Variation In Circumference Research Articles

Intra-annual dynamics of stem circumference variation and water status of four coniferous tree species (Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, Larix decidua and Abies alba) under warmer and water-limited conditions

AbstractIn the paper, the intra-annual growth patterns and tree water balance of four different tree species (Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, Larix decidua and Abies alba) were examined. Seasonal radial increment, tree water deficit (ΔW) and maximum daily shrinkage (MDS) were derived from the records obtained using high-resolution digital band dendrometers. The study area was located in Arboretum Borová hora (350 m a. s. l., Zvolen valley, Central Slovakia) characterised by a warmer climate (Picea abies) and warmer and drier climate (Abies alba, Larix decidua, Pinus sylvestris) compared to the sites of tree origins. Monitored species exhibited remarkably distinct growth and water balance patterns over the 2015 growing season characterised with the highly above normal temperature and uneven precipitation distribution. A. alba exhibited smooth continuous growth least affected by varying environmental conditions. Of all analysed species, only A. alba showed significant positive correlations of radial growth and ΔW with temperature and global radiation, despite environmental water limitations. The lowest cumulative growth, lower negative values of ΔW and greater MDS of L. decidua indicate a higher water limitation of this species. The results showed more pronounced sensitivity of P. sylvestris to increased temperature and drought. All monitored variables of environmental conditions, except precipitation, significantly influenced MDS values of all studied tree species. Based on 30 variables describing radial stem growth patterns and water status we identified large inter-species variability and discrete species-specific groups, while the indicators of growth and water status of L. decidua and P. sylvestris were similar and the most different patterns were observed between A. alba and L. decidua. The behaviour of P. abies was closer to A. alba than to the other two species.

Functional Outcome of Single-Bundle Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction using Peroneus Longus Graft and Hamstring Graft: An Open-Label, Randomized, Comparative Study.

Background This study investigates the functional outcomes of single-bundle arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, comparing the use of two distinct graft sources: peroneus longus (PL) graft and hamstring graft. The choice of graft material in ACL reconstruction is crucial for optimal postoperative results, and this study aims to contribute valuable insights into the comparative efficacy of these two graft types. Method This open-label randomized comparative study involved a carefully selected cohort of patients undergoing single-bundle arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Participants were randomly assigned to either the PLgraft group or the hamstring graft group. Surgical procedures were conducted using standardized techniques, and postoperative rehabilitation protocols were closely monitored. Functional outcomes, including range of motion, stability, and patient-reported measures, were assessed at predefined intervals to ensure comprehensive data collection. Results The study underscores significant demographic and clinical factors in ACL reconstruction outcomes. Participants were predominantly aged 17-30 years (58.33%) with a mean age of 29.27 years and exhibited a male predominance (80.56%). Common complaints included knee pain and instability, primarily due to falls from bikes (55.56%) or sports-related trauma (44.44%). Notably, PL grafts demonstrated advantages over hamstring grafts, with longer mean length (10.11 mm vs. 8.77 mm, p=0.0001) and shorter operation times. Visual analog scale (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee(IKDC), and Tegner Lysholm scores show no significant differences between grafts over the period of time. There is no notable foot eversion weakness or significant donor site morbidity after the PL graft harvest.Hamstring graft cases exhibit a higher incidence of altered sensation and muscle atrophy, suggesting the potential benefits of PL grafts for improved surgical outcomes. Conclusions Graft comparisonsfavored PL grafts due to longer length, and functional outcome assessments between the two graft types. However, foot and anklestrength assessments revealed fluctuations in strength recovery with PL grafts, highlighting the need for tailored rehabilitation. Thigh circumference variations suggested potentialmuscle atrophy in the hamstring graft group, along with reported paresthesia in theipsilateral proximal leg. In conclusion, PL grafts offer potential advantages for ACL surgery, but ongoing monitoring and specialized rehabilitation are crucial.

Dynamic Changes in Adiponectin and Resistin Drive Remission of Cardiometabolic Risk Biomarkers in Individuals with Obesity Following Bariatric Surgery.

The remission of obesity-related diseases following bariatric surgery appears to result from the reorganization of metabolic and hormonal pathways involving adipokines. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in body adiposity and serum adipokine levels, as well as the association between variations in adiponectin or resistin levels and cardiometabolic risk blood biomarkers before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A longitudinal and prospective study was conducted with bariatric surgery patients. Anthropometric, body composition and blood biochemical parameters were measured before and at 2 and 6 months post-surgery. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson or Spearman correlation, and simple linear regression with a significance level of p < 0.05. Among 36 mostly female patients aged 30 to 39 years, significant reductions in body weight (-26.8%), fat mass (-50%), waist circumference (-18%) and waist-to-height ratio (-22%) were observed post-surgery. Serum adiponectin levels increased (+107%), while resistin (-12.2%), TNF-α (-35%), and PAI-1 (-11.1%) decreased. Glucose, insulin, CRP, cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycerides, and vitamin D also decreased. Waist circumference variation showed a positive correlation with PAI-1 and TNF-α and a negative correlation with adiponectin. The total fat mass showed a positive correlation with PAI-1. Adiponectin variation correlated negatively with glucose, resistin, and CRP but positively with HDL-c. Resistin showed a positive correlation with insulin and CRP. In conclusion, 6 months post-bariatric surgery, reducing abdominal adiposity had a more significant impact on serum adipokine levels than total fat mass. Adiponectin increase and resistin decrease acted as endocrine mediators driving the remission of cardiometabolic risk biomarkers in individuals with obesity following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Assessing water stress in a high-density apple orchard using trunk circumference variation, sap flow index and stem water potential.

Automated plant-based measurements of water stress have the potential to advance precision irrigation in orchard crops. Previous studies have shown correlations between sap flow, line variable differential transform (LVDT) dendrometers and fruit tree drought response. Here we report season-long automated measurement of maximum daily change in trunk diameter using band dendrometers and heated needles to measure a simplified sap flow index (SFI). Measurements were made on two apple cultivars that were stressed at 7 to 12 day intervals by withholding irrigation until the average stem water potential (ΨStem) dropped below -1.5 MPa, after which irrigation was restored and the drought cycle repeated. Dendrometer measurements of maximum daily trunk shrinkage (MDS) were highly correlated (r² = 0.85) with pressure chamber measurements of stem water potential. The SFI measurements were less correlated with stem water potential but were highly correlated with evaporative demand (r² = 0.82) as determined by the Penman-Monteith equation (ETr). The high correlation of SFI to ETr suggests that high-density orchards resemble a continuous surface, unlike orchards with widely spaced trees. The correlations of MDS and SFI to ΨStem were higher during the early season than the late season growth. Band dendrometers are less labor intensive to install than LVDT dendrometers and are non-invasive so are well suited to commercialization.

Efficacy of perioperative cryotherapy combined with intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of perioperative cryotherapy combined with intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid (TXA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and explore a new strategy of enhanced recovery after TKA. We randomly divided 200 patients into 4 groups: normal saline (10 mL) by drainage (Group A, placebo); intra-articular injection of TXA (1 g, 10 mL, Group B); normal saline (10 mL) and continuous cryotherapy postoperatively (Group C) and intra-articular injection of TXA (1 g, 10 mL) and continuous cryotherapy postoperatively (Group D). Primary outcomes were blood loss volume, postoperative pain and circumference variation. We also recorded consumption of analgesics, postoperative length of stay (p-LOS), range of motion (ROM), function score (Hospital for Special Surgery) and severe complications. There were statistically significant differences in postoperative drainage volume, total blood loss, hidden blood loss, and visual analogue scale at rest and walking on postoperative day 1 (POD1), POD2, POD3, ROM (POD3, 7, discharge, postoperative month), circumference variation (POD3, 7), p-LOS, Hospital for Special Surgery score (discharge) and drop of hemoglobin on POD3 (P < .05) among 4 groups, but there were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative prothrombin, activated partial thromboplastin time, overall number of patients or total consumption of oxycodone and perioperative complications (e.g., incidence of surgical site infection, deep venous thrombosis, and cold injury) among them (P > .05). Continuous cryotherapy combined with intra-articular injection of TXA provides short-term advantages in reducing blood loss, pain, postoperative swelling, p-LOS and increasing ROM and joint function in the early postoperative period after TKA without increasing any severe complications.

Weight cycling and risk of clinical adverse events in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a post-hoc analysis of TOPCAT.

Previous studies hardly evaluated the association of variability of body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference with clinical adverse events and investigated whether weight cycling had an effect on the prognosis of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This study was a post-hoc analysis of TOPCAT. Three outcomes were evaluated: the primary endpoint, cardiovascular disease (CVD) death, and heart failure hospitalization. Among them, CVD death and hospitalization were outcomes of heart failure. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to describe the cumulative risk of outcome and were tested using the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95%CIs for outcomes. We also performed a subgroup analysis, and several subgroups were compared. A total of 3,146 patients were included. In the Kaplan-Meier curves, the coefficients of variation of both BMI and waist circumference were grouped according to quartiles, with the Q4 group having the highest cumulative risk (log-rank P < 0.001). In the coefficient of BMI variation and the outcomes, the HRs for group Q4 of coefficient of variation of BMI were 2.35 (95%CI: 1.82, 3.03) for the primary endpoint, 2.40 (95%CI: 1.69, 3.40) for death, and 2.33 (95%CI: 1.68, 3.22) for HF hospitalization in model 3 (fully adjusted model) compared with group Q1. In the coefficient of waist circumference variation and the outcomes, group Q4 had increased hazard of the primary endpoint [HR: 2.39 (95%CI: 1.84, 3.12)], CVD death [HR: 3.29 (95%CI: 2.28, 4.77)], and HF hospitalization [HR: 1.98 (95%CI 1.43, 2.75)] in model 3 (fully adjusted model) compared with group Q1. In the subgroup analysis, there was a significant interaction in the diabetes mellitus subgroup (P for interaction = 0.0234). Weight cycling had a negative effect on the prognosis of patients with HFpEF. The presence of comorbid diabetes weakened the relationship between waist circumference variability and clinical adverse events.

Three-dimensional structure of kinetochore-fibers in human mitotic spindles.

During cell division, kinetochore microtubules (KMTs) provide a physical linkage between the chromosomes and the rest of the spindle. KMTs in mammalian cells are organized into bundles, so-called kinetochore-fibers (k-fibers), but the ultrastructure of these fibers is currently not well characterized. Here, we show by large-scale electron tomography that each k-fiber in HeLa cells in metaphase is composed of approximately nine KMTs, only half of which reach the spindle pole. Our comprehensive reconstructions allowed us to analyze the three-dimensional (3D) morphology of k-fibers and their surrounding MTs in detail. We found that k-fibers exhibit remarkable variation in circumference and KMT density along their length, with the pole-proximal side showing a broadening. Extending our structural analysis then to other MTs in the spindle, we further observed that the association of KMTs with non-KMTs predominantly occurs in the spindle pole regions. Our 3D reconstructions have implications for KMT growth and k-fiber self-organization models as covered in a parallel publication applying complementary live-cell imaging in combination with biophysical modeling (Conway et al., 2022). Finally, we also introduce a new visualization tool allowing an interactive display of our 3D spindle data that will serve as a resource for further structural studies on mitosis in human cells.

A detailed time series of hourly circumference variations in Pinuspinea L. in Chile

Key messageThe dataset provides digital dendrometer measurements on stem circumference of irrigated and non-irrigated Pinus pinea trees. Data were obtained in a xeric non-native habitat of central Chile. Forest mensuration was hourly collected from six adult trees during a growth year. This data can be re-used to perform different studies, including growth and tree water status temporal correlations, climate-growth relationships, and to compare stone pine stands growing in native and non-native habitats. Such studies could facilitate decisions for the species management and contribute to the understanding of its growth dynamics in a climate change context, providing valuable information for a climate-smart forestry. Dataset access is at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6010567. Associated metadata are available at metadata-afs.nancy.inra.fr/geonetwork/srv/fre/catalog.search#/metadata/bcea7f69-2cf1-444b-8e5b-e9feb23683db

Amplitude-Dependent Shift of Betatron Tunes and Its Relation to Long-Term Circumference Variations at NSLS-II

Amplitude-Dependent Shift of Betatron Tunes and Its Relation to Long-Term Circumference Variations at NSLS-II

Control of Ailanthus altissima using cut stump and basal bark herbicide applications in an eighteenth‐century fortress

AbstractThe Cittadella di Alessandria (Italy) is a military fortification that was built in the 18th century. The site has recently been abandoned and is now colonised by weeds, including the invasive Ailanthus altissima. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of different herbicides (glyphosate, a mixture of aminopyralid + fluroxypyr and triclopyr + fluroxypyr) applied to cut stumps or to the basal bark of A. altissima. For the cut stump application, plants were first cut at the base and then immediately sprayed and for the basal bark application, the lower 50 cm of the plants was sprayed with the herbicides; untreated cut plants were used as a control, for comparison. Two runs per study were carried out (in summer 2015 and in spring 2016). Efficacy was assessed up to 2018 by counting the resprouts and their height in the cut stump application and, for the basal bark treatment, by measuring the variation in the plant circumference after treatment. The cut stump treatment carried out in summer greatly reduced the number of resprouts, compared to the spring treatment, to less than one sprout per plant when aminopyralid + fluroxypyr was used, and its efficacy lasted for about two years. The basal bark treatment did not control the species, but lower levels of variation in circumference and greater mortality were detected in plants treated with aminopyralid + fluroxypyr. Considering the high level of infestation of the site and the high risk of plant resprouting, repeated cut stump treatments with aminopyralid + fluroxypyr would be preferable to eradicate this invasive species.

Knitted coils as breathing sensors

A new implementation of a wearable respiratory inductive plethysmography garment is obtained by knitting a 250 μm thin insulted Cu wire simultaneously with yarn in the round. This was used to integrate a knitted coil in the body of a baby romper suit. During simulated breathing the diameter of knitted coil changes by stretching the knit circularly, causing a variation of the self-inductance of the coil. Coils with 5 rows of integrated metal wire with different stitch types and patterns were investigated to determine their influence on inductance, series resistance and sensitivity. We observed that knit styles that reduce the resistance of the coil, such as lace and jacquard also reduce the inductance and flexibility of the garment. Jacquard with three colours and one metal wire for each colour, gave the highest coil quality factor but also the poorest flexibility. We found that 1/1 rib stitch has the highest self-inductance for all yarn types. Its sensitivity of 0.5 – 0.6 μH/cm is similar to stockinette stitch except when elastic viscose yarn is used. Coils in stockinette stitch and elastic viscose yarn have the highest sensitivity of 0.84 μH/cm. No hysteresis in self-inductance was observed for circumference variations between 44 and 53 cm of the body of the baby romper in 1/1 rib stitch due to the elasticity of knitted garments.

Volume control of the lower limb with graduated compression during different muscle pump activation conditions and the relation to limb circumference variation

BackgroundThe literature supports the use of graduated compression stockings (GCS) for leg edema. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of data on the GCS effect on limb edema related to sitting, standing, and walking. Data of different limb shapes and their impact on GCS-exerted pressure are lacking. This investigation provides evidence-based information on the effect of GCS on edema reduction and the impact of limb circumference gradients on GCS pressure. MethodsThirty healthy individuals (15 men and 15 women; mean age, 32 ± 5 years) were included. All the participants underwent lower limb volume (Kuhnke formula) measurement, before and after sitting for 30 minutes, wearing below-ankle noncompressive socks. The same assessment was repeated 7 days later, in the same participants, but with wearing of below-knee 16 to 20 mm Hg GCS. At 7-day intervals, 1 week with below-ankle noncompressive socks and 1 week with below-knee 16 to 20 mm Hg GCS, all the participants repeated the same protocol including standing and walking. Ten participants underwent bioimpedance assessment (Biody Xpert II; eBIODY, La Ciotat, France) before and after sitting, standing, and walking. In the same group, B and B1 interface pressure values were measured. ResultsData collection was completed in all 60 limbs. Sitting or walking without GCS led to no significant volume changes, whereas volume was decreased by the use of GCS (−4.8% [P < .00001] and −4.4% [P < .00001], respectively). Standing up without GCS led to an increase in volume (2.7%; P < .0001), whereas limb volume was decreased (4.6%; P < .0001) by use of GCS. Bioimpedance showed extracellular water reduction only while walking with GCS (from 40.55% ± 1.66% to 40.45% ± 1.71%; P < .017). Mean interface pressure was 19 ± 5 mm Hg (B) and 16 ± 5 mm Hg (B1). The interface pressure variation from B to B1 was not homogeneous among participants (mean percentage variation of −13% ± 25%, ranging from −54% to 16%). A negative linear trend between pressure variation and circumference percentage increase was found; the subanalysis excluding the two outliers showed a strong negative linear correlation (Pearson coefficient r = −0.96). ConclusionsGCS led to a significant limb volume reduction irrespective of limb position and muscle pump function. However, extracellular fluid is mobilized only during muscle contraction while walking with GCS. Interestingly, different lower limb circumference variations influence the interface pressure gradient, indicating the importance of proper fitting of both B and B1 during prescription. These data provide a foundation to future investigations dealing with GCS effect on fluid mobilization and with limb geometry impact on compression performance.

Testicular Parameters and its Influence in Buffaloes (Bubalus buballis) Sexual Behaviour

Background: Brazil is one of the greatest bovine meat exporter in the world. However, the technologies applied at buffalo’s reproduction is not specific for this specie, adapted technics were established from the cattle breed. When the animal shows weight gain, gonadal and behavioral physiology fallow this tendency and the reproductive status become good and satisfactory. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the reproduction characteristics of male buffaloes and its testicular parameters with sexual behavior.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Seven males Murrah breed with 67.29 ± 11.4 months of age were maintained at confinement for artificial shading. The testicular parameter was performed in restraint trunk and the sexual behavior evaluation was done with an estrus female. The sexual behavior was performed with an estrous female as a dummy. The testicular biometry was measured at the beginning and at the end of the experimental design, with the follow parameters: length, width, depth/thickness, scrotal circumference and the total volume. The data were submitted to the analysis of variance, and the means was compared with the Student-Newman-Keuls test, with significance difference P &lt; 0.05 between the medians. The differences in the parameters were scrotal circumference (23.36 cm vs 24.86 cm), testicular length (8.71 cm vs 9.77 cm), right testicular width (8.57 cm vs 9.53 cm) and testicular volume (1.627.40 cm3 vs 2.149,68 cm3), respectively. The sexual behavior showed an increase in the Flehmen reflex, mounts (service capacity) and libido (2.00 vs 11.71; 0.57 vs 5.43; regular behavior vs very good behavior, respectively).Discussion: An increase in the testicular circumference was observed at the end of the experimental period with the values between 23.36 cm vs 24.86 cm. However, even with this increase of the testicular parameters it is lower than other male buffaloes with 36 months age. In Brazilian conditions, the testicular circumference variation is between 24.5 cm and 34 cm in animals with 60 months of age. These data shows that there are variations of the testicular parameters due to different systems of buffaloes breeding. When compared to cattle, buffaloes shows lower input of reproductive biotechnology. At the same way, the testicular growth and development depends of the nutrition and management used at the farm. In an inefficient system, buffaloes and bovine breeding could lose weight, testicular mass, and reduce testicular parameters. Besides that, the buffaloes can perform an improvement of a general condition when improvement of nutrition care occurs. The testicular parameters presents high correlation with the corporal and testicular development, which can be correlate to age and weight. Those parameters could help with the reproductive ability of the buffalo. The sexual behavior was increased and observed in the Flehmen reflex, service capacity and libido after the animal’s adaptation to the reproductive management. The buffaloes are animals extremely adaptable to different conditions, but need a period to adapt. Previous sexual experience is important during the social organization of the harem and helps in the practice of the sexual act. In these experimental conditions, we conclude that is necessary a social and behavior adaptation to the buffalo bull to present a better value of sexual characteristics to improve the fertility and production of Murrah buffaloes.

Intra-annual stem size variations converge across marginal populations of European beech

Key messageThe intra-annual variability in stem size of marginal beech population from south-eastern distribution range of beech in Poland is higher within than between populations.One of the key issues of the distribution of tree species is their ability to track environmental changes. European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is a species highly sensitive to extreme climatic events, because of its high phenotypic plasticity. In this study, we aim to determine the variability in stem size between and within marginal beech populations. Marginal populations of beech growing under uniform environmental conditions of provenance trial offer unique opportunity to detect adaptive differentiations driven by natural selection. In this work, we studied stem size variation recorded by automatic band dendrometers in four beech marginal populations growing in a common garden in the south-eastern distribution range of beech in Poland over the period 2016–2018. Strong climatic effects and weak provenance differences in seasonal stem size variation were observed. The provenances exhibited similar climate-related seasonal stem circumference variation. A high within-provenance variation was confirmed. Temperature of spring as well as temperature and precipitation of autumn were detected as key climatic parameters mostly for onset and end of stem size variation. Maximum stem size was mostly affected by the later end of its variation, which positively affected its duration. Climatic distance between beech provenances and provenance trial had a negligible effect on the variability in seasonal stem size variation between provenances. The evidence of weak inter-provenance and high intra-provenance variation in stem size changes observed in the south-eastern distribution range indicates that an individual-based approach could be a suitable strategy, when selecting for phenotypic plasticity.

Investigation of Fabric Behaviours in Compression Sportswear Under Extended Condition

Compression sports garments in usage stretch up to 10% length and 60% in width, depending on the circumference variations of body. This stretch also changes the loop density, loop shape, porosity and thickness of fabrics. Especially for heat and water vapor transfer, it is expected to play a very important role.

Clinical, Laboratory and Echografic Evaluation of Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Introduction: Total knee arthroplasty, being a major surgery, carries a risk of post-operative deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The main objective of the present study was to elucidate the association of clinical, laboratory, and echographic findings with the occurrence of DVT. Patients and Methods: The present study was prospective and non-randomized, with restricted exclusion criteria. Forty patients were submitted to total knee arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis. Patients were clinically evaluated by laboratory tests, assessment of pain and calf circumference, and the presence of Homans’ sign. Echo Doppler was performed in each patient on postoperative day 7. The echographic evaluation divided the patients into two groups: positive (G1) and negative for thrombosis (G2). All patients received prophylactic heparin during the 7-day hospital admission. Results: Eleven patients complained of pain (analgesic medication was used during the entire admission). Leg circumference variation from the pre-operative period to post-operative day 7 was: G1, 1.70 ± 1.12 cm and G2, 0.68 ± 1.25 cm (p = 0.03). Homans’ sign was considered positive in 10 patients. Echographic evaluation was positive in 11 patients (27.5%). No cases of pulmonary embolism, infection, or death were observed. Conclusions: The incidence of DVT was 27.5%, with an increase in leg circumference being the main predictive factor (p = 0.03).

Ambulatory sensor for circumference monitoring of lower limbs.

The continuous monitoring of edema in the lower limbs of the human body is presently not possible as suitable devices are not available. This paper presents the characterization and the testing of a novel ambulatory device dedicated to the monitoring of circumference variations in the lower limb. The sensor, based on an inductive loop integrated into a textile band, is connected to a miniaturized electronic system which wirelessly sends the calculated perimeter value of the leg to a smart mobile device. In-vitro tests have demonstrated that the device enables the measurement of perimeters ranging from 25 cm to 33 cm with an accuracy of 0.3 cm. This result was obtained using a circular loop, which assumes that the shape of the leg remains circular at the location where the loop is positioned. To investigate the influence of the loop shape on the sensor response, three physical models of different shapes (circular, elliptic and triangular) were tested. It was found that self-inductance values of the loop can be predicted in an acceptable way using a theoretical model for the three different shapes. Experimental tests showed that the error in the perimeter value is around 5% of the full scale when changing the geometry from circular to elliptic but can reach 11 % from circular to triangular. The application interface developed for a smartphone is presented, which will enable the ambulatory monitoring of leg edemic swelling during daily activity and facilitate its assessment by the clinician.

Water availability drives stem growth and stem water deficit of Pinus canariensis in a drought-induced treeline in Tenerife

Tree growth of Pinus canariensis at treeline in Tenerife, Canary Islands, is thought to be primarily controlled by wet season precipitation (P) prior to the current year´s growth. Therefore, we investigated the inter-annual variations in stem water deficit (ΔW) and radial growth (RG) during two consecutive years differing in wet season P. ΔW was extracted from stem circumference variations, and the influence of environmental variables was evaluated by Pearson correlation statistics. Wet season P was considerably lower in 2008 than in 2009; despite this difference in P between both years, shallow soil water availability was almost exhausted during both summers. However, the effect of shallow soil drought showing a clear seasonality of ΔW and RG was only detected in 2008. In summer 2009, RG rates were highest during the summer indicating that P. canariensis was able to tap water from deep soil layers originating from P prior to the current year´s growth. The ability to use deep soil water during extended periods of shallow soil water deficit was also reflected in a close positive correlation between RG and whole-tree water use. In our study, the effect of only one hydrological dry year resulted in a severe reduction in annual RG. Thus, when wet season P is low for a number of years, chronic drought may have negative implications for tree growth at treeline in Tenerife.

Experimental Procedures Characterising Firebrand Generation in Wildland Fires

This study aims to develop a series of robust and efficient methodologies, which can be applied to understand and estimate firebrand generation and to evaluate firebrand showers close to a fire front. A field scale high intensity prescribed fire was conducted in the New Jersey Pine Barrens in March 2013. Vegetation was characterised with field and remotely sensed data, fire spread and intensity was characterised and meteorological conditions were monitored before and during the burn. Firebrands were collected from different locations in the forest and analysed for mass and size distribution. The majority were found to be bark slices (more than 70%) with substantial amounts of pine and shrub twigs. Shrub layer consumption was evaluated to supplement the firebrand generation study. Bark consumption was studied by measuring the circumference variation at several heights on each of three different pine trees. The variation was in the same order of magnitude as the bark thickness (1–5 mm). Testing and improving the protocol can facilitate the collection of compatible data in a wide range of ecosystems and fire environments, aiding in the development of solutions to prevent structural ignition at the Wildland Urban Interface.

Influence of speed and frequency towards the automotive turbocharger turbine performance under pulsating flow conditions

The ever-increasing demand for low carbon applications in automotive industry has intensified the development of highly efficient engines and energy recovery devices. Even though there are significant developments in the alternative powertrains such as full electric, their full deployment is hindered by high costing and unattractive life-cycle energy and emission balance. Thus powertrain based on highly efficient internal combustion engines are still considered to be the mainstream for years to come. Traditionally, turbocharger has been an essential tool to boost the engine power, however in recent years it is seen as an enabling technology for engine downsizing. It is a well-known fact that a turbocharger turbine in an internal combustion engine operates in a highly pulsating exhaust flow. There are numerous studies looking into the complex interaction of the pulsating exhaust gas within the turbocharger turbine, however the phenomena is still not fully integrated into the design stage. Industry practice is still to design and match the turbine to an engine based on steady performance maps. The current work is undertaken with the mind to move one step closer towards fully integrating the pulsating flow performance into the turbocharger turbine design. This paper presents the development efforts and results from a full 3-D CFD model of a turbocharger turbine stage. The simulations were conducted at 30,000rpm and 48,000rpm (50% and 80% design speed respectively) for both 20Hz and 80Hz pulsating flow inlet conditions. Complete validation procedure using cold-flow experimental data is also described. The temporal and spatial resolutions of the incidence angle at the rotor leading edge suggest that the circumference variation is little (7%) as compared to its variation in time as the pulse progresses. The primary aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship of the turbine speed, as well as the pulsating flow frequency to its performance. It was found that there are no direct instantaneous relationship between the pulsating pressure at the turbine inlet and the turbine efficiency, except when one considers an additional parameter, namely the incidence angle. This paper also intends to investigate the potential loss of information if the performance parameters are simply averaged without considering the instantaneous effects.