Fold Width Research Articles

Effects of dietary concentrated mannan oligosaccharides supplementation on growth, gut mucosal immune system and liver lipid metabolism of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles

The study assesses the effects of dietary concentrated mannan oligosaccharides (cMOS) on fish performance, biochemical composition, tissue fatty acid profiles, liver and posterior gut morphology and gen expression of selected parameters involved on the intestinal immune response and liver lipid metabolism of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).For that purpose, specimens of 20 g were fed during 8 weeks at 0 and 1.6 g kg−1 dietary cMOS of inclusion in a commercial sea bass diet. Dietary cMOS enhanced fish length, specific and relative growth without affecting tissue proximate composition. However, cMOS supplementation altered especially liver and muscle fatty acid profiles by reducing levels of those fatty acids that are preferential substrates for β-oxidation in spite of a preferential retention of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), such as 20:4n-6 or 22:5n-6, in relation to the down-regulation of delta 6/5 desaturase gene expression found in liver. Besides, dietary cMOS supplementation reduced posterior gut intestinal folds width and induced changes on the gene expression level of certain immune-related genes mainly by down regulating transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and up-regulating immunoglobulin (Ig), major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII), T cell receptor β (TCRβ) and Caspase 3 (Casp-3).Thus, dietary cMOS inclusion at 0.16% promoted European sea bass specific growth rate and length, stimulated selected cellular GALT-associated parameters and affected lipid metabolism in muscle and liver pointing to a higher LC-PUFA accumulation and promoted β-oxidation.

Analysis of local elastic shear buckling of trapezoidal corrugated steel webs

The local elastic shear buckling strength of trapezoidal corrugated steel webs is investigated using finite element (FE) and theoretical analyses. The local elastic shear buckling strength is represented by the local elastic shear buckling coefficient, which is obtained from FE analysis. Although inelastic buckling will control the shear strength of most practical corrugated webs, the local elastic shear buckling coefficient is an important parameter in the shear strength calculation. This study shows that the fold width ratio, defined as the longitudinal fold width over the inclined fold width, has a significant influence on the local elastic shear buckling strength as the fold width ratio varies from 1.0 to 2.0. It is shown that the commonly-used local elastic shear buckling coefficient underestimates the local shear buckling strength by a considerable margin when the fold width ratio is greater than 1.0. It is also shown that the local elastic shear buckling coefficient is sensitive to the fold height-to-width aspect ratio, the fold width-to-thickness ratio, and the web corrugation angle, but is insensitive to the flange-thickness-to-web-thickness ratio when it varies from 5 to 15. Based on regression of FE analysis results, a formula is proposed to improve the calculation of the local shear buckling strength, in which parameters such as fold width ratio, fold aspect ratio, fold width-to-thickness ratio, and corrugation angle are taken into account.

Fold interaction and wavelength selection in 3D models of multilayer detachment folding

Many fold-and-thrust belts are dominated by folding and exhibit a fairly regular fold-spacing. Yet, in map-view, the aspect ratio of doubly-plunging anticlines varies considerably from very elongated, and sometimes slightly curved, cylindrical folds to nearly circular, dome-like structures. In addition, the fold spacing often varies significantly around an average value. So far, it remains unclear whether these features are consistent with a folding instability.Therefore, we here study the dynamics of multilayer detachment folding, process by which shortening can be accommodated in thin-skinned fold-and-thrust belts. We start by analysing the physics of this process by using both a semi-analytical thick plate theory and numerical simulations. Results show that several different folding modes occur, about half of which are affected by gravity and have a wavelength that depends on the background deformation rate. Non-dimensional expressions are derived that predict the dominant wavelength and growth rate of each of these folding modes and mechanical phase diagrams are presented that illustrate the applicability of each of the modes.Next, we perform 3D simulations and compare the results with those of 2D models and analytical theory. Both 2D and 3D numerical simulations have wavelengths that are in good agreement with the analytical predictions. In the high-resolution 3D simulations the lateral growth of folds is studied, in particular with respect to fold segment interactions and evolution of fold width–length aspect ratio.The numerical simulations show a number of similarities with the Fars region of the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt including a large range of fold aspect ratio and a normally distributed fold wavelength around a dominant one.

Histological and histochemical studies on mouthpart of Whitmania pigra at different months age

Mouthpart developmental histology of Whitmania pigra at different month of age were studied by paraffin section, HE staining combined alcian blue and periodic acid schifts reaction procedure (AB-PAS). The following results was obtained: Change ranges: oral width 0.6 mm (1-3 month), 1.2 mm (34 month); oral diameter 0.3 mm (1-3 month); 1.2 mm (34 month), the oral size reached maximum during 4-6 months and unchanged thereafter. Oral lip had a thin protective film located in the front of the mouthpart. The W. pigra possessed three jaws in oral cavity, the big one was in dorsum, the other two separated on both side of abdomen respectively. Jaws and muscular pharynx were interrelated closely. The jaws were composed by cuticle, epithelial layer, muscularis and jaw cavity from outside to inside. In the front of jaws had mastoid abdomen with function of secreting acidophilic granule from 2 month age. Oral cavity was composed by mucosa, submucosa and muscularis inside and outside. Oral cavity was rich of peristomial nerves. And pharynx was composed of mucosa, muscularis, adventitia from inside to outside. The folds height and width become heighten and thicken. Mucosa epithelium from complex flat epithelium changed into columnar epithelium, muscularis gradually developed into thickened along with growing. Muscular thickness reached maximum at 4 months. Mucous cells of W. pigra were classified into I-IV types based on different staining and two mainly morphological shapes (Tubular, Pear-shaped). Jaws, oral cavity, pharynx by AB-PAS staining showed little changes at different month of age. Mucous cells were few at 1 month age, and type II cells were increased rapidly in 2-3 month age in oral lip. Oral cavity contains more mucous gland cells type I. Under the muscularis there were connective tissues which distributed a few of mucous cells type II.

Subdermal Placement of Sutures in Double Eyelid Surgery

Increasing numbers of Asian patients of varying ethnicity are expressing preferences and expectations for a specific aesthetic appearance following double eyelid surgery. Those of Northern Mongolian ethnicity (Northern Chinese, Japanese, or Korean heritage) generally prefer a narrow crease, whereas those of Southern Mongolian ethnicity (Indonesian, Filipino, or Malaysian) prefer a wider fold. Older techniques performed until the mid-1990s resulted in a deep fold, giving the patients a more "Western" appearance. In this article, the author describes a modified technique of placing the suture in the subdermal layer, which allows for variety in the width of the fold, enabling the surgeon to retain anatomical aspects that are typical of each patient's ethnicity. With this technique, an Asian patient may now choose the width of fold that he or she prefers, resulting in a more ethnically natural look.

Periovulatory changes in the endoscopic appearance of the reproductive tract and teasing behavior in the bitch

A variety of diagnostic techniques have been applied to address the problem of determining optimal mating time in the bitch, although some have not been objectively investigated. Nine healthy bitches were examined daily using routine clinical methods as part of their normal breeding management with the aim of establishing which method was most useful. Accordingly, measurement of the degree of vulval swelling, endoscopic measurement of the vaginal mucosal color and appearance, and objective evaluation of behavior of the bitch were related to the time of ovulation (calculated when progesterone reached 5 ng/mL; Day 0) and the duration of the fertilization period (Day 2 to Day 5) determined by measurement of plasma progesterone concentration and assessment of vaginal cytology. There was a surprisingly large individual variation in measurements of vulval swelling, such that although trends were apparent this technique was not precise enough to establish the optimal mating time. However, measuring color saturation and vaginal mucosal fold width was successful. A consistent change in the mucosal color saturation was observed that related to the beginning (Day −5) and duration of the fertile period although there was no difference in measurement of color saturation between Day −5 and Day 2 (P = 0.31), and Day 2 and Day 5 (P = 0.43). The vaginal mucosal folds were smaller in width at the beginning of the fertilization period (Day 2) than at the beginning of the fertile period (Day −5) (P = 0.008), and all bitches had a consistent appearance of mucosal contours on Day 3. Assessment of sexual behavior was not considered precise enough to enable determination of the optimal time for mating because of the large amount of individual variation in behavioral scores. There was no difference in female behavior scores between Day −5 and Day 2 (P = 0.29), or between Day 2 and Day 5 (P = 0.06). Using objective techniques this study has quantified changes in the color and fold width of the vaginal mucosa that have previously only been subjectively reported. These changes can be used to identify the fertilization period and it is possible, with future refining of the technique, that endoscopic examination could replace vaginal cytology to be used in conjunction with plasma progesterone concentration when examining bitches to determine the optimal time to breed.

Reverse drag revisited: Why footwall deformation may be the key to inferring listric fault geometry

Although reverse drag, the down warping of hanging wall strata toward a normal fault, is widely accepted as an indicator of listric fault geometry, previous studies have shown that similar folding may form in response to slip on faults of finite vertical extent with listric or planar geometry. In this study we therefore seek more general criteria for inferring subsurface fault geometry from observations of near-surface deformation by directly comparing patterns of displacement, stress, and strain around planar and listric faults, as predicted by elastic boundary element models. In agreement with previous work, we find that models with finite planar, planar-detached, and listric-detached faults all develop hanging wall reverse-drag folds. All of these model geometries also predict a region of tension and elevated maximum Coulomb stress in the hanging wall suggesting that the distribution and orientation of near-surface joints and secondary faults may also be of limited utility in predicting subsurface fault geometry. The most notable difference between the three models, however, is the magnitude of footwall uplift. Footwall uplift decreases slightly with introduction of a detachment and more significantly with the addition of a listric fault shape. A parametric investigation of faults with constant slip ranging from nearly planar to strongly listric over depths from 1 to 15 km reveals that footwall fold width is sensitive to fault geometry while hanging wall fold width largely reflects fault depth. Application of a graphical approach based on these results as well as more complete inverse modeling illustrates how patterns of combined hanging wall and footwall deformation may be used to constrain subsurface fault geometry.

Rugal hyperplastic gastritis increases the risk of gastric carcinoma, especially diffuse and p53-independent subtypes

Infection with Helicobacter pylori has been linked to chronic gastritis with atrophy or hyperrugosity. The development of noncardia gastric carcinoma, especially the intestinal type in Lauren's classification, has been associated with severe atrophic gastritis and p53 mutations. The objective of this study was to determine the association between hyperrugosity and gastric carcinogenesis, including p53 mutations. Barium meal roentgenograms were performed in 395 control participants and 132 gastric carcinoma patients. The fold width was measured at the greater curvature of the middle portion of the gastric body. Serum pepsinogens I and II were determined along with gastrin levels. Complete coding sequences and splice junctions for exons 5-8 of p53 gene were screened for mutations by polymerase chain reaction-based single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis. Rugal hyperplastic gastritis (gastric body fold width>or=5 mm) increased the risk of gastric carcinoma [odds ratio, 2.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.69-4.01] as compared with the control group, especially diffuse-type gastric carcinoma (odds ratio, 4.13; 95% confidence interval, 2.36-7.24). The p53 mutational rate was significantly lower in gastric carcinoma patients with rugal hyperplastic gastritis. In intestinal-type gastric carcinoma with hyperrugosity, the incidence of p53 gene mutations decreased, but no association was found in diffuse-type gastric carcinoma between p53 mutations and rugal hyperplastic gastritis. Rugal hyperplastic gastritis was associated with an elevated risk of gastric carcinoma, especially diffuse-type, and a lower frequency of p53 mutations.

Vocal Fold Dimensions in Professional Opera Singers as Measured by Means of Laser Triangulation

A new laser triangulation technique was used to measure vocal fold length and width in 27 professional opera singers. The singers belonged to different voice register categories: soprano, mezzo, tenor, and bass/baritone. High-speed recordings were made during glissandos from each singer's speaking fundamental frequency (SFF) up to the highest frequency for which it was possible to place the laser spot on the vocal folds. Vocal fold length and width were measured at the singers' SFF and then at two or three times the SFF, and for some singers at four times the SFF. In addition, measurements were also made at C4 (260 Hz) for all singers. The results confirmed that the bass/baritone group had significantly longer vocal folds than the soprano group; also, males have significantly longer vocal folds than females. Measured values for vocal fold width were significantly larger for the bass/baritone group compared with all other groups. A measured strain parameter showed different patterns of vocal fold elasticity with increasing pitch. The results suggest that although vocal fold length and width contribute to a singer's voice register category, there seem to be also other parameters that are essential for this distinction.

IS HELICOBACTER PYLORI‐INDUCED ENLARGED FOLD GASTRITIS A HIGH‐RISK FACTOR FOR GASTRIC CARCINOMA?

It is now a generally accepted fact that Helicobacter pylori is an important cause of gastric carcinoma. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified H. pylori as a group 1 carcinogen. We previously reported that H. pylori‐positive subjects had enlarged folds (fold width = 5 mm); that is, ‘enlarged fold gastritis’. Helicobacter pylori‐induced enlarged fold gastritis is accompanied by a massive infiltration of inflammatory cells, profound production of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which decrease gastric acid secretion and increase the proliferation rate of the gastric epithelial cells. In addition, there is increased mutagenicity of gastric juice, and mucosal 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OhdG) levels. Fold width improves and these factors recover to within a normal range with the eradication of H. pylori. The odds ratio for gastric carcinoma and the prevalence of diffuse‐type early gastric carcinoma in the body region increased with an increase in fold width. Therefore, enlarged fold gastritis may be a major risk factor for gastric carcinoma among H. pylori‐infected people. We propose that H. pylori‐infected persons with enlarged fold gastritis are a potential population for the prevention of gastric carcinoma via the use of antibiotics.

Risk factors in onychocryptosis.

A study is described in which the normal toes of 50 patients with unilateral ingrowing toenails were compared with those of 50 healthy subjects matched for age and sex. Twenty-one potential risk factors were compared between the groups. All measurements on patients were derived from unaffected toes in order to avoid anatomical distortion due to the disease process. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the groups for three anatomical measures, namely nail fold width (P less than 0.001), medial rotation (eversion) of the great toe (P less than 0.02) and nail thickness (P less than 0.03). Possible discriminating variables were assessed using linear discriminant function analysis and a mathematical equation was derived based on these three factors. This equation was found to possess a potentially high predictive value in that it correctly classified 86 per cent of the patients and 77 per cent of the controls. A further group of 62 unselected patients presenting with unilateral onychocryptosis and 35 unaffected controls were assessed for these three parameters. Of these, 80 per cent of controls and 85 per cent of patients could be classified correctly by the equation. It is thus proposed that, in the majority of subjects with onychocryptosis, a discrete anatomical predisposition exists and that the other factors act only as triggers in the development of the condition. This study provides a rationale for less traumatic surgical approaches to ingrown nail than nail avulsion, with or without nail bed ablation and may also provide a means of identifying high-risk groups.

Helicobacter pylori-induced enlarged-fold gastritis is associated with increased mutagenicity of gastric juice, increased oxidative DNA damage, and an increased risk of gastric carcinoma.

The severe inflammation, increased cell proliferation and marked acid inhibition observed in subjects with Helicobacter pylori-associated enlarged-fold gastritis suggest that enlarged-fold gastritis may be a risk factor for gastric carcinoma. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a relationship exists between enlarged-fold gastritis and gastric carcinoma. One hundred and thirty-five H. pylori-positive patients with early gastric carcinoma and 141 age- and sex-matched H. pylori-positive controls without gastric carcinoma were involved in the study. The widths of gastric body folds were measured by double-contrast radiographs. The mutagenicity of gastric juice was assayed using the Ames test and Salmonella typhimurium TA-98 or TA-100 with S9-mix. Levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in gastric mucosa were examined using high-performance liquid chromatographic-electrochemical detection. An upward shift in the distribution of gastric fold widths in H. pylori-positive patients with early gastric carcinoma was found. Enlarged-fold gastritis (fold width >/=5 mm) was observed in 81% of the patients with gastric carcinoma, compared with 46% of H. pylori-positive controls. The odds ratio for gastric carcinoma increased with increasing fold width to a maximum of 35.5 in persons with fold width >/=7 mm. The prevalence of diffuse-type early gastric carcinoma in the body region increased with increasing fold width. The mutagenicity of gastric juice from the patients with enlarged-fold gastritis was significantly higher than that in H. pylori-negative controls and H. pylori-positive patients without enlarged folds. Mucosal 8-OHdG levels in the body region of patients with enlarged-fold gastritis were significantly higher than in H. pylori-negative controls and H. pylori-positive patients without enlarged-fold gastritis. Eradication of H. pylori significantly decreased the mutagenicity of gastric juice and 8-OHdG levels in the gastric mucosa from patients with enlarged-fold gastritis. A significant association is suggested between enlarged-fold gastritis and gastric carcinoma.

Effects of false vocal fold width on translaryngeal flow resistance

Our purpose in this study was to determine the effects of the false vocal fold width (FVFW) on laryngeal flow resistance. False vocal folds were placed within a Plexiglas model of the larynx. The dimensions and placement of the false vocal folds were based on an earlier anatomical study of laminagrams during phonation. The ratio of the FVFW and the minimum glottal diameter (Dg) used in this study ranged from 0.60 to 21.5. Results suggest that for large FVFW/Dg values, flow resistance is not affected. For ratios near 1 and lower, the resistance is greater than for the true folds alone. For intermediate ratio values, the flow resistance is less than for the true folds alone. These intermediate values should be prevalent during maximal glottal opening. The results obtained so far are dependent upon glottal diameter, with a greater reduction in flow resistance for larger values of glottal diameter. The results suggest that the false vocal fold width may help control laryngeal airflow differently throughout the phonatory cycle, and should be considered in models of phonation.

Radiologic laryngeal parameters in acute supraglottitis in Korean adults.

Soft-tissue lateral neck radiography is important for diagnosing acute supraglottitis. This study aimed to determine the objective criteria for a diagnosis of acute supraglottitis from soft-tissue lateral neck radiographs in Korean adults. The parameters in 30 adult patients with acute supraglottitis were compared with those of age- and sex-matched normal 30 Korean adults. The mean of epiglottis width (EW) and aryepiglottic fold width (AEW) in the control group were 4.37 +/- 0.93 mm, 2.45 +/- 0.71 mm, respectively and in the patient group they were 15.87 +/- 3.60 mm, 6.4 +/- 2.55 mm, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of an EW greater than 7 mm were 100%, and 100% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of an AEW greater than 4.5 mm were 83%, and 100% respectively.

Simulation analysis of the effects of the junctional folds on spontaneous generation of the miniature endplate current at neuromuscular junction

The dynamic behavior of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft with a junctional fold is modeled as a reaction–diffusion system in an axis-symmetrical two-dimensional space. The effects of the junctional fold are analyzed by computer simulation on spontaneous generation of the miniature endplate current at the neuromuscular junction. The amplitude of the current may be maximized at an optimal value of the width of the junctional fold, while the depth causes less effects.

Aryepiglottic fold width in patients with epiglottitis: where should measurements be obtained?

To determine the best site for measurement or assessment of the aryepiglottic folds and determine whether evaluation of the lower portion of the folds is useful. The lateral neck radiographs from 38 children with epiglottitis were retrospectively reviewed and compared with findings in 100 patients with croup and 100 control patients. In all patients, the fold thickness was measured at three levels: at the midpoint (site 1), just behind the epiglottis (site 2), and at the base, just above the false vocal cords (site 3). Full-thickness measurements obtained at sites 1 and 2 were statistically significant predictors of epiglottitis (sensitivity, 94.74%; specificity, at least 96.50%) in comparison with those obtained in patients with croup and control patients. The best site for width assessment is the upper half of the folds. Measurement at the base, where the folds overlie the arytenoid cartilage, is not nearly as accurate and should be avoided.

Soft tissue nuchal fold in the second-trimester fetus: Standards for normal measurements compared with those in Down syndrome

There are several reports describing the sonographic sign of a thickened nuchal fold for the prenatal sonographic detection of Down syndrome in the second trimester. We prospectively obtained normative data on the nuchal folds of 303 consecutive normal fetuses undergoing genetic amniocentesis between 15 and 20 weeks' gestation. The data show that the width of the nuchal fold was consistently between 1 and 5 mm regardless of gestational age (15 to 20 weeks).

REDUCTION MAMMAPLASTY BY THE INFERIOR PEDICLE TECHNIQUE

Patients with massive macromastia, or severe ptosis, should be candidates for a reduction mammaplasty by the inferior pedicle transposition technique, instead of by free nipple and areola grafting. With the inferior pedicle technique the blood supply to the nipple and areola remains generous, coming from the entire width of the inframammary fold. By using a keyhole skin flap pattern, a conical breast shape is achieved when the medial and lateral skin flaps are brought together as a skin brassiere. The methods seems safe and simple, and the results have been satisfactory. An unexpected benefit has been the excellent postoperative sensation of the nipple, areola, and the skin of the breasts.

アルギン系印象材による生体鼓膜内陷度の計測に就いて

The present author, by the method of measuring human tympanic membrane by molding with alginate impression material, studied the detailed morphological changes of drum at normal pressure and-30mm Hg of the tympanum in 7 normal ears.1. The present experiment was performed on 7 ears of 7 adults, 1655 years old, whose heasing acuity was normal and who had no abnormal findings in the tympanic membrane.2. Average size of the tympanic membrane. Projecting on a flat surface the vertical diameter was 9.85mm, the diameter along the malleus 7.51mm and the horizontal diameter 7.55mm. In true lengths, the vertical diameter was 11.19mm, the diameter along the malleus 8.81mm and the horizontal diameter 8.77mm. The projection resulted in a shortening to about 14%.3. The radius of the tympanic membrane from the umbo was shortest antero-inferiorly (3.63mm). The postero-inferior radius was next (4.39mm, and 4.42mm to the short process) and the postero-superior radius was longest (5.15mm). The average diameter of the pars flaccida was, along the vertical line, 2.37mm.4. By negative pressure the tympanic memdrane was distended on the diameter along the malleus by 0.22mm (2.5%) and on the horizontal diameter by 0.17mm (1.97%). Centering the umbo the distention was 0.12mm (2.73%) on the postero-inferior radius, 0.09mm (2.48%) on the antero-inferior radius, 0.10mm (2.26%) along the malleus, and 0.08mm (1.55%) on the postero-superior radius. The distention was largest in the pars flaccida (0.22mm, 9.28%).5. The average distance of the infundibulum to the imaginal surface of the tympanic membrane was 2.04mm, which was displaced 0.21mm medially by negative pressure. The height of the short process was 0.06mm. By negative pressure the process was displaced 0.18mm medially. The height of the basis of the pars flaccida was 0.49mm. The basis was retracted by negative pressure 0.35mm more. Namely, comparing to the degree of retraction of the umbo, that of the short process was smaller by 14.4% and that in the pars flaccida was larger by 67%.6. The retraction in the pars tensa by negative pressure was most extreme in the posterosuperior part (0.26mm). This was larger than the retraction of the umbo by 24%. The retraction of the antero-inferior part was 0.18mm, that near the handle of the malleus 0.16mm, and that in the postero-inferior part was 0.13mm, which was slightest, and furthermore, smaller than the retraction of the umbo by 38%.7. Otoscopically, the radius centering the umbo was 4.59mm in the antero-superior part, 3.11mm in the antero-inferior part, 3.16mm in the postero-inferior part, and 1.46mm in the postero-superior part. The radius was lengthened by negative pressure 0.32mm and 0.36mm in the antero-inferior and postero-inferior parts respectively, while it was shortened 0.01mm and 0.34mm in the antero-superior and postero-superior parts respectively. Namely, the umbo was displaced 0.35mm in the postero-superior direction and gave a criterion of measurement of the degree of retraction.8. The average width of the posterior fold of the tympanic membrane, observed with an otoscope, was 0.75mm. By negative pressure it decreased by 0.36mm to a half. Thus it formed a sharp border by an extreme retraction of the posterior part of the tympanic membrane and accentuated the degre of the retraction.