Predetermined Length Research Articles

Preoperative loop length determination for mitral valve repair by 4-dimensional computed tomography

ObjectiveIn the loop technique for mitral valve repair, the loop bundles are usually created during cardiac arrest after chordal length measurements, which seems time-consuming and less reproducible. To address this issue, we determined the loop length preoperatively using 4-dimensional computed tomography. MethodsThe loop length was determined on the basis of the distance from the papillary muscle head to the free margin of nonprolapsing leaflet corresponding to the prolapsed leaflet, to which the loops would be secured. Measurements were made on the commissural and long-axis views created by a medical image post-processor in the late systolic phase. This technique was used in consecutive 45 patients undergoing mitral valve repair with the loop technique since April 2021. ResultsA total of 55 loop bundles were created in 45 patients; in 10 cases loop bundles were fixed to both anterior and posterior papillary muscles. There were 31 posterior, 6 anterior, and 8 bileaflet prolapse. The loop length was set at 16 to 26 mm (median 19 mm). Mitral valve repair was successfully completed in all patients, and the loop bundles of predetermined length were used successfully in 42 patients (93.3%). Postoperative echocardiography revealed none/trace regurgitation in 41 and mild regurgitation in 4. There was no hospital mortality or major postoperative complication. During 4 to 35 months follow-up (median 10 months), no case required reintervention for the mitral valve. ConclusionsPreoperative measurements using 4-dimensional computed tomography can accurately and reproducibly predict the required loop length for mitral valve repair.

Mathematical modeling of dynamic yarn input tension on circular weft knitting machine with positive storage feeding

Yarn input tension (YIT) during knitting has a profound impact on fabric quality. Modern high-speed circular knitting machines are mostly equipped with positive feed system, where a predetermined length of yarn is supplied to knitting zone. Several contributing factors affect YIT and keeping YIT in precise setting is a complex phenomenon. A plethora of studies addressed yarn tensile analysis for different knitting systems. However, a comprehensive description of generated YIT for a positive storage feed based circular weft knitting machine is still missing. This study aimed to navigate YIT mathematically through a model development by analyzing yarn tensile forces for different zones of yarn path in dynamic knitting operation. The model revealed several YIT contributing variables. After evaluating the governing equation, the impact of different variables, and their interdependence have also been discussed. The predicted YIT supported the actual YIT with a mean percentage error of around 10%.

The use of a total bowel length measurement protocol may reduce reoperations and complications after single-anastomosis duodenal switch.

Most surgeons who perform single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal switches (SADI-S) use a pre-determined common channel length without measuring total bowel length (TBL). However, TBL varies between patients, and a standardized common channel length could contribute to malabsorptive complications and reoperations following SADI-S. The purpose of this study was to determine whether using a TBL measurement protocol to individualize common channel length would be associated with reduced reoperations and complications. A prospectively maintained data registry was retrospectively reviewed to identify all patients who underwent SADI-S between September 2017 and February 2022. In April 2021, we began using TBL measurements during SADI-S with 40% of the TBL used as the length for the common channel. Outcomes pre-TBL and post-TBL measurement protocol were compared. A total of 119 SADI-S recipients (59 pre-TBL; 60 post-TBL) were included. The pre-TBL group had a higher frequency of reoperations (23.7% vs 1.7%, p < 0.001) and late complications (29.3% vs 3.3%, p < 0.001). The mean time to reoperation was 13.7months in the pre-TBL group and 6.7months in the post-TBL group (p = 0.347). Patients in the post-TBL group had significantly higher serum albumin levels at 3months (4.2g/dL vs 3.5g/dL, p < 0.001), 6months (4.1g/dL vs 3.6g/dL, p < 0.001), and 12months (4.2g/dL vs 3.8g/dL, p = 0.023) postoperatively when compared to the pre-TBL group. Using TBL measurements to individualize common channel length was associated with a significant reduction in reoperations and late complications following SADI-S.

Forecasting Stock Market Indices Using Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) Based Ensemble Models: LSTM-GRU

A "time sequence analysis" is a particular method for looking at a group of data points gathered over a long period of time. Instead of merely randomly or infrequently, time series analyzers gather information from data points over a predetermined length of time at scheduled times. But this kind of research requires more than just accumulating data over time. Data in time series may be analyzed to illustrate how variables change over time, which makes them different from other types of data. To put it another way, time is a crucial element since it demonstrates how the data changes over the period of the information and the outcomes. It offers a predetermined architecture of data dependencies as well as an extra data source. Time Series forecasting is a crucial field in deep learning because many forecasting issues have a temporal component. A time series is a collection of observations that are made sequentially across time. In this study, we examine distinct machine learning, deep learning and ensemble model algorithms to predict Nike stock price. We are going to use the Nike stock price data from January 2006 to January 2018 and make predictions accordingly. The outcome demonstrates that the hybrid LSTM-GRU model outperformed the other models in terms of performance.

Efficiency of ProTaper Universal Retreatment, Reciproc Blue and XP-endo Shaper in the removal of a bioceramic-based root canal filling.

This in vitro study aimed to assess the performance of ProTaper Universal Retreatment (PTUR), Reciproc Blue (RB), and XP-endo Shaper (XPS) system in the removal of bioceramic root canal filling. Forty-five human single-rooted mandibular premolars were prepared up to 30/.04 and filled with Endosequence BC sealer and BC points before being assigned into three groups (n=15). The root canal fillings were removed until reaching predetermined working length (WL) with PTUR in group 1, RB in group 2, and XPS in group 3. During the removal of the filling material, apically extruded debris was collected in pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes, and operation time was recorded with a digital chronometer. Reaching the WL and maintaining apical patency were evaluated separately. The data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests. The mean amount of extruded debris was highest in the PTUR group, although all instruments caused apical extrusion of debris. The mean time for reaching WL was longest for RB and shortest for XPS, with significant differences among the groups (p<0.05). Although the difference was not significant (p=0.799), in the PTUR group the WL was reached in 93.3% of the samples, which was higher than other groups (86.7%). All tested systems caused a certain amount of debris extrusion. XPS was associated with less extrusion while regaining more rapid access to the periapical area than PTUR and RB.

Imbalanced ensemble learning in determining Parkinson’s disease using Keystroke dynamics

Purpose:The main objective of this study is to propose a Keystroke dynamics (KD) based Parkinson’s disease (PD) indicator using both fixed-text and free-text typing habits on conventional keyboards and homogeneous ensemble learning with several fully balanced bootstrapped training sets for more accurate and robust eHealth applications. Furthermore, this study addresses the six key hypotheses related to our main objective of understanding the risks in this screening process that were previously unknown but important for further improvement. Methods:For a predetermined window length, the Colin Bannard and neuroQWERTY MIT-CSXPD datasets were used to extract a series of key hold times and the time gaps between two consecutive presses and releases as a feature set. A wide range of statistical tools were employed to create a machine learning-ready feature arrangement for continuously generated patterns. A homogeneous ensemble learning approach was then developed using bootstrapping and under-sampling while retaining any rare samples. This model was validated using fifteen fixed-text and free-text inputs obtained from early-stage PD patients, De-novo PD patients, and healthy controls. Results:In the leave-one-user-out cross-validation (LOUOCV) evaluation, the maximum observed area under curve (AUC) is 85.99% ± 0.41 for fixed-text input. However, for free-text inputs, AUC is 78.3% ± 0.86, with a sensitivity/specificity of 74.46%/82.13%. The AUC for detecting De-novo patients is 79.83% ± 1.26, which is somewhat lower than the AUC for determining the early stage of the disease, which is 83.81% ± 0.83. Conclusion:The proposed model is more robust, usable (covert way of data acquisition), fast, and has ease of integration into conventional desktops/laptops suitable for real-life eHealth that could help for better diagnosis, early detection in a home environment, future reference, and treatment or therapy management. However, the subject size, severity levels of the disease, typing duration, feature composition, error in typing, and machine learning (ML) method selection influence the performance of this model. Therefore, careful attention is necessary while designing PD indicators using the proposed approach.

Competency-Based Education: Will This be the New Training Paradigm in Plastic Surgery?

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education created the "Next Accreditation System" in 2013 requiring residents to meet educational milestones based on core competencies over the course of their training. The 6 core competencies include patient care and technical skills, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice. Since the traditional time-based model requires a predetermined length of training irrespective of learning style, pace, or activity, a competency-based model is appealing because it refocuses education on deliberate and relevant skills acquisition and retention. Plastic surgery has been slowly transitioning to competency-based education (CBE), thereby permitting residents to learn at their own pace to master each competency. We performed a nonsystematic literature review of the efficacy of CBE and implementation efforts, particularly within plastic surgery. The literature revealed perceived barriers to implementation, as well as the nuts and bolts of implementation. We highlighted possible solutions and training tools with practical applications in plastic surgery. Success of CBE in plastic surgery requires instituting a transparent process that involves continuously piloting multiple assessment tools and a discussion of related costs. CBE may be particularly appealing for trainees focused on further training in craniofacial or pediatric plastic surgery after completion of an integrated or independent training program in plastic surgery to allow them to focus on their career interests once competence is achieved in the core skills required of a plastic surgeon.

CHALLENGES FACING THE ADOPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF WEATHER INDEXED INSURANCE BY INSURANCE FIRMS

Purpose: The study assessed the challenges facing the adoption and implementation of weather indexed insurance by insurance firms&#x0D; Methodology: This was accomplished through the use of a desktop literature review. The use of Google Scholar was utilized in order to locate seminal references and journal articles that were pertinent to the study. In order to meet the inclusion criteria, the papers had to be no more than ten years old.&#x0D; Findings: Using a certain weather parameter, a specific weather station, and a predetermined length of time, Weather Index Insurance is calculated. To avoid crop losses, the insurance might be constructed to cover against index realizations that are predicted to be too high or low. Pilots and feasibility studies have indicated that while the weather index product appears to be a boon, there are numerous hurdles or downsides to weather index products. Because of this, we set out to find out what obstacles insurance companies may face in implementing weather-indexed insurance. Index insurance's biggest flaw is its exposure to basis risk. In addition, weather-related risks exhibit characteristics that frequently contravene classical insurance rules. Drought and other slow-developing meteorological hazards, such as floods, can have a systemic effect since they are regionally connected. As a result, actuarial ratemaking becomes more challenging because of the increased volatility of meteorological variables and non-stationary loss distributions. Third, a lack of yield and weather data makes it difficult to estimate loss distributions accurately. Some farmers may not comprehend weather index insurance and hence not buy it, and a significant number of farmers may also require a subsidy if they want to get weather insurance.&#x0D; Unique contribution of theory, practice and policy: Crop insurance companies can benefit from approaches like time diversification, local test procedures, and the addition of expert knowledge to observational data, as well as mechanisms like supporting insurance market development as a means of facilitating adaptation. In addition, better training on weather index insurance and regular communication are required.

Uncovering the Dynamics of Confined Water Using Neutron Scattering: Perspectives

The main characteristic of liquid water is the formation of dynamic hydrogen bond networks that occur over a broad range of time scales from tens of femtoseconds to picoseconds and are responsible for water’s unique properties. However, in many important processes water does not exist in its bulk form, but in confined nanometer scale environments. The investigation of this confined water dynamics is challenging since the intermediate strength of the hydrogen bonds makes it possible to alter the structure and dynamics of this constrained water. Even if no single experimental technique can give a full picture of such intricate dynamics, it is well established that quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) is a powerful tool to study the modification of hydrogen bonds in confinement in various materials. This is possible because neutrons tell us where the atoms are and what they are doing, can detect hydrogen, are penetrative and non-destructive. Furthermore, QENS is the only spectroscopic technique that provides information on the dynamics and atomic-motion amplitudes over a predetermined length scale. However scientific value of these data is hardly exploited and never to its full potential. This perspective highlights how new developments on instrumentation and data analysis will lead to appreciable progress in our understanding of the dynamics of complex systems, ranging from biological organisms to cloud formation.

An In - vivo study to evaluate the force decay of three different orthodontic elastomeric ligatures.

Abstract: Background: In vitro studies conducted under simulated oral environment under estimated the force decay of elastomeric ligatures. There are only few invivo studies that are reported evaluating the force decay of elastomeric ligatures. Aim &amp; Objectives: The aim of this in-vivo study was to evaluate the force decay of three different clear elastomeric ligature modules stretched over the lower incisor brackets intra orally over three different time periods at 24 hrs, 7 days and 21 days by comparing it with the force levels evaluated at as received conditions . Materials and methods: Ten patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment with Roth Prescription, 0.022" slot preadjusted edgewise stainless steel brackets with aligning and levelling completed and 0.019" x 0.025" SS arch wire placed passively in the lower arch were included in the study. The three types of elastomeric ligature modules formed the three study groups [Group I: Molded“O” (Ormco, USA),Group II: Alastik (3M Unitek, USA)&amp;Group III: Uni-stick (American orthodontics, USA)] Each group was assigned with a specific lower incisor in each patient and the respective modules were used in the teeth during the study period. The force levels required to stretch the modules to a predetermined length of 4.1mm were evaluated at 4 different time intervals at 0 hour (as received), 24, 7 days, and 21 days after intra-oral use using a universal testing machine (Instron model 1112, Instron Corp.). The mean force values and standard deviations for all the groups at each time period. The mean percentage of force decay between time periods for each study group was calculated. One way ANOVA followed by Post hoc Tukey HSD was performed for within the group and between group comparisons. Paired T test was done for pairwise comparisons. (P value≤ 0.05) Results: The mean force level recorded were high at the base line level with as received modules before inserting into the patients mouth for all the three study groups. The mean force level was 766.50 ± 3.659 gms, 650.50±2.759 gms and 594 .10 ± 4.630 gms for group I, II &amp; III respectively in the as received condition. The percentage of force decay was 32.94 % at 24 hrs and 69.85% at 7 days and 79.31% at 21 days for Group I. A force decay of 31.36%, 70.76% and 79.83% from the base line value was noted in group II at the same time intervals. In Group III The force decay rate at 24 hrs, 7 days and 21 days were 33.29%, 66.10% and 77.12% respectively. One way ANOVA for within group and between group comparison showed a significant difference between the force levels recorded at different time intervals within and between all the three study groups. Post Hoc Tukey HSD revealed a significant difference between the three groups at all the time intervals tested except at 7 days and 21 days where the force levels exerted by the group II and Group III samples were not significantly different. Paired sample T test for pairwise comparison of force exerted between different time intervals in all the three groups revealed a significant difference. Conclusion: Group I clear modules exhibited significantly high mean force and less force decay compared to other groups at all four time intervals tested. The elastomeric modules exhibited significant force decay after 24 hours, 7days and 21 days of intra-oral use except at 7 days and 21 days where the force levels exerted by the group II and Group III samples were not significantly different. The forces at the end of three weeks of intra oral use appeared to be insufficient for effective torquing effect and severe rotational corrections in all the three study groups and hence changing modules sfter three weeks may be beneficial in those cases

Eating Disorder Day Programs: Is There a Best Format?

The use of a Day Program (DP) format (i.e., intensive daily treatment with no overnight admission) has been shown to be an effective treatment for eating disorders (EDs). The disadvantages, however, include higher cost than outpatient treatment (including costs of meals and staff), greater disruption to patients’ lives, and the use of a highly structured and strict schedule that may interrupt the development of patients’ autonomy in taking responsibility for their recovery. This study investigated whether reducing costs of a DP and the disruption to patients’ lives, and increasing opportunity to develop autonomy, impacted clinical outcomes. Three sequential DP formats were compared in the current study: Format 1 was the most expensive (provision of supported dinners three times/week and extended staff hours); Format 2 included only one dinner/week and provision of a take-home meal. Both formats gave greater support to patients who were not progressing well (i.e., extended admission and extensive support from staff when experiencing feelings of suicidality or self-harm). Format 3 did not provide this greater support but established pre-determined admission lengths and required the patient to step out of the program temporarily when feeling suicidal. Fifty-six patients were included in the analyses: 45% were underweight (body mass index (BMI) < 18.5), 96.4% were female, 63% were given a primary diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (or atypical anorexia nervosa), and mean age was 25.57 years. Clinical outcomes were assessed using self-reported measures of disordered eating, psychosocial impairment, and negative mood, but BMI was recorded by staff. Over admission, 4- and 8-week post-admission, and discharge there were no significant differences between any of the clinical outcomes across the three formats. We can tentatively conclude that decreasing costs and increasing the opportunities for autonomy did not negatively impact patient outcomes, but future research should seek to replicate these results in other and larger populations that allow conclusions to be drawn for different eating disorder diagnostic groups.

A clinical study on the tip localization of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) guided by intracavitary electrocardiography in newborns: a randomised trial.

BackgroundThe present study aimed to investigate the P-wave changes in intracavitary electrocardiography (IC-ECG) during catheterization with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in order to provide guidance for the accurate localization of the tip of the PICC.MethodsA total of 106 newborns who needed a PICC were randomly divided into two groups—a study group and a control group—using a random number table, with 53 cases in each group. In the study group, the ECG monitor was connected after the successful puncture and insertion of the PICC into the right sternoclavicular joint, and the position of the catheter tip was determined according to the P-wave changes on the IC-ECG. Localization X-rays were taken at the same time. In the control group, after the successful routine puncture and insertion of the PICC into the location to a predetermined length, localization X-rays were taken. The accuracy, procedure duration, and cost of the two localization methods were evaluated.ResultsThe accuracy of the localization in the study group was 92.5%, but the difference was not significant when compared with the control group (P>0.05). The duration of the procedure in the study group was 5.12±1.57 minutes, and the cost was 7.12±0.56 yuan, both of which were significantly different when compared with the control group (P<0.05).ConclusionsP-wave changes during IC-ECG have high accuracy in determining the location of the tip of the PICC. It is also a simple method and has certain clinical application value.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (number: ChiCTR2100047660).

Harvesting cancellous bone or composite corticocancellous bone grafts from the posterior iliac crest

Harvesting bone-either cancellous bone or composite corticocancellous bone grafts-from the iliac crest is an efficient method for filling or bridging bony defects commonly encountered in comminuted epimetaphyseal fractures (e.g., tibial head fractures), in nonunions or during reconstructive measures as in arthrodesis of major joints or spondylodesis, bone defects due to tumor resection or following eradication of chronic infection. All bone defects with amaximum size of 4-5 cm. Rejection of surgery by the patient, infection or evidence of pathological bony changes in the posterior pelvic rim, inexperience of the surgeon with the procedure. Incision at the posterior iliac crest and removal of astructural or cancellous bone graft of predetermined length. Depending on the bleeding tendency, asuction drain can be inserted. After surgery supine positioning is favorable for wound compression to avoid bleeding as well as sufficient analgesia. Mobilization is dictated by the main operation. The pelvis is not compromised in its mechanical integrity and allows for full weight bearing on the operated side.

Experimental behavior of the shear strength of full-scale precast prestressed double tees

The purpose of this investigation is to emphasize the size effect on the shear properties, especially the shear strength, of precast prestressed double tees for cross-sectional depths not less than 27.56 in. (700 mm). A total of four full-scale prestressed double tees with a single specific ratio of shear span to effective depth were tested under monotonically concentrated loading up to failure. The double tees were composed of two nominal spans of 59.06 ft (18 m) and 78.74 ft (24 m) and untopped and pretopped flanges of thicknesses 1.97 in. (50 mm) and 5.12 in. (130 mm), respectively, with four cross-sectional depths of 27.56 in. (700 mm), 35.43 in. (900 mm), 30.71 in. (780 mm), and 38.58 in. (980 mm). The inclined cracking, deflection of point-load, and failure properties observed were used to evaluate the shear strengths of the double tees. The shear behavior and crack development were significantly influenced by the effective sectional depth and prestressing load which is transferred across a predetermined length near the end of members. The shear strengths obtained from six codes, including GB50010-2010, Model Code 2010, AASHTO-2012, JDG D62-2012, ACI318-14 and Eurocode2 deviated from our experimental results by large margins.

Preparation and analysis of standards containing microfilaments/microplastic with fibre shape

Synthetic clothing represents a primary source of environmental pollution because of shedding of microfilaments during laundry washing or in textile processes. Although many approaches can be used for the evaluation of microplastic, there are no precise guideline to follow for the analysis labs. Here, an accurate method for the preparation of microfilaments standard suspensions to facilitate lab tests and the monitoring of microplastic in different matrices was developed. Different standard suspensions were prepared by using five different synthetic threads consisting of a different number of filaments cut with a predetermined length of 0.2 mm suspended in three different volumes of water. The suspensions were filtered and the microfilaments were counted. The number of microfilaments for each polymer solution were statistically elaborated with a logit model and the results showed that the probability of detecting them is higher than 95% when the concentration of microfilaments/L is lower than 200. Moreover, a relationship between the theoretical microfilaments contained in the samples and the detection probability of the single microfilament, for each suspension volume was highlighted.

Aortic Aneurysm: Fenestrated/Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair (EVAR) and Fenestrated/Branched Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR). Is Total Endovascular Repair Already Here?

Five years after the first endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), Park et al. reported the first implantation of a fenestrated endoprosthesis. In the meantime, advanced generations of new fenestrated and branched endografts evolved. Endografts for complex pathologies are either so-called "off-the-shelf" grafts with predetermined length, width, diameter and clock position of the branches and fenestrations, predetermined by the manufacturer, "custom-made" grafts which need to be sized and planned individually for patients with specific thoracoabdominal anatomy. Open aortic repair in the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) still remains challenging and is associated with high morbidity and mortality, even in the elective setting. The ongoing development of endovascular treatment modalities, such as fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F-EVAR, B-EVAR), enables less invasive procedures for more challenging aortic pathologies. In recent years, extensive endovascular treatment of the aortic arch to the thoracoabdominal segment has become more and more important, but its outcomes have not been completely evaluated. The aim of this is article is to provide an overview of the currently available endovascular treatment options for complex aortic aneurysms requiring extensive coverage from the aortic arch to the infrarenal aorta.

Mo1736 INITIAL EXPERIENCE WITH PER-RECTAL ENDOSCOPIC MYOTOMY (PREM) FOR HIRSCHSPRUNG’S DISEASE: MEDIUM AND LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF THE FIRST CASE SERIES OF A NOVEL THIRD SPACE ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURE

Standard treatment forHirschsprung’s disease (HD) has been single or multi-stage pull-through surgery.These procedures are associated with significant morbidity. We have previously reported per-rectal endoscopic myotomy (PREM)for successful treatment of short segment HD. This case series reports safety & medium to long-term outcomes after PREM. Retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database of patientsundergoing PREM for HD at a single center over 4-years (2015-19). HD was diagnosed by barium enema, anorectal manometry (ARM) & sigmoidoscopic cap EMR biopsieswhich also mappedextent of aganglionic segment. Unit laxative use was calculated as product of the ‘times standard dose’ and ‘number of laxatives used’. Additional units given for rectal enema use. All patients underwent standard PREM procedure with myotomy extending beyond predetermined length of aganglionic segment. Abstracted parameters includeddemographics, length of aganglionic segment, procedure data(myotomylength, procedureduration, use of clip and line method for access into tunnel, adverse events [AE]), time to post-PREM1st bowel movement & follow-up (stool frequency, fecal incontinence, laxative use). Eightpatients (6 males [75%], Meanage –7.12 ± 5.24 years [Range 1- 24])underwent PREM. All had short segment (rectosigmoid) HD.Mean length of aganglionic segment –6.8 ± 3.0 cm (Range 2 – 15).PREM was technically successful in all. Meanlength of myotomy –11.3 ± 2.9cm (Range 8 – 20). Clip-and-line technique used to enter submucosal tunnel in 6(75%). Medianprocedure time–80min (IQR70 – 120). No immediate adverse events encountered.All patients started on oral feeds after 24 hours. Mean post-PREM1st bowel movement after2 days (Range 1 – 3). Longest post PREM follow-up – 48 months; median follow-up – 15months (IQR2.5 – 30). Stool frequency significantly improved post-PREM (1 in 4.5 [± 1.1] days to 1 in 1.2 [±0.3] days [p= 0.0004, paired ‘t’ test]). Laxative use reduced from mean 6.62 units (Range 4 – 11) pre-PREM to mean 0.25 (Range 0 – 2) post-PREM (p = 0.0002).Six (75%) patients did not require any laxative. No new onset incontinence post PREM noted. Post PREM high-resolution ARMin 3/8 patients revealed normal basal and squeeze pressures. First PREM patient developed mild anal stenosis 8 months post procedure requiring single session digital anal dilatation.No other delayed adverse eventsencountered. PREM is a safe and feasible procedure. Results of this case series demonstrate excellent medium and long-term clinical outcomes after PREM. PREM could be considered as a minimally invasive therapeutic option for patients with HD. Studies with larger sample size are required to confirm these findings.

Optical Fiber Tag Based on an Encoded Fiber Bragg Grating Fabricated by Femtosecond Laser

A type of encoded FBG array for use as an optical fiber tag is inscribed using a femtosecond laser line-by-line technique. Each tag included two labels and several codes formed by grating fragments with a predetermined length. Encoded information was characterized by measuring the backscattered optical signal. Local spectra from the internal grating fragments were then used to enlarge the encoding capacity or encrypt the encoded FBG. The insertion loss of the device is as low as <0.1 dB.

Complexity and mission computability of adaptive computing systems

There is a subset of computational problems that existing algorithms may not complete due to a lack of adequate computational resources on tactical edge computing platforms. Although this subset is computable in polynomial time, many polynomial problems are not computable in mission time. Here, we define a subclass of deterministic polynomial time complexity called mission class, wherein the computations must complete in mission time. By focusing on this subclass of languages in the context of successful military applications, we discuss their computational and network constraints. We investigate feasible (non)linear models that will minimize energy and maximize memory, efficiency, and computational power, and also provide an approximate solution obtained within a pre-determined length of computation time using limited resources so that an optimal solution to a language could be determined.

Ellipsoidal path connections for time-gated rendering

During the last decade, we have been witnessing the continued development of new time-of-flight imaging devices, and their increased use in numerous and varied applications. However, physics-based rendering techniques that can accurately simulate these devices are still lacking: while existing algorithms are adequate for certain tasks, such as simulating transient cameras, they are very inefficient for simulating time-gated cameras because of the large number of wasted path samples. We take steps towards addressing these deficiencies, by introducing a procedure for efficiently sampling paths with a predetermined length, and incorporating it within rendering frameworks tailored towards simulating time-gated imaging. We use our open-source implementation of the above to empirically demonstrate improved rendering performance in a variety of applications, including simulating proximity sensors, imaging through occlusions, depth-selective cameras, transient imaging in dynamic scenes, and non-line-of-sight imaging.