Low Flow Areas Research Articles

Evaluation of Preoperative Low-flow Areas in STA-MCA Bypass Surgery Using Vascular Fusion Map Image.

The superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass surgery requires an anastomosis of the STA to an MCA with diminished blood flow. However, identifying the precise location of the MCA with reduced flow preoperatively is challenging as it often remains nonvisualized. To address this issue, we developed a novel technique, the area target bypass (ATB) method, to infer the location of the responsible vessel for low-flow areas. The cornerstone of the ATB method lies in the utilization of the vascular fusion map (VFM). The VFM integrates 3D perfusion and 3D vascular images, enabling simultaneous evaluation of cerebral surface vessels and regions with reduced blood flow. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the STA-MCA bypass surgery adopting the ATB method. Between August 2022 and March 2023, we conducted eight STA-MCA bypass surgeries using the ATB method. For each case, the VFM was generated using the MTT and DLY parameters, and blood flow improvement was evaluated based on the VFM score, determined by an average score from seven experts. In all cases, the target vessel was identified either preoperatively or during craniotomy, with postoperative patency of the STA-MCA bypass confirmed. Out of the eight cases, seven demonstrated improved blood flow with a VFM score exceeding 1. No complications were reported. The introduction of the ATB method has proven its potential in accurately pinpointing optimal anastomosis sites.

Coordinative dispatching of shared and public transportation under passenger flow outburst

In the passenger flow outburst area (e.g., metro emergency, dispersal of sporting events, and concerts), passengers put forward large demand for ride-sourcing services. Insufficient ride-sourcing supply of the area induces increasing matching time, and the ride-sourcing influx from outside picking up passengers leads to heavier road traffic congestion in the flow outburst area. To solve this problem, we propose a novel coordinative dispatching method of ride-sourcing and multi-modal transit, in which subsidies and buses are provided for passengers in flow outburst areas to encourage taking other public transportation to low passenger flow areas first and then taking ride-sourcing to their destinations. In this paper, there are two options for passengers: (a) wait for ride-sourcing to pick them up; (b) take other public transportation first and then take ride-sourcing. To obtain the optimal dispatching and subsidy schemes, we develop a bi-level mixed integer programming model based on network flow theory and design the corresponding iterative algorithm to solve it. Considering the high uncertainty of ride-sourcing demand in the area, we further develop a robust optimization model to obtain more reliable schemes. Case studies based on a real-problem-scale dataset are conducted. The results demonstrate that our approach can be carried out in real time, and encouraging passengers to take multi-modal transit shows great potential in reducing affected users’ delays. The robust optimization model offers a more reliable and competitive solution when demand varies widely. Our method offers a win–win–win way for passengers, ride-sourcing service providers, and public transportation systems.

A Simulation and Experiment on the Optimization Design of an Air Outlet Structure for an Air-Assisted Sprayer

In response to the issues of low-velocity zones and non-uniform jet velocity distribution in the airflow field of traditional air-assisted orchard sprayers, an arc-shaped air outlet suitable for axial-flow air-assisted systems is designed. This article employs the method of CFD numerical simulation and experimental verification to compare and analyze the internal flow field of the air-assisted system and validates the reliability of the numerical simulation results through calculation error and chi-square test. The wind speed of the cross-section is measured at different distances from the outlet, and the distribution characteristics of the outflow field wind speed before and after the structural optimization of the air-assisted system are compared. The horizontal distribution of fog droplets is collected using a fog collection chamber. The experimental results show that the design of the arc-shaped outlet increases the average wind speed of the annular outlet from 14.95 m/s to 18.20 m/s and reduces the proportion of low-speed area from 20.83% to 0.71%. When the rounded corner radius of the air outlet is 50 mm, optimal parameters are attained. The maximum error between the simulated and experimental values is 9.52%. At a significance level of 0.05, the χ2 value is 0.252, indicating that the simulated values follow the distribution of the actual measurement values. On the cross-sections located at distances of 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, and 1.5 m from the air outlet, the wind speed distribution with no arc-shaped air outlets exhibits a “low left and high right” type, tending to shift towards the right as a whole. Fog droplets also display a drift tendency towards the right side. The wind speed distribution with arc-shaped air outlets shows a symmetric “high in the middle and low on the sides” type. Fog droplets concentrate in the central position. The optimized air-assisted system can reduce the air field’s low-flow area, increase the airflow distribution uniformity, improve the average wind speed at the outlet, and decrease fog droplet drift. This provides a reference for the structural design of air-assisted systems in current orchard sprayers of the same type.

Greater Outflow Facility Increase After Targeted Trabecular Bypass in Angiographically Determined Low-low Regions

To investigate the impact of trabecular bypass surgery targeted to angiographically determined high- vs. low-aqueous humor outflow areas on outflow facility (C) and intraocular pressure (IOP). Exvivo comparative study. Postmortem exvivo porcine and human eyes. Porcine (n=14) and human (n=13) whole globes were acquired. In both species, anterior segments were dissected, mounted onto a perfusion chamber, and perfused using Dulbecco's phosphate buffered solution containing glucose in a constant flow paradigm to achieve a stable baseline. Fluorescein was perfused into the anterior chamber and used to identify baseline segmental high- and low-flow regions of the conventional outflow pathways. The anterior segments were divided into 2 groups, and a 5 mm needle goniotomy was performed in either a high- or low-flow area. Subsequently, C and IOP were quantitatively reassessed and compared between surgery in baseline "high-flow" and "low-flow" region eyes followed by indocyanine green angiography. Outflow facility. In all eyes, high- and low-flow segments could be identified. Performing a 5-mm goniotomy increased outflow facility to a variable extent depending on baseline flow status. In the porcine high-flow group, C increased from 0.31±0.09 to 0.39±0.09 μL/mmHg/min (P=0.12). In the porcine low-flow group, C increased from 0.29±0.03 to 0.56±0.10 μL/mmHg/min (P<0.001). In the human high-flow group, C increased from 0.38±0.20 to 0.41±0.20 μL/mmHg/min (P=0.02). In the human low-flow group, C increased from 0.25±0.11 to 0.32±0.11 μL/mmHg/min (<0.001). There was statistically significant greater increase in C for eyes where surgery was targeted to baseline low-flow regions in both porcine (0.07±0.09 vs. 0.27±0.13, P=0.007 μL/mmHg/min, high vs low flow) and human eyes (0.03±0.03 vs. 0.07±0.02, P=0.03 μL/mmHg/min, high vs. low flow). Targeting surgery to low-flow areas of the trabecular meshwork yields higher overall facility increase and IOP reduction compared to surgery in high-flow areas. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Regulation of aortic morphogenesis and VE-cadherin dynamics by VEGF.

In amniote vertebrates, the definitive dorsal aorta is formed by the fusion of two primordial aortic endothelial tubes. Formation of the definitive dorsal aorta requires extensive cellular migrations and rearrangements of the primordial tubes in order to generate a single vessel located at the embryonic ventral midline. This study examines the role of VEGF signaling in the generation of the definitive dorsal aorta. Through gain- and loss-of-function studies in vivo in the chick embryo, we document a requirement for VEGF signaling in growth and remodeling of the paired primordia. We find that regions of the aorta are differentially sensitive to levels of VEGF signaling, and present evidence that areas of low blood flow are more sensitive to the loss of VEGF signaling. We also find that VEGF signaling regulates the intracellular distribution between membrane and cytoplasm of the cell-cell adhesion molecule VE-cadherin in aortic endothelial cells in vivo. Together, these finding identify mechanisms that likely contribute to the dynamic behavior of endothelial cells during aorta morphogenesis.

Fully 3D Modeling of Electrochemical Deionization.

Electrochemical deionization devices are crucial for meeting global freshwater demands. One such is capacitive deionization (CDI), which is an emerging technology especially suited for brackish water desalination. In this work, we extend an electrolytic capacitor (ELC) model that exploits the similarities between CDI systems and supercapacitor/battery systems. Compared to the previous work, we introduce new implementational strategies for enhanced stability, a more detailed method of describing charge efficiency, layered integration of leakage reactions, and theory extensions to new material and operational conditions. Thanks to the stability and flexibility the approach brings, the current work can present the first fully coupled and spatiotemporal three-dimensional (3D) CDI model. We hope that this can pave the way toward generalized and full-scale modeling of CDI units under varying conditions. A 3D model can be beneficial for investigating asymmetric CDI device structures, and the work investigates a flow-through device structure with inlet and outlet pipes at the center and corners, respectively. The results show that dead (low-flow) areas can reduce desalination rates while also raising the total leakage. However, the ionic flux in this device is still enough under normal operating conditions to ensure reasonable performance. In conclusion, researchers will now have some flexibility in designing device structures that are not perfectly symmetric (real-life case), and hence we share the model files to facilitate future research with 3D modeling of these electrochemical deionization devices.

Permeability decline by fines migration near sand control screens in steam assisted gravity drainage: A numerical assessment

The near-wellbore permeability loss caused by the release and migration of naturally fine particles impairs the well productivity in oil reservoirs. The damage would be intensified in the presence of restrictions such as sand control screens due to retardation and accumulation of fine particles resulting from flow convergence and high volumetric flux.This study focuses on the experimental investigation and mathematical modeling of the permeability impairment near the sand control screens under a representative fines migration process for the SAGD well conditions. For this purpose, the single-phase flow experiments were conducted on unconsolidated sand packs in a sand retention testing (SRT) setup. The testing used different sand screens and considered the chemical effect of the fines migration process and different salinity for the saturating brine and flowing fluid. A 3D numerical model incorporating governing fluid and particle transport equations in porous media and an empirical permeability loss equation was established to simulate the fines migration process.The results show that the sand screens with a low open flow area and narrow aperture size cause higher permeability loss under the same flow conditions. Higher salinity reduction yields higher mobilized fines concentration, causing high near-screen permeability loss. For the salinities above 800 ppm, no significant pressure drops were observed. Furthermore, changing salinity to deionized water (DI) caused almost complete plugging of the sand pack, masking the flow performance of the sand control screen. A good match was obtained between the measured and calculated dimensionless pressure drops from the experimental and numerical models. The calibrated model could accurately enough predict the dimensionless pressure drops for the near-screen interval. It was confirmed that the porous medium's model parameters were nearly independent of the sand screen. However, different results were obtained for different salinities, confirming the 'parameters' dependency on not just porous medium but also fluid properties.

ИЗМЕНЕНИЕ МИНЕРАЛЬНОГО И ХИМИЧЕСКОГО СОСТАВА СИЛЛОВ ПРИ ВНЕДРЕНИИ В ОСАДОЧНЫЙ ПОКРОВ, ВПАДИНА ГУАЙМАС, КАЛИФОРНИЙСКИЙ ЗАЛИВ (СКВАЖИНЫ DSDP 477, 477А, 478, 481/481А)

In the Guaymas Basin of the Gulf of California, changes in the mineral and chemical composition of sills of different thicknesses were studied in hydrothermal systems, which formed during the intrusion of hot sills into highly porous young (Pleistocene) cold sediments filled with seawater. Holes DSDP 477 and 477A were drilled in the high heat flow area and Holes 478 and 481/481A in the low heat flow area. Thick sills from Holes 477, 477A, and 478 (47 m, 30 m and 112 m, respectively) are fresh or very weakly altered mainly due to the fact that practically no water released from the host Pleistocene sediments during their heating penetrated into the sills. Olivine, whose content is small in these sills (a few percent) is unaltered. In mesostasis, the amount of which is also a few percent, there are clay minerals. The high heat flow in the area of Holes 477 and 477A (1250 mW/m2) did not change the unfavorable situation for changes in the mineral and chemical composition of the thick sills without water entering them. Thin sills with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.65 m and sills with a relatively small thickness of 1.2 to 4.5 m, which were intersected in Holes 478 and 481/481A are altered. They are fractured and therefore favorable for the penetration of water released from the heated sediments. In addition, in these sills a large volume is occupied by mesostasis (mainly from 18 to 45 %, in some samples from 53 to 70 %) replaced to varying degrees by clay minerals. Olivine is often completely replaced by clay minerals. In thin basalt sills, their alteration strongly decreases K contents. In some cases, the content of Mn, Mg, P, Na, and Ti decreases in them insignificantly. The low heat flow measured in the areas where Holes 478 and 481/481A (150 and 165 mW/m2) were drilled indicates that mineral and chemical changes in the thin sills occurred without heat and mass input from the convective long-lived hydrothermal systems.

Cerebral white matter vasculature: still uncharted?

White matter vasculature plays a major role in the pathophysiology of permanent neurological deficits following a stroke or progressive cognitive alteration related to small vessel disease. Thus, knowledge of the complex vascularization and functional aspects of the deep white matter territories is paramount to comprehend clinical manifestations of brain ischaemia. This review provides a structured presentation of the existing knowledge of the vascularization of the human cerebral white matter from seminal historical studies to the current literature. First, we revisit the highlights of prenatal development of the endoparenchymal telencephalic vascular system that are crucial for the understanding of vessel organization in the adult. Second, we reveal the tangled history of debates on the existence, clinical significance and physiological role of leptomeningeal anastomoses. Then, we present how conceptions on white matter vascularization transitioned from the mixed ventriculopetal/ventriculofugal theory, in which a low-flow area was interposed in between concurrent arterial flows, to the purely ventriculopetal theory. The latter model explains variable white matter sensitivity to ischaemia by various organizations of ventriculopetal vessel terminals having different origin/length properties and interconnection patterns. Next, arteries supplying primarily the white matter are described according to their length and overall structure. Furthermore, the known distribution territories, to date, are studied in relation to primary anatomical structures of the human cerebral white matter, emphasizing the sparsity of the 'ground truth' data available in the literature. Finally, the implications for both large vessel occlusion and chronic small vessel disease are discussed, as well as the insights from neuroimaging. All things considered, we identify the need for further research on deep white matter vascularization, especially regarding the arterial supply of white matter fibre tracts.

The Carbon Dioxide Emission as Indicator of the Geothermal Heat Flow: Review of Local and Regional Applications with a Special Focus on Italy

We review the methods based on the measurement of CO2 emissions for the computation of geothermal heat flow, both at a local (hydrothermal sites, a few km2) and regional scale (hundreds km2). At the local scale, we present and discuss the cases of the Latera caldera and Torre Alfina (Italy) geothermal systems. At Torre Alfina and Latera, the convection process sustains a CO2 emission of ~1 kg s−1 and ~4 kg s−1, and heat flows of 46 MW and 130 MW, respectively. At the regional scale, we discuss the case of the central Apennine (Italy), where CO2 mass and enthalpy balances of regional aquifers highlights a wide and strong thermal anomaly in an area of low conductive heat flow. Notably, the CO2/heat ratios computed for the central Apennines are very similar to those of the nearby geothermal systems of Latium and Tuscany, suggesting a common source of CO2-rich fluids ascribed to the Tyrrhenian mantle.

Fertility-Preserving Management of Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation in a 16-Year-Old Female

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are abnormal connections between arteries and veins without a capillary bed, creating high- and low-flow areas that are prone to bleeding. Uterine AVMs can be congenital or acquired with an incidence of 0.1%. Acquired cases are usually caused by uterine instrumentation, trauma, infection, or gestational trophoblastic disease. Patients typically present with sudden onset of heavy vaginal bleeding. Diagnosis is made using angiography, ultrasound, computerized tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. After patients are stabilized, management depends on their desire for future fertility and may include hysterectomy or endovascular embolization.We present the case of a 16-year-old G1P0010 female with recurrent vaginal bleeding caused by a uterine AVM. To preserve the patient’s fertility, a selective embolization approach was employed using microcoils and gel foam. This case highlights a unique treatment option for uterine AVMs in patients who desire fertility preservation. Additionally, we review the diagnostic imaging and treatment options for uterine AVMs.

Anti-thrombogenic Surface Coatings for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Narrative Review.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used in critical care to manage patients with severe respiratory and cardiac failure. ECMO brings blood from a critically ill patient into contact with a non-endothelialized circuit which can cause clotting and bleeding simultaneously in this population. Continuous systemic anticoagulation is needed during ECMO. The membrane oxygenator, which is a critical component of the extracorporeal circuit, is prone to significant thrombus formation due to its large surface area and areas of low, turbulent, and stagnant flow. Various surface coatings, including but not limited to heparin, albumin, poly(ethylene glycol), phosphorylcholine, and poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate), have been developed to reduce thrombus formation during ECMO. The present work provides an up-to-date overview of anti-thrombogenic surface coatings for ECMO, including both commercial coatings and those under development. The focus is placed on the coatings being developed for oxygenators. Overall, zwitterionic polymer coatings, nitric oxide (NO)-releasing coatings, and lubricant-infused coatings have attracted more attention than other coatings and showed some improvement in in vitro and in vivo anti-thrombogenic effects. However, most studies lacked standard hemocompatibility assessment and comparison studies with current clinically used coatings, either heparin coatings or nonheparin coatings. Moreover, this review identifies that further investigation on the thrombo-resistance, stability and durability of coatings under rated flow conditions and the effects of coatings on the function of oxygenators (pressure drop and gas transfer) are needed. Therefore, extensive further development is required before these new coatings can be used in the clinic.

Hydrodynamic assessment of a semi-submersible aquaculture platform in uniform fluid environment

Predicting the distribution of flow velocity inside a semi-submersible aquaculture platform and taking measures to optimize the flow field are critical to provide a dependable inhabit for farmed fish. This paper examines the hydrodynamics of a semi-submersible fish farm under current using the porous media method combined with a rigid wall based on the shear stress transport k-omega turbulence model. The results show that the presence of nets expands the low flow area and provides a better inhibit for farmed fish in the severe currents. The increase of net solidity enhances the damping effect on the flow, and it also simultaneously increases the current loads acting on the net. The attenuation caused by different net solidities produces a 66.10 % deficit of the flow velocity in maximum inside aquaculture platform. A maximum increase of 36.82 % for the drag force acting on the aquaculture platform is obtained. Furthermore, the distribution of drag force acting on the aquaculture platform in current is also assessed. Although the drag force of the frame-only is approximately twice compared to the net-only case, the improvement in the strength of the net structure under the action of flow should not be ignored.

Macular capillary displacement in exudative and tractional macular oedema: a multimodal imaging study and pathophysiological hypothesis.

This study aims to describe vessel density differences in tractional versus exudative macular oedema with the aid of novel custom imaging analysis techniques. In this retrospective study, patients with exudative and tractional macular oedema were imaged with optical coherence tomography (OCT), en-face OCT, OCT-angiography and fluorescein angiography. A novel image processing algorithm was developed to extrapolate data from the vessel density maps. Forty-one eyes of 36 patients were included. A total of 30 control eyes comprised the control group. At the deep capillary plexus (DCP), exudative eyes presented with a vessel density of 62.12 ± 5.7, significantly higher if compared to both tractional lamellar macular hole (57.6 ± 4.6, p = 0.004) and controls (52.07 ± 2.3, p < 0.001). At the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), there were no differences in vessel density between exudative eyes (51.9 ± 4.4) and both the tractional lamellar hole (54.9 ± 3.1, p = 0.083) and the control (51.72 ± 2.2, p = 0.083) groups. In the exudative subgroup, there was a direct correlation between areas of low flow and those of high flow at both the DCP and SCP (p = 0.001 and p = 0.042, respectively). Intraretinal expansion of fluid may cause the displacement of the surrounding retinal parenchyma and capillaries.

Wake length of an artificial seagrass meadow: a study of shelter and its feasibility for restoration

Seagrasses are essential marine ecosystems for which restoration has proven challenging due to increased hydrodynamic stress. This study aims to analyze the flow alteration induced by an artificial seagrass (ASG) meadow by characterizing its wake effect through a shelter distance and thus yield guidance for seagrass restoration projects. Here, we define shelter distance as the longitudinal extent behind a meadow, with respect to the flow direction, where seagrass is protected and can hence grow successfully. Flume experiments were conducted for submerged meadows with three different lengths at constant canopy height, shoot density and water depth, and three different cross-section-averaged longitudinal flow velocities measured with state-of-the-art Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). For the tested meadow morphology and hydrodynamic conditions, meadow length played a less important role regarding shelter distance, while incident flow velocity and effective canopy height governed the wake effect. Incident velocities <30 cm s−1 prompted shelter distances >2 m behind the meadow, whereas higher velocities led to a reduced shelter distance ranging from 20-40 cm. ASG additionally produced an upwelling effect on the vertical distribution of the velocity profile observed along the wake, regardless of meadow length and incident velocity. Our results suggest that restoration projects should aim for areas of low flow, where currents induced by tidal or wind waves are less pronounced in order to activate larger shelter distances.

Hybrid and parallel extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuits

Hybrid and parallel extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuits

Temperature surpasses the effects of velocity and turbulence on swimming performance of two invasive non-native fish species.

Global climate change continues to impact fish habitat quality and biodiversity, especially in regard to the dynamics of invasive non-native species. Using individual aquaria and an open channel flume, this study evaluated the effects of water temperature, flow velocity and turbulence interactions on swimming performance of two lentic, invasive non-native fish in the UK, pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) and topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva). Burst and sustained swimming tests were conducted at 15, 20 and 25°C. Acoustic Doppler velocimetry was used to measure the flume hydrodynamic flow characteristics. Both L. gibbosus and P. parva occupied the near-bed regions of the flume, conserving energy and seeking refuge in the low mean velocities flow areas despite the relatively elevated turbulent fluctuations, a behaviour which depended on temperature. Burst swimming performance and sustained swimming increased by up to 53% as temperature increased from 15 to 20°C and 71% between 15 and 25°C. Furthermore, fish test area occupancy was dependent on thermal conditions, as well as on time-averaged velocities and turbulent fluctuations. This study suggests that invasive species can benefit from the raised temperatures predicted under climate change forecasts by improving swimming performance in flowing water potentially facilitating their further dispersal and subsequent establishment in lotic environments.

Bluegill Habitat Use in the Upper Mississippi River

Anthropogenic modifications to the environment have had damaging effects on the wildlife that depend on those natural ecosystems. Specific to Upper Mississippi River fishes, channelization, dams, and loss of floodplain connectivity have all been purported as deleterious. In the face of these habitat modifications, understanding habitat requirements of native species is needed to help guide management and restoration efforts. Furthermore, bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) are an important indicator species that may provide insight to habitat needs of the broader fish community (e.g., “canary in a coal mine”). Prior research suggests bluegill require a mosaic of habitats throughout all life stages (e.g., main channel to backwater connection). As such, the objective of this study was to identify the habitat needs of bluegill in the Upper Mississippi River. We evaluated bluegill habitat use via electrofishing conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Long-Term Resource Monitoring (LTRM) element. Electrofishing events (n = 4868) were conducted at three field sites throughout the Upper Mississippi River from 1993 to 2017. Our analysis of catch data (n = 83,352) indicates that bluegill prefer backwater macrohabitat over main channel and side channel habitats. Bluegill abundance varied between microhabitat characteristics. Bluegill catch rates were highest in low-flow areas, with velocities ranging from 0 to 0.09 m/sec. In general, catch rates were highest across all pools in moderately shallow depths (0–1.5 m) and in silty substrates. Management efforts that focus on the preservation of backwater habitat and connectivity to the main channel should help to sustain bluegill populations in the Upper Mississippi River. The information garnered in this study can be used to help direct management efforts that not only favor bluegill, but also other members of the Upper Mississippi River fish community.

Effects of tank shapes and aerations on survival, growth and swim bladder inflation of red seabream Pagrus major larvae

This study aimed to seek for the optimal condition for small-scale larviculture of red seabream Pagrus major larvae. We examined the effects of tank shapes and aerations, which were assumed to influence the larval survival, growth and swim bladder inflation of P. major larvae. Seawater (50-l) was filled into three cylindrical (CT: 1.7 × 103 cm2 water surface area, 30 cm deep) and six rectangular (RT: 1.8 × 103 cm2 water surface area, 28 cm deep) tanks. One air stone with 100 ml/min aeration rate was set at the bottom center of three CT and RT (RT1AS), and two air stones with 50 ml/min aeration rate were set at the half bottom center of three RT (RT2AS). Five hundred eggs were distributed into each experimental tank. Rotifers were fed to larvae at 10 individuals/mL on 3 days post hatching (dph) and their distribution in tanks were measured. Survival rate at 14 dph in CT (54.7 ± 11.0 %) and RT1AS (55.3 ± 6.0 %) were significantly higher than that in RT2AS (29.6 ± 9.3 %, p < 0.05). However, the growth of larvae was not significantly different between tank shapes and aerators. Swimbladder inflation rates were not different between tank shapes and aerations, however, CT (58.9±28.3 %) showed lower trend (RT1AS 94.4±6.9 %, RT2AS 92.2±10.7 %). Rotifer distribution in tanks was higher at tank bottom (p < 0.05). Low flow regions were observed along the side walls of the tanks and bottom areas in CT and RT1AS due to a single-pair vortex system and formed at the center (between air stones) and from the air stone to the tank walls in RT2AS due to two single-pair vortex systems. These low-flow areas were coincided with higher rotifer distribution areas at the tank bottom indicating that measuring rotifer density can estimate the flow in a tank. We recommend the rectangular tank with one air stone system for red seabream larvae.

A Novel Method of Quantifying the Choriocapillaris in Normal and Post-inflammatory Eyes

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the reliability and validity of gray level co-occurrence matrices (GLCM) in the quantification of choriocapillaris and describe GLCM features in normal and eyes with resolved acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) and serpiginous choroiditis (SC). Methods In this, multicenter, reliability, validity and comparative study; OCTA was performed on eyes with resolved APMPPE and SC and normal individuals. CC texture classification, low flow area measurements and GLCM feature extraction were performed. Results A total of 13 normal, 8 APMPPE and 15 SC eyes were analyzed. All GLCM parameters demonstrated an excellent reliability. GLCM parameters were differently distributed across the three groups. Decision-tree based on the random forest predictive model provided an overall accuracy of 86% in classifying the three groups using GLCM features. Conclusion These data demonstrated an excellent reliability and validity of GLCM features in quantifying the choriocapillaris in healthy and diseased eyes.