Flat Lip Research Articles

First Report of a Root Lesion Nematode (Pratylenchus brachyurus) on Cassava in Taiwan.

The root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus spp., has a wide host range affecting many economically important crops (Castillo and Vovlas 2007). Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important food crop in several countries, commonly used for the material of bioethanol, animal feed, and starch extraction (Howeler 2014). Soil samples were collected from a mono-cropping cassava farm located in the Houbi district, Tainan city, in Southern Taiwan in October 2021 in a routine soil survey, and there is no obvious above ground symptoms. The cassava is a local cultivar, the sampled tuber did not have lesions, but small brown lesions were present on the roots. Nematodes were extracted using the modified Baermann funnel method (Tsay et al. 2004) for 24 h. Root lesion nematodes were the dominant genera in this sample, containing over 20 individuals per 100 cm3 of soil. Females of the root lesion nematodes were picked, and surface-sterilized with 2000 ppm malachite green for 30 sec and streptomycin for 30 mins. After sterilization, a single female was transferred onto the carrot discs to establish a pure line (Coyne et al. 2014). After 2 months, nematodes were extracted from that pure culture for morphometric, molecular identification, and pathogenicity tests. The female has a moderately slender body, a low and flat lip region, a sclerotized head frame, and a short ventral overlap of the esophagus, monovarial, prodelphic, and post-uterine sac. The tail is conical and the tip is rounded or flattened. The body measures of 20 females were: body length 564.43 μm (511 to 619 μm), stylet length 18.64 μm (18.1 to 19.5 μm), tail length 32.43 μm (27.1 to 38.5 μm), post uterine sac length 12.79 μm (9.41 to 16.9 μm), and V value 85.16% (84.1 to 86.6%). Values of a, b, c, and c' ratios were 22.32 (18.9 to 26.1), 6.11 (5.36 to 6.73), 17.55 (13.8 to 20.5), and 1.18 (0.92 to 1.5), respectively. All morphometric data were similar to the previous description of P. brachyurus (Castillo and Volvlas 2007). DNA was extracted from three nematodes of the pure cultures using Viagen DirectPCR lysis buffer, and used for PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA fragment and the D2-D3 expansion segment of 28S rRNA using primer sets D2A/D3B and 988F/2646R, respectively (Holterman et al. 2006; Subbotin et al. 2006). The sequence of 18S ribosomal RNA (OP020594) shared 99% similarity with the P. brachyurus sequence deposited in the GenBank database (KY424148), and the sequence of 28S rRNA (OP020593) also shared 99% similarity with several P. brachyurus sequences (e.g. KF712473, MG745329). Bayesian consensus trees, constructed from both 18S and 28S sequences revealed that the nematodes collected in this study are clustered together with P. brachyurus sequences from other countries(Subbotin, et al. 2008). Therefore, the nematodes collected from cassava were identified as P. brachyurus based on morphology, molecular data, and phylogenetic relationship. To determine the pathogenicity, three eight-week-old cassava plants (cv. TMS 60444) were planted in 12-cm-diameter pots filled with 600 cm3 of sterile peat moss: sand (1:1, W: W) and inoculated with 50 nematodes containing different stages. Two plants treated with water were used as the mock control. Seventy-five days after inoculation, nematodes in the soil were recovered using the modified Baermann funnel method for 24 h, and the nematodes inside the root were stained with acid fuchsin. The average reproduction factor (final population/initial population) was 3.93, thus confirming cassava as a host of P. brachyurus. P. brachyurus was previously reported on peanuts and bananas in Taiwan, and wasn't a dominant species in the field. Finding this nematode on this cassava farm suggests this nematode might have a wider distribution than expected.

Exploration of surgical approach to reconstruct smile-like lip shape in East-Asian women

BackgroundTo investigate the clinical effects of surgical treatment to improve the lip morphology for a smile-like appearance (joy and happiness) in East-Asian women. MethodsFrom October 2016 to April 2020, 63 patients who had received surgery to lift the commissure of the mouth and adjust the shape of the upper red lip to form a smile-like shape were analyzed and evaluated. ResultsThe lip shape of enrolled patients was improved to a certain extent after surgery without any obvious scar hyperplasia, and the satisfaction rate of people after the surgery was 85.71%. ConclusionFor East-Asian women with thin and flat lips, surgical approach can be used to improve the shape of lip, such that the appearance of the lip is in a smile-like shape, which can enhance affinity and also exhibit the aesthetic characteristics of East-Asian women. This treatment can be used for clinical reference. Level of EvidenceLevel IV.

Ethanol: Toxicity and Dangers in Women of Child-Bearing Age

The World Health Organisation estimates that alcohol abuse by adults accounts for about 5% of global disease burden. Additionally, prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes ‘fetal alcohol spectrum disorder’ (FASD). Depending on severity, FASD is characterised by low birth weight, small head size at birth and growth retardation. There are also facial features of narrow eyes, flat upper lip and midface and impaired fine motor skills, hearing loss, poor hand-eye coordination and cognitive impairment. World-wide, up to 10% of children may be affected by PAE. It is unclear what dose or pattern of drinking results in these damaging effects, but animal models suggest that high, acute doses of ethanol (‘binge drinking’) in early pregnancy can result in the facial changes of FASD, whilst sustained, lower dose intake in later pregnancy produces anxiety and depression-like symptoms and deficits of learning and memory. The mechanisms underlying the deleterious effects of PAE are also unresolved, but evidence exists of long-lasting damage due to oxidative stress, increases in inflammatory mediators and changes to the brain renin-angiotensin system. There is also evidence of epigenetic changes. There is a need to prevent or limit the potential adverse effects of ethanol on the unborn child. It is highly unlikely, however, that all sexually-active women of child-bearing age not using reliable contraception will abstain from alcohol. There is therefore a need to research methods of reducing ethanol toxicity for the unborn child and / or develop therapeutic strategies to reverse the deleterious effects of ethanol on the unborn child.

FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS: LITERATURE DATA AND A CLINICAL CASE

According to statistical data, from 3 to 10% of women in many countries of the world abuse alcohol during pregnancy which results in the formation of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). The definition includes fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS); Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (PFAS); Alcohol-related Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ARND) Alcohol-related Birth Defects (ARBD).
 According to the criteria of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDCP, USA) the major FASDs features are facial dysmorphology (smoothing of the nasolabial groove, flat upper lip, shortened eyelid openings); growth retardation (ante- or postnatal body weight or body length ≤ 10 percentiles); functional disorders of the nervous system (global cognitive deficiency, minor movement dysfunction, attention deficiency disorder and hyperactivity, sensor disorders, memory deficiency, social adaptation problems); structural disorders of the nervous system (head circumference ≤ 10 percentile (or ≤ 3 percentile for children with body weight ≤ 10 percentile) or clinically significant cerebral abnormalities found by neurovisualization). Combination of the above mentioned signs with maternal alcoholism during pregnancy in anamnesis underlies FASD diagnostics. 
 According to the findings of certain researchers the major pathogenic links of FASDs are associated with ethanol toxic effect on the fetal metabolism, that is, activation of oxidative stress processes and decreased intensity of antioxidant protection; reduced expression of genes essential for development; activation of nerve cells apoptosis; delay of the cellular neuron migration and disorders of their proliferation against insufficiently active enzymatic system of the liver participating in ethanol neutralization.
 The article presents a clinical case of FASDs in a newborn girl born from ХІ pregnancy; a pregnant woman who was not registered concerning pregnancy, did not undergo screening examinations, smoked and drank regularly. The girl was born after Х physiological labor in 34 weeks of gestation after preterm rupture of the amniotic sac and anhydrous period of 160 hours. Complete antenatal prevention of respiratory distress-syndrome was performed.
 The body weight of the girl at birth was 1600 g, the body length – 43 cm. The child’s condition at birth was assessed as compensated by vital functions, and Apgar score was 8/8. According to the assessment of the nervous-muscular and physical maturation by the New Ballard Score the girl was estimated 25 corresponding to 33 weeks of gestation. Assessment of physical development found the body mass value lower than 10 centile, the body length and head circumference – within the range of 10-90 centile. During physical examination dysmorphic signs were determined including smoothed nasolabial groove (5 points), thin flat upper lip, and shortened eyelid openings. The course of postnatal adaptation of the neonate was complicated by neurological symptoms manifested by the signs of inhibition syndrome. After comprehensive medical aid was provided, the girl was discharged from hospital in a satisfactory condition with recommendations about the necessity of including the child into the catamnestic follow-up with careful assessment of its physical and nervous-psychic development. 
 Diagnostics of FASDs is a complicated medical diagnostic process which is best ensured by means of a structural interdisciplinary approach of a strong clinical team consisting of specialists of various areas with mutually complementary experience, qualification and skills. An important role of a neonatologist in detection of children with FASDs is hardly overestimated concerning consistent provision of medical first aid and development of a professional diagnostic way, referral to catamnestic follow-up service and further rehabilitation.

Morphological and molecular characterisation of Paralongidorus sacchari (Nematoda: Longidoridae), a new record of needle nematode in China

A needle nematode of the genus Paralongidorus was isolated from Cuban royal palm (Roystonea regia) in China. Detailed morphological study confirmed that this species was the described needle nematode P. sacchari. Accordingly it was formally described and photographed. This nematode is characterised by a long body (4348–5825 μm), a board and anteriorly flat lip region slightly offset from body contour, bearing a stirrup-shaped amphidial fovea, with conspicuous slit-like aperture, a long and flexible odontostyle ca 101–110 μm long, stylet guiding ring located at 27.5–33.0 μm from anterior end, vulva near mid-body (48.0–50.0%), a short dorsally convex tail, with rounded terminus, and male absent. Molecular characterisation using near full-length 18S rRNA and D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA gene was also provided. Phylogenetic trees inferred from BI analysis of the two rRNA gene fragments revealed that P. sacchari could be distinguished from all described needle nematodes with molecular data, as well as the closely related species P. bikanerensis and P. sali. This nematode is a new record of Paralongidorus species from China. Cuban royal palm is a new host plant for P. sacchari.

Description of a new dagger nematode, Xiphinema barooghii n. sp. (Nematoda: Longidoridae) and additional data on the three known species of the genus from northwest of Iran.

Xiphinema barooghii n. sp. collected from the rhizosphere of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Roodghat area, Sufiyan, East-Azarbaijan province, northwest of Iran, is described on the basis of the morphological, morphometric and molecular data. The new species belongs to morphospecies group 6 of the polytomous key prepared by Loof and Luc, 1990. Xiphinema barooghii n. sp. is characterized by having two almost equally developed female reproductive branches with spines in the tubular portion of the uterus, a body length of 3.67–4.25 mm, a flat lip region, rounded cephalic region, separated from body contour by a shallow depression, a spear 215–225 μm long, mid-body diameter of 60–79 μm, vulva (46–48%), a short tail (30–38 µm, c = 103–133, c′ = 0.7–0.9), conoid, dorsally convex, ventrally directed with a small terminal peg and a distinct terminal blind canal, the presence of four juvenile stages and the absence of males. The polytomous identification codes of the new species are: A4, B3, C5a, D6, E5, F4, G3, H2, I3, J4, K2, L1. In addition to morphological and morphometric data, molecular analyses of the D2–D3 expansion regions of the 28S rDNA gene placed the new species as a sister species of X. herakliense (Group 5) with 65% Bayesian posterior probability and further separated this species from the other members in group 6. In this study, X. index, X. pachtaicum and X. vuittenezi were also collected and additional data for the species were provided.

Philtrum reconstruction in unilateral cleft lip repair

The philtrum is an important aesthetic structure in the midface. A number of philtrum reconstruction techniques have been advocated for secondary cleft lip revision procedures. Conventional surgical management involves end-to-end orbicularis oris muscle approximation during primary cleft lip repair, often resulting in a flat lip appearance that requires secondary revision surgery at a later stage. A novel modification of the approximation of the orbicularis oris muscle is described that may be implemented with any cleft lip technique in order to create an accentuated philtrum column for a natural looking philtrum. The muscle roll technique results in eversion of the orbicularis oris muscle, successfully recapturing the philtrum column topography. This is achieved by utilizing two inverted horizontal sutures, with an additional philtrum takedown suture placed in the region of the dimple to accentuate the philtrum anatomy and three-dimensional profile. This novel technique in unilateral cleft lip repair addresses philtrum architecture during primary surgery, which may reduce the requirement for secondary surgical intervention. Its application may be particularly suitable in outreach programmes where postoperative follow-up may be compromised.

Description of Longidorus azarbaijanensis n. sp. (Dorylaimida: Longidoridae) from Iran.

Longidorus azarbaijanensis n. sp. is described and illustrated using morphological and molecular data. It was recovered in West Azarbaijan province, northwestern Iran, from the rhizospheric soil of foxtail weed. The new species is characterized by having 5.4 to 6.8 mm long females, offset, anteriorly flat lip region and separated from the rest of the body by a shallow constriction, funnel-shaped amphidial pouches, the guiding ring at 23 to 27 µm from the anterior end, 73 to 81 and 44 to 50 µm long odontostyle and odontophore, respectively, 95.0 to 113.5 µm long pharyngeal bulb, didelphic-amphidelphic reproductive system with long tubular uteri lacking sperm cells, vulva located at 52.0% to 56.4%, conical tail dorsally convex, ventrally flat, with bluntly rounded wide tip, for juvenile developmental stages and absence of males. The general body shape of the new species is similar to that of five known species of the genus namely L. euonymus, L. perangustus, L. persicus, L. protae and L. sturhani . The morphological differences of the new species with the aforementioned species are discussed. For all the aforementioned species (except L. protae, currently lacking molecular data) the differences of the new species was also confirmed with differences in molecular sequences of D2-D3 expansion domains of 28S rDNA and the corresponding phylogenetic analyses. The partial sequence of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of the new species was also used in phylogenetic analyses. In partial 28S tree, the clade including the new species and six other species ( L. attenuatus, Longidorus sp. and four above-mentioned species having molecular data for this fragment) was well supported in Bayesian inference. In the ITS1 tree, the new species formed a clade with L. euonymus , L. perangustus and L. persicus , as in 28S tree. This is one of the cases from which the morphologically similar species are separated using molecular sequences.

Textural Changes in Speleothem Inclusions during Firing: A Useful Tool to Estimate Temperature in Speleothem‐Bearing Pottery

Speleothem inclusions have been identified in a ceramic class, ‘flared rim and flat lip’ pottery, that is widespread in the Friuli – Venetia Giulia and Veneto regions (north‐eastern Italy) between the Final Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. Textural analysis of speleothem inclusions revealed small rounded pores occurring along annual growth laminae, interpreted as the result of partial calcite decomposition during firing. Their size, number and diffusion at increasing temperatures were monitored during a set of firing experiments following heating and cooling rates, soaking times and redox conditions typical of open‐firing kilns. The textural features of the speleothem inclusions turned out to represent a powerful thermometric tool to precisely determine firing temperature which, in the case of the ‘flared rim and flat lip’ pottery studied here, reduced the thermal interval to a greater extent than that obtained from mineralogical associations.

The Labial Aging Process: A Surface Analysis-Based Three-Dimensional Evaluation

With increasing age, the smile becomes elongated and less appealing. Currently, several methods are proposed for analysis of lip morphology including lateral cephalograms, profile and frontal photographs, video images, and three-dimensional systems. Despite several descriptions of morphologic and histologic age-related changes in the literature, no scientific well-supported model of the labial aging process is reported. For this study, 33 healthy volunteers were selected and divided into two groups according to age: a youthful group (ages 21-34years) and an aged group (ages 45-65years). Their dental and labial stone casts were obtained, digitized, and virtually reproduced using a computerized electromechanical digitizer and applying nonuniform rational B-spline geometry. To obtain a synthetic parameter describing local surface deformation, average curvature and curvature variability indexes were computed and compared. No significant age- or sex-related differences in the average curvature were detected. In contrast, the curvature variability was significantly greater in the young than in the aged subjects. The labial arch surface remains macroscopically constant between the third and the sixth decades of life, but with local modifications that influence the standard deviation of its curvature. A high standard deviation described the protruding labial appearance of the young subjects, whereas a reduced one described the flat lips of the aged subjects. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Ceramic production and distribution in North-East Italy: Study of a possible trade network between Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions during the final Bronze Age and early Iron Age through analysis of peculiar “flared rim and flat lip” pottery

A particular type of pottery characterised by flaring rims and flat lips (FRFL ware) was widespread across the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in North-East Italy between the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age. A few of these jars have also been found occasionally in sites in the neighbouring Veneto region. Combined petrographic and chemical analyses were carried out on several shards from three settlements in the Veneto region, Concordia Sagittaria, Padova and Castion d'Erbè, in order to distinguish between local and imported varieties. Petrographic analysis revealed that local products and suspected imported artefacts of this type of pottery are compositionally different. The minero-petrographic composition of the FRFL potsherds is also uniform. Specifically, the presence of carbonate fragments with growing and saw teeth structures, showing alternation of growing white and dark-brown laminae, indicates the use of a similar temper, perhaps composed of concretions or speleothems. In addition, comparisons with a few shards from Friuli Venezia Giulia sites show considerable similarities. This evidence, together with the great diffusion and abundance of FRFL in Friuli Venezia Giulia, indicate that this ware originated from this region and was transported to the nearby Veneto.

Facial profile preferences: Differences in the perception of children with and without orthodontic history

Improved facial esthetics can be fully achievable only if facial preferences of the treated group are known. We hypothesized that facial profile perception and preferences could be influenced by orthodontic treatment. Differences in facial profile preferences between children with and without an orthodontic history were investigated in a sample of 1626 children aged 12 to 19 years (mean age, 14.8 ± 2.2 years) from 24 public schools in Zagreb, Croatia, randomly selected by using a cluster sampling procedure. Eight profile distortions for each sex, morphed by a digital imaging technique, were used for estimation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Bonferroni, and 2 independent sample t tests were used to compare the preferences of the groups. A straight profile was the most favored in both sexes, regardless of previous orthodontic history. A bimaxillary alveolar protrusive profile with thicker lips was preferred among the female profiles, and a bimaxillary retrusive profile with flat lips and a prominent chin was preferred among the male profiles. Orthodontic history and personal facial profile had little effect, and sex had a slightly greater influence on personal facial profile preferences. It seems that orthodontic therapy has no clinically relevant influence on facial profile preferences. Depending on the patient's sex, orthodontists should have different criteria for treating borderline patients with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion and mandibular prognathism.

Analysis of Final Bronze Age–Early Iron Age Pottery in Northeastern Italy

The main aim of this article is to investigate the mineral composition of the so-called “pot with flaring rim and flat lip,” a sort of “index fossil” vessel, widespread in the settlements of Friuli Venezia Giulia area (Pordenone, northeastern Italy), at the end of the Bronze Age and in the early phases of Iron Age. Thin section analyses have been carried out on several samples coming from three major ancient sites in order to better understand the technological aspects of the pottery assemblage and draw hypotheses about the provenance of the pottery raw material.

Descriptions of Rotylenchus species from New Zealand, including R. labiodiscus sp. n. (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae)

Four Rotylenchus species are known from New Zealand: R. labiodiscus sp. n., R. buxophilus, R. robustus, and R. uniformis. R. labiodiscus has been found at one site only, and is the only species so far found associated with native vegetation. R. labiodiscus is characterised by the presence of males; both the female and the male have a flat lip cap, which is distinctly set off in the male; the female has a body length of 0.6–0.7 mm, a stylet length of 33–37 μm, a tail length of 14.5–29.5 μm, 7–9 lip annules, an almost hemispherical tail, and no longitudinal striation on the oesophageal part of the body. Illustrations, key features, and measurements of representative populations are given for each species.

Cosmetic surgery of the lips.

Lips are the central feature in the lower third of the face. When they are full and well defined, they impart a sense of youth, health, and attractiveness to the bearer. Thin, flat lips, on the other hand, imply fragility and senility. The characteristics of the lips responsible for these qualities are the shape of Cupid's bow, the relative length of the upper lip, and the projection or bulk of the lips. Esthetic guidelines are presented for each of these characteristics, which when understood help the surgeon formulate an operative plan. Lip augmentation techniques using autogenous and alloplastic materials are presented. For patients with a long upper lip, vermilion advancement and nasal base resection are discussed in detail. With a look to the future, a discussion of preliminary experience with carbon dioxide laser lip advancement concludes the article.

Three New Species of Hemicycliophora De Man, 1921 From India

Three new species of Hemicycliophora are described and illustrated. Hemicycliophora altapadii sp.n. is characterized by its relatively large body size; conoid lip region with three annules, indented dorsovcntrally; a rectangular oral disc; elongated vulval lips; absence of longitudinal lines and R>370. H. meghalayaensis sp.n. also has a relatively large body; low flat lip region with three annules, first lip annule dorsoventrally indented; oral disc rectangular with central oval part surrounded by narrow collar; elongated vulval lips; absence of longitudinal lines and R=295-340. H. postamphidia sp.n. has a moderately large body; a conoid lip region with three lip annulcs, amphidial apertures covered by lateral shields and located away from oral disc; vulval lips three annules long; tail elongate conoid, then spicate with finely rounded terminus, R=340-372.

Ascaridoid nematodes of amphibians and reptiles: Multicaecum and Brevimulticaecum.

The genus Multicaecum Baylis 1923, sensu Hartwich 1957, was found to be heterogeneous, comprising species which are released to two distinct genera, namely Multicaecum Bavlis, 1923 and Brevimulticaecum. The latter name is derived from the subgenus Brevinulticaecum Mozgovoy, in Skrjabin, Shikhobalova, and Mozgovoy, 1951 by raising it to generic rank and emending the definition. Multicaecum contains a single species, agile Wedl, 1861 occurring in Crocodylus spp. in Africa, India and Australia, and is characterized by smooth rounded lips, each with a dentigerous ridge comprising small sharp denticles. The excretory pore is level with the nerve ring or behind it, and the ventricular appendices are long and slender. The species gangeticum Maplestone 1930 and quadrata Linstow 1904 are excluded from Multicaecum and regarded as species inquirendae incertae sedis. Brevimulticaecum contains five species occurring in the caimans and the alligator of the New World: baylisi Travassors, 1933 (type species; acuticauda Schuurmans-Stekhoven, 1937 is placed in synonomy under baylisi); stekhoveni Baylis, 1947; tenuicolle Rudolphi, 1819; and two new species. Brevimulticaecum spp. are characterized by flat lips with alate margins and notches, without dentigerous ridges, excretory pore in front of or at nerve ring and the ventriculus with short appendices. The significance of this proposal is discussed in relation to the other genera of ascaridoid nematodes in crocodilians.

Ascaridoid nematodes of amphibians and reptiles: Gedoelstascaris n.g. and Ortleppascaris n.g.

Two new genera, Gedoelstascaris and Orleppascaris, are proposed for species of ascaridoid nematodes occurring in crocodilians and previously included in Dujardinascaris. Species included in Gedoelstascaris are vandenbrandeni Baylis, 1929 as type species and australiensis Baylis, 1931 (= salomonis Kreis, 1940). These species occur in Crocodylus spp. in Africa and Australia respectively and are characterised by lips with a rostral plate, without interlocking processes or dentigerous ridges, with well-developed interlabia, lobulated ventriculus, and excetory pore in front of the nerve ring. Species included in Ortleppascaris are: nigra Gedoelst, 1916 (= tasmani Ortlepp, 1932) as type species; alata Baylis, 1947: antipini Mozgovoy, 1950. These species occur in Crocodylus, Caiman and Alligator and are characterized by flat lips with alate margins, without anterior rostral plate, interlocking processes or dentigerous ridges, with weakly developed interlabia, by an irregular-shaped ventriculus, excretory pore behind or between the subventral lips, and by the presence of lateral alae or cuticular thickenings in the oesophageal region. The significance of this proposal is discussed in relation to the radiation and dispersal of ascaridoids of crocodilians.

Flanged Acrylic Plastic Hemispherical Shells for Undersea Systems—Part 2: Static and Cyclic Fatigue Life Under Hydrostatic Loading

Over 25 acrylic plastic windows with t/Ri = 0.364 in the shape of hemispherical domes with equatorial flanges have been thermoformed from flat sheets and tested under short term, long term, and cyclic pressure loading at 65–75°F ambient temperature. Two kinds of flanges with O-ring grooves on the bearing surfaces were experimented with: Type 1, a flat lip with a rounded heel and instep, and Type II, a conical lip with a rounded heel. The 14,500 psi short term critical pressure of hemispherical windows with t/Ri = 0.364 was found to be independent of the equatorial flange configuration. Both the static and cyclic fatigue lives of the windows were also found to be independent of equatorial flange configuration. In either case, the maximum acceptable working pressure for 65–75°F temperature range was found to be 1000 psi. Only by elimination of the O-ring groove in the bearing surface of the window flange and the use of a thin neoprene bearing gasket between the arylic flange and the steel is it possible to extend the working pressure to 2000 psi for 65–75°F temperature range. Operating the flanged windows at pressures in excess of the safe working pressures shown above will generate fatigue cracks in the bearing surface of the flange in less than 1000 pressure cycles; at 5000 psi pressure the cyclic fatigue life decreases to less than 100 cycles.

A Hellenistic Find in New York

IN I973, THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM received on loan from Christos G. Bastis a find comprising bronze vessels and jewelry as well as silver coins. The group, of Hellenistic date, had previously been sold at auction in Paris. The provenance given in the sale catalogue is Amphipolis, one of the main cities of northern Greece in Greek and Roman times,2 and, as we shall see, the find is as typical of the area from which it reportedly comes as of the time when it was made. The interest of these objects extends even further, however. Individually and as a group, they can be related to material found all over the ancient world. Though they have never been comprehensively investigated, Hellenistic bronze vessels and jewelry exist in quantity, and the vessels in particular raise questions concerning typology, centers ofproduction, and distribution. The importance of the Bastis bronzes is increased by the five silver drachms whose inclusion in the original find need not be doubted. The dates of the coins provide a terminus post quem for the burial of the lot, while their mints interest us for reasons of contemporary monetary policy and communication. The ramifications of the subject are greater than can be pursued here in detail, yet they must enter into the discussion insofar as they supplement the artistic aspect of the objects. Description of the find begins with the bronze vases -two cups, a ladle, a funnel-strainer, and a bottlewhich seem to form a basic set of drinking equipment. The cups (Figures I, 2) are of the stemmed type with a bowl that is concave in profile; the handles, whose leafshaped roots are soldered to the underside of the bowl, curve up to the lip and end in a triangular projection. Both are of about the same size; in both, the tips of the handle roots have broken away, and, in one, the top of the handle has been mended. The ladle (Figure 3) consist of shallow bowl at the end of a long handle that ha been broken and repaired. Between bowl and shaft are two small projections and, at the top, a duck's head finial3 that has also been rejoined. The most noteworthy piece n this group is the funnel-strainer (Figures 4, 5). It consists of a rather broad-rimmed bowl that develops into a funnel at the center; this is best seen on the outside, for on the inside, the center is covered by a strainer: a thin disc with holes punched in a pinwheel pattern. Th utensil had two loop handles that curve in opposite directions, each ending in a duck's head; the head and most of the neck of one have broken away. Compared with the other pieces, this one is also the most ext nsively worked. It has beading on the rim, curlicues on the flat portion of the handles, and profiling around the strainer, the funnel, and on the underside of the rim. Finally, the bottle (Figure 6) is a squat, globular vase with a small ring base and a mouth that opens into a narrow, flat lip. It is intact and entirely undecorated.