Body Sections Research Articles

On the volume of sections of a convex body by cones

We prove that in small codimensions, the sections of a convex body in R n \mathbb R^n through its centroid are quite symmetric with respect to volume. As a consequence of our estimates we give a positive answer to a problem posed by M. Meyer and S. Reisner regarding convex intersection bodies.

Remote sensing of vital sign of human body with radio frequency

Medical technology has improved remarkably in the field of health monitoring over the past few decades, becoming more sophisticated and less invasive as the years progress. Now, non-contact measurement of respiration and heartbeat with microwave Doppler radar phase modulation, offers an attractive alternative to commonly prescribed chest strap monitors. To monitor the vital signs an unmodulated radio frequency signal is transmitted toward the human body, where it is phase-modulated by the periodic physiological movement and reflected back to the receiver. The radar receiver captures the reflected signal and demodulates it to extract the vital sign signal components. The reflected signal from the body depends on the radar cross section (RCS) of body. In this paper the RCS of human body is measured in the X-band (8–12 GHz). There are several advantages to a noncontact measurement method: physically, it neither confines nor inhibits the subject and does not cause discomfort or skin irritation as electrodes and straps do. By measuring heartbeats, this technology can also be used to detect a person’s presence, search-and-rescue for earthquake or fire victims and border patrol. It has also attracted the interest of organizations requiring high security, such as see-through- wall radar and airport security monitoring.

Morphological study of a horsehair worm, Gordius sp. (Nematomorpha: Gordiida), passed in canine feces

Horsehair or gordian worms (Nematomorpha) were identified with 22 genera (Gordiida) and 5 marine species (Nectonema) until now. During juvenile phase in development, they gain parasitic activity in arthropods. In this study, a gordian worm was detected in the feces of a dog living in Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea. Using this worm, we evaluated the morphological characteristics by light microscopic analysis. Furthermore, the morphological classification was re-evaluated by scanning and transverse electron microscopes. The worm was determined that it is male adult having a bi-lobed tail and male gonads in cross sections. Based on the morphological characteristics including cross sections of body and areole on the cuticle, the parasite was also identified as Gordius sp. (Nematomorpha: Gordiidae).

Distribution functions of sections and projections of convex bodies

Typically, when we are given the section (or projection) function of a convex body, it means that in each direction we know the size of the central section (or projection) perpendicular to this direction. Suppose now that we can only get the information about the sizes of sections (or projections), and not about the corresponding directions. In this paper we study to what extent the distribution function of the areas of central sections (or projections) of a convex body can be used to derive some information about the body, its volume, etc.

The Effects of Lypossage to Impact the Body-shape Care for 20∼30’s Women

In modern society, people have become more interested in obesity and weight control because of the sharp rise in obesity and an increase of interest in health. Lypossage is a deep-tissue massage that relaxes each layer of body tissue by penetrating deep into the layer. This study attempted to suggest a method to solve problems that might occur in the lower body sections of young adult women (20∼30s). The study results found the following: Statistical significance(p<.01) was found in body mass index (BMI, p<.05), body fat percentage and waist hip ratio (WHR). Since Lypossage brought significant changes in body shape, it is reasonable to say that the treatment is effective in body-shape care. Therefore, this study would provide basic data which are needed to develop new obesity care programs for providing more efficient and diverse services.

Hanfeng Pre-dam Commissioning Eutrophication Status and Control Evaluation in Three Gorges Reservoir

To reduce the impact of Fluctuating Zone, the Three Gorges Reservoir pre-dam is rare in the world which is specially designed and is the largest artificial lake body in China. The ecological benefits of landscape, farmland and lake and the social benefits of livable city have been significantly enhanced since the successful commissioning of the Hanfeng Lake pre-dam system. The paper proposed the application of layered hydrology and water quality monitoring for analysis of Tributary runoff and lake body section in the pre-dam commissioning in the whole year, and a total of 17 measured indicators inlucding hydrological parameters such as v, H, etc, physical parameters such as T, pH, SD, DO, TSS etc. and chemical parameters such as permanganate index, Chl-a, TN, DN, NO3--N, NH4+-N, NO2--N, TP, DP, SRP etc. We found that the water quality was poor during beginning drain and impoundment period and was the worst in tributary inflow section of South River, while the best water quality was located in water section of regulating dam in February and October. The TLI Water Quality Evaluation and factor analyses performed have shown that the water body of Hanfeng Lake was slightly eutrophicated, and the main pollution indicators included DN, TN, NO3--N, TP. By the control of pre-dam in three Gorges to eutrophication in commissioning, we found that the average Chl-a reduction effect reached up to 57.73%, the average reduction rate of permanganate index was 28.12%, SRP, TP, TN, TSS, NO2--N, DN, DP etc. were on average cut down by 20.15%-22.81%, the average reduction rates of NH4+-N and NO3--N were 16.92%-18.74%, and the average eutrophic index of water body was reduced by 15.74%. The highest reduction average rate in lake form period appeared from January to March and October to December, and the lowest in river form period was during May to August.The analysis results showed that the commissioning of pre-dam was good and remarkable for controlling eutrophication, and cutting the concentrations of pollutant water storage in the Three Gorges.

PARAMETERS OF NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN PATIENTS WITH CONGENITAL NARROWING OF THE LUMBAR SPINAL CANAL

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the morphological parameters of magnetic resonance in patients with congenital narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal with patients with low back pain. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective, observational study was conducted with measurements in the axial and sagittal magnetic resonance sections of the vertebral body and canal of the lumbar spine of 64 patients with diagnosis of low back pain, which were compared with resonance images taken from 31 Mexican patients with congenital narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal. Results: The results show that patients with congenital narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal in the axial sections have a difference in diameters, being L2&lt;13.9 mm, L3&lt;13.3 mm, L4&lt;12.9 mm, L5&lt;13.1 mm, compared with controls L2&lt;20.5 mm, L3&lt;20.5 mm, L4&lt;19.3 mm, L5&lt;18.1 mm with p = 0.000. Conclusions: We found different measurements in the Mexican population compared to those found by similar studies. With the parameters obtained, it would be possible to make the proper diagnosis, surgical planning, and treatment.

A depth-sensing technique on 3D-printed compensator for total body irradiation patient measurement and treatment planning.

The purpose of total body irradiation (TBI) techniques is to deliver a uniform radiation dose to the entire volume of a patient's body. Due to variations in the thickness of the patient, it is difficult to produce such a uniform dose distribution throughout the body. In many techniques, a compensator is used to adjust the dose delivered to various sections of the patient. The current study aims to develop and validate an innovative method of using depth-sensing cameras and 3D printing techniques for TBI treatment planning and compensator fabrication. A tablet with an integrated depth-sensing camera and motion tracking sensors was used to scan a RANDO™ phantom positioned in a TBI treatment booth to detect and store the 3D surface in a point cloud format. The accuracy of the detected surface was evaluated by comparing extracted body thickness measurements with corresponding measurements from computed tomography (CT) scan images. The thickness, source to surface distance, and off-axis distance of the phantom at different body section were measured for TBI treatment planning. A detailed compensator design was calculated to achieve a uniform dose distribution throughout the phantom. The compensator was fabricated using a 3D printer, silicone molding, and a mixture of wax and tungsten powder. In vivo dosimetry measurements were performed using optically stimulated luminescent detectors. The scan of the phantom took approximately 30 s. The mean error for thickness measurements at each section of phantom relative to CT was 0.48 ± 0.27 cm. The average fabrication error for the 3D-printed compensator was 0.16 ± 0.15 mm. In vivo measurements for an end-to-end test showed that overall dose differences were within 5%. A technique for planning and fabricating a compensator for TBI treatment using a depth camera equipped tablet and a 3D printer was demonstrated to be sufficiently accurate to be considered for further investigation.

Geometric joint probabilistic data association approach to ballistic missile warhead tracking using FMCW radar seeker

This study proposes a new ballistic missile warhead tracking algorithm for enhancing the anti-ballistic capability of a wideband frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar seeker. Under the assumption that the target has a single dominant scattering point, the existing FMCW radars usually adopt the peak tracking algorithm which tracks the scattering point with maximum power in frequency spectra in order to calculate its range/range rate information. However, this method is not applicable for ballistic target tracking using wideband FMCW with high range resolution. This is because the return echoes of ballistic target obtained from wideband FMCW radar seeker are generally represented by many scattering points and, moreover, the most significant scattering point often does not appear at the warhead section of concern. To overcome this limitation, an inventive data association scheme is newly devised by exploiting the geometric constraints. This constraints is derived from the observation that the geometric relation between the scattering points corresponding to the warhead and body sections tends to be roughly determined by the velocity vector of the ballistic missile. Since it could be used for evaluating association hypotheses, the proposed geometric data association tracking filter can drastically improve the warhead tracking performance in practice. Through computer simulations, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated.

Individual variation in the booming calls of captive Horned Guans (Oreophasis derbianus): an endangered Neotropical mountain bird

The Horned Guan (Oreophasis derbianus) is a cracid restricted to cloud forests in the Sierra Madre of Chiapas in Mexico and the western-central Mountains in Guatemala. It is an endangered species and urgent conservation measures are required, such as non-invasive monitoring techniques. Here, we study individual features in the boom calls of Horned Guans. Boom calls are acoustic signals used by males during courtship and territorial displays. This call is made of seven notes, divided into two parts: an introductory section characterized by low-amplitude notes and a body section characterized by high-amplitude notes. We recorded 10 males during the breeding seasons of 2010 and 2011 in two captive populations and measured 22 acoustic variables of the calls. We used a combination of statistical analyses to test individuality in Horned Guan vocalizations. Our results showed that time-related variables – but not frequency-related traits – varied between individuals, and that individual calls showed no variation between years. Our results suggest that Horned Guan individuals can be distinguished using fine structural characteristics of their calls and that calls remain stable across years. We argue that such vocal signature could be used to track wild populations as a non-invasive technique in order to improve census data in the short and long term.

Numerical Simulation of the Application of Solar Radiant Systems, Internal Airflow and Occupants’ Presence in the Improvement of Comfort in Winter Conditions

In this work, the use of numerical simulation in the application of solar radiant systems, internal airflow and occupants’ presence in the improvement of comfort in winter conditions is made. The thermal comfort, the local thermal discomfort and the air quality in an occupied chamber space are evaluated. In the experimental measurements, a wood chamber, a desk, two seats, two seated hygro-thermal manikins, a warm radiant floor, a solar radiation simulator and a water solar collector are used. The air velocity and the air temperature fluctuation are experimentally evaluated around 15 human body sections. The chamber surface temperature is experimentally measured. In the numerical simulation, a coupling human thermal comfort (HTC) integral model, a computational fluids dynamics (CFD) differential model and a building thermal response (BTR) integral model are applied. The human thermal comfort level is evaluated by the HTC numerical model. The airflow inside the virtual chamber, using the k-epsilon and RNG turbulence models, is evaluated by the CFD numerical model. The chamber surface and the collector temperatures are evaluated by the BTR numerical model. In the human thermal comfort level, in non-uniform environments, the predicted mean vote (PMV) and the predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) people are numerically evaluated; in the local thermal discomfort level the draught risk (DR) is experimentally and numerically analyzed; and in the air quality, the carbon dioxide CO2 concentration is numerically calculated. In the validation tests, the experimental and numerical values of the chamber surface temperature, the air temperature, the air velocity, the air turbulence intensity and the DR are presented.

Modeling and simulation of fish swimming with active muscles

Our goal is to reproduce the key features of carangiform swimming by modeling muscle functioning using the notion of active distortions, thus emphasizing the kinematical role of muscle, the generation of movement, rather than the dynamical one, the production of force. This approach, already proposed to model the action of muscles in different contexts, is here tested again for the problem of developing an effective and reliable framework to model and simulate swimming. A proper undulatory movement of a fish-like body is reproduced by defining a pattern of distortions, tuned in both space and time, meant to model the muscles activation which produce the flexural motion of body fish; eventually, interactions with the surrounding water yields the desired thrust. Carangiform swimmers have a relatively inflexible anterior body section and a generally flat, flexible posterior section. Because of this configuration, undulations sent rearward along the body attain a significant amplitude only in the posterior section. We compare the performances of different swimming gaits, and we are able to find some important relations between key parameters such as frequencies, wavelength, tail amplitude, and the achieved swim velocity, or the generated thrust, which summarize the swimming performance. In particular, an interesting relation is found between the Strouhal number and the wavelength of muscles activation. We highlight the muscle function during fish locomotion describing the activation of muscles and the relation between the force production and the shortening–lengthening cycle of muscle. We found a great accordance between results and empirical relations, giving an implicit validation of our models.

Physical Performance Variables and Bone Mineral Density in a Group of Young Overweight and Obese Men

The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between performances obtained in different physical tests and bone parameters (bone mineral density [BMD], bone mineral content, hip geometry indices, and trabecular bone score [TBS]) in a group of young Lebanese overweight and obese adult men. Fifty-two overweight and/or obese (body mass index > 25 kg/m2) young men whose ages range from 18 to 35 yr participated in this study. Weight and height were measured, and body mass index was calculated. Body composition, BMD, cross-sectional area and section modulus (Z) of the femoral neck (FN), and TBS were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max, in liter per minute) was determined by direct measurement while exercising on a medical treadmill. One-repetition-maximum half-squat and maximum power (P max) of the lower limbs were measured using validated exercises. Lean mass was a positive determinant of whole-body bone mineral content (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), FN cross-sectional area (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), and FN Z (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). VO2 max (in liter per minute) was a positive determinant of whole-body BMD (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), total hip BMD (r = 0.43, p < 0.01), and FN BMD (r = 0.42, p < 0.01). VO2 max (in milliliter per minute per kilogram) was a positive determinant of TBS (r = 0.30, p < 0.05). One repetition maximum was a positive determinant of L1–L4 BMD (r = 0.33, p < 0.05). This study suggests that VO2 max (in liter per minute) is a positive determinant of BMD, and VO2 max (in milliliter per minute per kilogram) is a positive determinant of TBS in overweight and obese men.

Stone pillar rockfall in Danxia landform area, Mt. Langshan, Hunan Province, China

A typical Danxia stone pillar, Leipishi I, in the World Natural Heritage site at Mt. Langshan, China, collapsed on 2 November 2009. To understand the mechanism controlling this rockfall event, uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, resistance against sulfuric acid, and freezing and thawing properties were analyzed from 44 sandstone and conglomerate cores collected from the Lanlong Formation, the only exposed formation on Mt. Langshan. In addition, four rock slices were created for analysis under a polarizing microscope. A detailed reconstruction of the geometry and restraint conditions of the stone pillar in place before the rockfall occurred permitted an estimation of the stress state before collapse using 3D finite-element code. The results show that the rapid retreat of soft, intercalated rock layers due to weathering can profoundly change the stress state within the rock body, causing compressive or tensile stresses to rise above compressive or tensile strengths in specific sections of a rock body, and causing partial or complete collapse.

Attenuation coefficient determination of printed ABS and PLA samples in diagnostic radiology standard beams

IAEA code of practice TRS-457 states that standard phantoms should offer the same primary attenuation and scatter production as relevant body section of a representative patient. Material cost, availability and dimensional stability must also be considered. The goal of this study is to determine the attenuation coefficient of printed ABS and PLA samples in standard X-ray beams, verifying if phantoms printed with these materials could be an easier-handle substitute for PMMA, enabling the creation of different designs in an easier and cheaper way. Results show that PMMA presents higher attenuation coefficient, followed by PLA and ABS, which means that thinner PMMA layer creates higher radiation attenuation.

In vivo 3D analysis of systemic effects after local heavy-ion beam irradiation in an animal model.

Radiotherapy is widely used in cancer treatment. In addition to inducing effects in the irradiated area, irradiation may induce effects on tissues close to and distant from the irradiated area. Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes, is a small teleost fish and a model organism for evaluating the environmental effects of radiation. In this study, we applied low-energy carbon-ion (26.7 MeV/u) irradiation to adult medaka to a depth of approximately 2.2 mm from the body surface using an irradiation system at the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology. We histologically evaluated the systemic alterations induced by irradiation using serial sections of the whole body, and conducted a heart rate analysis. Tissues from the irradiated side showed signs of serious injury that corresponded with the radiation dose. A 3D reconstruction analysis of the kidney sections showed reductions in the kidney volume and blood cell mass along the irradiated area, reflecting the precise localization of the injuries caused by carbon-beam irradiation. Capillary aneurysms were observed in the gill in both ventrally and dorsally irradiated fish, suggesting systemic irradiation effects. The present study provides an in vivo model for further investigation of the effects of irradiation beyond the locally irradiated area.

Histological investigation on Ancyrocephalus paradoxus (Dactylogyridea: Ancyrocephalidae) infection causing mortalities in an intensively cultured pikeperch [Sander lucioperca (L.)] stock.

In a cultured pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) stock the monopisthocotylean monogenean gill parasite Ancyrocephalus paradoxus caused heavy infection and mortalities. The gills of the affected fish specimens were infected by 50 to 800 monogenean parasites. Severe pathological changes were found in areas where the worms attached to the gills. At the attachment sites the haptoral discs of the worms formed a deep depression in the epithelium of the filaments, and the anchors pierced into and fixed themselves to the connective tissue of the cartilaginous gill rays. At these attachment sites red blood cells released from injured capillaries were found among the damaged epithelial cells. Around the hooks, anchors and body sections coming into contact with the gill filaments a proliferative tissue developed in which only a remnant of the damaged lamellae was found. Due to the damage caused by the worms the tips of the heavily infected gill filaments fused, formed clubs and were composed of epitheloid-type regeneration tissue lacking respiratory lamellae. In the basal parts of the filaments, where most of the worms attached to the gill, only denuded filaments deprived of lamellae were observed among the cross-sectioned worms in histological sections.

Sequestration of tropane alkaloids from Brugmansia suaveolens (Solanaceae) by the treehopper Alchisme grossa (Hemiptera: Membracidae)

Treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae) are sap-feeding insects distributed mainly in tropical regions. Alchisme grossa is a treehopper that has been reported in the Bolivian Yungas forests using mostly Brugmansia suaveolens (Solanaceae) as host-plant, where adult females oviposit and take care of their nymphs until they molt to adults. Brugmansia is a subtropical genus producing a variety of tropane alkaloids (TAs). We herein report the sequestration by adult males and females of A. grossa of TAs from B. suaveolens, examining separately the distinct body sections of insects. Purified extracts of A. grossa and B. suaveolens were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. TAs in A. grossa were the same as those in its host-plant; furthermore, they were equally distributed between sexes and they were differentially allocated within the body of adult individuals. An ecological role for sequestered TAs is discussed.

A Sustainable Medical Anatomy Program Supported With Small 3‐D Printed Human Parts

PurposeCadaver dissection is a rite of passage for medical students in the U.S. Learning gross human anatomy though the identification, characterization and functions of tissue, bone and organ, etc. is a unique visual, tactile and visceral experience. Numerous ethical issues surround the proper acquisition of cadavers using informed, implied consent, willed body program and collection of bodies that are abandoned in hospitals and morgue that make cadaver harvesting a continuing challenge.Sustaining a human cadaver anatomy lab requires look at two distinct lenses: as curriculum and financial opportunities. The Human anatomy lab is a unique learning that students have to perform their exploration and examination within this controlled environment. The opportunity to learn about specific diseases that have physical manifestations in the human body such as cavitation and black tar deposit in smokers, cataracts in the eyes and other organ‐based tumors are possible as manufactured specimens in a 3‐D printer which have become affordable to acquire and maintain.Human anatomy labs that can house numerous bodies require a climate controlled space, trained personnel, safety and septic protocols, a robust cadaver donation and body cremation program that can is costly to operate. Other methods such as plastination which preserves the human cadaver for longer periods of time, prosections for close‐up study of specific sections of the human body typically cost less than a full‐body cadaver, simcadavers which are full body synthetic cadavers and computer based cadavers are available as human cadaver lab replacements or supplements.MethodsThe first phase of this program is to create a pilot program that will create a talent base of instructors, staff and students who can be proficient in the use of a 3‐D human anatomy modeling program and in the use of 3‐D printers. Instructional activities will incorporate “Learning through Design” that will use Higher Order Benjamin Bloom's taxonomy of learning objectives in the “Create” level which is one of the highest level of cognitive dimensions. Students will start off with basic virtual organ models that can be modified and specific morbidities designed with them. Students will be assigned in teams to work on their models and print them for peer and instructor critique and study.ResultsStudents in the Gross Anatomy basic medical science curriculum will be able to experience learning not just by dissecting, probing and analyzing human anatomy but also through the building of models and printing them in a three dimensional format. There will be some learning curves for the faculty, staff and students to implement this innovative “Learning through Design” program which will challenge and eventually innovate the teaching of anatomy to medical students.ConclusionThis proposed enhancement of the teaching of gross anatomy in a basic medical science curriculum looks at not replacing the traditional cadavers but supplementing the program through specific human anatomical parts such as the prostate gland, testicles and breast tissue, etc. and reproducing gross anatomical diseases such as organ specific tumors and lung damaged tissue of smokers, etc. Faculty and students will learn how to use a three dimensional software to model the gross organs and a three dimensional printer. Students can create the specific organ with the associated morbidity without the fear of contracting contagious diseases.Support or Funding InformationNone

A consideration of the impeccability of Christ

The following study seeks to investigate the impeccability of Christ from a historical-theological point of view. Two camps emerge on either side of the debate. The one camp is those who hold to the posse non peccare view, which is to say the ability not to sin, otherwise known as the peccability view. The other camp holds to the non posse peccare view which is to say inability to sin, otherwise known as the impeccability view. While both camps affirm the sinless perfection of Christ they oppose each other about whether he could have sinned if he had wanted to. It boils down to a case of ‘could have but did not’ or ‘did not because He could not have’. It is the view of this article that the non posse peccare view squares with historical theology. By surveying church councils up to the present time, we aim in the introduction to prove that the history of this issue matters in that it establishes the relationship between Christology and history in relation to the origin of sin. In the first section of the main body we survey and evaluate the position from a peccability viewpoint while, at the same time, proposing and validating our points of departure. In the second section we assess and acknowledge the argument for impeccability by proving the necessity of it for the exoneration of Christ’s Person.