Sectional Area Research Articles

Degree of articular injury as measured by CT cross sectional area is associated with physical function following the treatment of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.

Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures are complex injuries that commonly require surgical repair. Long-term clinical outcome has been associated with discrepancies in leg alignment, instability and condylar width abnormalities. While intuitive, the degree of articular damage at time of injury has not been linked to outcomes in patients with bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. The aim of this study was to quantify percentage of articular surface cross sectional area disruption and assess for correlation between the degree of articular injury and patient reported physical function. Retrospective cohort study at two level 1 trauma centers. 57 consecutive patients undergoing surgical repair for bicondylar tibial plateau fractures between 2013 and 2016. Preoperative CT scans were reviewed, and the percentage of articular surface disruption cross sectional area was calculated. PROMIS® scores were collected from patients at a minimum of 2years. 57 patients with an average age of 58 ± 14.3years were included. The average PROMIS® score was 45.5. There was a correlation between percentage of articular surface disruption and total PROMIS® scores (0.4, CI: 0.2-0.5, p = .007) and the physical function of the PROMIS® score (0.4, CI: 0.2-0.6, p < .001). Our method for calculating articular surface disruption on CT is a simple, reproducible and accurate method for assessing the degree of articular damage in patients with bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. We found that the percentage of cross-sectional articular surface disruption correlates with patient reported outcomes and physical function.

Simplified nonlinear analysis of doubly corrugated cold‐formed steel arches

AbstractDoubly corrugated steel arches are made by pressing transverse corrugations on trapezoidal cold‐formed steel sheets. Several studies show that these transverse corrugations may have a significant detrimental effect on the stiffness and load‐bearing capacity of the original trapezoidal profile. This paper presents an experimental campaign aimed at investigating the effects of transverse corrugations on the behaviour of arches. The campaign includes reduced tests on flat sheets and sheets with a single corrugation, as well as full tests on arches with spans ranging from 10 to 20 m. Subsequently, a simplified design procedure based on nonlinear 2D beam finite element models is proposed. The models account for the transverse corrugation effects by using intermediate rotational springs and equivalent beam section areas, which are calibrated from the results of the reduced experiments. A brief sensitivity study of the finite element results with respect to different modelling factors is conducted, and the different effects of the corrugation assessed. Finally, the simplified finite element models are validated by comparing the experimental and numerical force‐displacement curves, which show reasonably good agreement. However, further research is needed to refine and extend the proposed procedure.

Система непрерывного мониторинга технического состояния и оперативной диагностики паровой турбины

Power equipment deterioration occurs during operation, it causes loss in reliability and efficiency, unscheduled shutdowns, and accidents. Now predictive analytics is one of the promising directions in the field of power engineering which allows to control and analyze the technical condition of power equipment. The problems of localization of deviation of technological parameters and detection of anomaly in the operation of power equipment are consistently solved in the framework of predictive analytics. The problems of deviations localization and anomalies detection are solved by the methods of statistical modeling and the classification algorithms respectively. However, for steam turbines the localization of deviation and the detection of anomalies having slow-flowing character are a difficult problem. Therefore, the issue of development of a method for continuous monitoring of technical condition and maintenance diagnostics based on a mathematical model of the steam turbine section flow characteristics is worth noticing. The method allows us to consider the effect of changes in the open flow area of the individual sections of a steam turbine on the pressure distribution over the steam flow path. The model of a steam turbine has been developed within the matrix formalization methodology. The solution of the system of linear and nonlinear equations is carried out by methods of computational mathematics. The solution of the optimization problems of the steam flow path diagnostics is carried out by methods of mathematical programming. A mathematical model of the cogeneration steam turbine Т-250/305-23.5-DB and a method for continuous condition monitoring and maintenance diagnostics of steam turbine have been developed. It allows us to localize deviation and detect anomaly by recovery of the open flow area of the individual sections of a steam turbine based on the pressure distribution over the steam flow path. The results of the statistical analysis prove that a mathematical model of the cogeneration steam turbine Т-250/305-23.5-DB has been recognized adequate. The method for continuous condition monitoring and maintenance diagnostics of steam turbine has demonstrated consistency of the obtained results and ability to solve diagnostic problems in practice. The developed model and method can be used as a module in the development of a software package for predictive analytics of power equipment.

Development of Interparticle Bonding during Sintering of Metal Powders with the Addition of Carbon

Introduction. Publications on sintered metal powder parts consider interparticle bonding in hot-deformed materials and features of low-alloy structural steels, as well as the use of carbon-containing materials. The authors of the presented article have previously investigated sintering in relation to structural changes in the material, described changes in physical and mechanical properties, reduction of oxides, recrystallization, etc. This paper shows the relationship of mechanical properties of powder steels with the parameters of intracrystalline bonding. The kinetics of its development during sintering is demonstrated for the first time. The study objective is to find out how sintering affects the interparticle bonding and structure of powder alloys with iron and carbon. The task is to study the technological modes of sintering samples from alloyed and pure iron powder to achieve the best mechanical characteristics.Materials and Methods. The powders of the Höganäs company were sintered at a temperature of 900-1150 ºС for 0.5–2.5 hours. The protective gas medium (dissociated ammonia) made it possible to prevent oxidative and other sintering reactions. For static cold pressing, a hydraulic press 2PG-125 with a maximum force of 1250 kN was used.Results. For the first time, the presence of intracrystalline bonding mechanisms with different intensity during sintering has been experimentally established. The dependences of the increment of the relative area of the contact surface on the duration of the isothermal exposure were constructed. With an increase in the sintering temperature to 1150 ºС and a holding time of more than 80 minutes, the contact surface area gradually increased. It was shown that the samples from the powder grades under consideration formed an intracrystalline bonding on the entire contact surface at 1150 ºС. Therefore, this technology can be recommended for practical use. The addition of graphite to the charge slows down the growth of the contact surface. At the same time, the molds from pure powder ABC100.30 and from Distaloy HP-1 powder showed differences. In the first case, with the addition of graphite to the charge, the contact surface developed more intensively than in the second one. The obtained results were recorded in the photo and visualized in the form of graphs.Discussion and Conclusion. According to the results of mechanical tests, it is possible to estimate the proportion of the contact section of the molding with intracrystalline bonding. Its feature is the structural correspondence of the interparticle surface of the splice and the intergrain boundary. The value of this boundary is determined by comparing the relative area of the contact section with the intracrystalline bonding and the relative area of the contact surface. The possibilities of improving the quality of bonding of powder steels by increasing the temperature and time of their exposure during sintering are determined.

4 A Quantitative Image Analysis Study of Modified Kessler Extensor Repair

Abstract Aim The aims of this study were to compare and measure the amount of 4.0 Prolene suture material at the tendon repair site with 2 types of knot placement in a modified Kessler technique, as placement of suture knot can impact extensor tendon healing. Method Thirty-two extensor tendons of 2 fresh frozen cadaveric hands were divided and repaired using the modified Kessler technique with either intratendinous or extratendinous knot placement of a 4.0 Prolene suture. Tendon repairs were sectioned, and cross-sectional photographs were analysed using quantitative image analysis. Results Comparison of percentage change in tendon dimension surface area showed no significant difference (p = 0.4750) between intratendinous and extratendinous knot placement to demonstrate consistency of repair. Quantitative image analysis revealed suture material occupied a significantly (p = 0.0103) larger percentage of tendon cross sectional area in intratendinous than extratendinous knot placement. In both groups this represented &amp;lt;10% of the total cross-sectional area of the tendon at the repair site (7.49% vs 2.92%). There was no significant relation between digit, tendon or repair zone and percentage of repair zone occupied by suture material. Conclusions Intratendinous knot placement occupies a larger proportion of tendon cross sectional area than extratendinous knot placement, though this is still comparatively small when a 4’0 monofilament suture is used.

Three-dimensional characterization of the Búzios Field reveals implications on the tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Santos Basin using combined seismic attributes and well-logs analysis

The Búzios Field is one of the most prolific petroleum fields along the Eastern Brazilian Margin. Despite significant research conducted restrictedly on the pre-salt reservoirs, few studies have focused on the three-dimensional characterization of the entire Búzios Field area. Therefore this work aims to spatially characterize a volume along the Búzios Field area using 3D seismic volume interpretation, seismic attributes, and well-log data. The combined use of these tools allowed the understanding of several parameters concerning the tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Santos Basin. Within the mapped area, we identified five units: Syn-Rift I, Syn-Rift II, Post-Rift I, Post-Rift II, Drift I, and Drift II. The 3D model reveals significant features such as the depth variation of the Syn-Rift I unit and the heterogeneous morphology of the Post-Rift II unit. The Syn-Rift I unit is deeper towards the N-NW and shallower towards the S-SE due to a regional half-grabens system. This system impacts the pre-salt geometry and thickness, as structural highs and lows are relevant factors in sediment accommodation. The Post-Rift I unit has a predominantly regular geometry and thickness but tends to thicken towards the S-SE and exhibits slight downward flexure towards the NE in the southeast of the Búzios Field. In three dimensions, the heterogeneous morphology of the Post-Rift II unit is evidenced by the variable thickness and irregular topography, accounting for the intense halokinesis in the Santos Basin. Above the evaporite layer, the thickness of the Drift I unit is highly conditioned by salt morphology, with thicker and deformed packages in areas of thinner salt section. On the other hand, the Drift II unit shows relatively constant thickness with minor variations near fault zones. Comparisons with other fields within the Santos Basin (Tupi and Sapinhoá/Lapa) reveal differences in layer thickness, mobilization, and rotation of the syn-rift blocks. The Post-Rift I layer (Barra Velha Fm.) and the Post-Rift II package (Ariri Fm.) are thinner and less mobilized in the Búzios Field area. Moreover, the syn-rift blocks are less rotated, and the internal reflectors have a lower inclination in the study area when compared to these other fields. Therefore, this research concludes that the lower mobilization of salt, the lower thickness of the post-rift package, and the minor syn-rift block rotation observed in the Búzios Field area are associated with the relative distance from the continental margin and, consequently, with the amount of displacement generated by the South Atlantic Rift. In this case, the Búzios Field is located in a more proximal portion than the Tupi and Sapinhoá/Lapa fields, exhibiting features suggestive of a lower displacement.

Regenerative peripheral nerve interface reduces the incidence of neuroma in the lower limbs after amputation: a retrospective study based on ultrasound

BackgroundAmputees suffer from symptomatic neuroma and phantom limb pain. Regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) has recently been regarded as an effective method to prevent neuroma after amputation. However, the verifications of RPNI efficacy are mostly based on subjective evaluation, lacking objective approaches. This study aims to unveil the effect of RPNI on preventing neuroma formation and provide evidence supporting the efficacy of RPNI based on ultrasound.MethodsAmputees of lower limb at Peking University People’s Hospital from July 2020 to March 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical data collected consisted of general information, pathology of primary disease, history of limb-salvage treatment, amputation level of nerve, pain scales such as the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index (MFPDI). Three months after amputation, the transverse diameter, anteroposterior diameter, and cross-sectional area of neuromas in stump nerves at the end of residual limbs were measured using ultrasound and compared to adjacent normal nerves.ResultsFourteen patients were enrolled in the study, including 7 in the traditional amputation group (TA group) and 7 in the RPNI group. There was no significant difference in basic information and amputation sites between the two groups. The NRS and MFPDI scores of patients in RPNI group were significantly lower than those in TA group, and decreased with the follow-up time increasing, indicating that RPNI could reduce symptomatic neuroma pain. The comparison of preoperative ultrasound and postoperative pathology showed ultrasound could reflect the size of neuroma in vivo. Independent-sample t tests indicated that the ratios of anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter and area of the cross section of both the neuroma and adjacent normal nerve obtained via ultrasound were significantly reduced in the RPNI group.ConclusionThis study suggested that RPNI can effectively prevent the formation of symptomatic neuroma after amputation using ultrasound.

Outcomes of Four in One Osteosynthesis in the treatment of Congenital Tibial Pseudarthrosis: A Systematic Review

Background CPT has a natural history of recalcitrant nonunion, bone atrophy, progressive LLD and deformity, and persistent refracture even after surgical union. Aim of the Work The aim of treatment for CPT is to achieve and sustain union. Methodology Studies were considered eligible if the authors described the surgical procedure of tibial pseudarthrosis, patient‘s clinical and/or functional outcomes were reported, any complications intraoperatively and post-operatively were reported, the full- text articles were available, and the articles were written in English. The MED-LINE database, PubMed, science direct, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trails (The Cochrane Library), and Google Scholar were searched upon using the following keyword: congenital tibial pseudarthrosis, CPT, tibiofibular fusion, tibiofibular osteosynthesis, four in one osteosynthesis, tibia and fibula one mass fusion, Paley x method, and cross union. Results The cumulative data extracted provided 96 patients in 6 papers of which 60% were male and the other 40 % were females. The mean age was around 4.1 Years ranging from the first year till nearly eleven years old and the mean follow up was around 4.1 Years. The percentage of patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 was 53.13 % and 41.1 % had previous surgical intervention. All studies have mentioned that cross sectional area of healing mass increased and the relative crosssectional area was large in comparison to proximal shaft or proximal metaphysis. Unfortunately, no single method of assessing the cross-sectional area and relative cross-sectional area were used by different authors. Conclusion According to the findings of our research, cross sectional area is the most important factor in preventing refracture. New technology and therapeutics will emerge as new pharmacologic therapeutics and a deeper understanding of this disease emerge. Meanwhile, the best current combination treatment for CPT is hamartoma resection, periosteal grafting, bone grafting, Cross union, internal rodding, external fixation, tibiofibular Cross union, BMP, and bisphosphonate.

Experiment study on heat transfer enhancement of micro heat pipe PV/T by Reynolds number improvement

The rapid performance improvement of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) implies great potential application to various aspects of society. The previously developed micro heat pipe PV/T by our team has shown favorable cogeneration of electricity and heat in cold regions, while it is badly needed to improve its comprehensive performance by enhancement of heat transfer. For same working fluid as HCFC141b in micro heat pipe, higher Reynolds Number (Re) theoretically means better heat transfer. Therefore, two available micro heat pipes were developed with trapezoidal cross section and rectangular cross section respectively while with same cross section area and applied in two micro heat pipe PV/T systems. Subsequent experiment study testifies that the rectangular micro heat pipe PV/T of higher theoretical Re verily shows more favorable performance than the trapezoidal micro heat pipe PV/T when they are at 45° inclination angle. Deducting power consumption of circulating pump, the average electrical efficiency of rectangular micro heat pipe PV/T system is 12.4%, while that of trapezoidal micro heat pipe PV/T system is 11.9%. Moreover, the thermal efficiency, total energy power, and total energy efficiency of rectangular micro heat pipe PV/T system are respectively 28.1%, 472.3 W, and 40.5%, which are 10.1%, 119.8 W, and 10.8% higher than those of trapezoidal micro heat pipe PV/T system. The results are significant and valuable for the application of micro heat pipe PV/T in cold regions.

Type I collagen proteolysis by matrix metalloproteinase-2 contributes to focal adhesion kinase activation and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in the aorta in early hypertension

IntroductionIncreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 activity contributes to increase vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation in the aorta in early hypertension by cleaving many proteins of the extracellular matrix. Cleaved products from type I collagen may activate focal adhesion kinases (FAK) that trigger migration and proliferation signals in VSMC. We therefore hypothesized that increased activity of MMP-2 proteolyzes type I collagen in aortas of hypertensive rats, and thereby, induces FAK activation, thus leading to increased VSMC proliferation and hypertrophic remodeling in early hypertension. MethodsMale Sprague-Dawley rats were submitted to renovascular hypertension by the two kidney-one clip (2K1C) model and treated with doxycycline (30 mg/kg/day) by gavage from the third to seventh-day post-surgery. Controls were submitted to sham surgery. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured daily by tail-cuff plethysmography and the aortas were processed for zymography and Western blot for MMP-2, pFAK/FAK, integrins and type I collagen. Mass spectrometry, morphological analysis and Ki67 immunofluorescence were also done to identify collagen changes and VSMC proliferation. A7r5 cells were stimulated with collagen and treated with the MMP inhibitors (doxycycline or ARP-100), and with the FAK inhibitor PND1186 for 24 h. Cells were lysed and evaluated by Western blot for pFAK/FAK. Results2K1C rats developed elevated SBP in the first week as well as increased expression and activity of MMP-2 in the aorta (p < 0.05 vs. Sham). Treatment with doxycycline reduced both MMP activity and type I collagen proteolysis in aortas of 2K1C rats (p < 0.05). Increased pFAK/FAK and increased VSMC proliferation (p < 0.05 vs. Sham groups) were also seen in the aortas of 2K1C and doxycycline decreased both parameters (p < 0.05). Higher proliferation of VSMC contributed to hypertrophic remodeling as seen by increased media/lumen ratio and cross sectional area (p < 0.05 vs Sham groups). In cell culture, MMP-2 cleaves collagen, an effect reversed by MMP inhibitors (p < 0.05). Increased levels of pFAK/FAK were observed when collagen was added in the culture medium (p < 0.05 vs control) and MMP and FAK inhibitors reduced this effect. ConclusionsIncrease in MMP-2 activity proteolyzes type I collagen in the aortas of 2K1C rats and contributes to activate FAK and induces VSMC proliferation during the initial phase of hypertension.

Microseismic monitoring and experimental study on rockburst in water-rich area of tunnel

During the excavation of tunnels in the Hanjiang-to-Weihe River Diversion Project, many rockbursts occurred in water-rich (WR) areas. To study the mechanism of rockburst under such conditions, the features of microseismic events and rockbursts in WR tunnel sections excavated by both a tunnel boring machine (TBM) and “drilling and blasting” methods were statistically analysed and compared with those of adjacent water-poor (WP) areas. The results show that in both WR and WP areas, rockbursts are related to the classification of surrounding rock and are also affected by the excavation method. The rockbursts in most WP areas are more active than those in the nearby WR areas in sections excavated by TBM. However, the opposite is true under high in situ stress conditions. To explain the microseismic monitoring results, the mechanical behaviour of rock, including short- and long-term mechanical behaviour under different water and loading conditions, was also investigated, and the results show that under high stress conditions, water will accelerate the occurrence of rockburst. Therefore, the appropriate method to control rockburst is stress release, which can be achieved by advanced pilot tunnel excavation, hydraulic fracturing, and presplitting blasting, rather than high-pressure water spraying in the surrounding rock.

Augmentation of peripheral venous diameter for ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous line insertion

ObjectivesUltrasound-guided intravenous line placement is utilized often in the emergency department for venous access in patients whose veins are difficult to cannulate by traditional methods. This study aims to identify specific interventions that will augment venous cross-sectional area. MethodsResidents and medical students volunteers each had their basilic vein identified using the linear array probe on an ultrasound. The area of the vein was measured with no intervention with the arm positioned parallel to the floor as well as approximately 45 degrees below the level of the bed. These two positions were repeated with the following interventions: one standard rubber tourniquet applied proximal to the vein measurement, an additional rubber tourniquet applied proximal to first tourniquet, blood pressure cuff inflated to between 160 and 200 mmHg applied proximal to the vein, CAT battle tourniquet application proximal to measurement site, and soaked warm towel applied to brachium for up to one minute. The primary outcome was to evaluate the increase in venous cross-sectional area from the baseline measurement after the interventions. ResultsWe had 41 participants in this study. All interventions were statistically significant in increasing venous cross-sectional area as compared to no intervention, with the most significant augmentation being from the CAT battle tourniquet (mean change +7.32 mm2, 95% CI, 5.73–8.91 mm2) . The change in position of the arm, was not statistically significant for any intervention except for the CAT tourniquet (mean change −1.74 mm2, 95% CI, −0.54 to −2.93 mm2). There was no significant difference between two tourniquets and blood pressure cuff (mean change +0.58 mm2, 95% CI, −1.13 to +2.29 mm2), but there was a significant increase in cross-sectional area with CAT tourniquet use compared to blood pressure cuff (mean change +1.62 mm2, 95% CI, 0.29–2.95 mm2). Lastly, two tourniquets increased cross- sectional area compared to one tourniquet (mean change +2.20 mm2, 95% CI, 1.14 − +3.26 mm2). ConclusionsThis study identified several potential interventions for maximizing venous cross-sectional area on ultrasound. All the tested interventions resulted in statistically significant increases in cross-sectional area. Arm positioning did not show significant changes in most interventions, with the exception of the CAT tourniquet. Further studies should be performed on how these maneuvers affect success in ultrasound-guided intravenous line placement.

Shear resistance design of semi-supported buckling-restrained steel plate shear walls: Analytical and numerical investigation

Buckling-restrained steel plate shear wall (BRSPSW) rises as an excellent energy-dissipating lateral force-resisting component. Semi-supported BRSPSW is more flexible in structural configuration than the conventional BRSPSW owing to its independent vertical boundary elements (VBEs). In this paper, the shear resistance and the VBEs effect of the semi-supported BRSPSW were studied by the analytical and numerical methods. A simplified model was developed for simulating the semi-supported BRSPSWs. A minimum sectional area of the VBEs, namely, Acr was suggested for the BRSPSW to fully develop its shear field. Meanwhile, the ultimate shear resistance formula of the semi-supported BRSPSW was proposed. Furthermore, a general finite element (FE) model of the BRSPSWs with two-sided, semi-supported, and four-sided connections was established and applied for parametric analyses. It was found that the semi-supported BRSPSW under the shear could be divided into one middle region with the shear field and two vertical edge regions with local stress fields. The edge regions acted as the additional VBEs for the middle region, whose span decreased with the rise in the sectional area of the VBEs, i.e, secondary columns. The hysteretic behavior of the BRSPSW could be improved by increasing the sectional area of the VBEs when the section area of the VBEs was smaller than Acr. The shear field could be utilized more efficiently in the semi-supported BRSPSW with a larger sectional area of the VBEs and a higher span-to-height ratio of the steel plate. Finally, the equations for predicting the ultimate shear resistance and shear field distribution of the BRSPSW were verified by the test and FE results.

Sarcopenia at the upper instrumented vertebra is more significantly associated with proximal junctional kyphosis after long fusion for adult spinal deformity surgery than osteopenia

Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a major mechanical complication after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery, and is multifactorial. Osteopenia and sarcopenia are patient risk factors, but it has not yet been well-documented which of them is the more significant risk factor. We retrospectively studied patients older than 50 years who underwent ASD surgery from the lower thoracic spine to the pelvis. In addition to patient demographic data and pre- and post-operative radiographic sagittal parameters (PI: pelvic incidence; LL: lumbar lordosis; SVA: sagittal vertical axis; PT: pelvic tilt), Hounsfield unit (HU) values on preoperative computed tomography and cross sectional area (CSA) and fatty infiltration ratio (FI%) of the paraspinal musculature (PSM) on preoperative magnetic resonance image were measured from the upper-instrumented vertebra (UIV) to UIV + 2 and averaged. PJK was observed in 11 of 29 patients. There was no statistical difference between the patients with and without PJK in age at surgery, sex, body mass index, bone mineral density, preoperative PI-LL, SVA, PT, postoperative PI-LL, SVA, PT, HU, and CSA. FI% in patients with PJK (25.0) was significantly higher than that (15.3) in patients without PJK (P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified FI% of PSM as a significant independent factor of PJK (odds ratio, 1.973; 95% confidence interval, 1.290–5.554; P < 0.0001). After successful elimination of possible factors related to PJK other than sarcopenia and osteopenia, sarcopenia assessed by fatty degeneration of the PSM at the UIV was shown to be a more important factor than osteopenia for PJK after long fusion for ASD.

Hypsometric Analysis of WRC-1 Watershed, Chargarh River Basin, Central India: A Remote Sensing and GIS Approach

Hypsometric analysis is a valuable tool for determining the tectonic evolution of a river basin and the erosion susceptibility. It is also important for integrated watershed management, which include selecting suitable locations for groundwater recharge structures and for conservation of soil and water. This type of study can analyze the relationship between horizontal cross sectional area and the altitude of the watershed. It evaluates the hypsometric curve and hypsometric integral, as generated for the WRC-1 watershed, Chargarh river basin through remote sensing and GIS technique. In the present case, hypsometric analysis was carried out using Survey of India topographic maps, Arc map-10.2 software and SRTM-DEM. The hypsometric integral is calculated using mean elevation minus minimum elevation, divided by relief. The hypsometric curve, with a value of 0.69 for the hypsometric integral clearly indicates an inequilibrium stage (youthful stage) of geomorphic development, which is highly susceptible to erosion. These interpretations can further utilize appropriate measures of soil and water conservation for long-term development within the WRC-1 watershed.

Digital Pathology for Analyzing Endomyocardial Biopsy Specimens

Introduction: Visual assessment of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) specimens may result in errors due to the human factor and inability to obtain quantitative data on the intensity of immunohistochemical (IHC) reactions and severity of pathological changes in the heart transplant. Detailed digital characterization of EMB specimens based on automated or semi-automated computer-assisted morphometry improves the diagnostic accuracy of EMB. Objective: To develop a method of and algorithms for digital computer-assisted analysis of EMB specimens to quantify pathomorphological and immunophenotypic changes in the myocardium of patients with various types and grades of heart transplant rejection. Materials and methods: We studied 257 EMB specimens from 56 heart transplant recipients at Scientific Research Institute – Ochapovsky Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1 (Krasnodar, Russian Federation). Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. We used the streptavidin-biotin method to determine the CD68 expression and computer-assisted morphometry of digital images to measure the area of pathological changes and CD68 expression. Results: When developing a method for computer-assisted analysis of EMB specimens, we proposed a new evaluation criterion: staining area coefficient (%) that is a ratio of the total stained area to the total section area. We created and field-tested algorithms for digital morphometric analysis to assess the intensity of IHC reactions and to identify the relative area of pathological changes in the EBM specimens. Conclusions: New digital criteria for diagnosing heart transplant rejections are to improve the accuracy of EMB results interpretation, but can also be used for analyzing other biopsy specimens.

ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ КОЭФФИЦИЕНТА ЗАГРУЗКИ МАТЕРИАЛА В КАМЕРЕ ПОМОЛА ШАРОВОЙ БАРАБАННОЙ МЕЛЬНИЦЫ

The predominant application of ball drum mills in industrial enterprises for the comminution process of various materials, which is one of the most energy-intensive basic technological processes, is demonstrated in this scientific article. As one of the parameters that can enhance the efficiency of the comminution process, the rational quantitative ratio of grinding bodies to the material being ground is noted. To calculate the material loading coefficient in the grinding chamber, the feasibility of developing a mathematical description is shown. This allows to determine the change in the area of gaps between grinding bodies in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mill's body, as the rotational frequency changes. A mathematical description is obtained to determine the area of the ball-material load in the cross-sectional plane of the grinding chamber during the static state of the mill's body and at different rotational frequencies. Using this mathematical description, research on the change in the area occupied by the ball-material load in the transverse section of the grinding chamber during the transition of the mill's body from the static state to the operating state is conducted. Regularities of its changes for an industrial-sized mill are determined. At different values of the filling coefficient of grinding bodies, it is established that the transition of the mill's body from static to operating state leads to an increase in the area of the transverse section of the ball-material load by an amount close to 17 %. An expression is proposed to determine the material loading coefficient in the grinding chamber corresponding to its operating rotational frequency.

The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Trunk Muscle Strength: A Narrative Review

Mechanical vibration can improve neuromuscular function through postural control strategies, muscle tonic mechanisms, and tonic vibration reflexes. Whole body vibration (WBV) has also been announced to increase bone mineral density, muscle endurance and strength, as well as to enhance proprioceptive system. Moreover, WBV training was found to be a constructivestrategy for improving the physical performance of elite athletes and healthy individuals in terms of muscle strength, agility, flexibility, and vertical jump height. Although there is still no consensus in research in this area, it is argued that certainmolecular mechanisms involved in the physiological adaptations of exercise also emerge during WBV training. Clarifying these physiological mechanisms is crucial for optimizing the effectiveness of WBV trainings. Previous studies have examined the effects of WBV and have indicated developments in muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, muscle cross sectional area, bone mineral density and body composition. However, no standard prescription has been established to optimize the effects of WBV, including the determination of vibration frequency and amplitude. In addition, the majority of previous studies have investigated the effects of WBV training on the extremities. There are few publications investigating its effectiveness on trunk and core musclestrength, which is one of the important indicators of athletic performance. Therefore, we conducted a narrative review of the literature, referring to the Cochrane Library and Medline databases, to summarize the most recent scientific evidence on the effects of whole-body vibration on trunk muscle strength. This narrative review concludes that at least 8 weeks of WBV training is more effective on trunk muscle strength than those performing the same exercises without WBV.

Multivariate Analysis in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for Yield and Attributing Traits under Soil Salinity and Alkalinity in Haryana

Salt-affected soils could be used by improving and developing salt-tolerant genotypes depending upon the amount of genetic variation and salt stress response of adapted and donor sources of wheat. Salt stress affects 20% of global cultivable land and is increasing continuously owing to the change in climate and anthropogenic activities. Globally, saline soils cover 3.1% i.e. 397 mha of the total land area and around 6.74 mha area of India is affected due to salinity. Salinity stress negatively affects the growth and development of wheat leading to low grain yield and quality. A station varietal trial was conducted to identify salt-tolerant genotypes, wherein 24 genotypes including 4 checks, namely, KRL 19, WH 157, KRL 210 and KRL 283 were evaluated in 6 replications in 4.0 m x 1.20 m in RBD under natural saline patch (pH 8.5, ECe 4.2 dsm-1) at Research area of Wheat and Barley Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding and Department of Soil Science (pH 8.5, ECe 4.5 dsm-1), CCS HAU, Hisar during Rabi 2021-22. Observations were recorded for germination (%), days to heading, days to maturity, plant height (cm), tillers per meter row, 1000-grain weight (g), grain yield per plot (g/plot) and hectoliter weight (kg/hl). High positive correlation has been observed for 1000-GW (g) with GY/P (g/plot), PH (cm) with hectoliter weight (kg/hl). Non-significant correlation was observed between days to heading and germination with plant height and hectoliter weight. Clustering of genotypes based on Ward’s Euclidean method was done so that identical genotypes may grouped together; 24 genotypes were grouped into three distinct clusters. Hectolitre weight (kg/hl) expressed as point of dissection of studied traits as GY/P (g/plot), 1000-GW (g), DM and PH (cm) falls at one side and germination (%), DH and T/meter row lies at another side. Entries, namely, WH 1313 (59.6 q/ha), WH 1306 (54.9 q/ha) and WH 1309 (52.9 q/ha) performed better and found significantly superior to the best check WH 157 (43.5+8.2 q/ha) at Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding. P 13582 (61.6 q/ha), P 13650 (62.1 q/ha) performed better and found significantly superior to best check KRL 283 (46.4+13.7 q/ha) at Department of Soil Sciences. Identification of wheat genotypes based on simultaneous selection among contributing traits will improve grain yield. Stable and promising genotypes may be included in breeding program aimed to develop salt tolerant varieties at state and national level to ensure nutritional food security.

Studies on Phosphorus and Zinc Economy with Phosphate and Zinc Solubilizing Microbes in Lentil

Background: Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an important winter pulse crop grown in Indian subcontinent. Lentil like other pulse crops is given secondary importance as far as its growing environment is concerned. It is grown on marginal lands with low fertility and receives sub-optimal fertilizer application. Rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria are known to benefit the crop by increasing the availability of soil nitrogen and phosphorus and effect of zinc solubilizing microbes in Lentil has not been studied earlier. Methods: An experiment was conducted during Rabi 2019-20 and 2020-21 to study the effect of phosphate and zinc solubilizing microbes on growth, yield and economy of lentil at research farm area of Pulses section Dept. of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS HAU, Hisar. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eleven treatments replicated thrice. Results: Growth as well as yield parameters were significantly affected by different treatments and were significantly higher with application of 50% recommended phosphorus dose application + 12.5 kg ZnSO4 + Biophos + Biozinc. The soil pH did not differed significantly under different treatment. The Soil EC under different treatment differed significantly with control. The soil organic carbon was found maximum in T10 and it was closely followed by T11. Similarly, maximum net return and BC ratio was obtained in T10 treatment followed by T9.