Median Width Research Articles

Intraoperative Botulinum Toxin Chemodenervation and Analgesia in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.

Purpose. To analyze the impact of botulinum toxin chemodenervation on postoperative opiate consumption through a novel intraoperative injection protocol. Methods. A retrospective review of the implementation of a novel intraoperative botulinum toxin injection into both rectus and oblique musculature. Patients undergoing open retrorectus release, with and without intraoperative chemodenervation with Botox, were retrospectively collected between 2015 and 2019. Demographics, comorbidities, and opioid use in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) were retrospectively captured. Basic descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis were performed. Results. 19 patients in the Botox and 22 in the no Botox group were analyzed. Basic demographics were similar with female preponderance in the Botox group, 58% vs 27%, P = .05. Median hernia length was 15cm for both groups (P = .57), median hernia width was 8 vs 9cm (P = .39), epidural catheter used in 0 vs 4 (P = .11), transverse abdominal plane blocks in 3 vs 4 (P = 1), median MME usage was 191 vs 230 (P = .37) in the inpatient setting, 225 vs 300 (P = .17) in the outpatient setting, and 405 vs 568 (P = .07) in total for Botox vs no Botox groups. Stepwise linear regression analysis identified Botox as the only predictor for MME usage, P = .048. Conclusions. Chemodenervation was the only factor associated with reduced opioid usage compared to a standard group using multimodality analgesia. The role of muscular pain in laparotomy is likely underappreciated and understudied. Intraoperative selective muscular chemodenervation may play a significant role in recovery from abdominal surgery and requires further study.

Aortic valve neocuspidalization in paediatric patients with isolated aortic valve disease: early experience.

There is growing interest in the aortic valve (AV) neocuspidalization technique for the treatment of aortic valve disease (AVD). We report our medium-term results with this procedure performed in a paediatric patient population. Between July 2016 and May 2020, 22 patients with both congenital and acquired isolated AVD were treated with neocuspidalization. The primary outcome was progression of the preoperatively assessed AVD in the immediate postoperative course and at follow-up. Secondary outcome was freedom from reintervention by material used. Potential predictors of failure were analysed in relation to the primary outcome. The median age at operation was 13.9 (interquartile range, 9.8-16.2) years, and the prevailing AV defect was stenosis in 10 cases (45%) and incompetence in 12 (55%). Pre-treated autologous pericardium was used in 13 patients whereas bovine pericardium in 9. Effective treatment of AV stenosis or regurgitation was achieved and remained stable over a median follow-up of 11.3 (4.7-21) months. Three patients required AV replacement at 4.9, 3.5 and 33 months. At follow-up, an upward trend of both median indexed vena contracta jet widths and aortic peak and mean gradients were recorded, the latter associated with a failure to grow the aortic annulus. Predictor of such outcome turned out to be the use of bovine pericardium. A significant inverse linear correlation between AV peak gradient at follow-up and preoperative aortic annular size (P = 0.008) was also demonstrated. The Ozaki procedure is safe and effective in paediatric patients with AV disease. The use of heterologous pericardium should probably be minimized. Moreover, preoperative small aortic annuli should probably be promptly treated by means of an associated ring enlargement procedure.

Improvements of some roundabout Intersections using capacity model Analysis

Several methods of analysis have been proposed to analyze the ability of vehicles to rotate and manoeuvre during roundabout intersections. Some models have been using formulas and calculations for extracting the results manually, while other models have been used to use the engineering software for the model. Given these differences, it may not be clear how best to use them in a particular situation. When comparing methods of capacity analysis, it will be useful to know how the various techniques are performed across a set of approaches Conflicting volumes. This paper reports on the ability of techniques to rotate multiple pathways based on maximum entry and exit traffic volumes using several methods of analysis. The research study the capacity model for some roundabout intersections in Hilla city, they are, (Al- Mohafada, Al-Saia and, Sahat Abn-Idreas). The capacity equations have been examined using some of the software programs, Highway Capacity HSC 2010, (Signalized Intersection Design and Research Aid) SIDRA, (macroscopic analysis and optimization software application). Synchro 10, to reach the best solutions to describe traffic capacity for each intersection within the study area. Data have been collected according to field survey include traffic volume for different types of vehicles and pedestrians, within antemeridian & post-meridiem (a.m&p.m ) Peak Hour Volume (PHV), Number of lanes, lane width, median width, shoulder width and pedestrians crossing included too, using video technique method. Comparing the capacity for each approach and intersections using the above software programs on the bases of several variables: V/c, delay time, LOS and queue length. It was concluded that all intersections appear with the level of service LOS (E–F) according to (V/c)>1 and increase the delay time. Also, LOS improved from (F to C) when adding one lane for each approach for Al-Mohafada roundabout intersection according to output SIDRA software, as well as it was found that SIDRA software program gives significant results on a capacity model due to take into account the geometric characteristics of the intersections and pedestrian movements and crossing. Likewise, the Syncro program creates simulations of the roundabout with the traffic volumes entering the roundabout intersection, through which it identifies the conflicting points inside the circular intersection and shows the delay in each approach and also shows the queue for each approach.

Mini-laparoscopic adrenalectomy with transgastric specimen extraction.

We aimed to describe the initial experience of mini-laparoscopic adrenalectomy combined with transgastric specimen extraction and to assess its safety and feasibility. We used only 5-mm trocars, three ports for left adrenalectomy and four for right. Intraoperative gastroscopy was performed for specimen extraction through the mouth via an endoscopic snare. The gastrotomy was closed intracorporeally. Demographic, perioperative and pathological data were analyzed. There were 16 patients (12 females) with the mean ageof 46.5 ± 11.3years and half of them had previous abdominal surgeries. The median operative time was 150 (45-432) min with a median blood loss of 88 (0-350) ml. The median oral intake time was 2 (1-4) days and themedian length of hospital stay was 2 (2-5) days. There was no mortality and extraction-related complication. Histopathological median tumor length, width and depth were 3cm, 2.15cm, and 1.9cm, respectively. The median specimen length, width and depth were 6.25cm, 4cm, and 2.2cm, respectively. Mini-laparoscopic adrenalectomy combined with transgastric specimen extraction is a safe and feasible surgical technique. It provides a less invasive surgery and may also have some benefits on wound-related complications and cosmesis.

The ALPINE-ALMA [CII] survey: Data processing, catalogs, and statistical source properties

The Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) Large Program to INvestigate [CII] at Early times (ALPINE) targets the [CII] 158 μm line and the far-infrared continuum in 118 spectroscopically confirmed star-forming galaxies between z = 4.4 and z = 5.9. It represents the first large [CII] statistical sample built in this redshift range. We present details regarding the data processing and the construction of the catalogs. We detected 23 of our targets in the continuum. To derive accurate infrared luminosities and obscured star formation rates (SFRs), we measured the conversion factor from the ALMA 158 μm rest-frame dust continuum luminosity to the total infrared luminosity (LIR) after constraining the dust spectral energy distribution by stacking a photometric sample similar to ALPINE in ancillary single-dish far-infrared data. We found that our continuum detections have a median LIR of 4.4 × 1011 L⊙. We also detected 57 additional continuum sources in our ALMA pointings. They are at a lower redshift than the ALPINE targets, with a mean photometric redshift of 2.5 ± 0.2. We measured the 850 μm number counts between 0.35 and 3.5 mJy, thus improving the current interferometric constraints in this flux density range. We found a slope break in the number counts around 3 mJy with a shallower slope below this value. More than 40% of the cosmic infrared background is emitted by sources brighter than 0.35 mJy. Finally, we detected the [CII] line in 75 of our targets. Their median [CII] luminosity is 4.8 × 108 L⊙ and their median full width at half maximum is 252 km s−1. After measuring the mean obscured SFR in various [CII] luminosity bins by stacking ALPINE continuum data, we find a good agreement between our data and the local and predicted SFR–L[CII] relations.

Theory of neural coding predicts an upper bound on estimates of memory variability.

Observers reproducing elementary visual features from memory after a short delay produce errors consistent with the encoding-decoding properties of neural populations. While inspired by electrophysiological observations of sensory neurons in cortex, the population coding account of these errors is based on a mathematical idealization of neural response functions that abstracts away most of the heterogeneity and complexity of real neuronal populations. Here we examine a more physiologically grounded model based on the tuning of a large set of neurons recorded in macaque V1 and show that key predictions of the idealized model are preserved. Both models predict long-tailed distributions of error when memory resources are taxed, as observed empirically in behavioral experiments and commonly approximated with a mixture of normal and uniform error components. Specifically, for an idealized homogeneous neural population, the width of the fitted normal distribution cannot exceed the average tuning width of the component neurons, and this also holds to a good approximation for more biologically realistic populations. Examining eight published studies of orientation recall, we find a consistent pattern of results suggestive of a median tuning width of approximately 20°, which compares well with neurophysiological observations. The finding that estimates of variability obtained by the normal-plus-uniform mixture method are bounded from above leads us to reevaluate previous studies that interpreted a saturation in width of the normal component as evidence for fundamental limits on the precision of perception, working memory, and long-term memory.

Localized fault-zone dilatancy and surface inelasticity of the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes

Earthquakes produce a spectrum of elastic and inelastic deformation processes that are reflected across various length and time scales. While elasticity has long dominated research assumptions in active tectonics, increasing interest has focused on the inelastic characteristics of earthquakes, particularly those of the surface fault rupture zone itself, and how they relate to ground rupture hazard and the mechanics of damage zones. Here we present detailed co-seismic surface-strain analysis of the 2019 Ridgecrest, California, earthquakes. We derive three-dimensional high-resolution surface displacements from satellite optical imagery, which we then invert for the co-seismic surface-strain tensors. We show that fault-zone dilation is pervasive throughout these earthquakes and that inelastic failure is present but relatively localized (median width of 31 m). The width of the inelastic failure zone is not correlated to off-fault deformation, surface geology or displacement magnitude. Instead, the extent and kinematics of inelastic failure reflect active, mylonitic deformation of the fault damage zone that is influenced by rupture velocity and fault maturity. These results highlight how a single earthquake contributes to the long-term, permanent geologic record of faulting. Inelastic failure in the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes was localized and influenced by mylonitic deformation of the fault damage zone, according to an analysis of surface displacements derived from satellite images.

What is the dosimetric impact of isotropic vs anisotropic safety margins for delineation of the clinical target volume in breast brachytherapy?

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to report dosimetric differences for breast brachytherapy plans optimized for clinical target volume (CTV) generated using conventional isotropic expansion of tumor bed volume (TBV) and Groupe Européen de Curiethérapie–European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (GEC-ESTRO) recommendations to expand the TBV anisotropically to achieve a total safety margin of 2 cm (resection margin size + added safety margin). MethodsInstitutional records of 100 patients who underwent accelerated partial breast irradiation using multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy from May 2015 to March 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Two sets of CT-based plans were made, one with 1-cm isotropic margins around the tumor bed (CTV_ISO) and the other with anisotropic margins (CTV_GEC). Plans were evaluated and compared using the American Brachytherapy Society and GEC-ESTRO guidelines. ResultsThe median TBV was 36.97 cc. The median margin widths were as follows: anterior 1.2, posterior 1.0, superior 1.0, inferior 0.9, medial 1.2, and lateral 1.2 cm. The mean tumor bed coverage index was 0.94; 0.93 [p.066], the CTV coverage index 0.86; 0.84 [p 0.001], the dose homogeneity index (DHI) 0.77; 0.75 [p < 0.001] and the conformity index 0.66; 0.64 [p < 0.001] in CTV_ISO and CTV_GEC plans, respectively. In smaller volume implants (TBV< 35 cc), the DHI was 0.76; 0.75 [p 0.008] and the conformity index was 0.66; 0.62 [p < 0.001], whereas in larger volumes >35 cc, the CTV coverage index was 0.86; 0.84 [p 0.003] and the DHI 0.78; 0.76 [p 0.001] in CTV_ISO and CTV_GEC plans, respectively. ConclusionsIn this cohort of patients who underwent accelerated partial breast irradiation, plans with anisotropic margins had lower conformity, the impact of which was predominantly seen in smaller implants. Rest of the dosimetric constraints were achieved in both the plans as per the American Brachytherapy Society and GEC-ESTRO guidelines.

Adsorption of Rare Earth Elements onto DNA-Functionalized Mesoporous Carbon.

The recovery and separation of rare earth elements (REEs) are of national importance owing to the specific usages, high demand, and low supply of these elements. In this research, we have investigated the adsorption of rare earth elements onto DNA-functionalized mesoporous carbons with a BET surface area of 605 m2/g and a median mesopore width of 48 Å. Three types of single-stranded DNA, one with 100 base units of thymine, another with 20 units of thymine, and the third, a 2000 unit long DNA from salmon milt were grafted on the carboxylated mesoporous carbon surface. All of the DNA-functionalized mesoporous carbons demonstrated higher adsorption of REEs compared to pristine mesoporous carbon and DNA grafted with 100 units of thymine demonstrated slightly higher adsorbed amounts compared to others. Pure neodymium (Nd(III)) adsorption in the aqueous phase demonstrated an adsorbed amount of 110.4 mg/g with respect to the initial concentration of 500 mg/g. A pH variation study with pure Nd(III) demonstrated that the adsorbed amount is higher at elevated pH compared to that at lower pH, thereby suggesting possible recovery at lower pH. Adsorption of a mixture of 16 REEs, including Sc, Lu, Tm, Yb, Er, Ho, Tb, Dy, Y, Eu, Gd, Sm, Ce, Nd, Pr, and La revealed that the adsorbed amount increased with an increase in the atomic weight and metallic radii of elements within the lanthanides. The calculation of the distribution coefficients for all of the equilibrium adsorption amounts suggested that adsorption is more effective in the lower concentration region. The Nd L3-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) confirmed a 3+ oxidation state of Nd in the adsorbed phase. The extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) confirmed the local atomic structure relaxation of Nd complexes in the adsorbed phase and shortening of the Nd-O bond distance by about 0.03-0.04 Å, which may be associated with their local complexation at the carbon surface.

Revascularization After H-plasty Reconstructive Surgery in the Periorbital Region Monitored With Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging.

H-plasty reconstructive surgery is commonly used to close defects after tumor excision in the periorbital region. Revascularization of the bipedicle skin flaps is essential for healing. However, it has not previously been possible to study this revascularization in humans due to the lack of noninvasive perfusion monitoring techniques. The aim was to monitor perfusion in H-plasty flaps during surgery and during postoperative follow-up, using laser speckle contrast imaging. H-plasty, i.e., bipedicle random advancement skin flaps, was used for reconstruction of the eyelids after tumor removal in 7 patients. The median length and width of the skin flaps were 13 mm (range, 8-20 mm) and 10 mm (range, 5-11 mm), respectively. Blood perfusion was measured using laser speckle contrast imaging during surgery and at follow up 1, 3, and 6 weeks postoperatively, to monitor revascularization. Immediately postoperatively, the perfusion in the distal end of the flaps had fallen to 54% (95% CI, 38%-67%). The perfusion then quickly increased during the healing process, being 104% (86%-124%) after 1 week, 115% (94%-129%) after 3 weeks, and 112% (96%-137%) after 6 weeks. There was no clinically observable ischemia or tissue necrosis. Revascularization of the H-plasty procedure flaps occurs quickly, within a week postoperatively, presumably due to the existing vascular network of the flap pedicle, and was not dependent on significant angiogenesis. This perfusion study confirms the general opinion that H-plasty is a good reconstructive technique, especially in the periorbital region with its rich vascular supply.

Morphology and morphometric variations in Indian populations of Meloidogyne graminicola Golden and Birchfield, 1965

The study aimed at the morphological and morphometrical characterisation of eight populations of Meloidogyne graminicola from India. We studied different life stages, female, second-stage juveniles (J2s) and eggs of each M. graminicola population. Female characters such as stylet length, distance from the head-end to the median bulb, length and width of metacorpus valve were considered as stable characters. The distance between anus to vulval slit, and phasmid to the anus in perineal pattern showed the least variations. Similarly in body length, stylet length, and the ratio of c-value in J2s showed the least variations. This study noted two types of J2s; the short-form in Assam, Karnataka, Odisha, and West Bengal and the long-form in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. They could be easily identified; the short form J2s is 410-480 µm and the long-form is 510-580 µm.

Estimation of the size at sexual maturity of the bat ray (Myliobatis californica) in northwestern Mexico through a multi-model inference

The median disc width at maturity DW^50) of males (n=91, 32.2–92.0 cm) and females (n=157, 31.0–130.0 cm) of the bat ray (Myliobatis californica) was estimated through a multi-model inference in northwestern Mexico. Gompertz’s model and four common logistics models (Lysack, Bakhayokho, White, and Brouwer and Griffiths) were compared and all fit the data well (Akaike’s differences ≤2). Logistics models estimated the same DW^50 for M. californica, and had similar Akaike’s weight suggesting that they are redundant models. Therefore, multi-model inference was performed individually with Gompertz’s model and each one of the logistic models to estimate an average model DW¯50, resulting in 64.6 cm DW for males and 99.0 cm DW for females in all analyzes. Multi-model inference is a useful tool to estimate the DW^50 of a species with greater reliability, but redundant models must not be combined in this analysis. Thus, in this case it is advisable to perform the multi-model inference with Gompertz’s model and any of logistic models. The information obtained could contribute to the fishing management of the species, which becomes more relevant considering the high percentage of immature individuals of M. californica (53% of males and 90% of females) observed in the landings from Bahía Tortugas zone, Mexico.

Factors associated with red-light running among motorcyclists at signalised junctions in Malaysia

Red-light running (RLR) among motorcyclists at signalised junctions (SJ) in Malaysia are common. This study investigates factors associated with RLR among motorcyclists at signalised junctions. The observation was conducted in 2016–2017, at 26 signalised junctions nationwide, and was analysed using the mixed-effect logistic regression. Out of the 53,475 observed vehicles, only 3.6% run the red light (by which 99% are motorcycles), and from the 19,232 observed motorcycles, 26.2% among motorcyclists run the red light while 54.1% of them, run the red-light without stopping. Factors associated with a high probability of RLR are male riders who do not wear a helmet, who approach the SJ via lane split, who cross SJ via turning, SJ with no traffic island, and SJ with the presence of vehicles waiting on one or both legs. The random parameters show that the majority (83%) of variation in the outcomes occurs among the riders (at Level 1), which suggest that motorcyclists’ characteristics and riding behaviour are still the main factors in affecting the RLR occurrences and require more in-depth study. While 1.5% of variation occurs among the type of motorcycle by region (at Level 2), it also shows that RLR occurs regardless. Other variations are from the range of median width (3.9% at Level 3) and the speed limit range along major roads (9.5% at Level 4). To reduce RLR among motorcyclists, we are recommending that SJ be equipped with traffic islands, and replace the overhead signal pole with pedestal pole.

Pathological Validity of Using Near-infrared Fluorescence Imaging for Securing Surgical Margins During Liver Resection.

This study investigated the use of near-infrared fluorescent imaging for securing safe margins during liver resection. This study included 125 patients who underwent liver tumor resection in 2014-2018. Indocyanine green testing was performed 2-14 days before surgery. Histopathological specimens of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) were evaluated using fluorescent microscopy. Fluorescence microscopy identified signals in 26/53 (49.0%) and 36/72 (50%) cases of HCC and CRLM, respectively. HCC demonstrated total, partial, rim, and combined fluorescence patterns; CRLM uniformly demonstrated rim fluorescence. Although rim fluorescence was seen in both HCC and CRLM, no malignancy was confirmed pathologically in the peritumoral area demonstrating fluorescence. The median widths of fluorescence from the tumor edge in HCC and CRLM were 1227.5 μm and 1608 μm, respectively, with no significant difference. Near-infrared fluorescent imaging can reliably detect safe surgical margins intraoperatively during liver resection.

Segmentation effect on developing safety performance functions for rural arterial roads in Egypt

This paper presents the development of safety performance functions (SPFs) for major rural arterial roads in Egypt. Four segmentation methods were used for the SPFs development: (1) constant section length of one kilometer (S1), because crash data are reported for every kilometer; (2) homogenous sections (S2), following the highway safety manual (HSM) recommendation; (3) variable sections with respect to the presence of curvatures (S3); and (4) variable sections with respect to the presence of both curvatures and U-turns (S4). The generalized linear modeling technique was used for SPFs development using the stepwise procedure, with/without considering time effect (i.e. year-to-year variation). The Akaike information criterion, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, and mean prediction bias along with the cumulative residual (CURE) plots are used to evaluate the prediction accuracy of the proposed models. The segmentation method was found to affect the prediction accuracy of the calibrated SPFs. For total crashes, the calibrated SPF model based on the S3 segmentation method with the time-trend model form is superior to SPFs calibrated based on other segmentation methods. While S1 and S4 segmentation methods without the time-trend model form produced the best SPFs for “fatal and injury” crashes and property damage only crashes, respectively. In addition, the results showed that by increasing each of the pavement, shoulder, and median widths, the probability of crash occurrence is likely to decrease. In addition, the presences of either horizontal curves and/or accesses are most likely to reduce the probability of crash occurrence.

Characterization of Mandibular First Molar Extraction Space for Dental Implant Placement Using CBCT Imaging – A Retrospective Analysis

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the consequences of untreated mandibular first molar extraction space on alveolar bone and adjacent teeth to suggest appropriate implant size selection and direction of its placement to achieve a favorable relationship between the prosthetic part, the implant fixture, and the adjacent teeth. &#x0D; Methods: This observational study evaluated 183 CBCT of mandibular first molar extraction spaces to measure adjacent teeth angulations, height, width, and length of interdental crestal bone. Besides interdental distance, unopposed teeth overeruption, and inferior alveolar nerve canal position were measured, and the continuous data have been subjected to the normality test to calculate the Mean and median of the variables.&#x0D; Results: Mean molar-premolar, molar-bone crest, and premolar bone crest angles were 48.5±12.14◦, 46.4±11.9◦ , and 84.8±9.0◦ , respectively. Mean molar-premolar crestal bone lengths 11.66 ± 2.32 mm. The median bone width was 6.46 mm, and the median interdental distance was 7.54 mm. The mean alveolar crest to the roof of the inferior alveolar nerve canal was 16.42 ± 2.82 mm.&#x0D; Conclusions: Untreated mandibular first molar extraction spaces significantly compromised interdental spaces and bone properties for proposing proper implant size, positions, and angulations.

Probing the initial conditions of high-mass star formation

Context. The initial stage of star formation is a complex area of study because of the high densities (nH2 &gt; 106 cm−3) and low temperatures (Tdust &lt; 18 K) involved. Under such conditions, many molecules become depleted from the gas phase by freezing out onto dust grains. However, the deuterated species could remain gaseous under these extreme conditions, which would indicate that they may serve as ideal tracers. Aims. We investigate the gas dynamics and NH2D chemistry in eight massive precluster and protocluster clumps (G18.17, G18.21, G23.97N, G23.98, G23.44, G23.97S, G25.38, and G25.71). Methods. We present NH2D 111–101 (at 85.926 GHz), NH3 (1, 1), and (2, 2) observations in the eight clumps using the PdBI and the VLA, respectively. We used 3D GAUSSCLUMPS to extract NH2D cores and provide a statistical view of their deuterium chemistry. We used NH3 (1, 1) and (2, 2) data to investigate the temperature and dynamics of dense and cold objects. Results. We find that the distribution between deuterium fractionation and kinetic temperature shows a number density peak at around Tkin = 16.1 K and the NH2D cores are mainly located at a temperature range of 13.0 to 22.0 K. The 3.5 mm continuum cores have a kinetic temperature with a median width of 22.1 ± 4.3 K, which is obviously higher than the temperature in NH2D cores. We detected seven instances of extremely high deuterium fractionation of 1.0 ≤ Dfrac ≤ 1.41. We find that the NH2D emission does not appear to coincide exactly with either dust continuum or NH3 peak positions, but it often surrounds the star-formation active regions. This suggests that the NH2D has been destroyed by the central young stellar object (YSO) due to heating. The detected NH2D lines are very narrow with a median width of 0.98 ± 0.02 km s−1, which is dominated by non-thermal broadening. The extracted NH2D cores are gravitationally bound (αvir &lt; 1), they are likely to be prestellar or starless, and can potentially form intermediate-mass or high-mass stars in future. Using NH3 (1, 1) as a dynamical tracer, we find evidence of very complicated dynamical movement in all the eight clumps, which can be explained by a combined process with outflow, rotation, convergent flow, collision, large velocity gradient, and rotating toroids. Conclusions. High deuterium fractionation strongly depends on the temperature condition. Tracing NH2D is a poor evolutionary indicator of high-mass star formation in evolved stages, but it is a useful tracer in starless and prestellar cores.

Factors influencing pedestrians’ decision to cross the road by risky rolling gap crossing strategy at intersections in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Pedestrian road-crossing strategy is one of the most important pedestrian road-crossing behaviors. The safety of the pedestrians often depends on it. Among the road-crossing strategies, rolling gap crossing strategy is the riskiest one. The objective of this research was to explore the factors that influenced pedestrians’ decision to cross the road by rolling gap crossing at intersection. Data regarding road-crossing strategy of the pedestrians, their characteristics, their road-crossing behavior, intersection geometry, and traffic environmental condition were collected through videography survey method, on-site observation, and secondary source from six intersections of Dhaka, Bangladesh. A binary logistic regression model was developed in this study by using the collected data. Results of the developed model showed that seven statistically significant factors strongly influenced pedestrians’ decision to cross the road by rolling gap crossing at intersections. These factors were intersection control type, median width, vehicle flow, available gap on the road, age group of the pedestrians, their crossing group size, and their behavior of crosswalk usage. The results of this study would help the policymakers to take proper interventions to alleviate pedestrian safety problems.

Artificial Oral Processing of Extruded Pea Flour Snacks

The structure of extruded pea flour can affect chewing performances. Our objective was to relate the bolus properties (fragmentation, moisture content and viscosity) of chewed extruded pea snacks to their structure. In order to have control over oral physiological parameters, we opted for an in vitro approach using a chewing simulator, the variables of which were the flow rate of artificial salivary fluid and chewing time. The structure of the extruded pea snacks was characterized by its density and protein solubility in dithioerythritol (DTE), which reflected the amount of protein aggregates cross-linked by disulphide bonds. The particle size distribution and median width (D50) of the bolus fragments were determined by imaging technique. Bolus viscosity and saliva uptake (ΔWC) were respectively determined by capillary rheometry and gravimetric method. Extruded snacks were persistently reduced to small particles (~ 2 mm) during chewing process following a unique curve of D50 = f (chewing time) fitted by a power function. ΔWC evolution during chewing process was expressed as a function of the structure index, defined as the product of the snacks’ relative density by protein solubility in DTE. The boluses’ viscosity exhibited a shear thinning behaviour the consistency index of which was negatively correlated to the saliva uptake (ΔWC) through a plasticization coefficient (α). α values (< 2) were much smaller than those reported for cereal products (15–30) and depended on protein solubility in DTE.

Drains result in greater reduction of subdural width and midline shift in burr hole evacuation of chronic subdural haematoma

BackgroundDrain insertion following chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) evacuation reduces recurrence and improves outcomes. The mechanism of this improvement is uncertain. We assessed whether drains result in improved postoperative imaging, and which radiological factors are associated with recurrence and functional outcome.MethodsA multi-centre, prospective cohort study of CSDH patients was performed between May 2013 and January 2014. Patients aged > 16 years undergoing burr hole evacuation of primary CSDH with pre- and postoperative imaging were included in this subgroup analysis. Baseline and clinical details were collected. Pre- and postoperative maximal subdural width and midline shift (MLS) along with clot density were recorded. Primary outcomes comprised mRS at discharge and symptomatic recurrence requiring re-drainage. Comparisons were made using multiple logistic regression.ResultsThree hundred nineteen patients were identified for inclusion. Two hundred seventy-two of 319 (85%) patients underwent drain insertion at the time of surgery versus 45/319 (14%) who did not. Twenty-nine of 272 patients who underwent drain insertion experienced recurrence (10.9%) versus 9 of 45 patients without drain insertion (20.5%; p = 0.07). Overall change in median subdural width was significantly greater in the drain versus ‘no drain’ groups (11 mm versus 6 mm, p < 0.01). Overall change in median midline shift (MLS) was also significantly greater in the drain group (4 mm versus 3 mm, p < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, change in maximal width and MLS were significant predictors of recurrence, although only the former remained a significant predictor for functional outcome.ConclusionsThe use of subdural drains results in significantly improved postoperative imaging in burr hole evacuation of CSDH, thus providing radiological corroboration for their recommended use.