Largest Cross-sectional Diameter Research Articles

Development and Characterization of a Chitosan and Polyvinyl Alcohol (CS/PVP)-Based Slow-Release Urea Fertilizer Membrane

A slow-release test of urea fertilizer was conducted using chitosan-urea (CS-U) and chitosan/polyvinyl pyrrolidone K30-urea (CS/PVP-U) membranes. The urea membrane synthesis involved a blending method, with PVP K30 added as a component. The slow-release capabilities of CS-U, CS/PVP1-U, CS/PVP2-U, CS/PVP3-U, and CS/PVP4-U membranes were compared. FTIR results showed an increased intensity of the primary NH double peak at 1587 cm-1 and 1640 cm-1, while the C=O spectrum shifted from 1640 to 1647 cm-1 and the -OH group from 3354 cm-1 to 3362 cm-1, indicating hydrogen bond formation in CS/PVP-U. XRD analysis confirmed the membrane’s amorphous structure, and FE-SEM and AFM studies revealed morphology and roughness differences, with CS/PVP4-U having the largest cross-sectional diameter. The release study showed that PVP-modified chitosan membranes increased urea release, achieving 60 ppm/2 days for the first 16 days, then decreasing to about 55 ppm through day 30, with partial urea release controlled over time. This suggests that SRF fertilizer can effectively control urea release into the environment.

Safety of irreversible electroporation (IRE) treatment for metastatic disease in humans

Purpose To investigate the safety of irreversible electroporation (IRE) ablation for treatment of metastatic disease. Materials and Methods We performed an Institutional Review Board approved retrospective review of patients treated with IRE for metastatic disease to the liver, bladder, lung, or pelvic soft tissues due to anatomic location close to bile ducts, major vessels, rectum, and nerves. Patient records and imaging studies were examined for tumor type, tumor size, anatomic location and complications. Results Twenty five patients with 40 tumors were treated with IRE in the liver (28), soft tissue (11) and lung (1) for colon cancer (22), pancreatic cancer (6), prostatic cancer (3), rectal cancer (2), endometrial cancer (2), uterine cancer (2) ovarian cancer (1), hemangiopericytoma (1), and thyroid cancer (1). The mean tumor size was 1.9 cm (range 1-4 cm) in largest cross-sectional diameter. During the 30 treatment sessions there were no major complications. Minor complications included: a transient rise in total bilirubin after three sessions, pneumothorax requiring chest tube insertion after two sessions, transient rise in alkaline phosphatase after two sessions, portal vein thrombosis after one session, transient atrial fibrillation during one session, and urinary retention after one session due to anesthesia. Conclusion IRE, even when preformed in close proximity to bile ducts, major vessels, bladder, rectum, and nerves, has an acceptable safety profile in our experience. Longer term follow up is needed to determine efficacy.

Glass-Forming Ability and Crystallization Kinetics of Hf-Ti-Cu-Ni-Al Bulk Metallic Glass

Multi-component Hf45.6Cu27.8Ni9.3Ti5Al12.4bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) were prepared successfully by casted into the water-cooled Cu mold. Characterization of the casted Hf45.6Cu27.8Ni9.3Ti5Al12.4rods was carried out by X-ray diffraction. The thermal stability and crystallization kinetics were followed by differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that the alloy Hf45.6Cu27.8Ni9.3Ti5Al12.4had a critical cylindrical rod diameter for glass formation, Dc, of 7 mm and the largest cross-sectional diameter (about 12.4mm) can be obtained in the ideal condition. The critical cooling rate for glass formation is 6.48K/s. The Hf45.6Cu27.8Ni9.3Ti5Al12.4BMG has larger glass forming ability and higher thermal stability.

Ultrasonography of the urinary tract in 29 female Saanen goats

The left and right kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra of 29 female clinically healthy Saanen goats were examined via transcutaneous and transrectal ultrasonography. In order to establish reference values the examinations were performed using a 5.0 MHz linear transducer to scan the right caudal costal part of the abdominal wall, right and left dorsal flanks and right and left inguinal regions of standing goats. A 5.0 MHz intracavity probe was used for transrectal ultrasonographic examination of the urinary bladder and urethra. The kidneys were examined in longitudinal and cross section and assessed subjectively. They could usually be seen from the 12th intercostal space on the right side and dorsal right flank. The right kidney was 8.0 ± 0.67 cm long and the left was 8.4 ± 0.64 cm long. The ureters could not be visualized in any of the goats. The length of the urinary bladder was 5.1 ± 1.38 cm, and its largest cross-sectional diameter was 2.6 ± 1.01 cm. The urethra was seen in 23 goats and appeared as echogenic lines with no visible lumen. The transition from the neck of the bladder to the internal urethral orifice extended beyond the brim of the pelvis in only one goat.