Mean Maximal Pressure Research Articles

An evaluation of personalised insoles developed using additive manufacturing

The aim of the study was to evaluate the short and medium term use of personalised insoles, produced by combining additive manufacturing (AM) with three-dimensional (3-D) foot scanning and computer aided design (CAD) systems. For that, 38 runners (19 pairings) were recruited. The experimental conditions were: personalised and control. The personalised condition consisted of trainers fitted with personalised glove fit insoles manufactured using AM and using foot scans to match the plantar geometry of the feet. The control condition consisted of the same trainers fitted with insoles also manufactured using AM but using scans of the original insole shape. Participants were allocated to one of the experimental conditions and wore the trainers for 3 months. Over this period they attended three laboratory sessions (at months 0, 1.5 and 3) and completed an Activity Diary after each training session. The footwear was evaluated in terms of discomfort and biomechanics. Lower discomfort ratings were found in the heel area (P ≤ 0.05) and for overall fit (P ≤ 0.05), with the personalised insole. However, discomfort was reported under the arch region for both conditions. With regard to the biomechanical data, differences between conditions were detected for ankle dorsiflexion at footstrike (P ≤ 0.05), maximum ankle eversion (P ≤ 0.05) and peak mean pressure under the heel (P ≤ 0.01): the personalised condition had lower values which may reduce injury risk. The personalisation of the geometry of insoles through advances in AM together with 3-D scanning and CAD technologies can provide benefits and has potential.

Transesophageal Echocardiographic Imaging of Aortic Valve Replacement Using Autologous Glutaraldehyde-Treated Pericardium

Transesophageal Echocardiographic Imaging of Aortic Valve Replacement Using Autologous Glutaraldehyde-Treated Pericardium

Control strategy of mode transition between low-temperature combustion and conventional combustion in a light-duty diesel engine

Combustion mode transition between low temperature combustion (LTC) and conventional combustion was carried out in a light duty diesel engine. The characteristics of combustion mode transition with various operating parameters including exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) rate changing, EGR path length, engine speed and EGR control system were investigated based on the in-cylinder pressure of each cycle. When the combustion mode transition from low-temperature combustion to conventional combustion occurred, indicated mean effective pressure and hydrocarbon emission were rapidly decreased because of non-optimized injection timing and EGR rate. On the other hand, indicated mean effective pressure and hydrocarbon emission were not changed significantly for the mode transition from conventional combustion to low-temperature combustion. Faster mode transition was obtained with shorter exhaust gas recirculation path. The noise level, as represented by the maximum pressure rise rate, and hydrocarbon emission were significantly influenced by residual gas, fuel injection pressure and engine speed. For the smooth mode transition, injection strategy was modulated by cycle-by-cycle. Injection timing and injection quantity were varied and pilot injection strategy was introduced to attenuate rapid changes of indicated mean effective pressure and maximum pressure rise rate.

Effects of intracavernous injection of adipose-derived stem cells on cavernous nerve regeneration in a rat model.

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of intracavernous injection of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on cavernous nerve (CN) regeneration and functional status in a nerve-crush rat model. Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three equal groups: one group underwent sham operation, while two groups underwent bilateral CN crush. Crush-injury group was treated at the time of injury with intracavernous injection of ADSCs, or injured control group with no further intervention. Erectile function was assessed by CN electrostimulation after 3 months. Penile tissue and crushed nerves were collected for histology. Three months after surgery, in the group that underwent bilateral nerve crushing with no further intervention, the functional evaluation showed a lower mean maximal intracavernous pressure (ICP) and maximal ICP per mean arterial pressure (MAP) with CN stimulation than those in the sham group. In the group with an immediate intracavernous injection of ADSCs, the mean maximal ICP and maximal ICP/MAP were significantly higher than those in the injured control group. Histologically, the group with the intracavernous injection of ADSCs had more myelinated axons of CNs and more NADPH-diaphorase-positive nerve fibers than the injured control group but fewer than the sham group. Intracavernous injection of ADSCs treatment had beneficial effects on the smooth muscle/collagen ratio in the corpus cavernosum. These results show that the intracavernous injection of ADSCs to the site of CN-crush injury facilitates nerve regeneration and recovery of erectile function. Our research indicates that penile injection of ADSCs can improve recovery of erectile function in a rat model of neurogenic ED.

Wind tunnel test on mean wind forces and peak pressures acting on wind turbine nacelles

ABSTRACTMean wind force coefficients of nacelles are investigated by a wind tunnel test and are compared with those in current codes, such as the Germanischer Lloyd Guideline 2010 (GL2010) and Eurocode, in order to clarify the effects of the ground, presence of a hub, turbulence in the incident flow and nacelle length on these coefficients. Formulas for the mean wind force coefficients are proposed as a function of yaw angles. It is found that mean wind force coefficients of wind turbine nacelles specified in GL2010 are underestimated in comparison with those obtained by wind tunnel tests.Pressure measurements of a nacelle are also conducted. Notably, the mean pressure coefficients for design load case 6.2 (DLC6.2) are significantly larger than those for design load case 6.1 (DLC6.1) in IEC61400‐1. Maximum and minimum mean pressure coefficients are proposed for the DLC6.1 and DLC6.2 by the wind tunnel test, which are similar to those in Eurocode and are larger than those proposed in GL2010. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Comparação entre parâmetros de pressões respiratórias máximas em indivíduos saudáveis

To investigate four parameters defining maximal respiratory pressures and to evaluate their correlations and agreements among those parameters for the determination of MIP and MEP. This was a cross-sectional study involving 49 healthy, well-nourished males and females. The mean age was 23.08 ± 2.5 years. Measurements were carried out using a pressure transducer, and the estimated values for the parameters peak pressure (Ppeak), plateau pressure (Pplateau), mean maximal pressure (Pmean), and pressure according to the area (Parea) were determined with an algorithm developed for the study. To characterize the study sample, we used descriptive statistics, followed by repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test or by the Friedman test and the Wilcoxon post hoc test, as well as by Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficients, depending on the normality of the data. The agreement between the variables was assessed with Bland & Altman plots. There were significant differences among all of the parameters studied for MIP (Ppeak = 95.69 ± 27.89 cmH₂O; Parea = 88.53 ± 26.45 cmH₂O⁻; Pplateau = 82.48 ± 25.11 cmH₂O⁻; Pmean = 89.01 ± 26.41 cmH₂O⁻; p < 0.05 for all) and for MEP (Ppeak = 109.98 ± 40.67 cmH₂O; Parea = 103.85 ± 36.63 cmH₂O; Pplateau = 98.93 ± 32.10 cmH₂O; Pmean = 104.43 ± 36.74 cmH₂O; p < 0.0083 for all). Poor agreement was found among almost all of the parameters. Higher pressure values resulted in larger differences between the variables. The maximal respiratory pressure parameters evaluated do not seem to be interchangeable, and higher pressure values result in larger differences among the parameters.

Tratamiento rehabilitador en la incontinencia fecal

IntroductionWe can define fecal incontinence as the involuntary loss of solid and liquid stools, whenever this loss poses a hygiene or social problem for the person suffering it. Prevalence of this condition is not clear since it means an important affection in the quality of life of the patient suffering it and therefore, they often hide this problem. Material and methodsWe have performed a prospective study in which 24 patients diagnosed of fecal incontinence participated. All of them underwent a treatment program that included: education guidelines, pelvic floor strengthening exercises and biofeedback with electrical stimulation. ResultsA total of 79.2% were women, with mean age of 60.8 years, and 20.8% of the patients had suffered an intestinal neoplasm. In the complementary tests, the ultrasonography showed that 25% of the cases had a rupture of the anal sphincters. In 70.8%, there was thinning of the sphincters. In the initial manometry, we found that the measurement of maximum baseline pressure in mmHg was 36.37 mmHg (SD 13.13), and the mean maximum pressure involuntary contraction was 82.25mmHg (SD 21.45), initial mean score obtained on the Wexner scale was 15.79 and after treatment, 8.16. We obtained statistically significant differences in all of the items on the Wexner scale. ConclusionCombined conservative treatment improves the score obtained on the Wexner scale in moderate to severe fecal incontinence and also shows minimum side effects. Complementary tests are useful to evaluate fecal incontinence, however clinical evaluation is fundamental to determine the severity of this condition and how it affects the patient's life.

Effects of operating parameters on mode transition between low-temperature combustion and conventional combustion in a light-duty diesel engine

An experimental study on the mode transition between low-temperature combustion and conventional combustion was carried out in a light-duty diesel engine. The characteristics of combustion mode transition with various operating parameters, including rate of exhaust gas recirculation change, residual gas, exhaust gas recirculation path length, fuel injection pressure and engine speed, were analysed based on the in-cylinder pressure and hydrocarbon emission of each cycle. In the case of mode transition from low-temperature combustion to conventional combustion, rapid decreases in indicated mean effective pressure and hydrocarbon emission occurred due to the improper injection timing and the decrease of the exhaust gas recirculation rate. On the other hand, indicated mean effective pressure and hydrocarbon emission changed slowly during mode transition from conventional combustion to low-temperature combustion owing to the thermal effect of hot residual gas from conventional combustion. Faster mode transition could be achieved by the use of a shorter exhaust gas recirculation path. Although the trends of mode transition in terms of indicated mean effective pressure were similar, the noise levels, as represented by the maximum pressure rise rate, and hydrocarbon emissions were significantly affected by residual gas, fuel injection pressure and engine speed. In addition, smooth combustion mode transition could be achieved by cycle-by-cycle injection modulation without rapid changes of indicated mean effective pressure and maximum pressure rise rate.

Valores encontrados e preditos para as pressões respiratórias máximas de crianças brasileiras

OBJECTIVE: to compare the values obtained from the evaluation of maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure in a sample of Brazilian children with reference values for maximal respiratory pressures proposed by Szeinberg et al., Domenech-Clar et al., and with the predicted equations proposed by Wilson et al. METHODS: observational, cross-sectional study. We assessed 40 female and male children from public schools, aged 7 to 10 years. Personal and anthropometric data were collected in addition to the measurement of maximal respiratory pressures by an MV150 analog manometer (Wika®). RESULTS: mean maximal inspiratory pressure was -61,50 ± 18,14 cmH2O and -70,55 ± 17,94 cmH2O for girls and boys, respectively. Mean maximal expiratory pressure was 77,40 ± 19,00 cmH2O and 77,40 ± 19,04 cmH2O for girls and boys, respectively. CONCLUSION: the values of maximal respiratory pressures obtained by this study in a sample of Brazilian children aged 7 to 10 years did not differ from those proposed by Domenech-Clar et al. However the reference values provided by Szeinberg et al. overestimated the values of maximal respiratory pressures of the children evaluated. The equations proposed by Wilson et al. were successful in predicting the values of maximal respiratory pressures in the population studied.

Systematic Review and Recommendations for Intracompartmental Pressure Monitoring in Diagnosing Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Leg

Although all intracompartmental pressure (ICP) measurement, magnetic resonance imaging, and near-infrared spectroscopy seem to be useful in confirming the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), no standard diagnostic procedure is currently universally accepted. We reviewed systematically the relevant published evidence on diagnostic criteria commonly in use for CECS to address 3 main questions: (1) Is there a standard diagnostic method available? (2) What ICP threshold criteria should be used for diagnosing CECS? (3) What are the criteria and options for surgical management? Finally, we made statements on the strength of each diagnostic criterion of ICP based on a rigorous standardized process. We searched for studies that investigated ICP measurements in diagnosing CECS in the leg of human subjects, using PubMed, Score, PEDRO, Cochrane, Scopus, SportDiscus, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar. Initial searches were performed using the phrase, "chronic exertional compartment syndrome." The phrase "compartment syndrome" was then combined, using Boolean connectors ("OR" and "AND") with the words "diagnosis," "parameters," "levels," "localisation," or "measurement." Data extracted from each study included study design, number of subjects, number of controls, ICP instrument used, compartments measured, limb position during measurements, catheter position, exercise protocol, timing of measurements, mean resting compartment pressures, mean maximal compartment pressures, mean postexercise compartment pressures, diagnostic criteria used, and whether a reference diagnostic standard was used. The quality of studies was assessed based on the approach used by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in judging the quality of diagnostic studies, and recommendations were made regarding each ICP diagnostic criteria in the literature by taking into account the quality and quantity of the available studies proposing each criterion. In the review, 32 studies were included. The studies varied in the ICP measurement techniques used; the most commonly measured compartment was the anterior muscle compartment, and the exercise protocol varied between running, walking, and ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion exercises. Preexercise, mean values ranged from 7.4 to 50.8 mm Hg for CECS patients, and 5.7 to 12 mm Hg in controls; measurements during exercise showed mean pressure readings ranging from 42 to 150 mm Hg in patients and 28 to 141 mm Hg in controls. No overlap between subjects and controls in mean ICP measurements was found at the 1-minute postexercise timing interval only showing values ranging from 34 to 55.4 mm Hg and 9 to 19 mm Hg in CECS patients and controls, respectively. The quality of the studies was generally not high, and we found the evidence for commonly used ICP criteria in diagnosing CECS to be weak. Studies in which an independent, blinded comparison is made with a valid reference standard among consecutive patients are yet to be undertaken. There should also be an agreed ICP test protocol for diagnosing CECS because the variability here contributes to the large differences in ICP measurements and hence diagnostic thresholds between studies. Current ICP pressure criteria for CECS diagnosis are therefore unreliable, and emphasis should remain on good history. However, clinicians may consider measurements taken at 1 minute after exercise because mean levels at this timing interval only did not overlap between subjects and controls in the studies we analyzed. Levels above the highest reported value for controls here (27.5 mm Hg) along with a good history, should be regarded as highly suggestive of CECS. It is evident that to achieve an objective recommendation for ICP threshold there is a need to set up a multi-center study group to reach an agreed testing protocol and modify the preliminary recommendations we have made.

212 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PERIPROSTATIC IMPLANTATION AND INTRACAVERNOSAL INJECTION OF ADIPOSE TISSUE-DERIVED STEM CELLS FOR ERECTILE FUNCTION RECOVERY IN A RAT MODEL OF CAVERNOUS NERVE INJURY

You have accessJournal of UrologyStem Cell Research1 Apr 2012212 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PERIPROSTATIC IMPLANTATION AND INTRACAVERNOSAL INJECTION OF ADIPOSE TISSUE-DERIVED STEM CELLS FOR ERECTILE FUNCTION RECOVERY IN A RAT MODEL OF CAVERNOUS NERVE INJURY Dalsan You, Chunwoo Lee, Myoung Jin Jang, Jiyeon Lee, Nayoung Suh, In Gab Jeong, Kyung Hyun Moon, Sang Hyeon Cheon, Tai Young Ahn, and Choung-Soo Kim Dalsan YouDalsan You Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author , Chunwoo LeeChunwoo Lee Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author , Myoung Jin JangMyoung Jin Jang Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author , Jiyeon LeeJiyeon Lee Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author , Nayoung SuhNayoung Suh Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author , In Gab JeongIn Gab Jeong Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author , Kyung Hyun MoonKyung Hyun Moon Ulsan, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author , Sang Hyeon CheonSang Hyeon Cheon Ulsan, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author , Tai Young AhnTai Young Ahn Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author , and Choung-Soo KimChoung-Soo Kim Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.265AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Stem cell therapy using adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) has evolved as a potential neuromodulatory mode of treatment following cavernous nerve (CN) injury. We compared periprostatic implantation (PPI) and intracavernosal injection (ICI) of ADSCs in terms of facilitation of erectile function recovery in a rat model of CN injury. METHODS Bilateral cavernous nerve dissection (BCND) was performed in 40 animals and laparotomy only in another 10 (the sham group). The 40 rats that underwent BCND were randomly divided into four groups (10 animals per group); 1) ICI of 0.1 mol/l phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and PPI of fibrin sealant (the injured control group), 2) PPI of ADSC-seeded fibrin sealant (the PPI group), 3) ICI of ADSCs (the ICI group), and 4) PPI of ADSC-seeded fibrin sealant and ICI of ADSCs (the combination group). Erectile responses to electric pelvic ganglion stimulation were studied. Each penis was evaluated in terms of the numbers of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-expressing nerve fibers and smooth muscle/collagen ratios. Each prostate was examined to identify ADSCs that were differentiating into neuroglial cells. RESULTS The ratio of mean maximal intracavernosal pressure to mean arterial pressure was significantly decreased in the injured control group (24.5%) compared to the sham group (64.2%). PPI and ICI significantly improved erectile function (46.7% and 47.9%, respectively) compared to the injured control group. A combination of PPI and ICI (42.5%) did not afford any incremental effect on erectile function. After stem cell therapy, the numbers of nNOS-expressing nerve fibers in the ICI group increased only slightly, whereas the numbers in the PPI and combined treatment groups exhibited marked increases. In both the ICI and combined treatment groups, the smooth muscle/collagen ratio was similar to the sham group. However, in the PPI group, the ratio was similar to the injured control group. After 4 weeks, some CELL STAKER™-labeled ADSCs were found at the sites of transplantation. CONCLUSIONS Following PPI or ICI of ADSCs in a rat model of CN injury, recovery of penile erection was noted. Both methods were equally effective, but may address different types of pathophysiology. © 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 187Issue 4SApril 2012Page: e88 Peer Review Report Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Dalsan You Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author Chunwoo Lee Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author Myoung Jin Jang Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author Jiyeon Lee Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author Nayoung Suh Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author In Gab Jeong Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author Kyung Hyun Moon Ulsan, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author Sang Hyeon Cheon Ulsan, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author Tai Young Ahn Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author Choung-Soo Kim Seoul, Korea, Republic of More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

중족골 바 형태의 전족부 라커 신발이 하지 근 활성도 및 족저압력 분포에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of forefoot rocker shoes equipped with a metatarsal bar on lower extremity muscle activity and plantar pressure distribution. Ten healthy women in the age of twenties were participated in this study as the subjects. All subjects walked on a treadmill(Gait Trainer, BIODEX, USA) wearing normal shoes and metatarsal bar shoes, during which the plantar pressure distribution and muscle activity were measured. Using Pedar-X system(Novel Gmbh, Germany), the plantar pressure was measured for six regions of the foot: forefoot, midfoot, rearfoot, 1st metatarsal, 2-3th metatarsal, and 4-5th metatarsal, and for each sub-region, 4 features such as maximum force, contact area, peak pressure, and mean pressure were analyzed based on the plantar pressure. EMG(Electromyography) activity was measured by attaching surface electrodes to the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius medial head, and magnitude of muscle contraction was analyzed in IEMG(Integrated EMG) value. The results show that the maximum force, contact area, peak pressure, and mean pressure in the midfoot all increased while maximum force, peak pressure, contact area, mean pressure in the 1st metatarsal and 2-3th metatarsal all decreased when wearing functional shoes. Also, muscle activities in the four muscles were all decreased when wearing the functional shoes. This paper suggests that forfoot rocker shoes equipped with a metatarsal bar can help disperse the high pressure and absorb the shock to the foot as well as give positive influence on gait pattern and postural stability by reducing muscle fatigue during walking.

Influence of 4 Interfaces in the Assessment of Maximal Respiratory Pressures

The measurement of maximal respiratory pressure (MRP) is a procedure widely used in clinical practice to evaluate respiratory muscle strength through the maximal inspiratory pressure (P(Imax)) and maximal expiratory pressure (P(Emax)). Its clinical applications include diagnostic procedures and evaluating responses to interventions. However, there is great variability in the equipment and measurement procedures. Understanding the impacts of the characteristics of different interfaces can augment the repeatability of this method and help to establish widely applicable predictive equations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of 4 different interfaces on a subject's capacity to generate MRP and the impact of these interfaces on the repeatability of these measurements. Fifty healthy subjects (mean ± SD age 26.36 ± 4.89 y) with normal spirometry were evaluated. MRP was measured by a digital manometer connected to 4 interfaces using different combinations of mouthpieces and tubes. The following variables were analyzed: maximum mean pressure, peak pressure, plateau pressure, and plateau variation. Analysis of variance for repeated measures or a Friedman test was used to compare the 4 interfaces, with P < .008 after Bonferroni adjustment considered significant. There was no significant difference between the 4 interfaces with respect to maximum mean pressure, peak pressure, plateau pressure, or plateau variation for P(Imax) (P ≥ .49) or P(Emax) (P ≥ .11), nor did the number of tests performed to fulfill the criteria of repeatability for P(Imax) (P = .69) or P(Emax) (P = .47) differ among the 4 interfaces. P(Imax) and P(Emax) values seem not to be influenced by the different interfaces studied, suggesting that patient comfort and availability of interfaces can be considered.

Effect of the vertical baffle height on the liquid sloshing in a three-dimensional rectangular tank

This study aims at investigating the effect of the vertical baffle height on the liquid sloshing in a laterally moving three-dimensional (3D) rectangular tank. To simulate 3D incompressible viscous two-phase flow in a tank partially filled with liquid, the volume of fluid (VOF) method based on the finite volume method has been utilized. The ratio of baffle height (hB) to initial liquid height (h) has been changed in the range 0≤hB/h≤1.2. The critical baffle height is hB/h=0.3 beyond which liquid does not reach the roof of the tank at any instant and consequently does not lead to roof impact. When hB/h>1, the liquid no longer goes over the baffle and the liquid sloshing is restricted to within half of the tank and an almost linear behavior of the free surface is observed in each section. The vortex generated by the flow separation from the baffle tip becomes weaker and smaller with increasing baffle height, leading to a diminished damping effect of the tip vortex on the liquid sloshing. The time variation of pressure, the mean maximum pressure and the free surface elevation in relation to the baffle height have been highlighted.

Validation of subject-specific cardiovascular system models from porcine measurements

A previously validated mathematical model of the cardiovascular system (CVS) is made subject-specific using an iterative, proportional gain-based identification method. Prior works utilised a complete set of experimentally measured data that is not clinically typical or applicable. In this paper, parameters are identified using proportional gain-based control and a minimal, clinically available set of measurements. The new method makes use of several intermediary steps through identification of smaller compartmental models of CVS to reduce the number of parameters identified simultaneously and increase the convergence stability of the method. This new, clinically relevant, minimal measurement approach is validated using a porcine model of acute pulmonary embolism (APE).Trials were performed on five pigs, each inserted with three autologous blood clots of decreasing size over a period of four to five hours. All experiments were reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty at the University of Liege, Belgium. Continuous aortic and pulmonary artery pressures (Pao, Ppa) were measured along with left and right ventricle pressure and volume waveforms. Subject-specific CVS models were identified from global end diastolic volume (GEDV), stroke volume (SV), Pao, and Ppa measurements, with the mean volumes and maximum pressures of the left and right ventricles used to verify the accuracy of the fitted models.The inputs (GEDV, SV, Pao, Ppa) used in the identification process were matched by the CVS model to errors <0.5%. Prediction of the mean ventricular volumes and maximum ventricular pressures not used to fit the model compared experimental measurements to median absolute errors of 4.3% and 4.4%, which are equivalent to the measurement errors of currently used monitoring devices in the ICU (∼5–10%). These results validate the potential for implementing this approach in the intensive care unit.

Glued Functions - Based Assessment of Interpolation Accuracy of Self-Ignition Engine Real Indicator Diagram

The paper aims to provide an analysis and accuracy assessment of the interpolation of real indicator diagrams, averaged over 50 runs, performed with the use of glued functions which analytically describe the form of those diagrams. The analysis and accuracy assessment were carried out for values of mean indicated pressure p¬i and indicated efficiency determined for real and interpolated diagrams. The paper also presents the analysis and assessment of error in the determination of the mean maximum pressure value in the working cycle of the AD3.152 UR engine fuelled by diesel oil, pure methyl ester of rapeseed oil fatty acids FAME and the blend of both fuels marked B20. When the indicator diagram was taken experimentally, the engine operated in the mode of external speed characteristics at the crankshaft rotational velocity n=2000 rpm.

Finite Element Analysis of Donning Procedure of a Prosthetic Transfemoral Socket

Lower limb amputation is a severe psychological and physical event in a patient. A prosthetic solution can be provided but should respond to a patient-specific need to accommodate for the geometrical and biomechanical specificities. A new approach to calculate the stress-strain state at the interaction between the socket and the stump of five transfemoral amputees is presented. In this study the socket donning procedure is modeled using an explicit finite element method based on the patient-specific geometry obtained from CT and laser scan data. Over stumps the mean maximum pressure is 4 kPa (SD 1.7) and the mean maximum shear stresses are 1.4 kPa (SD 0.6) and 0.6 kPa (SD 0.3) in longitudinal and circumferential directions, respectively. Locations of the maximum values are according to pressure zones at the sockets. The stress-strain states obtained in this study can be considered more reliable than others, since there are normal and tangential stresses associated to the socket donning procedure.

Clinical Prediction of Weaning and Extubation in Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Units

Our objective was to describe, in Australian and New Zealand adult intensive care units, the relative frequency in which various clinical criteria were used to predict weaning and extubation, and the weaning methods employed. Participant intensivists at 55 intensive care units completed a self-administered questionnaire, using visual analogue scales (0 = not at all predictive, 10 = perfectly predictive, not used = null score) to record the perceived utility of 30 potential predictors. Survey response rate was 71% (164/230). Those variables thought most predictive of weaning readiness were respiratory rate (median score 8.0, interquartile range 7.0 to 8.6) effective cough (7.3, 5.9 to 8.2) and pressure support setting (7.2, 6.0 to 8.0). The most highly rated predictors of extubation success were effective cough (8.0, 7.0 to 9.0), respiratory rate (8.0, 7.0 to 8.5) and Glasgow Coma Score (7.9, 6.1 to 8.3). Variables perceived least predictive of weaning and extubation success were P0.1, Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation score II, mean arterial pressure, electrolytes and maximum inspiratory pressure (individual median scores < 5). Most popular clinical criteria were those perceived to have high predictive accuracy, both for weaning (respiratory rate 96%, pressure support setting 94% and Glasgow coma score 91%) and extubation readiness (respiratory rate 98%, effective cough 94% and Glasgow Coma Score 92%). Weaning mostly employed pressure support ventilation (55%), with less use of synchronised intermittent mandatory ventilation (32%) and spontaneous breathing trials (13%). Classic ventilatory performance predictors including respiratory rate and effective cough were reported to be of greater clinical utility than other more recently proposed measures.

보행 시 변형 및 복원이 가능한 인솔에 대한 족저압력 비교 분석

The purpose of this study was to analyze the distribution of foot pressure generated by active materials of a functional insole. Comfort is an important consideration while selectingfootwear and insoles. Consequently, it has an influence on injury. The development of new materials for functional insoles is considered one of the more important points for their manufacture. The method adopted in this study is as follows. First, ten healthy males were selected as subjects for the study. Each subject's foof was pre-screened podoscope(Alfoots, Korea) to check for the presence of any foot abnormalities, Two kinds of equipment were used for the study: a foot pressure device from Pedar-X, Germany, and a treadmill from Pulsefitness, UK. Next, each subject was asked to test four types of insoles(insoles of outdoor shoes, indoor shoes, walking shoes, and sports shoes) via walking trials on the treadmill at a constant speed of 4.2 km/h. The pressure distribution data(contact area, maximum force, maximum peak pressure, and maximum mean pressure) was collected using the pressure device at a sampling rate of 100 Hz. Results of the tests showed that all four types of functional insoles increased contact areas whit the foot. Further, functional insoles of walking shoes and sport shoes decreased the foot pressure. From these results, we conclude that the active materials of functional insoles of shoes can increase the contact area and provide greater comfort.

Maximal respiratory pressures in healthy boys who practice swimming or indoor soccer and in healthy sedentary boys

The purpose of this study was to investigate respiratory muscle strength in boys who practice swimming or indoor soccer and in their sedentary counterparts. Seventy-five 7- and 8-year-old boys were included; 25 were swimmers (group 1), 25 played indoor soccer (group 2), and 25 were sedentary (group 3). All subjects underwent anthropometric evaluation. Maximal respiratory pressures were measured by manometry. Data were analyzed by using ANOVA and the Tukey–Kramer post hoc test (significance level: p < 0.05). Mean maximal inspiratory pressures in groups 1, 2, and 3 were –109.67 ± 11.06, –90.74 ± 16.06, and –90.67 ± 19.93 cm H2O, respectively (p < 0.001 by ANOVA; group 1 × group 2: p < 0.001; group 1 × group 3: p < 0.001; group 2 × group 3: p > 0.05 by Tukey–Kramer). Mean maximal expiratory pressures in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 108.17 ± 9.90, 92.32 ±11.67, and 91.33 ±15.17 cm H2O, respectively (p < 0.0001 by ANOVA; group 1 × group 2: p < 0.001; group 1 × group 3: p < 0.001; group 2 × group 3: p > 0.05 by Tukey–Kramer). Swimmers showed better maximal respiratory pressures than indoor soccer players and sedentary subjects. No significant difference was observed between the results for soccer players and sedentary subjects.