Ring Diameter Research Articles

Tracheid dimensions of Norway spruce in uneven-aged stands

Tracheid length and width patterns from pith to bark at a height of 0.6 m in uneven-aged Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) trees were studied. Identification of the main factors and a comparison with even-aged stands were also carried out. Ninety-six trees were sampled from experimental stands in southern Finland. The material encompassed the variation in tracheid properties from early years to silvicultural maturity, i.e., from corewood to outerwood up to a cambial age of 111 years. Data from 39 Norway spruce trees from even-aged stands were utilized for comparison. Models fitted to the data indicated that annual ring widths did not influence mean tracheid dimensions but that the latewood proportion had a significant influence on tracheid dimensions. Tracheids in uneven-aged stands were slightly wider and longer at the base of the stem in trees with a similar diameter, cambial age, and annual ring number.

Stress analysis and fracture simulation of aluminosilicate glass plates under Ring-On-Ring loading

Ring-On-Ring (ROR) tests have been widely applied to evaluate the biaxial flexural strength of brittle materials. Properly designed geometry of specimens and loading configurations are essential for accurate test results. In this paper, the stress distribution of round glass plates subjected to loading between concentric rings was investigated via finite element analysis. In particular, the effects of the ratio of the ring diameter, overhang and thickness of plates were studied and discussed. ROR tests on aluminosilicate glass were then conducted together with numerical simulations based on the smeared fixed crack method. The out-of-plane deformation of glass plates can be reproduced well by the numerical model. In order to mimic the observed fracture modes, numerical models with different mesh geometries were utilized and compared. Unstructured quadrilateral mesh and triangular mesh types were proven to be efficient in reproducing the fracture and failure morphology of glass specimens.

Non-linear Response to Cell Number Revealed and Eliminated From Long-Term Tracheid Measurements of Scots Pine in Southern Siberia.

Dendroclimatic research offers insight into tree growth–climate response as a solution to the forward problem and provides reconstructions of climatic variables as products of the reverse problem. Methodological developments in dendroclimatology have led to the inclusion of a variety of tree growth parameters in this field. Tree-ring traits developed during short time intervals of a growing season can potentially provide a finer temporal scale of both dendroclimatic applications and offer a better understanding of the mechanisms of tree growth reaction to climatic variations. Furthermore, the transition from classical dendroclimatic studies based on a single integral variable (tree-ring width) to the modern multitude of quantitative variables (e.g., wood anatomical structure) adds a lot of complexity, which mainly arises from intrinsic feedbacks between wood traits and muddles seasonality of registered climatic signal. This study utilized life-long wood anatomical measurements of 150- to 280-year-old trees of Pinus sylvestris L. growing in a moisture-sensitive habitat of the forest-steppe of Southern Siberia (Russia) to investigate and eliminate legacy effect from cell production in tracheid traits. Anatomical parameters were calculated to describe the results of the three main subsequent stages of conifer xylem tracheid development, namely, cell number per radial file in the ring, mean and maximum cell radial diameter, and mean and maximum cell-wall thickness. Although tree-ring width was almost directly proportional to cell number, non-linear relationships with cell number were revealed in tracheid measurements. They exhibited a stronger relationship in the areas of narrow rings and stable anatomical structure in wider rings. The exponential models proposed in this study demonstrated these relationships in numerical terms with morphometric meaning. The ratio of anatomical measurements to their modeled values was used to develop long-term anatomical chronologies, which proved to retain information about climatic fluctuations independent of tree-ring width (cell number), despite decreased common signal.

Needlescopic Disconnection and Peritoneal Closure for Pediatric Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Novel Technique.

There are many laparoscopic techniques for pediatric congenital inguinal hernia repair. Needlescopic surgery was introduced recently in pediatric patients aiming at getting excellent cosmetic outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe a novel technique for needlescopic inguinal hernia repair in children. Needlescopic division of the hernial sac was carried out on 369 children in 6 pediatric tertiary centers during the period from August 2016 to May 2019. All hernias were repaired by a novel needlescopic procedure that replicates all the steps of the open herniotomy. A total of 369 patients with 410 hernias were included in this study. They were 232 (62.9%) males and 137 (37.1%) females, with a mean age of 3.58±1.26 (range=2 to 8 y) and mean internal inguinal ring diameter was 13.65±3.85 mm (range=8 to 20 mm). The mean operative time was 23.36±4.67 minutes for bilateral and 14.28±2.98 minutes for unilateral cases. All cases were completed without conversion to conventional laparoscopy. All cases were followed up for a mean of 19.6±3.2 months. None of our patients developed recurrence or testicular atrophy and the scars were nearly invisible 3 months postoperatively. Needlescopic pediatric inguinal hernia repair using disconnection of the hernia sac at internal inguinal ring with purse-string suture closure of peritoneum is feasible and safe with no recurrence and with outstanding cosmetic results.

MODERN PRINCIPLES OF DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ISCHEMIC MITRAL INSUFFICIENCY

The purpose of the study is to evaluate and analyze the results of surgical treatment of patients with ischemic mitral insufficiency. Material and methods. The results of the examination and surgical treatment of 35 patients with ischemic mitral insufficiency are analyzed. In the operative period, in order to identify the degree of mitral insufficiency and the valvular apparatus, an echocardiography was performed, where the diameter of the fibrous ring, the interpapillary distance, the annulopapillary distance, the area of the cusp tension, and the depth of the coaptation of the valves were determined. Results. A preoperative examination proved the presence of mitral valve insufficiency with regurgitation of varying degrees. 15 patients underwent myocardial revascularization, 20 patients underwent myocardial revascularization + various options for correction of ischemic mitral insufficiency. After the operation, a significant improvement in the spatial-geometric correlation of the LV and mitral valve by reducing the tension forces acting on the valves and in the group of patients undergoing myocardial revascularization + various options for the correction of ischemic mitral insufficiency as the elimination of regurgitation. Conclusion. In patients with ischemic heart disease after echocardiographic studies, having determined the degree of mitral insufficiency with its moderate and severe degree, it is necessary to have a surgical correction of the mitral valve in its apparatus; the use of myocardial revascularization + various options for the correction of ischemic mitral insufficiency gives more tantalizing results than isolated myocardial revascularization.

Steel dual-ring dampers: Micro-finite element modelling and validation of cyclic behavior

Extensive studies have been performed by researchers to increase the ductility and energy-absorption of concentrically braced frames. One of the most widely used strategies for increasing ductility and energy-absorbing is the utilization of energy-dissipation systems. In this regard, the energy-dissipation system consisting of a steel dual-ring damper (SDRD) with different construction details is presented, to improve hysteresis behavior and performance of steel ring dampers (SRD). The most important cause of energy-dissipation in SRDs are the development of bending plastic hinges in the rings. Therefore, by adding an inner ring to the SDR system, it increases the number of moment plastic hinges and in turn increases energy dissipation. Parametric studies havse been performed applying the nonlinear micro-finite element (MFE) procedure to investigate the improved models. The parametric studies comprise examining the efficacy of thickness parameters and the inner ring diameters of the improved models. The SRD models was selected as the base model for comparing and evaluating the effects of improved dampers. MFE models were then analyzed under cyclic loading and nonlinear static methods. Confirmation of the results of the MFE models were performed against the test results. The results indicated that the diameter to the thickness ratio of inner ring of SDRDs has a considerable influence on determining the hysteresis behavior, ductility, ultimate capacity and performance, as well as energy dissipation. Also, the results show that the details of the construction of the internal and external ring connections were a considerable effect on the performance and hysteresis behavior of SDRDs.

Influence of intrauterine hemodynamics on the C segment of the aortic arch in the fetus

Objective. To assess the correlation between the hemodynamic characteristics of the left ventricle and geometric features of the aortic arch in the fetus.Methods. The study involved 31 fetuses from 29 to 34 weeks of gestation by echocardiography. The scientists assessed the morphogeometric characteristics of the left ventricle andaortic arch. They studied the following parameters: end-diastolic volume ofthe left ventricle (LVEDV), stroke volume of the leftventricle (LVSV), velocity-time integral of the flow through aortic valve (VTI AV), diameter of the aortic valve ring (AV), diameterof the aortic arch segment between brachiocephalic trunk and left carotid artery (dС). Results. The average gestational age was 31,9±1,4weeks (95% CI: 31,4–32,4 weeks). Average body weight 1899±377 g (95% CI: 1762–2038 g). LVEDV = 1,57±0,64 ml (95% CI: 1,3–1,8). LVSV = 1,3±0,45 ml (95% CI: 1,1–1,4 ml). AV 0,4±0,07 cm (95% CI: 0,39–0,44 cm). C segment of the aorticarc is 0,37±0,07 cm (95% CI: 0,035–0,040 cm). There was direct correlation between the variables used to calculate dC (Pearson correlation coefficient: LVEDV = 0,51; p=0,002; LVSV = 0,46; p=0,005; AV = 0,52, p=0,001). The diameter of the C segment of the aortic arch can be calculated using the following equations: dС= 0,76· LVSV +2,8 (95% CI LVSV 0,2–1,3 95% CI for constant2,1–3,6; Fisher’s criterion 7,6 р=0,01). dС= 0,59· LVEDV +2,8 (95% CI LVEDV 0,2–0,98; 95% CI for constant 2,2–3,5; Fisher’s criterion 10 р=0,004). dС= 0,59·AV+1,3 (95% CI AV 0,22–0,95; 95% CI for constant – 0,23–2,9; Fisher’s criterion 10,7;р=0,003).Conclusion. 1)hemodynamic characteristics of the left ventricle allow predicting the sizeof the aortic arch in fetuses from 29 to 34 weeks of gestation; 2)morphogeometric characteristics of the aortic arch are determined by the characteristics of the left ventricular stroke volume, end-diastolicvolume of the leftventricleand the sizeof the fibrous ring of the aortic valve.

Graphs of commutatively closed sets

The present work aims to exploit the interplay between the algebraic properties of rings and the graph-theoretic structures of some associated graphs. We introduce commutatively closed graphs and investigate properties of commutatively closed subsets of a ring with the help of graph theory. In particular, we compute the diameter of matrix rings and Artinian semisimple algebras.

Feasibility of fusing three-dimensional transabdominal and transrectal ultrasound images for comprehensive intraoperative visualization of gynecologic brachytherapy applicators.

In this study, we propose combining three-dimensional (3D) transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and 3D transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) images of gynecologic brachytherapy applicators to leverage the advantages of each imaging perspective, providing a broader field-of-view and allowing previously obscured features to be recovered. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of fusing these 3D ultrasound (US) perspectives based on the applicator geometry in a phantom prior to clinical implementation. In proof-of-concept experiments, 3D US images of application-specific multimodality pelvic phantoms were acquired with tandem-and-ring and tandem-and-ovoids applicators using previously validated imaging systems. Two TRUS images were acquired at different insertion depths and manually fused based on the position of the ring/ovoids to broaden the TRUS field-of-view. The phantom design allowed "abdominal thickness" to be modified to represent different body habitus and TAUS images were acquired at three thicknesses for each applicator. The merged TRUS images were then combined with TAUS images by rigidly aligning applicator components and manually refining the registration using the positions of source channels and known tandem length, as well as the ring diameter for the tandem-and-ring applicator. Combined 3D US images were manually, rigidly registered to images from a second modality (magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the tandem-and-ring applicator and X-ray computed tomography (CT) for the tandem-and-ovoids applicator (based on applicator compatibility)) to assess alignment. Four spherical fiducials were used to calculate target registration errors (TREs), providing a metric for validating registrations, where TREs were computed using root-mean-square distances to describe the alignment of manually identified corresponding fiducials. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to identify statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between the TREs for the three abdominal thicknesses for each applicator type. As an additional indicator of geometric accuracy, the bladder was segmented in the 3D US and corresponding MR/CT images, and volumetric differences and Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) were calculated. For both applicator types, the combination of 3D TRUS with 3D TAUS images allowed image information obscured by the shadowing artifacts under single imaging perspectives to be recovered. For the tandem-and-ring applicator, the mean ± one standard deviation (SD) TREs from the images with increasing thicknesses were 1.37 ± 1.35mm, 1.84 ± 1.22mm, and 1.60 ± 1.00mm. Similarly, for the tandem-and-ovoids applicator, the mean ± SD TREs from the images with increasing thicknesses were 1.37 ± 0.35mm, 1.95 ± 0.90mm, and 1.61 ± 0.76mm. No statistically significant difference was detected in the TREs for the three thicknesses for either applicator type. The mean volume differences for the bladder segmentations were 3.14% and 2.33% and mean DSCs were 87.8% and 87.7% for the tandem-and-ring and tandem-and-ovoids applicators, respectively. In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrated the feasibility of fusing 3D TRUS and 3D TAUS images based on the geometry of tandem-and-ring and tandem-and-ovoids applicators. This represents a step toward an accessible and low-cost 3D imaging method for gynecologic brachytherapy, with the potential to extend this approach to other intracavitary configurations and hybrid applicators.

Characteristics of shock tube generated compressible vortex rings at very high shock Mach numbers

Compressible vortex rings are usually formed at the open end of a shock tube. They show exciting flow phenomena during their formation, evolution, and propagation depending on the shock Mach number (Ms) and exit flow conditions. This study considers high shock tube pressure ratio (PR) cases showing hitherto unknown, spectacular flow structures. With hydrogen as a driver section gas at high PR, a supersonic compressible vortex ring having vortex ring Mach number (Mv) &amp;gt;1 is obtained for the first time. The formation of multiple triple points and the corresponding slipstream shear layers and, thus, multiple counter-rotating vortex rings (CRVRs) behind the primary vortex ring at different radial locations, in addition to the usual CRVRs, appears to be a unique characteristic for high Mach number vortex rings. During the formation stage, a vortex layer of reverse circulation than that of the primary vortex ring gets generated from the outer wall of the shock tube. The instability of such a vortex layer creates another series of opposite circulation vortices, which later interfere with the primary vortex core considerably. Also, a near stationary slipstream vortex and multiple fast-moving tiny vortices of opposite circulation to the slipstream vortex are observed near the central zone. Mechanisms for the formation of these complex vortical structures are identified. The implications of these phenomena on the vortex ring's geometric and kinematic characteristics, such as ring diameter, core diameter, circulation, and translational velocity, are discussed in detail, illustrating their differences with low vortex ring Mach number cases considering 0.31 &amp;lt; Mv &amp;lt; 1.08.

Multi-scale In Situ Investigation of Infiltration Parameter in Pervious Concrete Pavements

Abstract Embedded infiltration rings have been historically used to estimate the infiltration properties of pervious concrete (PC) pavements. However, no methodical study has evaluated the effect of the size of embedded rings on the infiltration characteristics of these special pavement systems. The objective of this research was to assess the infiltration rate of PC using a multi-scale, in situ approach through embedding rings of various sizes in pavement slabs. Essentially, this investigation attempted to identify the most appropriate size of the embedded ring that can estimate infiltration rates of PC slabs in a reliable manner. To meet the proposed objective, a multi-scale in situ experimental program was designed, in which five infiltration rings of inner diameter ranging from 100 to 580 mm were embedded into three PC slabs of dimensions 3 × 2.5 × 0.15 m. A surface infiltration test was also conducted on PC slabs and was found to vary from 0.36 to 1.87 cm/s. The embedded infiltration rate (EIR) was estimated using a falling head permeability test by ponding water above the pavement surface and measuring the time taken to drain. EIRs decreased from 1.36 to 0.27 cm/s with increasing ring diameter from 100 to 580 mm. Field tests also indicated that infiltration rates for smaller ring diameters (180 mm and lower) had higher uncertainty, which was attributed to the inability of achieving optimum compaction efforts inside of smaller rings. Based on the findings, the optimum size for estimating the infiltration rate of PC was found to be 270 mm. It is noteworthy that this diameter is in the range suggested by ASTM C1701, Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of In Place Pervious Concrete, i.e., 300 mm. This research helped identify the practicable specimen size that could be utilized by researchers and practitioners to estimate the most reliable field infiltration rates through PC.

Investigation on effects of varying geometrical configurations on thermal hydraulics flow in a 3D corrugated pipe

In this numerical investigation, the flow behavior, pressure drop, and heat transfer enhancement for the fluid in a corrugated pipe with varying geometrical configurations arrangements by supporting the computational simulation technique are analyzed. Also, correlations expressions for friction factor (f) and Nusselt number (Nu) with different corrugated geometrical parameters are developed. The numerical modeling is applied using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and flow field patterns with different structural parameters are predicted. The numerical simulation results are validated with available experimental data. The numerical approach combined with the varying qualitatively and quantitatively analysis are used. The computational investigations are carried out for a different range of Reynolds numbers (Re) with varying corrugated geometrical configurations, including corrugated pipe ratio (PCR) of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%, a number of the corrugated ring (NCR) of 2, 3 and 4 as well as the corrugated diameter ring (CDR) of 1, 2 and 3 mm respectively. The outcomes illustrate that as in similar Re number increases, the Nu number increases. When the corrugated geometrical increases, the mixing, and recirculation flow regions start to high rise along the corrugated pipe. Then the flow becomes more undisturbed near and closes to the corrugated rings, and hence the pressure drop (PD), Turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and vorticity also increase. Moreover, as the PCR increases, the friction factor increases and the f for PCR of 100% is considerably higher than other models. The friction factor for PCR is higher than other models by about 7.05, 24.3, 40.7, and 67.1%. Furthermore, the performance evaluation factor is greater than unity.

Optimization of corona ring for 230 kV polymeric insulator based on finite element method and PSO algorithm

The electric field distribution is a very important factor in the performance of polymeric insulators. This distribution varies under different operating conditions. Therefore, there are different approaches to reduce the electric field strength at the critical zones to acceptable values. One of these approaches is the use of corona rings. However, the design of corona rings is not standardized, and the geometric parameters affect the electric field distribution. This work analyzed the relationship between corona ring design parameters and the electric field strength near energized-end fitting in a real 230 kV polymeric insulator with a corona ring. First, it was used the Finite Element Method to evaluate the influence of three corona ring design parameters on the electric field strength: corona ring diameter, ring tube diameter, and corona ring position. Then, the PSO algorithm was used to optimize the original corona ring and reduce the electric field strength at three critical zones: triple point, the surface of the energized-end fitting, and the surface of the corona ring. The optimization process reduced the maximum electric field strength by 50.5% relative to the insulator with the original corona ring (82.4% without a corona ring).

Optimization of high voltage electrodes for 765 kv bus post insulators

The designing of the high voltage electrodes such as grading rings, corona rings, and bus conductors for the station bus post insulators at extra and ultra-high voltage levels pays more attention. Improper design dimensions of high voltage electrodes engenders enhancement of electric field stresses and uneven potential distribution across the insulator which results in the catastrophic performance of station bus post insulators. The comprehensive research on appropriate electrode dimensions compared to existing electrode dimensions alters socio-economical benefits to the consumers as well as the design engineers. Practically it is a tedious process to obtain the optimized high voltage electrode design dimensions and their positions in the field. Therefore, a numerical method-based simulation study is adopted to estimate the electric field stress of the high voltage bus post insulator: resulting data may be subsequently used to verify and if necessary to optimize the design of grading rings and bus conductors. This paper presents the variation of the electric field stress and potential distribution at different grading ring and corona ring sizes of the 765 kV bus post insulator. The effect of variation of grading ring diameter and overall diameter at various positions in the field are investigated and compared. From the simulation data carried out, the optimized design dimension setup of the grading ring and corona ring diameters of the 765 kV bus post insulators are suggested. Also, the simulation data tested and compared with the actual grading ring and corona ring dimensions followed by one of the manufacturing industry.

Laparoscopic Versus Conventional Y-U Pyloroplasty in Dogs: A Comparative Study of Pain, Stress, and Duration

BACKGROUND: Background: Y-U pyloroplasty is a surgical approach that is used to relieve pyloric stenosis. The study of different aspects of laparoscopic Y-U pyloroplasty instead of conventional approaches seems to be an appropriate alternative for the development of such surgeries in animals, as pyloric stenosis is an uncommon but important disease. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to describe the laparoscopic Y-U pyloroplasty in small animals as a new surgical technique, and to compare the duration of surgery, level of surgical stress, and postoperative pain of this method with the conventional Y-U pyloroplasty. It is important to note that this is the first time that laparoscopic Y-U pyloroplasty was performed in dogs. METHODS: A total of eight intact male and female mixed breed dogs were randomly divided into two groups of conventional (n=4) and laparoscopic (n=4) pyloroplasty. Operation time, blood glucose concentration, plasma cor-tisol levels, gastric emptying time, pyloric lumen, and diameter and width of pyloric ring, as well as the University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS) were measured in both groups during pre and postoperative intervals. RESULTS: As a result, the mean operation time for conventional group was significantly lower than that for lapa-roscopic group (38.75±3.15 min vs. 116.25±14.34 min, p <0.05). Blood glucose concentrations in both groups elevated rapidly until 3 hours after surgery and then decreased until 24 hours. Plasma cortisol level in laparoscopic group, however, elevated rapidly until 5 hours after surgery. On the other hand, pyloric diameter and width of pyloric ring significantly increased in both groups. The UMPS in dogs undergoing conventional Y-U pyloroplasty was significantly higher than that in those undergoing laparoscopic Y-U pyloroplasty (p <0.001). Furthermore, pain and gastric emptying time decreased in all dogs. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that laparoscopic Y-U pyloroplasty is an applicable minimal invasive sur-gery that is performed through small incisions for the treatment of pyloric stenosis in dogs.

Design Analysis of Multisample Single-Analyte Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor Based on D-Shape Photonic Crystal Fibers

This paper dealt with the analysis of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based D-shape photonic crystal fiber (PCF) biosensor for the detection of multimolecules present in a single analyte or simultaneous detection of more than one samples of an analyte. A spatially distributed metallic layer of two plasmonic metals is deposited on the outer flat surface of a D-shaped PCF. Two metals generate two resonance peaks which can detect more than one sample of analyte simultaneously. The analytes are floated onto the flat surface of D-shaped PCF. The mode analysis of proposed sensor is done using finite element method (FEM) with perfectly matched layer. In this study, it can be seen that spatially distributed bimetallic layers can detect more than one sample of analyte simultaneously. The different dimensions of spatially distributed bimetallic SPR-based D-shape PCF sensor are also optimized with respect to center hole diameter, first air hole ring diameter, metal layer thickness and the depth of D-shape. It is also observed that the two SPR wavelengths can be controlled slightly by varying these parameters. It has been seen that for some optimal set of dimensions with the same sensitivity, the confinement loss of the plasmonic peaks is higher. This property may be useful in the applications, where one can sense more than two molecules or more than two samples for the single analyte.

Analysis of imaging biomarkers and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in RPGR-associated retinitis pigmentosa

PurposeTo investigate multimodal retinal imaging characteristics including the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with RPGR-associated retinitis pigmentosa (RP).MethodsThis cross-sectional case–control study included 17 consecutive patients (median age, 21 years) with RPGR-associated RP who underwent retinal imaging including optical coherence tomography (OCT), short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence (AF) imaging, and RNFL scans centered on the optic disc. RNFL thickness was manually segmented and compared to clinical and imaging parameters including the transfoveal ellipsoid zone (EZ) width, the horizontal diameter of the macular hyperautofluorescent ring. RNFL thickness was compared to 17 age- and sex-matched controls.ResultsIn patients with RPGR-associated RP, the EZ width (R2 = 0.65), the central hyperautofluorescent ring on AF images (R2 = 0.72), and visual acuity (R2 = 0.68) were negatively correlated with age. In comparison to controls, a significantly (p < 0.0001) increased global RNFL thickness was identified in RPGR-associated RP, which was, however, less pronounced in progressed disease as indicated by the EZ width or the diameter of the central hyperautofluorescent ring.ConclusionsThis study describes retinal characteristics in patients with RPGR-associated RP including a pronounced peripapillary RNFL thickness compared to healthy controls. These results contribute to the knowledge about imaging biomarkers in RP, which might be of interest for therapeutic approaches such as gene replacement therapies.

Half a cubic hectometer mooring array of 3000 temperature sensors in the deep sea

AbstractThe redistribution of matter in the deep-sea depends on water-flow currents and turbulent exchange, for which breaking internal waves are an important source. As internal waves and turbulence are essentially three-dimensional ‘3D’, their dynamical development should ideally be studied in a volume of seawater. However, this is seldom done in the ocean where 1D-observations along a single vertical line are already difficult. We present the design, construction and successful deployment of a half-cubic-hectometer (480,000 m3) 3D-T mooring array holding 2925 high-resolution temperature sensors to study weakly density-stratified waters of the 2500-m deep Western Mediterranean. The stand-alone array samples temperature at a rate of 0.5 Hz, with precision &lt;0.5 mK, noise level &lt;0.1 mK and expected endurance of 3 years. The independent sensors are synchronized inductively every 4 h to a single standard clock. The array consists of 45 vertical lines 125 m long, at 9.5 m horizontally from their nearest neighbor. Each line is held under tension of 1.3 kN by a buoyancy element that is released chemically one week after deployment. All fold-up lines are attached to a grid of cables that is tensioned in a 70 m diameter ring of steel tubes. The array is build-up in harbor-waters, with air filling the steel tubes for floatation. The flat-form array is towed to the mooring site under favorable sea-state conditions. By opening valves in the steel tubes, the array is sunk and its free-fall is controlled by a custom-made drag-parachute reducing the average sinking speed to 1.3 m s-1 and providing smooth horizontal landing on the flat seafloor.

Treatment of Chronic Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia Based on Laparoscopic Repair: Experiences From 23 Cases.

Background: We aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic repair for treating chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (CTDH).Methods: In this retrospective analysis, we included 23 cases with CTDH underwent laparoscopy in our hospital between June 2015 and October 2019 was performed. The patient characteristics were recorded. We compared the diameter of hernia ring, surgery duration, intraoperative bleeding volume, means of repairing, as well as the follow-up data.Results: All the patients underwent laparoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair, without conversion to laparotomy or thoracotomy. The operation time ranged from 60 min to 200 min (mean, 108.04 ± 42.93 min). The blood loss volume ranged from 10 to 300 ml (mean volume, 63.48 ± 71.69 ml). The postoperative hospital stayed ranged from 5 to 15 days (mean, 6.22 ± 2.11 days). The patients were followed up for 1–50 months (mean, 17.5 ± 10.90 months). No recurrence of diaphragmatic hernia was found.Conclusions: Laparoscopic repair of CTDH is featured by fast recovery, high security, and effectiveness. Reducing the hernia contents and close of the hernia ring are crucial for the surgery that is performed based on the size and location of the diaphragmatic hernia.

Pre-Orientale Southwest Peak-Ring Basin: Gravity Structure, Geologic Characteristics, and Influence on Orientale Basin Ring Formation and Ejecta Emplacement

The Orientale impact basin is the youngest and most well-preserved of the lunar multi-ring basins. The generally well-preserved ring structures and basin facies are distinctly anomalous in the southwestern quadrant; the outer Cordillera ring extends significantly outward, the Outer and Inner Rook mountain rings are more poorly developed and show anomalous characteristics, and the Montes Rook Formation varies widely from its characteristics elsewhere in the basin interior. Based on the gravity, image, and topography data, we confirmed that the southwest region of the Orientale basin represents the location of a pre-existing ~320 km rim–crest diameter peak–ring basin centered at 108.8°W, 28.4°S, and characterized by an ~170 km peak–ring diameter. We model the structure and morphology of this large pre-Orientale peak–ring basin (about one-third the diameter of Orientale) and show that its presence and negative relief had a distinctive influence on the development of the basin rings (disrupting the otherwise generally circular continuity and causing radial excursions in their locations) and the emplacement of ejecta (causing filling of the low region represented by the peak–ring basin, creating anomalous surface textures, and resulting in late stage ejecta movement in response to the pre-existing peak–ring basin topography. The location and preservation of the peak–ring basin Bouguer anomaly strongly suggest that the rim crest of the Orientale basin excavation cavity lies at or within the Outer Rook Mountain ring.