equilibrium relaxation time {tau}{sub eq} increases with both the equilibrium viscosity {eta}{sub eq} and the discrepancy in viscosity ({delta}{eta}), between the initial state and the equilibrium state. However, it decreases with the measured temperature T. The size of clusters in the melts increases with increasing of viscosity and is restricted by the thermodynamic equilibrium conditions.

Lightning Step Leader and Return Stroke Spectra at 100,000 fps

Science.gov (United States)

Harley, J.; McHarg, M.; Stenbaek-Nielsen, H. C.; Haaland, R. K.; Sonnenfeld, R.; Edens, H. E.; Cummer, S.; Lapierre, J. L.; Maddocks, S.

2017-12-01

A fundamental understanding of lightning can be inferred from the spectral emissions resulting from the leader and return stroke channels. We examine events recorded at 00:58:07 on 19 July 2015 and 06:44:24 on 23 July 2017, both at Langmuir Laboratory. Analysis of both events is supplemented by data from the Lightning Mapping Array at Langmuir. The 00:58:07 event spectra was recorded using a 100 line per mm grating in front of a Phantom V2010 camera with an 85mm (9o FOV) Nikon lens recording at 100,000 frames per second. Coarse resolution spectra (approximately 5 nm resolution) are produced from approximately 400 nm to 800 nm for each frame. We analyze several nitrogen and oxygen lines to understand step leader temperature behavior between cloud and ground. The 06:44:24 event spectra was recorded using a 300 line per mm grating (approximately 1.5 nm resolution) in front of a Phantom V2010 camera with an 50mm (32o FOV) Nikon lens also recording at 100,000 frames per second. Two ionized atomic nitrogen lines at 502 nm and 569 nm appear upon attachment and disappear as the return stroke travels from ground to cloud in approximately 5 frames. We analyze these lines to understand initial return stroke temperature and species behavior.

The uptake and overflow of radiolabelled β-adrenoceptor blocking agents by the isolated vas deferens of the rat

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lewis, M.J.

1977-01-01

A comparison of uptake into and overflow from the isolated vas deferens of the rat has been made between [ 3 H]-noradrenaline ([ 3 H]-NA), [ 14 C]-D-sorbitol and three radio-labelled β-adrenoceptor blocking agents, [ 14 C]-practolol, [ 14 C]-(+-)-propranolol and [ 3 H]-penbutolol. The accumulation of [ 3 H]-NA after 30 min incubation was reduced by desmethylimipramine (DMI) 1 x 10 -8 M and was also reduced in vasa from rats pretreated with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). This was not so with [ 14 C]-D-sorbitol. 6-OHDA pretreatment of the rats reduced the uptake of [ 3 H]-penbutolol after 30 min incubation but not that of [ 14 C]-propranolol or [ 14 C]-practolol. DMI 1 x 10 -8 M did not alter the tissue uptake of [ 14 C]-propanolol, [ 14 C]-practolol or [ 3 H]-penbutolol. Electrical stimulation of vasa preloaded with [ 3 H]-NA caused a significantly greater increase in [ 3 H]-NA overflow than during the resting, unstimulated periods. No such increase in overflow was observed with [ 14 C]-sorbitol or any of the three β-adrenoceptor blocking agents used. The β-adrenoceptor blocking agent penbutolol was shown to possess adrenergic neurone blocking activity in the isolated vas deferens of the rat. It is concluded that any effect that practolol or (+-)-propranolol have on noradrenergic neurones is brought about without the need for these drugs to gain access to the interior of the neurone. (author)

On the synthesis and characterization of some new AB{sub 5} type MmNi{sub 4.3}Al{sub 0.3},Mn{sub 0.4}, LaNi{sub 5-{chi}}Si{sub {chi}} ({chi} = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) and Mg-{chi} wt% CFMmNi{sub 5}-y wt% Si hydrogen storage materials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Srivistava, S.; Sai Raman, S.S.; Singh, B.K.; Srivistava, O.N. [Banaras Hindu Univ., Varanasi (India). Dept. of Physics

2000-05-01

The viability and feasibility of Hydrogen Energy becoming the clean alternative to Fossil Fuel Energy through replacement of 'Fossil Fuel' with 'Hydrogen' (the Green Fuel) is inextricably interlinked with development of 'Hydrogen Storage Systems'. Out of the high pressure gaseous hydrogen, liquid hydrogen, storage in glass microspheres, activated carbon, zeolites, hydrogen rich liquids and solid state hydrides, the last option is of implicit importance. Out of the AB (e.g., FeTi, storage capacity -- 1.75 wt%), AB{sub 2} or A{sub 2}B (Mg{sub 2}Ni -- 3.8 wt%), AB{sub 5} (LaNi{sub 5}, MmN{sub 5} -- 1.5 wt%) and K{sub 2} PtCl{sub 6} type (Mg{sub 2}FeH{sub 6} -- 5.2 wt%); the AB{sub 5} type holds potential promise due to easy activation, tolerance to impurities of charging H{sub 2} gas and avid amenability towards material tailoring for improved and better hydrogenation characteristics. We have carried out synthesis, characterization of several of the AB{sub 5} type storage materials. The present paper is aimed at describing and discussing some of our more recent efforts in regard to this. In the present study the hydrogen storage material (MH) has been synthesized through normal casting (Radio Frequency (RF) induction melting) and melt-spinning techniques. The improvements in basic alloys LaNi{sub 5}/MmNi{sub 5} have been studied through structural, microstructural and hydrogenation characteristics. The main features revealed by XRD characterizations are the existence of the free Ni and Si together with AB{sub 5} material in melt-spun alloy of LaNi{sub 5-{chi}}Si{sub {chi}}. These free Ni and Si were found to disappear, giving rise to a singular material after hydrogenation. Also in melt-spun alloy growth has taken place in a direction perpendicular to the c-axis. Melt-spun version was found to be superior over bulk version in regard to kinetics and activation process. For MmNi{sub 4.3}AlO{sub 3}Mn{sub 0.4} alloy, melt-spun version has

Influence of oil on flow condensation heat transfer of R410A inside 4.18 mm and 1.6 mm inner diameter horizontal smooth tubes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Huang, Xiangchao; Ding, Guoliang; Hu, Haitao; Zhu, Yu.; Peng, Hao [Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); Gao, Yifeng [International Copper Association Shanghai Office, Shanghai 200020 (China); Deng, Bin [Institute of Heat Transfer Technology, Golden Dragon Precise Copper Tube Group Inc., Shanghai 200135 (China)

2010-01-15

The influence of oil on condensation heat transfer of R410A inside 4.18 mm and 1.6 mm inner diameter horizontal smooth tubes is investigated experimentally. The experimental condensing temperature is 40 C, and nominal oil concentration range is from 0% to 5%. The test results indicate that the presence of oil deteriorates the heat transfer, and the deterioration effect becomes obvious with the increase of oil concentration. At oil concentration of 5%, the heat transfer coefficient decreases by maximum 24.9% and 28.5% for 4.18 mm and 1.6 mm tubes, respectively. A new correlation for heat transfer coefficients of R410A-oil mixture flow condensation inside smooth tubes is proposed, which agrees with all the experimental data within a deviation of -30% {proportional_to} +20%. (author)

Individual stellar haloes of massive galaxies measured to 100 kpc at 0.3 < z < 0.5 using Hyper Suprime-Cam

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, Song; Leauthaud, Alexie; Greene, Jenny E.; Bundy, Kevin; Lin, Yen-Ting; Tanaka, Masayuki; Miyazaki, Satoshi; Komiyama, Yutaka

2018-04-01

Massive galaxies display extended light profiles that can reach several hundreds of kiloparsecs. We use data from the Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) survey that is simultaneously wide (˜100 deg2) and deep (>28.5 mag arcsec-2 in i band) to study the stellar haloes of a sample of ˜7000 massive galaxies at z ˜ 0.4. The depth of the HSC data enables us to measure surface mass density profiles to 100 kpc for individual galaxies without stacking. As in previous work, we find that more massive galaxies exhibit more extended outer profiles than smaller galaxies. When this extended light is not properly accounted for (because of shallow imaging and/or inadequate profile modelling), the derived stellar mass function can be significantly underestimated at the high-mass end. Across our sample, the ellipticity of outer light profile increases substantially with radius. We show for the first time that these ellipticity gradients steepen dramatically as a function of galaxy mass, but we detect no mass dependence in outer colour gradients. Our results support the two-phase formation scenario for massive galaxies in which outer envelopes are built up at a later time from a series of merging events. We provide surface mass density profiles in a convenient tabulated format to facilitate comparisons with predictions from numerical simulations of galaxy formation.

Diagnosis of bronchiectasis with multislice spiral CT: accuracy of 3-mm-thick structured sections

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Remy-Jardin, Martine; Amara, Assia; Campistron, Philippe; Mastora, Ioana; Remy, Jacques [Department of Radiology, Hospital Calmette, University Center of Lille, Boulevard Jules Leclerc, 59037, Lille Cedex (France); Delannoy, Valerie; Duhamel, Alain [Department of Medical Statistics, University of Lille, Place de Verdun, 59037, Lille Cedex (France)

2003-05-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of 3-mm-thick reconstructed sections in the diagnosis of bronchiectasis with multislice CT (MSCT). Forty consecutive patients suspected of bronchiectasis (23 females, 17 males; mean age 51 years) underwent MSCT of the entire thorax with a 4 x 1-mm collimation (120 kV, 0.5 s/rotation, 80 mAs/slice) and a pitch of 1.75. From each data set (mean z-axis coverage: 257 mm; mean duration: 21 s), two series of images were systematically generated: 1-mm (group 1) and 3-mm (group 2)-thick reconstructed scans. Both series of images were obtained at 10-mm intervals and reconstructed with a high-spatial-frequency algorithm. Two observers independently analyzed the presence of bronchiectasis and associated abnormalities in group-1 and group-2 lung images. No significant difference between group 1 and group 2 was found in: (a) the detection of bronchiectasis, identified in 24 patients (60%) in group 1 and in 23 patients (57.5%) in group 2 (p=0.08); (b) the evaluation of the extent of bronchiectasis, identifying focal bronchiectasis in 10 patients (25%) in group 1 and 7 patients (17.5%) in group 2 (p=0.39) and multifocal bronchiectasis in 16 patients (40%) in both groups; (c) the characterisation of bronchiectasis (cylindral bronchiectasis: group 1, n=24, 60%; group 2, n=21, 53%, p=0.08); varicose bronchiectasis: group 1, n=5, 12.5%; group 2, n=6, 15%, p=0.56; and cystic bronchiectasis: group 1, n=2, 5%; group 2, n=2, 5%. Apart from the identification of abnormal bronchial wall thickening (group 2, n=35, 87.5%, vs group 1, n=31, 77.5%, p<0.05), recognition of associated bronchopulmonary anomalies did not differ between the two groups. This study demonstrates a comparable accuracy of the 3- and 1-mm-thick reconstructed scans in the detection and characterization of bronchiectasis. These results suggest the potential usefulness of 3-mm-thick scans generated from 4 x 2.5-mm acquisitions in the screening of bronchiectasis, which would

Randomized Comparison of the Therapeutic Effect of Acupuncture, Massage, and Tachibana-Style-Method on Stiff Shoulders by Measuring Muscle Firmness, VAS, Pulse, and Blood Pressure

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kazuhiro Tachibana

2012-01-01

Full Text Available To compare the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture, massage, and Tachibana-Ryojutsu (one of Japanese traditional body balance therapy techniques (SEITAI, on stiff shoulders, the subjects’ muscle firmness, blood pressure, pulse, VAS, and body temperature were measured before and after the treatment. Forty-seven volunteer subjects gave written informed consent to participate in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups to receive acupuncture, massage, or Tachibana-Ryojutsu. Each therapy lasted for 90 seconds. The acupuncture treatment was applied by a retaining-needle at GB-21, massage was conducted softly on the shoulders, and Tachibana-Ryojutsu treated only the muscles and joints from the legs to buttocks without touching the shoulders or backs. The study indicated that the muscle firmness and VAS of the Tachibana-Ryojutsu group decreased significantly in comparison with the acupuncture and massage groups after treatment.

A 5bit 1GS/s 2.7mW 0.05mm^2 asynchronous digital slope ADC in 90nm CMOS for IR UWB radio

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Ding, M.; Harpe, P.J.A.; Hegt, J.A.; Philips, K.J.P.; Groot, de H.W.H.; Roermund, van A.H.M.

2012-01-01

A 5bit 1GS/s 0.05mm2 4× time-interleaved asynchronous digital slope ADC in 90nm CMOS for IR UWB radio is presented. New delay cells are introduced to double the speed over prior art, yielding the 250MS/s single-channel slope converter. A self-disabled comparator eliminates static leakage and

Epitaxial growth of bcc-Fe{sub x}Co{sub 100-x} thin films on MgO(1 1 0) single-crystal substrates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ohtake, Mitsuru, E-mail: ohtake@futamoto.elect.chuo-u.ac.j [Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551 (Japan); Nishiyama, Tsutomu; Shikada, Kouhei [Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551 (Japan); Kirino, Fumiyoshi [Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, 12-8 Ueno-koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8714 (Japan); Futamoto, Masaaki [Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551 (Japan)

2010-07-15

Fe{sub x}Co{sub 100-x} (x=100, 65, 50 at%) epitaxial thin films were prepared on MgO(1 1 0) single-crystal substrates heated at 300 deg. C by ultra-high vacuum molecular beam epitaxy. The film structure and the growth mechanism are discussed. FeCo(2 1 1) films with bcc structure grow epitaxially on MgO(1 1 0) substrates with two types of variants whose orientations are rotated around the film normal by 180 deg. each other for all compositions. Fe{sub x}Co{sub 100-x} film growth follows the Volmer Weber mode. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates the out-of-plane and the in-plane lattice spacings are in agreement with the values of respective bulk Fe{sub x}Co{sub 100-x} crystals with very small errors less than +-0.4%, suggesting the strains in the films are very small. High-resolution cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy shows that periodical misfit dislocations are preferentially introduced in the film at the Fe{sub 50}Co{sub 50}/MgO interface along the MgO[1 1-bar 0] direction. The presence of such periodical dislocations decreases the large lattice mismatch of about -17% existing at the FeCo/MgO interface along the MgO[1 1-bar 0] direction.

Comparison of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac potassium for pain relief following dental extractions and deep cavity preparations

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Giath Gazal

2017-03-01

Full Text Available Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of different oral analgesics for relieving pain and distress in adults following the extraction of teeth and deep cavity preparations under local anesthesia. Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted between November 2015 and May 2016. One hundred and twenty patients were randomly allocated to 3 groups. Forty patients were in the paracetamol (1 gram group, 40 in the ibuprofen (400 mg group and 40 in the diclofenac potassium (50 mg group. Evaluation of the post extraction and deep cavity preparations pain was made by patients immediately postoperatively, 2, 4 and 6 hours postoperatively on standard 100 mm visual analogue scales (VAS. Furthermore, each patient was observed preoperatively and immediately postoperatively for signs of distress by using a 5 point face scale. Results: There were significant decreases in mean pain VAS scores for diclofenac potassium group compared to paracetamol and ibuprofen groups at 4 hours postoperatively (one-way Analysis of Variance: p=0.0001, p=0.001 and 6 hours postoperatively (p=0.04, p=0.005. Changes in distress scores from the preoperative score to the postoperative score were made using the paired sample t-test. There were significant decreases in distress scores between the preoperative and postoperative scores (p=0.0001. Conclusions: Diclofenac potassium was more effective than paracetamol or ibuprofen for reducing postoperative pain associated with tooth extraction and deep cavity preparation. Patients’ distress levels can be alleviated by using preemptive analgesics.

Preheating to around 100°C under endcap blocks before welding at KHI.

CERN Multimedia

Loveless, D

2000-01-01

The 600mm thick sector blocks of the CMS endcaps are made from three layers of 200mm plates welded together. During the manufacture at KHI, the blocks are preheated to around 100°C to prevent cracks in the welds.

Fabrication and mechanical properties of quasicrystal-reinforced Al-Mn-Mm alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jun, Joong-Hwan; Kim, Jeong-Min; Kim, Ki-Tae; Jung, Woon-Jae

2007-01-01

Microstructures and room temperature mechanical properties of quasicrystal-reinforced Al 94-x Mn 6 Mm x (Mm: misch metal, x = 0-6 at.%) alloys have been studied systematically. Cylindrical rod samples with 3 mm in diameter were synthesized by injection-casting into a Cu mould and analyzed by means of X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Mechanical properties of the cylindrical rods were measured at room temperature by compression tests. The Al 94 Mn 6 alloy contains hexagonal-shape particles and long needle-shape Al 6 Mn precipitates surrounded by α-Al matrix. An addition of Mm into the Al 94 Mn 6 alloy generates icosahedral quasicrystalline phase (IQC) with an extinction of hexagonal and Al 6 Mn phases, and the fraction of IQC increases continuously with an increase in Mm content. Compressive yield strength (σ cys ) and ultimate compressive strength (σ ucs ) of the Al-Mn-Mm alloys are improved with Mm content up to 4%, whereas elongation is steeply deteriorated by the Mm addition. The Al 90 Mn 6 Mm 4 alloy exhibits the highest 570 and 783 MPa of σ cys and σ ucs , respectively, both of which are comparable to those of Al 90 Mn 6 Ce 4 alloy

A 6.2 mW 0.024 mm2 fully-passive RF downconverter with 12 dB gain enhancement using MOS parametric amplification

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Custódio, J. R.; Bastos, I.; Oliveira, L. B.

2013-01-01

This paper describes a fully-passive discrete-time switched-capacitor RF downconverter with an on-chip oscillator, that combines quadrature mixing and harmonic rejection, designed in a 130 nm digital CMOS technology. By using MOS capacitors (varactors) to perform parametric amplification, it is p......, it is possible to achieve a measured gain enhancement of about 12 dB, together with 21 dB noise figure and more than 5 dBm IIP3. Operating in the VHF-III band, the downconverter core dissipates 6.2 mW and occupies 0.024 mm2....

Effect of Daikenchuto (TJ-100) on abdominal bloating in hepatectomized patients.

Science.gov (United States)

Hanazaki, Kazuhiro; Ichikawa, Kengo; Munekage, Masaya; Kitagawa, Hiroyuki; Dabanaka, Ken; Namikawa, Tsutomu

2013-04-27

To evaluate the clinical usefulness of Daikenchuto (DKT) in hepatecomized patients. Twenty patients were enrolled with informed consent. Two patients were excluded because of cancelled operations. The remaining 18 patients were randomly chosen for treatment with DKT alone or combination therapy of DKT and lactulose (n = 9, each group). Data were prospectively collected. Primary end points were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score for abdominal bloating, total Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) score for abdominal symptoms, and GSRS score for abdominal bloating. The VAS score for abdominal bloating and total GSRS score for abdominal symptoms recovered to levels that were not significantly different to preoperative levels by 10 d postoperation. Combination therapy of DKT and lactulose was associated with a significantly poorer outcome in terms of VAS and GSRS scores for abdominal bloating, total GSRS score, and total daily calorie intake, when compared with DKT alone therapy. DKT is a potentially effective drug for postoperative management of hepatectomized patients, not only to ameliorate abdominal bloating, but also to promote nutritional support by increasing postoperative dietary intake.

First indirect x-ray imaging tests with an 88-mm diameter single crystal

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lumpkin, A. H. [Fermilab; Macrander, A. T. [Argonne

2017-02-01

Using the 1-BM-C beamline at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), we have performed the initial indirect x - ray imaging point-spread-function (PSF) test of a unique 88-mm diameter YAG:Ce single crystal of only 100 - micron thickness. The crystal was bonded to a fiber optic plat e (FOP) for mechanical support and to allow the option for FO coupling to a large format camera. This configuration resolution was compared to that of self - supported 25-mm diameter crystals, with and without an Al reflective coating. An upstream monochromator was used to select 17-keV x-rays from the broadband APS bending magnet source of synchrotron radiation. The upstream , adjustable Mo collimators were then used to provide a series of x-ray source transverse sizes from 200 microns down to about 15-20 microns (FWHM) at the crystal surface. The emitted scintillator radiation was in this case lens coupled to the ANDOR Neo sCMOS camera, and the indirect x-ray images were processed offline by a MATLAB - based image processing program. Based on single Gaussian peak fits to the x-ray image projected profiles, we observed a 10.5 micron PSF. This sample thus exhibited superior spatial resolution to standard P43 polycrystalline phosphors of the same thickness which would have about a 100-micron PSF. Lastly, this single crystal resolution combined with the 88-mm diameter makes it a candidate to support future x-ray diffraction or wafer topography experiments.

Evaluation of glycidyl methacrylate-based monolith functionalized with weak anion exchange moiety inside 0.5 mm i.d. column for liquid chromatographic separation of DNA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aprilia Nur Tasfiyati

2016-03-01

Full Text Available In this study, the organic polymer monolith was developed as a weak anion exchanger column in high performance liquid chromatography for DNA separation. Methacrylate-based monolithic column was prepared in microbore silicosteel column (100 × 0.5 mm i.d. by in-situ polymerization reaction using glycidyl methacrylate as monomer; ethylene dimethacrylate as crosslinker; 1-propanol, 1,4-butanediol, and water as porogenic solvents, with the presence of initiator α,α′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN. The monolith matrix was modified with diethylamine to create weak anion exchanger via ring opening reaction of epoxy groups. The morphology of the monolithic column was studied by SEM. The properties of the monolithic column, such as permeability, mechanical stability, binding capacity and pore size distribution, were characterized in detail. From the results of the characterization, monoliths poly-(GMA-co-EDMA with total monomer percentage (%T 40 and crosslinker percentage (%C 25 was found to be the ideal composition of monomer and crosslinker. It has good mechanical stability and high permeability, adequate molecular recognition sites (represented with binding capacity value of 36 mg ml−1, and has relatively equal proportion of flow-through pore and mesopores (37.2% and 41.1% respectively. Poly-(GMA-co-EDMA with %T 40 and %C 25 can successfully separate oligo(dT12–18 and 50 bp DNA ladder with good resolution.

Reader performance in visual assessment of breast density using visual analogue scales: Are some readers more predictive of breast cancer?

Science.gov (United States)

Rayner, Millicent; Harkness, Elaine F.; Foden, Philip; Wilson, Mary; Gadde, Soujanya; Beetles, Ursula; Lim, Yit Y.; Jain, Anil; Bundred, Sally; Barr, Nicky; Evans, D. Gareth; Howell, Anthony; Maxwell, Anthony; Astley, Susan M.

2018-03-01

Mammographic breast density is one of the strongest risk factors for breast cancer, and is used in risk prediction and for deciding appropriate imaging strategies. In the Predicting Risk Of Cancer At Screening (PROCAS) study, percent density estimated by two readers on Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) has shown a strong relationship with breast cancer risk when assessed against automated methods. However, this method suffers from reader variability. This study aimed to assess the performance of PROCAS readers using VAS, and to identify those most predictive of breast cancer. We selected the seven readers who had estimated density on over 6,500 women including at least 100 cancer cases, analysing their performance using multivariable logistic regression and Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis. All seven readers showed statistically significant odds ratios (OR) for cancer risk according to VAS score after adjusting for classical risk factors. The OR was greatest for reader 18 at 1.026 (95% Cl 1.018-1.034). Adjusted Area Under the ROC Curves (AUCs) were statistically significant for all readers, but greatest for reader 14 at 0.639. Further analysis of the VAS scores for these two readers showed reader 14 had higher sensitivity (78.0% versus 42.2%), whereas reader 18 had higher specificity (78.0% versus 46.0%). Our results demonstrate individual differences when assigning VAS scores; one better identified those with increased risk, whereas another better identified low risk individuals. However, despite their different strengths, both readers showed similar predictive abilities overall. Standardised training for VAS may improve reader variability and consistency of VAS scoring.

Non-isothermal decomposition kinetics, heat capacity and thermal safety of 37.2/44/16/2.2/0.2/0.4-GAP/CL-20/Al/N-100/PCA/auxiliaries mixture

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Jiao-Qiang; Gao, Hong-Xu; Ji, Tie-Zheng; Xu, Kang-Zhen; Hu, Rong-Zu

2011-01-01

Highlights: → Non-isothermal decomposition kinetics, heat capacity and thermal safety on 37.2/44/16/2.2/0.2/0.4-GAP/CL-20/Al/N-100/PCA/auxiliaries mixture. → Apparent activation energy and pre-exponential constant obtained. → Thermal explosion temperature, adiabatic time-to-explosion, 50% drop height of impact sensitivity, and critical temperature of hot-spot initiation calculated. - Abstract: The specific heat capacity (C p ) of 37.2/44/16/2.2/0.2/0.4-GAP/CL-20/Al/N-100/PCA/auxiliaries mixture was determined with the continuous C p mode of microcalorimeter. The equation of C p with temperature was obtained. The standard molar heat capacity of GAP/CL-20/Al/N-100/PCA/auxiliaries mixture was 1.225 J mol -1 K -1 at 298.15 K. With the help of the peak temperature (T p ) from the non-isothermal DTG curves of the mixture at different heating rates (β), the apparent activation energy (E k and E o ) and pre-exponential constant (A K ) of thermal decomposition reaction obtained by Kissinger's method and Ozawa's method. Using density (ρ) and thermal conductivity (λ), the decomposition heat (Q d , taking half-explosion heat), Zhang-Hu-Xie-Li's formula, the values (T e0 and T p0 ) of T e and T p corresponding to β → 0, thermal explosion temperature (T be and T bp ), adiabatic time-to-explosion (t TIad ), 50% drop height (H 50 ) of impact sensitivity, and critical temperature of hot-spot initiation (T cr,hotspot ) of thermal explosion of the mixture were calculated. The following results of evaluating the thermal safety of the mixture were obtained: T be = 441.64 K, T bp = 461.66 K, t Tlad = 78.0 s (n = 2), t Tlad = 74.87s (n = 1), t Tlad = 71.85 s (n = 0), H 50 = 21.33 cm.

MM-ISMSA: An Ultrafast and Accurate Scoring Function for Protein-Protein Docking.

Science.gov (United States)

Klett, Javier; Núñez-Salgado, Alfonso; Dos Santos, Helena G; Cortés-Cabrera, Álvaro; Perona, Almudena; Gil-Redondo, Rubén; Abia, David; Gago, Federico; Morreale, Antonio

2012-09-11

An ultrafast and accurate scoring function for protein-protein docking is presented. It includes (1) a molecular mechanics (MM) part based on a 12-6 Lennard-Jones potential; (2) an electrostatic component based on an implicit solvent model (ISM) with individual desolvation penalties for each partner in the protein-protein complex plus a hydrogen bonding term; and (3) a surface area (SA) contribution to account for the loss of water contacts upon protein-protein complex formation. The accuracy and performance of the scoring function, termed MM-ISMSA, have been assessed by (1) comparing the total binding energies, the electrostatic term, and its components (charge-charge and individual desolvation energies), as well as the per residue contributions, to results obtained with well-established methods such as APBSA or MM-PB(GB)SA for a set of 1242 decoy protein-protein complexes and (2) testing its ability to recognize the docking solution closest to the experimental structure as that providing the most favorable total binding energy. For this purpose, a test set consisting of 15 protein-protein complexes with known 3D structure mixed with 10 decoys for each complex was used. The correlation between the values afforded by MM-ISMSA and those from the other methods is quite remarkable (r(2) ∼ 0.9), and only 0.2-5.0 s (depending on the number of residues) are spent on a single calculation including an all vs all pairwise energy decomposition. On the other hand, MM-ISMSA correctly identifies the best docking solution as that closest to the experimental structure in 80% of the cases. Finally, MM-ISMSA can process molecular dynamics trajectories and reports the results as averaged values with their standard deviations. MM-ISMSA has been implemented as a plugin to the widely used molecular graphics program PyMOL, although it can also be executed in command-line mode. MM-ISMSA is distributed free of charge to nonprofit organizations.

Multiband carbon monoxide laser (2.5 -- 4.0 and 5.0 -- 6.5 micron) pumped by capacitive slab RF discharge

Science.gov (United States)

Ionin, Andrey; Kozlov, Andrey; Seleznev, Leonid; Sinitsyn, Dmitry

2008-10-01

Overtone lasing and fundamental band tuning was for the first time obtained in a carbon monoxide laser excited by repetitively pulsed capacitive slab RF discharge (81.36 MHz). RF discharge pulse repetition rate was 100--500 Hz. The active volume was 3x30x250 cubic mm. Laser electrodes were cooled down to 120 K. Gas mixture CO:air:He at gas pressure 15 Torr was used. The optical scheme ``frequency selective master oscillator - laser amplifier'' was applied for getting fundamental band tuning. Single line lasing with average power up to several tens of mW was observed on about 100 rotational-vibrational transitions of CO molecule within the spectral range 5.0--6.5 micron. Multiline overtone lasing was observed on about 80 spectral lines within the spectral range 2.5-4.0 micron, with maximum single line average output power 12 mW. The total output power of the slab overtone CO laser came up to 0.35 W, with laser efficiency 0.5 percent. The results of parametric studies of capacitive slab RF discharge in carbon monoxide mixtures, and overtone and fundamental band CO laser characteristics are discussed.

Isothermal analysis of intermetallic MmNi5-xAlx in air decomposition processes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Obregon, S.A.; Andrade Gamboa, J.J.; Esquivel, M.R.

2012-01-01

In this paper, it is analyzed the behavior of the degree of reaction as function of time α (t) of a sample of MmNi 4.3 Al 0.7 (Mm mischmetal = La 0.25 Ce 0.52 Nd 0.17 Pr 0.06 ) at different temperatures. The curves were obtained by isothermal calorimetric techniques. As a result of this study, it was observed that the kinetics of intermetallic can be separated into two main stages. At temperatures below 350 o C, the first stage is the oxidation of Mm and Al. At temperatures over 400 o C, the oxidation of Ni is also produced parallel to the above mentioned reactions. But the kinetics of the last one is at least three orders of magnitude slower. It was also observed that no thermal event occurs below 180 o C. It indicates that the intermetallic do not react at temperatures below this temperature value (author)

Patient-specific quality assurance for the delivery of (60)Co intensity modulated radiation therapy subject to a 0.35-T lateral magnetic field.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, H Harold; Rodriguez, Vivian L; Green, Olga L; Hu, Yanle; Kashani, Rojano; Wooten, H Omar; Yang, Deshan; Mutic, Sasa

2015-01-01

This work describes a patient-specific dosimetry quality assurance (QA) program for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) using ViewRay, the first commercial magnetic resonance imaging-guided RT device. The program consisted of: (1) a 1-dimensional multipoint ionization chamber measurement using a customized 15-cm(3) cube-shaped phantom; (2) 2-dimensional (2D) radiographic film measurement using a 30- × 30- × 20-cm(3) phantom with multiple inserted ionization chambers; (3) quasi-3D diode array (ArcCHECK) measurement with a centrally inserted ionization chamber; (4) 2D fluence verification using machine delivery log files; and (5) 3D Monte Carlo (MC) dose reconstruction with machine delivery files and phantom CT. Ionization chamber measurements agreed well with treatment planning system (TPS)-computed doses in all phantom geometries where the mean ± SD difference was 0.0% ± 1.3% (n=102; range, -3.0%-2.9%). Film measurements also showed excellent agreement with the TPS-computed 2D dose distributions where the mean passing rate using 3% relative/3 mm gamma criteria was 94.6% ± 3.4% (n=30; range, 87.4%-100%). For ArcCHECK measurements, the mean ± SD passing rate using 3% relative/3 mm gamma criteria was 98.9% ± 1.1% (n=34; range, 95.8%-100%). 2D fluence maps with a resolution of 1 × 1 mm(2) showed 100% passing rates for all plan deliveries (n=34). The MC reconstructed doses to the phantom agreed well with planned 3D doses where the mean passing rate using 3% absolute/3 mm gamma criteria was 99.0% ± 1.0% (n=18; range, 97.0%-100%), demonstrating the feasibility of evaluating the QA results in the patient geometry. We developed a dosimetry program for ViewRay's patient-specific IMRT QA. The methodology will be useful for other ViewRay users. The QA results presented here can assist the RT community to establish appropriate tolerance and action limits for ViewRay's IMRT QA. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Laser-driven planar impact of miniature specimens of HY-100 steel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alexander, David J.; Robbins, David L.

2002-01-01

The deformation and fracture behavior of HY-100, a high-strength steel, under high strain-rate planar-impact conditions, has been studied with the Laser-Driven Miniflyer apparatus. Cold-rolled copper flyers 3 mm in diameter and either 50 or 100 microns thick have been laser-launched against HY-100 targets, 200 microns thick and nominally 10 mm square. The target specimens were sectioned from the 25-mm-thick HY-100 plate in three mutually perpendicular orientations, either parallel or perpendicular to the plate rolling direction. The back-surface response of the HY-100 targets was monitored with dual VISARs. The flyer velocity was varied to produce a range of behavior, from deformation at low velocities, to damage formation at intermediate velocities, and finally to complete spall failure at the highest velocities. The target specimens were sectioned after testing to examine the microstructure and failure processes of the deformed material. Spall strengths were calculated from the VISAR signals. The VISAR traces showed well-defined elastic precursors, which were similar for all orientations of the specimens. The spall strengths, as estimated from the magnitude of the pullback signal, were also similar for all three orientations. The spall strength increased as the flyer impact velocity increased, to values of about 4.6 GPa. Metallographic examination revealed that damage occurred at lower impact velocities in specimens loaded in the through-thickness direction of the plate, as compared to specimens oriented parallel to the plate thickness, but this difference was not reflected in the pull-back signal or the spall strengths

Investigation of double beta decay of {sup 100}Mo to excited states of {sup 100}Ru

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Arnold, R. [IPHC, UPL, CNRS/IN2P3, F-67037 Strasbourg (France); Augier, C. [LAL, Univ Paris-Sud, CNRS/IN2P3, F-91405 Orsay (France); Barabash, A.S. [ITEP, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Physics, 117218 Moscow (Russian Federation); Basharina-Freshville, A. [University College London, London WC1E 6BT (United Kingdom); Blondel, S. [LAL, Univ Paris-Sud, CNRS/IN2P3, F-91405 Orsay (France); Blot, S. [University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL (United Kingdom); Bongrand, M. [LAL, Univ Paris-Sud, CNRS/IN2P3, F-91405 Orsay (France); Brudanin, V. [JINR, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, 141980 Dubna (Russian Federation); Busto, J. [CPPM, Université de Marseille, CNRS/IN2P3, F-13288 Marseille (France); Caffrey, A.J. [Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID 83415 (United States); Čermák, P. [IEAP, Czech Technical University in Prague, CZ-12800 Prague (Czech Republic); Cerna, C. [CENBG, Université Bordeaux, CNRS/IN2P3, F-33175 Gradignan (France); Chapon, A. [LPC Caen, ENSICAEN, Université de Caen, CNRS/IN2P3, F-14050 Caen (France); Chauveau, E. [University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL (United Kingdom); Dragounová, L. [National Radiation Protection Institute, CZ-14000 Prague (Czech Republic); Duchesneau, D. [LAPP, Université de Savoie, CNRS/IN2P3, F-74941 Annecy-le-Vieux (France); Durand, D. [LPC Caen, ENSICAEN, Université de Caen, CNRS/IN2P3, F-14050 Caen (France); Egorov, V. [JINR, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, 141980 Dubna (Russian Federation); Eurin, G. [LAL, Univ Paris-Sud, CNRS/IN2P3, F-91405 Orsay (France); University College London, London WC1E 6BT (United Kingdom); Evans, J.J. [University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL (United Kingdom); and others

2014-05-15

Double beta decay of {sup 100}Mo to the excited states of daughter nuclei has been studied using a 600 cm{sup 3} low-background HPGe detector and an external source consisting of 2588 g of 97.5% enriched metallic {sup 100}Mo, which was formerly inside the NEMO-3 detector and used for the NEMO-3 measurements of {sup 100}Mo. The half-life for the two-neutrino double beta decay of {sup 100}Mo to the excited 0{sub 1}{sup +} state in {sup 100}Ru is measured to be T{sub 1/2}=[7.5±0.6(stat)±0.6(syst)]⋅10{sup 20} yr. For other (0ν+2ν) transitions to the 2{sub 1}{sup +}, 2{sub 2}{sup +}, 0{sub 2}{sup +}, 2{sub 3}{sup +} and 0{sub 3}{sup +} levels in {sup 100}Ru, limits are obtained at the level of ∼(0.25–1.1)⋅10{sup 22} yr.

Evaporation heat transfer and pressure drop of R-410A in three 7.0 mm O.D. microfin tubes having different inside geometries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Nae Hyun

2015-01-01

R-410A evaporation heat transfer and pressure drop data are provided for three 7.0 mm O.D. microfin tubes. The microfin tubes had different helix angle, fin height and fin apex angle. Tests were conducted for a range of quality (0.2 ∼ 0.8), mass flux (216 ∼ 390 kg/m 2 s), heat flux (9 ∼ 17 kW/m 2 ) and saturation temperature (8 ∼ 12 .deg. C). It was found that three microfin tubes yielded approximately the same heat transfer coefficients. Microfin tube with larger inter-fin spacing or smaller helix angle yielded lager pressure drop. Both heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop increased as mass flux or quality increased. However, they decreased as saturation temperature increased. The range of heat transfer enhancement factor (1.37 ∼ 1.97) was comparable with that of pressure drop penalty factor (1.22 ∼ 1.77). Data are compared with available heat transfer and pressure drop correlations

Identifying specific profiles in patients with different degrees of painful knee osteoarthritis based on serological biochemical and mechanistic pain biomarkers: a diagnostic approach based on cluster analysis.

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Egsgaard, Line Lindhardt; Eskehave, Thomas Navndrup; Bay-Jensen, Anne C; Hoeck, Hans Christian; Arendt-Nielsen, Lars

2015-01-01

Biochemical and pain biomarkers can be applied to patients with painful osteoarthritis profiles and may provide more details compared with conventional clinical tools. The aim of this study was to identify an optimal combination of biochemical and pain biomarkers for classification of patients with different degrees of knee pain and joint damage. Such profiling may provide new diagnostic and therapeutic options. A total of 216 patients with different degrees of knee pain (maximal pain during the last 24 hours rated on a visual analog scale [VAS]) (VAS 0-100) and 64 controls (VAS 0-9) were recruited. Patients were separated into 3 groups: VAS 10 to 39 (N = 81), VAS 40 to 69 (N = 70), and VAS 70 to 100 (N = 65). Pressure pain thresholds, temporal summation to pressure stimuli, and conditioning pain modulation were measured from the peripatellar and extrasegmental sites. Biochemical markers indicative for autoinflammation and immunity (VICM, CRP, and CRPM), synovial inflammation (CIIIM), cartilage loss (CIIM), and bone degradation (CIM) were analyzed. WOMAC, Lequesne, and pain catastrophizing scores were collected. Principal component analysis was applied to select the optimal variable subset, and cluster analysis was applied to this subset to create distinctly different knee pain profiles. Four distinct knee pain profiles were identified: profile A (N = 27), profile B (N = 59), profile C (N = 85), and profile D (N = 41). Each knee pain profile had a unique combination of biochemical markers, pain biomarkers, physical impairments, and psychological factors that may provide the basis for mechanism-based diagnosis, individualized treatment, and selection of patients for clinical trials evaluating analgesic compounds. These results introduce a new profiling for knee OA and should be regarded as preliminary.

Electromagnetic field measurements in ULF-ELF-VLF [0.001 Hz─100 KHz] bands

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C. Di Lorenzo

2008-01-01

Full Text Available We are reporting the technological and scientific objectives of the MEM project. The MEM project has been activated in the INGV Observatory of L'Aquila to create in Central Italy a network of observatories in order to monitoring the electromagnetic signals in the frequency band [0.001 Hz–100 kHz]. Some examples of the instrumentation developed in the frame of the project are reported. An innovative technique, based on the wide band interferometry is proposed to obtain detailed information concerning the several detected electromagnetic sources. Moreover, data from each station will be elaborated to investigate different sectors as the structure of ground electric conductibility, the electromagnetic phenomena connected with seismic activity, the separation of the electromagnetic fields originated in the Earth's interior and the electromagnetic phenomena originated in the magnetosphere, in the ionosphere and in the Earth-ionosphere cavity.

Efficacy and safety assessment of acute sports-related traumatic soft tissue injuries using a new ibuprofen medicated plaster: results from a randomized controlled clinical trial.

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Predel, Hans-Georg; Connolly, Mark P; Bhatt, Aomesh; Giannetti, Bruno

2017-11-01

To investigate the efficacy and safety of a recently developed ibuprofen medicated plaster in the treatment of acute sports impact injuries/contusions. In this double-blind, multi-center, placebo-controlled, parallel group, phase 3 study (EudraCT Number: 2012-003257-2) patients (n = 132; ages 18 to 60 years) diagnosed with acute sports-related traumatic blunt soft tissue injury/contusion to the upper or lower limbs were randomized to receive either ibuprofen 200 mg plaster (n = 64) or placebo plaster (n = 68). Plasters were administered once daily for five consecutive days. The primary assessment was the area under the curve (AUC) of the visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain on movement (POM) over 0 to 72 h (VAS 0-72 ). The ibuprofen medicated plaster was associated with a reduction in pain on movement (POM) based on lower VAS AUC 0-72h (2399.4 mm*h) compared with placebo (4078.9 mm*h) (least squares mean difference: - 1679.5 mm*h; P ibuprofen medicated plaster compared with placebo at 12, 48, 24, and 120 h (P ibuprofen medicated plaster was associated with greater reduction in tenderness/pain than placebo at each timepoint (P values ibuprofen plaster, and n = 6 [8.8%] for placebo). All drug-related AEs were administration site reactions and were mild in intensity. The results of this study indicate that ibuprofen medicated plaster results in rapid and clinically relevant reduction of pain in patients suffering from blunt musculoskeletal injuries or recurrent pain. The ibuprofen medicated plaster was well tolerated.

Estimates of success in patients with sciatica due to lumbar disc herniation depend upon outcome measure.

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Haugen, Anne Julsrud; Grøvle, Lars; Brox, Jens Ivar; Natvig, Bård; Keller, Anne; Soldal, Dag; Grotle, Margreth

2011-10-01

The objectives were to estimate the cut-off points for success on different sciatica outcome measures and to determine the success rate after an episode of sciatica by using these cut-offs. A 12-month multicenter observational study was conducted on 466 patients with sciatica and lumbar disc herniation. The cut-off values were estimated by ROC curve analyses using Completely recovered or Much better on a 7-point global change scale as external criterion for success. The cut-off values (references in brackets) at 12 months were leg pain VAS 17.5 (0-100), back pain VAS 22.5 (0-100), Sciatica Bothersomeness Index 6.5 (0-24), Maine-Seattle Back Questionnaire 4.5 (0-12), and the SF-36 subscales bodily pain 51.5, and physical functioning 81.7 (0-100, higher values indicate better health). In conclusion, the success rates at 12 months varied from 49 to 58% depending on the measure used. The proposed cut-offs may facilitate the comparison of success rates across studies.

Behaviour of the ZEUS uranium-scintillator calorimeter for low-energetic particles with energies of 0.2 - 10.0 GeV

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fuertjes, A.

1990-02-01

A prototype for the high-resolution calorimeter (FCAL) of the ZEUS detector was tested at a test beam of the CERN PS for beam momenta between 0.5 GeV/c and 10.0 GeV/c. The response of the calorimeter to low-energetic electrons, positrons, pions of both polarities, and protons should be studied. Additionally the effect of dead matter in front of the calorimeter was experimentally studied. Following results could be determined: Electrons and Positrons of equal energy produce comparable signals in the detector. Their response is in the considered momentum range with an accuracy of below 1% linear. The energy resolution of the calorimeter for electrons and positrons in the studied energy interval amounts to 17.5%√E. The response of the calorimeter to π + and π - is similar down to momenta of 0.5 GeV/c. The e/π ratio reaches the value 1.0 for energies above 2 GeV. For small incident energies e/mip=0.62 result. The energy resolution for pions amounts for energies above 2 GeV about 34%/√E. For smaller particle energies improvements can be observed. Protons show an identical behaviour as the pions, if the interesting quantities are considered in dependence on their kinetic energy. Dead matter in the front of the calorimeter influences the particle signals of low-energetic positrons and pions. The pulse-height spectra of electrons remain symmetric, but shift to small values. This behaviour could be confirmed by Monte-Carlo calculations. Pions show a distribution becoming with increasing matter density more asymmetric. At energies up to 2 GeV a significant effect mean values, energy resolution, and e/h ratio can be recognized. Above 2 GeV no important nuisance of the response to positrons and pions can yet be observed. (orig.) [de

Laser acupuncture therapy in patients with treatment-resistant temporomandibular disorders.

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Wen-Long Hu

Full Text Available To investigate the clinical effects of laser acupuncture therapy for temporomandibular disorders (TMD after ineffective previous treatments.A retrospective observational study was conducted in 29 treatment-resistant TMD patients (25 women, 4 men; age range, 17-67 years. Subjects were treated 3 times per week for 4 weeks with the Handylaser Trion (GaAlAs laser diode, 810 nm, 150 mW, pulsed waves, which delivered 0.375 J of energy (5 s to ST7, ST6, and LI4 and 3 J (40 s to each Ashi point, 7.5-26.25 J/cm2 in total. The visual analog scale (VAS and maximal mouth opening (MMO were evaluated before and after treatment.VAS analysis showed that the patients were free of pain at rest (endpoint after 5.90±6.08 sessions of laser acupuncture for acute TMD and after 16.21±17.98 sessions for chronic TMD. The VAS score on palpation of the temporomandibular joint reduced to 0.30±0.67 for patients with acute TMD (p = 0.005 and to 0.47±0.84 for those with chronic TMD (p<0.001. The MMO significantly increased in patients with acute TMD (7.80±5.43 mm, p = 0.008 and in patients with chronic TMD (15.58±7.87 mm, p<0.001.Our study shows that laser acupuncture therapy improves the symptoms of treatment-resistant TMD. Further studies with a more appropriate design, involving long-term follow-up examinations in a larger patient sample, are needed to evaluate its efficacy.

Impact of Fat Infiltration in Cervical Extensor Muscles on Cervical Lordosis and Neck Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Choong-Young; Lee, Sang-Min; Lim, Seong-An; Choi, Yong-Soo

2018-06-01

Weakness of cervical extensor muscles causes loss of cervical lordosis, which could also cause neck pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of fat infiltration in cervical extensor muscles on cervical lordosis and neck pain. Fifty-six patients who suffered from neck pain were included in this study. Fat infiltration in cervical extensor muscles was measured at each level of C2-3 and C6-7 using axial magnetic resonance imaging. The visual analogue scale (VAS), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used for clinical assessment. The mean fat infiltration was 206.3 mm 2 (20.3%) at C2-3 and 240.6 mm 2 (19.5%) at C6-7. Fat infiltration in cervical extensor muscles was associated with high VAS scores at both levels ( p = 0.047 at C2-3; p = 0.009 at C6-7). At C2-3, there was a negative correlation between fat infiltration of the cervical extensor muscles and cervical lordosis (r = -0.216; p = 0.020). At C6-7, fat infiltration in the cervical extensor muscles was closely related to NDI ( p = 0.003) and SF-12 ( p > 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between cervical lordosis and clinical outcomes (VAS, p = 0.112; NDI, p = 0.087; and SF-12, p > 0.05). These results suggest that fat infiltration in the upper cervical extensor muscles has relevance to the loss of cervical lordosis, whereas fat infiltration in the lower cervical extensor muscles is associated with cervical functional disability.

Microcoaxial cataract surgery outcomes: comparison of 1.8 mm system and 2.2 mm system.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Kyung-Min; Kwon, Hyung-Goo; Joo, Choun-Ki

2009-05-01

To compare clinical outcomes of a 1.8 mm and a 2.2 mm microcoaxial cataract surgery system. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. In a prospective study, eyes were randomly selected to have phacoemulsification using a Stellaris system or an Intrepid Infiniti system. The initial incision size was 1.8 mm and 2.2 mm, respectively. Measured intraoperative parameters included phacoemulsification time, mean cumulative dissipated ultrasound energy (CDE), change in incision size at each step of surgery, and total volume of balanced salt solution (BSS) used. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal astigmatism, corneal thickness, and endothelial cell count were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. The study evaluated 86 eyes of 78 patients (43 eyes in each group). There were no significant differences in postoperative BCVA, surgically induced astigmatism, or amount of BSS used between the 2 systems (P >.05). However, for high-density cataracts, the 1.8 mm group had a greater change between the initial incision size and the incision size after phacoemulsification (P = .019, nuclear opalescence [NO] NO3; P = .001, NO4), a longer phacoemulsification time (P = .013, NO3), greater mean CDE (P = .005, NO3; P = .001, NO4), and greater corneal endothelial cell loss (P = .003, NO4). Both systems were safe and effective in microcoaxial phacoemulsification. The 1.8 mm system performed better with cortical-type cataract and the 2.2 mm system, with high-density nuclear-type cataract.

Usefulness of dynamic MR imaging for the evaluation of the solitary pulmonary nodules smaller than 15 mm: differentiation between benign and malignant nodules

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, Sang Hee; Jin, Gong Yong; Han, Young Min; Chung, Gyung Ho; Kwon, Keun Sang

2005-01-01

We wanted to evaluate the usefulness of dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for differentiating between benign and malignant solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). Sixteen patients who had an undetermined SPN (< 15mm) upon chest computed tomography (8 males and 8 females; mean age: 55 years; age range: 40-76 years) underwent dynamic MR imaging. After the bolus injection of contrast material, the arterial (20-35 seconds), portal (45-60 seconds) and equilibrium (3-5 minutes) phase T1-weighted axial images were obtained with using a volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination. For discriminating the benign from malignant SPNs, the maximum relative enhancement ratio (MER) and the slope of the enhancement (SLE) were calculated and then they were statistically compared. With varying the threshold of the two indexes, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated. The mean MER of the malignant SPN group was significantly higher than that of the benign SPN group (malignant; 0.56 ± 0.17, benign; 0.43 ± 0.17). With 0.33 as the threshold of MER for distinguishing the malignant SPN group from the benign SPN group, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 100%, 70%, 50%, and 100%, respectively. The mean SLE for the benign SPN group was higher than that for the malignant SPN group (malignant; m= 0.008 ± 0.006/sec, benign; m=0.013 ±0.008/sec). With 0.025 as the threshold of the SLE, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 100%, 60%, 62.5%, 100% and 69.2%, respectively. Dynamic MRI was useful for differentiating between benign and malignant SPNs. Moreover, MER and SLE might be good indexes for distinguishing benign SPNs from malignant SPNs

How to accelerate the upper urinary stone discharge after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) for < 15 mm upper urinary stones: a prospective multi-center randomized controlled trial about external physical vibration lithecbole (EPVL).

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Wenqi; Yang, Zhou; Tang, Fengling; Xu, Changbao; Wang, Youzhi; Gu, Xiaojian; Chen, Xuehua; Wang, Rongjiang; Yan, Jiaka; Wang, Xiang; Gao, Wenxi; Hou, Chunhua; Guo, Jianming; Zhang, Jian; Gurioli, Alberto; Ye, Zhangqun; Zeng, Guohua

2018-02-01

To asset the efficacy and safety of EPVL plus ESWL compared with ESWL alone for the treatment of simple upper urinary stones (ESWL, while in control group, ESWL alone was offered. All patients were reexamined at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after ESWL. Stone size, stone location, stone-free rate (SFR), and complication rate were compared. 56 males and 20 females in treatment group were compared to 52 male and 25 females in control group (p = 0.404). Median ages were 42.9 ± 1.5 years in treatment group and 42.7 ± 1.3 years in control group (p = 0.943). Median stone size was 10.0 ± 0.4 mm (3-15 mm) in treatment group and 10.4 ± 0.4 mm (4-15 mm) in control group (p = 0.622). The stone clearance rate in treatment and control group at 1 week after ESWL was 51.3% (39/76) and 45.4% (35/77) (p > 0.05), at 2 weeks was 81.6% (62/76) and 64.9% (50/77) (p ESWL treatment.

Lower periorbital area treatment with Restylane Vital Skinbooster

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Denis Souto Valente

2016-09-01

Full Text Available Facial aging along the periocular area has led to the development of new non-surgical therapies. The lower periorbital area is a vital region for facial rejuvenation and several procedures have been studied to treat it, especially procedures with dermal fillers for volume rebuilding. This manuscript aims to describe a filling technique with hyaluronic acid (HA along the superficial layer of the lower periorbital area, presenting its effectiveness and safety. Our assessment was made by autonomous observers with pictures of before and after treatment, rated from 0 (no enhancement to 100 (maximum enhancement. Patients’ self-assessment was also performed using a visual analog scale (VAS based on a 100-mm ruler affording a 0–100 rating. Thirty patients were enrolled in this study. The autonomous observers’ evaluation presented a 78.4 mean improvement rate. Patients’ self-assessments after the treatment were 0% reporting no improvement, 6.7% mild improvement, 23.3% moderate improvement, 66.7% great improvement, and 3.3% maximum improvement. Restylane Vital Skinbooster infiltration at the lower periorbital area proved to be a safe treatment. The described technique is also simple to execute, has a low rate of complications, and produces a high satisfaction rate.

A retrospective analysis of nebulized versus intravenous fentanyl for renal colic.

Science.gov (United States)

Imamoglu, Melih; Aygun, Ali; Bekar, Omer; Erdem, Erkan; Cicek, Mustafa; Tatli, Ozgur; Karaca, Yunus; Sahin, Aynur; Turkmen, Suha; Turedi, Suleyman

2017-05-01

To assess the effectiveness of nebulized fentanyl used for analgesia in renal colic. This research was planned as a randomized, blinded study in which prospectively collected data were analyzed retrospectively to compare nebulized and intravenous (iv) fentanyl therapies. Patients with renal colic with 'moderate' or worse pain on a four-point verbal pain score (VPS) or with pain of 20mm or above on a 100-mm visual analogue score (VAS) at time of presentation were randomized into iv fentanyl (n=62) or nebulized fentanyl (n=53) study groups. Decreases in VAS and VPS scores at 15 and 30min compared to baseline, rescue analgesia requirements and side-effects between the groups were compared. Both iv fentanyl and nebulized fentanyl provided effective analgesia in renal colic patients at the end of 30min. However, iv fentanyl provided more rapid and more effective analgesia than nebulized fentanyl. Patients receiving iv fentanyl had lower rescue analgesia requirements than those receiving nebulized fentanyl (37.1% vs 54.7%), although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.058). In addition, side-effects were more common in the iv fentanyl group compared to the nebulized fentanyl group (22.1% vs 9.4%), although the difference was also not significant (p=0.058). Nebulized fentanyl provides effective analgesia in patients with renal colic. However, iv fentanyl exhibits more rapid and more powerful analgesic effects than nebulized fentanyl. Nonetheless, due to its ease of use and few potential risks and side-effects the nebulized form can be used as an alternative in renal colic. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.