Middle Branch Research Articles

Chemical and Geological Control on Surface Water within the Shade River Watershed in Southeastern Ohio

The under-sampled middle and western branches of Shade River Watershed (SRW) in SE Ohio were investigated as part of the Ohio University—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) STAR grant. This project was for monitoring the quality of watersheds in Ohio and classifying them according to their physical, chemical, and biological conditions. Water samples, as well as field parameters, were taken at twenty-two sites for chemical analyses. The ions analyzed included Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Al, NO3, SO4, HCO3, and total PO4, while the field parameters measured included pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and alkalinity. To assess the water quality within the SRW, the analyzed ions and field parameters were compared to the USEPA criteria for the survival of aquatic life. Analytical results showed that the watershed is dominated by Ca-HCO3waters with DO, Fe, Mn, and PO4being the main causes of impairment within the streams. The relatively elevated concentrations of manganese and less extent iron may be associated with the local geology and the acidic nature of the soils. The high alkalinity and calcium concentrations are due to the limestone geology. The elevated phosphate concentration may be due to anthropogenic sources, fertilizers, or contributions from phosphorus-rich bedrock that differs geochemically from other areas.

Circularly Polarized Crossed Dipole on an HIS for 2.4/5.2/5.8-GHz WLAN Applications

A triband circularly polarized (CP) crossed-dipole antenna is introduced for 2.4/5.2/5.8-GHz wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. It employs a single feed and only two crossed trident-shaped dipoles as the primary radiating elements. To achieve a compact radiator size, two techniques are utilized, namely, insertion of a meander-line segment in the middle branch of the tridents and termination of all trident arms with arrowhead-shaped tips. The crossed trident-shaped dipoles are backed by a high impedance surface (HIS) to achieve a broadband characteristic and unidirectional radiation pattern at three bands. The measured impedance bandwidths, based on the -10-dB reflection coefficient values, are 2.21-2.62 GHz (410 MHz), 5.02-5.44 GHz (420 MHz), and 5.62-5.96 GHz (340 MHz), and the measured 3-dB axial-ratio bandwidths are 2.34-2.58 GHz (240 MHz), 5.14-5.38 GHz (240 MHz), and 5.72-5.88 GHz (160 MHz). The proposed antenna exhibits right-hand circular-polarized radiation with high gain.

Cardiac arrest in the elderly with silent myocardial ischemia during general anesthesia

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the elderly. As with myocardial ischemia, some patients with myocardial infarct may be completely asymptomatic or symptoms may be so vague that they are unrecognized by the patient. Routine electrocardiogram (ECG) sometimes cannot diagnose the signs of it [1]. When we anesthetize the elderly with silent myocardial ischemia (SMI), he can be exposed to a high risk of cardiac arrest during anesthesia. If ECG cannot rule out SMI, We have to find another test for searching SMI. We experienced cardiac arrest of the elderly with SMI during general endotracheal anesthesia. We gave routine anesthesia to the elderly patient for ENT surgery, but after anesthesia, severe cardiac arrhythmia and arrest occurred. After proper treatment, though he recovered, he might have cardiovascular injuries. If one test checked out the elderly with SMI, the accident would not have occurred during anesthesia. We want to report the case and study with a literature review. A 65 years old man whose height and weight were 164 cm and 50 kg, respectively, visited our hospital to undergo surgery for a laryngeal nodule under general endotracheal anesthesia. He did not present diabetes mellitus and hypertension in past history. The patient had a nodule-like opaque shadow of the right lung in chest PA, rightward axis and bradycardia (54 beats/ min) in the electrocardiogram. The other laboratory findings were non-specific and he did not have any another symptoms. His blood pressure was 140/80 mmHg, pulse rate was 90 beats/ min, oxygen saturation of pulse oximeter was 97% on arrival of operation room. We induced the elderly gentleman with propofol 100 mg, atracurium 30 mg after full mask ventilation with 100% oxygen. He was soon anesthetized, and intubated by direct laryngoscope with 6.o sized right angle preformed tube. When intubated, his blood pressure was 190/100 mmHg, he was ventilated with a tidal volume of 500 ml by an anesthetic machine. Continuous anesthetic maintenance was oxygen 2 L/ min, N2O 2 L/min, sevoflurane 2 -3 vol%. After 10 minutes, his cardiac rhythm was irregular in the electrocardiogram, blood pressure was not able to check in noninvasive blood pressure. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed, He recovered and soon, vital signs were stable. The surgery was discontinued and he was transferred to a coronary angiographic room. We could see two coronary arteries stenosis, which were 80% stenosis in the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery and 50% stenosis in the middle branch of the right coronary artery in the coronary angiogram (Fig. 1). Aging is a universal and progressive physiologic process characterized by the declining end-organ reserve, decreased functional capacity, increasing imbalance of homeostatic mechanisms, and an increasing incidence of pathologic processes [2]. Especially in the cardiovascular system, the aging process is associated with primary and secondary changes in the heart, primary changes in the blood vessels, and alterations in autonomic control. As the heart ages, changes in morphology occur. Myocyte count deceases, left ventricular wall thickening occurs, and the conduction fiber density and sinus node cell number decrease [3]. Age related diseases in the cardiovascular system are hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart diseases, and they exhibit a higher incidence in elderly individuals.

Relationship Between the N Concentration of the Leaf Subtending Boll and the Cotton Fiber Quality

This experiments were conducted in Nanjing (118°50′E, 32°02′N) and Xuzhou (117°11 ′E, 34°15′N), Jiangsu Province, China, to study the response of fiber quality to the N concentration of the leaf subtending boll in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Results suggested that the N dilution curve of the leaf subtending boll can accurately indicate the stage-specific plant N status for fiber development. Fiber strength is likely to be the most variable fiber quality index responding to the leaf N variation which is different in cultivars. Fiber length was the most stable index among strength, length, micronaire, and elongation. There existed an optimum leaf N concentration for fiber strength development in each stage. The optimum leaf N regression curve was very close to the N dilution curve in the middle positional fruiting branches under the 240 kg N ha−1 soil N application rate.

Importance of conserving middle hepatic vein distal branches for homogeneous regeneration of the left liver after right hepatectomy

BackgroundLiver regeneration enables repeat surgical procedures to achieve a potential cure in liver cancer patients. However, data regarding segmental regeneration and liver anatomy after liver resection are scarce. This study examined left liver regeneration after right hepatectomy and the impact of hepatic venous drainage on the regeneration of the paramedian sector (Couinaud's segment IV). MethodsTwenty patients in whom right hepatectomy with conservation of the middle hepatic vein (MHV) on healthy liver had been performed were analysed for segmental volumes and vascular anatomy. Volumetric analysis of left liver segments and three-dimensional MHV reconstruction were conducted using pre- and postoperative computed tomography. The volumetric proportions represented by each segment within the left liver were compared and MHV anatomy was analysed to determine its potential role in the regeneration of left liver segments. ResultsAfter right hepatectomy, the proportion represented by segment IV within the left liver decreases by 13%, whereas the proportion represented by segments II and III increases by 15%. This heterogeneous regeneration is particularly observed in patients in whom a venous branch for segment IVb is sacrificed, leading to an altered outflow similar to that observed in MHV deprivation. The risk for venous branch deprivation in IVb is correlated to the depth of the bifurcation of the MHV in liver parenchyma. ConclusionsIt is crucial to conserve the MHV in its distal part if homogeneous left liver regeneration after right hepatectomy that will allow potential repeat liver resection is to be achieved.

Meningeal management for optimal revascularization from middle meningeal artery

Numerous surgical techniques have been developed and refined for the treatment of moyamoya disease. Among the indirect techniques of revascularization, encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis has been recognized as effective in promoting revascularization and reversing symptomatology. Neovascularization occurs between the donor artery, either the superficial temporal artery or the occipital artery, and the underlying ischemic cortex. Additionally, the middle meningeal artery and its dural branches have also been shown to contribute to collateral blood supply. In this report the authors describe an integrated management of the meninges for optimal revascularization. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the 3 major layers of the dura and describe a technique of dural splitting at the locus minoris resistentiae between the dura mater's vascular (middle) layer and internal median layer. Applying the dura's vascular layer to the surface of the brain after opening of the arachnoid is designed to optimize dural-pial synangiosis related to middle meningeal artery branches.

Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass Surgery for Stroke Prevention in Hemodynamic Cerebral Ischemia

Context Patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic internal carotid artery occlusion (AICAO) and hemodynamic cerebral ischemia are at high risk for subsequent stroke when treated medically. Objective To test the hypothesis that extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery, added to best medical therapy, reduces subsequent ipsilateral ischemic stroke in patients with recently symptomatic AICAO and hemodynamic cerebral ischemia. Design Parallel-group, randomized, open-label, blinded-adjudication clinical treatment trial conducted from 2002 to 2010. Setting Forty-nine clinical centers and 18 positron emission tomography (PET) centers in the United States and Canada. The majority were academic medical centers. Participants Patients with arteriographically confirmed AICAO causing hemispheric symptoms within 120 days and hemodynamic cerebral ischemia identified by ipsilateral increased oxygen extraction fraction measured by PET. Of 195 patients who were randomized, 97 were randomized to receive surgery and 98 to no surgery. Follow-up for the primary end point until occurrence, 2 years, or termination of trial was 99% complete. No participant withdrew because of adverse events. Interventions Anastomosis of superficial temporal artery branch to a middle cerebral artery cortical branch for the surgical group. Antithrombotic therapy and risk factor intervention were recommended for all participants. Main Outcome Measure For all participants who were assigned to surgery and received surgery, the combination of (1) all stroke and death from surgery through 30 days after surgery and (2) ipsilateral ischemic stroke within 2 years of randomization. For the nonsurgical group and participants assigned to surgery who did not receive surgery, the combination of (1) all stroke and death from randomization to randomization plus 30 days and (2) ipsilateral ischemic stroke within 2 years of randomization. Results The trial was terminated early for futility. Two-year rates for the primary end point were 21.0% (95% CI, 12.8% to 29.2%; 20 events) for the surgical group and 22.7% (95% CI, 13.9% to 31.6%; 20 events) for the nonsurgical group (P = .78, Z test), a difference of 1.7% (95% CI, −10.4% to 13.8%). Thirty-day rates for ipsilateral ischemic stroke were 14.4% (14/97) in the surgical group and 2.0% (2/98) in the nonsurgical group, a difference of 12.4% (95% CI, 4.9% to 19.9%). Conclusion Among participants with recently symptomatic AICAO and hemodynamic cerebral ischemia, EC-IC bypass surgery plus medical therapy compared with medical therapy alone did not reduce the risk of recurrent ipsilateral ischemic stroke at 2 years. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00029146

A middle mesenteric artery

In 114 cases of the transverse colon isolated from cadavers (50 male, 64 female), anatomical examinations of the arterial system of the colon were performed. Arteriograms were obtained after dissecting and contrasting the colonic vessels with Mixobar contrast. In one case, on arteriography of the colon with its mesentery isolated from a 55-year-old male cadaver, a rare anatomical variant was found. The third mesenteric artery originated directly from the aorta—halfway between the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries and ascended obliquely in the direction of the hepatic flexure of the colon. Supply area of the artery was typical for the middle colic branch of the superior mesenteric artery: the distal segment of the ascending colon and the transverse colon. Such a variation, although very rare, may have particular impact on diagnosis and even the method and range of surgery.

Semi-analytical solutions for dispersive shock waves in colloidal media

The diffractive resolution of a discontinuity at the edge of an optical beam in a colloidal suspension of spherical dielectric nanoparticles by a collisionless shock, or dispersive shock wave, is studied. The interaction of the nanoparticles is modelled as a hard-sphere gas with the Carnahan–Starling formula used for the gas compressibility. The governing equation is a focusing nonlinear Schrödinger-type equation with an implicit nonlinearity. It is found that the discontinuity is resolved through the formation of a dispersive shock wave which forms before the eventual onset of modulational instability. A semi-analytical solution is developed in the (1 + 1) dimensional case by approximating the dispersive shock wave as a train of uniform solitary waves. A semi-analytical solution is also developed for a (2 + 1) dimensional circular dispersive shock wave for the case in which the radius of the bore is large. Depending on the value of the background packing fraction, three qualitatively different solitary wave amplitude versus jump height diagrams are possible. For large background packing fractions a single stable solution branch occurs. At moderate values an S-shaped response curve results, with multiple solution branches, while for small values the upper solution branch separates from the middle unstable branch. Hence, for low to moderate values of the background packing fraction the dispersive shock bifurcates from the low to the high power branch as the jump height, the height of the input beam’s edge discontinuity, is increased. These multiple steady-state response diagrams, also typically found in combustion applications, are unusual in applications involving solitary waves. The predictions of the semi-analytical theory are found to be in excellent agreement with numerical solutions of the governing equations for both line and circular dispersive shock waves. The method used represents a new technique for obtaining semi-analytical results for a dispersive shock wave in a focusing medium.

Bifurcation structure of adaptation versus depolarization block

Midbrain dopamine neurons fire in a pacemaker-like fashion in vitro where they are deprived of most afferent input. In vivo, these neurons can emit a burst of action potentials with fast (~50 Hz) frequencies [1]. However, simple somatic depolarization of these neurons does not elicit such rapid firing because the neurons cease firing at levels of depolarizing somatic current injection stronger than those that elicit repetitive firing at about 10 Hz [2]. Here we argue that in the case of simple somatic current injection, firing ceases due to adaptation rather than depolarization block. We hypothesize that the primary adaptation mechanism is the slow inactivation of the fast sodium current [3], which causes the spike threshold to become more depolarized with each spike until spiking fails. We contrast the bifurcation structure of a simple 3 variable model that ceases to fire via this mechanism with a two variable model that fails by going into depolarization block. In both cases, spontaneous firing is characterized by an N shaped voltage nullcline with two stable branches. For the depolarization block, firing ceases when the fixed point moves from the unstable to the stable branch at the knee of the nullcline (Fig.​(Fig.1).1). The action potentials decrease in amplitude both at the peak and the trough, and the resulting stable potential is much more depolarized than the spike threshold for the adaptation case. In contrast, for the adaptation case, only the peaks of the action potential decrease slightly, and the final stable potential is at the spike threshold. As slow inactivation proceeds, the voltage nullcline loses the unstable middle branch, and the two stable branches merge. Spiking fails when the trajectory no longer crosses the unstable middle branch (the spike threshold) because the increasing ISI length allows for more fast inactivation. The two mechanisms can be differentiated experimentally: an additional depolarizing square pulse of current applied just after the last spike should evoke an additional action potential for adaptation, but not depolarization block. Figure 1 Spike Failure via Adaptation. (A) Time course of the membrane potential (top) and slow Na+ channel inactivation, middle), during spike failure after a depolarizing current step (bottom). (B) Phase plane for fast/slow analysis. The N shaped voltage nullcline ...

Indirect revascularization for nonmoyamoya intracranial arterial stenoses: clinical and angiographic outcomes

Symptomatic intracranial arterial stenoses have a high rate of recurrent stroke despite medical and endovascular treatments. The authors present clinical and angiographic quantitative outcomes of indirect revascularization for patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis. Patients treated for symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis by indirect revascularization were included. The patient population comprised those in whom medical management had failed and for whom endovascular therapy was unsuitable or had failed. Patients underwent encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) with or without bur holes. Preoperative and postoperative angiograms were evaluated for change in caliber of extracranial blood vessels (superficial temporal artery [STA] and middle meningeal artery [MMA]) and for evidence of neovascularization. Thirteen patients underwent EDAS. Ischemic symptoms ceased within the follow-up period in all patients, returning in a delayed fashion in only 2. No other patients had recurrent TIAs or strokes after the initial postoperative period. Donor blood vessels increased in size relative to preoperative sizes in all but 1 case (average increase of 52% for proximal STA [p=0.01], 74% for midpoint of STA [p=0.01], and 84% for the MMA [p=0.02]). In addition, 8 of 11 patients demonstrated direct spontaneous anastomoses from extracranial to middle cerebral artery branches, and all patients demonstrated angiographic evidence of vascular blush and/or new branches from the STA and/or MMA. Indirect revascularization appears to be a safe and effective method to improve blood flow to ischemic brain due to intracranial arterial stenosis. Neovascularization and enlargement of the branches of the ECA were observed in all patients and correlated with improvement in ischemic symptoms. Indirect revascularization is an option for patients in whom medical therapy has failed and who are not suitable for endovascular treatment.

The anatomy of the pectoral nerves and its significance in breast augmentation, axillary dissection and pectoral muscle flaps

In many plastic surgeries, a detailed understanding of the pectoral nerve anatomy is often required. However, the information available on the anatomy of pectoral nerves is sparse and unclear. The purpose of this study is to provide detailed anatomical information on the pectoral nerves to allow for their easy intra-operative localisation and to improve the understanding of the pectoral muscle innervation. We dissected 26 brachial plexuses from 15 fresh cadavers. The origins, locations, courses and branches of the pectoral nerves were recorded. We found three constant branches of the pectoral nerve. The superior branch travelled in a straight course to the pectoralis major to innervate the clavicular aspect. The middle branch coursed on the under-surface of the pectoralis major near the pectoral branch of the thoraco-acromial artery to innervate the muscle's sternal aspect. The inferior branch passed beneath the pectoralis minor muscle to innervate the pectoralis minor muscle and the costal aspect of the pectoralis major muscle. Knowing the pectoral nerves' origins, courses and connections, in addition to understanding the functional consequences of iatrogenically severing these nerves, leads to a better understanding of the pectoral muscle's innervation. Precise anatomical data on the pectoral nerve allow for its easy localisation during axillary breast augmentation, axillary dissection, removal of the pectoralis minor muscle and harvesting the pectoralis major muscle island flap.

Experimental study on the effects of operating parameters on the performance of a transpiring-wall supercritical water oxidation reactor

An experimental study on the effect of process parameters on the performance of a transpiring wall reactor was conducted in a supercritical water oxidation pilot plant. The optimized process parameters were obtained based on temperature profiles and gas–liquid products. Higher feed concentrations are favorable for feed degradation because of the higher reaction temperatures. The useful residence time (URT) declines from 17.2s to 10.0s when the feed flow increases from 8kg/h to 17kg/h. Thus, higher feed flows result in incomplete feed degradation because of shorter URT. The appropriate feed flow for the pilot reactor is lower than 14kg/h. A total organic carbon (TOC) removal above 99% is achieved even at a feed temperature of 369°C. The transpiration intensity (0.04 to 0.08) has minor effect on the temperature profiles and feed degradation, showing that the mixing and cooling effect of transpiring water can be offset within the transpiration intensity range of 0.04 to 0.08. Increasing of the inlet temperature of the upper branch of transpiring water improves TOC removal. In addition, TOC removal exceeds 99% when the temperature of the middle branch of transpiring water is above 285°C.

Stability and sustained oscillations in a ventricular cardiomyocyte model

The Luo-Rudy I model, describing the electrophysiology of a ventricular cardiomyocyte, is associated with an 8-dimensional discontinuous dynamical system with logarithmic and exponential non-linearities depending on 15 parameters. The associated stationary problem was reduced to a nonlinear system in only two unknowns, the transmembrane potential V and the intracellular calcium concentration [Ca]( i ). By numerical approaches appropriate to bifurcation problems, sections in the static bifurcation diagram were determined. For a variable steady depolarizing or hyperpolarizing current (I (st)), the corresponding projection of the static bifurcation diagram in the (I (st), V) plane is complex, featuring three branches of stationary solutions joined by two limit points. On the upper branch oscillations can occur, being either damped at a stable focus or diverted to the lower branch of stable stationary solutions when reaching the unstable manifold of a homoclinic saddle, thus resulting in early after-depolarizations (EADs). The middle branch of solutions is a series of unstable saddle points, while the lower one a series of stable nodes. For variable slow inward and K(+) current maximal conductances (g (si) and g (K)), in a range between 0 and 4-fold normal values, the dynamics is even more complex, and in certain instances sustained oscillations tending to a limit cycle appear. All these types of behavior were correctly predicted by linear stability analysis and bifurcation theory methods, leading to identification of Hopf bifurcation points, limit points of cycles and period doubling bifurcations. In particular settings, e.g. one-fifth-of-normal g (si), EADs and sustained high amplitude oscillations due to an unstable resting state may occur simultaneously.

Thrombus Branching and Vessel Curvature Are Important Determinants of Middle Cerebral Artery Trunk Recanalization With Merci Thrombectomy Devices

Determinants of successful recanalization likely differ for Merci thrombectomy and intra-arterial pharmacological fibrinolysis interventions. Although the amount of thrombotic material to be digested is an important consideration for chemical lysis, mechanical debulking may be more greatly influenced by other target lesion characteristics. In consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with Merci thrombectomy for middle cerebral artery M1 occlusions, we analyzed the influence on recanalization success and clinical outcome of target thrombus size (length) and shape (curvature and branching) on pretreatment T2* gradient echo MRI. Among 65 patients, pretreatment MRI showed susceptibility vessel signs in 45 (69%). Thrombus length averaged 13.03 mm (range, 5.56-34.91) and irregular shape (curvature or branching) was present in 17 of 45 (38%). Presence and length of susceptibility vessel signs did not predict recanalization or good clinical outcome. Substantial recanalization (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction 2b or 3) and good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) were more frequent with regular than irregular susceptibility vessel signs shape (57% versus 18%, P=0.013; 39% versus 6%, P=0.017). On multiple regression analysis, the only independent predictor of substantial recanalization was irregular susceptibility vessel signs (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04-0.69; P=0.014); and leading predictors of good clinical outcome were baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.03-1.40; P= 0.019) and irregular susceptibility vessel signs (OR, 9.36; 95% CI, 0.98-89.4; P=0.052). Extension of thrombus into middle cerebral artery division branches and curving shape of the middle cerebral artery stem, but not thrombus length, decrease technical and clinical success of Merci thrombectomy in M1 occlusions.

Canard-Like Explosion of Limit Cycles in Two-Dimensional Piecewise-Linear Models of FitzHugh–Nagumo Type

We investigate the mechanism of abrupt transition between small- and large amplitude oscillations in fast-slow piecewise-linear (PWL) models of FitzHugh–Nagumo (FHN) type. In the context of neuroscience, these oscillatory regimes correspond to subthreshold oscillations and action potentials (spikes), respectively. The minimal model that shows such phenomena has a cubic-like nullcline (for the fast equation) with two or more linear pieces in the middle branch and one piece in the left and right branches. Simpler models with only one linear piece in the middle branch or a discontinuity between the left and right branches (McKean model) show a single oscillatory mode. As the number of linear pieces increases, PWL models of FHN type approach smooth FHN-type models. For the minimal model we investigate the bifurcation structure; we describe the mechanism that leads to the abrupt, canard-like transition between subthreshold oscillations and spikes; and we provide an analytical way of predicting the amplitude regime of a given limit cycle trajectory which includes the approximation of the canard critical control parameter. We extend our results to models with a larger number of linear pieces. Our results for PWL-FHN-type models are consistent with similar results for smooth FHN-type models. In addition, we develop tools that are amenable for the investigation of a variety of related, and more complex, problems including forced, stochastic, and coupled oscillators.

Control of Rabi Splitting Energies in CuCl Microcavities with HfO2/SiO2 Distributed Bragg Reflectors

Abstract The exciton-photon interaction in CuCl microcavities with HfO2/SiO2 distributed Bragg reflectors has been investigated from the viewpoint of the active-layer-thickness dependence of the interaction energy, the so-called vacuum Rabi splitting energy. The active layer thickness was changed from A/32 to A/5, where A corresponds to an effective resonant wavelength of the lowest-lying Z3 exciton. We performed angle-resolved reflectance measurements, and clearly detected three cavity-polariton modes originating from the lower, middle, and upper polariton branches in a strong coupling regime of the Z3 and Z1,2 excitons, and cavity photon. The incidence-angle dependence of the cavity-polariton energies was analyzed with a phenomenological Hamiltonian for the strong coupling. The vacuum Rabi splitting energies are systematically controlled from 22 (37) to 68 (122) meV for the Z3 (Z1,2) exciton with an increase in the active layer thickness. The active-layer-thickness dependence of the Rabi splitting energy is quantitatively explained using a simple model for quantum-well microcavities.

Pocket Brain Review

Neuroanatomy teaching most often takes the form of detailed didactic lectures, consolidated by application of new knowledge in the anatomy laboratory where cadaveric specimens can be closely examined, and are often accompanied by clinical vignettes and imaging correlates. Such exposure to neuroanatomy is undoubtedly effective, but for learners then proceeding to further training where neuroanatomy is frequently relevant, portable, accessible, and accurate learning aids are invaluable. The emergence and now ubiquitous availability of smartphones and tablets provides an opportunity for all areas of medical education, and may be particularly amenable to the areas requiring memorization of structures in three dimensions, such as anatomy. Pocket Brain is a new application from eMedia Interactive Ltd. that aims to facilitate neuroanatomy education, through the use of interactive 3D multi-layer models and labeled cross sections of the brain. The app also includes labeled cross sections and animations of the four major tracts. Maneuvering through the application is intuitive, and as tested (version 1.2 on the iPhone 4s with iOS 6.0, and on the iPad 1 with iOS 5.1.1) the application runs well without hang time or crashes. Where the iPhone version shines, the iPad version is even better for demonstration and discussion purposes with its larger screen. Figure 1 Snapshot of 3D Brain Layers within the Pocket Brain application. Pocket Brain includes a glossary that is aimed at a relatively introductory level (i.e., anatomy students, medical students, nursing, and allied health) as well as eight clinical cases that allow the user to localize the lesion and form a diagnosis. The ability to view the brain from different angles in three-dimensional space and to peel off layers in the process makes it useful for illustrating the relative locations of structures (i.e., arterial supply and cranial nerves when discussing aneurysms). However, the level of detail available is limited, particularly on the labeling of vascular structures, which limits the app’s usefulness as a learning tool beyond the level of senior medical or anatomy student, and restricts its utility for localization at the clinic or ward. Similarly, the cross-sectional views are simplified, with a sufficient level of detail for introductory learners, but not for those beyond the senior medical or anatomy student level. I would recommend Pocket Brain for students learning neuroanatomy at the introductory level. For residents and consultants in neurology and neurosurgery, though, Pocket Brain will have limited utility in the clinic and at the bedside from a teaching perspective. The true potential of this application is in future version updates. The foundation for a broadly useful application for both medical education as well as clinical localization is there. Future updates could include more detailed vascular anatomy (i.e., middle cerebral artery branch labels with vascular territories for vascular lesion localization), connectivity between nuclei (i.e., movement disorder pathways), and cerebrospinal fluid flow patterns (including common points of obstruction and the clinical consequences). Anatomical details for specific clinical syndromes (i.e., internuclear ophthalmoplegia) would make Pocket Brain more useful to senior learners. Pocket Brain is among the first useful applications for neuroanatomy education, but the limitations cited above should be considered. While certainly useful for students new to neuroanatomy, the potential for more anatomical detail in future updates makes this application worth watching for expanded appeal to neurologists and to the broader neurosciences community.

Bony Canals Along The Course of Middle Meningeal Artery In Dry Skulls

Abstract Background : The middle meningeal artery courses in the middle cranial fossa and divides into two or three branches. The branches of the artery are sometimes enclosed within a bony canal. The artery and its branches are likely to get tom in cases of epidural hematomas and may require ligation. Aims: The aim of the study is to report the variations in the branching pattern of middle meningeal artery and incidence of bony canals along the course of these branches. Materials: The study material consisted of 77 bases of dry skulls (154 sides) and the findings were supplemented with dissection of four cadaveric skulls. Results and Conclusions : The length of stem of middle meningeal artery, from foramen spinosum to its division into branches varied from 0.56 to 5.83 mm on the right side and 0.58- 7.53mm on the left. The mean length of the stem was 3.04 on the right side and 3.01 on the left (S D ± 1.4). The middle meningeal artery divided into anterior and posterior branches in all the sides of skull. A middle branch constituting a third branch of middle meningeal artery was observed in 44.15% (68 sides) which arose either from its anterior 35.29% (24 sides) or posterior branch 64.71 % (44 sides). Bony canals were observed in 39.61 % (61 sides). The anterior branch was enclosed in a bony canal in 37.66% (58 sides) and the posterior branch in 1.94% (3 sides). The variations in the course, branching pattern and bony canals along middle meningeal artery are of clinical significance while treating extradural and subdural hemorrhages as due to these variations and presence of bony canal in course of middle meningeal artery, ligation of the vessel may be totally or partially insufficient.

Bony canals along the course of middle meningeal artery in dry skulls

Background: The middle meningeal artery courses in the middle cranial fossa and divides into two or three branches. The branches of the artery are sometimes enclosed within a bony canal. The artery and its branches are likely to get torn in cases of epidural hematomas and may require ligation. Aims: The aim of the study is to report the variations in the branching pattern of middle meningeal artery and incidence of bony canals along the course of these branches. Materials: The study material consisted of 77 bases of dry skulls (154 sides) and the findings were supplemented with dissection of four cadaveric skulls. Results and Conclusions: The length of stem of middle meningeal artery, from foramen spinosum to its division into branches varied from 0.56 to 5.83 mm on the right side and 0.58- 7.53mm on the left. The mean length of the stem was 3.04 on the right side and 3.01 on the left (S D ± 1.4). The middle meningeal artery divided into anterior and posterior branches in all the sides of skull. A middle branch constituting a third branch of middle meningeal artery was observed in 44.15% (68 sides) which arose either from its anterior 35.29% (24 sides) or posterior branch 64.71% (44 sides). Bony canals were observed in 39.61% (61 sides). The anterior branch was enclosed in a bony canal in 37.66% (58 sides) and the posterior branch in 1.94% (3 sides). The variations in the course, branching pattern and bony canals along middle meningeal artery are of clinical significance while treating extradural and subdural hemorrhages as due to these variations and presence of bony canal in course of middle meningeal artery, ligation of the vessel may be totally or partially insufficient.