Significant Asymmetry Research Articles

Electromyographic evaluation of the clinical and biomechanical effects of yoga on the flexion-relaxation phenomenon: a Prophet approach

Myoelectric silencing of the spinal erector muscles in the trunk flexion posture is indicative of greater spine sharing loads. The evaluation of the flexion relaxation phenomenon is a valid clinical tool able to contribute to the low back pain management [1]. In the broad scenario of low back pain therapy, there is increasing interest in non-traditional interventions such as Yoga, although the scientific evidence does not always analyze the biomechanical significance [2]. Therefore, the aim of this observational study was to evaluate the clinical and biomechanical effects of Yoga on the flexion-relaxation phenomenon of the lumbar erector muscles, through surface electromyography (sEMG) combined with an inertial sensor. Healthy young adults (ages 18 to 40) were selected as participants without chronic nonspecific low back pain for at least three months. The intervention consisted of a Yoga program lasting one hour specific for the lumbar spine Asana, for 4 sessions (2 times/week for 2 weeks), the first in presence and the other three in tele-approach. At the end of each session an evaluation was carried out, thus setting the T0 as the baseline, until the end of the fourth session as T4. The trunk flexion-relaxation phenomenon was performed by asking the participant to slowly flex the trunk forward to full flexion, pausing for 3 seconds and then returning to the standing starting position. The sEMG signal coupled to an inertial sensor was collected to quantify the flexion-relaxation ratio (FRR). Then, using a Prophet model, which allows time series prediction, we have traced the forecast of the FRR trend of the erector spinal muscles of the lumbar spine (Fig. 1). We included 13 healthy women (mean age: 28±8 years; BMI 20.0±0.9 kg/m2). No significant asymmetries were evaluated and Friedman's test reported slight significant differences (left L1-L2 p=.039, right p=0.041; left L4-L5 p=0.045, right p=0.040). Therefore, we performed a Prophet evaluation to analyze FRR trends, finding a growth rate of 0.45±0.3 for left L1-L2, 0.38±0.4 on the right, 0.25±0.4 for L4-L5 on the left and 0.25±0.3 on the right. With an Rhat≤1.01, excluding possible convergence problems. At one month from the end of the intervention, all lower confidence intervals curve remained above the thresholds of the baseline assessments. This study aimed to evaluate the role of Yoga in the prevention of lumbar spine disorders through the kinematic and electromyographic evaluation of the flexion-relaxation phenomenon. Processing the results using a Prophet approach predicts a positive influence even after the end of the Yoga sessions. Surface electromyography coupled to an inertial sensor provides reliable assessments of the lumbar spine, a prediction model can guarantee evidence on the positive introduction of Yoga asanas in the clinical management of any development of low back pain. In light of these results, future prospective studies might focus on the effects of yoga in clinical and biomechanical terms on patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Impacts of Instrumented Bottom Frame on Flow and Turbulence Measurements

Abstract A series of laboratory experiments are carried out to demonstrate the impacts of instrumented bottom frame legs on flow and turbulence. The magnitudes of vertical velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, dissipation, and shear stress induced by the frame legs depend on several factors, including the diameter and number of the frame legs, distances between the legs and the observational location, and the magnitude of the incoming flow and its direction with respect to the layout of the frame. In situ observations were carried out near the mouth of the Yellow River using two acoustic Doppler velocimeters mounted on a bottom frame. The estimated vertical velocity and turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate show a significant asymmetry with flood and ebb tidal flows. This asymmetry can be partly explained by the influences of the bottom frame legs. Finally, the design and deployment principles of bottom frames are discussed for the purpose of reducing the impacts of the frame legs. Significance Statement Instrumented bottom frames are widely used for observations in the oceanic bottom boundary layer and above. However, the impacts of frame legs on the observed flow and turbulence have rarely been investigated. A series of laboratory experiments demonstrate that frame legs can induce vertical flow and enhanced turbulence, and the magnitudes of these influences vary with the size and layout of the frame legs and the magnitude and direction of the background flow. The results of the laboratory experiments can partially explain an “asymmetry” behavior of the vertical flow and turbulent kinetic energy with the flood and ebb tidal flows, derived from in situ observations near the mouth of the Yellow River.

Latitudinal changes in submarine channel-levee system evolution, architecture and flow processes

Models of the sedimentary architecture of submarine channel-levee systems and their formative flow processes are predominantly based on studies from low latitude settings. Here, we integrate high-resolution seismic reflection, bathymetry and GLORIA side scan data to document the architecture and interpret the formative processes of a series of ultra-high latitude (72–76°N) submarine channel-levee systems that feed lobe complexes off the Greenland margin. We demonstrate that the sedimentary architecture of the channel-fills are dominated by vertical or near-vertical sediment accumulation, reflecting the lack of, or very limited nature of, lateral migration over time. All the Greenland channel-levee systems show significant cross-sectional asymmetry, and a peak sinuosity of 1.38, on a low gradient slope (∼0.3°). The bounding external levees are very thick (∼200 m) and wide relative to low latitude systems. Comparison of these channel-levee systems with other examples reveals that these characteristics appear to be common to systems in high and ultra-high latitudes, suggesting latitudinal controls in the sedimentary architecture of submarine channel-levee systems. The differences between high- and low-latitude systems is likely due to the interplay of physical forcing (i.e., Coriolis force) and climatic factors that control sediment calibre and flow type, both of which are latitudinally dependent. Several formative mechanisms for supressing the initial phase of lateral migration and subsequent asymmetrical development are proposed, including:i) rapid channel aggradation, (ii) Coriolis forcing causing preferred deposition on the right-hand side of the channel, and iii) variance in flow properties, with traction- and suspension-dominated flows deposited on opposing sides of the channel. We argue that a high latitudinal location of larger channel-levee systems may result in the dominance of vertical stacking of channels, the construction of large external levees, and the development of a low sinuosity planform.

Beyond linear correlation: Strong nonlinear structures in diurnal temperature range variability over southern China

The correlation structure and dynamical properties in diurnal temperature range (DTR) variability over southern China during 1979–2018 are studied in this study. Detailed results show that the linear correlation of DTR variability can be well captured by the first-order autoregressive (AR (1)) process over most of the southern stations. Since the standard detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) based on power law assumption is designed to determine the long-range correlation strength but not the short-term correlation strength, a novel way of modified DFA is proposed to estimate the parameter of AR (1) process well over the range of short time scales. Moreover, beyond the linear correlation, the strong nonlinear structures are also detected in DTR variability with marked residual structures, i.e. significant time-reversal asymmetry and/or residual delay maps (RDM) with trough-ridge asymmetry. The mixed structures of linear correlation and strong nonlinear features improve the understandings on the prediction and predictability of DTR variability.

Evidence for past interaction with an asymmetric circumstellar shell in the young SNR Cassiopeia A

Context. Observations of the supernova remnant (SNR) Cassiopeia A (Cas A) show significant asymmetries in the reverse shock that cannot be explained by models describing a remnant expanding through a spherically symmetric wind of the progenitor star. Aims. We investigate whether a past interaction of Cas A with a massive asymmetric shell of the circumstellar medium can account for the observed asymmetries of the reverse shock. Methods. We performed three-dimensional (3D) (magneto)-hydrodynamic simulations that describe the remnant evolution from the SN explosion to its interaction with a massive circumstellar shell. The initial conditions (soon after the shock breakout at the stellar surface) are provided by a 3D neutrino-driven SN model whose morphology closely resembles Cas A and the SNR simulations cover ≈2000 yr of evolution. We explored the parameter space of the shell, searching for a set of parameters able to produce an inward-moving reverse shock in the western hemisphere of the remnant at the age of ≈350 yr, analogous to that observed in Cas A. Results. The interaction of the remnant with the shell can produce asymmetries resembling those observed in the reverse shock if the shell was asymmetric with the densest portion in the (blueshifted) nearside to the northwest (NW). According to our favorite model, the shell was thin (thickness σ ≈ 0.02 pc) with a radius rsh ≈ 1.5 pc from the center of the explosion. The reverse shock shows the following asymmetries at the age of Cas A: (i) it moves inward in the observer frame in the NW region, while it moves outward in most other regions; (ii) the geometric center of the reverse shock is offset to the NW by ≈0.1 pc from the geometric center of the forward shock; and (iii) the reverse shock in the NW region has enhanced nonthermal emission because, there, the ejecta enter the reverse shock with a higher relative velocity (between 4000 and 7000 km s−1) than in other regions (below 2000 km s−1). Conclusions. The large-scale asymmetries observed in the reverse shock of Cas A can be interpreted as signatures of the interaction of the remnant with an asymmetric dense circumstellar shell that occurred between ≈180 and ≈240 yr after the SN event. We suggest that the shell was, most likely, the result of a massive eruption from the progenitor star that occurred between 104 and 105 yr prior to core-collapse. We estimate a total mass of the shell of the order of 2 M⊙.

Do electricity flows hamper regional economic–environmental equity?

Inter-regional electricity flows have mitigated the mismatch between electricity generation and demand. However, not only environmental impact transfers but also economic benefits are embodied in electricity flows. Whether electricity flows affect the equity of regional economic-environmental sustainability, the exploration is not sufficient. In this paper, a multi-model framework has developed to trace the transfers of electricity environmental impacts (measured by metal-water-carbon) and economic benefits (measured by valued added) and the degree of equity in the economic–environmental sustainability embodied in electricity flows of China. The results reveal significant asymmetry between where the electricity metal-water-carbon and the electricity value added embodied in electricity flows are transferred. In total, 15.0%, 17.4% and 13.1% of consumption-based electricity metal-water-carbon were outsourced through the electricity flow network, respectively, while only 9.3% of consumption-based electricity value added was outsourced. Wealthier provinces (e.g., Beijing and Guangdong) outsourced a large share of electricity metal-water-carbon to other provinces through the electricity flow network but retained a large share of electricity value added. The REI index between the electricity metal-water-carbon and the electricity value added indicates that money and environmental impacts flowing in the opposite directions have higher inequity. Some provinces, including Shaanxi (the highest REI value at 2.02 was observed for Shaanxi-Gansu), have gained economic benefits from electricity flows, exploiting the advantages of their electricity structures. This study offers insights into helping policymakers better address the potential environmental and economic implications of electricity flows to ensure the sustainable growth of electricity production and consumption.

Evolving asymmetric and anisotropic hardening of CP-Ti sheets under monotonic and reverse loading: Characterization and modeling

Commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) sheets are promising to manufacture high-performance and lightweight components in many fields such as aerospace, marine, energy, electrics and healthcare. However, due to its low symmetric hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structure and complex thermal-mechanical processing history, CP-Ti sheets may exhibit significant asymmetry and anisotropy under monotonic and reverse loading. Therefore, the coupling effect of loading-path dependent asymmetric and anisotropic hardening behaviors of CP-Ti sheets need to be systemically characterized and accurately described under monotonic and reverse loading paths. In this study, firstly, the rheological tests were performed to systemically explore the evolving asymmetric and anisotropic hardening behavior of CP-Ti sheet under monotonic and reverse loading modes. With the help of anti-buckling support fixture and DIC system in tension and compression tests, the coupling effect of asymmetric and anisotropic hardening under monotonic and reverse loading of CP-Ti sheet was identified. Secondly, a loading-path dependent constitutive modeling framework was constructed in which the stress invariants-based model (SIM) integrated with distorted hardening (DH) under reverse loading (RL) conditions (SIM+DH+RL) were considered. Within the proposed modeling framework, a judging criterion of stress reversal for explicit solution method and an activation criterion of different reverse loading modes were introduced. Finally, the proposed SIM+DH+RL model was implemented, calibrated and further applied to simulate typical V-/U-bending of CP-Ti sheets. The results show that the proposed SIM+DH+RL model can significantly improve the prediction accuracy of V-/U-bending springback with the relative errors less than 7.8% and 2.1%, compared with 15.2% and 12% relative errors of Mises+IH, 19.5% and 7.3% relative errors of SIM+DH, 15.1% and 8.4% relative errors of Yoon2014+IH, 14.5% and 5.2% relative errors of CPB06+IH, and 17.3% and 11.5% relative errors of Hill48+IH. It is noted that for the thickness distributions after V-/U-bending springback, the above used models have similar prediction accuracies with the relative errors less than 1.8%.

Analysis of Stock Market Information Leakage by RDD

<p><big>Information leakage in the stock market has been widely proven. Information disclosure is sometimes uneven, and there is significant information asymmetry between ordinary investors and professional institutional investors. In this paper, Regression Discontinuity design (RDD) model is first employed to analyze the information leakage issues. Based on the daily closing stock prices of 15 capital service listed companies, we analyze the difference between the market reaction time and the disclosure time of two stamp tax policies. We found that the sample policies information may leaked to the market about two days earlier. This paper provides a new method analyzing information leakage.</big></p>

Comparison of EOG and VOG obtained eye movements during horizontal head impulse testing.

IntroductionVideo head impulse testing is frequently used to evaluate the vestibular function. During this test, eye movement responses are recorded with video-oculography (VOG). However, the use of VOG can sometimes be challenging, especially due to pupil detection problems (e.g., blinking, droopy eyelids, etc.). Therefore, this study investigated whether electro-oculography (EOG), a technique that does not depend on pupil tracking but on the orientation of the corneoretinal potential, might be an alternative to VOG for quantifying eye movement responses during head impulse testing.Subjects and methodsHead impulse testing was performed in 19 healthy subjects without a prior history of vestibular symptoms. Horizontal eye movements were recorded simultaneously with EOG (using an EOG system) and VOG (using a VHIT system: ICS Impulse). The eye movement responses to each side of both techniques were compared using a concordance correlation coefficient (rc), t-testing, and Bayes Factor (BF) paired t-testing.ResultsEOG and VOG obtained eye movement traces that correlated well with each other during head impulse testing (average rc = 0.89). Average VOR gains obtained with EOG and VOG were not significantly different from each other for all subjects during left head impulses. However, VOG gains differed between both techniques regarding right head impulses. VOG showed significant VOR gain asymmetry (5% to the right), whereas EOG showed no significant asymmetry (1% to the right).ConclusionThis study demonstrated the use of EOG to record eye movements during head impulse testing for the first time. EOG and VOG obtained eye movement traces that correlated well with each other during horizontal head impulse testing. In addition, EOG showed smaller VOR gain asymmetry in healthy individuals, in contrast to VOG. These findings indicate that EOG might potentially be applicable as an alternative to VOG for collecting eye movement responses during head impulse testing.Trial registration number10192021-38 dated 19.10.21.

Can precious metals hedge geopolitical risk? Fresh sight using wavelet coherence analysis

Based on wavelet coherence analysis, this paper explores whether precious metals can be used to hedge geopolitical risk (GPR) and whether there is an asymmetry in the hedging effect when GPR rises or falls in time and frequency domains. In addition, we obtain the lead-lag relationship between precious metals and GPR under different time-frequency effects. The main findings are summarized as follows. First, gold and silver are good assets to hedge against GPR in the short and medium term. Second, the relationship between GPR and precious metals shows a significant asymmetry when GPR rises and falls. Third, all four precious metals can hedge both GPR and the negative change of GPR in the medium term. Finally, it is worth noting that both gold and silver are leaders in GPR changes. These new findings in this paper provide an essential reference for investors and policymakers from different time scale perspectives.

Asymmetric dental-alveolar transversal corrections with skeletal anchorage

Transversal asymmetries of the dental arches are common orthodontic problems. Significant asymmetries needed a surgical approach for their correction before the introduction of skeletal anchorage. This paper presents two different approaches to correct dental transversal asymmetries, using skeletal anchorage both directly and indirectly. The direct use of skeletal anchorage requires careful planning of the desired dental movement and the estimation of the line of action of the needed force to achieve it. This information can be used to orientate the orthodontist in the screw placement, since it should be inserted, if possible, along the line of action of this force. In this way, it is possible to design appliances that do not deliver to the screw moments, which can compromise their stability. In the direct approach, the screw can be placed in the palatal vault or between the dental roots. The indirect use of skeletal anchorage implies the connection of the screw with one or some of the teeth which are required to maintain their position. Since the connecting wire should be rather short, it is recommendable to place the screw in the interradicular bone, rather than in the palate. This approach can be used with both fixed appliances, and with aligners. Four clinical cases illustrate these modalities of asymmetric expansion or contraction.

Influence of the sport specific training background on the symmetry of the single legged vertical counter movement jump among female ballet dancers and volleyball players

IntroductionVertical jumps are the key components of performance in the classical ballet and volleyball. Asymmetry of performance between the lower extremities is a potential risk factor for injury. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to analyse the symmetry of the unilateral vertical countermovement jump (CMJ) in a group of female ballet dancers and in a group of female college volleyball players. MethodsWe tested the CMJ with the dominant and nondominant leg and the bilateral CMJ among 15 female ballet dancers and 15 female volleyball players aged 18–24 years. Ground reaction forces were recorded with the force plate and five variables were analysed - jump height, power, energy, and time to flight and time to maximum force during landing. Results2 × 2 repeated measures of ANOVA indicates that type of sport is influencing some of the single leg CMJ variables (energy used and time to maximal force in landing), there was a significant asymmetry between dominant and non-dominant leg in some of the vertical CMJ variables (CMJ height, energy used and the average power was marginally significant). The interaction between the type of sport and leg dominance however was not significant for all of the analysed CMJ variables indicating no difference in asymmetry between the dominant and non-dominant leg in the two investigated sports. The results expressed in the percentage differences between both legs that is widely used in the scientific literature showed that ballet dancers exhibited more symmetrical CMJ height, power, and energy compared to volleyball players. The average percent difference in CMJ height between the dominant and non-dominant leg was 4.26 (10.60) % and 13.36 (14.72) %, respectively. On average, volleyball players jumped slightly higher at the bilateral CMJ (p < 0.001). ConclusionSport-specific training background could explain the observed contralateral deficit differences between two sport groups. The elements of ballet training could be introduced into the volleyball training to overcome observed this contralateral deficit.

Lower Limb´S Lateral And Functional Asymmetries And Mechanical Performance In Professional Soccer Players

PURPOSE: As reported in the medical literature, lateral asymmetries (LA) in sports may lead to overload injuries and reduction in performance. Even a lateral asymmetry of ten percent can lead to structural and functional conditions which may precipitate sub-optimal performance or increase the risk of overload injuries. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of lateral lower extremity asymmetries in both functional and mechanical performance METHODS: We evaluated the lower limb LA of sixty-four Costa Rican professional soccer players (age 20 ± 4.3 years, weight 70.9 ± 7.3 kg, height 174.6 ± 4.9 cm, fat 13.9 ± 5 %). LA in lean mass (LM; kg), time of contraction (Tc) and muscle displacement (Dm) of both right and left lower limbs were evaluated. Anthropometry was measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry. Functional performance was assessed through countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) using a force platform and mechanical performance was assessed measuring rectus femoris Tc and Dm using a tensiomyography. Pearson correlations between LA and CMJ, SJ, Tc and Dm were performed. Significance was previously set at p < 0.05. Lateral asymmetry was calculated as follows: [(higher score- lower score) / higher score) x100]; considering a 10% difference as significant asymmetry. RESULTS: There were no significant correlations between LA and CMJ (LA-LM, p = 0.44; LA-Tc, p = 0.46; LA-Dm, p = 0.88), SJ (LA-LM, p = 0.81; LA-Tc, p = 0.99; LA-Dm, p = 0.97), R-Tc (LA-LM, p = 0.22; LA-Tc, p = 0.43; LA-Dm, p = 0.67), L-Tc (LA-LM, p = 0.323; LA-Tc, p = 0.897; LA-Dm, p = 0.528), R-Dm (LA-LM, p = 0.76; LA-Tc, p = 0.612) or L-Dm (LA-LM, p = 0.195; LA-Tc, p = 0.56; LA-Dm, p = 0.284). CONCLUSIONS: Lateral asymmetries in lower limbs do not appear to exert a positive or negative influence on functional or mechanical performance in Costa Rican soccer players.

Quantification Of Limb Loading Asymmetries In Collegiate Basketball Players During Basketball Tasks

Lower extremity biomechanical asymmetries have been previously identified in basketball athletes during individual screening tasks. The amount of asymmetry that occurs during basketball-specific tasks is not as well understood. PURPOSE: To identify the extent of lower limb loading asymmetry, as measured by a wearable sensor, that occurs during basketball-specific tasks and to determine whether sex-differences in loading patterns exist between male and female basketball athletes. METHODS: Fifteen NCAA Division-I men’s (n: 7, height: 187.3 ± 15.2 cm, mass: 91.4 ± 20.9 kg) and women’s (n: 8, height: 175.5 ± 10.9 cm, mass: 73.8 ± 11.6 kg) basketball athletes participated in the study. Each participant wore an inertial measurement unit on the distal medial aspect of each tibia while completing a series of basketball-related tasks (i.e. drop vertical jump, single leg countermovement jump), and eight basketball-specific tasks (e.g. dribbling, shooting, cutting, sprinting) over the course of a 30-minute session. The average intensity of each impact as measured by tibial acceleration and impact load as a function of the number and intensity of impacts were used for analysis. 2 (side) x 2 (gender) repeated measures ANOVA with post-hoc independent t-tests were used to identify side-to-side asymmetries and sex differences in intensity and loading variables (α = 0.05). RESULTS: For all participants, there were no significant differences in average loading intensity (dominant limb (D): 10.4 ± 1.5 g, non-dominant limb (ND): 10.1 ± 1.5 g) or impact load (D: 6007 ± 1245 g, ND: 5720 ± 1033 g) between sides (p > 0.05). There were significant sex differences in the average intensity of loading such that female basketball players exhibited greater average loading than males in the dominant (M: 9.5 ± 1.0 g, F: 11.1 ± 1.5 g; p = 0.04) and non-dominant limb (M: 9.0 ± 0.8 g, F: 11.1 ± 1.4 g; p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: No significant loading asymmetries were identified in collegiate basketball players, warranting further study in a natural, non-simulated environment. Significant differences in loading were identified such that female basketball players had higher average loading than male basketball players, potentially due to differences in force attenuation strategies during running, cutting, jumping and landing.

Dynamic stabilization of perovskites at elevated temperatures: A comparison between cubic BaFeO3 and vacancy-ordered monoclinic BaFeO2.67

The impact of ordered vacancies on the dynamic stability of perovskites is investigated under the $\textit{ab initio}$ framework with a focus on cubic BaFeO$_{3}$ ($Pm\bar{3}m$) and vacancy-ordered monoclinic BaFeO$_{2.67}$ ($P2_{1}/m$). The harmonic approximation shows that both structures are dynamically unstable at 0 K. For the monoclinic structure, the instability is related to rotational distortions of the Fe coordination tetrahedra near the ordered vacancies. $\textit{Ab initio}$ molecular dynamics simulations in combination with the introduced structural descriptor demonstrate that both structures are stabilized above 130 K. Our results suggest that the ordered vacancies do not significantly alter the critical temperature at which Ba$-$Fe$-$O perovskites are dynamically stabilized. Further, strong anharmonicity for the vacancy-ordered structure above its critical temperature is revealed by a significant asymmetry of the trajectories of O anions near the ordered vacancies.

Examining the asymmetric impact of macroeconomic policy in the UAE: Evidence from quartile impulse responses and machine learning

The current paper examines the asymmetric effects of changes to monetary and fiscal variables on different types of firms in the UAE. We compute impulse responses based on local projections and select shock and switching variables using machine learning. We examine 180 firms listed in the UAE exchanges and find significant asymmetries among financial and non-financial firms and among low- and high-debt firms when there is a shock to macroeconomic monetary or fiscal variables. Quartile analysis shows that firms belonging to the first and last quartile of debt respond negatively to expansionary policies, while middle-quartile firms respond more positively. Our results demonstrate the importance of comprehending the heterogeneity in the micro characteristics of the underlying corporate environment when evaluating macroeconomic policies. Our work can facilitate the design and implementation of policy in the UAE and helps explain the transmission mechanisms towards corporations.

Transient Numerical Simulation the Friction Stir Welding Process of Aa 2017 Alloys, Contact Parameter Effects on Thermal History and Material Flow

The present work is a 3D transient numerical simulation of material flow and heat transfer during the FSW process. The equations of energy, conservation of mass and momentum were solved in the Eulerian coordinate, in which the spatially variable thermo-physical properties and the non-Newtonian viscosity for the flow of material was calculated taking into account the deformation velocity, the temperature and the properties of the material depending on the temperature. In the purpose of calibrating the proposed model, the effects of contact conditions at the tool / work-piece interface such as the friction coefficient and the slip coefficient on thermal cycles, distribution and the evolution of the maximum value of the temperature have been studied. However, the results obtained show a significant asymmetry of the temperature and mass distribution. Convective heat transport was an important heat transfer mechanism near the tool surface. Furthermore, the numerically simulated temperature value, cooling rates and the length of the thermo-mechanically and thermally affected zone increase with increasing slip coefficient.

The Shear‐Relative Variation of Inflow Angle and Its Relationship to Tropical Cyclone Intensification

AbstractCharacterizing inflow structure is important to better represent tropical cyclone impacts in numerical models. While much research has considered the impact of storm translation on the distribution of inflow angle, comparatively less research has examined its distribution relative to the environmental wind shear. This study analyzes data from 3,655 dropsondes in 44 storms to investigate the radial and shear‐relative distribution of surface inflow angle. Emphasis is placed on its relationship with intensity change. The results show that the radial variation in the inflow angle is small and not significantly dependent on the shear magnitude or intensity change rate. In contrast, the azimuthal distribution of the inflow angle shows a significant asymmetry, with the amplitude of the asymmetry increasing with shear magnitude. The maximum inflow angle is located in the downshear side. The degree of asymmetry is larger in the outer core than in the eyewall. Intensifying storms have a smaller degree of asymmetry than steady‐state storms under moderate shear.

Binocular Summation of Visual Acuity at High and Low Contrast in Early Glaucoma.

This study examined the integrity of binocular summation function in patients with mild glaucoma. We found that binocular summation of visual acuity is preserved in these patients, despite their reduced monocular inputs. Binocular summation represents superiority of binocular to monocular performance. In this study we examined the integrity of binocular summation function in patients with early glaucoma who had structural glaucomatous changes but otherwise had no significant interocular acuity asymmetry or other functional deficit detected with standard clinical measures. Participants included 48 patients with early glaucoma according to Hodapp, Anderson, and Parrish 2 (HAP2) criteria (age 65±12y) and 42 healthy controls (age 60±12y), matched for stereoacuity. Visual acuity was assessed binocularly and monocularly at high (95%) and low (25%) contrast using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) charts at 6m. Binocular acuity summation was evaluated utilizing a binocular ratio (BR). Overall, binocular and monocular visual acuity of the control group was better than that of the glaucoma group for both contrast levels, P =0.001. For the glaucoma group, there was a significant difference between BRs at high and low contrast, 0.01±0.05 and 0.04±0.06 ( P =0.003), respectively. For the control group, the difference between BR at high and low contrast was not statistically significant, 0.00±0.07 and 0.02±0.06 ( P =0.25), respectively. For patients with early glaucoma, binocular summation function for visual acuity was preserved at both contrast levels. This suggests an adaptation of the visual system in early stages of glaucoma that allows for normal binocular summation in the presence of reduced monocular visual input.

Evaluation of altered patterns of tactile sensation in the diagnosis and monitoring of leprosy using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments.

Leprosy neuropathy is the most common peripheral neuropathy of infectious etiology worldwide; it is characterized as asymmetric and focal multiple mononeuropathy. Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) test is a simple method to assess sensory nerve function. In this prospective cohort study, a dermatologist carried out hands and feet tactile sensation test with SWM in 107 multibacillary leprosy patients at diagnosis and in 76 patients at the end of treatment from 2016 to 2019. At diagnosis, 81/107 (75.7%) patients had some degree of functional disability, and 46 (43%) of them had altered SWM-test in the hands and 94 (87.9%) of them in the feet. After one year of multibacillary multidrug therapy, the disability decreasing to 44/76 patients (57.9%) and decreasing of the percentual of patients with altered SWM-test to 18% for the hands, and to 28.7% for the feet. At the end of treatment, the number of SMW-test points presented improvement in the hands of 22 (28.9%) patients, and in the feet of 47 (61.8%). In the hands, by SWM-test, only the radial nerve point demonstrated a significant asymmetry, while in the feet, the difference between the sum of altered SWM-test points showed significant asymmetry between both sides, highlighting the tibial nerve for the establishment of asymmetric leprosy neuropathy. In Spearman's correlation analysis, a positive correlation with statistical significance was observed between the number of hands and feet SWM altered points at diagnosis and the degree of disability at diagnosis (0.69) and at the end of the treatment (0.80). The patterns of hands and feet tactile sensation at diagnosis and their consequent modifications with the anti-leprosy drugs define the bacterial etiology of neuropathy, an important tool for the clinical diagnosis and follow up of the disease, highlighting the tibial nerve findings, the most affected nerve among leprosy patients by SWM-test, with significant asymmetry and focality impairments.