Sat Values Research Articles

Association of Increased CT-Attenuation of Visceral Adipose Tissue After Surgery with Poor Survival Outcomes in Patients with Stage II-III Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

This study aimed to investigate whether post-operative changes in the computed tomography (CT)-attenuation of subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissues were significantly associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS), peritoneal RFS, and overall survival (OS) in patients with stage II-III gastric cancer. This retrospective study analyzed 243 patients with stage II-III gastric cancer who underwent curative surgery. CT-attenuation values of SAT (SAT HU) and VAT (VAT HU) were measured from non-contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT images taken pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively. Changes in SAT HU (ΔSAT HU) and VAT HU (ΔVAT HU) between the two CT scans were calculated. The prognostic value of these variables for predicting survival outcomes was assessed. Correlation analyses showed that both ΔSAT HU and ΔVAT HU were significantly positively correlated with T stage, TNM stage, and tumor size (p < 0.05). In the multivariate survival analysis, ΔVAT HU emerged as an independent significant predictor for RFS (p = 0.002, hazard ratio, 2.437), peritoneal RFS (p = 0.023, hazard ratio, 2.457), and OS (p = 0.043, hazard ratio, 2.204) after adjusting for age, sex, histopathological classification, T stage, and N stage. Patients with high ΔVAT HU had worse RFS, peritoneal RFS, and OS compared to those with low ΔVAT HU. Change in CT-attenuation of VAT following surgery was significantly correlated with tumor characteristics and was a significant predictor of RFS, peritoneal RFS, and OS in patients with stage II-III gastric cancer.

Air–sea heat fluxes variations in the Southern Atlantic Ocean: Present‐day and future climate scenarios

AbstractThis study investigates the variations in air–sea heat fluxes and temperatures in two ocean front regions, the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean (SWA) and the Drake Passage, widely recognized as hotspot areas with significant influences on South America weather and climate. We analyse means and trends of latent and sensible heat fluxes (LHF and SHF) and their associated air–sea temperatures (SAT and SST), based on monthly ERA5 (1985–2014) and eight CMIP6 models, for historical and long‐term simulations (2015–2099). The ERA5 trend for all parameters was positive over SWA, contrasting with the negative values observed in the Drake Passage, indicating surface warming and cooling, respectively. In the SWA, the ERA5 and CMIP6 multi‐model ensemble (MME) align in SST and SAT values, with a historical trend of 0.1°C·decade−1 and a significantly increasing trend in warming estimated by 0.4°C·decade−1 up to 2099. The ERA5 LHF and SHF trends were 4 and 0.6 W·m−2·decade−1, respectively. The MME shows historical (SSP5‐8.5) trends of 0.2 (1.3) W·m−2·decade−1 for LHF and −0.2 (−0.1) W·m−2·decade−1 for SHF. In the Drake Passage, the models accurately reproduced the air–sea mean temperatures; however, they failed to simulate negative trends observed in SAT and SST. Under the high emissions scenario, all CMIP6 models predict an increasing warming trends of 0.1–0.4°C·decade−1 and ocean heat gain of −0.2 to −1.2 (−1 to −2) W·m−2·decade−1 for LHF (SHF). For both regions, spatial analyses of SST and SAT highlight the coupling between the ocean and the atmosphere, alongside changes in air–sea heat fluxes. Our findings reveal inhomogeneous patterns of SST warming trends by the end of the 21st century, which are approximately 2–4 times greater than historical trends. The results suggest the persistence and enhancement of these regions as hotspots with significant potential to influence oceanic and atmospheric dynamics.

A note on the minimum size of matching-saturated graphs

Let s,m,n be positive integers and F be a graph. A graph G is called F-saturated if F is not a subgraph of G but G+e contain a copy of F for every edge e∈E(G¯), where G¯ is the complement graph of G. Let sat(n,F) be the minimum number of edges over all F-saturated graphs with order n and Sat(n,F) denotes the family of F-saturated graphs with sat(n,F) edges and n vertices. Let mK2 denote a matching of size m and let sK2f denote a fractional matching of size s. In this paper, we determine the exact value of sat(n,mK2), and characterize Sat(n,mK2) when n+2m<n<3m. Moreover, we also determine the exact value of sat(n,sK2f), and characterize Sat(n,sK2f) when n>2s. The main results provide partial answers to the open question posed by Faudree et al. (2011).

Classification of binding property of amyloid β to lipid membranes: Membranomic research using quartz crystal microbalance combined with the immobilization of lipid planar membranes

A biomembrane-related fibrillogenesis of Amyloid β from Alzheimer’ disease (Aβ) is closely related to its accumulation behavior. A binding property of Aβ peptides from Alzheimer’ disease to lipid membranes was then classified by a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method combined with an immobilization technique using thiol self-assembled membrane. The accumulated amounts of Aβ, Δfmax, was determined from the measurement of the maximal frequency reduction using QCM. The plots of Δfmax to Aβ concentration gave the slope and saturated value of Δfmax, (Δfmax)sat that are the parameters for binding property of Aβ to lipid membranes. Therefore, the Aβ-binding property on lipid membranes was classified by the slope and (Δfmax)sat. The plural lipid system was described as X + Y where X = L1, L1/L2, and L1/L2/L3. The slope and (Δfmax)sat values plotted as a function of mixing ratio of Y to X was classified on a basis of the lever principle (LP). The LP violation observed in both parameters resulted from the formation of the crevice or pothole, as Aβ-specific binding site, generated at the boundary between ld and lo phases. The LP violation observed only in the slope resulted from glycolipid-rich domain acting as Aβ-specific binding site. Furthermore, lipid planar membranes indicating strong LP violation favored strong fibrillogenesis. Especially, lipid planar membranes indicating the LP violation only in the slope induced lateral aggregated and spherulitic fibrillar aggregates. Thus, the classification of Aβ binding property on lipid membranes appeared to be related to the fibrillogenesis with a certain morphology.

The saturation number of K3,3

A graph G is called F-saturated if G does not contain F as a subgraph (not necessarily induced) but the addition of any missing edge to G creates a copy of F. The saturation number of F, denoted by sat(n,F), is the minimum number of edges in an n-vertex F-saturated graph. Determining the saturation number of complete bipartite graphs is one of the most important problems in the study of saturation numbers. The value of sat(n,K2,2) was shown to be ⌊3n−52⌋ by Ollmann, and a shorter proof was later given by Tuza. For K2,3, there has been a series of study aiming to determine sat(n,K2,3) over the years. This was finally achieved by Chen who confirmed a conjecture of Bohman, Fonoberova, and Pikhurko that sat(n,K2,3)=2n−3 for all n≥5. Pikhurko and Schmitt conjectured that sat(n,K3,3)=(3+o(1))n. In this paper, for n≥9, we give an upper bound of 3n−9 for sat(n,K3,3), and prove that 3n−9 is also a lower bound when the minimum degree of a K3,3-saturated graph is 2 or 5, where it is trivial when the minimum degree is greater than 5.

In Vivo Validation of Modulated Acoustic Radiation Force-Based Imaging in Murine Model of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Using VEGFR-2-Targeted Microbubbles.

The objective of this study is to validate the modulated acoustic radiation force (mARF)-based imaging method in the detection of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in murine models using vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2)-targeted microbubbles (MBs). The mouse AAA model was prepared using the subcutaneous angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion combined with the β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate solution dissolved in drinking water. The ultrasound imaging session was performed at 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, and 28 days after the osmotic pump implantation. For each imaging session, 10 C57BL/6 mice were implanted with Ang II-filled osmotic pumps, and 5 C57BL/6 mice received saline infusion only as the control group. Biotinylated lipid MBs conjugated to either anti-mouse VEGFR-2 antibody (targeted MBs) or isotype control antibody (control MBs) were prepared before each imaging session and were injected into mice via tail vein catheter. Two separate transducers were colocalized to image the AAA and apply ARF to translate MBs simultaneously. After each imaging session, tissue was harvested and the aortas were used for VEGFR-2 immunostaining analysis. From the collected ultrasound image data, the signal magnitude response of the adherent targeted MBs was analyzed, and a parameter, residual-to-saturation ratio ( Rres - sat ), was defined to measure the enhancement in the adherent targeted MBs signal after the cessation of ARF compared with the initial signal intensity. Statistical analysis was performed with the Welch t test and analysis of variance test. The Rres - sat of abdominal aortic segments from Ang II-challenged mice was significantly higher compared with that in the saline-infused control group ( P < 0.001) at all 4 time points after osmotic pump implantation (1 week to 4 weeks). In control mice, the Rres - sat values were 2.13%, 1.85%, 3.26%, and 4.85% at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks postimplantation, respectively. In stark contrast, the Rres - sat values for the mice with Ang II-induced AAA lesions were 9.20%, 20.6%, 22.7%, and 31.8%, respectively. It is worth noting that there was a significant difference between the Rres - sat for Ang II-infused mice at all 4 time points ( P < 0.005), a finding not present in the saline-infused mice. Immunostaining results revealed the VEGFR-2 expression was increased in the abdominal aortic segments of Ang II-infused mice compared with the control group. The mARF-based imaging technique was validated in vivo using a murine model of AAA and VEGFR-2-targeted MBs. Results in this study indicated that the mARF-based imaging technique has the ability to detect and assess AAA growth at early stages based on the signal intensity of adherent targeted MBs, which is correlated with the expression level of the desired molecular biomarker. The results may suggest, in very long term, a pathway toward eventual clinical implementation for an ultrasound molecular imaging-based approach to AAA risk assessment in asymptomatic patients.

Minimizing the number of edges in (Pk ∪ K3)-saturated connected graphs

For a graph H, a graph G is H-saturated if it contains no copy of H as a (not necessarily induced) subgraph, but the addition of any edge missing from G creates a copy of H in the resultant graph. The connected saturation number sat′(n, H) is defined as the minimum number of edges in H-saturated connected graphs on n vertices. In this paper we consider the (Pk ∪ K3)-saturated connected graphs on n vertices and focus on the determination of sat′(n, Pk ∪ K3). We prove that n + 2 ≤ sat′(n, Pk ∪ K3) ≤ n + 3k-6/2 for n &gt; 3k+4/2 with k ≥ 4 and characterize the extremal graphs at which the upper bounds are attained. Moreover, the exact values of sat′(n, Pk ∪ K3) are determined with k ∈ {3, 4} and we get sat(n, P2 ∪ K3) = sat′(n, P2 ∪ K3) = n.

Hyperspectral imaging in systemic sclerosis-associated Raynaud phenomenon

Background/purposeLack of robust, feasible, and quantitative outcomes impedes Raynaud phenomenon (RP) clinical trials in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) non-invasively measures oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin (oxyHb and deoxyHb) concentrations and oxygen saturation (O2 sat) in the skin and depicts data as oxygenation heatmaps. This study explored the potential role of HSI in quantifying SSc-RP disease severity and activity.MethodsPatients with SSc-RP (n = 13) and healthy control participants (HC; n = 12) were prospectively recruited in the clinic setting. Using a hand-held camera, bilateral hand HSI (HyperMed™, Waltham, MA) was performed in a temperature-controlled room (22 °C). OxyHb, deoxyHb, and O2 sat values were calculated for 78-mm2 regions of interest for the ventral fingertips and palm (for normalization). Subjects underwent a cold provocation challenge (gloved hand submersion in 15 °C water bath for 1 min), and repeated HSI was performed at 0, 10, and 20 min. Patients completed two patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments: the Raynaud Condition Score (RCS) and the Cochin Hand Function Scale (CHFS) for symptom burden assessment. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and a mixed effects model (Stata, College Station, TX).ResultsNinety-two percent of participants were women in their 40s. For SSc-RP patients, 69% had limited cutaneous SSc, the mean ± SD SSc duration was 11 ± 5 years, and 38% had prior digital ulcers—none currently. Baseline deoxyHb was higher, and O2 sat was lower, in SSc patients versus HC (p < 0.05). SSc patients had a greater decline in oxyHb and O2 sat from baseline to time 0 (after cold challenge) with distinct rewarming oxyHb, O2 sat, and deoxyHb trajectories versus HCs (p < 0.01). There were no significant correlations between oxyHb, deoxyHb, and O2 sat level changes following cold challenge and RCS or CHFS scores.ConclusionHyperspectral imaging is a feasible approach for SSc-RP quantification in the clinic setting. The RCS and CHFS values did not correlate with HSI parameters. Our data suggest that HSI technology for the assessment of SSc-RP at baseline and in response to cold provocation is a potential quantitative measure for SSc-RP severity and activity, though longitudinal studies that assess sensitivity to change are needed.

Reassembled saturation transfer (REST) MR images at 2 B1 values for in vivo exchange-dependent imaging of amide and nuclear Overhauser enhancement.

Design an efficient CEST scheme for exchange-dependent images with high contrast-to-noise ratio. Reassembled saturation transfer (REST) signals were defined as r.Z=r.Zref - r.ZCEST and the reassembled exchange-dependen magnetization transfer ratio r.MTRRex =r.1/Zref - r.1/ZCEST , utilizing the averages over loosely sampled reference frequency offsets as Zref and over densely sampled target offsets as ZCEST . Using r.MTRRex measured under 2 B1,sat values, exchange rate could be estimated. The REST approach was optimized and assessed quantitatively by simulations for various exchange rates, pool concentration, and water T1 . In vivo evaluation was performed on ischemic rat brains at 7Tesla and human brains at 3Tesla, in comparison with conventional asymmetrical analysis, Lorentzian difference (LD), an MTRRex_ LD. For a broad choice of ranges and numbers, Δr.Z and r.MTRRex exhibited comparable quantification features with conventional LD and MTRRex _LD, respectively, when B1,sat ≤ 1μT. The subtraction of 2 REST values under distinct B1,sat values showed linear relationships with exchange rate and obtained immunity to field inhomogeneity and variation in MT and water T1 . For both rat and human studies, REST images exhibited similar contrast distribution to MTRRex _LD, with superiority in contrast-to-noise ratio and acquisition efficiency. Compared with MTRRex _LD, 2-B1,sat subtraction REST images displayed better resistance to B1 inhomogeneity, with more specific enhanced regions. They also showed higher signals for amide than for nuclear Overhauser enhancement effect in human brain, presumably reflecting the higher increment from faster-exchanging species as B1,sat increased. Featuring high contrast-to-noise ratio efficiency, REST could be a practical exchange-dependent approach readily applicable to either retrospective Z-spectra analysis or perspective 6-offset acquisition.

Investigating saturated hydraulic conductivity of remolded loess subjected to CaCl2 solution of varying concentrations

• The K sat characteristics of remolded loess under CaCl 2 solutions are presented. • The response of EDL effect to CaCl 2 concentrations is evaluated. • Microstructure evolution of loess induced by CaCl 2 solutions is revealed. • The mechanism of K sat change in seepage process is disclosed. • The findings in this study have broad application value to other soils. Loess has been widely used in site remediation engineering projects in the Chinese Loess Plateau. With the interaction between CaCl 2 solution and cutoff wall, how does its permeability change, is the response pattern consistent for different concentrations, and what is the mechanism? To address this series of problems, the effects of CaCl 2 solutions of varying concentrations on the permeability of remolded loess were investigated by saturated permeability test, and the mechanisms underlying these effects were explored through free swelling ratio, zeta potential, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), grain-size tests, as well as SEM and MIP tests. The results indicate that K sat values of the samples permeated with both deionized water (DW) and 0.001 mol/L CaCl 2 solution increase with time, with a greater increase observed in the latter. This is mainly due to that the electrical double layer (EDL) effect induced by Ca 2+ , as the dominant factor, controls particle flocculation and pore structure development. Under seepage of a 0.010 mol/L CaCl 2 solution, the EDL effect plays a dominant role during the initial stage. However, chemical weathering causes the disintegration of loess particles, and the dissolution of carbonates is inhibited by Ca 2+ . These are not conducive to pore development; thus, K sat first increases and then decreases significantly. The K sat of samples permeated with a 0.005 mol/L CaCl 2 solution first increases and then stabilizes, which represents the transitional stage of the two aforementioned change trends. This is mainly because the effective pores are increased by leaching and cation exchange, and then the porosity is in dynamic equilibrium under the combined action of the EDL effect, geochemical action, and microstructural evolution. Thus, the saturated hydraulic conductivity ( K sat ) of remolded loess is sensitive to the concentrations of CaCl 2 solutions, with different response modes.

Subcutaneous and visceral fat assessment by DXA and MRI in older adults and children.

Given the importance of body fat distribution in chronic disease development, feasible methods to assess body fat are essential. This study compared dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in measuring visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT and SAT) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). VAT and SAT were assessed using similar DXA and MRI protocols among 1,795 elderly participants of the Adiposity Phenotype Study (APS) and 309 children/adolescents in Shape Up! Kids (SKids). Spearman correlations, Bland-Altman plots, and coefficients of determination (R2 ) assessed agreement between DXA and MRI measures. DXA overestimated SAT values in APS (315 vs. 229 cm2 ) and SKids (212 vs. 161 cm2 ), whereas DXA underestimated VAT measures (141 vs. 167 cm2 ) in adults only. The correlations between DXA and MRI values were stronger for SAT than VAT (APS: r = 0.92 vs. 0.88; SKids: 0.90 vs. 0.74). Bland-Altman plots confirmed better agreement for SAT than VAT despite differences by sex, ethnicity, and weight status with respective R2 values for SAT and VAT of 0.88 and 0.84 (APS) and 0.81 and 0.69 (SKids). These findings indicate that SAT by DXA reflects MRI measures in children and older adults, whereas agreement for VAT is weaker for individuals with low VAT levels.

Dispersal of Abdominal Visceral; Subcutaneous, Visceral to Subcutaneous Adiposity Ratio and Metabolic Syndrome in A Sample of Obese Egyptians

Background: Visceral to subcutaneous adiposity ratio (VSR) may be more crucial than visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue per se. It reflects relative distribution of abdominal adiposity which is a better indicator of cardio-meta­bolic risk.&#x0D; Aim: to examine if the VSR has diagnostic value in identifying metabolic syndrome (MS) compared with VAT and SAT among sample of obese Egyptians.&#x0D; Subjects and Methods: The over here study included 456 obese Egyptian adults (106 male and 350 female), ageing across 25- 55 years. All participants subjected to blood pressure and anthropometric assessment, abdominal ultrasound, and laboratory tests.&#x0D; Results: Males had quite high level of triglycerides and low HDL than females, who had significantly higher frequency of wide WC than men. There was insignificant sex difference in the frequency of MS. VAT and SAT were significantly higher in presence of wide WC and hypertension among both sexes. Also, VSR was significantly higher in presence of wide WC and hypertension among women only. While presence of MS led to significantly higher value of SAT among men, and VAT among women. Area under the curves (AUCs) for VAT, SAT and VSR; to predict MS; were 0.59, 0.63 and 0.46 among men and 0.63, 0.56 and 0.55 among women.&#x0D; Conclusion: Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue; not visceral/subcutaneous ratio; were significantly affected by the presence of MS in both sexes. SAT was significantly superior among men, while VAT was superior among women. VSR cannot be used as a predictor of MS.

Minimizing the number of edges in [formula omitted]-saturated graphs

Given a family of graphs F, a graph G is said to be F-saturated if G does not contain a copy of F as a subgraph for any F∈F, but the addition of any edge e∉E(G) creates at least one copy of some F∈F within G. The minimum size of an F-saturated graph on n vertices is called the saturation number, denoted by sat(n,F). Let C≥r be the family of cycles of length at least r. Ferrara et al. (2012) gave lower and upper bounds of sat(n,C≥r) and determined the exact values of sat(n,C≥r) for 3≤r≤5. In this paper, we determine the exact value of sat(n,C≥r) for r=6 and 28≤n2≤r≤n and give new upper and lower bounds for the other cases.

Optimization of SASE operation for an X-ray free-electron laser Using multiple objective evolutionary algorithms

Performance of Self Amplifed Spontaneous Emission (SASE) operation for an X-ray Free-Electron Laser (FEL), is optimized by Multiple Objective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEA). Different types of hybrid planar undulators are considered to achieve 0.5 Å ≤ λ FEL ≤ 1.5 Å wavelength range. This demand is regarded as a continuous optimization problem, and hence, an evolutionary algorithm is designed to find optimal FEL performance parameters. An encoding scheme comprising of undulator period (λ u ) and undulator gap (g) is adopted here to find optimal values for saturation power (P sat ) and λ FEL subject to several physical constraints on λ u and g such as the ratio of g/λ u and L sat . It is shown that MOEA gives optimal solutions for estimation of L sat with plausible P sat values.

Selenium-containing core-expanded naphthalene diimides for high performance n-type organic semiconductors

The incorporation of heavy atoms into molecular backbone is an extremely straightforward strategy for fine-tuning the optoelectronic properties of organic semiconductors. However, it is rarely studied in n-type small molecules. Herein, by selenium substitution of NDI3HU-DTYM2, two Se-decorated core-expanded naphthalene diimides (NDI) derivatives DTYM-NDI3HU-DSYM ( 1 ) and NDI3HU-DSYM2 ( 2 ) were synthesized. In comparison with the reference S-containing compound NDI3HU-DTYM2, the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of 1 and 2 were fine-tuned with ∆HOMO of about 0.2 eV, ∆LUMO of 0.1 eV and the narrowed HOMO-LUMO gaps. More surprisingly, the as-spun organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) based on 1 and 2 both showed µ e,sat values as high as 1.0 cm2 V−1 s−1, which are 2-fold higher than that of NDI3HU-DTYM2 with the same device structure and measurement conditions. In addition, the single crystal OFET devices based on Se-containing compound NDI2BO-DSYM2 showed a high µ e,sat value of 1.30 cm2 V−1 s−1. The molecular packing of NDI2BO-DSYM2 in single crystals (two-dimensional supramolecular structure formed by intermolecular Se···Se interactions) is quite different from that of a S-containing compound NDI-DTYM2 (one dimensional supramolecular structure formed by intermolecular π-π stacking). Therefore, the Se substitution can cause dramatic change about molecular stacking model, giving rise to high n-type OTFT performance. Our results demonstrated an effective strategy of the heavy atom effect for designing novel organic semiconductors.

Inter and intra-reliability of ultrasonography for the measurement of abdominal subcutaneous & visceral adipose tissue thickness at 12\u2009weeks gestation

BackgroundExcess abdominal adiposity cause metabolic disturbances, particularly in pregnancy. Methods of accurate measurement are limited in pregnancy due to risks associated with these procedures. This study outlines a non-invasive methodology for the measurement of adipose tissue in pregnancy and determines the intra- and inter-observer reliability of ultrasound (US) measurements of the two components of adipose tissue (subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)) within a pregnant population.MethodsThirty pregnant women were recruited at the end of their first trimester, from routine antenatal clinic at the University Maternity Hospital Limerick, Ireland. Measurements of adipose tissue thickness were obtained using a GE Voluson E8 employing a 1–5 MHz curvilinear array transducer. Two observers, employing methodological rigour in US technique, measured thickness of adipose tissue three times, and segmented the US image systematically in order to define measurements of SAT and VAT using specifically pre-defined anatomical landmarks.ResultsIntra-observer and inter-observer precision was assessed using Coefficient of Variation (CV). Measurements of SAT and total adipose for both observers were < 5% CV and < 10% CV for VAT in measures by both observers. Inter-observer reliability was assessed by Limits of Agreement (LoA). LoA were determined to be − 0.45 to 0.46 cm for SAT and − 0.34 to 0.53 cm for VAT values. Systematic bias of SAT measurement was 0.01 cm and 0.10 cm for VAT. Inter-observer precision was also assessed by coefficient of variation (CV: SAT, 3.1%; VAT, 7.2%; Total adipose, 3.0%).ConclusionIntra-observer precision was found to be acceptable for measures of SAT, VAT and total adipose according to anthropometric criterion, with higher precision reported in SAT values than in VAT. Inter-observer reliability assessed by Limits-Of-Agreement (LoA) confirm anthropometrically reliable to 0.5 cm. Systematic bias was minimal for both measures, falling within 95% confidence intervals. These results suggest that US can produce reliable, repeatable and accurate measures of SAT and VAT during pregnancy.

Effect of water content on hydraulic properties of bentonite–geomaterials mixture

This article examines the effect of water content on hydraulic properties of bentonite–geomaterials mixture. The relationship between the initial water content, matric suction and hydraulic conductivity (saturated and unsaturated) and the soil–water characteristic curve were controlled established during a laboratory test. Three materials were used during this study: bentonite and two types of geomaterials . First, the mixture of 10% bentonite–20% calcareous sand–70% tuff was selected on the basis of the minimum saturated hydraulic conductivity (k sat) . The results showed that the effect of the initial variation in water content from 12.35% to 16.35% does not make a difference in the k sat values; the values are between 10−8 and 10−11 m/s. Then, the effect of the initial water content on the soil–water characteristic curve was studied using suction control methods. The soil–water characteristic curves showed that the air entry value (AEV) increases with decreasing initial water content The unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (k w) study with different initial water content was measured with an original vapour equilibrium technique (VET). The results showed that the k w varied between 3 × 10−17 and 4 × 10−15 m/s in all cases of initial water . In addition, the Van Genuchten hydraulic conductivity model is compared to the experimental results. . Finally, the effect of the initial water content on the saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of this mixture is not apparent for the much lower (Sr > 80%, k = k sat) and very high suction values, respectively.

69-OR: Mobility, Satisfaction, and Quality of Life among Long-Term Dysvascular/Diabetic Prosthesis Users: Results of a National Cross-Sectional Survey

Objective: To establish the mobility, satisfaction and quality of life among prosthesis users with major lower limb dysvascular/diabetic amputation (transtibial or proximal) at various long-term phases of prosthetic rehabilitation. Methods: A multi-site, cross-sectional outcomes analysis. A total of 341 individuals met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Individuals were grouped in acute phases (0-3 mos (n=24); 4-6 mos (n=72)) and chronic phases (24-36 mos (n=91), 37-48 mos (n=53), 49-60 mos (n=47) and 60-84 mos (n=54)) post-amputation. Mobility was measured with the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M) while quality of life (Qol) and satisfaction (Sat) were reported using 10-point scales adapted from the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire-Well Being (PEQ-WB). Results: The average mobility, Qol and Sat among prosthesis users was, respectively, 44.8±10.6, 7.6±2.2 and 7.6±2.2. There were no observed differences in mobility (F5,330=1.52, p=0.18) or Qol (F5,333=0.78, p=0.57) between any groups. For Sat, there was a group difference (F5,334=2.44, p=0.03) as individuals who receive a prosthesis 0-3 mos experience initial higher Sat values compared to those 25-36 mos (p=0.005), 49-60 mos (p=0.008), and 61-84 mos (p=0.009). Conclusion: Those individuals with amputation secondary to dysvascular disease and diabetes who continue to participate in prosthetic rehabilitation appear to maintain reasonable levels of mobility, satisfaction and quality of life as much as 7 years post amputation. There may be a modest initial increase in satisfaction with the early receipt of a prosthesis. However, transfemoral amputations were under represented in this cohort of individuals fitted shortly after amputation. Notably, the mobility levels observed in the dysvascular population through a range of extended post-amputation durations remain within a single standard deviation of the amputee population mean for mobility. Disclosure P. Stevens: Employee; Self; Hanger Clinic. S.R. Wurdeman: None. Funding American Orthotics &amp; Prosthetics Association (EB-043016)

Abdominal fat distribution in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and ankylosing spondylitis patients compared to controls

To evaluate abdominal fat distribution (subcutaneous adipose tissue [SAT] and visceral adipose tissue [VAT]) in two enthesopathy-related diseases with known correlation to metabolic syndrome (MS): diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared with controls. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) examinations of 43 DISH (Resnick radiographic criteria) patients, 31 AS (Modified New York Criteria) patients and 42 age- and gender-matched (to DISH) controls (males: 29; 29; 27 and mean age: 71.7±7; 56.1±16; 72.7±8 years, respectively) were evaluated and compared for VAT and SAT surface areas on mid L3, L4, L5 levels. AS patients were significantly younger compared to DISH patients and controls. No significant differences were observed between VAT and SAT of DISH and AS patients or between SAT values in all groups even after correction for age. VAT was higher in DISH and AS patients compared to controls on all three levels, but reached significance (p<0.05) only for DISH patients (L3: 24.34/23.6/18.43; L4: 23.85/22.21/18.05; L5: 19.09/18.94/14.24mm2, respectively). This did not change after correction for age. The VAT/SAT ratio was significantly larger in DISH and AS patients on all levels compared to controls. The higher VAT surface area, a known marker for MS, which by itself is associated with bone proliferation, in DISH and AS patients compared to controls substantiates its role as a potential surrogate marker for MS as well as suggests a potential shared pathogenic pathway for enthesopathic excessive bone production in DISH and AS.

Fully automated segmentation and quantification of visceral and subcutaneous fat at abdominal CT: application to a longitudinal adult screening cohort.

To investigate a fullyautomated CT-based adiposity tool, applying it to a longitudinal adult screening cohort. A validated automated adipose tissue segmentation algorithm was applied to non-contrast abdominal CT scans in 8852 consecutive asymptomatic adults (mean age, 57.1 years; 3926M/4926F) undergoing colonography screening. The tool was also applied to follow-up CT scans in a subset of 1584 individuals undergoing longitudinal surveillance (mean interval, 5.6 years). Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT and SAT) volumes were segmented at levels T12-L5. Primary adipose results are reported herein for the L1 level as mean cross-sectional area. CT-based adipose measurements at initial CT and change over time were analyzed. Mean VAT values were significantly higher in males (205.8 ± 107.5 vs 108.1 ± 82.4 cm2; p < 0.001), whereas mean SAT values were significantly higher in females (171.3 ± 111.3 vs 124.3 ± 79.7 cm2; p < 0.001). The VAT/SAT ratio at L1 was three times higher in males (1.8 ± 0.7 vs 0.6 ± 0.4; p < 0.001). At longitudinal follow-up CT, mean VAT/SAT ratio change was positive in males, but negative in females. Among the 502 individuals where the VAT/SAT ratio increased at follow-up CT, 333 (66.3%) were males. Half of patients (49.6%; 786/1585) showed an interval increase in both VAT and SAT at follow-up CT. This robust, fullyautomated CT adiposity tool allows for both individualized and population-based assessment of visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat. Such data could be automatically derived at abdominal CT regardless of the study indication, potentially allowing for opportunistic cardiovascular risk stratification. Advances in knowledge: The CT-based adiposity tool described herein allows for fullyautomated measurement of visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat, which can be used for assessing cardiovascular risk, metabolic syndrome, and for change over time.